Keeping it Simple

A cozy afternoon at home.

So thankful for a chance to head out from work early, to restore the house to a deeper level of cleanliness and order :) and to refresh with a good walk out in this lovely warm autumn weather we've been blessed to continue to enjoy well into November.  Almost unheard of up in the north country!  Bread is in the oven for potluck tomorrow.  Some favorite songs playing on the station in my living room.  The guitar sits in the corner happily played and not neglected as it often can be lately.  Fireplace fan is (rather loudly) cooling down after working long and hard today to keep me happy with warmth and flickering flames, haha. Not near as wonderful as a true crackling wood-burning hearth, but it does the job well :)  And some chicken is just getting to the point of fall-apart tenderness in the crockpot for future meals.  Having found a moment to write a bit on this little blog of ours.  Feeling pretty relaxed and accomplished.

Far above all that, though, is the feeling of peace found in fulfillment in being reconciled to Christ.
No other thing, as good as it may be and happy as it may make us, will bring that deep satisfaction of full surrender and trust in our Father.  Hard as it may be to remind ourselves over and over, again and again to find this place of peace by letting go of our own agendas, our own pride, and our own control.  So important.  Yet so often blurred by the business of life.

In our Bible study group one night, we were considering how we would live if our daily checklist consisted of one thing: glorify God.  So simple.  Yet so complex when we try to do it as another check along with all the other things we may try to accomplish on our own strength.  Father, forgive us.  Help us seek You first in everything we say and do.  Help us consider relationship with You to transcend all else.  To be our foundation.  Our strength and peace.  Our hope.

(A snippet of the incredible beauty in the landscapes of Kodiak Island.  Ahh, Alaska.  We miss you.  Our visit to your breathtaking views, roaming wildlife, laid-back & rugged culture, time with loved ones... much too short.  We'll be back to explore again someday soon :)

~Eliza