Good cloudy Saturday morning to you!
I was going to run around town doing errands with Tim, but the blazing fireside is calling my name and seemed infinitely more attractive today than visiting the dump and picking up library books that await in the cold, vacant lobby of said building ... and even grabbing a hot chocolate with whipped cream from DD.
So, ensconced in my flannel ensemble, nightgown and robe, with feet stretched toward the fire, I'm quickly tapping away with a focus on a bit of randomness.
Because the 4th Saturday of each month is 4 Somethings over at Heather's. And today's the day.
Something Loved
The fireplace has been here since the house was built yet has never been used. My dream came true a few weeks ago when we finally installed a gas insert that magically allowed that hollow of brick to come alive. I've been sitting right next to it more hours than not since then. I couldn't be more content, more calmed, more reflective than right now.
Instead of laying around watching mindless TV in the evenings, we're sitting face to face as we toast our feet, reading, figuring out life, surfing online, or just quietly biding our time together.
Sheer bliss.
Something Read
'In some ways, I was attached to things of my past because I thought it was a way to hold on to relationships. When I saved things from a relationship, it was either because something in the relationship was unresolved that I hoped to fix in the future or because the relationship had been so good that I didn't think I'd be lucky enough to ever have that goodness again. I thought I could save the relationships by stuffing them in a box.
How many relationships are you storing in your attic, garage, or under your bed? Love doesn't flourish in those hidden spaces.'
- Courtney Carver, Soul Simplicity: How Living With Less Can Lead To So Much More
Something Treasured
I spent this week on Zoom, counseling women in ministry around the world. I haven't fully processed this experience so I'm not able to begin to find the words to tell you how these 1 - 1 conversations have impacted me as a counselor, as a woman, as a human being living through Covid.
From Burundi to Mexico, Albania and Germany and Kenya, Peru to Uganda, young and older, these godly, intelligent, perceptive workers shared their stories, heartaches, and challenges with me in 60 minute sessions. I'll probably never connect with these valiant servants of Christ again, but listening to their hearts and holding space for their experiences has left a distinct imprint on my own soul.
I'm grateful to have connected with Thrive Ministry in a very round about it-had-to-be-God way, and thankful to have played a small part in their online Gather 2021 Retreat.
And beyond delighted that I somehow was able to navigate Zoom!
Something Ahead
Ferreting out the illusive Covid vaccine somewhere without having to travel an hour +. Worshiping outdoors before too long. Figuring out how to celebrate our 45th, somehow, somewhere. Reading Scripture aloud in the mornings while still in bed. Seeing our kids in June. Spending all of 30 minutes with my Mom on her 91st birthday. Sitting by the fire with the next must-be-read volume. Continuing the women's support group. A leisurely brunch with friends at Grumpy's tomorrow.
God is good ~
Linda
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Nothing like cozying up to a fireplace on a frigid day, Linda - it's a slice of heaven, isn't it? Sounds like you've been having a productive and rewarding month, even in the midst of the Covid mess. I'm surprised you haven't been able to secure a vaccine yet, and hope that will happen soon for you. My second dose will be administered on March 5. Can't wait!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Martha, hi!
DeleteYeah, the vaccine has been as rare as hen's teeth out here on the Cape. We're not interested in trekking up to Boston and in recent days the word on the street is that the pleas of older Cape Codders are being heeded ... and the promise is of more vaccines to come.
Trusting God in it all. He knows what's best ...
The fireplace looks delightful and I couldn’t remember you having a working fireplace. After you explained the gas insert, I realized why I never enjoyed that warmth. Of course, my visits are always in summer so who needs a fireplace in 90 degree weather. Enjoy the flickering, calming effect of fire.
ReplyDeleteSilver lining for you: COVID and Zoom opened up this wonderful experience of counseling women so far away. Praise God for His connections. How exciting to be used so vastly.
I wish you could be here with me today, Carol, listening to the rain, the stillness, and enjoying the fire's calming warmth.
DeleteSilver lining is a perfect phrase for what God is doing in our lives during this endless season if we have eyes to see and expectant hearts. I'm encouraging others as well as myself to be like Nancy Drew and search high and low for the gains instead of being absorbed by the losses.
He is with us.
Enjoyed reading your four somethings. A fire gives such a focal point to a room and changes the ambience, so glad you are relaxing in the warmth. And so interesting to hear of your Zoom ministry, reaching out across the world - seeing the possibilities and not the restrictions!
ReplyDeleteSharon, yes! I love how you put it, 'seeing the possibilities and not the restrictions.'
DeleteAfter a year of pandemic, we've just gotta claim this mantra. God is inviting us all to something more ... and no global crisis can thwart His call!
Thanks for sharing that phrase ... it really sparked something in me.
Hi Linda! Well, we don't have a fireplace. I don't flannel anything. Our weather, after last week's record snowfall, has turned absolutely gorgeous the past couple of days. Most of the snow is gone except in parking lots where it was stacked high. The sun has been shining brightly and is right now. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to be out riding due to the recent surgery. Otherwise, I know exactly where I would be!! Glad you were able to enjoy the lazy day and find solace. Good way to recharge.
ReplyDelete'I don't flannel anything.'
Delete;-}
My husband lives in flannel shirts and works outside in flannel lined jeans when the cold winds blow. Your weather sounds lovely, but my guess is that you might want some flannel yet again before spring arrives.
We'll see!
Hope on the horizon.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Yes, yes to more focus on hope.
DeleteAnd less on despair ...
I'm glad you've been enjoying the time by your fireplace - it looks lovely and cosy! And the chance to connect with those women through Zoom sounds wonderful. I'm sure you were a blessing to them! I hope you are able to get the vaccine soon and that you enjoy your time with your mom on her birthday. I'm sorry it's so limited but I pray that time will be special for you both.
ReplyDeleteLesley, you're so sweet. I hope you are doing well and have been able to get a vaccine. Your country has been hit hard, too.
DeleteYou are not alone ...
I don’t know how this happened, but I feel more settled after reading your post. Gail
ReplyDeleteWow. I love when God does that for us ...
DeleteSitting by a fire is so calming and peaceful, especially with your husband! I know you and all the ladies on the Zoom were blessed to be able to share the time together. We will get our second vaccine this coming week. Wishing you a lovely rest of the weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'm still sitting by the fire 12 hours later ... with just a few hour break to do the things that must be done!
DeleteJoy to you and your husband as you celebrate your anniversary together, Pam!
You paint such a cozy picture of sitting in your flannels close to the fireplace, Linda. :) I loved reading as you share those mercies that are there when we open our eyes to see them. What an awesome experience that retreat must have been. Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteHis mercies are new every morning, yes! I'm so grateful for that lifeline of biblical truth found in Lamentations 3.
Deletei love our glass insert - yes cozy and peaceful BUT it warmed up here today in NW Ohio with sunshine. Felt so good - spring is coming!!!
ReplyDeleteI hear that warm weather is coming east ... but it usually accompanied by rain. Go figure!
Delete;-}
Delightful reading, Linda. I appreciate your grateful, accepting spirit for what is, your effort to minister to others in spite of limitations, and your positive outlook for what's to come. It's so helpful to lift up one another as we persevere through these last months of Covid isolation. But we're almost there now--we're going to make it!
ReplyDeleteNancy, hi! If there's any gratitude, ministry, positive outlook, or lifting up, it comes only from Jesus.
DeleteNo way I can manufacture that on my own! I'm so grateful He is walking with us through this surreal experience. And because He is, all will be well.
I miss having a fire place. Sounds like a lovely way to spend your evenings!!
ReplyDeleteI've been surprised at the calming effect it's had on me ... a gift, for sure, in this season.
DeleteHow nice to have a cozy fireplace! We have a gas one, but it smells bad when lighted and vents into the room. My husband hopes to replace it some time. What a neat opportunity for you on Zoom! Sounds like you have a lot of good things ahead!
ReplyDeleteNothing like gas wafting into a room to make you vault to the windows and throw them open. Not an appealing thought! I hope your husband will be able to gift you with a replacement, Barbara. It's interesting, my reading life has soared in the past few weeks.
DeleteAnd that, I like!
The fire does look so cozy, Linda! I am glad you are now able to enjoy that special place in your home. And, wonderful about the opportunity you had to minister to all those women! What blessings you had in February. You cheered up my day.
ReplyDeleteWe cheer each other, yes, we do, Lynn!
DeleteI hope you're having a rest-fueled, profitable week, friend.
God is good. Yes and amen, Linda. I’m so happy that you were able to share your counseling gifts with women in ministry last week. I know they were as blessed by you as you were blessed by the experience. And three cheers for fireplaces ... we have one but don’t use it because it has a cracked flue. One of these days we’ll get it fixed. (I hope.) Hugs, friend.
ReplyDeleteYeah, a cracked flu is a game stopper, isn't it, friend. I'm guessing there's alot of warmth you're gathering as you spend more time with your family in this nesting season at home.
DeleteAnd that's a very good thing.
You have a lot of good things ahead. I bet the one-on-one sessions were wonderful and soul lifting. I'm glad you had the opportunity to do that!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm glad you're here with us, Megan! Welcome!
DeleteGood reflection for the end of February! Looking forward to Spring for sure!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I'm guessing the flowers are starting to shed their winter coverings and that warm days await you before too long. A delightful thought!
DeleteBig days ahead! Congrats on the 45 years! And Happy Birthday to your mom!
ReplyDeleteI like how you coined that, Kelly --> 'Big days ahead!' I'm all about reflection but I'm purposing my heart to look forward. God is inviting us all to something deeper, stronger, and more intimate so we can reach out to those who've been broken by this past year.
DeleteI'm in.
My mother has had a fireplace in every house she’s ever lived in and she is 86 now. She used all of them. I love to sit around a fireplace.
ReplyDeleteThis lovely, little vignette you've painted made me smile. I can picture her warming her hands in front of the fire in the midst of her caring for family and home. And I've never even met her.
DeleteI do love that you so often write about the simple yet substantial joys of hearth and home. So warm and inviting and soothing!
A gas fireplace is...well, brilliant, and rather magical. Also quite alluring. I think I would even pass up the dump - lol!! Your time at home sounds lovely!! Enjoy those opportunities as often as you can:)
ReplyDeleteJennifer, hi! A trip to the dump used to yield a fun browsing experience in the little cottage they have filled with free treasures - a great place to donate the stuff you didn't want any more and claim new stuff to replace the old! So much fun.
DeleteSadly, Covid has closed its doors.
I guess you know you're in trouble when you consider a trip to the dump to be the highlight of your Saturday!
;-}
How lovely to have the gas fireplace! I love ours!
ReplyDeleteAnd Kym, it's lovely to have you here at the table this week! Welcome!
DeleteWe were without propane, electricity and water for a couple of days during our snow/ice storm - and I loved chattering away, wrapped up in blankets with my hubs while we tried to work, live through old man winter's challenging dealings. Once the propane came and the fireplace fired up - it was a beautiful things - just like you described!Praying for time with your mom, for health - and those wonderful June plans with your family!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you guys were hit hard by that ferocious storm. I hope you've recovered from the trauma of it all.
DeleteI guess it could be a bonding experience, but I'm guessing not.
Be well, friend ...
Linda, what lovely fire place stories to hear, I have never had a fire place and you sounded so relaxed talking about the delightfulness of it. Wow, those zoom calls must have been incredible meeting women from all over the world. March blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteHard to believe it's already March, Paula! March blessings sounds like a wonderful thing to focus on, to celebrate, to share.
DeleteI'm glad you've done that here today! Hope this week is a lovely one for you.
Linda, nothing like a fire to make one feel comforted. I would have stayed put too! It took three days for me to secure an appointment for the vaccine at Gillette for my husband and daughter. They will drive about an hour one way. I have to wait for the next phase. Hopefully they become easier to obtain for us all in the days ahead. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI hear you about Gillette, Joanne. A friend here snagged the one appointment available and had to move rather quickly to get there in two hours. The J & J vaccine should be arriving nearby this week.
DeleteBut I will believe it when I see it ...
Yes, I'm in the family tree of Doubting Thomas!
Linda, I am picturing you writing away at this post while all cozy in front of the fireplace. Such an appealing way to spend a cold morning!Your evenings with your hubby sound like our evenings too. Only without the fireplace. You have a lot to look forward to. Happy 45th - almost - and congratulations! Here's hoping you find that vaccine. It is not our turn yet, so we still have to wait.
ReplyDeleteFireplace or no fireplace, spending quiet time with those we love is a gift, especially in this season when we're missing others that we love that are far off.
DeleteI also have a gas fireplace and love it! I think there's a reason that the "burning log" videos are so popular!
ReplyDeleteYour quote for "Something Read" made me think. Sometimes I have trouble parting with things that have been gifted to me (by people that I still have good relationships with), because I think that giving it away will be disloyal or disrespectful to them.
Thanks for the visit! I'm not crafty enough to make my own mug rug, but I appreciate the handiwork of others!
Margie, hi! Yes, so many people are uncomfortable with saying goodbye to a possession because they think it's disloyal or disrespectful. I'm guessing that the people who gifted us would be sad if they knew that their gift of love was causing us angst or somehow draining us of our valuable energy ...
DeleteI hear my mom has a dead plant in her room at the care facility ... she is hesitant to throw it away in case the person who gave it to her came to visit. I encouraged her to toss it, that they would never be in her room, and wouldn't know the difference.
We'll see what she decides to do!
The picture you painted around your fireplace does sound blissful - it makes me long for a real fireplace :) We have one but alas, it's decorative. You definitely have a lot ahead - congrats on your 45th and happy birthday to your mum!
ReplyDeleteSometimes the simplest things are the most blissful, quieting, comforting.
DeleteA good book, a verse of Scripture, a big hug, a piece of good chocolate, a hymn of praise.
We have a wood-burning fireplace but are thinking of converting it to gas. I have mixed feelings about it, but I know it's more practical. I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying yours!
ReplyDeleteThose you ministered to on Zoom received a wonderful blessing, I am certain of that, Linda.
Jeff is now eligible for the vaccine, but I'm not. I search every night to find one for him. I finally found one two nights ago! He gets his first shot next week, but he does have to drive an hour to get it. Hope you're able to find one close and soon!
We hear that the J & J vaccine will be arriving on the Cape this week. One can only hope! My husband doesn't want to drive an hour away and doesn't want to spend hours on the phone. I've got a thing or two to deal with before I get the shot.
DeleteBut thanks for the reminder, Lisa ... time to check yet again, and again, and again!
I loved hearing your fireplace thoughts, how perfectly cozy and lovely it is to have ambient heat at your feet! We have a Mr. Buddy propane heater that provides that ambience for us, and is a real blessing in cold weather! It always feels so good to hear the stories of other Christian women around the world, what a blessed time it must have been. Many blessings to you today :)
ReplyDeleteHi Marilyn ... I've never heard of Mr. Buddy, but he sounds like a mighty fine companion on a cold and windy day!
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteThe fire looks delightful. We've had more fires in our fireplace during this pandemic. It has been soothing and adds an air of comfort. What a blessing to be able to listen to and mentor these women around the globe has they do God's work. I, too, have been focusing on God's goodness through this whole pandemic. There are certainly blessings if we take the time to look for them.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Thank you for your reminder for us to focus on God's goodness, His blessings, the work He is inviting to, the comfort He gives, Bev.
DeletePhilippians 4 has become my focus, my song, my mantra - 'Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things... And the God of peace will be with you.'
It sounds like you had a blissful day :). I adore fireplaces and wood stoves. We heated our homes in Nevada and Montana with a wood stove. The ones with the windows to watch the flames are the best. I love how God works out things with serendipity!
ReplyDeleteYep, we heated our first little house for years just with the wood stove, too, Anita. That steady, always present warmth was a wonderful blessing, but alot of work for my husband.
DeleteBut he was alot younger back then!
;-)
Hi, Linda, I do love our woodstove but not the dirt and dust. There's a gas.stove in our future...
ReplyDeleteAnd I love that yellow painted door photo. It amazes me that you thought to take that picture!
Oh yeah, Michele, I hear ya' about all the dirt and dust, the chopping and stacking and carting of wood {not that I did much of that!}
DeleteThanks for linking up, Linda! And how wonderful you were able to counsel other women in minsitry!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hostessing, Heather! I'm seeing more and more women head your way at the end of each month. Most of us do love a great end of the month review and I'm grateful you're holding that space for us to debrief and to look ahead. Good stuff!
Delete