Brennan Manning says it so clearly: (from The Rabbi's Heartbeat)

"To feel safe is to stop living in my head and sink down into my heart
and feel liked and accepted...not having to hide anymore and distract myself
with books, television, movies, ice cream, shallow conversation...staying in the
present moment and not escaping into the past or projecting into the future,
alert and attentive to the now...feeling relaxed and not nervous or jittery...no
need to impress or dazzle others or draw attention to myself...Unselfconscious, a
new way of being with myself, a new way of being in the world...calm, unafraid,
no anxiety about what's going to happen next...loved and valued...just being
together as an end in itself.

Father God, thank you for calling to me when I am hiding from You and
everyone else, including myself Thank you that when I was matted and muddy
with sin You loved me and looked for me to return home. Thank you for
giving me a safe place within the unconditional love of Christ. Amen"

I cant wait to read this book... this man has an incredible grasp on the heart of Jesus and know Him! Don't you see there's more than just knowing about him? He wants us to know Him and his LOVE for us... for you and me in own own unique way we like to be loved. He is able to do that if we'll only receive it to ourselves... Jesus is incredible.

Just when I think it's a plain old day, the Holy Spirit reminds me HE is here. I am in the presense of the living God. I hear Him in the gentle whisper and He stirs my soul. He makes the slow day and majestic one. He is faithful to show His infinite beauty and power which makes me feel significant and beatiful all the same because of this big God who is 'mindful' of me! I have truly enjoyed knowing Him here inside me and in this present moment. O the brink of a new life, new surroundings, new people, new job... on the brink of major feelings of unknowing and unsure-ness (i know these are not words but they fit for now-) in fact, we can never know what's around the corner, but I really have no clue, so I start this new chapter with a heart that's in need of Him as EVERYTHING else is changing- some that I thought would be one way are another- all the more evidence that things are in His hands and His ways and not mine. I am so glad to be in His presense today, full of a deep seated joy when the surface and circumstances try to convince me I am scared and hurt and losing all, the Spirit reminds me of my inheritance: power, victory, pleasure, joy and all I need for life and godliness. I don't need the other things but I sure do need Him. Only Him. And His inifinite value makes me fall and worship. What else can I do- without Him I am dead, with Him i am fully ALIVE! Oh, he is so worth pursuing. Quiet your heart and your day, deep in your soul, and hear Him speak to your spirit: " I love you, I make you whole and complete, I am passionate for you and especially YOU"