For the Off Days

Some days just don't go as planned.

The Off Start:
Ever had one of those days that just feels off from the moment you open your eyes?

You wake up anyway making your way to the bathroom and kick the edge of the door jam. Ouch!
Then, your brush slips out of your hand and into the toilet. Just great.
You fill the water for the coffee maker and there isn't enough grounds for one cup.

The Mess and Chaos:
Oh no! Daylight savings time. You're an hour late.
The only outfit you have left is wrinkled.
You strap your seatbelt on. What?! Gas light is bright and blinking.

The Ugly:
Your face grows hotter by the second as adrenaline pumps your heart rapid. It's all out of control. You wanna curl up and hide or better yet, disappear.

Run and Hide:
Here is when we have the freedom to choose. At first it's awkward. But, with constant practice we learn to pause and then breathe deeply. It's not our first choice yet, but with practice we'll master it. Here is where we breathe out "Jesus, help."

In the middle of the craziness, we can run to Jesus. Hide in the shadow of His wings. Cry it all out if we need. He waits for us to run and hide in His arms. In His embrace, we will find comfort. Maybe not right away, but as we let go of the mess, chaos, and ugly He'll quiet. He'll sing peace over us.

It takes practice. In the small and big messes and as ugly as it might get. As gross as we may feel.

The off days will come, but eventually we will overcome as He overwhelms us with hope, help, and calm.

If you had an off day, I would hug you.
Then, I'd pour you a cup and and just listen.

Hugs from Hawaii,
Jeri

More Comfort for your soul:

Zephaniah 3:9 ~ "In the end, I will turn things around for the people...

Zephaniah 3:17 ~ Happy to have you back, He'll calm you with His Love

and delight you with His songs.

Isaiah 40:1 ~ "Comfort, Oh comfort my people",

says your God.

Psalm 91:1-4 ~ You who sit down in the High God’s presence,

    spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,

Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.

    I trust in you and I’m safe!”

That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,

    shields you from deadly hazards.

His huge outstretched arms protect you—

    under them you’re perfectly safe;

    his arms fend off all harm.

Right Where You Are

An amazing video of words was recently shared in my photography class. 

It is so timely for me. 

How do you create? 

It may be through writing, photography, art, music, dancing, teaching, or helping. 

You may create in more than one way. 

It's your way of telling the story inside you. 

You can't help, but create in that beautiful way. You just know you have to share it. 

Sometimes we get stuck. 

This is for you right where you are. 

I need what you create. 

So many in the world need to be touched and filled by 

what you are and will be creating.

I pray this encourages you in all the ways you need be. 

May you find strength in your inner man

to

keep living the dreams God has placed in your heart ... one step at a time.

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.

Cheer Each Other On So We Never Give Up

Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

In the worst times of my life just when I wanted to stop trying, someone always cheered me on. It would be through an unexpected phone call, a surprise text, even an email of appreciation for something I shared through writing or photos.

God knows what we need before we even need it. So, He purposefully orchestrates specific beautiful people into our lives. Not only do they cheer us on in countless ways. They also help to balance out the negative people in our lives. 

I've written it before that you have much to offer this world and the people around you. Only you can reach that certain person with your uniqueness. Even the messes and mistakes will help you relate to someone that no one else will.

Find someone to encourage today and be sure to surround yourself with encouragers. You deserve it! You are highly worth it!

My favorite way to cheer: A note of gratitude.

-What are some of the ways you have been cheered on? 

-How have you cheered others on? 

Can't wait to see what you all share. Have a beautiful weekend :D