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
Thank you for these prayerful Bible quotations. Best wishes for Thursday and beyond.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Scripture breathes life and truth and hope into our souls, doesn't it ...
DeleteMy late father had a collection of books from the same set as the red books in your photo. I can't remember which ones he had right now. They are at my mum's house.
ReplyDeleteOh that makes me smile. They are my late Dad's series written by Winston Churchill. They're one of my favorite things that were his.
DeleteAlong with a black plaid fleece robe that I'm wearing even as we speak.
I think he'd find that amusing ...
Wonderful scripture and image pairings, my friend! Perfect to view with a cuppa in one hand, snuggled up with a warm blanket! Blessings on your Sabbath, Linda!
ReplyDeleteWell, if they're paired it must be a God moment, ya' know? Just random placement ... but it's always a grace when you find out He was at work all along.
DeleteThanks, June. And you're right, it IS time for a hot cup of tea!
;-}
I love seeing the snapshots of your life, Linda. Helps me to feel like I'm your actual neighbor--and not just in cyberspace! Oh and Chick-fil-a makes me happy! So glad you included a shot of that. Well, that and the shot of (is that) Tim with his cup of coffee and open Bible? Nothing better than that!
ReplyDeleteI'll be back on Thursday to see what everyone is saying. I've got the book and need to read chapter 2, but I'm really looking forward to this. I've never done a book club online before. So exciting!
Yes, that is Tim reading. And yes, he is far more steady and faithful in reading through God's Word than I am. I especially admire him because he wouldn't casually choose to pick up book if he had his choice.
DeleteA hammer, maybe ...
Can't wait for your input on Thursday, Beth! I haven't done a book club / open house online either. Sounds like I'm in very good company.
I'm such a visual person, photographs always speak to me, Linda. Irnoically, before I opened this email I pulled out two old quilts I've carried around for years, neither in good condition. One is the Sun Bonnet pattern like one in your top photo. The texture draws me in too. Lovely to pair sacred words with sacred moments.
ReplyDeleteOh I adore old quilts, Debby! These were hanging in a wonderful little shop in Plymouth, Massachusetts. I couldn't resist taking a picture to remember them by.
DeleteI'd love to see what gems you're pulling out of storage ... no better time of year to do so!
;-}
The photos so soothed my soul, and the Scriptures you featured here are some of my favorites, Linda. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the reminder that we are starting the book open house this week. Where has January gone?
Blessings to you!
At the risk of being a pest, I wanted to keep sharing this little reminder ... not everybody {anybody!} reads every post and I want the welcome mat to be out front and center.
DeleteSee you then, friend ...
Such beauty! God’s word paired with beautiful pictures is the best mid-winter balm for your soul.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Mary. Our souls so easily seem parched, dry during this time of year ...
DeleteYes, my friend, I'll see you Thursday AND based on your post and mine today...we are indeed tracking along similar lines!!❤️
ReplyDeleteI love when that happens, Pam.
DeleteReading your post was such an encouragement that we're heading in the right direction with this emphasis on solitude and silence leading us to a deeper relationship with Christ.
I love these meaningful photos and comforting verses, Linda. It's easy to forget those simple pleasures of life, especially in the midst of a dreary winter. With you, I am trying to "choose open eyes and receptive hearts to spy and claim His loving activity." :) Love and hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking gratitude over our simplest of tasks breathes life, purpose, and joy into an otherwise humdrum day, doesn't it ...
DeleteWhat a neat invite, Linda. Thank you. This sounds like an incredible opportunity and a keeper of a book. Who knows? I might just poke my head in once or twice. ;-)
ReplyDeletePlease do! I'd love to have you drop in when you can, Kristi!
Delete;-}
Just outstanding and I must go back and re-read it all again! Your photos are amazing along with the very appropriate Bible verses.
ReplyDelete{via email}
Well, thanks! I didn't match the pictures and the Scriptures with each other, they just ended up where they landed.
DeleteI'm trusting that maybe God cares enough about what happens here that He arranged it just so?
;-}
Nice combination of verses and photos! January is usually kind of a doldrums month for me, after all the lights and glitter from Christmas are taken down and the skies are more overcast and it's so cold I just want to hibernate. But except for a couple of days, it hasn't been a bad month. Maybe I've just been too busy to think to much about it, ha!
ReplyDeleteI hear you about the winter months, Barbara. February can be a tough one for me ... it seems like winter . will . go . on . forever!
DeleteThat's when blogging can be such a grace, such a gift to us and each other.
Hang in there, girl!
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteYou know I love the food and drink photos! :) The snow? Not so much! But I imagine it's probably beautiful where you are, though! :) I like how you coordinated the photos and scriptures to make it such a pleasure to scroll through!
I love the idea of your book club and am so glad I'm a subscriber to enjoy your posts, even though I don't think I can actively participate in this busy season I find myself in (but that's a probably a better reason to take part in your study, isn't it?!) Sending much love to you! xoxo
You KNOW I'm a big fan of your photos {and your writing and you!} I'm guessing that Florida is pretty fabulous right about now.
DeletePlease come and go as you can, Valerie. I know you'd add much to any conversation that emerges.
Grace ...
So many favorite scriptures, Linda ... and those pictures! I especially love the ones of the kids scootering and biking on the snow-packed road. :-) I think you're right, my friend ... we ARE on the same page this week.
ReplyDeleteSometimes y'all just have to get out of the house, ya' know? And that was one day where it paid off. I felt like a new person getting some fresh air ... and it was just plain fun with the kids ... even if we did have more than one fall on the ice.
Delete;-}
Your blog posts are always so uplifting and grounded in solid truths. I need to follow more blogs like yours.. I think you need to have a "blogs I recommend" roundup soon... - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
ReplyDeleteGingi, thanks for letting me know that you find something uplifting here. I'm so grateful to do community with you.
Delete;-}
I hear what you're saying about recommended blogs ... sounds like a plan! I'll keep you posted, ok?
Hugs for the babies ...
Thank you for sharing those verses with me. I instantly feel calmer after reading them.
ReplyDeleteOh Stacie, that makes me smile! I'm so glad you found us this morning ...
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