Friday, June 21, 2019

Soaking in the rest...



I've intentionally been quiet this week, choosing to distance myself from as much of Elefantz and outside-the-home activity as was possible.

And what a good week it has been. No schedules, no sense of urgency to accomplish, nothing to give and no-one to be but my homemaker self. 




Each day began and ended with time in the Lord's presence, whilst the remaining hours were a blank page I did not rush to fill nor feel obliged to plan. I simply soaked in the calm rest this week was gifting me, re-acquainting myself with the slow and simple moments of home-making, undisturbed by any thought of business or designs or emails.




New recipes found their way to the evening table and old books were lifted from their shelves for a casual browse over coffee and mini date muffins. The garden was watered by hand in the warm sunshine of the early afternoon with Bob-the-dog right by my side and Sophie cat curled up on the old blue couch watching us.




Our bird friends visited for breakfast and lunch, and I laughed at their constant juggling to fit as many as they could around the feeder whilst four or five more cockatoos sat in the trees nearby waiting their turn. 

The little pansies I planted in various pots around the garden had begun to bloom and that leap of joy and excitement each time a bud opened continued to take my breath away. I never tire of watching flowers open wide to welcome the sun.




Tomatoes are thriving and there are hundreds of them, green and glowing dripping from the vines.
We picked the first handful of ripened cherry tomatoes and tossed them through a salad the other night - a satisfied smile over both our faces. 




When you intentionally close the door on everything but the life within your walls for a period of time, you gradually become aware of what's been missing (peace, simplicity, clarity of thought) and can identify the time-robbers which make each day seem as though it's not long enough to fit in all you believe needs to be done or achieved. 

Each slow and deliberate day this week has been a gift in itself, but the Lord also gave me extra gifts in the form of wisdom and understanding about the life I'm living, the path ahead, and how to be released from the overwhelm which too often crowds my mind.




He drew my attention to the personal tasks which I'd longed to do all year but had continued to put aside when my time was distracted elsewhere...and He showed me that by putting them aside I'd robbed myself of a delight and robbed others of a possible blessing.

The very simple task of sewing a gift for a friend who moved earlier this year had been postponed too often and guilt would flood my heart when the weekly reminder popped up on my calendar every Monday. There was always something else that day to rob my attention and squash my plans...but this week, this wonderfully slow and thoughtful week, this intentional week of soaking in the rest, I delighted in completing her gift and gave it the time such a gift deserves.

A while ago you saw how I used one of these little bird hangers on a mini quilt for myself, but I'd also purchased a few more for future gifts and this little trio of hearts and tulips suited it perfectly.




I believe you'll see and read a more relaxed me in future as I seek to lay aside the superfluous, the needless and the unbalanced self expectations which have grown upon my existence these many decades past.

Buying this home, our very first, so late in life, triggered a change in how I view myself, my work and my relationships. But it's also grown me out of some things and into better things - and the sense gratitude I've always had for what God has given into my life has deepened immeasurably and with it now is the greatest sense of peace and contentment I've ever known. 

Life still has it's challenges, of course. Nobody has a perfect life. But my eyes look Higher than the challenge to the One who can walk beside me through them. My heart rests in the Love of my heavenly Father, and my hope abounds in Christ Jesus, my Saviour.

I truly pray for everyone reading my blog, that your own life may be blessed by the favour and wisdom God has to give, and that you find peace and rest in the days ahead. I also pray that when you come visit me here you will be encouraged, blessed and never leave here without a sense of peace in your soul.

Till next time,
hugs, 


29 comments:

e l i z a b e t h ♡ said...

What a peaceful post this was to read, dear Jenny! I, too, love slow days filled with what I call "home things". Just puttering around the house doing chores, tidying up, cooking dinner and trying new recipes, perhaps baking a special treat here and there, reading in the evenings...these are truly some of my favorite things. Your post reminded me of their precious value ♥

All the flowers and plants in your garden are simply magnificent! My, what a sight to savour! Summer begins tomorrow here in the States and I'm looking forward to all the beauty the season holds.

Hope you have a restful, lovely weekend ♥

Sweet Magnolias Farm said...

Absolutely Beautiful Jenny ... Our lives can be so overwhelmed by all we do rather than just enjoying and being. I'm so glad you had a beautiful and peaceful week and savored the joys of home making. I recently down sized my business due to God's leading. My Mom and I were out on a short road trip yesterday and I took back roads and went new places and she was shocked and said what brought this on and I told her ever since I downsized and followed God's lead I have such a peace inside .. the extreme anxiety I was constantly feeling has all but vanished. Living in his presence and following his wisdom and guidance is the only way to go. Enjoy your beautiful surroundings those cockatoos are just amazing !!! Sweet Blessings .. Sara

Joanne said...

Hi Jenny,
A Staycation!
a vacation at home! Sounds like you live/vacation in such a place !
I really love staycations !
hugs,
Joanne
hugs,
Joanne

Erica said...

I had bad news this morning and have been feeling sad and distracted. After reading your post I feel mych calmer. Thank you for your words

cinner57 said...

You are blessed to be a blessing.

Little Quiltsong said...

Beautifully written. Perfect vacation. I remember when living on our acreage we weren't able to take holidays each year, but when people asked where we were going - we'd always answer 'Orlando Resort', which we called our acreage, but spelling it O'RLand'O - meaning 'Our Land Ho' - then of course we had to explain :)! Love your sweet embroidery. Sending hugs and wishing you a blessed day too, Jenny :)!

Anonymous said...

Hello Jenny, there is a Christian Blogger and Author named Ann Voscamp. She has a story on 'rest and recharge', which looks at rests and beats on music etc. It's worth a read........Robyn S.A

Karen said...

Lovely!

Lin said...

So pleased for you Jenny. Lovely post. xx

Barb H said...

Your week sounds lovely. I've never seen such a pretty quilt holder. Will you share where I could get one too?

Robin in New Jersey said...

Such a lovely post, Jenny. You are such an inspiration and encouragement. Grace and peace to you today.

My word for this year is peace. I started a new journal in January and fill it with verses on peace, prayer requests, and things the Lord is teaching me.

matty said...

Amen! And just what I needed today. ❤️❤️

Tammy said...

I am taking today for me...to relax unwind and rest ...After the business of the past 2 weeks...I am learning I have to rest and unwind more often or I am no good to anyone. Your project for your friend is gorgeous. I know she will feel blessed to receive it as it was made with love by you. Have a great weekend.

gracie said...

My day is stressful (2nd anniversary of my husbands passing) and this post was just what I needed this morning... relaxing and thoughtful. Thank you....

Dots said...

Scripture came to mind as I read your post, "The blessing of the Lord, it makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it." Proverbs 10:22. I'm so happy for you now that you have your home. It is good that it has changed your perspective. God is good. I enjoy your posts. They always give me a lot to think about. But I'm glad you do not allow it to overtake your life. No one should be tied to their computer. It just is not healthy. I'm glad you rest and relax when you can.

Wallie said...

I have daily bible verses that come in my email and the one today is so much in line of your blog today. You bless me so much and challenge me! Psalm 91:1 whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty! Thank you so much! for being faithful to your calling

thebargofam.5@gmail.com said...

Thanks. Its always a pleasure to read your writings. Blessings, Patricia.

Susan said...

I'm so happy the week has blessed you with such feelings, and thank you for sharing them. I never do come here without going away feeling calmer and blessed to know you.

Adrianne said...

Thank you for that, Jenny. The peace that flowed through your post hit somewhere deep inside me. I had an epiphany about my priorities ... I HAVE to make drastic cutbacks in my spending habits to save for my college-bound son. I have plenty of supplies for the various hobbies I pursue, so I really need to focus on what I have and use it before I get the next ‘must have’ item to hit the stores. Thank you, too, for prompting that reality that focusing on God the beginning and the end of the day will provide a better outlook and ability to focus myself on the things I’ve already been blessed with. Blessings to you and yours, Jenny.

Natureluvr57 said...

So glad you got some rest and relaxation. Everyone needs a vacation every now and then. I think Staycations are the best. When I go on a trip I feel all my energy is depleted by trying to squeeze in all that I can. I come home and can't even put things away for days. I think you should consider taking more "time off" whenever your body tells you to slow down. Remember that God has given our bodies symptoms for us to listen to. An itch can mean we've been bitten by a bug or brushed against a weed and need we need to tend to it or it can mean we're allergic to something and should avoid it. Pain means we've been hurt and need to tend to it whether at home for small matters or get to the hospital for more serious pain. Fever usually means we have an infection or our body is trying to fight off something like the flu. Of course the list goes on but I believe God wants us to listen to what our bodies are telling us. It may not be crystal clear but the more we experience these things the better we get at listening to our body so please listen to your body and take a break. Loved all the pictures and oh my, all the Cockatoos-how wonderful. So much prettier and happier being free and wild than caged up. God Bless

Nanna Chel said...

Jenny, I am so pleased you have had a quiet week. My new PC was hacked so blogging has not been possible with using an iPad and I have been wondering how those who run a business cope with the pressure of having to keep their blogs up to date. You are very wise and am sure you have everything in balance now.

Christine M said...

Your little hanging is beautiful, Jenny. I hope you have a lovely weekend. Hugs, Christine xx

Ondrea said...

I love your sweet gift and it is good to hear that you have enjoyed some peaceful time. Those Cockies look very cheeky. We had 7 eating seeds on our front lawn the other day and there were at least 20 across the road. They make quite a noise on our roof and I sometimes think they are wearing boots!

pcpetunia said...

Oh Jenny - what a beautiful reminder.

Trina O'Quinn said...

Jenny I am so happy that you are taking care of yourself. I know how hard it is to take a vacation when you own your own business then add on you work from home. Maybe you can't take three weeks at a time, try three or four weeks planned over the year. Sometimes being a human being and not a human doing opens up your creativity. I am learning this in my 70s. Quiet your mind so that you can hear the voice of God.

Montse said...

Hola Jenny .me alegra sus días de descanso y paz , un bordado muy bello .
Besos.

Debby in Kansas USA said...

What a wonderful post. It sounds like you made the most of your break. We all need that sometimes. I used to think it was a lazy thing. I've since learned that sometimes taking a couple of days off just to putter around relaxed is enough to propel me to accomplish much more in the long run.

Love the gift you made! Could completely relate as I think to the embroidered dish towels that I planned to mail someone back in April......

KingsailK said...

Lovely Jenny!!I spent most of the week in my garden!Its what I call my holiday!!Reading my Bible ,praising God,Painting looking and smiling at my flowers ,listening to Scala radio so peaceful!new station on digital!You can get it on internet.Watching the bees and my birdies.Bless you my friend!♥💖

e.flyingsquirrel said...

I too am an introvert and delight in the things around my home. I've been slowly working on this 8x10 computer room to make room for my sewing things and with health issues it's been a bit of a chore. Reading how you spent your week delights me for I look forward to being finished in here and putzing and gauming and being so grateful. I am grateful, lol, but to have time to really look at things and a moment to drink in one's blessings with no other thoughts pulling at you...that's a little gift right there. I so enjoyed hearing about what you haven't been doing and the relaxed way you have spent your week. What a joy to finish a gift for someone! I look forward to doing that too. Peace and blessings, dear Jenny