Restoration happens here
A guest post by Janet Eriksson . . .
Lord Jesus, life is hard sometimes. There are days, weeks, even months when nothing seems to go right. And that’s just at home, in my own life.
Then I look out in the world, and I see chaos and darkness creeping in. I see injustice, hatred, trauma, death, and pain. Everything seems upside down. My spirit longs for peace. Continue reading “A Prayer for Peace in Times of Struggle”
A guest post by Susan McPherson . . .
God often uses dreams to speak to me. It’s so intriguing and connects with me so well.
Here is a dream I had in 2015 which is still speaking to me in 2022. How cool is that! God isn’t bound by time. He just picks up where He left off seven years ago.
In the dream, someone took down my fence during the night. Then coffee grinds and spilled coffee were on the seat of my car.
A guest post by Karen Castleberry . . .
Bible Verse
Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security. — Jeremiah 33:6 (ESV)
Reflection
During a sudden winter snowstorm, my pansies got buried under the snow. Delicate flowers frozen, it looked like they would not survive. This is how I feel during life’s sudden snowstorms, when I get buried under burdens, freezing my ability to move.
A guest post by Janet Eriksson . . .
A prayer inspired by the woman at the well.
Lord Jesus, I love how You show me the importance of rest. You knew when to stop and just “be.”
When I read Your story, I can feel the midday heat, the roughness of the road on Your feet, the fatigue of the journey. You knew when it was time to rest and renew. You modeled that for me.
A guest post by Karen Castleberry . . .
Dear God, Jehovah Rapha, my healer,
Teach me what winter rest is, so I can renew my body, soul, and spirit in You, Lord. Show Yourself to me in the stillness of Your creation in the winter landscape, from the lacy branches of a majestic tree against a colorful sunrise to the hushed silence of a snowy road.
A guest post by Karen Castleberry . . .
“So God blessed the seventh day and made it Holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” — Genesis 2:3 (ESV)
Morning dawned on the 7th day, and God rested. He ceased from His labor, celebrating all that He had created. On man’s first full day on earth, God called us to rest, celebrate, and recharge. One of the Hebrew words for “rest” is shabbat, שַׁבָּת. On the Sabbath, we strengthen ourselves in God by ceasing from our ordinary tasks. We meet with Him and celebrate our relationship with YHWH Shalom, the God of Peace.
A guest post by Janet Eriksson . . .
Winter is a good time to recalibrate and refocus. Time to wash off all the busyness I picked up during the fall season and holiday time. Looking out at the sparkling clear days of winter, I can remember those life-giving practices I might have forgotten. Time to break out my winter starter kit.
A guest post by Janet Eriksson . . .
Winter seems hard, Lord.
It’s dark, it’s cold. Often harsh.
Everything feels a lot harder to do. Harder to take.
Small hurdles that don’t seem like much in the summertime feel burdensome in the colder time of year.
But I want to praise You in all things. You created the seasons and winter’s majestic beauty.
A guest post by Janet Eriksson . . .
Bible Verse
“‘Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.’” — John 15:4 (NKJV)
Reflection
Winter is a time when we make plans for the rest of the year. Our slate seems as clean as freshly fallen snow. The crisp, cool air is refreshing and makes us feel that we can do things right this year.
A guest post by Janet Eriksson . . .
Lord, thank You for the beauty of the autumn season. As I look at all the colors in the landscape, I am reminded what an amazing artist You are. Your beauty is beyond anything I can comprehend. But when I see the gorgeous hues of fall, I know You are so creative and You care deeply about Your creation.