Season of Stillness

7/9/2023

By: April Sliwak
Founder of Her Life Speaks & The Beauty Project

Summer. Ahhhhhh…. It’s here!

Did you make plans for a vacay, staycay, day trip, new menu, new regiment, new job, new wardrobe, a new book, or a new boyfriend?! Is your schedule busy already? Did you include yourSELF care or yourSOUL care? It has been said, “If you want to make God laugh, make your own plans!”. That’s what I must have done. Made God laugh. Hysterically.

I had a wound injury a month ago which will take some time to heal. Lots of time. The whole summer of time. I won’t be at the pickleball court or walking anywhere soon. The plans I had to fellowship, swim, and travel got kiboshed. I confess that I was confused, angry, disappointed, and sad at what my new summer was going to look like. But God reminded me:

“All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

As I lean into this verse, I know the Lord allowed this to happen and he has a purpose for it. My mindset has had a shift toward hope, trust, and anticipation. This summer I’ll be called into stillness. Stillness with the Lord to hear from him; all the things he wants to say to me that perhaps I was too busy to hear before. Stillness to be heard; to pray, dream and ask. I may have made God laugh, but he certainly got my attention. Who can ask for more?

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

If we want to be heard, known, and seen as women, how will you include stillness with God into your summer routine?

Believing in you.

13 Comments

June Collignon

7/11/2023 06:54:22 am

Waiting on the lord always has its challenges. I'm sorry that you are injured. It will be exciting to one day understand the stillness that He has for you this season. Pay attention. Xo

April

7/14/2023 09:16:42 am

Thank you, June. You nailed it. God is so speaking to me in my stillness, and I look forward to his perfect timing to share! xx

Phyllis

7/11/2023 08:21:08 am

Hi April, I love how you are partnering with God to see what he has in store. Cannot imagine the disappointment of facing summer with this injury, but… how amazing (how “God”) to go from such disappointment to the excitement of revealing God’s treasure, even in a situation like this. He is always up to something and it is is often surprising isn’t it?
I had a beautiful experience of stillness when I ended my school year and a few days later traveled to a silent retreat. Six days of just me and God in a perfectly gorgeous and peaceful setting, exploring, reflecting upon and personalizing the Beatitudes. It was Divine! Praying for you! For quick healing, and also for a time of blessed connection between you and God.
💜🙏🏼🌊

7/14/2023 09:20:01 am

Wow! It seems everyone knew the answer before I did! Yes, God is divinely revealing treasures already that I wouldn't haven't seen in MY summer. God isn't laughing anymore. He's so tenderly pouring in.

Lauren

7/11/2023 10:01:00 am

So sorry you’re still struggling with your injury and that means having to slow you down this summer! That takes a lot to slow you down… you’re always busy for the Lord and for others, but excited to see how he’s going to use you during this time to draw nearer! Continued prayers for healing sister!

7/14/2023 09:23:17 am

Awhh, thanks, Lauren. I appreciate your prayers. They're working! Love, April xx

Susanne

7/12/2023 06:49:47 am

Hi April, so sorry to hear about this injury! It’s so hard to surrender to His Grace at times but you already seem to know the drill! God wastes nothing and this will most likely be a very fruitful season or will be the jumping off point for a future very few fruitful season. His ways are not our ways…His ways are higher and better. Isaiah 55
May His compassion and faithfulness to you and your family be new every morning.
Praying for you! ❤️🙏
PS I like your article so much I tweeted it.

7/14/2023 09:25:54 am

Oh, Susanne! Thank you so much for your love and encouragement. You are a beam of support and love, I know God has a purpose for this. I see it already. Thank you for sharing my article. I hope it blesses someone. Love, April xx

Pat Cocuzza

7/12/2023 10:32:53 am

Hi April. The verse is one of my favorites. When I had to slow down I learned to appreciate all God has blessed me with and continues to do so. He gives us so much and it’s so easy to assume we are entitled. Quiet time brings us closer to our Abba. I pray your healing will be God’s gift to you this summer. Enjoy your quiet time with our God, our Creator our Healer. I’m Jesus name. Amen

7/14/2023 09:29:00 am

Thank you, Patty. I so appreciate your Titus 2 words of encouragement. I will cling onto "the gift of healing" this summer. This will be a physical healing and spiritual one as well! Love, April xx

Susanne Ciancio

7/14/2023 10:31:49 am

Love all the comments and replies.
I unsubscribed by mistake so I had to make a comment to get back on.
❤️🙏

Maricel

7/19/2023 03:18:11 pm

Nothing can be better than drawing closer to the Lord’s heart. This will be such a sweet time for you as He brings your complete healing and wholeness so soon before you even know it! His promise in Romans 8:28 is true and we can be certain that it will come to pass. I praise and thank God for you and your faithfulness to the Lord and the HLS ministry!

Lots of love,
Maricel

7/19/2023 08:05:28 pm

Thank you, Maricel. An unexpected surprise as it turns out! I'm on the lookout for all God has been trying to show me! Love, April xx

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