Restoration happens here
A guest post by Janet Eriksson . . .
One of my favorite parts of summer is spending time in the beautiful orchards in the countryside where I live. When I am surrounded by green orchard trees bending over with delicious fruit, leaves and branches dancing in a warm breeze, my spirit comes alive. I love sitting on a front porch swing eating a peach and listening to the song birds, as they sing their symphony to God. Continue reading “God in the Orchard”
A guest post by Janet Eriksson . . .
Bible Verse
“The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” — Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)
Reflection
I was exhausted and couldn’t rest. Too much work, too little time. Though I tried to deny it I could feel it: the flame of passion I felt toward my ministry work had grown to a wildfire that threatened to burn me out. I needed to rest. But how?
I took a day off but I was restless. A friend told me, “Take a blanket outside in the shade.” Continue reading “Blanket in the Shade”
A guest post by Janet Eriksson . . .
Lord Jesus, I give you my day.
Help me to live in the “unforced rhythms of grace,” as You teach me in Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG).
A guest post by Janet Eriksson . . .
The Lord never tells us things are going to be easy. When we choose to walk with Him, we begin a journey of dying to ourselves.
But He does tell us He is with us every step of the way. Continue reading “Transformation Begins Now”
A guest post by Karen Castleberry . . .
Bible Verse
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Reflection
June, my mother-in-law, was a fiercely independent, hard-working woman. She worked into her 80s, running a business her father started in the 1950s. Her whole life revolved around The Shop. Rest was not part of her life.
A guest post by Janet Eriksson . . .
Be still and know that He is God.
Every day surrender and sit quietly in God’s presence.
He is the Prince of Peace.
Offer your heart to God and receive His peace in every part of you.
Let God fill you with His presence and His peace throughout the day and night.
Deep calls unto deep — let your spirit commune with God’s spirit every day.
Copyright © 2019, 2022 by Janet Eriksson
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Janet Eriksson is an intercessor, writer, and teacher in Dahlonega, Georgia. She loves conversation with friends, front porch swings, sweet tea, and spending time on lakes and rivers. The author of nine books and editor of many more, Janet blogs and teaches at https://adventureswithgod.blog/.
A guest post by Karen Castleberry . . .
Circling the hospital parking lot I realized I was going to have to park far from the front door. My mother-in-law was already exhausted. She had not eaten or had coffee that morning in preparation for a procedure. Weak from cancer treatments, this strong and independent woman of 80 years agreed our best option was to drop her off at the front door and she would wait for me to park.
Suddenly a parking spot opened up right by the front entrance. We both exhaled in relief, thanking God for this small comfort He provided even when we didn’t think to ask. That was the beginning of a very long, tortuous day filled with God showing up unexpectedly around every corner.
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 . . .
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.