Spoiler alert: He is back!!! The grave is empty!

It wasn't as easy to be Jesus anymore, and meet individuals the way he really wanted to. Not when the headlines got so big. "Everyone" wanted to deal with him. He became even more dependent on retreating to pray.

I'm brave? And strong? I can accept that God is with me everywhere I go. But to be able to call myself brave and strong?

This Friday I was really hoping to see her. It had been more than a week since she was back, but bad weather and busy workdays had gotten in the way. I'd been looking forward to seeing other people's photos on social media. Was it finally my turn now?

Starting a new year provides a great opportunity for reflection. Thoughts and gratitude for the year that has passed. Wishes and dreams for what lies ahead. Perhaps also a new surrender to God at the start of a new season. "Blank sheets" and all that.

This year I have been thinking a lot about all the drama, all the tensions, in this story of Jesus coming into the world.
Has there ever been so many angels on a mission with important greetings from God? Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds... Not to mention a heavenly host?

Last post I wrote about treasures in the dark. Now I want to write about riches in secret places. Maybe Advent 2023 can be a time to look for - and find - the riches God has hidden for us?

We are in the middle of November. It gets dark early in the afternoons, and it's often dark when we get up. At least here in the north. The sun rises late and sets early.

Everyday life can be busy, and it does not have to be a goal to put in more. But how about putting something away, replacing something, to prioritize what I really want?

The need and longing to both be and do something for each other and for God inspires us to get started. What about the hustle and bustle that once ruled our lives, do we want to return to it?

This was the day Marie stopped crying. Or, she did not quit completely. She could cry silently under the duvet occasionally in the evenings. When she was all alone. But something closed in her heart that day.
This incident was not unique. It was one of many Marie had experienced. And after this she did her best so that no one would see it when she was hurt

Life consists of ups and downs, challenges, tears and waiting time. Life is not for the faint of heart, it is not fair and can cause so many afflictions, that it may be difficult to believe or try to understand that God can turn everything for the good of us (Rom.8,28).

He makes me see my mistakes and weaknesses, but he covers me with such love that I can move on without condemnation. He's even made me love myself, it wasn't quickly done.

I've been pondering this sentence. It's come back to me time and time again afterwards. It gives me such peace! Man is the plan! The relationship with you and me is the plan! In this is the rest. In this is love.

It was only in the face of God's acknowledgment, loving gaze that this unquenchable thirst let go of me and disappeared.

It's not always what I feel that destroys me, but what I think about what I feel.  There are always many different ways of thinking when I feel something specific. And I can choose which one!" 

How about sending a "koronaklem" to someone? Good words give healing to the soul, the proverbs say. Is there anything we can do this year to help each other through this pandemic?

The busyness is our greatest enemy and even now when we have to be on low gear socially, we can feel stress and busyness, therefore we must make a quality choice about living with God's resting heart rate on the inside and exercising at rest time with Him every day!