Showing posts with label woods. Show all posts
Showing posts with label woods. Show all posts

Saturday, January 9, 2021

Be Still and Know...

Psalm 46:10-11
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep..."-Robert Frost

We traversed the curvy hill into town. Foliage slept in an array of gold and brown on the ground. Trees rested their slender, naked limbs. Even in winter without snow, the scene took on a lovely glow and a story of hope.

Deciduous trees conserve water, a scarcity in the cold or dry months. Their time of rest allows them to re-energize and prepare for the coming spring when leaves sprout again.

The gray of winter often brings on sadness, depression, anxiety, or lack of energy. Yet, I've learned from the trees to rest in winter, to be still, and embrace the quiet. Even when the world isn't quiet, I cherish time to sit with God and seek his wisdom.

God knows I need winter. I crave a time to reconnect and kneel before his throne and worship the Creator. Like the trees, I raise my arms to him and let the stress of life drop like leaves.

Even as he asks me to be still and know, the Lord promises to sit with me. He is my refuge and fortress. I see him in the evergreens, a constant reminder of the steadiness of God.

This spending time with God isn't always easy. Some days I wake up prepared for the quiet, the prayer, the listening. But other days, I've struggled. I want to sleep instead of rise and worship—Some days chaos trumps stillness—Sometimes dread overwhelms and frustration lingers. But I won't give up. I continue to strive to find the quiet and be still before the King, to offer gratitude for everyday life.

Find moments in the winter days to stop, be still, and hear from the God who loves you.

Monday, September 7, 2020

Woodland Santa

Woodland Santa is my latest needle felting project. 
I love his curly beard!

I started in the spring, but couldn't muster the desire to needle felt 
in summer's 90 degree temps. 
So as the weather cooled down last week, I finished the tree and put it all together.

Even with learning curves and a few broken needles, I enjoyed the process. 
One thing I learned is to use a lighter hand and not punch the needle so hard. 
Smaller jabs meant less broken needles and less frustration. 

Needle felting is a satisfying craft. 
There is no such thing as perfection.
Each piece is unique. 
The process relieves stress.