MY SECRET GARDEN
By: Lisa Maki
How I wish I can bring all of you to my secret garden and see what I see. How I wish I can sit down there and marvel with you, as we go to places where no man or woman can ever take you. I know I can invite you; but for you to experience what I experience, you have to discover your own secret garden first. Only then will you understand what I am talking about.
For those of you who have found that place, join me as I share my escapades, adventure, and private moments. For those who have not been there, this is probably the only time when I would want people to be envious of what I have -- so they too can experience its beauty and loveliness.
For those of you who have found that place, join me as I share my escapades, adventure, and private moments. For those who have not been there, this is probably the only time when I would want people to be envious of what I have -- so they too can experience its beauty and loveliness.
I discovered this place when I was hurting so bad. I didn't know where to go. I have explored every place I know that could help me. In my despair, I cried out to God. He heard me.
I locked myself in the room and opened my Bible that day. I was desperate for answers. Words jumped out like God was speaking directly to me. I cried and soaked in His presence. That was the beginning. And I got hooked!
Day after day I looked forward to being alone with Him. I would wake up very early each day to listen to what He had to say to me. Each moment became more and more inviting. Each moment became deeper.
"The more you have, the more you want" became so true for me. I wanted more of Him. I could not get enough. Thirty minutes turned into an hour; an hour turned to two hours. "May I stay longer?", I used to ask Him.
Not long after, I was having visitations. Words are not enough to describe this. Even my physical body could not handle such a supernatural experience. I had a glimpse of what it is but could not handle it for more than a minute. It's almost like the Holy Spirit just teased me more.
Day after day I looked forward to being alone with Him. I would wake up very early each day to listen to what He had to say to me. Each moment became more and more inviting. Each moment became deeper.
"The more you have, the more you want" became so true for me. I wanted more of Him. I could not get enough. Thirty minutes turned into an hour; an hour turned to two hours. "May I stay longer?", I used to ask Him.
Not long after, I was having visitations. Words are not enough to describe this. Even my physical body could not handle such a supernatural experience. I had a glimpse of what it is but could not handle it for more than a minute. It's almost like the Holy Spirit just teased me more.
It is in this Secret Garden where I learned so much about who the Father is, and still continue to learn. It is an understanding that no minister, preacher, and teacher can ever explain. It is an intimate knowing that can never be experienced through our minds. It is something that you just begin to feel inside of you. The closest I can describe it is when you fall in love. You just know. You can't explain.
It is in this Secret Garden where the Holy Spirit brought me back to a lot of things in my past, so they can be resolved. This is where I got delivered and healed. This is where I went through a painful process, hidden from everyone else.
It is in this Secret Garden where the Holy Spirit showed me and continues to show me the future. Most of these revelations, I can't even share ... not yet.
It is in this Secret Garden where I have ran to so many times to hide, to seek refuge, to find shelter. It has been my dwelling place, my strong tower, and the pillar of my strength.
It is in this Secret Garden where the Holy Spirit brought me back to a lot of things in my past, so they can be resolved. This is where I got delivered and healed. This is where I went through a painful process, hidden from everyone else.
It is in this Secret Garden where the Holy Spirit showed me and continues to show me the future. Most of these revelations, I can't even share ... not yet.
It is in this Secret Garden where I have ran to so many times to hide, to seek refuge, to find shelter. It has been my dwelling place, my strong tower, and the pillar of my strength.
If I even spend a day without going to my Secret Garden, I will not survive. It is where I recharge every morning ... where I get the wisdom to manage all my responsibilities ... where I get strength to deal with the pressures of everyday life ... where I get refilled with joy and peace.
I have moved from place to place, and brought this Secret Garden with me. It is my favorite spot in the whole world. I can stay in this place forever. Someday I will.
I have moved from place to place, and brought this Secret Garden with me. It is my favorite spot in the whole world. I can stay in this place forever. Someday I will.
For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God]. 1 Cor. 13:12 (The Amplified Bible)
I encourage you to find and build your Secret Garden.
Spend time there every day ... alone with God ... just you and Him. Shut everything behind you. Worship Him, thank Him, adore Him, soak in His presence. Thanking and worshiping Him will bring you to that peaceful place. Do not even think about your problem or situation. Simply thank Him, without discussing your concerns. Do not stop until you have felt the peace ... until you have felt His touch. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Open your Bible and let the Holy Spirit lead you. Do this each day, with no miss. Then you will understand what I am talking about.
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.
Matthew 6:6