Taking A Break

This week we had the opportunity to visit our son in Colorado Springs who is attending Charis Bible College. This is a fast growing school started by Andrew Wommack Ministries to fulfill the commission of Christ to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations.

 



We had the privilege to attend some classes with our son. To hear the anointed teaching of gifted speakers bringing the truth of God's Word in the beautiful setting of the new campus surrounded by clean air, fresh pines, and an unobstructed view of Pikes Peak was a gift in itself.

 

United States Air Force Chapel

We also visited the United States Air Force Academy and toured the beautiful chapel on the campus. It's architectural beauty is unsurpassed in my opinion, and the serenity of the peaceful setting has been available to cadets since its construction in 1963.

 

One of our country's national monuments, The Garden of the Gods, is just outside the city. These amazing rock formations are incredible and their history tells the story of Native Americans living in the area for hundreds of years.

 

A few days away from our everyday routine and the opportunity to re-connect with family was a refreshment for mind and body. Sometimes we need these short interruptions in ordinary life to be able to get back to navigating those curves that come at us.

 

There is a lot of ugliness in the world, but we need to stay aware that the beauty is so much bigger and better than any darkness. Looking at God's creation through His eyes and hearing the teaching of His word reminds us of the purpose we are here. It is to expand His kingdom and enjoy His world, to fellowship with Him and receive His gifts so we can share them with others.

 

This week we also celebrated our 38th anniversary so this also made the trip extra special. As we get back to our routines next week, the past few days will remain with us for a very long time.

 

How do you take a break from life's curves and find refreshment for your soul?

 

 





Can We Weather The Winter?

Rain, cold, drizzle, fog, icy mud puddles, warm again, then cold, high winds. You name it we have had it this winter.

Rather than spending too much time complaining about the weather, (which doesn’t change it anyway, right?), I thought I would find some positive things about all the erratic patterns we have had lately.

• When it rains for days, the sun is so much brighter when it does shine.
• The fog eventually lifts.
• Drizzle is better than a downpour.
• 50 degrees following several days of below 20 makes it feel as wonderful as 85.
• Icy mud puddles do melt.
• The extreme cold kills the bugs.
• The wind blows all the leaves out of my yard and into my neighbor’s. (LOL)
• And best of all, Spring WILL come!

After several days of rain, I walked outside with my dogs one night, the frozen ground crunching under my feet and the frosty air becoming a cloud of mist as I exhaled. It was so nice to see the sky full of stars sparkling like jewels in a showroom. The moon shone the welcoming of God’s porch light to His creation below. I looked up at the vastness of the universe to see the awesomeness of our Creator and was reminded that He weathers every storm for us. He is our warmth in the cold, our light in the darkness, our guidance in the fog, and our calm in the wind.

He is the Son and He will always shine.

How are you weathering winter?

Holiday De-Stress

The holidays are over. Ah, peaceful bliss. Maybe.

It all depends on how we handle it. Between November and December we are subjected to different amounts of stress whether we cause it or not. There is more of everything. Parties, shopping, cooking, church and school plays, traveling and mailing.

Even if we are not the ones doing all the buying, driving, or participating in events, we can get caught up in the middle of those who are. Traffic is more congested, stores are crowded, and crime seems to increase.

After it is all over, we want to breathe a sigh of relief for the end of it all. But the cessation of activity can sometimes bring despair instead of the release we crave. After the big buildup, we can feel let down in our emotions. January seems to bring dismal weather and that can add to the cloud that gathers over our head.

The cure is to focus on the right things. We know what our holidays are supposed to be about. And even if we did get caught up in the stress of it all, it’s possible to go back in our minds and be thankful for all our blessings and praise God for giving us something to celebrate.

It’s never too late to think about others. Many charities expand their outreach to the needy during holidays, but the cause doesn’t end because the time of year changes. We can still give to these groups even if there is no one outside a store ringing a bell. We can send thank you notes to those who gave to us or provided us with a service in the previous year.

And best of all, making time each day to just slow down, thank God, and be conscious of listening to Him will calm our souls and lighten our mood.

Finding something to focus on other than the holiday meltdown can keep our emotions on the right track and keep us from falling into the January doldrums.

What are some ways you combat the after-holiday melancholy?