Quiet in His Love

Today, I am living challenged. I am challenged by anxiety, by stress, by my mind. Have you ever been challenged by those things? It feels as though the whole world, at least in your mind, is spinning completely out of control. I hate it. Most people, I think, don't want to talk about anxiety, about worry, about fear. It makes them look weak or less somehow. Why? Should it? Does it need to? Oh, if only... If only we could all pretend all the time that everything is "perfect." Would that help the situation? Change the reality? No. It would be a lie. Nobody wants that. I hope not anyway. Oh, friends, please be kind to yourself and others. This road I am on feels long, uneven, filled with potholes, scattered with booby traps, and hard...so very hard. When life narrows to a small focus and it feels like every thing that used to be a joy no longer is, you may feel the need to throw your hands up and cry out. It's okay to do so. Truly. I won't judge you...hopefully other...

I imagine many of you, like so many others right now, have found a word for yourself or your family for 2021.  Not to be left behind in the dust, I have "found" a word for 2021 as well.  My word is renewal .  According to Webster's 1828 dictionary, the word renewal means: 1. The act of renewing; the act of forming anew; as the renewal of a treaty. 2. Renovation; regeneration. 3. Revival; restoration to a former or to a good state. I like the idea of renewal for my life in 2021.  With so much craziness and uncertainty and confusion in the world right now, I could use some renewal in my life, my mind, my spirit, and my heart.  Indeed I could.  My physical body needs some renovation through exercise and better food choices and better sleep patterns.  My mind needs to be renewed and restored to it's focus on Christ through the regular reading of His Word and through regular prayer and worship time.  I need renewal in my relationships.  I have str...