Be Still

Psalms 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God..."

Today I got some gentle advice. I do say it was timely and right on, and I see the fingerprints of the Holy Spirit all over it. I've been a little rattled this week. A little off my game. A little stressed. Filled with worry about the future and things I can't begin to control. I was beginning to let myself be overwhelmed with it all. Blue feelings beginning to creep in and steal moments from my days.

On a whim I had lunch with my sister. As I sat down at the table, breathless with hurry, I unloaded my day on her and my stresses. I talked a mile a minute. She looked at me and smiled and said write this verse down and look it up later. I wrote myself a post-it on my phone, sighed and enjoyed my lunch with her. An hour to let go and be. Just be.

Back at work, I went to BibleGateway and checked it out. You know a small bible in my purse sure would be a handy idea. As the verse popped up on the screen, I laughed. A laugh fully aimed at myself. Yes, I could use some "be still" in my life. I'm so worried about moments yet to come, I'm missing the beautiful moments in front of me. Yes, be still.

My life is so full of His blessings. So full. So much to be thankful for. I'm right where I'm meant to be. His plan is so much more than my plan could ever be. He knows the desires of my heart better than I know them myself.

And as if He thought I might need a bit more, the verse of the day on BibleGateway was...

Ecclesiastes 11:5 - "As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things."

Little Things Like Cheese Sandwiches

I'm finally back to reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I started it back in January when the air was crisp and a whole new year was ahead, and then life got the better of me. And that said life has been draining me a bit of recent. I'm stressed often, and I know it shouldn't be that way. I'm so glad I picked up this wonderful little book again. So many beautiful things to ponder...

"And when I give thanks for the seemingly microscopic, I make a place for God to grow within me." - One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp

There is something so pure and pleasing to the soul to give thanks - even for the little things in life. It centers you. It allows grace to flow and joy to abound.

1. The twinkle of a little man's eyes as he smiles at me
2. Moonlight through lace curtains
3. Baby girl twirling in her dress
4. Living room blanket tents
5. Cardinals fluttering on my back porch
6. Half eaten cheese sandwiches made by little hands

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - "In Everything give thanks..."

By the way, Ms. Voskamp's website, A Holy Experience, has a daily blog. Awesome food for thought. I love her simple beautiful posts. And I love that she often calls herself The Farmer's Wife.