Hey Friends ~
Let's talk about what's saving our lives here in this bleak mid-winter season.
For even when all around seems gray and dark and stormy, God is still very much alive and well and working right in the midst of our mundane tasks, the ongoing routines, our random comings and goings. We only need to choose open eyes and receptive hearts to spy and claim His loving activity, His daily graces ... most especially in the dreary doldrums and unbidden surprises and turns of events that greatly unsettle us deep within.
It's been encouraging to pull together these favorite mid-winter snapshots and Scriptures that the Spirit has steadily brought to mind in recent days. I am grateful for those tenderest of mercies that sparkle new every single morning.
And at the end of the post, there's an invitation on the table that I hope you'll say 'yes!' to ...
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Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
{Joshua 1:9}
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
{John 14:27}
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us ...
{Psalm 46:10 - 11}
'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'
{Jeremiah 29:11}
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
{Psalm 139:11}
So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
{2 Corinthians 5:9}
But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in Your hands ... Let Your face shine on Your servant.
{Psalm 31:14 - 16}
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory ...
{Ephesians 3:20}
Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You.
{Jeremiah 32:17}
For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and a sound mind.
{2 Timothy 1:7}
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit ...
{Psalm 103:2 - 4}
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
{Isaiah 41:10}
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Our 6 week Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence Book Club / Open House begins this Thursday, February 1st. We'll be discussing the first 2 chapters of the book, Beyond Words and Beginnings.
Here's why Ruth Haley Barton's book is my favorite all-time read. And there's why I'm envisioning this gathering as an open house, not simply a book club.
Many of you have told me you'll be actively reading and participating ... and a number of you have written that even though you won't be reading you'll be right there at the table with the rest of us. Your enthusiasm floats my boat, friends!
The book is only about 140 pages, but you don't have to read it to join us. You don't have to sign up or commit or tell me you're coming. You participate by leaving comments just like you do on any blog post. And you can join the discussion at any time ... not just on Thursdays.
Or you can quietly tip toe by and simply soak it all in. Whatever works with you is fine with me.
It's not too late to grab your hardcover of Invitation to Solitude and Silence here OR your Kindle edition there.
Or you can quietly tip toe by and simply soak it all in. Whatever works with you is fine with me.
It's not too late to grab your hardcover of Invitation to Solitude and Silence here OR your Kindle edition there.
No pressure at all. There's no pass or fail. Just come as you are. The welcome mat is out. But be sure to subscribe before you head off so you won't miss any of the 6 gatherings, ok?!
See you on Thursday ... {UPDATE - the post is up - click here!}
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i'll be dropping by at
