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...

Twenty-One Degrees Sounded Warm

What a winter for those of us stuckinindiana! We got a little snow in November & then MISSED a White Christmas... only to be hit with SNOW, SNOW, SNOW from that point on. My nesting mode is in high gear. The ice & snow has prevented my little yellow car from getting out on the road. My walk down the drive to the mail box could make a good clip for "families' funniest videos" -- forget about actually walking out on the country roads for exercise. Days where I've showered at 6pm to merely change into a fresh pair of pajamas have been the norm instead of a rarity. 

A tinge of pinkish-orange reflecting off the snow outside and onto my bedroom wall caught my attention. I'd been in jammies (my name for pajamas) ALL day. The morning & early afternoon had been spent caring for my favorite little baby-girl. The remainder of the afternoon had been spent telling myself that I really ought to get busy & do a few things around the house. At 5:50pm, I saw that color I love... and, I knew it was time for a little winter walkabout.

The outside temperatures have been horrid lately so, I checked the thermometer. It was a 21 degrees. That sounded SO warm after the sub-zero temps of days before. The jammies were exchanged for Cuddle Duds, sweats, etc... and I was out the back door to take a look at "My Father's World"...

The winds had swept a clean area along the side of our barn
and built up a tall snow bank
preventing me from walking directly to the field.

Frozen ruts now replaced the tracks made through soft snow by our
farmer neighbor when taking his grand-babies on sled rides last weekend.

Patches of ice reflected the colors that only God can paint.

A rainbow of colors decorated the eastern horizon
and distant farms were bathed in the colors of sunset.

The sun was almost gone... the colors would linger for a bit longer.

The cold began to take its toll on me.
I snapped another picture & turned toward the house.

Twenty-one degrees sounded warm... turns out it wasn't that night. In 20 minutes the sun had almost disappeared from the western horizon and, I was back inside my warm home eager to see what the lens had captured. The camera never gets the full impact of God's beauty. But, the photos I captured in this winter walkabout will always serve to remind me that this is my Father's world!

"The world is Mine, and all that is within it." Psalm 50:12

Loved this hymn as a little girl... love it still... 

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening earsAll nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thoughtOf rocks and trees, of skies and seas;His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise.This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair;In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forgetThat though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done:Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,And earth and Heav’n be one.

This is my Father’s world, dreaming, I see His face.I ope my eyes, and in glad surprise cry, “The Lord is in this place.”This is my Father’s world, from the shining courts above,The Beloved One, His Only Son,Came—a pledge of deathless love.

This is my Father’s world, should my heart be ever sad?The lord is King—let the heavens ring. God reigns—let the earth be glad.This is my Father’s world. Now closer to Heaven bound,For dear to God is the earth Christ trod.No place but is holy ground.

This is my Father’s world. I walk a desert lone.In a bush ablaze to my wondering gaze God makes His glory known.This is my Father’s world, a wanderer I may roamWhate’er my lot, it matters not,My heart is still at home.

This is My Father's World Words: Malt­bie D. Bab­cock, 1901, alt. While a pas­tor in Lock­port, New York, Bab­cock liked to hike in an ar­ea called “the es­carp­ment,” an an­cient up­thrust ledge near Lock­port. It has a mar­vel­ous view of farms, or­chards, and Lake On­tar­io, about 15 miles dis­tant. It is said those walks in the woods in­spired these lyr­ics. The ti­tle re­calls an ex­press­ion Bab­cock used when start­ing a walk: “I’m go­ing out to see my Fa­ther’s world.”Music: Terra Beata, tra­di­tion­al Eng­lish mel­o­dy, ar­ranged by Frank­lin L. Shep­pard in his Al­le­lu­ia, 1915 (MI­DI,score).

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

Please, Don't Make Me Leave My Home

Today, I am thankful for fireplaces,
space heaters, long underwear,
and the warm love of The LORD!

Today, as I waited patiently (or not so patiently) to hear back from the HVAC company as to whether the part to fix our furnace would come in before the COLD weekend, God gave me a HUGE hug!

Shortly after moving to "stuckinindiana" from the Sunshine State almost 25 years ago, it became painfully evident that I had some issues with winter blues (SAD  - Seasonal Affective Disorder). During the days that my two children were small, my moods were rather even keel. It's my theory that breastfeeding both of them well into their first years boosted my emotions. I remember the peace & fulfillment I felt as I held them near & provided for their needs in a way that none other could. In the subsequent years, I was fine in the summers when I was out walking daily in the sunshine or "babysitting" our neighbor's pool as they traveled. However, the winters were hard. 

I've learned over the years that exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep habits can maximize how I feel in the winter months. But being a "nester" most of my life, no matter how well I'm feeling, I still don't want to leave my home when the weather turns cold & gray. My inner voice is always screaming, "Please, Don't Make Me Leave My Home!" 

This cold winter morning - when I was buried under covers & praying to hear from our heating company soon - I saw a Facebook post pop up on my news feed (from the evening before) from a fellow Women's Ministries Fan ...

"Any Anderson friends have a couch I can crash on tomorrow for a few hours after 11am until about 3?"

Without really thinking about it, my fingers typed the words...

"I do -- message me!"

In about 4 hours, a young lady who attends the same church as I do (whom I'd messaged with but never met face-to-face) was fast asleep on our couch in the basement family room beside the fire, as I continued to wait upstairs by that fire for a call from our HVAC company. What a wonderful & unexpected blessing it was for God to use me in my weakness. He is so loving & kind to me -- really, to all His children. I'm thankful that my heart shouted YES when I saw Jenn's post!

Over the years, I've had people tell me that God doesn't intend for me to suffer from depression and/or winter blues. I've been told that if I truly believed in His healing powers that I would be healed of that affliction. And, I'm not a theological scholar to debate with them intelligently. However, I'm a Lover of the Lord!. And, I've always had a strong feeling when reading the King James Version of Philippians 2:12b 

"...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." 

I've gotten the sense from that scripture that I need to be seeking how I should live out the scriptures in a way that honors the Lord. Personally, I feel that God allows me to suffer in this way, at this time, while working through me despite my weaknesses.

In such a time, I run to The Word...

• "For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust." Psalm 103:14 NLT

• "Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 8-10

• "If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am." 2 Corinthians 11:30 NLT

I encourage you to seek what God is saying to YOU in the Bible. Start new each morning with the hopes and belief that God will work in & through you to accomplish what is needed for the world to see God in you & desire to know God personally.

Praying for you just now... believing that God is at work in YOU!

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

Eternal Summer in a Grateful Heart

Many in our country just went through a crazy, cold cold-snap! And, of course, they named it... the PolarVortex. For us in central Indiana, one day the high temperature was -15 degrees. And, the windchill that day got down to -40 degrees. What a way to start out the new year! Those few days of bitter weather caused many of us to dream of summer to come.

A quote shared recently by Girlfriendology caught my eye & resonated with my heart. I immediately shared it on Facebook & added my two cents of "Perhaps the reason I can be happy no matter where I live... I am abundantly blessed!"

"There shall be eternal summer in a grateful heart." ~ Celia Thaxter

My childhood, as a "PK" - Preacher's Kid, resulted in a few more moves than are typical for "ordinary people". We moved from the state of my birth when I was about 1. We moved again when I was between kindergarten & 1st grade, in 8th grade, and the summer before my sophomore year in high school. My parents moved to a new state during my senior year of high school & allowed me to stay with a teacher and her husband to finish up that year and graduate there. I spent the following summer in a new state & then headed to another state to begin college. The summer after my grandmother's passing, I lived in yet another state with my grandfather to keep him company for those first few months. During my college years, I returned to 3 different homes in 3 different states. Since college I've lived a lot of years but, only in 2 different states. 

As for now, I'm "stuckinindiana" with the LOML, 2 young adult children & a precious "glambaby" who will turn one in a matter of days. Being "stuck" here is perfectly fine with me. We have been blessed with a wonderful support community during the years here!

I could have mourned each move so much that I sacrificed the potential joys of my new surroundings. I thank God, and my earthly father quite a bit, for showing me how to look for the positive side of things - in all circumstances. I'm grateful for my upbringing where my parents & those around me modeled thanking God for the simple things. As a child & young adult, I remember my mom often saying "bloom where you're planted." Those proved to be good words for me.

No matter where we are, there are JOYS to be seen. I love counting mine in my ONE THOUSAND GIFTS blog posts. I just started my third year doing that & love going back to see the many blessings I recorded for those years. Cherishing good memories & living a life of gratitude for (even the tiny) blessings can warm the heart - even on the coldest & most desperate of days.

May your heart continually be bathed in the warmth of gratefulness!  

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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

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.   

Winter Blues? Watch GULP

I tweet...  for Women's Ministries at Madison Park Church under the name of @MadisonPkWomen  Have you noticed, as I have, that SO much of the news today is discouraging.  I purposefully searched for a positive site for encouraging, uplifting news.  I just started following @TheGoodReport  I've not been disappointed at all.  

Since I struggle with seasonal depression, the title to their link caught my eye.  Life is a matter of perspective.  Sometimes the things that seem the most frightening and overwhelming open doors for wonderful things to happen!  


Take a look at...

Winter Blues? Watch GULP. Stop Motion Brilliance Filmed On A Beach


This year I began doing Ann Voskamp's 1000 Gifts Joy Dare.  In "naming" and listing three simple things that bring me joy each day, I'm reminded of all the GIFTS out there ready to be had -- if we will just open our eyes.  Finding joy in the simplest things can make all the difference.

Winter makes me feel tired & weak. But, I chose to be strong! As it states in Nehemiah 8:10: "And he continued, 'Go and celebrate... and share gifts... This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!'" 

Strength in Joy

Start listing 3 things which bring you JOY each day.  One of mine today just might be peanut butter toast & a glass of cold milk.  Get stronger... when you name things which bring you joy!

All I Really Need Today...

I don't want to get dressed & go anywhere today. It looks like a snow globe out of my window! I want to stay inside all by myself. I want to settle down with a nice cup of hot cocoa & listen to music or watch a mindless romantic comedy by a roaring fireplace. And, I don't really feel like making dinner for anyone (including me!).

Sometimes the simple things feel like all we really need on a given day. Other days, the simple things don't feel like enough!

 
My proclamation for today & for every day is that... HE IS ALL I NEED! God said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." Paul replied, "So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:19. I'm weak a lot -- especially in the winter months. I can take all the help I can get. Thanks God!

Paul also said in Philippians 4:19, "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."

Someone who can create a living snow globe outside of my window one day & paint a breath-taking sunset on another day, is there reminding me daily of all of his glorious riches & gifts to us. His glorious riches are abundant. All we need to do is open our eyes.

My words to God... "O Lord, let me echo YOUR Word in my heart. Let those words be played out in the story of my life!"

Some days I want to stay in but, I also know that I really need community. I know I need to be in communion with God & his bride (the church). Are you a part of a weekly worship gathering? I am. It's a commitment I've made regardless of how I actually "feel" on any given Sunday. I'm looking forward to this coming Sunday at Madison Park Church. 

What will God think? Will He find my worship sweet? As told in John 4:23-24, "if we worship Him in spirit & truth, we offer true worship - the kind for which He longs." And, I can tell you, in the winter months, if I'm going to be truthful with God, I'm going to have to admit to Him that I struggle with being out & about. But, my obedience is part of my worship. And, He always honors that.  

Worship is between YOU and God. No one can worship for you. No one else can show God what His worth to you is. But, we can't worship just on our own. God desires us to be in community... God has given us all we need and, often those needs are met through community with other children of God. 

But for the moment, I shall enjoy the quiet peaceful home... I shall sit by the fire... I shall trust in the protection of God's angels... I shall seek to know Him better in the quietness...

All of this... knowing that God will give me the nudge that I need on Sunday to meet in His house and on other days to do what He needs me to do out in His world.

And I will reflect, each day, upon the words of God shared by the Psalmist in Psalm 46:10, 
"Be still & know that I am God." 
In the winter months, I'm good at being still :)
 

(written 01/13/12)

Shared with the #1000Gifts Community with Ann Voskamp... 

Not Taking My Lights Down ANYTIME Soon!

Jesus is the Reason for the Season. I'm pretty sure you've heard that statement. I'm a firm believer that the excitement of Christ's coming to this earth is too great to celebrate in just a few weeks. I'm one of those weirdos who doesn't take the Christmas tree down on the 26th of December (or the 26th of January, for that matter). I love sitting by a lit tree in the winter months. It reminds me of the light & hope found in my life - as a result of my relationship with God. 

In the coming weeks, as you approach the beginning of a new year & as you walk into that new year, continue to think back on how the coming of Christ fulfilled centuries of prophesy & promises. Whether you put all the decorations away or not, continue to reflect upon the wonderful gift that was given to us -- in the form of a tiny baby in a manger. A gift that should be celebrated in our hearts every day. 

Some great prophesies & promises from Isaiah 9...

• 

  

  The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light:
  they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
  upon them hath the light shined
  Isaiah 9:2

  The time of darkness & despair will not go on forever... there will be a time in the future filled with glory... (vs. 1)
• The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.. for those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine... (vs. 2)
• Yokes of slavery & heavy burdens will be lifted... (vs. 4)
• A child shall be born to us... the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
• His government & its peace will never end... He'll rule with fairness & justice for all eternity... The passionate, commitment of the LORD of Heaven's Armies will make this happen... (vs. 7)

Don't let the light, love & peace that come from Christ be diminished by the circumstances in your life OR by the changing of the seasons. His light, His love & His peace are freely available each day of the year!

Merry Christmas Friends!  May God's Light Shine Down & Illuminate Your Path!

(written 12/16/11)

Read No Further If You Can't Answer Yes...

NOTE: If you can't answer YES to at least 7 of the 10 questions posed on those television advertisements about depression... you probably won't get this post.

If I've learned nothing else from life, I've learned that quite often we don't understand how something feels until we've gone through it ourselves. Even then, the way one thing affects one person can greatly differ from how it affects another. A particular area where I've seen this proven painfully true is with emotional & mental issues - such as depression. Most people who've not experienced depression have NO CLUE what it's really like. There are a lot of misconceptions among those who haven't experienced it.

I've not hidden it. I struggle with depression and have struggled with thoughts of suicide. After moving from the sunny south to the Mid-West, it got much worse as winter approached & settled in. For me, it's not the "poor, pitiful me" depression." I'd describe it as almost "an inability to DO." Things that others do without batting an eye, often cause me to feel overwhelmed & screech to a halt. I was brought up by a mom who was brought up to believe that Christians are not depressed. I tried to adopt that belief for about 25 years. I'm confident that I've done about all I can humanly do... medical consultation, professional help, accountability partners, prayer, diet, exercise, etc.  

The other day I was going from one thing to another & feeling a bit overwhelmed by what would be mundane for most people. I asked God: 

"Am I just not going to get to enjoy some things here on this earth?"  

And, to be honest, I wasn't really expecting or desiring an immediate response. But, almost as soon as my spirit voiced the question, my spirit heard Him say, 

"My child, that's right. Some things you will never get to enjoy on earth... because it opens the door for better things to be possible in My BIG plan."  

It, seriously, was like I heard His voice. But, not only did I hear Him, I got it! Why should any of us expect to have it all here on earth? We've never been told by our Heavenly Father we could have it ALL... just that we will always have what we NEED. 

I have two dear friends who are living their lives joyfully - one has been blind since birth  and one has been paralyzed from her shoulders down since her senior year in high school. What they face is huge - wouldn't you say!  I wonder, do they think about dying? Do they wonder if they can really make a difference here on this earth? Are they okay with what is "their world" now? Do they understand how their approach to life has blessed so many people around them? 

I'm not necessarily thrilled about it but, God has assured me that my struggles are a part of His big plan. They help me see another side of things that draw me close to others who need encouragement & understanding. I'm cool with it - although not always thrilled with it. I believe that the dark threads in the tapestry of my life are enhancing the light threads in the tapestry that God is weaving -- all due to the peaceful, willing submission to His will & way.

photo taken by T. Getz

Many things that I face in life & that my friends face in life help me to better understand & embrace the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:18: 

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 

In everything, YES EVERYTHING, I can find something for which to give thanks... knowing that God will work in & through everything that happens!