"Takin' Time Out"

Definition of HEART:  The organ in your chest that pumps blood through your veins and arteries; the front part of your chest; the HEART thought of a the place where emotions are felt.

Definition FROM THE HEART:  With Sincere Feeling

 

Well this is the last day of the month of February, I am sitting here sipping on my favorite cup of China Tip Green Tea….mmmm….savoring the fact how quickly time passes especially the older I get.  Maybe it is the fact February is a short month in the number of days it has and therefore it goes by quicker as well.  Anyway I felt lead to share some things this week that are truly FROM THE HEART so let’s begin!

 

When I started this blog I wanted it to be an uplifting reflection of random thoughts, tidbits, tales, travel experiences, and tea being because it warms my HEART, expressed from Texas as that is where I live but mostly it is about encouraging people to truly find a “Takin Time Out!” as we live in such a fast pace world.  For the most part I hope I have captured that but I have also found it has truly opened up a part of me I never realized existed and that is the art of writing.  I have always been a tender HEARTED person, very self-conscience, people pleaser and I take what people say to HEART.  Well that can be a good thing but also a bad thing…how many of you have had a teacher, mentor or boss who told you that you were not very good at something and you truly believed them?  This is the case and point with me.

 

While in school my English teacher did just that, I also had a boss that corrected harshly almost every letter I wrote so with so much negativity you begin to believe you shouldn’t do certain thing and writing was one of them.  I used to put a Happy Face at the end of my memo when I signed it.  Now for the Generation X and Y who might be reading this you probably do not know what a memo is but prior to email and just on the cusp of faxes, we used to send several inter-office memo’s back and forth forming our communication and relaying our proposal, reminder a brief written record, it was not as formal as a letter but got our point across.  I had one upper manager asked me to quit putting those smiley faces at the end of my salutation as it was NOT professional…well I was just trying to express my feelings and wanting that person to smile and have a good day since I couldn’t see them in person.  And Forrest Gump worked so hard to design and create it…so I conformed and quit doing it and as time moved forward and we now have the introduction to emails, text and instant messaging that same former upper manager who now is retired sends a note she puts a little happy face at the end of her remarks.  You know what, I just SMILE and think I was just a little before my time.  LOL!

 

I will say I sometimes worry about my grammar, I know I spell some things wrong, punctuation is definitely not right, I use slang words but blogging allows you to express those deep hidden random thoughts and for the most part your readers are able to understand what you are trying to express without too much criticism. For those who are good with grammar and maybe an English major I know I probably drive you crazy, please forgive me.

 

I would ask what is on your bucket list of things you would like to try to accomplish or do.  Have you begun?  Why not?  Is it fear, preparation, skills, funds, time, or just plain ole procrastination?  That is why I want to get to the HEART of the matter and encourage you to begin today!  My first recommendation is to write it down and maybe write it down a couple of times and then put a date of when you are going to begin.  Post it somewhere you can see it each and every day like on your bathroom mirror, on the refrigerator or the speedometer dash of your car if you drive allot.  I have the motto on my computer screen that says “A year from now, you will wish you had started TODAY” by Karen Lamb.  What is that desire my friend…no better time than now to begin.  It doesn’t have to be perfect, you don’t have to have all the stuff to start just take that first step and you will be sooooo glad you did!  Yes, you may stubble along the way but that is how you learn and grow, no matter how young or old you are, dig deep within your HEART and water that seed and let it begin to grow.  It is amazing the discoveries you will find.  I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone, I started putting these random thoughts and matters of my HEART down on a computer screen, you never know whose life you might touch, who you will meet along the way or what opportunities will be discovered through these adventures.  It may not be blogging but maybe it is starting a journal that you keep private for a while or painting, sketching, writing a book, cooking, sewing, gardening, recycling or making unique crafts.  In this ever changing world the sky is the limit.  I also encourage you to not wait, that saying from childhood pops in my head “Don’t put off what you can do today as tomorrow may never come.” 

 

During my quiet time this week I went through and listed those verses that had the word “HEART” and here are some of my favorites:

Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is there your HEART will be also.”

Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your HEART and lean not on your own understanding”

Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a pure HEART, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your HEART.”

 

You know the best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even touched they are felt and they are felt with your HEART.  Keep love in your HEART, keep compassion, keep the renewing of each day as a new beginning and please keep forgiveness. I know very well throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and hurt you deeply but life is too short to let bitterness take hold, rise above, open your HEART to forgive and set yourself free.  A loving HEART is the beginning of true happiness.

 

As you are “Takin Time Out” this week, I encourage you to OPEN up your HEART, be receptive to new discovery of your inner soul, let the spirit speak to you and then act upon it.  Don’t wait time is ticking…Until next time my dear friends…breathe deeply, breathe even deeper and relax, draw upon your visions and let them truly come to life…

 

 

 

 

Definition:  A case with a handle and a hinged lid, used for carrying clothes or other personal possessions.

 

Ok my friends you might find this to be a rather odd topic or word for the week.  I just ask that you please bare with me as my creative mind and inner soul wants to enlarge your vision and give you a little something to think about.

 

Before starting this weekly blog and in my planning stages I sat down and put over one hundred words down on a piece of paper of potential topics I could write about, however as each week comes around different encounters or situations arise and sometimes I have deviated from that list.  This week is one of them.  As I have shared my words of the year and a few weeks ago I wrote about Awareness being this year’s word.  I am becoming more in tune with circumstances, situations, maybe the Holy Spirit at work and really embracing my whereabouts. 

 

The next few weeks I will be living out of my SUITCASE, I have several business trips planned for work.  I always like to be prepared and this time of year brings a few challenges as you are never quite sure what the weather is going to be like, in Texas this month alone we have had freezing icy temperatures, to this week being in the upper 70’s gotta love Texas.  However, I am going to the East coast for a few days in the my whirl wind tour of West Texas and New Mexico…I know from growing up on the ranch that North wind can hit at any moment and you can easily have a late winter snowstorm but I am hoping for more temperatures in the 70’s as this year seemed to be a very unusually cold winter and my body requires sunshine and warmer weather!  My cousin gave me these fancy E-Bags packing cubes and boy are they handy and maximize my space; I encourage you to check them out at www.ebags.com for anyone who travels allot.  It makes you pack like a neat freak even if you aren’t one. I get so excited when packing my SUITCASE now!  Thanks cuz…

 

Before heading to the airport, my biggest challenge is keeping my SUITCASE weight under 50 lbs so I won’t have to pay more.  Personally, I think in the winter they should allow you up to 75 lbs as my bulky sweaters and coats weigh more. LOL!  I will say after 9/11 travel to me was forever changed especially going through the airport.  I love to people watch, you can recognize the experience traveler, to the moderate ones and then there are those that seem to be a first timer.  My heart especially goes out to those with small children, packing their SUITCASE with formula, diapers, snacks, favorite toy and blanket, change of clothes and they usually have a car seat, stroller and several other items.  Then you have to deal with crowds, waiting in line and being restricted or confined…Whew makes me tired just thinking about it.  Oh and are you one of those people as they walk on the plane worry with the anticipation they may have to sit next to you?  Yes, are you going to be faced with a crying or hyper active child?  Or do you embrace the situation and try to help that weary traveling parent?  Just a random thought…  

 

How about YOU?  Do you have any business or better yet vacations planned?  It is so much fun to get ready for vacation, packing your SUITCASE is a treat because of the anticipation of going somewhere you have never been or perhaps you go back to your favorite spot year after year.  “Takin Time Out” is sooo important to the feeding of your soul and renewing your spirit!  I hope you have plans to go somewhere in the near future.

 

As I am sipping on my favorite cup of Zen Green Tea, relaxing and “Takin Time Out,” making notes of all the things I need to do before packing my SUITCASE and getting ready to leave.  I stop and pause while saying a prayer for safety, good health and God’s grace.  He gently reminds me through his word in Psalm 91:11 “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”  This brings me comfort, no matter the circumstances, my additional prayer and reflection this week is found in Joshua 1:7 “Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you.  Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.”  This week I know I will be facing some challenges and possible opposition in my daily dealings with people but through Christ he gives me wisdom and strength to endure.  Thank you Lord, Amen…

 

I have a passion for reading uplifting, positive and motivation quotes, articles and books.  This week on a Facebook post there was this SUITCASE sitting in the middle of a country road and it caught my eye.  Not only did the picture bring the initial attraction but the story or post behind it even resonated more.  I would like to share this as we end:

.

– What do you have in that suitcase? the man asked.
– God answered: Your belongings.
– My belongings? you mean my things, my clothes, my money?
-God answered: Those things were not yours they belonged to the earth.

– Is it my memories? the man asked.
-God answered: those never belonged to you they belonged to Time

– Is it my talents?
-God answered: those were never yours they belonged to the circumstances.

– Is it my friends and family?
-God answered: I’m sorry they were never yours they belonged to the path.

– Is it my wife and son?
– God answered: They were never yours the belonged to your heart.

– Is it my body?
– God answered: that was never yours it belonged to the dust.

-Is it my soul?
God answered: No that is mine.

Full of fear, the man took the suitcase from god and opened it just to find out the suitcase was empty.
– With a tear coming down his cheek the man said: I never had anything???
-God answered: that is correct, every moment you lived were only yours. Life is just a moment. a moment that belongs to you. For this reason enjoy this time while you have it. Don’t let anything that you think you own stop you from doing so.
-Live Now
-Live your life
– Don’t forget to be happy, that is the only thing that matters.
– Material things and everything else that you fought for stay here.
-YOU CAN’T TAKE ANYTHING

Share this reflection with anyone you love or appreciate. Enjoy every second you live.

WOW, do you have chill bumps or a little tear swell up in the corner of your eye?  It did mine not sure if it has to do with the winter blues or I like to think of it as a reality check. 

Sooo what’s in your SUITCASE?  How have you packed your bags are there some things you might need to change or get rid of?  Maybe you should add a few things or is it full of heavy burdens?  It’s not too late to pause or hit the reset button or maybe repack your bags altogether.  While “Takin Time Out” this week I encourage you to reflect…are you living in the moment or planning too much for the future or has the past just left open wounds or scares that can’t let you move on?  I suggest you open that SUITCASE and commit to change or better yet, grab another SUITCASE maybe one that is lightweight with those cool fancy rotating wheels that allow you to make shifts and changes as you drag it down the path of life!

Until next time my friends, let’s repack those bags…lighten our load…breathe a little deeper one of those deep belly breathes slowly inhaling and holding then releasing it out even slower…Time on this earth is so short…make sure you are living, laughing, loving, a leave a positive lasting impression on those we love most…Have a terrific week…

QUOTES:

Anyone who needs more than one suitcase is a tourist, not a traveler” Ira Levin, Rosemary’s Baby!

Definition:  Refers to a variety of different feelings, states and attitudes that ranges from interpersonal affection to pleasure.  A feeling of strong or constant affection for a person:  attraction that may include sexual desire or a romantic relationship.  A profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person such as a parent, child or friend.

I normally post every Friday morning, I find it only fitting for this week to choose the word LOVE since this year it is February 14 and we celebrate Valentine’s Day and my second grandchild’s 3^rd birthday.  Happy Birthday Liam Jackson Montgomery, Gigi LOVES you to the moon and back!  It was also the day my Mother and Dad got married and a few years later had ME…I LOVE you too MOM AND DAD, I am so blessed to have you both as my parents and all the wonderful things you have taught me, the advice and support you continue to give me, the wings to let me fly and to believe in me no matter what.  You both are simply AMAZING…

 

Speaking of Valentine’s Day which is also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine it is celebrated in many countries around the world.  It was named for a Christian martyr and dates back to the 5^th century, and has origins in the Roman holiday.  We mainly recognize it by sending or receiving flowers, box of heart shaped chocolates, greeting cards.  Other symbols are doves and winged Cupids with arrows and hearts.  How many of you remember growing up and having to make your Valentine’s Day box for your school party out of an old shoe box wrapped in white butcher paper and pasting hearts, paper doilies, hand drawn art with ribbons, bows and as I got a little older they finally came out with adhesive heart stickers?  We would spend hours decorating them and cut a slit in the middle of the lid in order for all our friends to slip that special Valentine’s Day card in your box, you made the slit a little wider in hopes some would drop the little box of conversation candy hearts that had words on them and tasted like chalk or a heart shaped sucker and of course my all-time favorite Red Hots.  You would spend time writing out just the perfect card for each of your friends.  We still try to give the kids something small but special for this wonderful fun filled day we can show our LOVE.  Happy Valentine’s Day to each of you!

 

I will never forget a life changing experience happened to me about thirteen years ago, I had the bright idea I always wanted to own a flower shop in my last halftime of life, as I LOVE to dabble in arranging flowers and putting gift baskets together.  I was walking by our local florist and they had a sign in the window, “Help Wanted” for the week of Valentine’s Day.  So I went in and applied…now keep in mind I am a wife, mother of three children still at home at the time with a full-time high demanding sales job that had an annual quota to meet.  But you know I thought what the heck, this is a dream of mine it is only for a week or so I can fit this in with no problem.  I was superwoman remember from my blog post in November?  Needless to say they hired me on the spot and asked if I could start that day.  I explained I already had a full-time job but could work after 5:00 and on the weekends.  I also had decided I would actually take two days of vacation from my regular job on the 13^th and 14^th so I could be there all day.  For anyone who has not worked in a flower shop let me tell you it is not all a bed of roses…well maybe it is but allot of thorns will stick you in many ways.  I must mention to my wonderful cousin who has had her own shop until they moved and now working in another one you don’t get paid enough for what you do day in and day out!  Believe me….I showed up at 5:00 p.m. and didn’t get home until after 1:00 a.m. for a solid week.  The two days I worked all day we got there by 6:00 a.m. and got home at 1:00 a.m. with barely any breaks for lunch or dinner.  They received shipments daily, so unpacking the flowers immediately, put them in water took time and especially the roses you had to unbundle, trim, cut the thorns off and my fingers were bleeding and had major calluses and band aides on both thumbs before it was all over.  You have to keep the floor swept, make beautiful bows, arrange the flowers in various sizes and shaped vases.  Taking orders by faxes, phone, emails, and customers coming in.  It was CrAzY…but the most enlightening day was when I delivered the flowers we worked so hard in arranging and trying to make them just perfectly beautiful.  I was given the business routes, the first stop I made was to tall office buildings, living in the city and being a delivery person I could no longer walk in the front door like a salesman or customer.  This was right after 9/11 and all deliveries had to go to the dock area where shipping and receiving were handled with a guard checking your ID and marking where you were going.  The funny thing I was driving my SUV and I pull up to a dock built for semi-trucks and have to park, I felt like a dwarf or midget; then I had to hike up a flight of stairs and ring a bell for security while trying to hold this huge vase of beautiful roses with a box of chocolates or stuffed animal attached  and a clipboard so we had proof of delivery but the worse was when you had a balloon and the wind was blowing, if you had multiple orders to the same location you made several trips back and forth to the dock and your car…can you visualize this folks?  Let me also tell you there are some really unique people in this world, I seemed to have had more unhappy customers than happy ones.  People were either upset because of who sent them, or the fact they spent money when they told them not too, the arrangement was too small or too big, not the right color or had a stuffed animal they didn’t like or chocolates they didn’t want…the list went on and on.  I have never seen so many ungrateful people on such a special day.  I felt bad because the ones’ that placed the order and spent a favorable amount of money were just trying to show a little “LOVE”.  Needless to say I was glad that week was over, I was exhausted, drained and realized I didn’t really want to own a flower shop anymore.  I also have a deeper appreciation for the fresh flowers I receive on occasion and they do make me happy happy happy!  A Big round of applause to all the floral designers and delivery folks out there, a job well done with very little appreciation!

 

The early part of this week Jack Frost was still visiting us in Northern Texas, so I usually retreat to my favorite chair in the corner of my bedroom in my yoga pants, fuzzy socks, and wrapped up in a blanket, it is so cozy “Takin Time Out” with a savoring cup of Hot Tea to warm my body and soul, Mmmmm!   I thought about how impactful the word LOVE is and how lucky I am because each and every day I am able to give and receive LOVE from so many people around me.  My home is full of LOVE, for the most part even with all the challenges I LOVE my job and those I work with, I attend a church and their principles are built on LOVING one another, I have several friends and neighbors I LOVE and actually we live in a nation that was founded on freedom and LOVE for one another.   I truly think we take this for granted and at times we may not agree with the decisions our leaders make but we still have our freedom and we have the privilege and right to vote, voice our opinions, pray for them and we choose to accept and give LOVE how we see fit.  Yes there is a cost and sometimes we get hurt by those we LOVE.  I will agree it is not always easy, I love the quote LOVE is so easy to feel, so hard to explain, easy to get, so hard to let go, easy to spell, so hard to define. 

 

LOVE is expressed as an action and experienced as a feeling.  It includes compassion, determination, tolerance, endurance, support, faith and much more.  I feel in order to truly LOVE one another fully you must learn to LOVE yourself first.  I know many of you have been faced with difficulties through life’s journey whether is was in your early childhood, broken relationships or a parent walking out of your life through High School, College or as a young adult. Perhaps your marriage fails as the children get older or leave home. Losing a LOVED one to an untimely death and trying to understand why. Your heart is truly broken and you wonder how you can go on.  Yes, you are left to cope and try to put the pieces back together.  Acceptance and forgiveness is key and then you can choose to take a day at a time slowly LOVING yourself so you can learn to LOVE others more.  As a Christian I feel only our heavenly father, along with faith and hope can help us through those unfortunate circumstances.

 

 

One of my favorite Christian authors C.S. Lewis, had a book published based on a set of radio talks from 1958 but so distinctly explains the types of LOVE. It is an insightful read and I encourage you to pick it up sometime:

 The Four LOVES:

1)    Storge-Affection is fondness through familiarity or brotherly LOVE

2)     Philia-Friendship the LOVE between friends

3)     Eros-Romance being in LOVE or LOVING someone

4)     Agape-Unconditional LOVE Charity is the LOVE that brings forth caring regardless of the circumstance.

 

At some point I hope you experience all 4 but my favorite is probably the Agape LOVE…to truly LOVE someone unconditionally no matter who they are or the circumstances.  This reminds me of our Heavenly Father and how he LOVES each of us unconditional no matter how bad we mess up, he never leaves or forsakes us.  Scripture is full of the word LOVE, I googled to see how many times it is mentioned in the Bible, it is close to 500 but up to 700 depending on the version you are reading.  That is amazing.  There are too many favorite verses to list but a couple that pop in my head is the first verse I memorized, John 3:16 “For God so LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  The second Ephesians 4:2 “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in LOVE.”  There is actually a whole LOVE Chapter found in the New Testament

1 Corinthians 13 please promise me you will open your bible and read this chapter today it is soooo powerful and many lessons to a apply in our everyday living.  One of my favorites from this chapter is verse 13 “And now these three remain faith, hope and LOVE.  But the greatest of these is LOVE.”

 

A couple years ago I hosted a small one night “Takin Time Out” for ten beautiful women and we did “LOVING Well” retreat in a box written and hosted on video by the well-known author, teacher and Bible Study guru Beth Moore.  Taped at a Living Proof Live event, Beth discusses how some people are a JOY to LOVE, how some people are DIFFICULT to LOVE and how we all deal with some people who are humanly impossible to LOVE.  (Anyone come to mind?)  In all of those relationships one truth endures:  We will never be able to LOVE until we have been LOVED well.  And only God can ultimately give us the complete LOVE we so desperately need.  Another great option to consider for a short 4 week in home bible study series or weekend retreat with a group of special people who want to take their LOVE to another level.  Check it out.

 

This is a topic I could go on and on about…I may have to do another blog post down the road on this wonderful word.  But it is getting late and I have made a commitment this year to LOVE myself more and “Takin Time Out”, to rest, read, reflect, eat healthier, intake more water and become more aware day in and day out.  I hope you too have made a list of opportunities for you to work on this year…breathing deeply, choosing a word that speaks to your soul, lightening your load or perhaps it has the word LOVING in it?  Like…LOVING a little bit more, LOVING a little deeper or maybe even showing those who are a little more difficult how you can change and LOVE them too?  Forgiveness maybe?  Perhaps it is learning to accept more LOVE not just give it away?  What comes to mind when you think of LOVE?  Does it hurt or does it make you feel happy, silly or giddy? Does your body tingle?   I hope each of you this week while “Takin Time Out” will find time to do what makes you happy, be with who makes you smile, laugh as much as you can, breathe deeply, forgive no matter what and LOVE as long as you live!  Until next time my dear friend I LOVE sharing tidbits, tales, tea from Texas with each one of you…YOU ARE A TRUE BLESSING!

Definition:   Calm, Peaceful and untroubled; tranquil

 

What do you think of when you hear the word Serene or Serenity?  Let’s close our eyes briefly breathe in very slowly…exhale and let your mind settle…again let us breathe in deeply thinking of peace and serenity exhale slowly breathing out worry and stress.  Oh how I like to do this and settle myself into a state of calm.  Our daily lives are full of activity, a demanding to-do list, family and work obligations.  We are so over stimulated with noise, maybe the TV is blaring in the background or you are receiving yet another text or email.  Perhaps small children fill your home with lots of love but occasional chaos too.  I feel each one of us have to seek to find a place of serene being and should make a habit of this more often than not.

 

As I sit here sipping on my cup of hot herbal green tea, this brings me to a serene being.  It literally warms my soul with that smooth savoring taste.  I truly am so grateful for this time to share my inmost thoughts with each of you.   I hope you enjoy reading my word of the week and it leaves little nuggets of hope, love, laughter and a bit of wisdom along life’s journey.  With this long cold winter season, I know many of you are wishing for some warm sunshine and finding that serenity we all so desperately desire.  That’s when I think it is most important to create the well being right where you are.  Nature can have such a direct impact on our moods and state of mind.  When things are not quite like what we want we have the power within to change our attitude or surroundings to make it what we desire.  What do I mean by this, let me try to explain.

 

Yes we woke up to a windy cold North wind they are predicting the high to be in the 20’s but wind chill will be below that where I live. We have had snow however, much of the nation is receiving it much worse with heavy snow, freezing rain and temperatures below zero; let us not forget it is February.  I am so thankful for central heat, electricity, natural gas or a fire in the fireplace to warm my home, coat, gloves, seat warmers and heat in my car to go to work but right there we can choose to have a serene state of mind or one that is caught up in the reality of life and complain of the bitter cold. It is all in a matter of our choosing.

 

I will admit a nice warm beach, sunshine and lapping waters of the ocean flowing up on the shore while you sink your toes into the sand is truly serenity.  Watching the sunrise or sunset over the mountaintop or perhaps looking out and seeing tall pine trees and listening to birds chirping or woodpecker pecking offers serenity.  I also think the flat lands with a windmill and cattle grazing off the land offers peace.  Maybe riding your bike through the park or around the pond of serene water, even a nice snowfall, no wind watching it pile up into a powderly pile of fluff or raindrops falling on the roof of your home. Perhaps your view is the ocean, gulf or lake…can you envision each of those examples did it provide a little peace to your soul?

 

Personally I love the sound of running water, it truly brings me to a serene state of being, perhaps it is from the fountain, the hot tub flowing over into the swimming pool, a creek or river trickling over rocks, a waterfall, and don’t laugh but I love the sound of a warm bath water running from the faucet especially if it has bubbles, lavender and Epson salt…it is truly calling my name.  Yes a hot warm bath is my ritual every evening.  I love to light candles, play soft music,read, sip on a hot cup of tea and soak away all my troubles and dream yes dream it is so serene!  My hubby is so wonderful if I am taking my bath and he comes to check on me he always asks if I need another cup of tea or need anything, as he knows how this tranquil time lifts my spirits and feeds my soul.  When my children were little they also knew that was Momma’s ”Takin Time Out” and not to bother me for a least 20 minutes.  Now they are gone I kinda miss them sitting outside the door waiting for me to finish.  LOL!

 

How many of you are facing the trials and tribulations of life right now?  Maybe it is a recent illness, or a not so favorable diagnosis, perhaps it is the heaviness of addiction, depression, debt, loss of job, struggling marriage, wayward child, empty nest or death of a precious loved one?   Maybe it is growing old and not being able to do as much as you once did or having the desire to move forward.  We all have periods in our life things seem uncertain.  That is when I like to call upon the Lord to help me change my perception, I seek his face and I find not only his presence but also his peace and serenity no matter the difficulty we are in.  As Psalm 46:1-2 states, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”   Romans 8:6 “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace (serenity).”

 

This also reminds me of the Serenity Prayer which each one of us can benefit from by reading regularly:

 

 

 What brings serenity to your soul?  Have you thought about it lately?  “Takin Time Out” to reflect on this and planning a getaway even if it is to your favorite place in your home will do you so much good.  Yes I have several serene places in my home besides the bath tub, one is in my chair in the corner of my room where I have built my nest with books, journals, devotionals and my “Takin Time Out” thinkin spot.  If I am not there I am in my kitchen…as I love to bake and cook something scrumptious for my friends and family.  When the weather is nicer I like to go outside and sit by the pool or in the front and dig my hands deep into the fresh dirt of my flower or herb garden or take a brisk walk around the neighborhood.  I encourage you to check out and find a place that speaks to your soul, renews your energy and you find truly serene.  Life is way too short to let it just fly by without finding peace and a tranquil setting every now and then.

 

Until next time my dear friends, I hope you stay warm…breathe deeper, remain calm and find your serenity this week!