Thank You, Lord, that February is zipping right on by. I don't think I've ever met anyone who says that this is their favorite month. And that's ok.
Every once in awhile You send a warmish day with bright blue skies and we know that all will be well.
Meanwhile ...
SOMETHING LOVED
I'm praying this praiseworthy song on repeat these days. Because sometimes this is all we can do. And it is more than enough.
Over fear and all anxiety
SOMETHING GLEANED
Emily Freeman's recent How to Walk Out of a Room stirred up memories of places I've walked into ... and out of. Some were rooms of exhilarating opportunity. Others felt like a pair of ill-fitting shoes. There were rooms I stayed in far too long. And others where freedom and joy were unleashed.
Sometimes we have to close the door behind situations that haven't served us well ... and yes, even the opportunites that have been wonderful require closure. Because that's the only way we'll discover the place God has for us to be in this next season.
Podcast
Transcript
SOMETHING BRAVE
Joshua 1 is a call to battle. God speaks these words, 'be strong and courageous.' Repeatedly again and again. He knows that we need to be constantly reassured of His presence, His power, His peace because we are easily prone to discouragement and fear ... the hand-wringing and what-ifs that tend to paralyze us into inaction.
Yes, we really are in a battle. But it's His battle, not ours. We ask Him {repeatedly} to still our hearts. We fight on our knees. We speak Jesus. We reject clamor and crazymaking and doom-scrolling. We look for practical ways to show His lovingkindness and grace.
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.
- Exodus 14:14
SOMETHING ACHIEVED
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Let's talk about February in your neck of the woods ~
Linda
when you
Heather & Jeanne/Lisa J
Yes, to that particular podcast of Emily's. I may even download the transcript to reread. Thanks for sharing the verse from Exodus. I needed to be reminded of it. ♡
ReplyDeleteThe first time I saw that Exodus verse I was flooded with relief. It was such a spiritual a-ha moment, a breath of fresh air 😎.
DeleteFebruary is when winter starts getting old. I love Valentine's Day (which we make a family celebration) and my d-i-l's birthday this month, and the fact that I'm discerning more daylight than before. Otherwise, I think of each day as one closer to spring.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link about leaving the room. I'm glad she had transcripts for her podcasts. :-) There have been times I've felt inexplicably led to lay aside certain ministries only to discover the reason later (in one instance, my husband had a job change shortly thereafter which required us to move. So it was nice to have the details of that ministry already handed over). A missionary friend of mine called it God "stirring the nest."
Any guilt I've felt about setting some things aside has been alleviated when other people stepped up. My stepping aside both made room for their gifts plus maybe spurred them on to step up.
As Emily said, we're often in a state of flux, moving into and out of rooms all through our lives. And God is with us each step of the way.
'There have been times I've felt inexplicably led to lay aside certain ministries only to discover the reason later'
DeleteYes, I've seen that happen, too. A friend often talks about 'the perfection of God's timing.' Sometimes we get to see miracles in action and other times we simply take it by faith.
And 'stirring the nest' is a powerful image, too. I hear exactly what you're sharing, friend ... 🐣
This February has flown by for me this year, Linda. I don't know if it's because so much of it has been spent with the business of healing, but I will take these slow, reflective, leisurely days over any hustle and bustle. I'm looking forward to my birthday (March 1) especially this year, as back in January, I really wasn't sure if I'd see another one. Loving that my birthday also coincides with Mardi Gras - so much to celebrate!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, my friend!
Happy Early Birthday, Martha 🎂! For sure, this one will have a unique impact on you. God is bringing you through so much and it's been so moving to see you taking 'these slow, reflective, leisurely days over any hustle and bustle.'
DeleteWon't it be fascinating to see what 'room' He has for you next ...
it has been typical Indiana weather here. Snowed about 6" one weekend then it all disappeared in a blur by Tuesday. Hit the 50s last week and then rained for one day last week and then was cold but sunny over the weekend. Yesterday (Monday) it was sunny and blustery but in the 50s. Today windy. Expecting the possibility of snow or ice by Friday. I tend to roll with it since I have no control over the weather. I do agree with Martha though: so much to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteI tend to roll with it, too, Bill. A forecast around here often means next to nothing as we're way out in the ocean and change happens unannounced.
DeleteThe only time I might get a little freaky is if we've got a long trip planned and things don't look good. I'm more than done with those kind of road trips. We'll go another time 🌨
This month is flying by. Lots of "changes in the works" but lots of work to get to that point. "Something Gleaned" by Emily sounds good, I will listen to it tomorrow when I'm on the road. Boston is always unpredictable: Thursday we might hit 70 degrees with snow on Friday!!
ReplyDelete🚗I think you'll like listening to her, Mah ...
DeleteLet me know. I've got another episode or two you'd love.
Just loving those scenes of the sea, the ice breaking up. I count the days till the end and we are only a month out of official spring. I can't complain too much -- it hasn't been all that bad here!
ReplyDeleteOh I like that, Jeanie. One month to go 😎!
DeleteGod's timing never fails!! I so needed to read that verse from Exodus as I am being attacked by someone. The wheel spinning and head spinning and anger stops now as I am still and give it to God. Thanks, Linda!!
ReplyDeleteHi Valerie. I hope you're ok. If you're in physical danger please contact 911. Click on the resources link at the top of the page for more helps.
DeleteI like the room analogy. This is part of life we need to learn to do. I see the puzzle you are doing. A year ago, my husband and I started putting together puzzles together. Turns out is is something her likes to do. But he has to like the picture, or he won't do the puzzle. We do mainly puzzles of pictures, nature scenes, travel scenes, etc. Nothing with 500 feathers in a pile or 700 pencils. Those kind drive his brain batty.
ReplyDelete'Nothing with 500 feathers in a pile or 700 pencils.'
DeleteTHAT'S funny!
I am absolutely with your husband, Theresa. I only do puzzles with scenes I love. Or if a grandkiddo wants to do a specific one.
No feathers, no pencils ✏️.
I love the song - I Speak Jesus. He is present and willing in all our needs to be there with us. February isn't typically a favorite month, for sure, unless you love winter! I do love winter, but in February, I begin longing for spring. We are getting visited by arctic air this week, very cold temps, while for the last 2 weeks we had enjoyed spring-like weather. A hard transition. But soon... spring will come!
ReplyDeleteI always love visiting your site, Marilyn ... I know I'll be treated to stunning vistas of places I'll probably never get to visit in person 😎.
DeleteIn this windy February,
ReplyDeletethere's a sense of loss,
and I do not feel too merry,
but God, He is the Boss.
Found a little tiny pup,
on the road a-roam;
week later, her folks did show up
and of course took her home.
Then Nightbirde, singing cancer gal,
America's Got Talent star,
someone could'a been a pal,
done passed beyond the bar,
and so the winter sun has set,
on new friend, and one never met.
Yes, there are people that come and go far too soon.
DeleteIn more ways than one ... 😢
It seems February is flying by. Weather for us in Florida has been so unpredictable too. Love that cute picture of you. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteFlorida.
DeleteSounds like bliss 😎!
We zipped out to Colorado for a visit with the kids and are weathering -5 but feels like -25 in the Rockies. Love every minute with family. Sort of redeems February!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you could get out there, Michele. Joy! Stay cozy 🥶!
DeleteLinda, I enjoyed reading your February share 4 somethings. I can't believe February is almost gone, woot woot! Bring on Summer 😉
ReplyDeleteSummer?! Love that thought, Paula 🌻!
DeleteMother Nature likes to remind us here in the deep South what is coming and then she likes to remind us it is still winter. BUT the tulip trees are blooming---Spring is on its way!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Tulip trees blooming? Beautiful.
DeleteI'm still cleaning up from last fall 🍂!
I love you looking for something brave each month. We need more courage!
ReplyDeleteWell, actually this is Heather Gerwing's baby ...
Deletehttps://heathergerwing.com/january-2022-share-four-somethings-2/
I'm finding Something Brave and Something Achieved to be difficult categories 🤔. I do love the categories you designed last month!
I'm ready for the end of February, too! I love your photos, Linda. The bench on the beach is worthy to be printed and framed, and mounted in a space many can see!
ReplyDeleteFort Hill is a great place to sit quietly ... or take a bit of a hike that doesn't kill you in the process 😉.
DeleteThank you for your resources and reflections, Linda. This encouragement especially strengthens my heart - "Yes, we really are in a battle. But it's His battle, not ours. We ask Him {repeatedly} to still our hearts. We fight on our knees. We speak Jesus. We reject clamor and crazymaking and doom-scrolling. We look for practical ways to show His lovingkindness and grace." Amen! And I love the song! Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteSending His love and blessings right back to you, friend. I hope this week's been a good one for you and that all is well 💐.
DeleteWhen I first looked at your photos, for one second, I thought, "Oh what beautiful white sand." LOL - and then I realized it was snow!February feels to me like the struggle of a seed to reach up through the soil, right before it feels as though you would run out of air under water - knowing that if you can reach it, Spring is just on the other side - and sunshine! I'm definitely going to check out Freeman's post! Waiting on sushine with you - right now we're feeling like Noah in the rain in Tennessee!
ReplyDeleteEmily Freeman is worth her weight in gold. What a treasure she's been along the way. I'm always happy to share her work 🧑! I'd love to hear your take on her Room podcast, Maryleigh.
DeleteI always appreciate book recommendations, Linda!
ReplyDeleteIt's always so good to be in the company of other book lovers, isn't it 📚 ...
DeleteI enjoyed looking at the lovely photos you took. February is a great month to work on hobbies. Thanks for the blog visit and have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteIt was good to connect with you this week, Julie 😊
DeleteOh, my goodness! I am completely flabbergasted right now. I could hardly believe my eyes when they fell on this, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14 My dear, sweet hubby and I were JUST in a store last night and as he loaded our purchases in the car, I stood at the counter talking to the owner and another customer. As we spoke, my eyes drifted around and fell upon a huge chalk-written sign on the back wall that had this SAME exact Scripture written on it! I mentioned to the owner about what a wonderful verse that is, and she told me the strangest story. The gist of it, from what I can understand, is that the sign just appeared one day! She doesn't even know how it got there or who put it there! I said, "You didn't write the verse on it?" She said, "No!" Honestly, I am just dumbfounded at seeing that verse HERE on your blog, after seeing it yesterday and hearing that lady's story. Thank you for always minding God and the nudges He gives you, sweet friend. You are so led by Him and the brightness of His love shines through you so sweetly. I love the photo of you doing the puzzle. You are such a blessing.
ReplyDeleteOh that is weird and wonderful, isn't it, friend. Why am I still amazed at how He works?! He does take us by surprise, doesn't He ... and this reminds us yet again, that He sees the whole picture. He's got this. He cares about where we're coming from.
DeleteThank You, Jesus 🙌!
Thank you so much for sharing this story, Cheryl. It breathes such hope into my heart. I even told my hubby about it. God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform! And then here Linda shares the same verse. Double blessing. :) Love and blessings to you both!
DeleteI just can't help but think He's trying to tell us something, yes?!
Delete😉
Trudy, I am so happy I came back to this post and saw your sweet comment! I am still so blown away by God's goodness. YES, I do believe He is trying to tell us something! It also reminds me of Francesca Battistelli's song, "Defender." Oh, I do love that song, especially when she says, "All I did was praise. All I did was worship. All I did was bow down. All I did was stay still." To think that all we have to do is stay still! That's it. God will fight for us! How often I get in His way when I don't stay still. Dear Lord, help me.
DeleteYes, Linda and Cheryl, it was doubly confirmed what He is telling us. He we fight for us! Lord, help us all! I will have to look up that song again. Love and blessings to you both!
Delete🌷
DeleteWe've had snow twice this February (not a usual thing in the high desert area of Arizona where I live). I enjoyed seeing the giant snowman the students made after Wednesdays three inches of snow.
ReplyDelete3" of snow in Arizona, huh 🌵? Wow. Who says global warming isn't a thing?! Everything is changing right in front of our eyes. I'm so glad He remains the same.
DeleteThank you for sharing Emily Freeman's podcast. I too have experienced some of those rooms that, upon first entry, provided wonderful opportunity, but later required closure. It tended to be a painful process, but I can attest: God always had a place for me in the next season. Sometimes I did wonder if I should have entered the room in the first place, in spite of much prayer and introspection in advance. Was I not supposed to be in that room at all? Now I realize that some of us do experience different seasons/chapters in our lives, rather than one long chapter in one room. An advantage of change: spiritual growth in the process.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true, isn't it, Nancy 👉 'An advantage of change: spiritual growth in the process.'
DeleteWe sink or swim during rough or unexpected transitions. Only Christ can get us through to the other side, especially when we have no idea what that'll look like and it doesn't automatically appear at the drop of a hat.
I sense you have stories to tell, friend. I hear your heart this evening.
I hadn't thought of it, but you're right that I've never heard anyone say February is their favorite month either. lol.
ReplyDeleteI love that song too, Linda. Speaking Jesus saves me again and again....
'Speaking Jesus saves me again and again....'
DeleteYes, yes, Lisa. And I'm guessing that hearing His children say His name must give Him great joy 💞.
That’s funny about February, Linda. I have mixed feelings about the month. I love winter, so I enjoy it when it comes rushing in (finally) with all the snow and ice. But by the last week, I’m pretty much ready for spring. Also, Exodus 14:14 is framed on my bedroom wall. And “I Speak Jesus” is on all my Spotify playlists. :-)
ReplyDelete🌳 One day closer to springtime!
DeleteIf you get this message twice, I apologize, I got an error message when I posted. I finally got my Share Four Somethings post up today! I can't believe we are at the end of February, this month has flown by. I think March is the worst month because there are no holidays or school breaks, so it feels like the longest month. What will your puzzle be when it is completed? I am working on a really difficult Friends (tv show) one that has a lot of odd shapes!
ReplyDeleteYay, Cindy! You got your 4 Somethings post up! I knew you could do it!
DeleteThe puzzle was made from a snapshot of seaglass on a beach. Let's just say I'm going to wait til the family's here to complete it 😉 ...
We are in a battle - but we fight the battle on our knees. I cannot be reminded often enough of this truth. And, why do I so quickly forget? Thanks for the reminder. Again. And, agreed, no one (not no one) has ever said February is their favorite!!:)
ReplyDeleteJennifer, your thoughts brought me to this Michael W. Smith song today 🎼-
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBl84oZxnJ4
I also recently read Emily's post about walking out of a room and found it interesting. Megan
ReplyDeleteMegan, yes ... there was a lot of food for thought there 🧑...
Delete"yes, even the opportunities that have been wonderful require closure"
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. I always find a nugget or two I particularly need to hold close to my heart. I've been struggling a bit lately with just this kind of closure. As my brother said to me yesterday, "Don't look back - that's not the direction you're headed."
We are truly the sum of our parts, aren't we? And some parts are passed ... with more to come.
Thank you for writing the words I need most and sharing so much.
You're right, Barbara, from time to time it hits us that there's an area that needs closure, some kind of forgiveness or good-bye or release. And until we do it's kinda like dragging a boat anchor along when we're trying to run free ⚓.
DeleteThankfully, we don't have to go there on our own!
I don't know if February would be a favorite month, but I like it :-) I was intrigued by your mention of How To Walk Out of A Room so I'm reading the transcript now - thanks for sharing that tidbit!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear what you think, Kym 📝 ...
DeleteHi Linda! I enjoy Emily Freeman too. Somehow I missed this episode. I'll have to go find it. That's one of my favorite Scripture passages. Blessings, Pam
ReplyDeleteThere's lots of us Emily fans around here, isn't there!
Delete🙋♀️
My husband's birthday is in February. I wish I could love the month more, but I just can't. LOL.
ReplyDeleteYep, sounds like we're living through February but aren't quite crazy about it 😕. Thanks for hosting us each month, Heather. Those last two questions sure are challenging!
Delete