{Lingering} Getaway

My ideal getaway is a beach house with nearby mountains. I can just hear the morning waves gently rolling in and ebbing back out to sea. I can smell the fresh ocean air and feel the cool sand under my feet. The sun warming my face.


A hike after lunch would be awesome. The winding trails with blue sky peeking in through the trees. I can hear the wind playing the leaves softly like tambourine. There goes Shadow checking out all the smells that lure him here and there. 


I'm not even there, but just thinking about it calms me and makes me smile. 


Soul Refreshment:


Psalm 27:4-5 talks about the perfect getaway ~ 
I'll contemplate his beauty; I'll study at his feet.
That's the only quiet place, secure place in a noisy world,
The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic.


Quiet, Secure, Far From it all:


We can all use a little quiet in our everyday moments. I find myself grabbing a minute to breathe here or a little longer to close my eyes and whisper a prayer there. 


So many of our blessings can make us feel inadequate, insecure and the noisy voices of opposition will grow louder if not for purposeful quiet:


Am I a doing a good enough job? 
Is my work up to my bosses expectations?
If I love him...her...them, how could I have said that?
Am I doing enough for my kids, spouse?
Why would anyone want to see my art, talent or need my skill?


That perfect getaway, in the quietness with Jesus, is where the buzz of our thought traffic is quieted until silenced. In His presence, He can reassure us, encourage us, and speak the Truth about us into our hearts. Refreshing our souls. Redirecting our thoughts.


With You in Mind:
As soon as an opposing thought comes to mind, getaway quickly. Even if just to close your eyes for a second to be stilled and reminded of who you really are.

For Fun:

If you could go anywhere for a getaway where would that be?
Could you possibly pre-plan your daily getaways? If so, what would that look like for you?

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If you've quietly slipped in to slip out - thank you for taking the time to visit.  

When You Are Just Plain Worn Out ~ Linger

The situation kept recurring. It had me frustrated and desperate for resolution. Despite faithful prayer and time with God there was no change. It seemed as if things were getting worse. It had been going on for so long that hopelessness was becoming my regular visitor.

I didn't want to give up, but I also had to face my desolate reality. There really was no way out, well,  in the earthly sense. I was in that place the psalmist describes in this verse:

"I'm tired of all this—so tired. My bed 

      has been floating forty days and nights
   On the flood of my tears.
      My mattress is soaked, soggy with tears." (Psalm 6:6 MSG)

Jeri's Day Retreat

For whatever reason, I kept praying, crying out to God, and being in His word. Journaling was my preferred form of talking to God. I didn't know at the time this was crucial. I didn't realize I was lingering with Him. I would pour onto those pages the words I couldn't say aloud. There were times I would hang on to a single verse for weeks and it would feed me, strengthen me, and help me stand again.

In those times, and many times since then, I found that I don't always get an answer or solution right away. The wonder I discovered is that in being with Him, I found a rest that I hadn't before. The peace would come slowly. It all began with first choosing to linger with Him, nibble on His word as I could, and let Him soothe me. His tender care nurtured my faith and trust in His love for me.

I came to discover a rest in knowing and believing that He would take care of it all. He would take care of me. It was okay that I couldn't do anything else, but lay there and cry with Him for awhile.

Just for you:

I know that you may feel drained, burnt, and worn. The days weave into each other with no pause for breathing between. 

You deserve to give your soul a retreat. Choose to sit with Him anyway. Tell Him what you're feeling, thinking, experiencing. He wants you to pour it all into His loving, capable hands.

Then, after all of that, simply rest and let Him tenderly care for you. It's your turn to discover that same amazing rest. 

Soul Refreshment:

Lamentations 3:57 ~ You came close when I called out.

                                                You said, "It's going to be all right."

Exodus 33:14 ~ The Lord replied, "My presence will go with you, 

                                   and I will give you rest.

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If you've quietly slipped in to slip out - thank you more than you know. So glad to have you here.

"Reactions" buttons have been added above the comments. These keep you anonymous. Cool right?! Another fun and creative way to take part here.

When You Think No One Hears You

I felt totally disabled. I couldn't think straight or get it together. I was completely exhausted from interrupted sleep the night before. I think all I got was about an hour of straight sleep along with a few minutes here and there.

The morning was so chaotic. It was all too much and I was completely overwhelmed. I prayed and tried to get to stillness, but it wasn't working. I gave up. Why keep on trying. I wrote a quick note to God in my journal,

"Do you really hear me, Lord?" 

A few more words made it on to the page. 

"No more please." 

"What more?" 

"What else?" 

"I need help. 

Will you help me?"

I lifted my head out of my hands and peeled myself off the floor. I opened up my devotional and this was the verse for that day:

"... Because I your God, have a firm grip on you and I'm not letting go. I'm telling you, Don't panic. I'm right here to help you." Isaiah 41:13

I lingered in those life words. He actually heard me and answered!

I read it over and over out loud until I felt my soul stand up again. My spirit now a little less dampened. I left the page open and went back to it every so often throughout that day.


Finally, I said aloud, "Okay, Jesus. I believe you. It's all going to be okay. You're holding my hand. Give me what I need to live out today."

Today, I pray you'll lift your head out of your hands and peel yourself off from your floor, bed, chair. Jesus wants you to be honest about where your heart and life is at. It's safe to be who and where you truly are with Him. It's safe to have real feelings, good and ugly with Him. 


Soul Refreshment:
Isaiah 41:14 ~ Do you feel like a lowly worm, Jacob?
                            Don't be afraid.
                         Feel like a fragile insect, Israel?
                            I'll help you.
                         I God want to reassure you.

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If you've quietly slipped in to slip out - thank you more than you know. So glad to have you here.

"Reactions" buttons have been added above the comments. These keep you anonymous. Cool right?! Another fun and creative way to take part here.

Thoughts for the Weekend - You

Joyce Meyer has a phrase she frequently quotes. "Learn to love yourself. Because wherever you go, there you are."

Questions to ponder:

~ Do you treat others well and then forget about yourself?

~ Do you "over care" for others to where you're too tired for you?

~ Do you see yourself as less than?

Answers to nurture:

~ Love yourself in a balanced way, not conceit, but the in a way that motivates you to take care of 

   yourself --- stillness, rest, grooming, nutrition.

~ All God asks is that you do what He's given you to do. He never asked us to wear ourselves out.

    He wants to take care of our loved ones. Give Him room to do so.

~ God treasures you, even when and especially when you might not. Sit in the light of His stillness and 

    let Him sing over you the truth of who you are.

With You in Mind:

Make one small change in one area to feel better about you. 

Let go of one habit that takes you to over caring and enjoy one part of your day.

Take that special time for you to pause, slow, and then stop to really listen and really see that...

You are loved by the One who's love is unconditional.

You matter to the One who embraces you just as you are.

Linger here: He sees you as amazing, beautiful, of priceless worth and immeasurable value!

Soul Refreshment: 

John 10:10 ~ The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. 

                              I came that they may have and enjoy life, 

                       and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

Ecclesiastes 3:13 ~ That each of them may eat and drink, 

                                   and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.

If you've quietly slipped in to slip out - thank you more than you know. So glad to have you here.

For Everyone: I've added some "reactions" buttons above the comments just for you. Even then, no need to click those either. Just enjoy yourself.

Thoughts for the Weekend ~ Slow Changes

Classes start next week. I've resumed writing articles. Now the life changes start -- what to let go of, what continues, what ends to make fresh space for the new. Making changes has effect on relationships as well.

It used to be so hard when something new was added to my plate. I'd get all riled up and I'd take as much of my family with me as I could too. Sometimes I'd forget I didn't have to do it all. Once in awhile I still do.

I sat with Jesus when all of this "new"were only opportunities. I began to realize what was no longer needing to be a part of my activities. That was hard too. Truth is the "no longer" isn't part of His plan for me. If I hold on to those, they will lose value and drain the life out of me.

Confession: It doesn't make it any easier to release. 

I sat with Jesus again and this time, I grieved. I grieved the bittersweet of the relationships I'll no longer be connected with on a daily basis. I grieved the things I won't be able to be a part of anymore. I lingered here and slowly let it go.

Then...I thanked Him for all the new people I'd be connecting with. I celebrated the coming adventure. I let myself get excited for the grace of new opportunities that have become reality.

After all that...I held in my heart how all those "no longers" added to who I had become. He knew what He was doing. It was to get me here. Gratitude fills me and fuels me on for my new. I'll be lingering here for good long while.

On the physical side of things, I'll be mindful of rest and taking care of me well in other ways. I'll be aware to slow and pause often so it all doesn't wear me out. The new takes getting used to. I want to welcome it right and keep my joy. Grace towards myself for the mishaps - definitely.

With You in Mind:


I've been praying for us all as life changes come. I've prayed that we learn to sit with Him often so it doesn't sneak up on us. That we'll rest in His timing of it when to let go and when to begin anew.


Are you going through similar life changes? Are you withstanding the changes all by yourself?

Will you change that and sit with Jesus? He wants to support and encourage you through it all.

Soul Food:
Jeremiah 2:25 ~ Slow down. Take a deep breath. 
                       What's the hurry? Why wear yourselves out? 
                            What are you after anyway?

p.s. there will probably be a few subtle changes here too. Good ones though.

Asking, Pleading, Screaming ~ Need Some Rest?

Is your body, soul, and/or spirit needing some rest? If so, is it at the asking phase, the pleading phase, or is it already screaming at you for rest?

Our bodies know when we need rest. It gives us little signs: yawning, tired thoughts or lack of focus to name a few.

Just the same, I believe our souls let us know when we need rest as well. The tired soul is a weary one. You believe there's hope, but at the same time hope seems so afar off. Some signs: hopelessness, disillusionment, dread, and/or discouragement come to mind.

Then, our spirits let us know too: Lack of motivation to be in God's presence and/or pray and low or no desire to reach out for help top my list. The things of God don't interest us.

Asking = little warning signs. Starting to "feel" tired.
Pleading = bigger signs. Wanting to get away from it all.
Screaming - complete shut down. Isolation, bursting into tears, shutting others out.

We might not be paying attention. Maybe we don't have the time to pay attention as the everyday pulls us in every direction.

That's why it's so vital to have a time you devote to being with God, in His word, and journaling what you get out of that time. There will be times we won't feel like it. There will also be times when it doesn't seem like it's important or worth it. He's proven to me time and again that during those times, faithfulness to be with Him anyway, is where He gives me the most rest and recovery.

Here's another area where there is no formula. Again, this is a unique and intimate time tailored to you and Him. When you're tired whether body, soul, or spirit, feelings aren't trustworthy. Because, they're all over the place. Trust in His truth that He values your time together. You will see the rewards of it later if not now.

Maybe all the problems don't get solved at the time. But He will soothe the ache, restore faith little by little, and begin to restore gently and slowly as we refocus on our true place of rest. His presence is our true place of rest. Everything else will fall in place progressively in His time.

Linger in His presence for true rest and recovery. Let it come at it's pace.

With You in Mind:


Grab these: your favorite beverage, devotional, bible, notebook/journal and a pen.

Just be there: Don't preplan how it will go. Just sit with God and be there in the quiet. Breathe in and out slowly.

Remember this truth: He loves you just as you are. You can relax.

How about starting with: "Thank you Jesus, for loving me in my mess." And really let that sink in...that He loves you, "in" your mess...that He's with you in your mess...that He wants to help you through it. He actually wants to help you. That's already incredible!

Extras that bring rest and renew vision: 

Light or regular exercise can renew.
~ Light warming exercises like slow walking or a short hike, stretching, deep breathing, playing outside with your dog.
~ Slow jogging, longer hikes, swimming, playing with the neighborhood kids, etc. Perspiring gets rid of toxic build up from stress.

You pick your favorite way to exercise. Being outdoors can truly renew and refresh.

Sometimes you actually need to sleep.
~A short nap (15-20) can be so beneficial.
~Going to bed early helps during these times because your body needs more rest than usual.
~Taking time off for yourself to be by yourself -- a few minutes or hours, 1/2 day, a whole day, or a vacation. 


All of these help us better problem solve and nurture creative growth.


Soul Refreshment:


Truth: He honors your effort to be with Him. He truly does. So don't be hard on yourself. Just be there.


Psalm 118: 5-6 ~ Pushed to the wall, I called to God; from the wide open spaces, he answered.
                                God's now at my side and I'm not afraid...


Jude 1:1-2 ~ I, Jude, am a slave to Jesus Christ and brother to James, 
                           writing to those loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ. 
                    Relax, everything's going to be all right; rest, everything's coming together; 
                           open your hearts, love is on the way!

{Lingering} ~ Quiet Celebrations

How far have you traveled from the last week to this one? 

You may not realize it, but you have come farther than you think. And your spirit deserves to pause and have a quiet celebration of Him in you. Giving thanks for His help. 

How much more time do give your heart to quiet?

Even if you added only a single time more than before...celebrate!

How much less heavy is the burden from then to now?

If you shared the load with just one other person, you have lightened your load...celebrate!

How much more softer the look on your face?

Even if you can only muster up the tiniest lift in the corner of one side of your mouth...celebrate!

Have you done one thing different? Did you try something new? Celebrate!

I bet a stranger passed you on the street and returned the smile you gifted. Celebrate!

What's that you say? You even said Hello out loud? Woohoo...Celebrate!!!

Hold the presses. You bit your tongue rather than spurt the usual? Celebrate!

He really is with you...

Bringing you through it...

Right by your side...

Cheering a soft, "C'mon, just one step". 

Better yet, He faces you every step of the way...

His back to the harsh winds...

His hand extended out holding yours, gently guiding...

As He steps back, you step forward.

He smiles the hugest, most loving smile you've ever seen...

And...

He celebrates. 

He celebrates you, in your pain, yet living life with Him.

Linger in that for a good, long while. 

Soul Refreshment:

2 Corinthians 13:8-9 ~ 

We're rooting for the truth to win out in you. 

         We couldn't possibly do otherwise.

We don't just put up with our limitations; we celebrate them, 

        and then go on to celebrate every strength, every triumph of the truth in you. 

We pray hard that it will all come together in your lives.

{Linger} ~ When Everything's In Slow Motion

With You in Mind:


You can't even count the many times...


You found yourself on your knees barely even able to whisper a prayer. Somehow you breathed out the words for help. As you lingered there, did you find your shoulders relaxed as the weight of it all, of them all lightened little by little? 


Maybe you found yourself face down on your bed or the floor. There is where you breathed out your whispered prayers. There is where you found some comfort. Did you find your furrowed brows softened as you trusted Him with it all, with them all? 


The more often you linger with God in the hard and painful, you will become more aware of the little things like that at first. Your shoulders, your brows, even your breath more even, deep, slowed. Your trust for Him to care for you will grow and deepen.


When you linger there, right where you are in all honestly of how hard it is, you will find you're not as hard on yourself. You'll begin to see where you're pressing too hard and where better to put your energies. 


It's what you do next that matters:

What next? What now? ~ Your heart wants all the answers fast. 

He has you slowed for now. Linger here. He has much love to pour into you while you rest, linger, and nourish in His word. The answers will come soon.

Don't give up. Keep lingering with Him. Even if you can't breathe a whisper, He knows your heart. He hears every word you can't seem to say out loud. 

How do you find joys and wonders in your everyday when you're so exhausted from the challenges and chaos? 

It all starts there in the lingering. And the first wonder you find is the gift of rest as you worry less. The first little joy you'll unwrap is you. That you are already enough - no need to perform or try hard. 


You'll completely freak out, just as I did when I looked in the mirror after the many times of lingering, a little soft smile appeared. 


It'll come. Just keep lingering in all honesty of who you are and where you are. He already knows. He waits with tenderness and strong, loving arms for you to let Him take you through it.


I'll linger there with you. I'm praying and cheering you on. 

Spirit-Soul Refreshment:

Habakkuk 2:3 ~ It aches for coming -- it can hardly wait! 

                                  And it doesn't lie. 
                                  It seems slow in coming, wait. 
                                  It's on its way. It will come right on time.


Psalm 46:1 ~ God is a safe place to hide;
                           ready to help when we need him
                           

Where Do I Start?

With You in Mind:


The days may have been rough this week. People may have been tough. Everything that could go wrong might have. You may have held your head in your hands more times than you can count. 


Maybe your eyes are tired, swollen, dim. Maybe your body aches. Yes, even your hair hurts.
When you open your eyes you see nothing. When you stand you feel nothing. You want to ask for help, but where to start. Where do you start? 


Today I pray you reach your hand upward because Jesus wants to take hold of yours. Today, I pray you know He's been there before. He knows and understands all of it. I pray you know how much He loves you. He truly does.


I pray an honest whisper with you today, "Jesus, where do I start?" 


Let's just linger there for as long as we need to. I can't promise it will all go away. I can't promise the pain will stop this moment. But, I can promise He does hear us and will start to work on an answer right away. He will surprise us with His love.


Then, I breathe these words with you, "Jesus, I don't feel like it right now, but I say thank you for all you will do for me." 


Now, let's just linger here. It hurts, I know. But bring yourself to a place of trusting that He can...He will...and He wants to for you. There is no shame here with Him. Let the tears fall. Let the emotions be real. 


Let's just start there for now and linger in it with Him.


Soul Refreshment:


Isaiah 26:16-18 ~ 
O God, they begged you for help when they were in trouble, when your discipline was so heavy they could barely whisper a prayer.


1 Thessalonians 2:12 ~ 
With each of you we were like a father with his child, holding your hand, whispering encouragement, showing you step-by-step how to live well before God, who called us into his own kingdom, into this delightful life.


1 Kings 19:12 ~ 
...and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper.

A Reason to Celebrate ~ Encouragement

{Pause} - Each day linger in the joys, wonders -- blessings. Let it wash over you to calm the chaos, heal the bitterness, and settle the unrest. Then, and only then, can you see clearer, breathe deeper, and find rest. 

{His Comfort} - Do it as often as the challenges and issues resurface. It will become a beautiful process of healing and rebuilding in you, your life. 

Soul Refreshment: Psalm 71:14 & 20-21

But as for me, I will always have hope;

I will praise you more and more...

Though You have made me see troubles,

many and bitter

You will restore my life again;

from the depths of the earth

You will again bring me up.

You will increase my honor

and comfort me once again.

May you set aside time to sit and remember the many little joys and wonders that God has gifted you through others.

And if you like, we'd be so glad if you shared them here in the comments so we can praise in celebration with you.

Even share the challenges and issues so we can pray for you.

And if you've quietly slipped in to slip out, know that you are automatically in are prayers and praises.

~~~

And the giveaway winner is...Sarah! Congratulations!

(winner picked by random generator)

Thank You to everyone who participated here and privately.

Sarah· 2 days ago

It's definitely hard to say what is amazing about one's self, at least for me it is. I don't like attention being brought to me, so when people tell me I'm good at something, I usually don't know how to respond. So, what's amazing about me? I'd have to say the love and selflessness I have for my kids! I'm a SAHM of six kids and I homeschool as well. I never imagined that my life would be like this, but now, I wouldn't have it any other way. And I can only do it by the grace of God!! 

Lingering ~ Work, Me, An Easy Recipe, Prayer

The need for R & R:
David was on a trip last week and it revealed just how much that man does for me around here. I'm wiped out from doing both our household and personal "stuff".  As a result, I got nothing done to start working again. 

I know just what I need. 

I feel God's pull to quiet, still, and reflect for what's ahead. 

More becoming.

Soul refreshment:


1 Chronicles 16:11 ~ Study God and his strength, 
      seek his presence day and night; 

Books - Work - Open doors: 
I'm about to head into a two week adventure of my own type of R & R. 


~ A few books are calling out "linger in my life-words." Okay, corny, I know. 
~ I'll be starting back to work in writing food and nutrition articles for my two 
    columns. I'm excited about that. Time to prep.
~ I also have some personal endeavors that are finally opening up for me. I'm anxious, in a 
   good way, to give attention to those as well. 


~ Of course, I'll be sleeping in, sleeping early, lounging, and hanging with family too ;-)


Soul Refreshment:


Psalm 73:28 ~ But I'm in the very presence of God— 
      oh, how refreshing it is! 
   I've made Lord God my home.

What you can expect here the next two weeks:
I've picked out a few Past Post favorites and included a short message before each post as my way of saying a little "hey" and staying connected. They'll be pre-scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. Hawaii time and automatically post at our GodsDreamsForMe Facebook page, my page and Twitter too.


So, I'll keep the blog doors open while I'm having my R & R.  Do come visit, hang out and share your comments if you like. Just give me time to get back to you after my two weeks. Same with Facebook and Twitter. 


As always:
Feel free to slip in and slip out. I appreciate your time here with just the same.


Soul Refreshment:


Philippians 1:25-26 ~ So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you 
      as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. 
You can start looking forward to a great reunion 
     when I come visit you again.     
We'll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.

My fave breakfast recipe for you to try over the next few weeks:


1 Cup of your favorite cereal
2 Tbsp Almond butter or Peanut butter - creamy works best
1 banana chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 Tbsp Chocolate chips


My personal recipe is completely vegan as I can't digest animal products properly. Oh, the tests we endured to find that out. Nevertheless, food is still incredibly delicious. And yes, there is such a thing as dairy-free chocolate chips! Cool, right?!


Just mix all of the ingredients together in a good-sized bowl and enjoy! Try any combination of ingredients you like. Leave out, add in, it's up to you.


My favorite pairing of this is with a homemade soy latte. Any flavor.

Soul Refreshment:
Psalm 34:8 ~ Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.


Please pray for me:
Can I ask that you pray for me and the time I'll be spending and investing over the next two weeks? Thank you so very much for doing so.