Just Show Up! Three simple words that are powerfully freeing. Take them to heart. Remember them for the times they’re needed.

Life today can be overwhelming. We’re bombarded with information from all our devices. We overload and overcommit ourselves as we’re pulled and shoved in different directions simultaneously. Some of the burden is thrust upon us, much of it we’ve invited! We have “musts” and “want-to’s” all competing for our precious time, money and attention. It can be stressful.

When you hit the wall, you might feel like giving in or giving up. Paralysis takes over so you do nothing. I hope you don’t fall into that trap.

Instead, decide on something! Take the first step—just show up.

? Can’t drink the whole shake? Drink half
? Can’t walk for 30 minutes? Walk 10 minutes
? Can’t clean the whole house? Clean one room
? Can’t complete everything on your to-do list? Complete one thing

You get the gist. It’s okay to not be superhuman all the time, or even at any time simply because it’s expected, or asked of you. Be discerning in the way you commit your time and energy. Both are precious, and finite. Whatever it is you choose from your to-do list—just show up in some small way. Feel good about that!

The world demands we’re busy “doing” all the time. I could provide example after crazy example of unrealistic expectations imposed on us—by ourselves, others and our culture. What we should do, how we should look, and who we should be, are constantly thrown in our faces on social media platforms. Browsing the posts is like ADHD on steroids. It can fry your brain, and crush your soul. ?

Resolve to take time to breathe. Be still. It’s your life to live your way. Be patient. Pace yourself. Be kind to yourself. Walk with God. And remember, there are times when just showing up is enough. ?

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing —John 15;5 (NIV)

Meanwhile back at the ranch. It’s early evening. Sparkling sun rays beam through the whispering oaks, beckoning us to sit amongst them on the deck.

There, engulfed in nature’s green vibrancy, we relax with a small glass of juicy wine, gleaming deep red in the stemless glasses. Not a full glass, not even half full—just a few flavorful sips to awaken the taste buds.

So grateful for simple pleasures in life. Time to just be. Meaningful moments with my love. Small chunks of quiet togetherness carved from the distractions of a noisy world. Stillness. Sounds of nature. Serenity. A heart full of gratitude and a soul that sings. ??

A few sips in my glass, yet my cup overflows. Find joy in the moments. What simple pleasures fill your cup?

I know this sounds strange but this actually is a very profound statement. It’s so true of me.

Let me ask you a question. Do you ever have a rush of thoughts that flit around your mind like a flurry of snowflakes whirling in the wind on a wintry day? Such flashes of elusive thoughts are hard to capture in your head, so I find it helpful to write them down and organize into some form of meaningful expression.

As a writer, I do it all the time! I call it creative writing!! I convert higgledy-piggledy thoughts from my head into written words to make more sense of them. Then, after reading those words, I can clarify precisely what I was thinking. Make sense?

Try it sometime!!

I snapped this scene with a screen shot from my iPhone. It’s the view of our sunny deck at the ranch, as revealed by my security camera app. A sense of calm rushes through me at the serene sight. Though not physically there, the image helps me recapture the sense of peace I feel whenever I am at Whispering Oaks Ridge. There, nestled away in the countryside, surrounded by nature’s beauty, my soul rests. I find solace. An unspoken assurance conveys a clear message that all will be well. Continue reading →

I awaken this morning at dusk to a steel-grey sky that shrieks of icy coldness. It’s dull and dreary, and as I approach the back door, the frigid temperature from outside permeates the glass, wafting me with a blast of cool air. The patio, clothed in a fresh layer of ice, confirms Winter is with us still. I shudder as a deep sense of impending gloom steals over me.

With a steaming hot cup of tea in hand, I settle in to read my daily devotional, but am immediately chilled by the opening sentence. “You will be wounded” says the author, referring to spiritual warfare—not a new concept to me, I’ve faced those attacks in the past. Nevertheless, a clear reminder that evil is an ever-present danger in our world. Continue reading →