Back in June of 2017, I wrote a post about Water(link). This post grew out of walking along the The Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. Since this post, I have spent so much time in on the water, but tonight as I looked out at this sunset near Cedar Key, Florida. I was flooded with the peacefulness of water in God’s creation.
Sunset on the Water
Sunsets are my favorite, but whether it is sunset or sunrise over the water it always takes my breath away. This evening in Cedar Key was no different, but tonight my thoughts drifted to God’s creation. The beauty of the water rippling under the sunset is a perfect example of why I believe there is a God. Romans 1:20 reminds us that God has left no doubt in why we should believe in Him, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” Man is without excuse, yet today we busy ourselves with the hustle and bustle that allows our lives to slip through our fingers and then is gone. Did we see God? Did we find God? Did we stop and smell the flowers? Watch Sunsets? Listen to the Water? In a blink it is all gone. So stop and listen to God. Proverbs 3:6 reassures us, ” In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Sunset Challenge
If you are reading this my challenge to you is to stop reading now. Pray. And start looking beyond your day to day life and what you normally see and search for God in your surroundings. Look deeper into the Water.
Closing Verse: “ O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1
Challenge: Find God in his creation ~ Don’t Miss Out!
Today, I sit and wait on Florence to arrive at my home. She has ravaged the NC coastline and kept me in the dark for days about my daughters well-being. Today, though, I received good news for a change. All is well where she is and her home is still standing with minimal damage. Praise God! Watching the rain and wind now brings me little anxiety as compared to the past few days. God has answered prayer. “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24. As I praised God this morning, I just felt this song in my heart. I needed to hear it and sing it. The emotions of the last few days are wrapped up in these words by Ryan Stevenson.
When the solid ground is falling out
From underneath my feet
Between the black skies and my red eyes
I can barely see
When I realize I’ve been let down by my friends and my family
I can hear the rain reminding me
In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds, me in the eye of the storm
I know that as I watched, waited, and cried these last few days, God was with me and he comforted me and cared for me. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4. He loved me like no one could in such circumstances. He was my rock and anchor when I felt like everything was out of control. He provided my solid ground.
Faith in the midst of the Storm
This past week when I felt out of control and helpless, it was my faith that kept me going through the storm. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. Walking in my faith has been the strength God has provided as I waited and waited for word of the storms impact.
When my hopes and dreams are far from me
And I’m running out of faith
I see the future I pictured slowly fade away
And when the tears of pain and heartache are pouring down my face
I find my peace in Jesus’ name
In the eye of the storm, You remain in control In the middle of the war, You guard my soul You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm
Faith is all that can bring peace in the midst of storms in life. Whether the storm is real or just storms of life the only peace can be found in faith. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1. Guard your soul with the word of God.
Trust in the Lord
So this storm has taught me to trust more in the Lord. To give my worries to him and stand in his strength and faith. He is my protector. “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:4. I will hid under his wings through the storm.
When they let me go and I just don’t know
How I’m gonna make ends meet
I did my best
Now I’m scared to death
That we might lose everything
And when a sickness takes my child away
And there’s nothing I can do
My only hope is to trust You
I trust You LORD
In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm
In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me in the eye of the storm
Closing Verse: “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16.
Challenge: Find refuge and peace in the eye of the storm under your Father’s wings where peace and faith live.
I have spent the last few weeks tasting a different type of living in God’s Creation. This experience has prompted me back to the beginning and to the scriptures of Genesis 1. As I study the scriptures again of how this world came to be, I think back to the memories I have from the past few weeks and the surreal and deep experience with all of God’s creation. Genesis 1 begins with light, so I will begin there as well.
Light
God speaks of the light he created twice in Genesis 1. First he spoke of light that became the first day in Genesis 1: 1-5,
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.
5God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
Sunrise
Sunset
The second time light is found in the scripture of God’s creation was on the fourth day where the sun and the moon specifically are mentioned in scripture in Genesis 1:14-19,
14And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years,
15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so.
16 And God made the two great lights–the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night–and the stars.
17 And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth,
18 to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.
19 And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
Sunrise
Sunset
I have always loved to watch the sunset and watching the sunset is never more beautiful than over the water. I was able to experience the rising of the sun and the setting of the sun over the water for about 6 days. Each morning started with the sun peeking up over the horizon and ended as it drifted down below the water. These are moments of great beauty. Watching these events with only the rippling of the water, splashing of the fish, and songs of the birds is almost breathtaking. Words nor pictures can explain how you feel when you leave the hectic pace and disconnect yourself from it all except the beauty of his creation surrounding you. The stars of the night are spectacular, sparkling and infinite. God’s light will mean so much more as I watch it rise and set moving forward.
Water
Genesis 1: 6-8,
6 And God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.”
7 And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so.
8 And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.
Oh how I love water. Sitting and watching the water move, waves roll, ripples on a lake or deep in the Gulf, all are music to my ears. The sound is soothing and mesmerizing. I find my peace by the water. There is nothing more beautiful than watching the sunset with the crashing waves as the music. There is something magical in God’s creation of the expanses of water for me and I am thankful that he chose to create such beauty for me to listen to, watch, and swim in. This is my happy place and one I long for each time I am away.
Land
Genesis 1: 9-13,
9 And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so.
10 God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.
11 And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so.
12 The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.
Just as water was so important in God’s creation, so was the beauty of the land he created. Maybe I viewed most it from the water, but finding the nature and beauty of God’s hand can be moments when you can find no words to say. Even those standing around me just stood in awe and watched it pass. What a masterpiece he has created? I long to enjoy even more of his handiwork.
Creatures of the Sea
Genesis 1: 20-23,
20 And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.”
21 So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”
23And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.
While cruising through the water and God’ creation the sea creatures and the birds of the air become your constant companions. Osprey and sea gulls, and then a few unknown birds I need to look up. Each spread their wings and share their sounds as they show their curiosity of us in their space. The dolphins in the sea were constant companions either riding the bow of the boat or greeting us each evening as we set the anchor. Their curiosity was even more than the birds and we knew we were safe as we traveled and saw our daily dolphin dose. I could not get enough of the dolphins!
Creatures of the Land
Genesis 1: 24-25,
24 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds–livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so.
25 And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
Although this journey did not bring many creatures from the land our way, that we saw anyway. It does not mean that we did not appreciate the environments we saw which we knew were full of God’s creatures of the land. We do choose to spend each day with a little dog named Harley which I share just a bit with my readers each week. She is my constant reminder that God made such companions for man.
Man
Genesis 1: 26-31,
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.
30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.
31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Sharing such an experience with my husband and good friends leave no words. Thank you God for creating me and giving me this opportunity to see your creation up close. I am hungry for more.
Closing Verse:
Colossians 1:16, For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
Challenge:
Chase your rainbow, I can promise you that you will not have any regrets.
Lesson #1: Ok, I said there would be a guest post, but as new cruisers we have learned a lesson we should have already known. Don’t boat on a schedule, so our planned four day trip from St. Petersburg, Florida to Mobile, Alabama took seven days. Therefore our new blog site does not have a post ready yet, but now that we have stopped I will be able to spend some time reflecting on the last seven days. Take your time because there is a time to hurry and sometimes there is a time to be patient and cruising in a boat is a patient time. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1.
Lesson #2: Prepare for the worst. “But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”” Luke 21:36. Yes, we learned a lesson the hard way one night and did not prepare and protect ourselves as we should have, but God was there and help us through the storm, literally, and provided us the wisdom that only he can provide. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5.
Lesson #3: Have a good anchor. All I can say is that our anchor is pretty special to us after this first voyage. I have thought often of all she has held us through over the last seven days. I look at her and see her as a metaphor of Christ. Christ is our rock and he holds us close to him and protects us from evil. That is what our anchor did she held us close and protected us. “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,” Hebrews 6:19.
So I will try again next week to share our new traveling blog and our first passage. Stay tuned for more lessons and all the fun!
Closing Verse: “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:14.
Challenge: Make Christ your anchor and live life today!
Today is a weird day not because it is my birthday but because it is my 50th birthday. Wow, I can remember as a child thinking “50” was really old, but it really does not feel that old now that I have arrived. Actually, I might like it! My daughter told me just yesterday that i don’t look “50” and how happy she is that her dad and I are seeking our dreams earlier in life rather than later.
So with a cold beer, I sit on the back of our new home on my 50th birthday seeking my dream. I pause to stare down the seagull that has dropped by to challenge me for my sandwich. He is a daily visitor to the pole behind our boat. Although, he is pesky, I stop and look up close at him and he is a reminder me of all the delicate workings in God’s creation. All the simple things I long to see. “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?’ Matthew 6:26.
God’s Creation
In the evenings we watch the osprey drive into the water for dinner. Just a few days ago one sat fishing off the boat next to us without a care in the world. He watched us but was not alarmed by us. Watching his majestic body work and move is just an awesome site and another piece of this world I long to have the time to just sit and watch like I did that day. The feeling of being awe struck as our eyes met each other. God’s handiwork is exquisite. “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31.
I have seen dolphins, manatees, tarpon, and rays from this seat. Now, I am ready for a bigger adventure and a deeper discovery of God’s world. Yes, I am turning “50” and it makes me a little queasy because my body is getting older and I feel it, but reaching this birthday was a marker for me of what is to come – what God has planned. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11.
Closing Verse: “Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Challenge: Seek God Now!
Next week, I will share an entry from from a new blog. A sneak peak at the adventure my husband and I are seeking together. You will find that post here so stay tuned.
A new journey will soon begin in our lives, one where we are deeply seeking to leave the fast paced world behind us and seek a slower life where we can connect with God’s beautiful creation on a daily basis. We are both excited and nervous about what the future holds. Yet, we know that God wants us to want less and seek him more. So, we are on a mission to have and need less in our lives. (FYI- Everything is for sale). The next phase of our lives will be to let more of the worldly things go and seek God in his creation. “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” 1 Colossians 1:16.
Why?
Why? Some people do ask us about our decision to explore God’s world. We feel a deep calling to let the hustle and bustle of this world go and seek the beauty while we are able. There will always be time to work and we will continue to world remotely as we can, but we know that this is the time for us to go. We have watched God work over the past several months to ensure our decision is the right one. We have followed the path God laid before us when we were young and we have been blessed. Our careers have been fulfilling, our children are grown and independent and moving on with their lives. We are proud of the young women they have become and their hearts for the Lord. We have followed the path God laid before us so long ago when we met back in 1986. “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’” Acts 2:28.
Peaceful/Slower Life
Today we feel a calling to a more peaceful life where we are in control of our destiny and day to day life. Where we can seek the peace of God more diligently each and every day. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Although, we have made the decision to this by traveling either by water or land, each of us can slow down and live a life that is more focused on God and less on the worldly things of this world. Dive into prayer and seek your Father. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.
Closing Verse: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.
Challenge: Seek a slower more peaceful life and don’t miss out on God each and every day.
Harley is a beggar because she is so afraid of missing a meal. We have cared for her for 9 years now, yet each morning and afternoon she prepares to remind us to feed her. Harley lives with the constant fear that she will not be fed, and no matter what I don’t think I will ever ease this fear. Watching her fear and anxiety is a strong reminder that I need to believe that my Father in heaven will care for me and not be fearful of the future. He will provide for my needs. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4.
I experienced another example of fear this past week, and I am not sure who was more fearful the baby bluebirds, the babies parents, or me! I came home from work to find our bluebird house on the ground practically upside down. Apparently, one of the men mowing our yard hit the fence and caused the house to fall. I knew baby birds had recently hatched because the Mommy and Daddy bluebirds had been working non-stop to feed their young. “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26.
Caring
My husband found me in tears and jumped into action. His caring not just for me but the babies was touching and appreciated as I struggled not to just fall apart. His love for both reminded me of my Father who cares for me like the birds of the air. ” He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry.” Psalm 147:9
After he put the house back up and even checked and knew the babies were alive, he consoled me while sharing the reality that the mom and dad might abandon the nest. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13: 34-35.
Praying and Singing
I watch the rest of the evening only to see no activity. I laid in bed that night thinking about the babies in the nest and knew that sometimes this is the cycle of life, but how lonely and frightened the little ones must be. I prayed for the Lord to care for the babies. ” “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.
The next morning sitting on the back patio sipping my first cup of coffee, momma bluebird arrives to feed her babies. Soon daddy bluebird follows and the chirping fills my heart. All is right with the world again. “Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches. ” Psalm 104:12.
Spread Your Wings
Two days later – early in the morning mommy and daddy bluebird are still hard at work, and the chirping is growing louder and stronger. I know that they will soon be spreading their wings to fly. “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31.
I will be sad to see the babies go but happy that more bluebirds will soon fly and sing upon our earth.
Closing Verse: “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.
Challenge: Live your life knowing that God is in charge and will care for you just as he does the birds of the air.
#WatchGod
Another week and I continue to see smiles across the face of the person I am praying for daily. I know that life is not great at times, but I can see areas where happiness and success are claiming her life. Praise God!
The week after Easter this year is my Spring Break, and my husband and I were able to take a few days and enjoy the warm Florida sunshine and gulf coast beaches. This is one of my happy places. The best part is watching the sunset. As the sun descents down into the gulf waters the colors and sites are like no other and I am sure there is a God. “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11. God shares beautiful sunsets to remind me of his majestic presences so I have no excuse but to turn my heart and mind back to relationship with him. “On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.” Psalms 145:5
Knowing God Through a Sunset
“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” Romans 1: 19-20
Just as I watch the beauty of a sunset and am reminded of God, I am also reminded of his creation of the light out of darkness. His handiwork not mine is what I see in nature and in my own life. “When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,” Proverbs 8:27.
I think if I am really honest the sunset does remind me of life and its shortness. The sun will set. The end will come. I hope that I have left behind happiness and not strife. This is my reminder when I see the sunset. I am not promised tomorrow. “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Proverbs 27:1. Carpe Diem – Seize the Day! Live for Christ today not tomorrow because we do not know what tomorrow brings.
Anger and Sunsets
The reminder of how short life is comes this scripture that also reminds me to not hold onto grudges and anger – from Ephesians 4: 26-27, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Just one more reminder that sunset could be our last one so do not leave anything undone. Do not let your angry and the devil win. Make amends with others before the sunsets. Live a life of Psalms 103:8, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
Closing Verse: “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!” Psalm 113:3 Challenge: Prepare for the Sunset.
Recently, while hanging out with friends and having some life conversations that lead to one discussion about what is one thing that could make our life better right now, and second what are the security blankets that keep us from really reaching for our dreams and making our life better. While eating wings, watching some football and having this discussion my friend turned and said this may be your next post… and so here I am exploring the path of God’s plan for me and how I hold onto my security blanket that can hinder God’s plan for my life. My challenge to you as you continue to read is to think about what your security blanket is? What hinders you from living out God’s plan for your life.
Security Blankets
Everyone remembers Linus in the Charlie Brown comic series. He carries his blanket without fail everywhere he goes. He doesn’t believe that he can do anything without the blanket. Many times it appears the blanket gets in the way of what Linus wants to do but without fail he will only continue on within the safety of his blanket in tow. When this question was asked in the conversation, I knew my security blanket was the safety of my hometown, where I have always lived, and my career. Over the years I have enjoyed lots of adventures in my life, but my desire to live a daily adventure, although great, is hindered by the safety of home. I need to make my home within the Lord like Psalm 16:8 reads, “I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”
Drop the Blanket
Over the Christmas holidays, I read an article about the only time Linus drops his security blanket is in A Charlie Brown Christmas when he begins to tell the Christmas Story and the real meaning of Christmas with these words, ‘And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”, Luke 2:10-11. Linus found God’s security in his word – “Fear Not” and he no longer needed to hold the blanket. I hear God’s word calling me to “Fear Not” and take the steps to release my security blanket and “Live Life”. “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14. Go and find the beauty of his world, and explore the handiwork of his hands. “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17. Go and watch the dolphins jump and the sun set over the water. Go and listen to the waves crash and smell the sand and salt. Go and experience the simple and slower life that I hear him calling me towards. I will need to seek God’s strength to drop the blanket. The strength found in 1 Chronicles 16:11, “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
Fear Not
I must walk in the words that Linus spoke when he dropped his blanket, “Fear Not, and know that God is with me. As I open my eyes to my security blanket and seek the strength of the Lord to fulfill my life and allow me to let go and enjoy! Psalm 34:4 encourages me to seek the Lord, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” I have to unwrap myself from my blanket in order to feel the freedom that Christ can provide for my future. I seek the freedom of John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Closing Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Challenge: Find your blanket and let It go.
Charlie Brown pictures are courtesy of pixabay.com
This week my world is coved in snow and the world seems to slow down. I sit and sip a cup of coffee and watch the snowflakes fall and for a brief time, I don’t worry about anything but just stop and enjoy God’s beauty. “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”Revelation 4:11. Sitting at home enjoying these few days of the world slowing down just makes me want this simple slower life even more. I sense a connection to the beauty of God’s creation and this simpler life. “Your eyes will behold the king in his beauty; they will see a land that stretches afar.” Isaiah 33:17.
Recipe for Simple Life
This photo was posted on Facebook this week on Kitchen Crafty Fun’s page – just after my husband and I had a discussion about living a simple life at a much slower pace and the overall health benefits (multiple articles available online). Then he found this list. As I look at this list and how I can apply more of these ideas to my life, I realize how I am missing the important things in my life. Just reading over this list, I realize how the simple things in life is all I need to get right. Reading the list below has me thinking that my job as much I love it, is not what is important in life. What is important is how I choose to live each moment. How can I look for the good and live simply to find the happiness that not only I desire, but that God desires for me? How can I put the old away and adorn myself with a new outlook on life. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Desires of My Heart
What are the desires of my heart? Just looking at the list above. I want to:
Admit my mistakes, and not blame others
Give more away!!!
Serve others and no one needs to know
Listen more
Don’t make excuses, Don’t argue, Be kind
Take time for myself
Learn from the past, plan for the future, but live in the present
Don’t sweat the small stuff
Seem like all of these work together to make life happier, easier, and simpler. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”, Romans 8:28. These are my heart’s desires. It is not too late to make this simple resolution for the new year that can make your life just better overall. What does your heart desire?
Closing Verse: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4.
Challenge: Reflect on your life and what you really want from it. What does your heart desire?
Allie's Way 