I don’t remember when I wrote the above lines in my journal, but it is just as true today as when I wrote it. On any given day we are deluged with a cavalcade of words. It can be staggering. Too many. Our attention spans have shrunk. Our phones have taught us to measure information in snippets precisely because it’s a kind of survival. We can only handle or absorb so much. Should I add to the torrential flow? That’s what we deal with as writers. Can I add anything of value that hasn’t already been said?

I sense a whisper from the Holy Spirit saying, “How much is too much when you consider all that God has lavished on you?” Exactly. There are never too many words to describe how wonderful, how amazing is His love for us. It’s the balm that heals the soul when everything you see and hear in the world gets to be too much. If “the labor and heavy laden” describes you, He’s got you covered.

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

He meets us where we are. In the days where nothing seems to come together. Or when you feel like there is a mushroom cloud of dread over your head and you have no idea why. Or when you suddenly want a glass of wine because that was your cure for many years, even though you already fought that battle and have won the victory in Jesus.

It was an off day yesterday, but today the tea is comforting, I found a book I wanted at the library, and my sense of well-being is intact again. Also, the first of the winter birds were back at the feeder this morning. The gray tide of unrest has receded until next time. Living this side of Heaven, we can rest assured there will be a next time (but that’s okay) I will be ready. I have my Spiritual armor handy. This can be found in the book of Ephesians (6:14-17)

I have found a steady and true Joy ever since I have found that plumbing the depths of Scripture is not merely a discipline, but survival and a way of life. I heartily recommend a strong Bible study with someone who you know to have experience and gifted by the Holy Spirit to teach. This has been life changing, truly.

The weather is changing and it looks like we will be getting an actual Fall soon. The leaves are hinting about coming down, some are anxious to get it over with and are losing their grip already. Soon, they will be raining down and filling the streets, “Dirty nasty trees” Elaine calls them. She really liked how clean and orderly the desert was. I have to admit; it was clean looking. Cactus just pretty much stay cactus after all. Even those brilliant blooms make no mess in their wake. As I have found, every place has a distinct beauty all its own. I have to admit I do sometimes miss Arizona, the crisp brightness of it all, and those magnificent violent storms with their breathtaking skies. Here is one of those:

And to end today’s post, a restful bench I found on a road trip to Globe, Arizona. Until next time, may God fill you with His grace and peace……