I woke up long before the alarm was to ring this morning. After realizing I wasn't going back to sleep, I took advantage of the early morning hours to start the coffee and turn on the TV for one of my favorite ways to relax. Two Christian networks play videos by worship.net* and CreationScapes.tv in the wee hours of the morning. I sat in the Lazy Boy, sipped coffee, and found body... mind... and spirit relaxing in the hour before I had to wake Christopher up for his commute to his 8:00 class.
Watching the beautiful scenery and listening to praise music reminded me of other times I have found comfort in these videos and I thought about the concept of having a Safe Harbour to run to when going through the storms of life.
Just as storms come and go in nature, so we find ourselves in real life storms... some so mild we hardly notice the dark clouds... others leave us feeling as if we were in the midst of the whirlwind, hanging on for dear life. I've found the necessity of providing a Safe Harbour at times, those places I can go to find peace for my soul in the midst of hurricane force winds.
Of course, the storm continues to rage and the circumstances have yet to change. But a Safe Harbour provides peace in the midst of the storm... at times enough to help regain needed strength and encourage us with faith to continue.
What are some of my Safe Harbours... past and now?
- Reading the Psalms
- Talking to God in the morning
- Talking to God when I can't sleep
- Watching the antics of furry friends
- Getting lost in a book
- Baking in a warm and cozy kitchen
- Inspirational music
- Beautiful artwork
- Watching a re-run of an old TV show
- British flicks on DVD
- Gardens in Spring
- Forests in Autumn
- Sunrises and sunsets
- Hiking trails when Christopher was little
- Walking the shores of Lake Michigan
- Picnics at the park when both kids were home
- Breakfast at the Cracker Barrel
- Getting away alone for coffee
- Tea time at home
- Memories of fun family times
Yours may be different than mine. While working with flour, sugar, and butter can help me temporarily forget my burdens... it can be a burden to another. My husband finds rest for his soul watching Chicago Sports... go figure.
When you are budgeting for tomorrow... make room for that which will be a place of Safe Harbour in the storm.
*For some reason, www.worship.net was unavailable online. I hope this is only temporary as you can watch their beautiful programs at their website.
Picture: Dragon Tulips poster; allposters.com
9 comments:
Beautiful post again.
Lovely, Brenda. Sometimes we just need a gentle reminder...
I love your theme for the day and your thoughtful words.
Have not known of your blog for long, but wanted you to know I enjoy it very much!! I love learning new tips, etc. from others!!
I learned a new thing myself just this week. My friend had given me a nice new crockpot and I had company coming for dinner. I wanted to serve baked potatoes and I did not want to have to watch too closely, so decided to try them out in the crock pot. I was amazed at how nice they turned out and how simple it was. You simply wash them, put them in the crockpot and add NO water. (Turns out there was about an inch of water in the bottom of the crockpot when cooking was completed). Depending on size of potato, cooking time varies...mine were fairly small so cooked on high in about 3 hours. They taste SO intense and delicious. I filled up the crockpot so I would have leftovers. Time dinner was over, some sent home with each family...we used up the rest by noon the next day. I too try to fill up my oven so much as I can when using it, and do not use it very often. Mostly for company meals, or making desserts etc.
Thank you..I might not leave a comment, but I do visit. I just want to say..thank you, thank you, thank you..Blessings
I love your list. Very soothing things. I so enjoy many of them. Isn't it funny how when we get to a certain time in life those nice quiet things are a wonderful part of our life? Having that Safe Harbour is so comforting. Thanks for reminding me.
I too have those Safe Harbor's and I am so thankful for them--they were put to good use this past Monday...God is good.
Deby
Safe harbors are so precious.
Where do you find the lovely paintings you use on your blog? They encourage me to set down in a comfy chair, drink some tea and read a book.
Terra
What a beautiful post, Brenda. I must tell you - your recession ponderings put everything in an entirely different light. God is teaching me more and more to rely on Him.
Thanks for cheering my day!
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