Who Takes Care of Whom?

Linking with the Tuesday at Ten group today... the prompt word... CARE

Do you have an intense "need" to feel as though you're caring well for others? In my early to mid-twenties, I poured myself into others with everything I could. I gave to others & cared for others so much that I began to feel I was running out of anything to give. A fellow co-worker and mentor who was in her early 40's (whom at the time I thought was really old) gave me some advice. 

She told me that I would never be able to

I Like BIG CUPS...

It's Monday... the Monday after a week of spending time with family... with NO VOICE. Today is DAY 13 in the continuing saga of "Bacterial versus Viral - WHAT IN THE WORLD IS CAUSING THIS ILLNESS?!?!?" For the first time though in thirteen days, I woke up with a bit of a voice today. I sound more like a bull frog than a person. But, it's progress.

Doing Nothing & Then Resting

"How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterwards." 

Don't you just LOVE that Spanish proverb. There are just those days or seasons in our lives when we need to do nothing... and then rest.  

This morning felt like that to me. I am growing weary of all the snow, ice & sub-zero temperatures here in "stuckinindiana" land. We have lived in this state for over 24 years & never seen a winter like this. I'm fortunate, as I don't have a traditional job which requires me to leave early each morning for a full day away. But, my loved ones do. And, I hate for them to have to drive in this dangerous mess. Although I don't have a "real job", I have responsibilities which require me to be out & about throughout the week. This crazy (cray cray, as the kids say) weather does not work with my little yellow car with racing tires either! There are times when I can't even make it out of the drive over the SMALL snow drifts (6-12 inches) or up the little hill to the main road. Yesterday afternoon one of my car doors froze shut in the sleet as I was at an appointment. It's a gamble to go out for me & that little yellow car!

I'm missing the beaches of south Florida that were my back yard for about 15 years. I miss walking barefoot at water's edge as the sun comes up. I miss the roar of the ocean on a windy night. I miss finding secluded places on the beach to relax & read... and to listen to God. I can't go to my beaches physically at this point in my life. So, I'm a mental traveler most days -- especially today! 

I'm only resting for a bit today. But, I'm letting God renew me through the moments as I rest in Him & reflect upon his faithfulness & love!

Take time... MAKE TIME to rest & be renewed!

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength." Isaiah 30:15

 

Linking with Ann Voskamp - A Holy Experience today...

Jagged Puzzle Pieces

"He brought streams out of a rocky crag
and made water flow down like rivers." Psalm 78:16
Photo by T. Getz

With some things that have recently happened in my life & in the lives of others around me, I can't help but think about a small-yet powerful verse, Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say - rejoice!" Close friends of mine have lost loved ones recently or marked the anniversary of the passing of a cherished one or are anticipating the passing of a loved one soon. Marriages & relationships are under attack by Satan. Economic trials are pressing in on many in these day.

But, when I read Philippians 4:4, I can honestly say that I believe that promise. God doesn't ask me to rejoice in what happened but to rejoice in Him through whatever happens. He offers peace in the troubled times. He offers comfort in the times of loss. He offers reassurance in the times of uncertainty & fear. 

David offered the truth in Psalm 37:25a... "I've been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken..." I rejoice in the fact that God will bring His children through anything & everything. I rejoice in the fact that our struggles and hardships will play a part in the wonderful plan of the Father.  It's not always easy... but, God's promises are true. 

Often our "jagged puzzle pieces" are designed to fit perfectly into the masterpiece that will be revealed when we meet him face to face.