The first big storm of the year has swept in, and all I want to do is light up the fire and snuggle into my favorite chair with a good book and a soft blanket. Unfortunately, I have a list of errands as long as my arm, and I think I'm actually going to have to go out there and brave the elements to get some things done!
Truth be told, once I've completed all my have to's and should do's, I'm still going to have trouble fulfilling my fire, book, and blankie fantasy. Why? Because I can't seem to find a good book lately. (Well, I guess I have found a few...but if they really fit the bill, I read them too quickly.) What can I say? I have no self control in this area.
So I've made a decision. Today I am going to start writing my annual Christmas Eve short story. I'm worried about some hard things a couple of people I love are going through, and when all the prayers have been said, I need something else to do besides continuing to stew about their problems. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not upon thine own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). Good counsel. Creating the Christmas story each year always fills me with hope, reminding me what life is all about. And struggle is surely a part of it. But not the best part.
The best part is knowing that the Savior has already overcome this world that nearly overwhelms us at times. Even better, He stands ready and waiting to comfort and sustain us through every trial. "Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me" (D&C 38:15). We are His, and remembering that we belong to Him lightens our burdens and brings us peace. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
There. I feel more peaceful already.
12 comments:
That Philippians scripture is one of my top five favorites! Along with verse 6, epecially once you read the footnote that goes along with it...fantastic.
Best of luck with your Christmas Eve story. And, thank you for helping me feel more peaceful today.
Love you!
I love D&C 38:15. And who wouldn't?
Will we get a chance to read your Christmas Eve short story?
I am feeling warmer just looking at that fireplace.
I can't wait to read your Christmas story. There is something smooth and soothing about your writing that calms me.
Are you going to share your Christmas story?
I am enjoying the fire, and brought the stash of logs for my wood burning place up next to the house yesterday while I was winterizing the back yard.
So... I am enjoying the crackling fire while I listen also to the constant pitter patter of my tupperware catching big dropplets of rain water as they cascade down from my ceiling.
Fun times.
I missed your blog and your writings so much this last week, didn’t know how much till I was able to read through your musings.
You certainly have a way with your words and ideas, a way that opens up my mind and lets me take a few minutes to “find peace”.
I enjoy your “change of seasons” ideas and ESPECIALLY enjoyed your piece on Stephanie “nie nie”.
I cried buckets when I read the excerpt of the Oprah show. She is an example of motherhood and inspiration -- I appreciated your words about her and her new life.
Thanks for your hugs! (wish I would have worn a mask when around crowds!!!)
How do you do it all, and still have creative time? Is it easier having your husband be the bishop when you don't have kids around, or is it harder because it's a single's ward? You are truly amazing!
What a good idea! Better than stewing, right? Productive to boot. And thanks for your suggestions - for some reason I always want to make everything so complicated. It helps to have a reasonable person slow me down a bit. Oh, and good news: Andrew called Sunday and he was able to sit through ALL 3 hours of church! He sounded so good!!
I just commented on your Fall post and now I see this lovely post... I think our Heavenly Father has brought me to read your lovely words and help me through this healing process...
I am trying to sort through life in my blog as well The Blythe Marriner's Musings. I forgot to write it down earlier...
www.marrinersmusings.blogspot.com! Thanks!
wait, are you not reading "in my hands" for book club this month????!!!! GASP! sue, really, go get it, you'll be done in two days and ready to discuss by the end of the month. it's stirring. i finished it early and now want to read it again to fulfill the void. i started reading "under the tuscan sun." strongly dislike it. almost close to hate, but i reserve that title for books that are purly smut. i got 3/4 of the way through tuscan sun and there is really nothing to buzz about. it's just quite boring. that's the only word to describe it. i'm sorry if you've read it and like it, but i need action, drama! and it has neither. i can't even bring myself to finish it. there is nothing that is pushing me to do it. i have only not finished one other book i've started and that was about 10 pages in when i realized it was smut. this one is just so uninspiring. i'm onto da vinci code now and loving it, but i know you've already read it. hunger games is on my list after da vinci, but barnes and nobles has been sold out the past times i've been in to get it. i've been limiting my amazon shopping, but i'm sure i could get it there. i want your fire. and your christmas story.
Well, I don't really know where to start...
One, it has been a long time, way too long since I visited your blog. With Snarky's few and (again, way too) far in between posts this past summer I just did not seem to have the interest. Worry does that, you know. Distracts, consumes, and all the other not so great "stuff."
BUT, today, I came. I wanted to see what you had been writing while I was away.
All I can tell you is that the first feeling I had was sheer, unadulterated envy...the fire. Period. Just that one glorious snapshot of comfort, peace, and being still. Now the fact that you were simultaneously lamenting your inability to enjoy the same due to other responsibilities did not lessen the envy. Nope. None...I wanted to be there. Right there. Not in HOT, HUMID, did not get the "summer is over" memo deep south!
Then, after I pulled myself out of that pit of green envy, I read.
I read what you have written over the course of several posts. I needed to read those words. It seems as though, lately, I have not had the strength or courage to climb over or go around any obstacle. I think it is the fear that there will only be another one on the other side. So, I will just sit and stare at the one in front of me. Not very effective, but truth.
All said, I want to say what a blessing your gifts are to others. That's it...
"Sue's words of wisdom"
the gift that keeps on giving!
I am so glad Snarky found her way to you. You have blessed us all!
Thanks for the "fall" posts. While I cannot, personally, experience the beauty in those pictures right now, I can feel the spirit of the same.
(Even through my extremely green envious eyes)! :):)
Thank you for reminding me to "find joy" where ever I may be...hot, humid, and even worried...I can know all is well, somehow.
Thanks, Sue!
p.s. LOVE your blog makover...see how long it has been since I visited my CA blogging buddy! Great...now I feel ashamed on top of hot, humid, and worried! j.k.:)
With the kids being sick and the weather cool I have not wanted to do anything on my very long to-do list. Unlike you I am a very slow reader and have a number of books I would love to read today... hmmmm
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