Tuesday, May 5, 2009

A Celebration: Time to Weigh and Measure... :D

Drumroll please...

It's my one year BLOGoversary today! 
Thank YOU, Lord, for a great year of spreading Your Word 
and bringing praise and honor to Your name! 

I prayed about how to celebrate. A big ole giveaway? A series of old posts?

He landed me on this:

Pause. Ponder. Praise.
Time for Selah.

How cool is that?

I still haven't told you what I believe the real meaning of Selah is. Do some research on it, because it is a fascinating study. Many say it is an interlude or a break in the musical instruments of the Psalms, others say it means "pause" or "break" in the music. Still others say it puts the "Amen" or the exclamation point on a phrase.

I've decided that the research that most resonates Truth to me is that of Tony Warren from Mountain Retreat. He says the following: 

"Selah, [celah], is from the primary Hebrew root word [calah] which literally means 'to hang,' and by implication to measure (weigh). This is readily understood because in Biblical history, money, food and other valuables were 'weighed' by hanging or suspending them on a type of balance (the equivalent of our measuring scale) to determine their value."

He goes on to say: 
"And despite claims to the contrary, there is no substantive Biblical evidence that Selah is an interrupter to pause the music while voices continue, nor is there sound evidence that it is for the pausing of voices while the music continues. These ideas are based upon the conjecture and theories of it being a music stop. It is a presupposition rather an well researched conclusion. But what we do know is that it is a word which means to weigh or measure. 
And in these contexts, to weigh the preceding words of God and wisely consider them. It is a signature exhortation from God for our thoughtful reflection and weighing of what we have just read."
I love that.

So what does that mean for me? It's time for me to take a break in the sense that I need to take some time "to measure" all that is going on in my life and ministry. I will pause and ponder the Lord's message to me and His priorities for me. I will surrender my time and ministry completely to Him and see if He would have me make any adjustments. This is always my goal, but somehow a break makes me more intentional and accountable to it.

Will you join me in prayer about a few of the things He's laid on my heart already?

1. I need to get organized household & health wise. Have some adjustments to make.

2. I'm preparing for a God-sized ministry commitment. He's led me to go on a missions trip to Cambodia in late October for ten days, and I have a TON of research, planning and training to do before I go. I will be leading kids in teaching and worship while I'm there. Please pray. I have never been on an overseas missions trip. I don't even have a passport yet. Completely going with God's leading on this one. Like I said, God-sized.

3. I'm heading to She Speaks/She Writes in late July, and I need to prepare my two presentations, as well as prepare for a publisher's meeting for a few of my manuscripts.

And there's so much more. Books to read, SUV to drive with the kids out of school, Writing Projects to submit for pay, scheduling for fall, etc.

What do you think about this? Crazy, eh? But His ways are not mine, and I would rather obey than end up in the belly of a big fish, so I'm off to Selah for awhile, a month or so...with the exception of one post for the Internet Cafe on the 18th which I'm setting up in advance. :D 

I look forward to what God will do with my extra time. He always surprises me when I obey Him. Thank you for celebrating and praising the Lord with me today! I pray that in the spirit of God's leading for me, you will consider taking the time to weigh and measure exactly what He has for you as well. He will not withhold anything good from you as you seek His face.

Psalm 84

"How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.

Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
Selah

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.

They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.

Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty;
listen to me, O God of Jacob.
Selah

Look upon our shield, O God;
look with favor on your anointed one.

Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you."


31 friends shared a comment:

Sheila said...

That's really beautiful, LauraLee! I love your interpretation of Selah, too.

We all need to pause sometimes and just weigh what God has done and is doing. If we don't, we so easily miss His blessings.

And I'm so excited for you for your trip in October! That's wonderful! I've done a number of missions trips, and I think it changes us more than it does those to whom we minister! Funny how God works.

Visit To Love, Honor and Vacuum today!

Kate said...

You're coming to Cambodia!! Praise the Lord! I just know your heart and your teaching will be a blessing to everyone here. And I love Psalm 84, have it on my wall. You have "set your heart on pilgrimmage," my friend, and let me tell you, it's a pretty amazing thing.

I'll be praying. And Happy Anniversary!

Sita said...

Hey Laura,
What a great interpretation of Selah--it really appeals to me..
and congrats on your 1-yr. anniversary. Those 'days' come and go with me 'cause I never even pay attention...
My sister is going to Cambodia with a healing prayer team in the summer...and we have people there we pray for...what a ministry there is...do you know of New Song?
On my sidebar, you will see Lisa's blog -Child of God- she works primarily with the girls in Cambodia affected by the child sex trade...I know it will be a life-changing experience for you...it is still my dream to one day do that...

Blessings to you
Sita

Tracy said...

Big Congrats on your Blogaversary! It has been a great year of God's Word and your wisdom. Thanks for sharing.

Lori Laws said...

Happy 1st Birthday, and many more! I also love that interpretation of Selah. What really caught my eye about your post is Psalm 84...my version (NLT) says, "When they walk through the Valley of Weeping (which is the valley of Baca) it will become a place of refreshing springs, where pools of blessings collect after the rains." Love that! I've stood on that psalm so often, and yes, there were (and still are)countless blessings after the rains!

And Cambodia, wow! I am praying that you will continualy be able to discern the leading of God in your life. God bless!

Runner Mom said...

Wow! Off to Cambodia! Only God could orchestrate something like that, sweet friend! Your obedience is such a testimony to your faith! Thank you for your blog...I have gained so much truth from it. And, congrats on your 100th post!! Woohoo!

I have a question for you if you get a minute! Where did you get the She Speaks button? I am going also, and I would love to have that on my blog as well. Looking forward to meeting you in real life there!!

Hugs,
Susan

Denise said...

Happy Blogaversary my friend. Cambodia, that is so awesome. I love you, and I will be praying over all of your prayer needs.

Kathryn said...

Happy Blogaversary, LauraLee! I love the references that you provided for the meaning of "Selah". So powerful. Oh, that we would hang on to every single Word from the Lord, receiving the full weight, measure, and value of each one!

May He richly bless your time; I know He will. :-)

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Good timing for a good cause. Find your rest in Jesus as you go. Find your peace too! He's already unfolding an incredible piece of your next, even now. I'm thrilled for the road you're on; I'm on it with you, friend, and I'm always here for you, no matter the season. Keep me posted, and as always...
peace for the journey~elaine

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I'll carry you with me tonight to revival...

~elaine

Barbra said...

Congratulations on your anniversary! God will lead your way. Have a fruitful Selah!
Love, Barbra

lori said...

AMEN honey! You are growing in the ways of the LORD and THAT pleases Him...Thanks for posting early at the Cafe....I'm know they appreciate YOU and LOVE you!:);) (I KNOW THESE THINGS!)

I'll miss stopping by here....but you take that Selah...I'm doing a study right now on Spiritual Direction and I know AMAZING things happen when we TURN OUR EYES...

Love you!!
lori

Connie Arnold said...

Congratulations on your first year of what will hopefully be many more! Thank you for the interpretation of Selah, and may God bless you in your ministry and all that you are preparing to do.

Denise said...

Life is presenting you with many wonderful opportunities. Wisely you have chosen to pause and weigh what is ahead. I will be praying for you.

Shalom,
Denise

TRUTH SHARER said...

It's about time!!! I asked about this when I first came onto your blogsite. I had thought for many years that Selah meant, "Amen." Then I began to believe that it meant to pause, ponder or rest - taking in the verses that were just read.

I love this post and explanation.
Congrats on your one year blogaversary too!

Keep writing and keep sharing all that God give you!

Choosing JOY,
Stephanie
[JESUS - The One I Worship]

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

Happy one year my friend! I'm so blessed by having met you!
Big hugs.
Kim

Billy Coffey said...

Happy Blogaversary, LauraLee. And congratulations on all you have going on. You're surely doing God's work, and He has much in store for you.

And I loved the interpretation of Selah. That was beautiful.

Mikes Sumondong said...

Congratulations! I pray i'll reach my anniversary as well! God give me strength.

Selah is indeed a great word. And I agree we need to do Selah everytime we read His word. we need to digest and understand the meaning of God's word always!

I pray that God will answer all your prayers and longings of your heart!

Your Daily Word

Peggy said...

WOW!!! Cambodia...awesome LauraLee!
One step at a time! Much to do! Much ado! How beautiful SELAH!
And all your inspirational adieu!
May God bless you & keep you & may He make His face to shine upon you,
in all the upcoming "to do"s!

Happy 1 year blogeversary! How does one measure or count the time & the many blessings? It far outweighs the idiosyncrasies of adjusting to
technological living vs. Christian
ministry on line. And what a line this is! Direct link & the heart of many loving servants of the King to Him & each other! Thank you for being one of His obedient links!

Much to pray about...thanks for this year! I started the month before you.

Vaya con Dios!

Toia said...

Congratulations on blogging for a year!!

I am very much excited for your future endeavors. I will keep you in my prayers as God lead you to the path He wants you to take in order you to accomplish your goals.

Blessings to you!! T emjoy reading your post!!

~hon~ said...

Congratulations!

I LOVE the word SELAH...Thank you for sharing another definition for that word. Very insightful.

You are incomparably unique and beautiful, dear friend and mother.

Joanne Sher said...

Happy Blogoversary, and you KNOW I'm praying you through your "selah". Love you, girlie!

Runner Mom said...

Hey! Sorry I don't have your email! My computer puts a block up so I just can't email from various blogs! Anyway...If you would be so sweet and precious to let me know how you made the She Speaks button, I would just love you forever! Thank you! You can email me at
carolinahoods@charter.net

Thanks so much, LauraLee! I can't wait to meet you at She Speaks and talk to you about all God is doing in your life!

Hugs!
Susan

Just Be Real said...

Happy Be-lated anniversary. Beautiful blog you have. Blessings!

Susan said...

Happy Blogaversary Laura Lee!!

Oh, I'm just thrilled to read all God is doing in your life.

I'll be praying about all the upcoming events.

I've been on several mission trips to 3rd world countries like Cambodia, your life is about to be radicially changed!!

My son visited there recently, impressions left for a lifetime.

Although we'll miss you, it's best you are being obedient to the Lord.

Sending lots of love and many prayers your way,

Susan

Bill said...

Congratulations on the one year anniversary! In my estimation, God really is working through you to make a difference in a lot of people's lives. May God continue to watch over you and guide you in your service to Him.

Peter Stone said...

Hey Laura
I just love that explanation of what Selah means - to stop and weigh the meaning of God's word - letting the meaning sink into us. That's just awesome!

God bless you will all those things on your plate, and that's a rather big plate!

Praying for ya, Sis.

LisaShaw said...

While you'll be missed I know it's necessary and a blessing indeed. I pray for you now and may God put you before me over the next month or so to pray even more as you walk your journey.

Love you.

amy & lisa said...

Happy 1 year of sharing God through blogging! What a blessing that is. I haven't been reading your blog long, but certainly long enough to know that you love God and I know that as you continue to put your trust in Him, He will lead and bless you even more abundantly than you ever expected!
Take care.

Joanne@ Blessed... said...

LauraLee,

Your heart for Jesus is contagious. I just had to pick your blog as one of my "Blessed Blogs" of the month. More women need to be encouraged by your heart for Him.

Blessings, Joanne

Diane L. Harris said...

I just returned to blogcatalog after a long neglect, and am happy that I browsed around until I discovered your blog. Thank you for the teaching on the meaning of "selah".