It’s amazing what the heart sees when the busyness of our lives gives way to quiet. Many of you know I’m taking a break from a lot of the ways I engage people on the web. I’m doing far fewer blog posts, very little Facebook updates, and no podcasts for a season. It hasn’t been easy. I enjoy all of those and the dialogs they initiate with others.
But as I said in the last podcast, I felt impressed to slow things down a bit or two reasons. First, to give adequate time and place to the work of freedom God is doing in Sara. That story continues, and is one of the most incredible processes I’ve ever watched God do and I am so blessed at the courage Sara demonstrates as she’s learning to embrace a different way of living. I wish I could share more, and hope we’ll have a chance to down the road. But I’m not sure when and if any of this can be shared more widely.
The other reason we’re slowing down my heart is because I sense there is a fresh wind brewing that will impact how my life gets shared publicly. Oh, I’m sure I’ll still write and probably podcast, but I am thinking that both of those will have a different tone and focus. I heard a song the other day and one of the lyrics was about getting back to a simpler place and time. My heart soared when I heard those words. Something deep was calling me away from all the business that had pushed it’s way into my life a few years ago, and the complications that resulted from it. Most of that is all buttoned up now, but that still didn’t fulfill what my heart was crying for.
In the last few weeks my heart is getting back to the simplicity of living in the moment with the people close by, of listening to the Spirit’s nudges, and all of that is beginning to paint a different way forward. That doesn’t mean I’m just twittling my thumbs around here. Life has been incredibly busy, but in the absence of a lot of public content and comment my heart has slowed down enough to take in God’s leading. That process continues and I’m excited about what it is already shaping in me and grateful for the encouragement I’ve received from many of you.
I’ll leave you with this email that really touched me yesterday. This from a good friend of mine in Virginia: 
I just want to tell you how we thank the Lord for your latest home-run for the kingdom of God in The Jesus Lens. I am not exalting you, just thanking God for you and your willingness to again walk where Father is walking, and say what He is saying. Many of us here who you have been with are now on #18 and loving every session – and I and others have been encouraging others we know everywhere to go through the series. I just wanted to express my continued appreciation for the fresh breath of life that you bring to the body of Christ…..
If you haven’t explored that yet, it’s one of the many free resources we offer to help people find their own journey with a loving Father. This one is to help people find a meaningful way to interpret Scripture that gives full credence to the revelation of God in Christ Jesus. He is not the bully many have made him out to be by their misuse of Scripture’s story.
Way to go Brother…
Cheering for you as you follow His nudge!
Godspeed…
Wayne, Thanks for your honesty, and for being open with your life. I look back many time when I felt the need to slow things down, but was driven forward. Glad you have the relationship with Father that allows you to simply trust and step back. Thanks for the great example. Just so you know though the podcast are missed but I am having a conversation with Father instead of listening to the God Journey, so in a way your not doing podcast is deepening my relationship with Father. Wow!
Way to go Brother…
Cheering for you as you follow His nudge!
Godspeed…
Wayne, Thanks for your honesty, and for being open with your life. I look back many time when I felt the need to slow things down, but was driven forward. Glad you have the relationship with Father that allows you to simply trust and step back. Thanks for the great example. Just so you know though the podcast are missed but I am having a conversation with Father instead of listening to the God Journey, so in a way your not doing podcast is deepening my relationship with Father. Wow!
Hello Wayne and Sara,
While I miss you I am glad that you and Sara are taking this time to rest in Him. I hope to hear of you and Sara’s journey as an encouragement to us who realize that we are all on a journey with God.
I also am on a journey with God, learning to trust Him by resting in Him rather than striving to make something happen. Walking with Him step by step instead of trying to control my life and future, learning to recognize Him as my provider, not myself, is somewhat scary but interesting to see where He takes me.
I just want to thank you for all you have done and continue to do. What you teach so resonates with my spirit and with what God is doing in my life. As I have been detoxing, I see how He is intimately involved with every area of my life and just wants me to rest in Him. I recall Matthew 6:30-34…
30-33″If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
34″Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
I love that and learning to walk in it with Him.
Thanks so much, Tina
Hi Wayne. Just read your blog. We too are slowing down our movements and listening.
I just finished reading The Shack again. There is something fluttering in my heart,
Longing to walk quieter and closer to the Holy Spirit. In our life right now, nearly every
Thing we had committed to do has either been cancelled or rescheduled by someone
Other than us. Praying over us all and listening for Papa’s voice.
I encourage you Wayne to do so. A phrase I read once “Simplify your life & know God”. We are a busy people, SLOW DOWN for the still small voice of our Father. Way to go Wayne & Sara, May the Lord lead your way.
Hello Wayne and Sara,
While I miss you I am glad that you and Sara are taking this time to rest in Him. I hope to hear of you and Sara’s journey as an encouragement to us who realize that we are all on a journey with God.
I also am on a journey with God, learning to trust Him by resting in Him rather than striving to make something happen. Walking with Him step by step instead of trying to control my life and future, learning to recognize Him as my provider, not myself, is somewhat scary but interesting to see where He takes me.
I just want to thank you for all you have done and continue to do. What you teach so resonates with my spirit and with what God is doing in my life. As I have been detoxing, I see how He is intimately involved with every area of my life and just wants me to rest in Him. I recall Matthew 6:30-34…
30-33″If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
34″Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
I love that and learning to walk in it with Him.
Thanks so much, Tina
Hi Wayne. Just read your blog. We too are slowing down our movements and listening.
I just finished reading The Shack again. There is something fluttering in my heart,
Longing to walk quieter and closer to the Holy Spirit. In our life right now, nearly every
Thing we had committed to do has either been cancelled or rescheduled by someone
Other than us. Praying over us all and listening for Papa’s voice.
I encourage you Wayne to do so. A phrase I read once “Simplify your life & know God”. We are a busy people, SLOW DOWN for the still small voice of our Father. Way to go Wayne & Sara, May the Lord lead your way.
Tina, Mt 6: 30-34 (MSG) “Word!” for me…thanks, sister!!!
Hi Wayne and Sarah. It’s been a long while since I seen or talked with you. It’s now been over four years since you came to Oklahoma and spoke at our Living Loved conference. Your teaching formed the foundation of our ministry and for that I’ll always be grateful. For the past year or so I have been feeling more need for personal silence and solitude in order to stay in-tune with Father’s still small voice. This summer I took two extra days to stay home and allow my heart to just be and receive. It has allowed a wonderful renewal to take place within. Less of me and more of Him. I am also finding out what my heart truly desires. I applaud you for slowing down and rediscover the simplicity of following Jesus in the moments of your day. I look forward to staying in touch and hearing more about what God is up to in your lives.
With fond affection, Renee
Tina, Mt 6: 30-34 (MSG) “Word!” for me…thanks, sister!!!
Hi Wayne and Sarah. It’s been a long while since I seen or talked with you. It’s now been over four years since you came to Oklahoma and spoke at our Living Loved conference. Your teaching formed the foundation of our ministry and for that I’ll always be grateful. For the past year or so I have been feeling more need for personal silence and solitude in order to stay in-tune with Father’s still small voice. This summer I took two extra days to stay home and allow my heart to just be and receive. It has allowed a wonderful renewal to take place within. Less of me and more of Him. I am also finding out what my heart truly desires. I applaud you for slowing down and rediscover the simplicity of following Jesus in the moments of your day. I look forward to staying in touch and hearing more about what God is up to in your lives.
With fond affection, Renee
Wayne, I’m glad to hear you’ve decided to pull back. While you’ve been a great blessing to my wife and myself (beginning with a friend’s timely sharing of “So You Don’t Want to Go…”), the reality is that even when we move outside the four walls, we can still find others becoming a little too dependent on us. Each has to find his own “way within the Way,” if you will. Glad you’re taking some time now for you. I sense this will be a time not only of rest and strength, but of expansion as well. Blessings to you and yours!
Wayne, I’m glad to hear you’ve decided to pull back. While you’ve been a great blessing to my wife and myself (beginning with a friend’s timely sharing of “So You Don’t Want to Go…”), the reality is that even when we move outside the four walls, we can still find others becoming a little too dependent on us. Each has to find his own “way within the Way,” if you will. Glad you’re taking some time now for you. I sense this will be a time not only of rest and strength, but of expansion as well. Blessings to you and yours!
So pleased you’re taking time out from “the public eye” to be with God (and Sara!!!) – to get back to the simplicity of God’s love, to be refreshed, to have uncluttered conversations with him so your next steps are clear and pure. TAKE YOUR TIME!!!!
I honestly believe its in the best interests of everyone else living in cyber-land, myself included, that we learn to follow Jesus rather than be a “follower of Wayne”.
Wayne, you have begun an amazing wave of people learning what it means to live in the reality of God’s love – a real gift that has set many many on the path of healing and peace. I know for me its time for me to continuing “growing up” and deepening my trust in the love relationship God wants to have with me. An exciting journey, especially as God begins to show me how to love others in every day life. Thank you.
Hey bro! I sure miss hearing ya! Enjoy this relaxing, still part of your journey! Embrace every moment, and celebrate the treasures of life! Peace, my friend!
D.
So pleased you’re taking time out from “the public eye” to be with God (and Sara!!!) – to get back to the simplicity of God’s love, to be refreshed, to have uncluttered conversations with him so your next steps are clear and pure. TAKE YOUR TIME!!!!
I honestly believe its in the best interests of everyone else living in cyber-land, myself included, that we learn to follow Jesus rather than be a “follower of Wayne”.
Wayne, you have begun an amazing wave of people learning what it means to live in the reality of God’s love – a real gift that has set many many on the path of healing and peace. I know for me its time for me to continuing “growing up” and deepening my trust in the love relationship God wants to have with me. An exciting journey, especially as God begins to show me how to love others in every day life. Thank you.
Hey bro! I sure miss hearing ya! Enjoy this relaxing, still part of your journey! Embrace every moment, and celebrate the treasures of life! Peace, my friend!
D.