a soft place to land
a calm weekend haven
a gentle pause from life's busyness
so we may experience
the tender lovingkindness of Jesus
as we do life together
in community
It's not that our ministries aren't meant to be successful. It's not that we don't sometimes go and do hard things for God and for others. It's just that the enduring impact of a soul at rest in their creator is, I believe, the most compelling legacy to leave in a hurting world.'
Amanda Held Opelt
newsletter
It's raining more days than not here on the Cape. Starting in March, we can expect at least two months of gray and wet with occasional glimpses of glorious blue skies and sunshine. We wonder if spring will ever arrive. And then as soon as she makes her grand appearance, it's summer.
All this stay-inside weather has given me more than enough time to go through Mom's papers, cards, photos. Re-organize my life - the kitchen, closets, file cabinet, dresser drawers, basement shelves. Rid the spare rooms and porch of piles, stacks, and miscellaneous items searching for a home. Share, donate, shred, toss. Write, nap, sit by the fire, study, text, plan, read, pray.
Maybe make supper.
But I am pushing myself to get outside at least a half hour a day when it's not too wet/dreary/windy/cold/snowy. Meet up with a friend, go for a walk, turn the compost, sow the wildflower seeds. Even for us born-and-bred homebodies, introverts, and solitude-seekers, enough is enough.
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| emilylex.com |
That's a lot of rain! Yes, it is important to get outside. I am a big fan of the outside but I ,too, can let myself drift too far into introvert mode and miss out on God's best vitamin - the great outdoors. My week has been too full of worries (upcoming wedding, move, wondering about career change) when a "soul at rest" is what I am to "do." Thanks for the inspirations, Linda! May your weekend be full of seeing God's blessing even under a cloudy sky!
ReplyDelete'God's best vitamin - the great outdoors.' Perfectly spoken, Lynn.
DeleteAnd oh it sounds like you have a whole lot of moving parts in your life right now. I love how God can rest our souls in the midst of those crazy seasons. Praying that will be your experience, friend.
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Your spring sounds like mine except I can also add snow in there too. There's no transitional seasons in some states: just summer and winter.
ReplyDeleteExactly.
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Such beautiful thoughts you always share, my friend. God bless you always!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank YOU for your generosity in sharing your new book with us this week, friend! What a blessing it's going to be. A pleasure to join your team in getting the good word out.
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Being naturally introverted doesn't mean we never need the company of others, Linda. Ever since Covid, I've found that my greatest joys are found in mingling with others even in casual settings. We need each other in order to fully mature into the little Christ God intended us to be.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see Jesus Revolution!
Blessings!
For sure, Covid taught us more lessons than we'll ever realize. And that sweet solitude introverts crave enables us to be fully present and alive when we're in the company of others. Without it, we don't have a whole lot of substance to offer.
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Listened to the song for the first time. It is a good one. I would like to think she is saying God is the safe place. I'm taking it she is. Although it can apply to finding a person who is that safe place as well. I want to be that safe place for others. I also liked that opening quote Linda.
ReplyDeleteYes, when all is said and done, God alone is our ultimate safe place. Sure, He brings people into our lives to comfort and console and walk with us. But because we're so needy, only He is able and willing to remain ever-present at those deepest levels of who we are.
DeleteSooner or later, everyone leaves. Except One.
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I love Amanda's quote, Linda. I recently heard Lauren's song, too, and I love it.
ReplyDelete"You’re my safe place
My hide away
You’re my anchor
My saving grace
You’re my constant
My steadiness
You’re my shelter
My oxygen"
Yes! What would we do without Him?!
What a lot of rain you're experiencing! Here there are still heaps of snow around and it snowed again this week. We've had more snow this year than we've had in years. We are patiently waiting for Spring to actually arrive, but it will come! Love and blessings to you!
The picture of the flooded street is from two years ago when the bay rose so high that water covered the marshes and rose up into the streets. It was a surreal experience ... and devastating for some home owners who live close to the water.
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Your spring that arrives late and is suddenly summer sounds a lot like our world. I traveled a couple hours south today for a speaking engagement, and was surprised to find them just as snowy/muddy as we are, so winter is still a solid presence here!
ReplyDeleteAnd what is it about Lauren Daigle’s voice that catches me in the gut?
DeleteHow did the presentation go today? Do tell! And yes, yes to Lauren Daigle ... I think this is my favorite song she's done.
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It was SO great to connect with the women over brunch and they were a responsive and appreciative group. I stuck around afterwards to help with cleanup, so we had some good conversations about HOPE (my topic) and their life situations. Spent the drive home processing.
DeleteSo grateful.
Some of our most meaningful conversations happen when the official event is over.
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So glad you shared that quote by Amanda Held Opelt. I copied it into my journal. For us introverts, her insight offers hope and encouragement that the impact of a soul at rest in their Creator just might provide the most compelling legacy on a hurting world. / We will have to check out that movie! It does indeed look worthwhile. Thank you for the recommendation, Linda--and all the other helpful tidbits you share with us!
ReplyDeleteHers is a gentle needed reminder that it's not what we accomplish, it's who we are that matters most. I take great comfort in this, especially in this season where I find myself BEING more than actively DOING. Legacy leaving is worth more than a passing thought these days and worth the investment of our time. Did I love well? Did people see Jesus in me?
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Linda, by now we are usually enjoying warm spring temperatures. Tomorrow night’s low is 22! I am not complaining, soon we will have 90+ degrees and 80% humidity! Have a wonderful weekend! Blessings my friend!
ReplyDeleteI loved your Springtime Tea in the Summer Cottage, Pam! The first photo was simply stunning. You are a gifted designer and photographer indeed, your spaces so warmly hospitable.
Deletehttps://everydayliving.me/2023/03/14/springtime-tea-in-the-sunshine-cottage/
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Thank you for posting the article "Why Organization is the Ultimate Form of Self Care"
ReplyDeleteA life preserver to one drowning in piles of "stuff"
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Yeah, I hate being in that place of overwhelming confusion where I can't find anything and there's no 'white space' to be found. I hear you well, friend. One paper, one folder, one object at a time. 15 minutes a day. You can do this!!!
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I don't get to stay indoors
ReplyDeleteno matter what the weather,
for always there's dog who implores
that we go out together
that he or she may do the duties
beneath God's open sky,
and I have learned to see the beauties
of rain and snow with fresh new eye.
Yes, it may be windy, cold,
but I can wear a heavy coat
and in its warmth, then, choose the bold
to unleash my heart to float
through the sunshine and the gales,
the pigments of God's painted tales.
Yep, I hear that having a dog can be one of the best ways to get you outside, to keep you connected to people and nature. Maybe it's one of the things God is using to keep you going, especially during the rough patches ...
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Barb says it's duty that keeps me alive.
DeleteI want to go home, it hurts so much I REALLY want to go home, but the work is not yet done.
Psalm 31:14-15 was my Mom's favorite all those years when she was suffering so -
Delete'But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand.'
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I do enjoy the time indoors to get projects done, but I do miss the outside walks!! Glad you have been able to get some things done.
ReplyDeleteToday and tomorrow leave me no choice but to head outside. I can't find a single valid excuse not to!
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I appreciate inside time at this time of year -- because I know once outside time comes, not much will be done within!
ReplyDeleteGood point, Jeanie. Redeeming the indoor days, taking care of business!
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rainy day decluttering. sounds like a good project to me!
ReplyDeleteNo matter what the weather, we can always find something to accomplish, something worth smiling about.
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Enjoyed your post and hope that you can get out for more lovely walks soon. In Florida we just never know how to dress daily. LOL! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteFlorida! I talked to one of my Florida friends last week who was getting together with other Florida friends for lunch. Got to admit that I wish I had been there to enjoy their company ... and the sun's warmth.
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It seems like winter is never going to end around here, which is a bit unusual for mid March. But yes, it gives us more time to get things done inside. We actually did a thorough cleaning today of the inside of our dishwasher. lol.
ReplyDeleteYou know I've never met someone who cleans out their dishwasher! That's fascinating!
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How are you, Linda? It's been a while since I visited here.
ReplyDeleteAs an introvert, I do like doing things quietly. :) Love this wisdom here. And I totally agree about the seasons changing so fast. Or rather time flying so swiftly. Before we know it, it's Christmas again. Lol
Lux, I am so glad to see you again. Welcome back!
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Amen. Regine
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com