I Like Comfort Zones #write31days 10-16-16

I have to admit... I like my comfort zones. It's easy for me to settle into a normal pattern or routine and feel safe and in control. But, often in those familiar settings, I stop stretching, learning and growing. I focus so much on what is directly in front of me that I don't glance ahead to see if there are new experiences or opportunities to grab.

We have been living in, what I feel is, an uncomfortable zone in the past 6+ months.

#JoyDare No. 2863. Feeling at Home

"HOME is where the HEART is" The best thing to me about that statement is that God creates us with big enough hearts that we can feel at home almost anywhere knowing & recognizing that our heart belongs to Him - the loving creator of people, places & things... far & near :)

The 8 weeks in Chautauqua was just one more reminder that I can feel at home wherever I allow myself to feel at home. I was away from my home, my family, my church, my friends, my cornfields...

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.