Breathing Hope and New Life

The most amazing thing has happened. Perhaps it's really a simple, normal thing, but nothing is really normal with me!

I've been down with a bug the last couple of days. Nothing serious, just ugh! Laying in bed for a whole day really is not my thing, even though I profess to hibernate. (That's usually just after the sun goes down).

But today - TODAY! I feel so much better and I am astounded how this affects my perception of my life and my purpose.

It's true. EVERY day is a new day, and we can begin again.

Begin again to tackle that pile of clutter that we've been pretending we don't see.

Begin again to realize that life is more than our to-do lists.

Begin again in our search for happiness.

Because that's really what this life is all about, isn't it?

We wake, we work, we eat, we sleep. All necessary parts of our human life.

But there is so much more to be found!

There is an inner joy bubbling up from a wellspring deep within me, and I know it can only be God finally getting my attention. How I've waited to feel this hope again!

For me, it was a change in my health and my lifestyle, taking the time to do what I know is good for me. Taking care of myself -- not just my health, but my inner self, which needs nurturing just as much as our bodies need sustenance.

However you find your center, through meditation, yoga, or prayer, we have to make time to be still. That time is hard to find amidst our busy lives. But it is crucial to our well-being.

I've been so well-intentioned in my goals to make time for my heart, my spirit, my center. And however well-intentioned, I was caught up in my busyness and the days would fly by with no connection to my inner self.

Now I see how taking time to nourish my inner being benefits my whole outlook on life. And the added bonus of feeling well again is like frosting on the cake!

We all have trials in our lives that pull us off-center from our place of contentment and peace. It is a battle to try to keep ourselves positive amidst the chaos that is in the world. Even more reason to make the time to find our quiet center and just breathe.

I pray you will take the time to reconnect with your inner self. It's as simple as slowing down and shifting our focus to our breath, growing an awareness of what it means to be still. With practice, in breath work, through yoga asanas, or a regular contemplative practice, we can strengthen our connection to ourselves and to each other, and ultimately with God. 

When we take the time for ourselves, we reap the benefits by gaining a more positive outlook with renewed energy. We are then able to reflect this in our relationships and our work. It is well worth the time we perhaps feel we must sacrifice from our busy agendas to achieve a more positive outlook.

Life is waiting to be lived. With peace and joy. Care for yourself. Grow in your love of self by nurturing the core of who you are. Then you will be ready to share yourself with the world without feeling depleted.

Take care, my friends.

Finding Hope in the Dead of Winter

Snow is falling so softly, almost imperceptibly. 

Fluffy little flakes float out a half-blue sky and disappear in the white world outside my window. 

Wisconsin is deep in the frozen depths of winter.

Because of this, I’ve been hibernating.

Soon my many commitments in the community will draw me out of my winter break and back into service. It is difficult for me to force myself out of my warm home (picture a blazing fire in the fireplace) to attend an evening meeting or rehearsal.

It is very difficult. That’s just the way it is. 

Normally, I love my involvement with people and making a difference in my own small way. But lately I just want to stay buried under the covers and let the world go on with its own business.

Wake me in April. Or perhaps May.

I know I am not alone in my winter doldrums. I see people from around the world searching for hope in these pages.

It’s that time of year.

Darkness lasts way too long; and the cold seeps into our wood frame homes and into our bones.

The joys of the holidays are over, being placed in our memories to cherish while we pack away the decorations and ornaments.

Where do we turn for something uplifting? 

How can we cope with the silence that winter brings?

I say, embrace it.

I shall put on my snow pants and my warm coat and go for a snowshoe walk in my backyard, gathering any dry kindling I can find for tonight’s fire.

I will get out of my jammies and find the drive to motivate me to breath cold air again and feel alive.

Winter is here to stay, at least for awhile. We might as well enjoy what we can find.

Even in the death of winter, there is life. I watch the little animals scurrying through the freshly fallen snow and wonder what they will eat today.

I breathe air that feels foreign to my lungs, yet invigorates me with every breath.

The squeaky crunch of snow beneath my feet reminds me that we are in a very rare season, indeed.

And now, as the sun breaks forth from its hiding place amidst the clouds, the white carpet of snow dazzles my eyes with reflections of a million surfaces.

Taken at sunset, the coloring of the snow brings out the sparkles

 

Yes, Sunshine on Snow Sparkles like Diamonds. Believe it or not, this is one of my most read posts, read and re-read by people from around the world. And this winter season this post is being visited again.

Look for the beauty. Search for the unique in the ordinary.

This is the only way to combat the fatigue of a long winter.

 

Venture out, when the mercury rises above the deadly cold, and breathe in the life that awakens us to the possibilities.

Winter may be holding the natural world in a frozen silence, but there is beauty to be found. 

Search, and you will find it. 

I was blessed to watch a beautiful winter sunset at the end of my walk. That was my reward for venturing out. 

Stay warm, my friends.

{It has been ages since I have written on these pages. I hope to be bringing more hope to you as I begin to write again. Leave a comment if there is something you would like to read about. I’d be happy to oblige if I can find the words. Thanks!}

Where Do You Seek Counsel?

 

Sunday Scripture

and a

Song

  

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

 Matthew 6:33

 

Why is it that we try to figure things out on our own, when our Counsel is only a prayer away?

Is it because of the free will God has given us, the choice to make our own decisions? 

Whenever I think I know what I should do, I should pause and ask my Counselor.

I should try to discern if what I am choosing is God's will for me. 

And then, I need to really listen and believe it. 

Most times, I want to call the shots. I want to make my choices, and they're not always the ones my Lord wants for me. Usually, I pay the price, and it's never pleasant. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to hear Your Voice, to discern Your Will, and to follow the path You've laid out for me (rather than charging ahead on my own). Thank you for loving me, and for always being there, even when I mess up. I am forever grateful to know you are near. Amen. 

For your listening enjoyment, the Marantha Singers perform "Seek Ye First" 

Music is a beautiful way to worship God.

If you've ever wondered why we worship, here's a quote I came across that sums it up pretty well:  "Worship is a way of gladly reflecting back to God the radiance of His worth." ~ John Piper, preacher and author 

Subscribers may click on Hope to find to view this video on my blog site.

Mobile viewers may click here to view this video on Youtube.

A Great Time of Fun and Learning - VBS 2014

WEIRD ANIMALS VBS DAYS 4 & 5

On day #4 we met this cool dude - Shred! He helped us learn that even when we do wrong, Jesus loves us!

Then on our last day, Iggy, the frilled lizard helped us remember that even when you're afraid, Jesus loves you!






Weird Animals VBS might be over for this year at our church, but many memories were made that won't soon be forgotten. So much joy was shared by the children, youth leaders and adults! Everyone had a wonderful time, enjoying our time together and learning how much our God and Savior loves us.

The music was lively, the message was clear, and it was so much fun to watch the children with all of their combined energy. 

Though leading VBS might take over my life for nearly a week, the rewards of the joyful smiles and fun times had by all make it truly worth it.

I drove home after our last session, thinking, "I have the best job in the world! Singing and sharing with the children the great joy of Jesus' love." It really doesn't get any better than that!

Here are two more videos for songs that our group really liked:

Give It Away

Subscribers click on Hope to find to view this video on my blog site.

Mobile viewers can click here to view the video on Youtube.

Forever Reign

Subscribers click on Hope to find to view this video on my blog site.

Mobile viewers can click here to view the video on Youtube.

Could We Have Any More Fun?!

Weird Animals VBS

Day 3

As we continue VBS at FUMC Waukesha, it just seems like we couldn't have any more fun, but we do! The craziness continues with songs and games and learning, all about how much Jesus loves us!




This is Milton, the Star-nosed mole. He doesn't really wear glasses, but he is quite blind. His awesome nose helps him find his way through his underground tunnels. What a weird and wonderful animal!



Our kids are learning that no matter what, Jesus loves us!  And these crazy creatures  help us to remember that even when we're left out, or we feel different than others, or even when we don't understand, Jesus loves us!

Here is a video of one of our new songs You Are Good!

Subscribers can click on Hope to find to view this video on my blog site.

Mobile viewers can view this video on Youtube by clicking here.