rest

Surprises

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

Early morning sunlight cheerfully illuminates the cozy kitchen in her cabin by the lake. A hot cup of Paris blend tea keeps her hands toasty. Steamy, hot oatmeal with brown sugar, walnuts, and golden raisins awaits. The embers from last night’s fire snicker and glow, still giving off a bit of heat.

January at the cabin is chilly and peaceful. Dewdrops glint off the reeds standing guard at the edge of the lake. Sunlight sparkles off the frosted needles of the old pine that has stood as protector over the cabin for as long as she can remember. The many creatures that call the lake their home are still here prowling, hunting, and sunning themselves. The pace and rhythm of life slow a bit as Nature cozies into the slumber of Winter.

Charity feels her bunched-up shoulders and neck relax and release as she sits in the silence. Her tense body and racing mind need a reprieve. This is where she’ll find it. “Help me find my way back to You,” she whispers.

Charity has walked with Him for a long time, and she knows His voice, the gentle nudge that tugs at her soul. The songs and murmurs that whisper holy, divine things into her heart, speaking healing over her. “Come away…” they say.

Dressed in layers with hiking boots and a hat, Charity heads out for a walk around the lake. Filled with anticipation at the treasures and surprises she will come across, her heart is happy, and her steps are light. The crisp wintry air is rejuvenating as she breathes in deep and long, inhaling peace and exhaling heaviness. The mysterious, divine exchange she’s been waiting for over these past few months. Rest. Peace. Hope.

As the leaf-strewn path veers down and to the right, she hears the lapping waves on the bank of the lake, moved along by a brisk, bright breeze. Rhythmic and soothing, the sound comforts and calms.

Further along, sunlight filters through the pine branches, leaving lovely patches of light and shadow along her route. A reminder that light always pierces the darkness. Nothing is hidden from Him. He will always find her, even when her life-journey leads through valleys and twisty paths that seem hopelessly dim and gloomy. Those who follow Him shall not walk in darkness…1

Around a sharp twist in the path, a small outcropping of rocks hugs the edge of the water. Reeds and other water plants grow along one side, creating the perfect hiding spot for crawdads and other small lake creatures. Footprints in the squishy mud at the edge of the lake—raccoons or perhaps an opossum looking for a late-night nibble? Remnants of red, orange-y shells confirm it—the circle of life.

Sitting on the rocks, Charity soaks in the warmth of the wintry sun, inhaling that earthy lake smell that feels like home. His presence is strong here. The sights, sounds, and scents of the trees and lake are like beautiful gifts waiting for her to unwrap. How He knows her! The One who created all things hand-picked bits of joy, delight, and unexpected encounters with Himself to remind her that all is well. She is loved, and never alone.

Moving along, Charity tucks into her heart all the carefully placed blessings and treasures she encounters along the way. Reminders for when life gets messy and chaotic. The beauty of a sweet purple mountain flower that stubbornly holds on despite the cold slumber of winter. Antics of the scrub jays and squirrels dashing through blankets of pine needles, scolding each other, and making her laugh. Whiffs of old-Earth scents—timeless and eternal. Everything that speaks to Charity—safety, love, and being fully known—was intentionally scattered along her path this morning by the Father.

Back at the cabin, she relaxes on the deck in her comfy lounger, hot cocoa taking the chill from her hands. Her time with Jesus this morning was exactly what she needed—refreshed with treasured surprises and blessings to keep close to her heart.

As the sounds of the mountain lake stir, shush, and float over her, she gently drifts off to sleep in the winter sun.

1. John 8:12 NIV

Just His name

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

I’m enjoying this gorgeous, cool Fall morning on my patio. I’m soaking it up as it will be 97° today.

My fountain is bubbling & musical, the critters are showing up for breakfast with their funny antics, the autumn sun is peeping over the apple tree bathing the garden with its gentle rays. I’ve got hot coffee, of course & best of all – Jesus is here.

His presence fills me with gratitude, peace & contentment. He’s the perfect listener & I’ve got a few things on my heart this morning.

“All will be well”, He tells me. He’s enough. Simply speaking His name shifts the atmosphere, brings hope & healing. Just His name.

Autumn Lovers

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

We lovers of Autumn have a sixth sense about us, a knowing when that first revelation of summer’s end has arrived.

It is felt on the skin in that barely discernable nip and twinge of air, charged with the slightest chill; awareness that the atmosphere has changed just a smidge.

Autumn’s scent is unique and mischievous. Earthy and deep; wise, pungent, and bold in the way brown leaf tips, restless trees, and fading flowers bend and drop to the Earth, daring the one watching to stop them; to impede the ancient progress of a slow, yet lovely descent into quiet and rest.

That spritely spurt of wind, which tosses and dances fallen leaves and finished flowers round and round, is delightful. What is it about piling up crispy, browned leaves then dashing them about, flinging them from orderly piles into random and untamed flurries of color? A new beginning; a tossing and mixing up of the old, lazy routine into something new; a plan to disrupt the status quo and wait patiently through the winter, as that plan takes form and substance. Somehow the chaos of it is lovely and energizing, part of the ritual. It is one more wild streak before the settling and simmering of autumn moves on to the mystery and silent brooding of winter.

The discerning observer will witness Nature’s response to the shift from the indolent, dog days of summer to autumn’s call to let go. The song of quiet purpose and intention, as Mother Earth whispers it’s time to fold in, cozy up, and allow rest to perform its miracles and the deep, sweet slumber of winter to wait in the wings.

There is something inspiring and invigorating in this call to purposeful letting go, an anticipation. Is it the definitive color changes and that unmatched fall scent in the air that feels like a new beginning? Is it the crisp sensation of fall air as one breathes it in?

Welcome Autumn! Come and show off your colors and dare us to think about the dead or dying places that we need to let fall; not with sadness or fear; but with anticipation that a season of silent regrouping, where new life starts to bud, will soon break free with the coming of spring. It’s coming, and it will be glorious!

https://a.co/d/eDhBWtz

Photo credit: Christina & Peter

The Candle

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

Photo credit: Tijana Drndarski

Olivia wakes to the sound of rain pattering against the windows and sluicing off the eaves. It’s one of her favorite sounds. Soothing, repetitive, calming.

Slowly stretching her sleepy muscles, she pulls the warm quilt up under her chin. It feels chilly in her room. The weight of the quilt feels like a comfy cocoon wrapping her up in warmth and safety.

The clock on the bedside table reads 3:33 am.

Her cats, Goose and Mr. White, raise fluffy, sleep-mussed heads from the end of her bed, wondering what is disturbing the nightly routine.

Lying quietly, listening to the autumn rain, Olivia notices the wind picking up. The bamboo wind chimes hanging on the patio cover sing out their woody song as they are buffeted by the random gusts.

No longer sleepy, she decides a nice cup of herbal tea will be just right on this stormy night.

Cats in tow, Olivia slips on the soft, worn slippers she keeps next to the bed, grabs her robe, and heads to the kitchen.

The woodstove in the corner of the family room gives off a faint, warm glow, as the embers continue to spark and snap. The kettle sings! Hot tea in hand, Olivia settles onto the comfy loveseat next to the stove and nestles in listening to Mother Nature’s autumn storm.

Sleepy cats find their soft blanket tucked into an old Amazon box near the stove. They begin bathing and jostling each other for the best spot in that old box.

As she sits with her tea and listens to the rain stinging against the windows, Olivia’s mind wanders to the difficult conversations and puzzling circumstances that have been hounding her of late. Unfair accusations, misunderstandings, and self-righteous pride have clouded and tainted a long-time friendship. The situation leaves her unsure, wounded, and lonely. Her efforts at reconciliation, having the hard conversations, and trying to understand what went wrong, leave her feeling betrayed and so very tired.

“Father, I need you to take this. It hurts and I don’t understand. Can this be fixed? Will you reveal the next steps?”, she prays.

Watching the glow of the dying fire, the tendrils and flickers of orange and blue-yellow flames dart and snicker around bits of the burned logs.

A strong gust of wind rattles the windows and the front door as the lights flicker, then go out.

Dark envelopes her cozy spot, except for the glowing embers in the woodstove.

Remembering the Redwood Forest scented candle she purchased from the new boutique downtown, Olivia fumbles around in the drawer of the table on the other side of the loveseat and finds the matches.

Lighting the candle, the new flame struggles and sputters a bit, then gets its footing. The flame strengthens and burns softly.

Its warm light is like a halo pushing back the darkness, reaching into the shadows, and exposing what is hidden – highlighting those mindsets and wounds that secrets and hidden agendas seek to keep obscure and under cover. Revelation, healing, and new life are murky and hard to see under the veil of shadows.

Sitting in the glow of the wavering light, Olivia feels the tiny hairs on the back of her neck stand up and goosebumps raise along her arms. She’s not alone. She’s not afraid. She feels His divine presence in the air – love, safety, and ancient wisdom flowing around her. He will see to it. He will give her revelation and wisdom. He will bring healing.

“Rest now, I am here”, He says. “All is well. I see what’s in the secret, hidden places. All will be made right. Everything hidden will be revealed.”

In the flickering candlelight and warmth from the cozy woodstove, Olivia feels her mind settle and her eyes flutter. Sleep is waiting. Peace calls to her as her breathing slows. The Holy One sings to her spirit in languages of love, healing, and ancient things. All is well…

“For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.” Mark 4:22 NLT

Look for Him

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

Do you feel it?

It’s a deep longing. An ancient ache, a supernatural discernment.

It is fierce and untamed. You can’t name it. But your spirit knows…

Something calling, singing, and leading you out into an open space–literally at times.

You sense it dancing through your thoughts, slipping around your heart, and calling out in languages known only to your spirit.

All you know is that you need to go– to find it, to be in it.

Soaked, submerged, covered in heavenly breath, timeless wisdom, peace that passes human understanding.

Creation knows Him. Nature sings and worships Him constantly without worry, fear, or trying to do it right. So much joy!

Forest trees bend and sway in ancient dances. Their branches always reaching up to their source of light and life.

Oceans crash and retreat in powerful displays that catch the cries of human hearts and pull the pain out and away.

Gentle mountain meadows thrum with life–birdsong, insects, and bubbling streams carrying healing, peace, and delight in their rhythms.

Do you feel it? The yearning for healing, refreshing, release?

Look for Him. Look for the Source of life.

Allow His whispers to lead You to Him.

You’ll hear Him in the wind that gently soothes your face, your tears, and carries your shouts, laughter, and silence up, up, up to the Throne Room.

Laughing streams will delight you, mountain air will refresh you, crashing waves will heal you, and the bench in the park under the trees will bring you rest as you find the One who’s been calling you. The One who knows you by name and sings heavenly songs over you is waiting for you. Breathe Him in and be at peace. Divine connection.

Release Worry

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I am a worrier and an overthinker. I rehearse all the what-ifs because I’m afraid of being blindsided and having no control.


Like many of us, bad things have blindsided me more times than I like to remember. The blindsiding leaves wounds that don’t quite heal–a nervous system always on alert, scanning and planning to try and prevent one more thing. It is an exhausting way to live and takes such a toll on us.

I’m in a season of life where I want more joy, peace, calm, and a surrendered way of living. Surrendered. That’s a tough one for us controllers. I am a work in progress!

Each day I talk to Jesus about everything going on. I do my best to carefully place all the people, things, pets, circumstances, and what-ifs into His hands…and leave them all there with Him. I confess, I often have to give it all to Him again and again, but He knows my heart. He knows I’m trying and how hard and frightening it is.

I love this verse. I needed to see it today. This is truth. Worrying will not add anything joyful, peaceful, calm, or surrendered to my life. It will perpetuate the cycle of fear, hyper-vigilance, and rehearsing all the outcomes.

I don’t want to miss the beauty, joy, peace, and blessings that my Father wants to pour out for me to enjoy and rest in, as I go about my day. He wants to do that for you, too, my fellow worrier. How He loves us!


I prayed for us this morning that God would speak to us, heal us, and calm our worried minds, as He reminds us that He’s got us and He’s trustworthy. He won’t fail us.

Rest

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

Let your shoulders drop, your jaw unclench, your heart breathe, and lean into Jesus. He’s got you. He knows what’s ahead of you today. He knows how it will all turn out.

He says that His presence will go with you wherever your path leads you. He will give you rest, He will hold you up, and He will speak heavenly, healing things to your mind, body, and spirit.