Luke 10:41But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42but one thing is necessary.
Mind distracted by obligation,
hands and heart
splintered bitter in our scrambling to sustain
God,
who chooses to dwell with us.
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“Relate to me.
Receive my love Martha.
Sit with me and
Unwrap my presence.
I am your satisfaction, your great reward.
Need nothing more.”
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
The Jonathan Tree                        Daniel(8) and Natalie (6)
Cookies for Santa, My little shining lights, stain glass window in our church
Burning in the coldest soul
is a pilot light fueled by the breath
of God.
Natalie made her first trip to the farm with her class this year and it got me reminiscing about taking Jonathan to the farm with his class. He wasn’t too sure about “milking the cow”, but he loved the wagon ride and talking about God’s creation.
What are some of your favorite Fall/Winter activities with family, friends or kids?
Last year I began a Christmas tradition of sharing a photo each day and inviting you to share your own photo of a similar activity or memory. Starting December 1st I will share some of my favorite memories of my son Jonathan and I encourage you to join in the fun and share special moments with me as I share them with you. Invite friends and family to get involved.
Photo Scavenger Hunt begins December 1st and ends December 20th. I will post a picture of some of my favorite Christmas memories with Jonathan and give your photo assignment each day. (PLEASE LET ME KNOW THAT YOU WILL BE PARTICIPATING.)
Rules:
…
1. Be respectful of others and their property.
2. Ask permission before taking a picture.
3. Have fun and invite as many friends and family as possible to be involved.
4. Describe your location.
5. Respond in the comment section.
I feel so small!
Fall fireworks!
Leaf Collection.
I could stand here forever!
Perfect place to write!
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
What do you do, no matter what? Especially if you suffer from depression, I’d really like to compile a list of helpful habits as a resource to others. Since Jonathan’s death the two places that I am most under attack are in the car, and in the late evenings. I have limited the amount of driving I do. My mind is a landmine of destructive thoughts when I am exhausted, so opening myself up to even the news in the evening seems to fuel depression as I try to sleep.
Categories:
Daily habits that lift your spirits
Example: Singing hymns
Making my bed (seems small, but completing this task daily leads to bigger completions)
Scriptures you bring to mind
The habit of avoidance:
Not staying up late alone
Avoiding TV after 9
Peace in Midst of Sorrow
I reach into photos, attempting CPR on settled smiles.
Body bolstered by belief,
and honed by instruction
motors towards the finish line.
Joy, baptizing those in your wake.
Arms outstretched to receive
the prize.
Embraced by love,
Until you wiggle free,
ready to face your expanded distance.
When I took this picture I was frustrated that my kids were blurry; the camera focused on the headstone.  But, the image reflects my grief. The grave looms large and it difficult to concentrate on anything else. What looms large in your life? How do we bring into focus the truth of God’s love for us which in turn brings into clear focus those we love, his plan for us and the needs of others?
Focus on Christ as my Center through:
Scripture:Â But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:.. Lamentations 3:21
Prayer: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything through prayer and petition . . .Philippians 4:6-8
Witnessing:Â . . .you will be my witnesses . . . Acts 1:8Â (no one else can share your story)
Fellowship: Do not stop meeting together as some are in the habit of doing . . . Hebrews 10:25
As I struggle these past two weeks with Jonathan’s birthday I realize that I have pulled away from these four foundational truths in my life. So today I renew these verses in my mind, and open myself to a clearer view of God, my husband and children, and others. Yes, the grave is concrete in my life right now, but that doesn’t mean that I cannot bring into focus God’s will. I just need to adjust my lens.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call the National Suicide Lifeline at 988 or go to the website at https://988lifeline.org/