Slow Down & See

This weekend I was reminded in my devotions to slow down, be in the moment, and open my eyes to the beauty of Christ.  I love how Ann Voskamp describes these moments as cathedral moments.  Slowing down and being in the moment allows us to come into the presence of God.  When we allow our minds to rush and think about our future, it gives us a sense of control because it is harder to control the current moments, but God is the one in control of everything.  He is the Great I Am.  "In God, there is no time, only eternity-or simply, only now.  His name is I AM.  Here-wherever my feet are-is where I can love Him."  This weekend, Snowstorm Nemo blew in all around the Northeast.  Personally I would say that the snow we received was a blessing.  First off, I did not have classes on Friday and Saturday!  Secondly, because classes were canceled I was able to slow down, rest, and soak up more of God's glorious creation.  Every time I went outside to play in the snow or take a walk, my eyes were open to the beauty of Christ.  And even in the quietness of my room, the presence of God was there.  Thank you Lord for the snow and for reminding me to slow down and see.

February 8th, 2013
Gift #318: Watching the snow fall out my window.

 

Gift #319: Snow day= no classes!
Gift #320: Song: 10,000 Reasons by The Rend Collective http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPI_DIqICP0
Gift #321: Fun Under Armor pants.

Gift #322: Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gift #323: Snow gear on + sled + music= successful nighttime sledding adventure.

Gift #324: A beautiful night listening to the wind blow and the snow fall.

February 9th, 2013
Gift #325: Opening up the window and seeing the snow covering everything and the Sun shining brightly.

Gift #326: Wool socks.
Gift #327: A productive day of schoolwork and reading.
Gift #328: Watching the USWNT (United States Women's Soccer National Team) play live via internet stream.
Gift #329: Walking to dinner with my friends and seeing the snow-clad mountains in the distance.

Gift #330: A tilting tree and a sign covered in the snow that I never noticed before.

Gift #331: Receiving a text and having you Lord to remind me of a Bible verse to share.

February 10th, 2013

Gift #332: Quiet time in the morning to read Your Word and pray.

Gift #333: Beautiful formation of icicles over leaves and branches.

Gift #334: The untouched snow.

Gift #335: The beautiful sun shining bright in the sky.

Gift #336: Smiling and laughing while reading Bob Goff's book Love Does.

Gift #337: Craft time cutting out paper hearts and writing messages.

Gift #338: Wonderful fellowship and prayer with my brothers and sisters in Christ tonight at Athletes in Action.

I leave with this prayer from the One Thousand Gifts Devotional: "Father, with all the gifts I count, You are filling me, giving me more time to recognize the significance of the story You are writing on these days.  Cause me to see more of these beautiful cathedral moments You place in my life every day.  I want to slow down today-and truly taste of Your goodness."

Live out eucharisteo. Blessings.