Soul Goodness::PhotoJournal

Giggles, snuggles, and just plain being together have been my soul food in this season.

So calming, soothing and full of rest. 

Especially, before the little one goes to school in a week. 

BigDog and I are going to miss the full days with him. 

But the new normal holds promise for more whitespace for my soul. More of God's breathing room for my soul:

May you have many moments of soul goodness to feed your soul the rest it is craving.

Isaiah 60:2 ~ ...But God rises on you, His sunrise glory breaks over you.

Hugs from Hawaii,
Jeri

Hi Dabee. Just home from work.

This is a God only miracle. BigDog is a rescue-rehab
trained with our grandson since his birth.

Something new. He learned while I did edits. 

"Come make with me, Dabee!" When he comes home.

His new and very own safari bed. Mickey space bedding.
Saturn is his favorite.

Bedtime rituals. He asks for his bible and learns as he flips through.

He wanted to make me laugh when I wasn't feeling well.
It really worked!

One night at mall closing. This lifted my soul so high.
Strangers joined in every so often and had a blast too. 

Sipping soul good brews with Bonnie and the gang.

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.

Be Kind to Yourself

Photo by SweetHoney

My desire for you this year ~ that you be kind to yourself. 

May you be kind to yourself on the days of mess and chaos.

In those moments when you mess up...again.

On the occasion when your emotions get the best of you and you react...harshly.

May you be kind to yourself on the days of achieviement and success.

In those moments when you're applauded and yet want to second guess yourself.

And then, may I encourage your heart to be just as kind to others in their moments.

Hugs from Hawaii,

Jeri

I'm joining my sweet friend Holley and a community of encouragers for coffee each Wednesday.

May you be encouraged today.