Christian – Long walks and dark chocolate

November 24, 2015 5 Comments

found on picturequotes.com

On a day like today, I want to be able to elaborate on my sentimental thoughts about Thanksgiving and the coming season; I want to watch romantic Christmas movies and bake. My post should surely be all warm and encouraging. I want to be writing things about the cool breeze and the scent of spices and cinnamon in my house, about using my new Kitchen-aid appliance and about the anticipation of family gathered around the table on Thursday.

But the truth is, I just can’t today. My heart is overwhelmed and I’m teetering on the brink of a major downpour of tears. I have two friends going through major surgery, other friends who lost family members this week, and yet others battling cancer. I could go on and on but you get my point and that isn’t even to mention the chaos all around us.

What’s a girl to do? I can sit here and let myself get tossed to and fro and feel my stress level begin to rise. I can succumb to despair and panic or get angry or dismayed. OR, I can lead myself to the Rock that is higher than I.

Always, but especially in times like these, on days like this, God is my Rock and my Fortress, my Strong tower and my Deliver, my Healer and my Sanity, Lover of my soul and a God who is moved with compassion. Where do I put my trust? I place it exclusively in Him because ALL others have failed me at times.

So, I will cast all of my cares upon Him, who can bear it all and trust Him for all outcomes. I will leave my problems at the foot of the cross and not pick them back up again. For I know, in the midst of trials, storms, and seemingly immovable mountains, my God is still in control.

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on 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 40:28-31

Next season please

February 7, 2013 2 Comments

To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die;

A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal;

A time to break down and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to gain, and a time to lose;

A time to keep, and a time to throw away;

A time to tear, and a time to sew;

A time to keep silence and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate;

A time of war, and a time of peace. Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

I’ve been thinking a lot about seasons this week. It’s so funny how they do parallel our lives. The bible even says to everything there is a season.

When I’m asked what my favorite season is, I often say fall and winter. I think this has always been due to the accompanying holidays and knowing I’ll be spending quality time with family and friends.

However, after contemplating it more carefully, I have realized that my favorite season is the one that’s around the corner. The one that isn’t quite here yet, the one I’m currently longing for.

Take right now, for instance. We’ve had our fill of winter (some more than others, depending on our locale); the cold, dreariness, the bare trees and raggedly looking lawns and landscapes. We are ready for spring. We desire something new; the flowers, the birdsong, a change in the weather, some refreshing showers.

I remember at the end of last summer, I was dreamily desiring the arrival of fall. I could almost taste the fall flavors of pumpkin and apple cider and smell the cinnamon and feel the slight dip in temperature. In my mind were visions of scarecrows and carvings and leaves turning and descending to the earth. It was something to look forward to and thinking about it filled me with anticipation.

When the temperatures began to drop and I began my Christmas shopping, I was already giddy with excitement for winter and the hopes of seeing snow (if I traveled out of my home state). Bring on the sweaters and scarves and boots. The love of Christmas and thoughts of enjoying more time with those I care about made me anxious for this glorious season.

And around it goes, year after year, season after season. I guess the old saying is true, “we always want what we don’t have”. We eagerly anticipate the next chapter, the next season.

It’s like our Creator to know this would suit us; the changing. We change; our lives are lived out in seasons. Our short lived attention spans and longing for more is somewhat satiated by the change in seasons.

So on this last day of winter, I say, bring on the spring! May yours be filled with a spring in your step, March madness and April showers, Easter and excitement over things to come and abundant love, joy and peace!