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Thanks to my dear husband, Ian, we went for a lovely evening walk last Friday.
He loves to show me new nature walks he’s discovered during his service work.
I needed to get away from the doing at home and just be.
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Thank you, all, for your encouragement on my last post.
Our family survived the first week of on-line homeschooling.
We had several tech difficulties that Ian helped us sort through.
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One of the personal challenges I had was regarding my morning quiet time.
I’ve had to adjust it since our family schedule had changed.
Now it’s better than ever.
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Fickle feelings must not rule.
When you live with teenagers, you must not give yourself over to emotionalism.
They need us to be Rock solid calm–I’m getting lots of practice at this
(especially during driving lessons).
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Rock solid blessings ~ Wendy ❀
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Do you have a favorite quote or verse that helps you stay calm?
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They remembered that God was their
Rock,
that God Most High was their
Redeemer.
Psalm 78:35
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Steady as she goes..!
Jim, that definitely suits this post. Thank you. ❀
More beautiful words and pictures, Wendy. Your posts bring me peace.
Thank you, Bill. I desire to be a peacemaker. ❀
Gorgeous photos and calming words Wendy. Your posts are all like meditations for me. Love and blessings x
❀ Thank you, Christine, for the lovely comment. xo
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (and feelings)…In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. (and keep you calm!) Proverbs 3:5-6 So glad you have adjusted to your new schedule and quiet times continue! blessings ~ Laura
Thank you, dear Laura. I love that verse too, and I agree that feelings must not lead. ❀
That’s what I need as well, Wendy just time to be… Your lovely photos I find help .. It is sometimes difficult to balance serving, the needs of others and our own, have a lovely week end.
Jean, I almost missed out on that time to be by thinking I was too tired to go anywhere. But a still small voice said I needed to get away. It recharged me. Blessings of refreshment wished for you this weekend. ❀
Nice photo with poetry
Thank you, Yoshiko. ❀
Welcome Wendell 🙂
Gorgeous pictures and beautiful words, Wendy, as always.
Thank you, dear Ellen. ❀
Yes!!! Reflecting in a quiet and tranquil place…
Times of quiet reflection are as necessary as the air we breathe.❀
Hi, Wendy. Such a meaningful post. Lovely verses for reflecting on life. 1 Peter 5:7 has helped and encouraged me in my work with people, which is often very challenging. I’d like to share something I’ve written: A glow of light, gives a glimpse of hope. Love, Iris.
❀ I love your quote, and 1 Peter 5:7 is the first verse that deeply touched my heart so many years ago. Thank you for sharing both, Iris. xo
Thanks Wendy, it’s a delight to share. 🙂 Have a lovely weekend. God bless. Love, Iris.
It’s difficult to just “be” … we try to remember “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Weak indeed!
Thank you for the wise words. I’m comforted that we have a High Priest who has been tempted in the same ways as we are (but without sinning) and is able and willing to help. ❀
Methinks(for whatever it’s worth), we expect too much of ourselves, driving ourselves(nuts) in the bargain. Homeschooling is very difficult with teens as you have so many irons in the fire since they do. While i have no wise words for you, knowing surely you have many of your own, i think times of reflection our pivotal to our peace of mind. I’m glad you’ve managed to carve out some of that time again for yourself. I wish you peace and energy! xxx
Thank you, Linda. I couldn’t agree with you more about our driven expectations being toxic. Yes, time to reflect is a necessity for our survival and sanity. Blessings of peace to you also, dear artist friend. ❀
Oh Wendy, I admire you so! Your children are so blessed to have you (and Ian is too!). Praying special prayers for you and your family today–love, Caddo
Thank you, dear Caddo. xo I appreciate your prayers. I’m now learning to be more of an encourager/cheerleader for my kids than a teacher this year. ❀
Encouragement is SO important–whatever our age. Sometimes it’s easy for me to see Jesus hiking up his robes so He can run with us–the Super Cheerleader!
I can picture Jesus doing that too. He washed his disciples feet; therefore, cheerleading wouldn’t be a stretch. I like that about Him. He’s our humble King. ❀
Amen!
”In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. This is one of my favourite scriptures!
I love your posts Wendy, the pictures, the words, simply refreshes my soul. I hope you’ll continue to enjoy your quiet time!
Much love and blessings to you Wendy! 🙂
Thank you, dear Seyi. xo I like the verse you recommended. Even in difficulties there is something to be thankful for, and we bless ourselves and those around us when we live with gratitude. ❀
Wendy: I like all of your reflections on life. I am pleased to hear that you and Ian get outdoors often, to receive inspiration from God’s creation . Your fine photographs make me want to visit BC. It’s been a long, long time. — Richard
Thank you, Richard. Tonight Ian took me out to another beach I hadn’t been to before. From what I’ve seen of your nature photography, you live in a spectacular place. ❀ I love the outdoors, as I know you do too.
Loved this post, and I’m so glad things got off to a pretty good start with all the new changes. May everything soon settle into a comfortable and comforting rhythm. Hugs, Wendy. N 🙂 <3
Thank you, dear Natalie. Hugs back to you. I like the thought of a “comfortable and comforting rhythm”. ❀
Thank you once again for your peaceful images and texts. I would to choose the first one as my inspirational screensaver. 🙂 These are words which I love “And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.” from The Gate of the Year by Minnie Louise Haskins
I love, love, love, the quote you shared. It’s better to be with the One who knows than to walk on familiar paths without Him. Thank you. ❀ It’s the perfect quote for our family right now.
If you have a moment, I am sure you would enjoy googling the history behind the poem. It’s inspiring.
Thank you. I did Google M.L. Haskins. She also wrote two novels as well as poetry. The poem in its entirety is splendid.
Our dear Queen has excellent taste in poetry. ❀
So blessed and encouraged by all of this, Wendy, and how you share His goodness and faithfulness to you and your family! I love that Psalm 78 verse! You find us the best ones. God bless you and your teens everyone learns and grows this year!
Thank you, Debbie. I always appreciate how you draw us into the Scriptures and poems you post so that we see how they apply to us today. God’s Word is alive. ❀
“Be still and know that I am God.” My favourite line when I find myself worrying.
Kudos on the home-schooling!
Jennifer xo
Thank you, Jennifer, for reminding me of this comforting verse. xo It’s short but potent. ❀
Wendy, I love this post. It’s beautiful as usual.
This quote; short poem from Martin Luther has been a blessing to me through the years :
“Feelings come and feelings go,
And feelings are deceiving;
My warrant is the Word of God–
Naught else is worth believing.
Though all my heart should feel condemned
For want of some sweet token,
There is One greater than my heart
Whose Word cannot be broken.
I’ll trust in God’s unchanging Word
Till soul and body sever,
For, though all things shall pass away,
HIS WORD SHALL STAND FOREVER!”
― Martin Luther
Thank you, Nin, for sharing this wonderful poem. It goes perfectly with this post. I especially like how it reminds us that feelings can be deceiving. Bless you for sharing it here. ❀ I love it.
Wendy, taking a short trip through your words and photos is like spending time in His serene presence. The two Scriptures I rely on are “Be still and know that I am God,” as Jennifer quoted, and John 15:5: “I am the Vine and you are the branches; whoever abides in Me and I in him will bear much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” Be blessed and favored.
Thank you, dear Susan. I like how John 15:5 says will and not may. The Vine, who is Jesus, always does His part. We just need to abide and trust. Blessings back to you. ❀
The louder they are the quieter my voice, but it does not always work Wendy. Beautiful images, must have been a lovely walk.
Thank you, Kath. For years I’m told myself that a successful day in parenting is not that all went well, but that I behaved myself under pressure. Children will be children. Love speaks the loudest and will be remembered the most. ❀
Lovely.
Thank you. ❀
Beautiful images + words! 🙂
Thank you, dear Laura. ❀
You are so welcome Wendy. 🌸
Enchantingly beautiful Wendy! My son’s name is Ian, he would’ve been 26 years old last month. He was blessed with a very beautiful embracing spirit. The way your words speak of your Husband, tells me he was blessed beautifully in much the same way! Your words and image always inspire my soul, while they serenade my heart and spirit…thanks for the spiritual hugs dear sister!
Thank you, Wendell. It seems we have another name connection. I know you have a lovely wife and daughter ( I remember a beautiful picture of them from your previous blog.) But I didn’t know about your son. Every Ian I have met has always been kind and thoughtful. Hugs to you also, dear poet friend. ❀
How beautiful! I needed to see this comforting and inspiring post today. Thank you!
Thank you, Judith, for your kind words. ❀
the photos (as usual) are very beautiful. your wisdom shines through each line of poetry. all the best Wendy
PS: Hope you’ve had a chance or two to wear your sunshine shawl. 😉
Thank you, Geraldine. I look forward to using it once it cools off here. It’s been our sunniest summer. ❀ You did such a beautiful job on it.
I love your haikus, Wendy. And always love your pictures. I’m learning to take time to just be, and to be more aware of those around me. Thanks for sharing these!
Thank you, Jeanne. As one mom to another, I agree with your priority to be more aware of others around us. I remember being encouraged by teachers who took the time to ask me questions and then really listened to my answer. ❀
Super !Gorgeous photos and a lot of beautiful words.
Thank you, dear Marylou. ❀