Unexpected Places

So, after yesterday's write up about being so stressed, my day grew progressively more anxiety-filled. I told someone that I felt like a kettle of water moments before it boils. I did laundry, I helped my son with his school work, normal everyday things, and I still couldn't shake it. I wondered how I would get some time.

Then I asked. My dear hubby who will do nearly anything for me, I asked him if he could make supper for the kids and let me go out. Get away for the evening. So I texted a friend and asked her to join me and we went out. Grabbed a quick bite to eat at a fast food restaurant (I wasn't worrying about it being healthy or not) and we decided to go watch "Son of God" at the Cineplex. 

I needed every minute of it. More than two hours of being taken out of my current circumstances and brought to a place where I was so stunningly and visually reminded of what really matters. Of the unshakeable core of all that I believe in. Of how desperately in love with Jesus I am. By the time the movie was over, I was once again centered. I was looking for a way to unplug and reconnect with what mattered and it unexpectedly happened in a movie theater. I went home last night and had a good sleep. 
 

So, if you get a chance and the movie "Son of God" is playing in your area, go see it. The gentleman who played the role of Jesus did a fantastic job. My young friend who went with me asked on the way home, "Jenny, do you think Jesus was really like that?" To which I replied with a slowly spreading grin, "Oh yes, but even more so." Most of the drive home was quiet as both of us were busy thinking about truths driven home through scenes in the movie. But even more so my heart was wrapped up in the wonder that one day soon I will be able to touch that dear, sweet, beautiful face and tell Him how much I love Him. 

Because one day VERY soon He's coming to take those who believe in Him HOME.

On the Bathroom Wall

I have been battling a cloud of stress and anxiety for a couple of days now. Which is really strange because I don't usually struggle with pushing past moments like that. I won't discuss the circumstances because that's not what this is for, but sometimes putting something into words can help in the process of dealing with it.

I'm having one of those moments in life where what you know is having an all out fist-fight with what you feel. Both are realities: one can be altered, one cannot. What I feel? Stressed, edgy, anxious, low on patience, overwhelmed by tasks that normally wouldn't phase me. And for those of you who know me, that is not the usual me. What do I know? That God is still with me. That "in quietness and confidence is my strength". That a few genuine moments in His presence will soothe this pressing emotional dam inside of me.

This is different than the devotionals that I write. This is a blog. A digital corner to verbally unwind in. To work through issues and maybe encourage others while they unravel their own thoughts and processes. And I really need to unravel.

"Only in returning to Me and resting in Me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength." Isaiah 30:15

This is my favorite verse. I grew up staring at a little plaque that for years was hanging on the bathroom wall in our home. I was talking with one of my sisters yesterday and she quoted that very verse to me. I told her "That's one of my favorite verses." To which she replied, "Mine too!" I don't think my mom realized that a simple little nick-knack would have such a profound effect on her kids. Or maybe she did, because it has lodged itself firmly into our minds and hearts.

I had a dear young friend give me a special order book bag for Christmas. On it she had embroidered that verse as well with a hummingbird in the center. So I find myself surround by and reminded of a very central truth. Rest in God produces inner quietness and confidence. 

So this is my task this week. To find some special, intentional time with my Savior, above my usual devotional habits to just be quiet in His presence. I know that I need it. Through a house with a husband, 4 kids (and accompanying friends), a dog and a cat and a myriad of the week's usual activities, I will hunt.

My husband asked me this morning "Is there anything I can do?" when my response to his question of how I was doing today was less than enthusiastic. To which I replied, "No." But I was wrong. He can pray for me. He can give me a few extra hugs, and if I explain to him what I really need, he'll bend over backwards to help me carve out a little extra time for that quietness. It's just who he is.

Jeanette