#April #StressAwarenessMonth #Calm #GodsPeace #Nature #Water #Trees #Mountains #Wind #Gardens #Sunlight #Stillness

Finding Calm in a Chaotic World – Part 9: Flowers

Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves is heard in our land.
Song of Songs 2:12

Flowers Calm the Soul

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a garden of wild, blooming flowers swaying in the breeze. The colors are vivid yet gentle. As if to paint a beautiful landscape right before your very eyes.

Now, take a deep breath and smell the fragrant air. Crisp and carrying whispers of hope and inspiration.

Flowers have a calming effect on the soul. If we let them. Their petals seem to want to gently embrace our souls.

And they seem to sing a song.

A Love Song

Shhh.
Take a moment.
Listen.
Hear the soft rustle of petals in the wind?
A melody of peace, mercy, and grace.
Let the flowers sing.

A love song only to you.

Flowers

A rose of many layers.
A daisy, simple yet resilient.
Wildflowers dancing in the wind.
Each one shares a gift.

A gift of calm.

Let Worries Go

Cast your worries in the garden, where they will churn with the soil.

Let them twist and turn until they die.

Then, next season, seedlings will poke through the ground. And in the place where your fears once lay, hearty stems will rise.

Of new beginnings.
Of resilience.
Of joy rising from the earth.

Flowers don’t cause chaos.

They whisper peace into our chaotic world, telling us to slow down and smell the flowers.

Action

Step outside. Find a flower—any flower. Observe it closely.
Its shape.
Its fragrance.
Its color.
Then close your eyes and breathe deeply.

Let God meet you in that sacred stillness where you are
growing,
blooming,
and deeply loved.

Reflective Question

Where in my life do I need to slow down and allow peace to bloom?

#April #StressAwarenessMonth #Calm #GodsPeace #Nature #Water #Trees #Mountains #Wind #Gardens #Sunlight #Stillness

Finding Calm in a Chaotic World – Part 8: Trust the Wind

Last time, we explored the gentle nature of the wind.

This time, we will look at how even the fiercest winds can become an invitation to trust and surrender.

Whipping Icy Winds

I remember a February day in 2011, right in the middle of a nor’easter. Snow and ice pelted my face as I tried to shovel a path to my car. It felt impossible. Each time I threw snow to the side, the wind blew it back.

I was cold.
Tired.
Frustrated.
And then, like so many times before, I surrendered.

And just like that, a song filled my heart. I started to hum it. Then, quietly, I began to sing it to myself. By the time I finished the song, the sidewalk was clear.

I was still cold.
Still tired.
But something in me had shifted.

Because once I let go and let God, the wind seemed to go away.

Whispering Warm Winds

Other times, the wind feels like a warm embrace. Can you imagine that? Sitting on the front porch, feeling a breeze through the screen.

I close my eyes.
I breathe.
And in the stillness, I sense a nearness to God.

It’s funny how wind can stir up chaos or bring a deep calm.

Sometimes, it’s in the fierce gusts that we learn to trust.
Sometimes, it’s in the gentle breeze that we find peace.

Action

Step outside. Feel the breeze against your skin.

Take deep, slow breaths—
Inhale peace.
Exhale stress.
Invite God’s presence to move through you like the wind.
There, you can cast your worries to the wind.

Reflective Question

Where do I need to invite God’s breath of renewal into my life?

See you next time.

#April #StressAwarenessMonth #Calm #GodsPeace #Nature #Water #Trees #Mountains #Wind #Gardens #Sunlight #Stillness

Finding Calm in a Chaotic World – Part 7: Wind

Wind Calms the Soul

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
John 3:8

Trust the Wind

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:6

Let Worries Blow Away

*Image Source: Wallpaper (Unknown details)*

Close your eyes and imagine the wind. Cool. Mild. Breezy.

Let it take shape in your mind. Hold it. What do you see?

Is it the wind blowing through tall trees? Or the breeze that grazes your skin on a warm day? Or a wind-chilled face skiing down a mountain slope? Or the wind that calms the ripples of the sea?

A Love Song

Shhh.
Take a listen.
Hear the wind, whistle, blow, or sway?
It seems to sing, doesn’t it?

A love song just for you.

Wind

Branches sway.
Hair blows, and we feel the coolness brush across our skin.
Sometimes, the wind is mighty and fierce.
Other times, it’s gentle and still.

It’s quiet.
It’s playful.
It soothes.
It is unseen, like a Spirit guide.

As the song soothes your soul, cast your worries into the wind, where the Spirit will carry them away.

Next time, we will dig deeper into how wind can calm a chaotic world.

#April #StressAwarenessMonth #Calm #GodsPeace #Nature #Water #Trees #Mountains #Wind #Gardens #Sunlight #Stillness

Finding Calm in a Chaotic World – Part 6: Rise Up With The Mountains

Last time, we talked about the mountains we climb every day. We experienced the struggle of the climb. And explored how climbing the mountain can lead us to a higher perspective.

Today, we lift our eyes to the heavens as we calm the chaos of the mountains in our lives.

Lift Our Eyes to the Heavens

Mountains remind us to lift our eyes.

Lift them upward to God.
Our Guide.
Our Shepherd.
Our Redeemer.

Mountains call us to pause.

To breathe.
To rest in the presence of something greater than ourselves.

Mountains call us to reflect.

Where you stand.
What you’ve been through.
Where you’re going next.

Mountains are symbols.

Of strength.
Of ruggedness.
Of rock solid certainty.

Mountains represent accomplishment.

The climb.
The endurance.
The moment you stand at the top and breathe in the vastness.
To take it in.
To be.

Mountains serve to remind us.

Even in the climb, there is peace.
Even in the struggle, there is clarity.
Even in the chaos, there is calm.

A Love Song

Shhh.
Take a listen.
Hear the mountain? It seems to sing, doesn’t it?
A love song just for you.

Mountain

Rugged.
Strong.
Resilient.
It sings a mighty song.
Yet, graces us with majesty.
As if to say, I am one with you.

A Place of Perspective

Shhh.
Take a moment.

Imagine yourself standing atop a mountain, looking out over the landscape below.

What do you see?

A new perspective? A challenge overcome? A glimpse of what’s ahead?

The mountain does not move.

Yet, from its peak, everything looks different. Even you!

Thanks be to God.

Action

Find a high place—a hill, a balcony, a rooftop. Stand and look out over the landscape. Take in the view. Breathe deeply.

Reflective Question

How can I shift my perspective to see my struggles through God’s eyes?

#April #StressAwarenessMonth #Calm #GodsPeace #Nature #Water #Trees #Mountains #Wind #Gardens #Sunlight #Stillness

Finding Calm in a Chaotic World – Part 5 : Mountains

*Image Credit: Creative Commons: “Color Landscape – Grand Tetons”* *by fortherock (see below for details)*

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2

The Struggle of the Climb

Life can feel overwhelming at times. Sometimes, it is like climbing a mountain. Days feel overwhelming. We feel exhausted. And we ask ourselves if we will ever reach the top.

Decades ago, I had the opportunity to hike The Tetons. It was a three-day hike. Thirteen miles each day with a heavy backpack. It was overwhelming, for sure! At times, I thought I would die.
I couldn’t take another step.
I was exhausted, and my muscles ached.

At that moment, when I felt I couldn’t take another step, I surrendered to God.
Right there.
Right then.
God placed a song in my heart. And for the rest of the hike, I “sang” Oil in My Lamp (author unknown) in my head.

A Higher Perspective

It was at that moment that my perspective changed. It wasn’t about the struggle. It was the peace that I found in the struggle.

It was the peace in the chaos.

For me, The Tetons was my place of perspective.

Where is your place of perspective?
A place where you can rise above the noise?
Where the chaos fades?
Where do you find a stillness that speaks to you?

Next time, we will lift our eyes to the heavens as we calm the chaos of the mountains in our lives.

Image details: “Color Landscape – Grand Tetons” by fortherock is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse.

#April #StressAwarenessMonth #Calm #GodsPeace #Nature #Water #Trees #Mountains #Wind #Gardens #Sunlight #Stillness

Finding Calm in a Chaotic World – Part 4: Trees Singing

A Love Song

Shhh.
Take a listen.

Hear the trees sway?
They seem to sing, don’t they?
A love song only to you.

Trees

Tall and mighty.
Straight or crooked.
Leaves green and bright.
Opening their branches, following the light.
Roots, steady and strong.

Our trees are magnificent –
to hear, to see, to feel.
Listen to what they sing.

The wind.
Moving through their branches.
Whisper a melody.
A song of joy.
A hymn of praise.

Cast Away Fears

A reminder that even in stillness, there is movement.
Even in rootedness, there is growth.
And as we rest beneath its shade, we are held by its mighty arms.

There, we can cast our fears upon its trunk as we lie in its comfort, embraced by its strength.

Thanks be to God.

Action

Stand near or lean against a tree. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Imagine yourself firmly rooted in God’s strength, drawing up peace like water through your roots.

Listen—what song does the tree sing to you?

Reflective Question

What part of my life needs deeper roots in faith, trust, or love?

Image Source: “Epping Forest High Beach Essex England – spring trees and moss mounds” by Acabashi is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=openverse.

#April #StressAwarenessMonth #Calm #GodsPeace #Nature #Water #Trees #Mountains #Wind #Gardens #Sunlight #Stillness

Finding Calm in a Chaotic World – Part 3: Trees

Trees Calm the Soul

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.
Jeremiah 17:8

Trees Sing with the Wind

Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Psalm 96:12

Strength in Roots

Have you ever considered a tree as a source of calm? Take a moment. Picture one in your mind.

What do you see?

Trees are majestic. Even young trees exhibit strength as they grow each year, getting taller and taller. They provide us with fruit, shade for protection and rest, and a place for birds to call home.

Much like the roots of trees, our faith can provide us with strength.

Trees Teach

Through storms and seasons, trees remain deeply rooted and unwavering. And in their quiet strength, they teach us many things.

To stand firm.
To bend and not break.
To reach for the light as we stay rooted.
And to drink deeply from the waters of life.

Trees protect us.
Like gentle guides, they lead us. If only we pause to listen to their sway, whispers, and song.

Next time, we’ll pick up from here and listen to the love song of a tree.

Image Source: “Spring Trees” by bcmom is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

#April #StressAwarenessMonth #Calm #GodsPeace #Nature #Water #Trees #Mountains #Wind #Gardens #Sunlight #Stillness

Finding Calm in a Chaotic World – Part 2: Water

Water Calms the Soul

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.
Psalm 23:2

Let Worries Flow Away

Close your eyes and imagine water. Cool. Flowing. Endless.

Let it take shape in your mind. Hold it. What do you see?

The water that runs out of a faucet? Or the water that gently falls as raindrops on a spring day? Or the pelting rain against a wind-chilled face? Or the water that bubbles around rocks in a brook?

A Love Song

Shhh.
Take a listen.
Hear the water flow, or drop, or gush. It seems to sing, doesn’t it?

A love song only to you.

Water.

It glistens.
It flows.
It’s almost invisible.

Yet, it is so beautiful when it is crystal clear.

As the song soothes your soul, cast your worries into the water, where they will wash away.

Action

Find a body of water (even a fountain or bath) and spend five minutes observing or listening to it.

Reflective Question

What anxieties can I release and let flow away today?

Image Credit: “babbling brook” by bato93 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse.

#April #StressAwarenessMonth #Calm #GodsPeace #Nature #Water #Trees #Mountains #Wind #Gardens #Sunlight #Stillness

Finding Calm in a Chaotic World – Part 1: Introduction

Stress Awareness

April is a month to take a breath, relax, and enjoy a few moments of calmness. To notice how Spring graces us with blooming flowers, trees that bud, and birds that sing.

We will be looking at ways to calm our minds in the chaotic world in which we live. It is a way to pay tribute to Stress Awareness Month.

Tap into Inner Peace

In a world where we feel overwhelmed, we are called to seek true, lasting peace and calmness that can only come from the Divine. When life is loud, fast, and demanding, God whispers to us and reminds us to

Be still,
To breathe,
To rest in Him.

This month, we will explore how nature reflects God’s presence, peace, and provision. Each post will feature a scripture, a reflection, and an action step to ground ourselves.

We invite you to pause.
To see.
To listen.
To step outside, if only for a moment, and hear nature call your name.

*Image Credit:* *Calm Lake by -johnny- is licensed under CC by 2.0*

See you next time.

#April #StressAwarenessMonth #Calm #GodsPeace #Nature #Water #Trees #Mountains #Wind #Gardens #Sunlight #Stillness