On the Half Shell – Living in the Raw

^{I AM YOUR STRENGTH AND SHIELD . I plan out each day and have it ready for you long before you arise from bed. I also provide the strength you need each step of the way. Instead of assessing your energy level and wondering about what’s on the road ahead, concentrate on staying in touch with Me. My Power flows freely into you through our open communication. Refuse to waste energy worrying, and you will have strength to spare. (JESUS CALLING Jan. 31)}

WOW. What a wonderful thing! If only I would remember that upon waking during all hours of the night or early morning in angst of what may lie ahead. I have gotten better about when waking up with worries, to just “give them to God and go back to sleep”. Sometimes it is harder than others. I have also learned that when I have disturbing/bizarre/crazy dreams, to just say “JESUS”. It is utterly dumbfounding how HE comes to my rescue.

I don’t know why we make life so hard. Not that GOD promises no troubles or an easy time of it always, but HE is always here, and always has better days ahead for us. All the day to day little hassles do not amount to an ant hill in HIS grand scheme. YET – Currently siting here thinking about bills that are about to be drafted and wringing my hands about how many days it will be until the next paycheck. Goodness gracious, Julie. STOP IT. I am sitting here in a beautiful home, surrounded by THINGS I love and am comforted by, while there are people – CHILDREN – all across the globe who are cold, hungry, in need. All of this means nothing. Nothing without GOD. All of this matters not – not in the least. I need to find contentment. Contentment in the here and now. Contentment in what I have. I don’t need a thing. ONLY JESUS. Yet I always want for more. One more piece of furniture to redo. One more pillow. One more piece of cookware. One more plant. When and where does it stop? And WHY? Why do I want for more? Is it boredom? Is it emptiness? I truly don’t feel empty. My heart is full. Full of love for and from, my family. My precious family. My friends. THE LOVE OF GOD. So why isn’t all of it enough? SO much to ponder and pray about.

I guess it’s just wintertime, which I do love, but I cannot seem to get enough sleep. I feel like a big ole “bar” (as Teeter on Yellowstone would say) that just needs to hibernate until Spring. Except that I don’t want to miss the things that winter brings. Coffee tastes better. Hot chocolate. Boots. Long cardigans. LEGGINGS – ahhh leggings. SOUPS! STEWS! That reminds me – I need to make some chicken and dumplins sometime soon.

It’s quiet this morning. Cade is napping, and Miller is at preschool. Dogs are all sleeping, as well has HankCat. Just me, my coffee and my thoughts…so many things – so many hopes, dreams and PRAYERS. I used to not like being alone, but I have found true appreciation for it. Time to slow down. Time to think. Time to reflect. Time to REST in the fact that HE gets me. HE knows me. I belong to HIM. True PEACE. And JOY. Despite any troubles or concerns there may be. HE is always there. Always waiting for me and you to come to HIM.

EUCHARISTEO

1/31/23