Posted in Music to My Ears

A New Season

Posted on by simplylifeandlove

We have transitioned into a new season, spring is here! For many of us seasons are not just about the weather and a new set of holidays or a time divide that links us to events such as back to school, spring planting, or summer vacation.

For some we define seasons as periods in our life where the Spirit is moving us or holding us in certain patterns.

I love this song by Nichole Nordeman- it links both types of seasonal celebrations together and evokes feelings of completeness to me- feelings of being cared for and tended to- watched over and protected.

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NLT)

Every Season, Nichole Nordeman

Every evening sky, an invitation
To trace the patterned stars
And early in July, a celebration
For freedom that is ours
And I notice You
In children’s games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder
You are summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come
You are autumn

And everything in time and under heaven
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you
When branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced
Teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season’s change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring

 

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Posted in Seasons

Winter “Wonder”land

Posted on by simplylifeandlove

I have to admit, I am wondering about winter…where did it go?  After all the rain we had the last several years and the past two freezing (the heat was cranking in July!) summers, I am kinda missing our usual rain, mist, and fog; our wintry delight.  Maybe it is my desire to take  a “long winters nap” and cozy up to a roaring fire.  Whatever it is, the late light mornings and early sunsets make me want to breathe deep, slow down, and simmer.  I guess for now I will have to get out my crock pot!

Posted in Thoughts on faith

Through the gates

Posted on by simplylifeandlove


    As we drove through the tall white wrought iron gates, nobly emblazoned with the monogram CCC, I suddenly felt stately, important, APPROVED.  It was as if I was entering a whole new world where everyone greets you with courtesy and a smile- opening doors, pulling out your seat, laying a napkin across your lap.  Ah, the feeling of a simple young girl at the country club.  Mostly my grandparents would take us; my sister, my brother and yours truly.  I was always impressed with the welcome my grandfather received-“Good afternoon, Mr. Miller,” “Hello Mr. Miller,” “Nice to see you, Mr. Miller.”  He was important, I thought, and so must it be with me, I mean, he is MY grandfather after all. 

The most wonderful thing about this scene is that it parallels our relationship with God, with one HUGE caveat…you don’t need a dress suit, or slacks, or a pretty dress and polished shoes.  You can arrive in tattered jeans, a stained t-shirt, no shoes on your feet, and you will be seated at the head of the table.  God invites us as his royal children to accept our place in His kingdom, which is seated with Him in the heavenlies if we so choose.  You see we are already approved.  We don’t need to check off our list of milestones to be invited in and accepted to His institution of higher status. We are in His presence and he calls us to bear his name, to wear our royal crown proudly.