Be Still My Soul

2014 is roaring like a lion in Saskatchewan this morning.  The wind gusts are powerful, blowing open the back screen door, shaking the car, bending the trees and scattering debris.  The temperature is too warm for January (+5) and it poured rain when I drove Ben to school this morning.  I don't really welcome it, to be honest, but it is what the dawn has brought.

I've been very purposeful since my last post here.  There was the necessary clean up after Christmas.  The process of finding spots in the home for gifts received, dismantling the Christmas tree and decorations, re-decorating the living room with small new touches, sending the boys back to school and getting back into the work and volunteer groove for mama - very deliberate tasks that needed to be done.

I've also been purposeful about my soul choices for the new year.  I have taken a HUGE step and have backed away from a volunteer position that I've held for 17 1/2 years, asking for, and being granted a year's sabbatical.  I cannot express how much I need to rest from this and the year that awaits feels like a lavish bank account of grace. 

I've also pulled a book off my shelf that has sat there for 2, maybe 3 years, neglected.  Ann Voskamp's "One Thousand Gifts" is challenging me every time I pick it up to read it. Check it out, if you want a nudge towards personal change this year.  I have taken up the challenge of journaling one thousand things that I am thankful for during the year 2014.  ONE THOUSAND!!!  I am on #47 as of right now.  ;)   The idea is to look around and recognise beauty in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary, making a heart of gratitude by increasing awareness of how blessings come in daily packages/gifts.  I am ridiculously determined to meet the challenge!

The last category of deliberateness has been me searching for and recognising words that are like a beacon to me for 2014.  Who knows, I may move on to other drastically different words by June, but for now, the words that are jumping out at me are words like "STILL" and "QUIET".

 

- My scripture inspiration for this year -

 

"I have stilled and quieted my soul."

Psalms 131:2

 

 

As I've established those words as mine, it is interesting at how many things - songs, verses, lyrics -  pop out at me that contain them.  I've started to record them in my 1000 Gifts Journal for repeated inspiration.  And I've also turned my mind towards other creative expressions highlighting them.

 

For instance, last weekend, coming in at under a budget of $10, I made this: 

 

Edited/updated photo courtesy Dean



 

 

Word art!  I'm loving it!  I think there's a distinct possibility that I could make a new one every month....the words are racing across my journal.

 

....and I want to live inspired.....

 

And then there are songs..........

 

 

 

Be still my soul be still
Be still my soul be still
Wait patiently upon the Lord
Be still my soul be still

 

- Thank you, Kari Jobe -

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be still there is a healer
His love is deeper than the sea
His mercy is unfailing
His arms a fortress for the weak
Let faith arise
Let faith arise

I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge
You are my strength
As I pour out my heart
These things I remember
You are faithful God forever

 

Be still there is a river
That flows from Calvary's tree
A fountain for the thirsty
Your grace that washes over me
Let faith arise
Let faith arise

 

 

- Courtesy Chris Tomlin -

 

 

So interesting to me that, in a world that wants us to live boldly and seek adventure and embrace life fully,

 

.....we are drawn to the concept....

 

BE STILL

 

It's like letting yourself whisper while the world around you roars.

 

 

 

I'm curious - do you have a theme word for this year?  I'd love to hear what it is and why it's meaningful to you!  Also, do you have a song or poem or scripture verse that uses the words "Be still" or "quiet"?  Please share!

 

 

And, by the way, #47 in my 1000 Gifts Journal - "the loving community of Make Again".