Silence and solitude

I have discovered a love for maps. It's a recent discovery, but once I had actually been to some of the places on the map they became more interesting and more reachable. When you get to your exotic destination that you thought would be so different from your own world I realized how similiar they were. People living their everyday lives getting up and going to work each with their own troubles . I realized that we are all ordinary.

You would think that wouldn't be a comforting thought . "You mean nobody is special?" no we are special but still very ordinary. That fact was made more clear this week , I am ordinary ,but......this is the best part!....we have an extraordinary God. Which brings me to the title of this post , yeah I have a lot of trouble with Silence and Solitude .I want to be with people and do stuff to make my day worth while to make sure I get something done. But nothing I do by myself means anything unless I focus and surrender at the beginning of my day. I need to stop and be still. Why is this such a struggle?

I have been sick the last few days, that is one way God forces us to slow down. It's hard to fathom sickness as being good,but I remember a promise God gave us to work all things together for good. even seemingly worthless idleness.

Audrey is already learning to take it easy.

So today in my ordinary sick day idleness .I'm gonna praise my father for his mercy, his ability to slow our frenzied life to a stand still.

Thanksgiving

I am thankful for:
1. The relationships that have grown over this year. (especially getting to know a new little person Audrey!)
2. My job .... okay sometimes I complain but it is a wonderful job ,and I work with some of the nicest people.
3. My relationship to God. He has given me new glimpses of himself ,and they are beautiful and still full of so much mystery.
I can truly say I love God for his wonderful personality.

more things I'm thankful for:
1.My Dog Meg
2.My Cat Lenny
3.My ugly white suburu

1. My trip to Swaziland
2. My new compassion child Iraci
3. My health

His Strenth
 Isaiah 41:10  Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.