Day 7 of Lent, Psalm 13:

What are simple things that refresh you? There are certain things that take my mind temporarily off things, like “myself. “ Sometimes I need a break from myself! These things refresh me and bring joy back to my life. As I alluded to last time, there have been very anxious times for me in my life. Sometimes I have felt like I need to just get away (or runaway!), but that isn’t feasible– to have the time or money to just go on a vacation! I need to find ways to enjoy life, and being outside is a good distraction for me. Where I live, good places to be outside in nature can be difficult to find, so I must look for them in more simple ways.

Paths of refreshment

Being outside, even in my own yard, is cathartic.  I will slowly walk and talk with God, observing new blooms or growth. Sometimes my youngest son will come along and look at the plants with me. Where do you go?

Looking up at a blue-blue sky (and hopefully they are coming soon) refreshes me and makes me happy.

With the scent of basil or rosemary lingering in the air, I can almost smell goodness.

I take time to notice the trees and take the time to ”look upward,” not down at my feet or at my circumstances. Don’t’ we need more reminders to look up and see how God views things?

I take in the details and the intricacies of plants, flowers and trees. Each are unique. I am reminded of God’s creativity. He made even me unique with my gifts and personality. How did He make you?

Sometimes I go to a path and ride my bike with this guy. We ride and enjoy the outdoors and just being together.  It makes me thankful for my family, my bike and this time.

Other times we walk in the field behind our house to feed the turtles or check out the “fort.” God is with me and blesses me with people who encourage me along the way.  Who can encourage you right now?

I collect things a long the way, to remind me of God’s kindness and faithfulness to me. I can’t wait for Spring!

Learning to Trust In God’s Lovingkindness

And my enemy will say, “I have overcome him.”   But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:4-6

Lovingkindness is abundantly around me

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. Psalm 86:5

For you lovingkindness toward me is great. Psalm 86: 13

But you ,O Lord are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. Psalm 86:15

 God’s lovingkindness, His mercy and goodness, keep me returning. I will search for it, find it, count it, remember it and recount it.

Endures all day

The air is full,

I breathe it in.

I walk, I run,

I stand in it.

 Surrounding me, holding me, and

Pressing me in.

It penetrates, saturates,

expanding all space.

Above and below, beside and around,

no escaping to be found.

The air is full,

 I breathe it in.

Surrounding, holding me,

welcoming me in.

The lovingkindness of God endures all day long Psalm 52:1

God’s lovingkindness is a balm to my soul– giving peace and joy to my heart.