Spring has sprung!
Happy April, friends,
I’m delighted to have you back for another edition. In this issue, I’ll share nature-focused ideas on trial survival. You will want these in your toolbox. Further down, check out my Serenity: Discovering God Nature Journal speaking event.
We are deep into spring with beauty around us. But with the splendor comes other not-so-great realities of spring weather. Already, our country has had devastating tornadoes and wildfires in multiple states. A visiousness that affects man and nature in a unique tandem. Experiencing trials leaves humankind thrown off balance and needing the where-with-all to pick up the pieces.
- Sit quietly in nature, focus on breathing, or touch elements of God’s creation like trees or water to calm heightened emotions.
- Be physically active, like hiking or gardening, to relieve stress.
- Nature Journaling: Record observations of nature to help corral your anxious thoughts. Sketching the smallest details in nature can be an anxiety buster.
- The 20-5-3 Rule: Spend at least 20 minutes in nature three times a week, 5 hours once a month, and 3 days once a year to fortify mental well-being.
- Sensory Awareness: Tune in on—sights, sounds, smells—to reduce anxiety and focus on God’s perfect peace in the storm.
- Purposeful Art: Use stones. shells, interesting wood to create art that becomes a keepsake and reminder of your trials’ spiritual journey.
Let’s get started! Maybe you have a routine for getting outside. But how often? What are the obstacles? But finding a way to get outside, you will benefit from unplugging from the inside and plugging into the outside.
Be Bold – Action Step
Make note of your current attitude. Acknowledge what you can control and what you can’t. Seek wisdom and a foundational support system from others.
Trials – A Fact of Life
By Cynthia Bolds (First published in Secret Place, Judson Press 2022)
“I’ve had decades of struggles, until it came to a head,” I said, pointing to my brain surgery incision. I was joking with my mom after I came home from the hospital. We reminisced that I have indeed had many trials. I wish that I had a dollar for every time someone has said, You have been through a lot; you should write a book.” By now, I’d be rich. Well, actually, I am.
By the time I reached the “big surgery,” God had provided many opportunities to put money in my spiritual bank. I witnessed God’s trustworthiness in the ways God provided for my needs and helped me make decisions. I experienced miracles that strengthened my faith. I received comfort in seasons of hurt.
No one wants to go through the pain of trials. Many pray for hardship’s shadow not to fall. But James suggests that instead of praying to be spared – which is our natural tendency – we should accept it with joy! With God’s help, we can face trials with the assurance that we will receive strength to face the next trial. Because there will always be a next one.
“My brothers and sisters, whenever you face Trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.”
- James 1: 2-4
Speaking: Worship Nature Journal Retreat
I am currently exploring speaking opportunities for this year, focused on Serenity: Discovering God Nature Journaling. One possibility I’m considering is partnering with a ladies’ retreat at a camp in Door County, Wisconsin, where this workshop would teach a meaningful blend of worship, reflection, and creation‑based nature journaling.
If you would like details when signups are available, please contact me. And as always, I am available to speak at your venue too!
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