The awesome answer to Kim's prayers (see yesterdays comments for the scoop) did MUCH to bolster my spirits yesterday--how about you? It's so easy to look at the heading on these posts and think, "How is it possible that it's only day twenty five when we've been doing this FOREVER???" And then God answers, and somehow we're given the strength to hope and pray for one more day. Yay God :)
I took a much needed hour off last night. It was around dinner time, and I went out on the deck with a giant glass of cold water and my iPod, to slouch in a chair and listen to Natalie Imbruglia's White Lilies Island. And that's all I did for a whole hour. No multitasking, no jotting down quick notes about things to do when I went back inside, no wondering when things would change or besieging God to make things different. Now I know the whole "we're spiritual BEINGS, not spiritual DOINGS" bit has gotten a lot of press in recent years, but to be honest, I don't really ascribe to it as a long-term life solution. For the most part, God has stuff for us to do with our lives, and that's a good thing. But every once in awhile, it's nice to dial down and recharge for a bit.
What recharges you? Specifically, that is--most of us generally like the beach, music, sunsets, etc. Is there a specific place outside you visit to wind down? A certain artist you listen to?
Our reading today is the opposite of dialed down: there's a prison break, a murder, two different angelic visitations. I'm going to try and grab a few minutes today to head back outside and think about what this passage reminds me: that God has all kinds of tricks up his sleeve to change circumstances in our lives. He's not limited by our imaginations, so the more freedom we give him to work, the more miracles we'll see. That seems to be the deal. (And, as Peter discovered, when God does cool things, it may take a bit of patience to explain it to everyone else...)
Have an amazing day, all! And if you're looking for a good song, check out Sunlight :)
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14 comments:
To unwind I catch some zzz's or read a really good novel. Sometimes music is so relaxing other times I have the magical power of zoning the music out and thinking of things that need to be done!
Trish,
I'm glad I could bolster YOUR spirits, you've done a ton to uplift mine. Everyone here has and I am extremely grateful for all your kind words.
To unwind, I like to get out an go for a walk. It's funny, because the walk usually starts out with mental to-do notes or silly thoughts like that and always becomes prayer. Plus, I need to get away from the house and computer for a while.
I wind down by doing one of three things: taking a nap, reading a great book, or walking. I do tend to end up praying as I walk, especially if I get to take a walk outside.
To unwind I seek silence and allow myself to just "be."
sounds like we all have the same idea...to unwind i like to lie down for a quick nap or go on my balcony and read. i just planted some bright flowers and i have a new vine growing out there. i love being able to enjoy nature and its beauty.
To unwind I usually listen to music, watch old movies, or just try to laugh
To unwind, I take two divergent paths: either I go for a walk, which triggers those 'happy' endorphans and gets me out and about, or I get into bed and read a good book. Sometimes I do both.
Trish could you please write a post about how to know when God is working in your life? I pray the familiar, "God, please direct my steps" but I never feel anything...how do I know if God is actually directing my steps or just ignoring my prayers????
What recharges me: getting away from it all, having unexpected time with family or friends that isn't centered around getting something done, trying out something new and fun, reading chic lit into the wee hours of the mornin'!
Ooo...another thought:
having a multi-hour jam session (I play piano/keyboard) either on my own or with really good musicians. I'm with my church's gospel choir, and although we have a lot of fun on Sunday morning, it's the Saturday afternoon practice sessions that really ROCK- full of laughter and just letting the Spirit take us fun places...
To unwind I'm a TV watcher or crossword puzzle doer.
I need to tell someone, I slipped and ate cheese yesterday, which I had given up. I feel really bad about it. I'm struggling because I think that what I'm asking for is kind of goofy and I am having a hard time believing that it will happen. I'm feeling discourage. I shouldn't be. Things have been stressful at work and I know that's factoring into my mood, but it would be nice to hear if others were struggling. Also, what is everyone asking for again? Has it morphed for you?
Suzanne's comment about trying to figure out when God is directing your steps is a great one. I mean, theoretically, I know God is doing that, but I'd love to see specifics.
Nic - if you're trying to loose weight, budget in some treats. If you don't, you fall of the wagon big time. Don't stress over eating some cheese; just get back on your plan.
I like to take a long hot bath and just sit,think, and unwind this really helps me to relax.
Nic,
I am asking God to send my husband, I believe he already showed me who he is, I am just praying for the full manifestation of that revelation.
My grandmother has been visiting to help me with my unruly teens during a crazy time I've been having and she's been spending A LOT of time on my porch and I've been sitting with her. I find it so relaxing just sitting there and looking at the trees watching the cars go by or children and neighbors walk by and wave. Very nice. I've actually sat out there and fallen asleep in the sunshine.
Here I am playing catch up with the posts again. God has blessed me in so many ways this past few days despite my temp assignment ending on Friday. I got ot sepnd most of yesterday with a dear friend just hanging out and having girltime. We found some really cool sales too.
In reading this post and other people's comments I see that one of my common "unwind" choices - reading a good book is rather popular. However it randomly occurred to me that something I haven't done in forever that used to be a diversion/just plain fun escape for a bit and good exercise BTW is to go find a park with swings and swing as high and hard as my legs would take me with my eyes shut until I am worn out from it.
I guess it's the kid in me that enjoys that and it is a simple no cost activity.
Hmm maybe tomorrow if it's not too hot I'll have to go find some swings and spend some time "flying". It feels like I am in a sense when I do it with my eyes closed.
Melissa
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