My Comforter is One of my Favorite Things

My Comforter is One of my Favorite Things
My word of the day is COMFORTER: a thick bed covering that is filled with a soft light material; also someone who helps you to feel less worried, upset, frightened; someone who comforts you.

I do a lot of traveling and that means sleeping in beds that don’t compare to MY bed at home. When I get home to my bed and my sheets, my five pillows 😴 and my COMFORTER, I sleep with COMFORT. My sleeping “paraphernalia” includes a sheet under my blanket/comforter and a sheet over it. I started that when we stayed in hotels that their sheets were on that way, which meant that the blanket or comforter that is rarely washed, is never against our body or face. That “cleanliness” sleeping way became an almost must-have for me.

Bottom line, I’m more energetic and more alert when I’ve had a good night’s sleep. Our beds are where we begin and end the day, and where we spend nearly a third of our life. So why not make it the cleanest and most comfortable spot in our home?

Speaking of COMFORT and COMFORTER, there’s nothing like the comfort a mother can provide to a hurting or frightened child. Her love moves into action, not with explanations or reasoning, but with everything in her power to quiet, to COMFORT, and to reassure. Her arms embracing that sweet one, speak louder than any words the child could hear in that moment of fear or pain. Her voice is soothing and quieting, “Shhh, it’s okay…Mommy’s here. It’s okay.” Those gentle words bring the assurance that helps the child to believe, “It is okay because Mommy is here, and I am in her arms.”

We are God's children and He desires to be that COMFORTER and encourager to us. He is HERE -- right now! Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go away. For if I do not go away, the COMFORTER will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." John 16:7. The COMFORTER is the precious Holy Spirit who lives in us as believers to provide that comfort that calms the storms in our lives.

The words in Psalm 46:10 are like the words of comfort from a caring mother to her fearful child: "Be still, and know that I am God". The language is simple and the words are few but they are words that tell us all we need to know to settle us, still our fears, quiet our hearts, and reassure us when we hear, “Shhh. Be still, calm down, release all your concerns, quiet your heart, it’s okay, I am here and you are safe in the shelter of My arms.”

With God, Nothing is Impossible

We knew we were on holy ground when we saw these three crosses and sign at Camp Copass in Denton, TX. Having spent the last 4 days at their beautiful retreat center, facilities and grounds, and experiencing the peace of God in this away-from-it-all location, is beyond adequate explanation. Finding ourselves in many opportunities to "Be still and know....He is God" was exactly what we all needed AND experienced. Most of us, from young single women, to young mothers and more mature women, have daily opportunities to face and cope with conflict AND noise -- in our careers, raising children, health and financial challenges, relationships and daily routines.

But, we found the answer to refreshing, restoring, reconciling and rejuvenating is when we have the opportunity to go to place of quiet and stillness, focusing on our relationship with Jesus Christ, THE ONE who looked at His disciples and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26 -- words on the sign that welcomed us.

The 3rd photo here is my sweet roommate and I. The other photo is some of my "besties" at the retreat. I didn't know these women before, but I knew I had to set aside any hesitations about being a "newbie" and be willing to cultivate new friendships. Spending four days in the presence of God as a tight-knit little group among 79 women in attendance, made for life-time memories and bonding. My desire to meet and know many new Christian women was fulfilled. Mission accomplished.

I came home yesterday and thought about what we experienced during those 4 days -- peace, serenity, feeling in touch with God and hearing His voice, having MANY "aha" moments, seeing women experience life transformation, and it occurred to me "with God, nothing is impossible" -- especially when we put ourselves out there to take bold steps of faith, trusting He is leading and directing the way.

Maybe you can't get away to a physical retreat location, but it's possible to find a place of peace like we found at Camp Copass in our every-day of life -- even if it's in the middle of a football game (I needed that peace last night when my Dallas Cowboys lost yet another game -- LOL!) or cleaning house with kids playing Nerf War games. In our hearts and minds, we can "check-out" of the routine and experience that "peace that passes understanding". Going to Him Who is our PRINCE OF PEACE -- anywhere and anytime -- we'll find Him there. After all, "With God -- nothing is impossible"! I KNOW! I'm there right now!