Making Solitude Time With God

Some people would say my hubby and I have a pretty quiet, laid back life.

• We are empty-nesters.
• We live in a cottage, on a lake.
• We are just a few years away from retirement.(I actually stopped working last year.)
• We are currently not involved in a lot of community/social groups.

But a quiet life doesn't mean there is lots of time for solitude and seclusion from family activities, daily responsibilities, and time that the two of us spend together. In fact, there are times I really crave solitude with God, but it just doesn't come that easily. (And when I say "solitude" I don't especially mean a devotional time in the Word and/or prayer. I am pretty much able to do that every day.) I mean just getting away from all of the schedules and business, t.v. and computer, and just making time to gather my thoughts, rest, and relax. 

We have a small lot, which our cottage is situated on. There are two different patio areas - one on the lakeside of the house and one on the roadside. In the summer, we use the lakeside area for entertaining quite a lot. The other patio, though, is not real functional, currently. Our grill is located there and we have a small table and chairs, but never really eat at it, as there is no real shade or privacy. Well, I'm very excited to say that that is going to be changing soon! 

My hubby just purchased a pergola kit and will be putting it up there! I already have been dreaming and planning what I want this peaceful spot to look like. Here are some pictures from the internet that caught my attention...

all photos can be accessed through my Pinterest Board

I hope to start several vining flowers to grow over the top of the pergola. I also would love to purchase a sitting area...possibly an outdoor daybed or sectional set. Once the spring weather decides to arrive and actually stay - we have had a rough April, with lots of wind, rain, and temps in the 40s-50s, I hope to make this area my outdoor solitude spot!! Currently, my only real "inside" solitude spot it in the bathtub, when I take a long hot bath, which is fine, especially when the weather is nasty - like today!!   :-(  But, I just love being outdoors and in the beauty of nature. I look forward to this addition to our little cottage!!

Do you have a place of solitude that you like to go to (or have a dream of the kind of place that you would like to have time away in solitude and seclusion from people and daily activities)? 

The Word encourages us to take time away from daily life...

In Old Testament Times God’s People Practiced Solitude

“Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the ‘tent of meeting’… The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.” (Exodus 33:7, 11)

“[Elijah] went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him… a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:9, 12).

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” (David; Psalm 23:1-3)

“Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him.” (Lamentations 3:28)

Jesus Practiced Solitude and Silence (If He Needed it How Much More do We!)

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

When day came, Jesus left and went to a secluded place; and the crowds were searching for Him, and came to Him and tried to keep Him from going away from them.(Luke 4:42)

“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)

Solitude is Important for Spiritual Growth

“But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.” (Habakkuk 2:20)

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Jesus’ Disciples Prayed in Solitude and Silence

Peter went away from his traveling companions to go into solitude and silence and seek God. He had a vision and heart the voice of the Lord three times. His experience led to the Gospel being spread among the Gentiles. “About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened…” Acts 10:9-11).

The discipline of Solitude is an excellent tool to build our relationship with Christ! For some people it may take time to practice and get used to it, but once you do, it is a phenomenal way to build intimacy with Christ and take in the goodness in life! It will become a "personal retreat" of sorts. Whether you spend 20 minutes or several hours there, it should be your very own space.

I realize that most people cannot build their own secluded spot, but usually we can look for similar spots in a local park or a corner of your yard. When I worked, there was a private corner between the two buildings on the property, where I would go back to, over my lunch hour and enjoy the woods and nature. Wherever you go, make it your own little spot, if possible. Turn off your phone and computer and take in the beauty of the Lord!!

Have a blessed weekend!!

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When Memory Fades...

It was November of 2011...I was a newby still - it was only the second time that I had officially posted on my blog. I wrote on my experience of my son (then only 18 years old) having accidently hit his head and having a concussion. The fear, anxiety, and frustration were all there in that post.

When You Get the Dreaded Phone Call

An excerpt from that post: 

"He can’t remember and keeps asking questions from one minute to the next….my heart aches for him in his frustration to remember. He starts to panic…..I remind him to stay calm. Can we make it home before he loses it? We do, but even then he can’t relax at home…..questions and more questions (yikes! Will he be like this the next 2-3 days?) Please, Lord, bring back his memory! ...later on, I start to feel the release of my emotions from the stressful evening and shed some tears! Oh, the things we endure as parents! We love, yet at such a cost!!!"

As I read the post again, I almost had a feeling of de-ja-vu! Was that experience a foretaste of what was to come....this time with my mother, instead of my son? The only difference is that that was a temporary memory loss and this time it is progressive and permanent. Same emotions, same fears, different generation. 

As a main caretaker, there are good days and not-so-good days with my mom. Don't get me wrong. I love my mom more than anything. But the repetitive questioning, childlike behavior, and inability for her to process any deep thinking or decision-making can wear on my patience. I definitely have realized my own need for the presence and patience that only God can provide. If, like me, you are one of the estimated 15 million Americans caring for someone with dementia, you know that it’s a uniquely devastating disease. Dementia—the most common form is Alzheimer’s—robs you of the person you love. It attacks memory, personality, language, and physical abilities. It can last for years, even decades. And it has no cure.

I know that over time, my mom's dementia will only get progressively worse. That is why I try to appreciate the good times that I have been blessed to have  to spend with her. Several months ago I made the choice to quit my job and be one of the main caretakers of my mom for this very reason. Those days and moments can be cut short at any time. I know that, even on those days when it is more difficult to have patience and endurance, I try to keep reminding myself that the days are short, compared to what time I may still have with her. I pray for strength and am so thankful that I can go to the Lord, Who...

...is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.(Psalm 28:7)

No matter what kinds of difficulties and trials we may be going through in our lives, we can lean on our Lord to strengthen and help us!! He provides all of our needs!! Praise Him!!

May you all have a blessed week!

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Life is Precious

I know, for me, I tend to sometimes forget how precious life is.... The lives of those around me and my own.

This past weekend the hubby and I attended the 3rd birthday party of our grand-niece.(our niece's daughter.) I remember when this rambunctious bundle of toddler energy was born. At a mere 4 lbs, 12 oz., she was a true miracle! My niece found out just a year after having her daughter that she had a rare blood-clotting disease that had caused and would cause her to have multiple problems in pregnancy and childbirth, including miscarriage, early labor, and low birth weight. Her doctor discouraged her from trying to have more children, as not only could it cause her to have pregnancy issues, but was a threat to her own life during pregnancy and childbirth. My niece and nephew were devastated with the diagnosis, as they both wanted more children. After grieving for a time, though, they decided to focus on their precious little girl, and be thankful for the blessing of her in their lives.

This little "princess" as she kept telling us she was at her birthday party, is such a blessing to so many people - parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Her sweet spirit is a reminder to me how precious life is.

 Loved the princess birthday cakes!!

 For privacy reasons, I didn't show a picture of my grand-nieces face. 

My niece helping my grand-niece open presents.

I'm reminded of my own son, who was a miracle baby for me and my hubby over 23 years ago. We didn't think we could have children. After years of trying, and almost giving up, I conceived and he came into our lives!!

In reality, I believe we are all precious miracles of God's love.

Jeremiah 1:5 - Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; 

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

 1 John 3:1 - See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. 

The older I get the more I believe it...Life is very precious! I pray that no matter where you are in your life or how young or old you are, that you know how your life is very precious to the Lord!! He loves us and holds us in His very loving hands. This reminds me also of the story of the lost sheep...
Luke 15:4-7

“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? “When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. “And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ “I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Each and every life is precious!!!!

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Finding Hope and Comfort, When Your'e Hurting or Confused

I desired relationship, not just with Jesus, but with my only son.

I prayed  

I shared  

I waited  

I gave thanks 

I put on the full armor of God; fought the enemy with the Lord's help!

I read God's promises over and over in His Word and claimed them for myself.

I waited again 

I tried to do everything right, and nothing seemed to happen...it confused me and if I’m being really honest it hurt my heart. 
I felt both of them drawing farther away, not closer to me.

What was I to do? What was I supposed to learn? Maybe it's this...

• Maybe welcoming God’s promises requires the same sort of acceptance we give any guest who arrives at our home: preparation, waiting, making room for the promise to have seat at the table, even as it’s still far off in the distance.
• Maybe sometimes God’s promises wait in the distance. Pain waits there too. That’s when He comes alongside. The presence of the living God, eagerly, but quietly drawing near to you in your hurting.
• Maybe I need to live a sincerely Listening Life. to listen until I understand.  He commands, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). "And to those whose minds are steadfastly fixed on Him, He gives the gift of peace."... 

I'm learning that when you are broken or alone or have questions and aches, good. It’s good to be desperate if you’re willing to be desperate enough to cry out to Him and let Him reach into the aching places and reveal you and heal you and speak to you.

When I feel desperate for my son in prayer, peace evades me. In a sense, I feel a deep concern for him. But, I do believe God put this in my heart...

Even Paul wrote "Apart from external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?" (2 Corinthians 11:28-29)

The statement here shows the depth of feeling of this great apostle; and shows what should be the feeling of every believer.

John Gills Exposition of the Bible states:

 "Now by all this which the apostle did and suffered, by all actions and sufferings, care and sympathy, he fully appeared to be a true and faithful minister of Christ, and abundantly more than the false apostles, who could produce none of these things as testimonies in their favour."

But, how can I have that intense concern and find peace?
The Holy Spirit is the Giver of  peace, and He dispenses it as a gift. Galatians 5:22 says one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit is peace. Notice that every promise Jesus made to His troubled disciples on the night before His death was rooted in the coming of the Holy Spirit. Christ promised life, full understanding, and peace to those who are His disciples, but it is the Spirit of God who takes the things of Christ and gives them to us. 

"Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful" (John 14:27). 

Jesus shows us His promise of peace. We ought to be able to lay hold of this peace. It is there, it is ours; but we must take hold of it. The peace He gives has to be received and applied in our lives.
He calls us to let the Lord's peace work in us. 

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts." Colossians 3:15 

As I  continue to pray for my son(and for a closer relationship) and wait, I'm learning that sometimes young men need time.  

"Growing in grace and wisdom and stature isn’t an immediate download — it happens the way a tree grows up: over many years. There’s a reason why children begin as seeds. It’s okay — it’s okay —- that growth and change take time — it’s supposed to. There are good young men out there who need to be unearthed from low expectations, and made over by relentless grace, who are given confidence to to do hard things by giving them hard things to do. 

Don’t quit now. There’s a whole generation of the hardest boys who can become the greatest men.There’s a whole generation of young men who will rise up if we raise our expectations, who can turn over new leaves because we never stop believing in them, who can do hard things because we never give up on them, no matter how hard it gets." ~ Ann Voskamp

Until then I am called to just be a pointing arrow — by the way I humbly sacrifice and serve: 

"The world needs the mothers and the gentle and the kind and the humble and the generously giving to get down on their knees and love enough to say exactly just that– through their words and hearts and serving, sacrificing hands. 

Focus more on living Truth than pointing out error, more on celebrating the beautiful than decrying all that’s broken — more on being a servant than on being right. That doesn’t mean we ignore concerns— it means our ultimate focus is on the commendable. Be a Light so lovely that he is drawn to the Source and warmth of it.

By this one white heart....Pure Love branded right into the prayers and the prodigals led back home." ~ Ann Voskamp 

In my spirit “I know God is going to bring my son back to Him.”

Now, Satan wants me to ask “And what if He doesn’t?” — what if He doesn’t do what we plea, what we pray, what we believe He can and will do and should do?

Even if He doesn’t – He does still love us.

If He doesn’t — I will still believe. Still believe — in Him. 

So, I continue to :   

>"Let your requests be made known to God, with    thanksgiving and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 4:6-7)  (Ask the Lord to have you feel as He would have you feel ...) 

>"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord."(James 1:5-7)   

>When your heart and mind are troubled . . .Dwell on the hope and the promises found in Jesus Christ - for a harvest worth all of a mother's worn and faithful grace!

With A Little Hope . . .Finding hope in the unexpected places, in the circumstances that seem overwhelming, in the moments you question everything you ever knew. Scriptures of hope:

• "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a humbled (contrite) spirit."(Psalm 34:18)
• "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."(Psalm 34:19)
•  "Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."(Prov. 24;14)   
• "...we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."(Romans 5:3-5) 
•  "....by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."(Romans 15:13)

http://www.alphanewsdaily.com/FindingHope.html

He may not be answering our prayers yet, but He is working in us. He doesn’t always still our storms. But He can still us, in the storms. May the comforting Holy Spirit of God counsel and comfort us as we make our way through this broken world.

Rest In Me - A Song of Hope & Encouragement

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Man of Sorrows, Lamb of God

Easter will soon be here, once again!

For so many reasons, this is my favorite holiday. But it's also one of the most emotionally draining times of the whole year for me.

Let me explain:

Every year, the Easter story is(or should be) re-read and re-lived for all believers. It is not only a reminder of the great sacrifice Jesus made for us, but also the great promise of one day being re-united in eternity with Him. 

When I think of the pain, ridicule, and suffering he endured, my heart aches. What human being wouldn't feel empathy for any person who would have to endure such persecution!?!

Then, I'm reminded that He did it in place of what should have been my suffering and punishment! I deserve it, but He took it for me! Talk about feeling some guilt!!

Then, I realize how much He really loves me, to do that! And my mind cannot even fathom that kind of love! (the closest I could compare it to is the love I have for my own child). And I am overwhelmed by it!!

As I contemplate this love and sacrifice, I am full of gratitude...so full of thankfulness that mere words cannot express it! I can only weep over all I know about my Savior - who is also my Friend!

Then, finally, I end the experience of this holiday season full of joy and anticipation, for I know that He is risen and He lives!! And when it is time for the end of this life, I will live with Him forever in heaven!! Could we ever wish for anything more wonderful and joyous!!?!! (It has always perplexed me how anyone who truly hears and understands the story of Easter could reject such love and promise!)

I recently watched this video and song by Hillsong. What a magnificent overview of the Easter story and what it is all about! 

·         "Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isa 53:4-5

·         Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe in this?" John 11:25-26 

·         "Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." Romans 6:8-11 

·         "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, " 1 Peter 1:3-4

Over the next week and a half, may we think upon this horrific, yet wonderful event in history with much sadness, gratitude, joy, and anticipation!!

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Put on the Armor of God: The Battle is Real

I haven't posted for awhile, as I have spent a lot of time in contemplation, reading, and daily prayer. Believe it or not, my paths into these activities have not been easy. In fact, on some days they have seemed like pure hell. I guess I felt that posting these experiences each week would be more of a downer for you all to read, so I have put off writing.

Tonight, though, I have felt a tug to write about SOME of my experiences and how God has been faithful, in spite of the struggle that I have definitely felt.

What feels like an eternity, the past few months have been anything but joyful for me. In spite of this, I have really, really tried to stay upbeat and positive – reading Scipture and praying the promises of God. But, just when I think I have pulled out of the doldrums, something happens that pulls me back down again. At first, it would only be for a few hours or maybe as long as a day. Then I would pull out of it. Lately, the struggle is occurring more often, though. 

I recently have been learning a lot about the spiritual battle(angels and demons) that rages daily, often without our even realizing it. I started taking more of an interest in this, as I have had some conversations over the past 6 months or so with my son on the subject of “spiritualism”, of which he has taken quite an interest in. More so lately, as his girlfriend that he has been dating around the same amount of time, is into “new age” activities – ie. transcendental meditation, yoga, use of crystals, use of magic stones, and burning incense, etc. He has questioned the reality of demons and hell and we have had long discussions over these subjects with him, but he still does not seem convinced. Now, this has been quite disconcerting for my hubby and I, as he has been raised in a Christian home all of his life and had dedicated his life to Christ at a young age. We have always been very close to our son through the years, even though he took some very different paths in his education/career choices than what we would have wanted for him. Lately, he has begun to pull away from us – not returning emails, texts, or even phone calls. This has been especially difficult on me, as I often don’t know how to respond to this behavior.(Actually, neither does my hubby, but he just hides it better than me.) When I do finally talk to him, he is very upbeat and says he is doing great, but he also seems very, very distant and vague to share his thoughts or feelings(something he has always done with us in the past). When I question his non-sharing behavior, he becomes angry and defensive, even attacking me with his words.

So here I am, trying to figure this all out. And in the process, I’m realizing that a real spiritual battle is going on right before our eyes and ears. My hubby and I have agreed to take turns and pray together daily for the Lord to intervene and win this battle in our family. Now, I know Satan hates that and so it seems that he has been working overtime, attacking our family even more. My hubby and I have been arguing more and then because we cannot come to a compromise, end up not being as close as we should be. Yes, we still pray, but our prayers are very cerebral. I have felt a struggle within myself, as well. I want to fight this battle as a warrior of God, with the Lord as my Commander. Some days my faith is stronger, while on some I feel so very weak from the battle - leaving me feeling bloodied and scarred! But, I am also reminded and do believe that He carries me on those days! I know He hears our prayers and is in control. I try to stay positive and trust that He will overcome evil with good and open our son’s heart. Sometimes those demonic forces do get in and put doubts in my mind, though. Then, my emotions often become affected by my thoughts. It is a constant battle, causing me to be in constant prayer, as well as trying to stay as positive as I possibly can!!

Putting on the full armor of God is vital, so I read these verses EVERY day:

^"10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”(Ephesians 6:10-17 NIV)

I want you to know that if you also feel like there is a battle going on in your family or in you personally, believe me, it really is real!!! This spiritual battle can seem overwhelming at times! That is why it is so important that we be ready and “in our battle uniform” at all times!! We need to never let up and never give up, as that is what Satan is waiting for!! Yes, we will grow weary at times. But, the Lord will take over when we feel we can’t fight and He will strengthen us once again for the days ahead!!! Stand firm, for the battle is His to win!!

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Just Not Up To Par

Don't know what the deal is lately, friends, but I just haven't had anything new to share here on my blog. So, I'm sharing a verse and will continue to add to my gratitude list for now.

Often wisdom invites us to ponder great questions. The question, “Can anyone make straight what God has made crooked?” echoes the words of 1:15—“Something crooked cannot be made straight.” Only God can determine what is and what is not. God makes our paths crooked or straight. And we often do not understand why one person’s way is straight and another’s is crooked. The message of the teacher is simple: reverence God regardless of 

the path you have been given to walk.(source)

"When times are good,

  enjoy them and be happy.

 When times are bad,

   think about this:

    God makes both good and bad times,

        so that no one really knows what is coming next."(Ecclesiastes 7:14, The Voice)

#1799 - Baking lots of yummy sweets while snowed in at home for 2 days... 

#1800 - Getting to see the movie "Risen" with the hubby and my mom. (Very emotionally moving and unique movie...)

#1801 - A flock of Canadian geese that stopped in front of our cottage for a short visit. 

#1802 - The wonderful variety of God's creation(enjoying the colorful and unique design of the birds He made.)

#1803 - Between the blizzard-filled, snowy days, a day(or even a few hours) of sunshine.

#1804 - My sweet doggie friends...Cheyenne

#1805 - and Jet

#1806 - For shelter and warmth on a cold blizzardy day.  

#1807 - That the Lord protected and kept me safe while I was travelling on the road in this weather.

May you all have a warm and blessed week!!

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