Your list is a balm to my heart! It is a shame we have to learn resilience through trials - but I think I probably wouldn't learn it any other way - and learning to be resilient through Him!
Every suggestion on your list is tried and true. The other morning I found myself awake at 4 a.m. (I am not a morning person - LOL) - and I took my golden pup outside. The birds were already chatting and calling to each other. WOW - were they super loud. They might wake someone up with their noise! I cannot seem to control the rhythm of my daily right now - but I can control the reading of psalms, adding a creative moment in it - singing a praise to God - maybe that is the only rhythm I need to be concerned with. Thanks for your post Linda - it flipped a switch on for me that needed turning on!
Maryleigh, I'm so glad you're here. I absolutely know what you're saying about waking up far too early. More days than not, I'll give myself an hour to fall back to sleep ... and if that doesn't work, I'll quietly get up and start my day slowly and stop fighting it. You're right, there are wonderful invitations from the Lover of our souls to be still with Him in the early hours of dawn and welcome the day together.
One action I took recently that has enhanced the quality of my life is deactivating my social media accounts. I began with the blue F and then eventually eliminated them all. My mind with social media has been like the kitchen junk drawer, a collection of random things, most without any value. This one action has given me back a precious commodity, time.
Wow, Karen, the picture of the kitchen junk drawer. So powerful, so real. Our brains can only hold so much before they get all squirrly. I've seen this in my own life.
I'd love to hear more of your story. Will you write about it at some point?
First off your photos are just beautiful! They make me smile and scream "summer" to me. Second, I really like your practical tips. I definitely think resilience is built during those difficult times too.
Yep, sometimes it's helpful when someone holds our hand and takes us step by step forward. And other times it can be seen as obnoxious and condescending. I'm glad this worked for you, friend.
Your "bonus points" are all so practical, Linda. And yes, I can definitely look back and see how those hard, stretching seasons developed resilience that I didn't even know I was capable of. God knew ...
God has used breath prayers in my life to ratchet down my anxiety level, focus me on His still and quiet presence, and bring me peace. Thank you, Ellen, for being here, for adding this prayerful dimension to our conversation.
Thank you, these are some really helpful thoughts on resilience. I completely agree - resilience is learned in the tough times. How wonderful that God can be working in us even when we feel crushed and overwhelmed.
Yeah, it's the crushed and overwhelmed times that can send us right over the edge ... or right into His arms. May we be aware of His kind and assuring voice especially in those tough times when we feel like we're all alone.
Welcome, Kate. I'm glad you're here and know you'll bring a whole lot to the conversation. I so appreciate your writing.
What an encouragement you are. Thank you! I only realised today that I wasn’t subscribed 🤣 Well, I’m subscribed now! Thank you for your insights and wisdom.
Good book. I read it years ago. We learned resilience lately by the string of storms which made their way through our community. The storm was Tuesday. Many are still without power. But greater resilience is shown in allowing God's timing to "rule the day." As for me, I pray God allows me to go out still fighting for Him.
Linda, all your points resonated with me and love how you pointed out, "When we least expect it, God is working behind the scenes building perseverance and resilience into our spiritual and emotional DNA for His glory and our benefit."
Wonderful tips, all Linda, and beautiful photos to go with them. I start my day out with a Coke Zero, four New York Times games online and visiting my bloggies! Then I'm ready to face the world!
Great photos, Linda and the six ways to boost your resilience are perfect. My day goest best when I start early reading God’s word and quiet prayer time!
'Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.'
What a great idea to create a personalized prayer book! I already have a notebook section of prayers, printed or copied from here and there. What I need is an index! And as I continue to collect, keeping the prayers organized will help me access those appropriate to my circumstances. Thank you, Linda!
Are you sure you want to hear more?! My notebooks include: 1) My "God Is Faithful" journal, a record of God's special blessings since November 1983, 2) "Notes from Reading," typed and indexed (the result of never being able to find the bit of wisdom I needed in the moment. I'm well into my 2nd notebook of such notes.) 3) A notebook of indexes of scripture references for many of my nonfiction books (because so few come with one!), and 4) My quiet time notebook. Currently there's a page of "Solitude and Silence" inspiration, a page of worship prompts, a section of memorized scripture so I can review selections each day, a section for my current Bible study, and a section for "Bits & Pieces from Here & There" (a collection of prayers, poems, articles, and more). Then of course there are various journals and my prayer box . . . !!
Oh my goodness, this is awesome. I've never met anyone with a more impressive and practical notebook and journal collection. I'd love to see you write a post on this at some time - it'd be so inspirational and a good nudge for some of us who aren't quite sure with all those bits and pieces we've collected over time. So cool.
Thank you for the prompt, Linda. I'll do that sometime soon! I've referred to my various topic-specific journals and notebooks now and then, but perhaps not a complete post describing all of them. I appreciate your encouragement that others might be interested!
Sometimes just focusing on that one next step instead of looking too far ahead makes it easier to keep going (both literally and figuratively). I find a lot of time not overthinking it is key for me.
You're right, overthinking is a huge challenge for many of us and it too easily spirals us into overwhelm, immobility, anxiety and all kinds of places we don't want to go. Thanks for the nudge to do one step at a time, friend.
Your list is a balm to my heart! It is a shame we have to learn resilience through trials - but I think I probably wouldn't learn it any other way - and learning to be resilient through Him!
Every suggestion on your list is tried and true. The other morning I found myself awake at 4 a.m. (I am not a morning person - LOL) - and I took my golden pup outside. The birds were already chatting and calling to each other. WOW - were they super loud. They might wake someone up with their noise! I cannot seem to control the rhythm of my daily right now - but I can control the reading of psalms, adding a creative moment in it - singing a praise to God - maybe that is the only rhythm I need to be concerned with. Thanks for your post Linda - it flipped a switch on for me that needed turning on!
Maryleigh, I'm so glad you're here. I absolutely know what you're saying about waking up far too early. More days than not, I'll give myself an hour to fall back to sleep ... and if that doesn't work, I'll quietly get up and start my day slowly and stop fighting it. You're right, there are wonderful invitations from the Lover of our souls to be still with Him in the early hours of dawn and welcome the day together.
I enjoy your writing.Thank you.
One action I took recently that has enhanced the quality of my life is deactivating my social media accounts. I began with the blue F and then eventually eliminated them all. My mind with social media has been like the kitchen junk drawer, a collection of random things, most without any value. This one action has given me back a precious commodity, time.
Wow, Karen, the picture of the kitchen junk drawer. So powerful, so real. Our brains can only hold so much before they get all squirrly. I've seen this in my own life.
I'd love to hear more of your story. Will you write about it at some point?
Thank you. Yes, I’m mulling around a post in the newly emptied areas of my brain.
'the newly emptied areas of my brain' ... love this picture!
First off your photos are just beautiful! They make me smile and scream "summer" to me. Second, I really like your practical tips. I definitely think resilience is built during those difficult times too.
Yep, sometimes it's helpful when someone holds our hand and takes us step by step forward. And other times it can be seen as obnoxious and condescending. I'm glad this worked for you, friend.
Happy 4th!
Your "bonus points" are all so practical, Linda. And yes, I can definitely look back and see how those hard, stretching seasons developed resilience that I didn't even know I was capable of. God knew ...
You've been such a helpful guide in those kind of seasons, friend.
Breath prayer, speaking words on inhale and exhale of breath:
- God is with me. (Inhale) - I am never alone. (Exhale)
- I am safe. (Inhale) -In the arms of Jesus. (Exhale)
- God is here right now. (Inhale) - I have everything I need. (Exhale)
God has used breath prayers in my life to ratchet down my anxiety level, focus me on His still and quiet presence, and bring me peace. Thank you, Ellen, for being here, for adding this prayerful dimension to our conversation.
Please come back again soon!
Thank you, these are some really helpful thoughts on resilience. I completely agree - resilience is learned in the tough times. How wonderful that God can be working in us even when we feel crushed and overwhelmed.
Yeah, it's the crushed and overwhelmed times that can send us right over the edge ... or right into His arms. May we be aware of His kind and assuring voice especially in those tough times when we feel like we're all alone.
Welcome, Kate. I'm glad you're here and know you'll bring a whole lot to the conversation. I so appreciate your writing.
What an encouragement you are. Thank you! I only realised today that I wasn’t subscribed 🤣 Well, I’m subscribed now! Thank you for your insights and wisdom.
Good book. I read it years ago. We learned resilience lately by the string of storms which made their way through our community. The storm was Tuesday. Many are still without power. But greater resilience is shown in allowing God's timing to "rule the day." As for me, I pray God allows me to go out still fighting for Him.
"allowing God's timing to "rule the day"
So well put, Bill. We usually learn the hard way that this is the best way to live.
Linda, all your points resonated with me and love how you pointed out, "When we least expect it, God is working behind the scenes building perseverance and resilience into our spiritual and emotional DNA for His glory and our benefit."
Karen, it's so good to reconnect again. Welcome!
Singing along with worship music does it for me! All great tips!
And a wonderful way to get ready for church on Sunday morning, too.
Wonderful tips, all Linda, and beautiful photos to go with them. I start my day out with a Coke Zero, four New York Times games online and visiting my bloggies! Then I'm ready to face the world!
'my bloggies!'
I love that, Jeanie!
Great photos, Linda and the six ways to boost your resilience are perfect. My day goest best when I start early reading God’s word and quiet prayer time!
Good morning, friend. The 2 words that just jumped out at me are early & quiet.
You've said it all.
Some say I am resilient,
but that is not the case.
I merely am obedient
to what I'm called to face,
for there is nothing I can gain
in moto declarations.
Here I am, and here remain
in dreadful situations.
I'm not a tree to break or bend,
I merely am a man
whom God does not see fit to mend,
so I just do what I can
to spread the love I have inside
without self-pity, without pride.
And maybe facing reality head on like you've done for years is one of the reasons that you are known for your resilience ...
Perhaps...but now I fully realize that I'm very breakable, and have to put this Humpty Dumpty nature into God's hands.
'Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.'
- Jude 24 - 25.
Exactly that, my dear friend.
What a great idea to create a personalized prayer book! I already have a notebook section of prayers, printed or copied from here and there. What I need is an index! And as I continue to collect, keeping the prayers organized will help me access those appropriate to my circumstances. Thank you, Linda!
Oh I'd love to hear more about your notebook, Nancy. Do tell!
Are you sure you want to hear more?! My notebooks include: 1) My "God Is Faithful" journal, a record of God's special blessings since November 1983, 2) "Notes from Reading," typed and indexed (the result of never being able to find the bit of wisdom I needed in the moment. I'm well into my 2nd notebook of such notes.) 3) A notebook of indexes of scripture references for many of my nonfiction books (because so few come with one!), and 4) My quiet time notebook. Currently there's a page of "Solitude and Silence" inspiration, a page of worship prompts, a section of memorized scripture so I can review selections each day, a section for my current Bible study, and a section for "Bits & Pieces from Here & There" (a collection of prayers, poems, articles, and more). Then of course there are various journals and my prayer box . . . !!
Oh my goodness, this is awesome. I've never met anyone with a more impressive and practical notebook and journal collection. I'd love to see you write a post on this at some time - it'd be so inspirational and a good nudge for some of us who aren't quite sure with all those bits and pieces we've collected over time. So cool.
Thank you for the prompt, Linda. I'll do that sometime soon! I've referred to my various topic-specific journals and notebooks now and then, but perhaps not a complete post describing all of them. I appreciate your encouragement that others might be interested!
Sometimes just focusing on that one next step instead of looking too far ahead makes it easier to keep going (both literally and figuratively). I find a lot of time not overthinking it is key for me.
You're right, overthinking is a huge challenge for many of us and it too easily spirals us into overwhelm, immobility, anxiety and all kinds of places we don't want to go. Thanks for the nudge to do one step at a time, friend.
Building resilience is so important!
And as we do this in the good times, it'll fortify us and see us through the hard seasons.