Quiet Yourself & Listen to Your Heart

It was early January and a cold snowy day -- not much different than what we'd been experiencing for the past few months. My winter blues were turned on "HIGH" that year. My desire for warm sun & hidden beaches was intense. Through a few years of experience, I'd finally figured out that those desires could be fed when I was out in nature observing the wonders of God. The dusk light on a snow covered pond brought peace to my restless soul. The sound of the snow crunching under my feet as I wondered through a nearby woods lifted my spirits. Even as I shivered from the cold air, I felt

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...

Whether this Weather... or something like that!

Whether this weather affects our attitude or not, we can't change it :/ A few weeks ago I was commenting on our spring-like weather for the middle of February. Now I am tempted to complain about the winter storm which is laying a blanket of white on everything, as I write this note, on the 5th of March. Doesn't March mean spring?? 

I work part time for NorthKids and, as the parents came in to pick up their children today, the number one topic was WEATHER! Both of Madison Park Church's child care facilities (NorthKids & Kids Learning Center) announce any delays or closures via the radio on WQME 98.7 and via television onWISH-TV Channel 8. I'm kind of hoping for a closure tomorrow. The snow is coating everything & my drive-time home tonight was more than doubled due to slippery roads!

I'm about DONE with snow... but, snow might not be done with me quite yet. Often the only way for me to make it through a "bad" situation is to change my attitude. Voltaire said, 

"Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her; but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game."

I believe that I can "win the game" only when I turn things over to God... whether or not things are going just as I think they should go! As His Word says,

"Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve." Joshua 24:15a

No matter what you are experiencing, stay warm & safe. Put your complete trust in Him!!

True Comfort & Comfort Foods

On a very cold February afternoon, I was sitting in a non-running 15-passenger van for 30+ minutes... DREAMING about some hot comfort food for this cold weather. Although the air temp was 21 degrees, the wind chill was 8 degrees! It was a gray day with lacy snowflakes floating down... and, I was COLD & hungry.

This time of year evokes many feelings in me. I absolutely love comfort foods on a cold day. Some of my favorites are the easy ones: Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese; Breakfast for Dinner; White Chicken Chili; Beef Stew & Biscuits; etc.  

In an online article by Taste of Home, they list top 10 Comfort Foods & claim like they will taste like they came from Grandma's kitchen:

1. Turkey Potpies
2. Rich n Cheesy Macaroni
3. Melt in Your Mouth Meatloaf
4. Apple Cider Beef Stew
5. Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup
6. Crispy Fried Chicken
7. Traditional Lasagna
8. De-Lightful Tuna Casserole
9. Flavorful Pot Roast
10. Easy Chicken & Noodles 

Lately, since I've added a real job to my volunteering, I seem to be doing a few more slow cooker recipes than usual. If you're on the go & don't have time in the evenings to pull some great meals together, check out these online slow cooker recipes. Even when it's simple to pull together, a home-cooked meal in the winter brings me comfort :)

Winter isn't the only time we need comforted. Life can get crazy... dreams aren't fulfilled, relationships change and sometimes end in flames, loved ones face consequences of choices made while we can only stand by & watch them suffer those consequences. We need moments of comfort and, we need the assurance that comfort will come. The only place for lasting & true comfort is in the hands of God. Even in the worst of times, His comforts are there for each of us -- if we will just open our eyes to them!

God's Word promises us... 

"In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul."Psalm 94:19

So, let's give... 

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us." 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

In the cold times of life... stay warm friends; and, share in the comfort God gives us through each other. Cover each other in prayer. Comfort each other when you can do so.