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| This morning's sunrise |
Here it is Saturday morning already...where did this week go? I tried to start this post yesterday, but just couldn't find anything worthwhile to say. Some days are like that...I kept drawing a blank when I'd sit down here at my computer with a blank page before me...my brain was as blank as the page...I didn't even have any decent or recent pictures to share! What's up with that?
I'm thinking to myself..."Self...there must be something you can say that is meaningful and to also express your thankfulness for all that God has done for you..." And even though my brain was whirling around thinking of things, I just couldn't seem to put it down "on paper"...or on the computer page. Maybe some days we just have to give our brains a rest and not try to push so hard...and let God have time to refresh and restore our minds and hearts and spirits... We don't have to be clever and bright and witty and wise all the time, do we? Even Jesus took time away from the crowds and the disciples to go to a quiet place to rest and pray.
I wish I could say that is what I did. But I really can't say that. It was just one of those days where I kind of wandered aimlessly around the house and didn't really focus on anything or anyone much at all. I think I was just plain tired. This week has been a bit draining...lack of sleep while adjusting to the new time change always affects me that way...and the election news was disturbing to say the least, but I am placing that in God's hands...He's already there...He knows what's going on and how it all fits in with the bigger picture of life here on earth and in the kingdom to come. I know I can trust Him to handle it all and take care of me and those that I love and care about as well.
So today I have awakened with more of a purpose in mind. Little things...like getting my house in order...literally my physical house, not just my spiritual house, although that could also definitely use some major overhauling as well. But I think as I begin to put this house in order my spiritual house will also become more aligned with the place where God wants me to be. It's hard to think good, wise, spiritual thoughts when everything around me is in a bit of a mess. Likewise, it's difficult to put the physical house in order when everying within me is in a bit of a mess as well. Maybe I need to get my priorities in line first. First things first...so let me go back and rethink this paragraph...I need to get my Spiritual house, my internal soul and heart and mind in order before I try to tackle the rest of the mess. Yep...I need to follow Jesus' example above...spend more time in that "solitary" place, alone with God and away from the distractions of this world and house...and then I will be ready to tackle the physical mess around me. I really think they go hand in hand...when our internal "space" is at peace and uncluttered from the things of the world, our external "space" will begin to fall into shape as I am better prepared to tackle things in an appropriate manner...not willy nilly, wearing myself out in the process.
It's good to have these conversations with myself prior to the very busy holiday season that is rapidly approaching. I tend to get myself into a mental frenzy that becomes a physical calamity when I start thinking about everything I think I need to do between now and then. It's time to take stock of things and pray about what is really needful and not allow the pressures of the 'world' get me down.
I have often identified with Martha in this story below...and I've also often been frustrated with Jesus' response to Martha. I, like Martha, want Jesus to see things my way. But Jesus wants me to see things His way. Therefore, my prayer as we begin this busy and sometimes stressful holiday season is that God will help me to be more like Mary and less like Martha...and perhaps then I will be more organized and get things done without so much stress.
Luke 10:38-42 NKJV
38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Thank you for sitting in on this little conversation I've been having with myself this morning. Sometimes we just need a bit of a pep talk! Perhaps this was helpful for you in some way as well. I sincerely hope so.
Meanwhile, back at the "house"...I actually did start taking a few steps to get my house in order this morning. I started looking around me here in my little "Room with a view", and realized it had been a while since I'd done any dusting or cleaning in here. So while I was waiting for my computer to boot up (I had totally shut it down last night to give it a break), I decided to dust the top of the china cabinet...
And then I looked over at Pamela's Victorian Cottage to the left of my desk and noticed that they were getting ready for Thanksgiving too...
Last night's sunset on Still Waters Pond
Matthew 28:19-20 New King James Version
(Jesus said:) 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Hi Pamela, I am glad you were finally able to get some things done after all. Sometimes our minds need to rest. It took me awhile to get use to the time change after my Israel trip. That is a beautiful rainbow! Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous rainbow, Pamela! It certainly made my heart happy as did reading your blog this morning. I treasure my weekends now since we don't have to travel downtown for my treatments. I'm so thankful, too, that God has everything in control even when we can't see Him at work. I agree, this has been an extra-tiring week what with the disappointing election results, but if anything, it will cause me to pray even harder. Spending dedicated time in prayer as Jesus did is something we all need to do. Blessings and thanks for you continued prayers!
ReplyDeleteI think it is safe to say, the majority of our brains are muddled right now...but you know what? We know who wins, right? God is good. Unfortunately, it's going to be rough for awhile...keeping in prayer, Pamela.
ReplyDeleteI think probably a lot of your readers can relate to your thoughts this morning. I know I can. I appreciate the words of getting more in prayer and keeping our spiritual houses in order. The rainbow was the perfect end to your day and this post. God is still on his throne and the angels are singing!
ReplyDeleteHello! I Enjoyed reading your thoughts here today. I can certainly relate to much of what you shared. Thank you for sharing, especially the beautiful rainbow! Have a cozy weekend.
ReplyDeleteMerry Saturday! Your pond is surely starting to look like a POND again!! I have seen more 🌈 🌈 rainbows in the past couple of years than ever in my whole life! 😊 I don't know if they have actually increased or if we just notice them more out in the country? I sure do love seeing them though and make many pictures. Love seeing your dollhouse, I sure need to clean and straighten Tansys! Blackie sure seems very content and happy--- he found a good home! 🐈⬛ 🐈⬛ 🐈⬛
ReplyDeleteI am with you, Mari, and Martha. Reality hit. Just don't know exactly what that means. It does slow us down and make us think and get closer to the Lord. I too love that rainbow.
ReplyDeletePam, I definitely needed all of this today too. I have felt like I am trying to keep all of the balls in the air at the same time. Often forgetting that I can only do All things Through Christ who strengthens me.
ReplyDeleteThis New Normal is a constant reminder that Its He not Me.
Ok, now ... that rainbow is simply gorgeous. What a promise in God's rainbow.
Hugs
Sue
Yes, many of us can agree with your post today, Pam. And I LOVE seeing more water in your pond!! Blackie is a sweet kitty! I'm having one of those days today, when I just can't get motivated and am happy just sitting here! I think we all experience it, too! Happy Saturday!
ReplyDeleteYou made me smile! You started out thinking you had nothing to write about, and look at the lovely post that came out of it! 😊 We put too much pressure on ourselves to make every day productive. Oh and what a beautiful rainbow! I hope you have a peaceful weekend, with plenty of time to enjoy the little things.
ReplyDeleteHi Pam, I have had many such days myself, you described that feeling so well. With me my thoughts take a slightly different turn, in that I start comparing what I used to do, to what I am capable of now. I have always been rather driven by wanting to do my best, for God, my family , to try and be a good example of what a Christian should be. But now that I am in my 60's and suffer with daily chronic pain I can never seem to be able to keep to any kind of schedule and that really discourages me sometimes. I also use to be dependable, able to be in the center of things and now my life has grown uncomfortable small. I never know how the pain is going to affect me and how that will impact what I can do. I pray a lot for guidance and for peace and to try and see what is important. Because life goes on and things need to be done and I can't just lie in my chair and not live...yet I can't let the pain get so bad that I use all my coping energy up either. I never thought I would be in this position, but I am thankful that if it has to be this way I have everything I need in place. God is so good that way, when he says he never lets you be given more than you can bear he is absolutely true . :) I have learned to let a lot go. I keep a pretty positive attitude most of the time but on those days when I start to compare myself to what I used to do, it is like stepping into a whirlpool so I don't often do it if I can help it. It's like someone once told me, "it is so much better not to go to that place than to have to fight your way back" :). My Mom used to always tell me when I had a big task to chip away at the mountain. So when I am in pain or a funk and don't know where to begin I start small and then see how it goes. Often I surprise myself and accomplish more than I thought I could. Like Dory sang in Finding Nemo "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!" Have a beautiful Saturday afternoon! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Pamela, your photos are beautiful and I love the Scripture verses. I have been feeling quite tired for a while now...at first I thought it could be related to my difficulty in swallowing and chronic cough. My doctor prescribed a medication for me to take every morning a half hour to one hour before breakfast to alleviate my symptoms, as it has been already 6 months now since I have been waiting for an appointment with a gastroenterologist! :( At any rate, thank God I am eating better now since I started taking this medication...my first day was on October 28th, the day after my 70th birthday. I figure that it will take time for me to get my energy back since because of the issues I was having I did not eat much. I would really appreciate your prayers, dear Pamela.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are having a great weekend. God bless you.
Come to think of it, yes. I do believe the time change, coupled with the election has much to do with my restless mind. I fret over so much silliness, then do little to accomplish very much. Troy and Lois will be here for Thanksgiving, but they're hardly "white glove" people; not like we're expecting President Trump and Melania. (But wouldn't that be wonderful?!)
ReplyDeleteI'm so taken with your doorknob collection!!! You'll have to tell me about that someday, okay?
G'night now!
I always love visiting here. It soothes my spirit and helps ground me. Thank you for your wisdom and humor and homey chats.
ReplyDeleteI think we don't give ourselves enough time to rest and think. Beautiful sunset photos!
ReplyDelete