TIME TO WONDER ANEW
Now is a good time to stop and think about my life, to stop and wonder anew. It would be easy to look back and remember all the things I did wrong or regret. I could dwell on each one a long time and keep wishing I could somehow go back in time and make some changes. But the best thing would be to learn from the past and move on.
Now is also a good time to think about the future. What are my goals and plans? Is there anything I want to accomplish this year? I could spend a lot of time thinking about that and become overwhelmed at all I want or need to do. I want to learn to see the wonder and the holy in every moment of the day.
It is good to learn from the past and make plans for the future, but if I…It is good to learn from the past and make plans for the future, but if I spend too much time on either one I will miss what is going on in the present. My life will speed by and I won’t know what happened. I want to learn to live in the present, to see the wonder and the holy in every moment of the day. Maybe you do, too?
TIME FOR WONDER
Now is a good time to read a new book just out, published by Zondervan, written by Esther Emery. Just look at the cover. Doesn’t it evoke a sense of wonder? It does for me. What Falls From the Sky is the title.
This book may be a memoir, but it is not dry or dull. Recounting her experience going off the internet for a year, Esther takes us on a journey. She leads us through the silence to find peace and a sense of place in this world.
It doesn’t matter if our lives are different, because we all need to regain a sense of wonder. Maybe we also need a better sense of who we are as human beings created in the image of God. Esther’s book will inspire and challenge you in the best ways. Her words are witty, authentic, personal and full of wisdom.
In the summer of 2015, I got to meet Esther in person. She and Abby Norman stopped by my house for a short visit while they were in the area. I had gotten to know her online and through her blog and knew she was a woman of wisdom, so meeting her up close was a real treat.
What Falls from the Sky
is a long awaited book that is finally here. It is a most important offering for our day and time. I am so excited for Esther and for all the people who will be blessed by her writing.
This week I am linking up with #FiveMinuteFriday where the word prompt is now. My five minutes stopped about halfway through the post. I had to keep going to tell you about Esther’s book.
I’m also linking up with: #Glimpses, #SmallWonder, #LMMLinkup, #TestimonyTuesday, #RaRaLinkup, #SittingAmongFriends, #ThoughtProvokingTuesday, #FreshMarketFriday
A year sabbatical from the Internet and all social media? whew….
I know, Susan! I don’t know how she did it, but it sure made a difference in her life and now she is inspiring so many people.
Thanks for visiting! Have a blessed Christmas! Love you! xo
Wow, Esther is one courageous woman! Most of us would find it challenging to live without the internet for a week, never mind a whole year. I would love to hear how she managed with going off the internet grid for a year and how it helped shaped her life and faith. Her blog is one I dip into now and then and I love the way she writes. This book is definitely one to put on the ‘Wish List’!
Gayl, thanks for sharing about Esther’s book and how you two met one another. Thank you, too, for speaking about your desire to better sense the sacred in the secular, with longings for more of the holy in your everyday-ordinary. Those are also deep desires in me, my friend. May God meet them for you in the days, weeks and months ahead. Blessings and hugs to you! xo
That she is, Joy! I can’t even seem to stay off for a day, but I really want to disconnect more often and be more present in my everyday life at home.
Joy, it’s always a pleasure to have you stop by. Your words always leave me feeling encouraged. May God meet those deep desires for you, too.
Many blessings and hugs to you! xo
Dear Gayl
Yes, I agree with those who’ve commented so far–wow! We’ve become so attached to all things online, that it would truly be difficult to disconnect. I don’t know if I could manage that? I’ve made so many new connections through this digital world that I didn’t have before! But yet, it is such a necessary habit to keep my mind free from the clutter that sifts in, and can easily overwhelm if not careful! This book sounds like a definite add to my “wishlist” also! May you be blessed with Wonder and Beauty from Jesus during this Christmas Week my friend! Hugs! xoxo
We sure have become attached to online stuff, but it’s not all bad. Like you, I have made many friends online. I do know that we need to find a balance between the cyber world and our home lives. Like you said it is easy to get our minds cluttered with so much information and become overwhelmed. May God give us wisdom to balance things out with plenty of time spent communing with Him.
I hope you find much beauty and wonder also this week as we think about the birth of Jesus and as we await His second coming.
Blessings and hugs, dear sweet friend! xo
I’ll have to add this book to my to read list. So much THIS: “It is good to learn from the past and make plans for the future, but if I spend too much time on either one I will miss what is going on in the present.” I’m in the 60 spot this week.
Yes, Tara, the book is good! And yes, it is so easy to miss the “now” of our lives in our busyness. I really want to be more aware and more present in the now.
Blessings to you and thanks for stopping by, dear Tara!
“I want to learn to see the wonder and the holy in every moment of the day.”
YES!!!!!!!!!
I so want this as well.
#1 at FMF this week.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2016/12/your-dying-spouse-246-defiance-despair.html
Yes, Andrew, we want it but sometimes it seems so hard to find. I think sometimes I just forget to look. But I think if we try we can find it.
Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. It means a lot to know you took the time.
Blessings to you and Barbara!
Gayl, This book sounds like a very interesting read.
Two summers ago. we spent a week on a pond in Maine where there was very little internet. I felt such freedom not being connected to social media or the internet. I didn’t even know what was going on in the news. I was just fully present in God’s beautiful creation enjoying my family.
I can imagine all the blessings Esther received going offline for a year. I’m sure it was challenging at first, but the rewards, I’m sure, outweighed any inconvenience.
Thanks for sharing!
Karen, that summer you had sounds wonderful! I know that when I’m offline for awhile I get a lot more done at home, and I don’t get information overload. We need more times of enjoying God’s creation like your summer in Maine.
Thanks for stopping by. Many blessings to you! Have a wonderful, blessed Christmas.
Esther’s book sounds like a gem of a read in a world that is full of busy and more. What a treat that you got to meet her! I am always seeking quiet, rest and peace so I know her book would offer some insight that would help me.
Thank you for sharing it with us Gayl! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Yes, Mary, I’m really enjoying reading Esther’s book and it was a real treat to meet her. 🙂 It’s reminding me of the importance of slowing down and realizing my part in this world.
Blessings to you, Mary! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Gayl, I am excited to read Esther’s book. I hope you enjoy your time of reflection and dreaming and that God would speak to you with peace and hope! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
Yes, you will enjoy it, I think. 🙂 Thank you for your encouragement. May God bless you and yours. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Oh goodness how true this is: “It is good to learn from the past and make plans for the future, but if I spend too much time on either one I will miss what is going on in the present.” Finding the balance is sometimes a difficult thing for me! Merry Christmas to you Gayl! May God bless you richly as you plan for this new year!
Finding the balance is often a hard thing, isn’t it? Merry Christmas to you, too, Nicki! Many blessings to you!
Thanks for sharing about this book, Gayl! Looks like a good read for 2017!
It’s a very good read, June. Thanks for stopping by! Many blessings to you and have a wonderful, blessed Christmas!
Thanks for sharing this, Gayl. I’m hearing good things about that book!
It’s a great book, Kelly! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Blessings to you and have a wonderful Christmas!
Taking breaks from all things social media is so good for the soul but not sure I could totally stay away from the internet, especially since I use Amazon to buy some of the stuff I need. 😉
Thanks for linking up with Literacy Musing Mondays!!
Me, too, Brandi. Amazon was my main shopping place this year!
Thanks for visiting. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Thank you for sharing this book. I am making it a goal this year to read more for growth and pleasure. I think I read one book last year. Merry Christmas!
Thanks for visiting, Barbie! I started a lot of books this year, but I have not finished very many. I need to make it a goal to finish some books this year.
Many blessings to you and I hope you had a blessed Christmas!
Gayl I am intrigued! I must be honest that I can’t imagine a year but I can imagine the peace and contentment. This sounds like a must read!
Crystal, I would find it hard to stay away that long, too. But I do need to spend more time away from social media. Thanks for visiting! I haven’t finished it yet, but so far it’s a great read!
Blessings!