It was just another ordinary day.
I read about the Bronte sisters and World War II and the Loch Ness Monster.
I listened to a few chapters of a Dickens audio book (David Copperfield) while I cooked and a 1940s radio comedy show while I cleaned.
I washed loads of laundry and scrubbed the kitchen.
I finished Module 2 of my 14-part writing course and celebrated with dark chocolate chips.
I sang Judy Garland and Bing Crosby songs in the shower.
I sipped hot peppermint tea with my morning devotions.
I filled out a part-time job application and made a mess with wood stain and paint and furniture wax.
I opened the blinds and let in the sunshine as long as it would last.
I texted my sisters, both of them, about the crazy, wonderful ideas we have for being creative and inspiring the world.
I called my mom and dad and talked of life's trials with the knowledge that God is in control.
I laughed with them about inside jokes and funny things my nieces and nephews do.
I threw together a recipe and let the slow cooker do the rest.
I kissed my husband when he walked in from work.
We ate our supper on the couch and watched I Love Lucy and The Twilight Zone. (Guess who picked which shows?) ;)
We read Sherlock Holmes and The Love Dare and words of the Puritans and words of God by lamplight before bed.
Tomorrow, we rise again, and we praise God for the magic of the new day, for the wonder of now. This is how we make ordinary days wonderful. We do fun things, even though they may be simple. We cherish those people God has placed in our lives. We live in the light of the Giver of all good gifts, and we stretch forth our hands and receive. We trust. We love. We celebrate. We give. And we live.
Why do we celebrate? Why does our joy overflow (even though sometimes it seems anemic and all but lost)? Because of Christ. Because of His great mercy in redeeming us. Because of His love and grace and marvelous gifts. Because of His presence.
HE makes ordinary days wonder-full.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Friday, January 16, 2015
How to Come Alive in Winter
Read mystery novels by firelight. Old, yellowed ones that have been loved much before.
Soak in brilliant beams of sunlight that emerge from shadow all too rarely in winter.
Drink hot chocolate. First slow sips, and then long, warm swallows. Stir the marshmallows until they are melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Hike in the cold. Cold, wet ice that crunches beneath boots. Breathe in the exhilarating air.
Dress in warm sweaters and cute scarves. Include bright colors with the dull, wintry ones.
Sing. Listen to crackly old records and sing out loud with classic crooners.
Notice, really notice, the snowflakes dusting your windowpane. Tiny, white miracles, thousands of them, are sticking right to your own window. All unique, all beautiful . . . just like us, these humans God made.
Whisper "I love you" and put it into action.
Eat wisely and exercise. Just a little every day. It makes a world of difference in how you feel.
Laugh. Long and loudly.
Try something new. Let God lead you where you've never been before. It may be a baby step. It may be a huge life change. But just do it. Try something new.
Concentrate on living in the real world. Separate social media and TV shows from reality, and use all of your wonderful senses. Use media to stay in touch with loved ones, and watch that exciting, clean show. But use moderation and remember where and when you're truly living.
Most importantly, and all the others' effectiveness depends upon this step--seek God. Talk to Him. Thank Him for the little things. Remember Him all day long. Let His love stir you to the point of tears.
I used to think January was dead. The frigid, gray days that faded so quickly into black, cloud-covered nights symbolized to me a kind of shadow. A dark shadow that must be endured before we could emerge into glorious springtime. Spring and summer breezes embrace and welcome. Wind in winter seemed bitter and angry, howling at me to go inside. It didn't want me.
But January can come alive. YOU can come alive inside. Even in January. The dull month of relentless cold and darkness.
Let God's blessings, His outpouring of love, breathe life into you. Come alive.
~Miss Emily Elizabeth
Soak in brilliant beams of sunlight that emerge from shadow all too rarely in winter.
Drink hot chocolate. First slow sips, and then long, warm swallows. Stir the marshmallows until they are melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Hike in the cold. Cold, wet ice that crunches beneath boots. Breathe in the exhilarating air.
Dress in warm sweaters and cute scarves. Include bright colors with the dull, wintry ones.
Sing. Listen to crackly old records and sing out loud with classic crooners.
Notice, really notice, the snowflakes dusting your windowpane. Tiny, white miracles, thousands of them, are sticking right to your own window. All unique, all beautiful . . . just like us, these humans God made.
Whisper "I love you" and put it into action.
Eat wisely and exercise. Just a little every day. It makes a world of difference in how you feel.
Laugh. Long and loudly.
Try something new. Let God lead you where you've never been before. It may be a baby step. It may be a huge life change. But just do it. Try something new.
Concentrate on living in the real world. Separate social media and TV shows from reality, and use all of your wonderful senses. Use media to stay in touch with loved ones, and watch that exciting, clean show. But use moderation and remember where and when you're truly living.
Most importantly, and all the others' effectiveness depends upon this step--seek God. Talk to Him. Thank Him for the little things. Remember Him all day long. Let His love stir you to the point of tears.
I used to think January was dead. The frigid, gray days that faded so quickly into black, cloud-covered nights symbolized to me a kind of shadow. A dark shadow that must be endured before we could emerge into glorious springtime. Spring and summer breezes embrace and welcome. Wind in winter seemed bitter and angry, howling at me to go inside. It didn't want me.
But January can come alive. YOU can come alive inside. Even in January. The dull month of relentless cold and darkness.
Let God's blessings, His outpouring of love, breathe life into you. Come alive.
~Miss Emily Elizabeth
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