I've been reading Simply Tuesday by Emily Freeman. The idea of practicing "Small-Moment Living in a Fast Paced World" is put into bite sized sections that I've pondered this last month. I was reminded again that if I focus only on the next "stage of life" I could be missing "stairwells" of life where seemingly insignificant moments create memories and lessons are learned. Learning to be content where I am at instead of competing for bigger and better and embracing what comes my way today instead of waiting for the big moments on the calendar leaves my soul more at peace.
The chapter on Vision and Contentment touched my heart because I have often said, that I wouldn't have wasted so many days of my life in fear if I had known it would all be okay. Those are times I can never redeem but I have a loving God who can.
"We can't prevent storms from coming, but I can decide not to invent my own." ~ Emily Freeman, Simply Tuesday
How often have I invented the scenarios unfolding with outcomes that are unsolvable? When I look back on my life I can see that it was in those moments where I had no choice but to trust God, where I could begin to understand that God came near to my soul and revealed who he was where I was, not where I thought I wanted to be. Time has taught me that I know God is with me instead of just depending on feeling his presence. Spending time in the Bible gives me roots for for those days when fear robs my soul of peace. When I confess my fear and my creation of calamity to God he is there listening to me. I want to walk my faith in a way that no matter where my journey will go, it will be okay because the one that loves me most is along the journey with me.
"Fear moves through like a tornado unable to discern between the delicate dreams for the future or the purposeful moments of now. God speaks in the still, small whisper. He is careful not to trample on the dreams he places within us. Instead, he waters them, walks with us toward them, and continues to give us the glimpses we need to keep on going." Emily Freeman, Simply Tuesday
I want to live my ordinary days in such a way that when they are all strung together, I will know that the days God gave me were for my good and for his glory.
Since it is Giving Tuesday, I will be donating $1 for each comment here and on Facebook to MCC helping the refugees who will be settling in Canada.
This post was inspired by a book club, "Ellen's Picks". Ellen Graf-Martin is a great Canadian leader helping to resource other leaders. For more thoughts inspired by Simply Tuesday, visit Ellen's Picks.
I started this book but it quickly got recalled to the library as someone else placed a hold on it so perhaps in the new year I will have to check it out again!! Thanks for your summary!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book Lovella. I too am learning to seize the precious moments in this life! Such a generous thing you are doing for MCC and so good to hear from you!
ReplyDeleteWonderful, wonderful! And… I love that you are donating to the MCC for refugee resettlement! That is what we chose for our corporate donation this Christmas. We know that they do such good work - and such a cause near to our hearts.
ReplyDeletePrayer time is an oasis where God puts me at peace. Sometimes it feels like floaties are put on me to get me through flooding tides of circumstance, other times He takes the threats completely away or grants wisdom and perspective to deal with the issue. He multiplies my time back for time spent in prayer.
ReplyDeletePraying that each dollar is multiplied to met the needs of refugees as well as growing their faith in God.
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ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful book for me to read. Thank you for telling us about it. Sorry for the delete...I said more than I wanted to say. ; >
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really wonderful book. Thank you for sharing it with us reminding us to live simply so that we may live more fully.
ReplyDeleteI like how the title of the book already leads you to think on appreciating the moments or the stairway to the next level. How often do we look forward to the weekend, and forget that the days leading there are just as significant, maybe more so, as we have the opportunity to practice life or to face the storms.
ReplyDeleteThis was THE most timely message, thank you for the inspiration! I find that by taking my self inflicted panic in hand and saying "Be still. And know that HE is God" is immediately calming and His peace washes over me.
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of this book, but it sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteI want to read this book. I like books that inspire. Thank you for sharing Lovella.
ReplyDeleteI want to read this book. I like books that inspire. Thank you for sharing Lovella.
ReplyDeleteAs we grow older we realize that it's as we live in the hear and now that we find some of life's best, in the everyday, the small stuff. Thanks for this good reminder, sounds like a good book. Neat that you are following your heart in giving to help others.
ReplyDeleteJesus is our Peace because He is the Prince of Peace. How I thank the Lord for His comforting presence that speaks calm to every storm, every fear in my life, heart, and mind. May God bless you. I cannot wait to read the book.
ReplyDeleteI love the highlighted quote near the top of your post which says in part "I can decide not to invent my own (storms)". I sure can be guilty of doing that at times. Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you and yours this Christmas season.
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