This is my spot on the porch. This is where I will sip my mid-morning coffee, read my Bible, and still be in my p.j.'s and robe , because there are no close neighbors to see me and I am so comfortable in my p.j.'s and robe. ( I have been known to gather eggs in the pockets of my robe) And besides, once I am dressed for the day, my day begins...non-stop. So as long as I stay in my robe I will SIT. And I will think and read, and pray, and enjoy the moment. The moment God has given me in this very time.
While I was reading a little book I bought for 50 cents at the library book sale entitled 'Joy For The Journey' I was struck by these words ; "
To experience happiness we must train ourselves to live in this moment, to savor it for what it is, not running ahead in anticipation of some future date nor lagging behind in the paralysis of the past. With wholeness and sensitivity we must live in the here and now. "But what if I don't like the here and now ?" you ask. "What if my present moment is one of heartache ? How then do I savor the moment?" Good questions. And the answers reside in the first and most profound principle for the art of savoring life; Pleasure lies in the heart, not in the happenstance. Our circumstances may be dreadful and riddled with reasons for discouragement or sorrow , but that doesn't mean those moments are utterly devoid of happiness...Those special savored moments of fun, reflection, happiness, and pleasure give us a tiny taste of what eternity with Christ will one day be like." Luci Swindoll ( You Bring The Confetti )
My geraniums are blooming ! These are the geraniums I over winter in my sun room. They are so covered in blooms I have to support them lest they break. I have been savoring their beauty, and the sunshine , and oh so many more blessings. " Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:34
This is my spot on the porch. This is where I will sip my mid-morning coffee, read my Bible, and still be in my p.j.'s and robe , because there are no close neighbors to see me and I am so comfortable in my p.j.'s and robe. ( I have been known to gather eggs in the pockets of my robe) And besides, once I am dressed for the day, my day begins...non-stop. So as long as I stay in my robe I will SIT. And I will think and read, and pray, and enjoy the moment. The moment God has given me in this very time.
While I was reading a little book I bought for 50 cents at the library book sale entitled 'Joy For The Journey' I was struck by these words ; "To experience happiness we must train ourselves to live in this moment, to savor it for what it is, not running ahead in anticipation of some future date nor lagging behind in the paralysis of the past. With wholeness and sensitivity we must live in the here and now. "But what if I don't like the here and now ?" you ask. "What if my present moment is one of heartache ? How then do I savor the moment?" Good questions. And the answers reside in the first and most profound principle for the art of savoring life; Pleasure lies in the heart, not in the happenstance. Our circumstances may be dreadful and riddled with reasons for discouragement or sorrow , but that doesn't mean those moments are utterly devoid of happiness...Those special savored moments of fun, reflection, happiness, and pleasure give us a tiny taste of what eternity with Christ will one day be like." Luci Swindoll ( You Bring The Confetti )
My geraniums are blooming ! These are the geraniums I over winter in my sun room. They are so covered in blooms I have to support them lest they break. I have been savoring their beauty, and the sunshine , and oh so many more blessings. " Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:34
18 comments:
Luci Swindoll is one of my favorite authors; have enjoyed her for decades; also like Chuck's books, her brother.
My brother, Steve, wants to move as he's not happy on the farm he bought in WV. One day I told him, "Steve, you do know you take your happiness with you, right? You don't find it except within yourself." I'm not sure he understands yet and that's such a loss of today.
Wonderful thoughts. Analytical me: I do often "run ahead," worrying about things. Just the way I am. I do need to "train myself," don't I? C
such a lovely place to sit, read, think and pray. Beautiful picture!
When we lived in the country, I would sit in the closed in porch and do the same.
I miss this since we now live in a small town. One thing is the same...mornings find me in my house coat!!! It has become more challenging to find quiet time, but
know it will come.
Geraniums are what I have my porch.
Sure do like them.
God Bless,
d
Hey Kathy, you have a wonderful place to enjoy your mornings. Love that paragraph from the book. So very true.
I like the verse at the end of your post. As a matter of fact I try to spend sometime in the "word" every morning and had just written that verse down in a notebook I keep of verses.
Hope you have a wonderful day!
Good words by Luci Swindoll. I shall copy them down to read again and again. I have a little corner on my bathroom mirror where I sometimes tape up things that seem profound to me. This will be one of them.
Your porch looks so comfy and cozy and a good place to meet with the Lord. Sometimes I sit with my face towards the sun just imagining His light upon my face.
I raised some corn this year, too, but it really didn't make. My stalks are not very big, but I was thinking about using them somewhere on my porch for decoration. I love Debbie's fall decor. I MUST get busy on some fall stuff! Have a good one!
Glad to see your spot for reflection -the geraniums are spectacular! Luci Swindoll is a favorite of mine also - seeing her at Women of Faith a few years ago was a treat. Her brother, Chuck, has a radio show (and his church) in our part of Texas - pragmatic yet poetic -
taking pleasure and being grateful for the gifts we constantly have - a sunrise, fresh eggs, loving family and friends - it is all a gift. Too easy for me to set up a pity party for myself - if nothing else - watching our dogs play as if nothing mattered more than getting that old tattered sock - yep - joy is in the moment.
Sandra, your story of your brother reminds me of a couple I know on the verge of divorce. They took a trip alone, leaving their 5 children with friends so they could work on their relationship. The wife later remarked " unfortunately we took ourselves" ! I have always remembered that line and it ties right in with your comment.
Stickhorsecowgirls,you and me both!
Deanna, thank-you. Your present home and porch are lovely, is it too public for you to sit on the porch in your robe now? Do you over winter geraniums?
Susie, isn't it wonderful how God often brings us to some special thought along with others to reinforce just what we need at the time? And thank-you!
Vicki, I have taped up special pictures on my bathroom mirror to remind me of a special time or person, same thing. I can imagine you soaking up the sun thinking of the SON.
LindaSue, watching chickens helps lighten my mood and even makes me laugh! And that helps a lot. And of course the comical ducks...they do so many fun things to watch....I have never heard Luci Swindoll speak , but her words are pretty wise.
I have Chuck Swindoll books on the shelf. I need to check into writings from Luci!
Kathy, I read or heard something earlier this week that (once again) helped me walk the path of life. Similar to what you wrote today, I adopted the thought that I am NOT the one to worry about my future. That is not my place. He is in control. I am focused on this very moment. With that focus, I clrarly see the blrssings, and I clearly am at peace with my role.
By the way, I have had the experience of smashed eggs in the pocket. Not in my robe. :)
It can be hard to remember to stay in the moment! I don't blame you for staying in your robe! I love being able to go outside as I please since there aren't any close houses. Your flowers are pretty!
My computer was crashed this morning at 10 am. I spent 3 hours on the phone with HP restoring it to factory settings and getting it up and running. Then it was on to my local provider to get online and to retrieve my email. It's 6:30pm and I've been holding the line for a Symantec support person for the last 45 minutes. I've plugged in my cell phone to extend the battery while I wait. I just want to know how to reinstall my Norton Security subscription. I lost everything on my computer; documents, pictures, favorites. It can all be replaced, but I hate the time I've spent on this.
I miss my chair on the front porch today. I'll appreciate it much more now that I realize it doesn't take much to steal your peace!!!!
ARRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!
Thank you for letting me vent. 55 minutes on hold..........and wouldn't you know it; they're playing the blues!How appropriate!
Debbie
I seem to start working even if I've tried to stay in my pjs. I then forget to get dressed until the kids remind me. About the eggs in the pocket... KN thought that was a good idea and then I had the toughest time washing cracked eggs out of the inside of her pockets. That stuff doesn't like to come out! Oh ~ Bugs did a new post on NW Trek. =)
Hi Kathy,
Here's the new link to my blog: http://goatpod2.wordpress.com
Love the quote from the book~ So very true. And thank you for posting the scripture..it is so good to be reminded that God is in control and we need to just step back and let Him reign.
Blessings,
Vikki
Mary, I had to laugh at the thought of smashed eggs NOT in your robe , because I have had smashed eggs in the pockets of my robe. YUCK! You know, I keep mentally taking MY life back when I should just remember my life is HIS life and though it many times does not feel like it, He is in control and I need to seek His will and ways more diligently.
Nancy, I think a lot of us country dwellers like to sit in their p.j.'s on the porch and enjoy the morning before it is time to start the daily routine. It's one of the perks of living in the country!
Debbie,55 minutes on hold, they better be playing the blues! Goodness, you are right about stealing the peace. Look what we go through to blog!Glad you do though.Will this affect your blog pictures?
A.Joy,Ha ha!Good thing you don't have to do my laundry. The hay stems don't come out well at all. Those were pretty good cookies KN baked today, and I will check out the blog right away.
Amy, I have to get my blogger list updated, don't I? Thank-you for the reminder.
Vikki G.it is often easier said than done isn't it? That is why I am so thankful He has given us the Bible, so I have it right there in black and white ( and some red letters too ) to read often and try to remember and live.
Kathy, You are blessed with a beautiful corner of God's creation in which to sit and ponder his wisdom and plans for your life.
Thanks for sharing a part of your world and blessing.
I love the previous posts concerning your son and granddaughters...continued prayers for you all.
Wonderful words to live by, Kathy!
And you have such a beautiful spot to sit in your pj's and meditate on God!!
English Cottage In Georgia and Paula, thank-you for your prayers .My porch is a place where I watch the birds, sit with my husband and just enjoy being with him. It is also a place where I often think about His ways and read his words...
What an excellent place and way to start your day, Kathy. We all need those quiet moments to think and reflect and pray. Lovely porch! :)
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