Karen O'Connor

That’s been me the last week or so. Old age, cold weather, feeling lazy, whatever. I just haven’t wanted to get out bed–so I haven’t–until an hour or more later than usual. One day I stayed in my bathrobe all day. I felt decadent. But then I realized it’s my choice. I’m retired.

I listened to music. I read. I dozed. When I finally got up, showered and dressed, I was ready for what was next–a bowl of hot oatmeal with blueberries, sliced peaches, and a dollop of yogurt and maple syrup.

Sometimes it’s quite all right to pamper yourself. And so I will whenever I want to and more important–need to.

How about you? Do you give yourself a few hours now and then to sleep a little longer or to  read, listen to music, watch a favorite movie or tv show?

Rest is essential for improved mental health, increased concentration and memory, a healthy immune system, reduced stress, a happy mood and even a healthier metabolism.

And I love the thought that when I rest, I surrender to God, trusting him to handle the things in my life that I cannot take care of by myself.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8 ESV

I love this quote I read in one of my daily devotions:

“The resources of heaven are equal to any problem you’ll ever have to face.”

What a beautiful thing to consider and to experience. NO matter what comes our way, our God of the universe is with us and will provide whatever we need to overcome even the most challenging aspect of life.

Psalm 9:9 “The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.”

As the new year moves forward, I find myself reaching for God’s Word more and more. Do you have a favorite verse to turn to when times are hard? I’d love to hear it.

After days and weeks of rain the sun has opened its beautiful face to us once again and I am so grateful. I will be walking, chatting with neighbors, driving to the park and to the store and pulling some weeds in my yard.

How appropriate a time to enjoy this lovely poem from Emily Dickinson:

I’ll Tell You How the Sun Rose

I’ll tell you how the Sun rose –
A Ribbon at a time –
The Steeples swam in Amethyst –
The news, like Squirrels, ran –
The Hills untied their Bonnets –
The Bobolinks – begun –
Then I said softly to myself –
‘That must have been the Sun!’

Indeed!

“From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!” Psalm 113:3

I am praising the Lord each day for this awesome blessing.

This last week I’ve been reading parts of the Bible that speak to me for the new year. Psalm 23 caught my attention so I’ve been exploring it line by line. I share it here with you. I hope it will speak to you as it has to me.

“Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!

He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.

Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.^[a]

You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest;^[b] blessings overflow!

 Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.”

Psalm 23 The Living Bible

Regardless of our circumstances, all of our needs will be met and as a shepherd guides his sheep so will we be watched and led in every way. My word for the year is TRUST.

And Happy Birthday to my daughter Erin.

Do you have a special word for 2023?

I remember this advice in an article I read years ago. It struck me there were many things that fit that category in my life. I didn’t feel like weeding the lawn or vacuuming or paying bills or changing the bed sheets or….or…or…especially after such a relaxing and fun holiday season.

Some of these opportunities present themselves in the moment when we’re not looking. Yet we recognize them when we see them and we know intuitively the time is right to do that thing we don’t want to do—the one we ‘should’ do. It’s now or never. And so we roll up our sleeves, pray for the grace to follow through, and then do it. And joy washes over us like a new spring rain. We did the stuff that needed doing and it feels so good.

I recently had a day like that.

I phoned a friend I hadn’t spoken with in some time. I’m not the best at making phone calls but some people prefer talking over texting so I did what I knew she’d appreciate.

I looked at my birthday list and decided to buy some cards and have them ready for the friends whose birthdays were around the corner.

I planned a day away from home just for me. I needed some space and now was the time to take it.

I watered and fertilized my plants. I could see their wilting leaves were tired of reminding me.

And to wind things up that day I spent a half hour meditating and took a fifteen-minute nap.

Colossians 3:23, NLT Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.