Time To Hole Up

Holed Up in Winter

Arctic weather isn’t the only reason I hole up when I can in January. After December’s demands and any traveling I do, I often need some catch-up time and a bit of a slower pace. I need to be at home.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t lounge on the sofa eating bon-bons—though that sounds pretty good. No, I faithfully work on writing projects and take care of the stuff of life that has needed my attention. And I’ve got to admit it’s a welcome change after a season of increased demand.

Do any of you hole up when you get the chance too? I’ve found that whether we’re forced to stay put due to weather or we choose to sequester ourselves for some regrouping or restoration, we usually feel ready to break out after a time and experience life in the greater world again. We get rested, recharged, and . . .  a little stir crazy!

It’s not so different in our spiritual lives. There are times when we need to slow down and catch up a bit. Times when we need to hole up and be “at home” with the Lord. If we’ll take that time, I bet we’ll find ourselves feeling rested, recharged, and . . . yes, ready to break out. Ready to do the work God calls us to do with fresh energy.

So where are you right now? Feeling a little stir crazy or are you needing some time to hole up? Wherever you are, whatever you do, do it with the Lord. He faithfully offers a welcome change!

“he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” Mark 6:31 NIV

*Hope this slightly revised encore post from January 2010 blessed you today!

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, comes out in early February. One lucky subscriber (new or current) will receive a $15 gift card to Starbucks and a signed copy of my book to use personally, give as a gift, or donate to a library. Sign-up is free and to the right! (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find it.)

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

*Flickr photo by MuffetCreative Commons License

A Grandmother’s Prayer

Since we often think about both mothers and grandmothers during the Mother’s Day season, I’d like to share a bit of my heart as a grandmother with you today.

I became a grandmother a little over three years ago, first to a set of twin boys and then nineteen months later to another set of twin boys. Yes, you heard right. And yes, we are incredibly blessed!

As with any grandmother, my joy-factor skyrocketed to a new level when our little loves were born. I’ve thoroughly embraced my new status and want to be the best grandma I can be. And the best way to express my heart’s desires as a grandmother is to share what I’d like to say to the Lord about the new role he’s entrusted to me.

And so I give you “A Grandmother’s Prayer.” It’s not so much a prayer for grandmothers to pray for their grandchildren, rather it’s a prayer for grandmothers to pray for themselves. I hope it will bless you—and that even if you are not a grandmother, you will be able to make it your own in some way. May it inspire prayers from your own heart’s desires!

A Grandmother’s Prayer

Oh Lord, what a gift you’ve given to me, what a trust. The chance to be a loving grandmother to precious and dearly loved grandchildren. My heart leaps and sings for joy just thinking about it. Thank you for this awesome privilege.

I pray, Lord, that my sweet grandsons will never question my love for them. May they always know how crazy I am about them and that I’m in their corner. And more than that, I pray that my love for them will be a picture of your unconditional and unfailing love. May my love and presence in their lives be one of the things that draws them each one to faith in you.

Help me, Lord, to be a winsome example of how to live a life that honors you and encourages others. Whatever happens in my life, help me conduct myself in a manner worthy of you. (Philippians 1:27) And from that, Lord, may my grandsons see traits and qualities they adopt and develop in their own lives.

Finally, Lord, remind me continually that time is short and that these little ones will grow up in a flash. Help me to be an involved grandmother who invests my time, attention, and affection in the precious grandchildren you’ve given to me. Please bless me, Lord, with year upon year of making memories with them and with watching them become men who love and honor you.

All this I pray in your name, Lord. May it be so!

I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” Psalm 89:1 NIV

*How can you pray for one of your heart’s desires?

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*The new issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, came out last week. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is free and to the right! (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find it.)

*My daughter Kristin’s photo

Wedding Day Photo Idea: Sunset Silhouette

23247205609_2f03491a1e_zWhat time of day is your darling daughter tying the knot, Mother of the Bride? If the nuptials are scheduled for late afternoon or early evening, she and her dashing groom will have a super special photo opportunity they can take advantage of if they alert their photographer to their wishes.

Have the happy couple tell their photographer they’d like him or her to take a sunset silhouette shot of their big day. If the photographer knows ahead of time, he’ll be able to scope out the best location for such a shot at or near their ceremony or reception venue.

Everything will work together to make this an absolutely gorgeous shot—the location, the couple, the setting sun, the romance. Wow, this will definitely be a keeper shot, huh?

So MOB, don’t delay—share this great photo idea with your sweet girl pronto. I predict a couple of more-than-willing participants!

*You might also like to read Engagement Photo Idea: Sweep Her Off Her Feet and Great Send-off For the Bride and Groom: Fireworks! 

*Flickr photo by Ryan Smith Photography, Creative Commons License

Midweek Morsel: Is Rest Calling Your Name?

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Earlier this week when my husband Don headed out the door for work, he groaned and said, “Somebody stop the world. I want to get off.” The semester is winding down for him, and he’s feeling the crunch. I bet many of you can identify for reasons of your own. I know I can.

Do I hear rest calling our names? When stress mounts and demands keep coming, sometimes we just need to step back for a few moments and breathe. Let’s take a breather today and soak in the following thoughts expressed through this REST acrostic:

Retreat and refresh with a whispered prayer and a few moments of silence.

Energize by going outside and drinking in the beauty of nature.

Soothe your body and spirit as you relax with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Take time to count your blessings and thank God for being your Rock and Refuge.

Let’s do it, friends. Let’s rest.

“‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

*What are some of your favorite ways to catch a little rest?

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, will come out in early May. Sign-up is free and to the right!

*Flickr photo by Simon Matzinger, Creative Commons License

Quiet Time Thoughts

1571073360_67394f6c3c_zSome people call it quiet time. Others call it devotions. Whatever you call it, I hope you’re spending time with God each day, reading His Word and drawing near to Him through prayer. I pray the following acrostic piece will encourage you to commune with the Father daily through personal quiet time with him. It will change your life. He will change your life!

Quench your thirst for God—spend some time in his Word.

Unleash the power of the Holy Spirit and welcome his work in your life.

Invite the Lord to come and fellowship with you each day.

Enter into worship as you come into his presence.

Treasure your moments with the Savior, guarding them diligently.

 

Taste the goodness, the mercy, the unfailing love of our God.

Imitate all that you learn at his feet.

Meditate on the riches overflowing from his perfect, holy Word.

Enjoy a love relationship with Jesus, our living Savior.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8

*What devotional helps do you use? Where are you reading in the Word right now?

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, will come out in early May. Sign-up is free and to the right!

*Flickr photo by .:[ Melissa ]:. , Creative Commons License