Quiet.

QuietIf every season of life has a word, I think the word for this season of my life is QUIET.

I’ve spent 35 years talking and analyzing and verbalizing and theorizing and chattering my days away. I’ve talked at other people and at God for far too long now. At what point does it stop being a conversation if you never just shut up and let the other person speak? I’m honestly tired of talking. Not saying I’m going to stop talking all together…I have no plans to become a mime…but it feels really settled and certain in my spirit that this is the season for me to LISTEN. To get quiet and listen.

I’ve moved out to a ranch that’s far enough in the country to actually hear things. To hear life rather than sirens. At night it’s a virtual symphony of crickets chirping and frogs croaking and the occasional neigh from one of the horses. I sit on my deck late at night and soak it all in and stare up at the stars and there’s nothing but PEACE as far as the eye can see. I tiptoe across wooden floors in the silence and hear the slight creaking under my feet and I am reminded of the weight of my steps. All of my steps, forward and back. An important reminder, and one that I need right now, particularly in my spirit and in my heart. Truth be told, I haven’t been making the best choices with God or the best choices with men as of late. I’ve spent the past six months talking and deciding and questioning and weighing and determining and controlling but not nearly enough time waiting and listening. Listening for God and to God instead of running to “love” for the answers. When did I forget that He is both the question and the answer? The Alpha and the Omega? The beginning of everything that I am and the end of everything that I ever will be?

Yes, this season of my life is called QUIET.

The last season of my life would have been called SAD, as I already shared with you here on the blog. I’ve just come through a very challenging season. One filled with tears and shouts and cries and fears and laments and regrets and doubts and very little peace. But now, here in the midst of all this quiet, I can honestly say it is well with my soul. I don’t feel the need to be around a lot of people right now…not because I’m depressed or moping or retreating FROM the world…but because I’m retreating TO God. Trying to find the secret place again, where I can hear His voice and feel His presence and see His hand guiding my life. I miss that place. Something tells me it is here in the QUIET.

Expectation is also here in the QUIET. I feel a sense of expectation of everything that is coming next in my life. I know I can’t stay here in the QUIET forever. I know there will come a moment when I will have to let the noise back in. But for now…for this season…I embrace it. It is where God has brought me, and it is where I want to be. In this cozy little loft somewhere on the edge of nowhere He has  finally gotten me to stop talking and stop running and stop asking and begging and wishing and bargaining and just LISTEN. Listen to the QUIET. Listen to the sounds of His creation. Listen to His still, small voice.

I can’t wait to hear what He has to say.

36 Responses to “ Quiet. ”

  1. Jennie
    August 26, 2014

    Thank you so much for the words that you write…. I love the honesty in your words. God has used you more than once to speak to my heart. I am 38 yrs old and I have never been married…. so I AM the single woman that you write about. Last December I had my heart shattered by someone who was my best friend and who I thought was the love that God was allowing into my life. I lived my life in a very sad place because God had asked me to be still. I thought with being still that my whole world had to come to a complete and utter end. This is not what God was asking of me…. He wanted me to wait on His timing and not my wants. I was to live every day to it’s fullest but in this one thing I was to WAIT for Him. I have read both of your books and there were things in both that spoke to my heart and the place God had me at. Just recently I was in a service and God spoke to my heart from Heb 12:2 that that my faith (my life’s story) was written by the author (Jesus Christ) and since anyone that loves to read knows that a good books is all about the author 🙂 I am just living out the my store that was written before the foundation of the world. I know how the story ends, I get to spend eternity with my Savior. This realization gave me such a peace that in these uncertain moments in my life that I just need to live every moment to it’s fullest because I IKNOW who wrote my story. Every good book can make you laugh-out-loud, break your heart, and have an unexpected twist that you never saw coming. This is what I want for my story. Besides you and your amazing way with words God has sent another incredible woman into my life this year is Ellie Holcomb, her music speak just like your books. I would almost swear you were sisters 🙂 Have a beautiful day and thank you again for being obedient to what God has called you to do.

  2. Loren
    August 26, 2014

    Your messages always seem to be right on time for me. I feel like this season in my life I have really been struggling with being content with where I am and instead being too worried about where I will end up. Most things are going right in my life…i’m doing well at work, making healthy decisions, hanging out with friends but since I’ve been single for so long (5 years in November) that seems to be all that I focus on despite all of the great things happening around me. I have read both of your books TWICE and still manage to struggle with being comfortable in my singleness. I keep telling myself to trust God but I’m not 100% there and I really want to be. Do you have any advice for a fellow single woman who isnt completely happy with her single life?

  3. karen
    August 26, 2014

    This is the way Im living now ,, god brought me here , has blessed me so much with selling my car and giving me a bicycle when I needed it , I have stories that are so very amazing Thank you this is just the way I feel and have no words for ,, blessings Peace & Much Love

  4. Deyla
    August 26, 2014

    Amen to this, how much in our experience do we need to know Him as the wonderful items you mentioned. Lord, thank You for the moments/times in which we learn to be still and quiet to hear You.

  5. Cassie
    August 26, 2014

    I could have written this myself…. I’ve been hearing the word “Listen” for months. I finally did just that in the last few weeks. I didn’t realize how numb I had become to everything around me by trying to fill the silence with the sound of my own voice. I feel like I have been on a slow thaw the last few weeks and in the silence I am waking up. Becoming sensitive again-more in tune with what’s going on around me and IN me. God is awesome!

  6. Jennifer Howard
    August 26, 2014

    Mandy, this blog was very timely for me. I too, feel the Lord calling me to be still, to be quiet and to WATCH what He wants to do in my life. I’m so excited to have discovered you. It’s like your writing speaks straight to me. I’ve been divorced for 3 years now and my friends don’t understand why I haven’t dated, why I don’t just go hang out at the local hot spots to “meet” someone, or at least try internet dating. I told them all that I would filter myself right out of any results. Haha! It’s not that I’m too picky. It’s because I know how much my Father loves me and He wants the best for His princesses. Yes my standards are high but they are founded upon God’s Word. He is faithful. I trust Him, therefore I am willing to patiently wait for the one whom He has prepared. I thoroughly belive in the process and that when the time is right, things will fall into place. Until then, I will continue waiting upon the Lord because HE makes ALL things beautiful in HIS time! Ecc 3:11! You are doing a wonderful job Mandy. You are walking out your divine purpose! Well done!
    Jennifer H.
    Forney, TX

  7. Merci Miley
    August 26, 2014

    Thank you for your bravery of sharing. I’m so right there with you! In fact it is for this reason alone that I moved to Tennessee. As soon as I got here however I got into an online relationship with a South African and am praying for strength to make that hard decision, when reality comes to that check. I understand being in a quiet season and need to force myself to listen more. Wrote a song a few years ago called “gotta stop and listen.” It’s unfinished. When we get together and hangout I will share it with you. :). Let’s plan a date!

  8. Sandy Owen
    August 26, 2014

    Thank you for your honesty and openness. I am in this place as well. It’s a bit scary at times and yet as you said with an expectation for what lies ahead. I’m learning there comes strength in the quiet. Blessings to you.

  9. Larry
    August 26, 2014

    Very well written. This is where I too find myself after a long season of hurts and betrayal. I’m trying to hear His voice and direction above all else. I hope you find the answers you need among the quiet!

  10. Amy
    August 26, 2014

    Thank you. Thank you for being open and vulnerable. Thank you for being honest. I’m so happy I stumbled across this special place a couple years ago…you’ve inspired me to keep the faith more than you could ever know.

  11. Yeloheaven
    August 26, 2014

    Awesome blog! I definitely can relate. Thank you!

    • Star Jones
      September 25, 2014

      awesome

  12. Amber B
    August 27, 2014

    Thank you Mandy for being a vessel and letting God use you you’re always in my prayers continue to be available to God he’s working everything in your favor his delays is not his denial the best is yet to come for you:-)

  13. Arunita Hunjan
    August 27, 2014

    I loved the way you have written..you have made me to go to that place and picture my self sitting there lonely at quiet place. Awesome blog.

  14. Danielle
    August 27, 2014

    As a season changes, I also sit still and quiet. (& not just summer coming into fall). Sometimes we have to get to know God better before we can get to know a man. God does his best work while we sit still and quiet waiting! I just text that to a friend last weekend as she has been a big support for me, like “your Jennifer” 🙂
    Be still and quiet and listen! His spirit will whisper to your heart ☺️

  15. Alyssa
    August 27, 2014

    I want to thank you for writing this. I love talking to Jesus, I do it all the time. He is my best friend and I tell Him everything but in reading your blog this morning at work and drinking my coffee, I suddenly became aware of how much I talk. I hardly ever just sit and listen to the still small voice of my beautiful Saviour. I’m sure there are lots of things He wants to say but is drowned out by my constant wants and needs. I’m so glad you found your place of silence and in turn encouraged me to find mine. Thank you.

  16. Lisa H
    August 27, 2014

    Once you see the blessing of being in QUIET, it becomes one of the most beautiful and rewarding places to be…listening for God’s still small voice. It is precious time when you as the branch reconnect to the vine. As a single woman ten years older, want to offer encouragement that I now better understand the beauty of being QUIET, when it comes I recognize it quicker and skip the rationalization period all together. For I know God has plans for my life and as you so eloquently pointed out, I’m not to remain in QUIET forever. But while I’m here, I allow myself to lean into God’s comforting arms and share quality time. It’s where you find peace…and rest…and agape love…Enjoy!

  17. mattie
    August 27, 2014

    I just absolutley love you girl .you just speak to my soul everyday ,you really do .i feel the same way .i have run so hard and so long,with no direction, falling in the ditch and tryin so hard to pick me back up. I too feel I am in that quite place,wanting ,longing to here my Fathers voice again.waiting on his love,his sweetness and goodness,instead of searching all on my own.G-d knows Ive tried and its gotton me no where fast. I pray for you ,as I covet your prayers to that we would just be still and listen for that still ,quite voice to speak his love into our lives .

    p.s ,so jealous of the country/farm life you are living right now .that would be my dream.so happy for you .

  18. Ari
    August 27, 2014

    Mandy,

    I relate to every single one of your blogs. Thank you so much for being vulnerable with us. It helps knowing we aren’t alone.

  19. Rachel
    August 27, 2014

    Your words are beautiful and I can’t even explain how much this resembles my current situation. Thank you for sharing!

  20. Divine Greatness
    August 27, 2014

    Mandy,

    The words of your message truly touch my heart and soul in a way that I can’t describe. To live in the “Quite” has so much purpose and meaning. Very deep, very emotional, and most of all I find so much beauty in your description of living in the “Quite.”

    God will speak to you and I know that you will graciously welcome his words.

    Thank you for an amazing confirmation.

    Wishing you an AMAZING day!

  21. Reader
    August 27, 2014

    Amazing, and very “touching” as usual. By the way you are right where you should be right now .

  22. Judy
    August 27, 2014

    Mandy, I am in he final pages of your latest book, what a blessing to get it on kindle for 99cents! I have found so many parallels within our lives… Although I am much older ( I have been single 25 years now) I married young and by world terms I. Guess 21 years was good… But I signed on for a lifetime! Your writing is such a blessing to women of all ages.
    I am also in my quiet season… So this message was right on time, just as God wanted it to be.( living in the forest in Oregon)

  23. August 27, 2014

    Thank you so much for this .Exactly what I needed to hear and need to do. Retreating to God. Hope I have the courage and strength to do it more and more everyday. Beautiful.

  24. jerrie
    August 27, 2014

    I Love, Love, Love your website..I come here to read everyday, Because you are speaking to me and about me everyday. I am really inspired and motivated by you. Thank you and I am definitely purchasing all of your books.

  25. August 29, 2014

    You are in a really good place now. I know, because I just left that season. When God calls you to that level of rest in Him, you then begin the process of really seeing who you really are. It’s a lonely place, but I’m sure you already know that it’s apart of your journey and where you will gain strength, insight and where you really learn about the Incredible love of God. People who you’re close to will speculate and will not understand why you had to retreat and set yourself apart, but that’s okay. Thank you for sharing and being transparent because it ministers to women and allows them to see that it happens to the best of them. Once God brings you through and you write and testify about it, it will “wow” the world. I can’t wait to hear the end of your story!

  26. Ngoni
    August 30, 2014

    Enjoy Mandy! The ranch sounds like a place where you can listen for the still small voice that I know at times I need to listen to. Even Jesus retreated to talk with the Father at various times. I love quiet times and find I am most at peace in them. It’s where I can recollect my thoughts, determine the path Jesus wants me on, to reconnect with the “power source” that is ultimately God. It’s where I receive revelation, sometimes about myself, sometimes about others, and where I can pray and pour out my thoughts to the only One who truly loves me unconditionally. I wish you all the best.

  27. idalia
    September 2, 2014

    No estoy segura si lees español, peor prefiero escribir mi comentario en este idioma por que mi ortografía en ingles es horrible, aun batallo y bastante. Llegue a tu blog por esos chispazos entre destino y necesitad que a veces se plasman en el universo cibernetico. Me gusto mucho igual los ultimos meses habia ando algo SAD esa era mi etapa triste, dandome cuenta de las estupideces que hice pero ahi vamos Dios ha sido mi gran aliado, gracias por compartir tu experiencia. Disfruta el campo es hermoso.

  28. Janet
    September 4, 2014

    Mandy, All I can say to your latest post is “Amen.” I am in the place you are and I am happy. I love to come home to my house, my dog, and my cat. I thank God for all He has blessed me with: my family and friends, my pets (all I have had), my health, my own home, my health, and my joy in having it all. I’ve thought about being part of a couple again, but it always seems that I am the one who gives up my freedom an loses my self. I don’t need a man to be happy and fulfilled and content. I have it all without one. My saying is that I would rather be in no relationship than in a bad one. Here is a toast to your happiness in being single.

  29. Thandi Mafu
    September 5, 2014

    God knows how much I long for that quietness Mandy…I can not wait to reconnect with the Most High…
    I love everything you write about…you are always on point with me

  30. Remi
    September 8, 2014

    Hi, single woman. I saw a quote of yours on twitter and I just said hey ok let me check out this blog… And it has been AMAZING! You have blessed me sooo much!. I read your posts and realize I’m not alone in all these. You even inspired me to start my own blog( I’m not that good a writer though). I’m definitely taking the blogging challenge though. God bless you a lot!… Please check out my blog… iswihs blog!. It’ll mean a lot to me. Thanks

  31. Lisa
    September 17, 2014

    God is leading me into a season of quiet as well. In a little less then thirty days I’m moving to an island for 7 months. An island with only one road, very very few cars and no planes flying overhead. I can’t wait to see what He does in my life and in yours!

  32. Karen
    September 18, 2014

    I feel the same way right now. I was just in a relationship that I thought was totally from the Lord, only for the man to end it. I was left confused and hurt, wondering why God would allow me to meet this man only for him to walk away. I feel like I am back in that place of running to my Savior and wanting to be held and to listen for His voice and trusting Him with the plans in my life. Thank you for all your writings….

  33. September 27, 2014

    I believe we are in approximate seasons at the moment. Enjoy this very much needed phase of your life. I quite enjoyed reading through your blog and will be coming back for more. All the best.

  34. Kate
    October 5, 2014

    Dear Mandy,

    Love this article! Do you write anywhere about how you came to make this decision to move from urban life to a more rural retreat?

    Kate

  35. LeyLey
    October 10, 2014

    I wish you peace and serenity on your little ranch. I can’t imagine anything better than sitting on that deck looking at the stars. I too am in my ‘quiet’ season for the first time in my life, and whilst at first it scared me, the loneliness and the ‘quiet’ I know find I am finally making peace with myself and God and the universe and am learning to hear the whispers of my heart and forgive myself for all the years of pent up frustration and anger and fear. Thank you for explaining so eloquently that the QUIET I needed refuge in was a season, and a time to LISTEN. I sincerely hope WE all find our peace.

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Something wonderful is on the horizon
Life doesn’t always look the way we want it to look. In Mandy’s upcoming book, Turn Toward the Sun: Releasing What If and Embracing What Is, you’ll find encouragement to live in the moment, sit with your experiences, and trust God with the unknown.
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Something wonderful is on the horizon
Turn Toward the Sun CoverLife doesn’t always look the way we want it to look. In Mandy’s upcoming book, Turn Toward the Sun: Releasing What If and Embracing What Is, you’ll find encouragement to live in the moment, sit with your experiences, and trust God with the unknown.
Preorder from Baker Book House for 40% off and free shipping!*
*US shipping only