I’ve been enjoying fabulous fall colours in my garden. Almost every sunny afternoon when I attempt to get an early start preparing supper for my family, I end up outside instead taking photographs of God’s glorious artistry. This autumn beauty, pictured above, is visible from my kitchen window. She beckons me to bring my camera outside and partake of fall’s splendor. And let me tell you, I’d rather lie on my back under a Japanese Maple tree than hang out in a room full of strangers and acquaintances.
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Years ago, one of my family members told me that when I was a toddler she noticed that whenever we entered a room full of people, my entire body would stiffen up. According to her observations, I’ve been apprehensive of crowds right from day one.
Over fifty-something years later this still rings true for me. I’m slowly learning how to overcome social anxiety. At the end of this post I’ll place a link to a rather revealing podcast I shared on HopeStreamRadio about a recent Women’s retreat I retreated from. In it you’ll find out how God comforted and encouraged me. He’s such a good Father.
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I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
He delivered me from all my fears.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:4 & 18 NIV
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When Fear Comes
When fear of rejection
Weighs down my weary soul
I long for God’s unfailing Love
To shine and make me whole
When fear of others
Takes over my thoughts
I need to focus back on God
To provide what I have not.
Wendy/ 2016
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Have you been blessed with an easy-going crowd-friendly personality, or have you been blessed with an introspective and analytical mind? Perhaps you’re a mixture of both. I’m nosy-to-know?
Loved and Accepted As-Is Blessings ~ Wendy
Here’s the link to the blog post on HopeStreamRadio that also links to the specific podcast I mentioned: Retreat From a Women’s Retreat (I love the pictures they posted on it, especially the one with the person hiding under the pillows–it’s so me.) And here’s my Walking with Hope page on HopeStreamRadio where you can find a list of all my podcasts in case you’ve already listened to the latest one. A new one shows up on it each Tuesday. If you have a moment, let me know what you think. Did I encourage you? I hope so. <3