Be Still

Many people tell me I should really invest in a GPS or Navigation system in my car.
They're probably right. I hardly go anywhere without getting lost- literally!
But a strange serenity overcomes me whenever this happens.
I came to the realization that no matter how long it takes, or how lost I am, I'll always find a way in the end. Rather, God leads me home, safe and sound.
Although sometimes it's after incredible long journeys of scenic (and/or scary) detours, in the end, you will get home.
So 'be still' and enjoy the ride. :)

"Do not worry"

I just put these in the ground. My neighbor kindly gave me three bulbs of Lilies with the verse "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Matthew 6:25-34.

I also received a bag full of seed bulbs in the summer, and they've started to bloom as well. As I looked at them soaking up the sun, I suddenly realized...
God is reminding me not to worry!

Sure these times can be anything but peace and love and comfort, yet still.. amidst it all, do not worry. Trust.

Holiday cookies.

These days I've been having my fill of holiday cookies, some of which I [helped] bake. The swirly one in the picture above is a chocolate vanilla swirl sugar cookie with peppermint candy bits in the middle. This was super fun but HARD to make! One quote I retained from the lady who was directing us... "This is hard, you're being so exact"
"That's because even one little mistake could mess the whole recipe up."

If my life were me baking a cookie, I wonder how precise the end goal would be. Am I cutting corners? Am I doing enough to just get by? Am I striving for excellency? Will I end up with a delicious cookie?

Thoughts to munch on this holiday season~ :)

Grace Like Rain

I welcome random seemingly obvious epiphanies.

Since I started Gardening, i realize it takes so much discipline and perseverance to water these plants everyday. It's tough business! So even when I get tired, i have to water them, or they'll die/not grow.

HOWEVER! There are some God-given lovely providential days, when the weather forecasts rain & showers. These days... the sky naturally waters my plants for me!!!
As I rejoiced in this realization, it hit me that, this is like Grace.

God, our father above, pours down His grace towards us, though we are undeserving. He helps us, when we are most weak and unable to handle ourselves. It's so nice to know that we have a father who takes care of us and knows our every need.

And we should be so thankful!

that time of year again, GEAR UP!

brrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!

i feel imaginary icicles frollicking in my room. i feel my hands, very cold. i no longer feel my feet. Gotta wear them fuzzies indoors at all times. Cannot leave the house without a scarf and hefty jacket to layer. If you leave early in the morning, you should give your car a good few minutes to warm up from being frozen all night. IT'S HERE!!!!!!! WINTER~!

Just as much as we need to clothe ourselves extra warmly with multiple layers and fuzzy coverings, same goes for the internal and unseen. Though physical weather changes are more apparent and evident, our emotions and spiritual state can and will be affected by this present change in season as well. It can be swayed either way. Likewise, let's gird up ourselves, strengthen our hearts and will, in Christ Jesus- the one who's greater than the storm, stronger than the season. Put your faith in him, and you're clinging to a hope eternal. Let's do it!

Not just for champions.

Pumpkin Pancakes for breakfast anyone?
I firmly believe that what you eat greatly determines how you are.
Especially breakfast. Please eat breakfast before you start the day. Cars can't run without gas, and we'd be starting off with empty if we neglect our friend: Breakfast. It'll save you lots of funny noises from your unhappy stomach too (happens way too many times).
And once we nourish our physical needs, we need spiritual sustenance!
How bout pancakes, glass of orange juice and a chapter of John?
Put in good, put out good. Put in nothing, put out nothing. Put in bad, put out bad.
So let's take in the good, flush out the rubbish and eat whole and hearty breakfasts (Bible verses included). Don't skimp out, yeah you Self. (pointing at myself)

Peace, Anyhow.

This world is too crazy. Ecclesiastes 4 says it well, all too true. Many sad things, going on daily, beyond our control or power. Distressed with the chaos in my thoughts, I looked up and saw an olive tree. I'm thankful that I have a comforter through the trials - someone who enables me to have peace anyhow.