Dry Bones
Whenever I hear a reference to the dry bones in Ezekiel, I turn my bible to the pages and read the story again.
The Valley of Dry Bones
37 The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”
4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath[a] enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.
9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.
Ezekiel 37:1-10
It takes my breath away to have a full understanding of what this means. Dry bones are lifeless. They are dusty and dirty and dead. They are sometimes broken and splintered.
But God can revive even dry bones when we are obedient to his commands.
Do you hear that still small voice, whispering in your heart when you have prayed for guidance?
Do you feel the twinge, the feeling of guilt when you ignore the voice?
Do you push back that feeling when you know you are about to do something but you quit because of fear?
Do you understand the disappointment when the fear speaks louder than the voice and you allow it?
These are your dry bones, coming to life with the realization that the Holy Spirit indwells- it lives within us. It guides us when we ask and prompts us when we don’t. It is provided as a guide to make discernment understandable and obedience clear.
Only the Sovereign Lord can give us such a gift.
What will we do to receive it?
Listening and acting in obedience is no small task, but it does build spiritual wellness, and confidence and teaches us to be bold in our faith.
Tuning into our own still small voice is an important part of our faith journey. It is supported by an active prayer life, reading and learning scripture, and spending time in the quiet with God.
Working within the boundaries of obedient faith also makes our own dry bones story one of redemption that we cannot get anywhere else.
xoxo,
Marriage Therapy: Garden Greenhouse
When we had our windows replaced last fall, John was careful to tell them to please save the old windows.
The windows were stacked in the barn and I forgot about them. This spring, John started a rough drawing and together we built a small greenhouse for me to toodle around in.
My ultimate plan is to grow herbs and vegetable starts in this space each spring.
If you have never done a DIY project with your spouse, you should.
It is always a good time, a good arguement, and a good amount of growing for both of us.
We have done multiple projects together, so this one was not met with any surprises.
Measure twice, cut once.
Buy enough screws.
Windows from the early 1900’s are not all the same size.
Plug in the tools battery chargers. They work better that way.
Pace yourself and wear sunscreen.
This project was a lot of fun to work on together, cost way more than some free windows, and is an added asset to our little bit of acreage.
You Deserve to Be Still
We don’t teach self care and time management to our girls as we should. No one taught me.
All I saw as a young adult were women constantly in a state of movement. Doing things for others and never stopping.
The to do lists took precedent. The dinners, laundry, church and work responsibilities were endless.
I was drowning as well, in the overwhelming over commitments I had made to my family and others.
When we were younger, I noticed something. John would take a rare day of crashing on the couch. He would veg and watch tv or play with the kids for an extended amount of time. He recognized the need for downtime.
I didn’t have the luxury, or so I thought . I used to get so annoyed at him for just doing nothing. I quickly realized as the kids grew up, if I wanted a day like that, I’d have to take it like he did. Even if it looked like calling into work or skipping Sunday church (sorrynotsorry)
If I wanted to refresh myself I would have to be my own best advocate. I would have to make sure I got a break.
Once I figured out how to get the break and carve out the time, I didn’t know what to do with it. I spent most of it trying to decide.
It took me a long time to learn how to be still.
After years of practice I have set my own limits on my time. I have many options, especially now that we are empty nesters.
Early on, I had 3 options. Spend the time praying & reading, being creative, or writing. The being creative was based on my time and the weather. Sometimes that looked like being alone in the garden, sometimes it was writing or creating something.
Now, I still focus on those three things. But it’s different because I have more time. I have better resources. I have the ability to say “no” and protect the white space on my calendar.
People don’t like it when you say no, and sometimes they quit asking altogether. It’s unfortunate that other very busy people don’t recognize the need for being still. They don’t always value your “no for now” and translate it to “no forever”. They miss out on the best parts of you because they don’t understand rest.
I have learned that being still and self care are components of a healthy balance.
I’ve also learned that not everyone knows how to be still, and it sometimes interrupts my moments of peace. In those moments, I have to remember patience and grace.
When we look at everything in our life as a task, we don’t consider the actions and intentions behind it. We simply check it off the list. Think about it.
Birthday parties. Christmas cards. Helping a friend move. Assisting a neighbor with a project. Cooking dinner for a widow. Mowing the grass for an elderly person. Serving in the church nursery. Picking up your grandkids from school.
These are all things placed on our to do list that we get done, but are we intentional?
When we spend our time doing all the things to simply check them off and be done, we miss out on the best parts- the rest and being still together afterwards.We rush off to do the next thing. Always in a hurry and always just to finish.
What if we were more intentional with the things we are already doing?
What If we took some time at the end of each thing to simply be together?
What if we started today, with our next thing?
You don’t get your time back. Once spent, it’s gone forever.
Xoxo,
Refrigerator Status
As a young adult I liked to hang things on my fridge. Important papers, artwork from the kids but especially photos that were important to me.
The selfies of myself and a close friend I used as a reminder to pray for them. Let’s face it, we know stuff about our friends and that alone requires our attention in our prayer life.
Something I’ve realized recently, as the years have worn on, the photos of myself with a friend are all gone.
As people ghosted me and disappeared they’ve been removed. They became a hurtful reminder of something I lost along the way .
Relationship, friendship, connection and community have been a struggle. Some of these people left because I was too much for them, and some because I wasn’t enough. Some because I wouldn’t conform and a few because I stood my ground.
I’ve chosen a narrow path, and this is a repercussion.
I still have a photo collection on the fridge. It’s now my children, grandchildren and of course my BFF, husband. (We take a selfie everywhere we go so there is a record of my existence)
As I have spiritually matured and my prayer life has evolved, I find I don’t need those pictures to remind me who to pray for. All I need is to sit in a quiet place for a bit and start praying or journaling.
I also don’t need the photos to validate anything.
The representation of those on my fridge now are a joyful reminder of all God has gifted and blessed me with. I realize God has provided me with the most wonderful people to fill in the gaps of my heart where other relationships held space and left an empty hole.
That’s been so important for me to understand.
Healing completely will take some time. Even the oldest wounds are still painful scars on occasion.
Holding to the memories isn’t always healthy and removing the pictures have been a symbolic way for me to allow myself time to adjust to the losses.
By reprioritizing my fridge, I have been able to refocus.
I’m also comforted by Psalm 17:15
(English Standard Version)
As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.
Only Jesus can fill all the gaps.
Xoxo
Christmas Joy Unexpected
So many things at Christmas soak up our time.
Christmas parties, shopping, extra church events, special dinners and going to see lights.
We get so wrapped up in so many busy things, when do we take time to wonder in awe at the little things?
We took our youngest granddaughter to see the lights at Clifton Mill last week. We knew she would be delighted-she is 3.
What we didn’t count on was her epic encounter with Santa at the workshop.
I will never be able to do this story justice. She approached the window and Santa walked right up to her. She squealed with delight and screamed “Mimi! It’s Him! It’s Santa!”.
My heart jumped at her joy. I was in wonder.
My husband and I were completely stunned and for a moment suspended in time completely aware of the Joy of Christmas through the eyes of this child.
Her encounter was pure and sweet, and she was smiling so big with her eyes sparkling and clapping her hands.
And Santa! He was so amazing, and I hear her say “Awww, he is so kind!”
I have searched this year for a Christmas encounter like this one. I had given up to be honest.
When family is missing, and some live far away, and some are sick it makes it tough.
When friends are few and don’t include us anymore it feels lonely.
I feel like I am in a weird place in life where I go places and do all the things but I don’t really belong anywhere.
Then at an overpriced light display near my home that I’ve been to a million times I find a bit of Christmas Joy unexpectedly in the eyes of a child.
I hope this Christmas if you are feeling weary, worn and just done with all of it, that you will have a moment of Christmas that sparks Joy in your heart and puts a smile on your face like I did.
I hope you remember that this story doesn’t end today, it’s a cradle to cross story. We were built to celebrate both the birth and the death of our Savior during this time. And find Joy in doing it.
He has risen and saved us all.
Merry Christmas.
xoxo,
Early Advent Reflections
As Advent gets underway, I have had some time to reflect on this season of the “in-between”. I am discovering each day in my quiet time exactly what Advent means for me as a Daughter of the King, a wife, a mother, and a woman.
As I write this It occurs to me I have been trying hard to remain in an “Advent state of mind” this season and it is a pure struggle. My typical overwhelmed self has had plenty of time this year. I’ve taken the time to really dive into scripture and found myself looking forward to the slower pace of study that Advent brings to me. It has been a blessing.
Diving into the study “The Greatest Gift” by Ann Voskamp has been wonderful for me. Reading about the lineage of the baby Jesus in such a profound way and reflecting on my own life has been eye-opening. Including my husband in this study each evening has also been a blessing, as we grow spiritually through 30 years of marriage.
We sit each evening at the table, light the candles, hang the ornaments on the tree and read our devotional. I also have a journaling bible and I have been journaling this journey this year in it. I’m answering questions, getting creative on the pages, and attaching a printed copy of the ornament in my Bible for each day we study.
So far I am caught up in the wonder of it all. I feel suspended in time between the birth of Christ and the Second coming of the risen Savior.
I look at our decorated tree in wonder and awe. I walk out on the road in the dark and look at the lights on the house. I am distracted by the clear night sky.
Every single star, planet and galaxy was right in this very place when Jesus was born and again when he died. They are all right where God put them when He created them. They are still here for me to look at each night in wonder. They will be here long after I am gone.
The same sky I stand under, the same moon I stare at, the same constellations I seek out are the exact same as when Jesus walked and taught, loving, healing and ressurecting.
Isn’t it amazing, all the things I have to reflect on this Advent season?
Ands its just the beginning.
Bible Journal
I really hope your Advent season is wonderful. And if for whatever reason you are looking for that something special this season, it’s not too late to start your own Advent Journey.
XOXO,
My Own Heart-Abundance
“Decisive Givenness” is the title of the first devotion in the Ann Voskamp devotional, “The Way of Abundance”. The accompanying scripture hits me in a new way. “Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2
The way of abundance has been a thought on my mind a lot lately.
How do we have a broken heart and a full heart at the same time?
To me, a broken heart = a full heart.
When my heart is broken, I am reminded of another scripture- 1 Corinthians 13 I love this scripture so much and it reminds me that even in my own brokenness, love never fails.
Most importantly, I don’t have to go looking for it anywhere. It’s right here and always has been.
It can’t be fully snuffed out from my heart. It cannot be obliterated or cast away. Love cannot be undone.
When we were created in Genesis 2, God breathed himself into man to give him life.
So, as scripture is God-breathed, man is literally God-breathed, and God is love, so man has had love breathed into him since the very first created man took his very first breath.
Think about that. “The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul.” Genesis 2:7 (KJV)
I like the KJV best because of that last omitted part in the other versions, “became a living soul.”
Only real unadulterated love can do that.
God breathed his own breath of life and of love into man, and it was enough power to turn his lifeless body made from the dust of the ground into a living being encapsulating a soul. Your soul is a love language gift from God, the creator of the Universe.
*Sometimes these things come out of my head and flow through this pen, and I am taken aback breathless in wonder because this is exactly what He is doing in me- breathing life into the words- allowing me a peek inside the Holy process of creation and how much love it took to make it all happen the way He wanted it to.
All I did was write a few inspired and prayed-over words. He created everything.
No mistakes.
No errors.
No second guessing.
Simply love compassion and joy in His creation.
Even after everything that has happened from Genesis to the present day, He still breathes life into us every moment until we are ready to be in His presence once again.
It’s a whole amazing and life-affirming moment to realize the God of the Universe who placed the stars has breathed his love -breath into me in one perfect moment, and at some point will take my breath away so I can spend eternity in his presence.
Xoxo,
I know Who I am
I saw the upstairs of my house for the first time in almost 2 weeks. It was a huge relief to know the mess I created before my knee surgery is still there, waiting for me to recover so I can finish what I started.
I also had the best night’s sleep since before the surgery. Something about being in my own bed, snuggled up to my spouse, on soft sheets, and in the quiet of my own house that brings me rest.
It’s not lost on me the struggles people have when they encounter a physical ailment that incapacitates them. I’ve had to learn how to do a lot of things while hobbling around on crutches. For the most part, I have been on my own.
I’ve also had to learn my limits and adjust, plan well and learn to do without on occasion. It’s been a real humbling experience, and I am grateful for the abrupt need to slow down a bit (ok, a lot) and have some downtime of being still and leaning into the comfort of catching my breath.
I’ve also had some time to reflect on a few things.
During this time of recovery, I had moments of real struggle, from the mental health side. I’d have a few minutes when I couldn’t physically get comfortable. I’d struggle to move my body until the ache would subside. But the attitude stuck with me a few times and I had some moments of loneliness.
These were growing moments. I know what my tools are when I start to feel lonely, emotional and even abandoned. I have scripture and prayer as my number one and number two recovery tools. I have Bibles placed where I can reference them.
I’ve turned them into works of art, journaling and studying from them like they are my lifeline. Because they are my lifeline. I mean this in a very real, literal sense.
There is nothing in this world that can overcome the emotional and spiritual war inside my head like the word of God and the blood of Jesus.
There is nothing I cannot handle because I know I am not alone. I don’t have to depend on quick fixes to alleviate the mental games the deceiver likes to play with me, because my faith makes me his target.
I don’t have to sit and dwell on other people’s actions, inaction, or words without knowing who I am or what I stand for is going to end in a way better outcome for me by following the narrow path I have chosen.
I don’t have to make things complicated. I don’t have to live in fear. I know there is a plan for me here and beyond which replaces and trumps the need for every other plan I may have (or others may have for me).
In the weakest moments over the last two weeks, I have learned who I am in a deeper, more meaningful way. If I am going to be completely honest, I have also learned about who I am not.
I am the daughter of the Creator of the Universe. I am the wife of my husband, his best friend, and soulmate. I am the mother to the 4+ and Mimi to the 7. I am a friend to those who would honor me with such a title, and I am acquainted with all others.
I am not easily swayed, influenced, or convinced. I am not worldly or conceited. I am not proud or looking for accomplishment.
I am just me, Angie.
I am His and He is mine, and nothing else matters. And one day I will be complete. Until that day comes, I will continue to make the best decisions I am able to make, based on the guidance of the One who knows me best and the tools I’ve been given.
Regardless of injury. Regardless of other people. Regardless of emotion. Regardless of temptation.
XOXO,
It Starts with a Morning Routine
Do you have a morning routine?
I mean a real, day inspiring routine filled with habits that move you forward.
My routine is simple. I get dressed and head downstairs for coffee, supplements and writing in my journal. I do a massive brain dump on the pages, in the quiet of the morning. If I have to go to work, I have to be done by 7. If I am on a break or day off, I don’t. But because of my habitual ways, I am.
I learned a long time ago that if I wanted to change my life and move forward with anything I would need to develop new habits first thing in the morning. I needed to set up my day for positive outcomes. I found a few tools to help me.
The book The Artists Way by Julia Cameron was the first helpful tool I had. I used the Morning Pages section to shape and encourage my morning writing and brain dump. I committed to 3 pages every morning for a year. Once I accomplished this goal, I kept the habit because it was extremely good for me.
I drink copious amounts of coffee and I use something creamy in them. I love my morning coffee. I drink until the pot is empty.
I pray or meditate- this looks different each time I do it. It depends on where I am sitting and what else I need to accomplish that day. It also depends on how long my list is of things I need to pray about. Some mornings I only pray. Some mornings I also meditate over scripture. It happens everyday in some form.
If I am driving, I listen to a podcast or scripture using one of the apps I have downloaded. Access More is a great app full of podcasts from artists and ministry leaders. K-Love is the radio station of choice and I use multiple Bible apps to listen to scripture.
If I am home, I read. I typically have 3-5 books on my to do list, with a couple in process. I read everything. I just take my time with some things when I want to glean more from the content.
There are other healthy habits I have gotten into such as being more intentional with simplifying our home and lifestyle, planning meals and budgeting. These will always we a work in progress for me because they are naturally hard to do.
I also make lists for everything I want to accomplish and I am really good at getting things done when there is a written list. Handwritten. On paper or a whiteboard. I just do better with something visual.
I also have a hardcopy planner and I love it! I try to put everything in it, including our budget. I carry it wherever I go, and I use it for tracking most things in our lives that need to be kept track of.
In the quest to be more organized, I have started to change how I keep things. Storage containers and vacuum bags have become part of our routine, and I like feeling like I can find things again. Even labeling things has become a blessing, though some may think its over the top.
At the end of the day, if establishing few healthy habits allows me to be a better wife, mom and friend, then I am all for it. Taking care of myself on this level has been beneficial for everyone around me and has proven to be a very healthy choice for my mind, spirit and body.
Xoxo,
