Waking this morning to the sound of rain...and a glance at the weather app on my phone shows a whole week of rain ahead. My first thought was, "Well, it is November." Is it just me or did it seem to you too that October just flew by? November always feels like one of those in- between months...Fall is losing it's luster as the leaves fall, getting blown off the trees or pelted with rain. Winter is still around the corner, though I did experience a little snow in the Pass a week ago.

As the days get darker, as the rains come, and the winds blow, I find myself loving my home...a place of peace and refuge. I love grabbing a blanket and a cup of coffee or tea, lighting a candle, and taking some time to reflect...either early in the morning or later in the evening. I love to read and always have a couple of books going, besides my Bible, so that helps calm my racing thoughts and the never ending to do lists.

This morning I read one of my favorite Psalms:

46 God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present[b] help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
    how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

In this crazy, hectic, kids growing up too fast, technology advancing at breakneck speed, bodies aging, energy flagging, troubles and hurt abounding, world...what a comfort to know that we can "be still, and know that He is God"...our "ever present help in trouble." The stillness helps to restore my soul...to restore my joy...as my focus shifts to Him. With a heart still heavy for all the pain and loss from the shooting and loss of young lives at Marysville Pilchuck High School a week ago,

I'll leave you with this song by Steven Curtis Chapman...

May you take some time to "be still...and know that He is God." May He give you the strength to face each day with arms wide open.