Tag Archives: breathe

Breathing In

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It’s been a while since I’ve written….don’t ask, but today I’m back at it and doing double duty writing to the http://www.fiveminutefriday.com prompt “Breathe” and sharing “My Four Somethings” over at http://www.heathergerwing.com in the same post. Feel free to click over and see what others have to say.  I know you won’t be disappointed!

Breathing In
September Share Four Somethings

Something Loved

“For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4 (NLT)

I’m not a fan of hot weather. There’s just something about the summer air that feels stifling. My mind, body, and soul seem to always be gasping for refreshment; but September has offered the respite I’ve been longing for. Fall has arrived here in the mountains where I live, and coming along with it are the cooler temperatures I love.  Bright blue skies, open windows, leaves dancing on crisp breezes…. I’m breathing Fall in!

Something Read

“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. Psalm 139:14 (NLT)

As I wrote last month, I’ve had an avoidance of reading and it has followed me from August into September. But I’m determined to change that and this is the book that’s going to do it! Most people who know me would NOT say that I’m an Introvert, but I am. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always done my best to try and act like an Extrovert. Just a guess, but it’s probably been an attempt to be “like everyone else”. (We all know how that goes, don’t we!)  Trying to be someone you’re not is exhausting! Anyone out there know what I’m talking about? The words on the back cover of this new book resonate so with me:

“Holly Gerth shares everything you need to know to… help you beat your struggles and maximize your strengths so you can live with clarity, courage, and confidence in a world that needs what only you can give.”

“What only you can give”…God didn’t create us to be someone else and I’m anxious to learn more from “The Powerful Purpose of Introverts”. Who knows?  Maybe I’ll finally begin (at 61) to marvel in the authentic, wonderfully complex me! I’m breathing possibility in!

Something Treasured

“And now, may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you have spoken, and when you grant a blessing to your servant, O Sovereign LORD, it is an eternal blessing!” 2 Samuel 7:29 (NLT)

Being together with those I love, anytime, anywhere is wonderful; but oh, how I treasure the times we gather here at home! The end of September found our house full of activity, noise, and pure joy as our kids and grandkids gathered to celebrate family birthdays. Even my Mother-in-love got in on the fun! Four generations together: catching up, telling stories, eating, and laughing, and playing. This house and all those in it were blessed. I’m breathing gratitude in!

Something Ahead

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Looking ahead, it’s still not easy to do in these uncertain times. I must admit that I’ve struggled a bit this month. Even though I recognize how truly blessed I am, discouragement and defeat have tried to blindfold my mind’s eye, strangle my heart, and smother my soul. I need reviving! Can I get an “Amen”? Wouldn’t you know, that at just the right time this new study has come along. “Praying for Revival” begins next week and I’ll be joining in. A God wink for sure! I’m looking ahead and I’m breathing in HOPE!

“Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD!
Praise the LORD!
Psalm 150:6

What about you? What has your September brought? What are you “breathing in”? I’d love for you to share in the comments! As always, I so appreciate you being here with me and my rambling thoughts. God Bless!

 

Spacious Place

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Spacious Place

There are lots of things we’re afraid of and try to avoid. For me, a big one is any seemingly small, tight spot. Whether it’s a cave, elevator, crowded room, or even a kayak, when I feel trapped, anxiety sets in. I quickly feel short of breath and my heart races. Maybe you know just what I mean! That’s why this has become one of my favorite verses in Scripture. As a gal who needs plenty of room, the thought of God bringing me to a SPACIOUS place is such a comfort!

In this time of living lives that have suddenly become small and confined, it’s easy to find ourselves feeling bound in the uncertainty, a need to escape the overcrowded media, and breathlessly awaiting some sense of control to return. If you’re feeling hard pressed today, join me in crying out to God and letting Him show our troubled hearts the spacious place of His love. Let us be reminded to breathe deeply in His presence, exchanging our fears, for the freedom of peace that only He can give.
Amen

As we begin another week of social distancing, what verses of scripture are you clinging to? Encourage us by sharing them in the comments!

Just Breathe

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I’m trying to stretch my writing wings a little so attempted something new yesterday…..”Story Tweeting”!  Basically telling a true story in tweets on Twitter.  The prompt was to write about a time you held your breath.  I didn’t expect to write about this situation and was surprised the raw feelings were still there!  That’s a mom for you!  Being it’s Mother’s Day tomorrow I guess it was exactly what I was supposed to write! Funny how that works.

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)

We hugged.  I didn’t want to let go!  It felt as if my heart was being torn in two and I didn’t think it would be possible to feel whole again.  A lump formed in my throat constricting my breath.  One last look and I turned.

Out the door! Down the stairs! Through the crowded lobby!  All the while holding my breath because I knew I was going further and further away from the scent of her and once I exhaled it would be gone and the tears would come.  And of course, I did and they did.

Leaving my baby, my daughter at college left ME full of emotion. Pride, excitement, fear, sorrow all weaving around into a tight knot around my heart.  I didn’t know how to be a mom without kids at home! It seemed impossible but there I was heading back to an empty nest.

Taking me by the hand, my husband gently told me to put one foot in front of the other and to just breathe.  Sounds simple doesn’t it? This momma’s here to tell you it takes practice and lots of prayer! And just when you think you might make it, you get a call….She’s engaged!  Oh boy, here we go again!

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