By Lois Hewitt

If you have ever read anything I have written, you know I use my experiences as the examples in my writing.  I always feel like, I hope anyway, someone can learn from my mistakes and mishaps.

Also I am at a place in my life where everything has a lesson to be learned. And I like to pass them on to anyone that might need it.

This post is no different but the point, which I will eventually get to, is one I hope everyone heeds.

The last few months I have been dealing with a medical condition. It has been constant and still is actually.

But I felt that I needed to continue getting all my tasks done, not missing work (not much anyway) and just keep going.

Tuesday I had a procedure that meant I was going to have to take it easy for the rest of the week.

Let me tell you the difference is night and day. Just taking some guilt-free time and taking care of myself. I feel so good.

It made me realize that many times I’m like Martha (of Mary and Martha).  Doing, doing and doing with a sense of obligation.  Putting absolutely unnecessary pressure on myself to “get it all done.” 

You see, if I really relaxed, I would feel such guilt about all the things not done (like cleaning baseboards and other fairly unimportant things).  So even if I was “resting” I was not recuperating because of the guilt.  I simply felt like I was lazy.

I talk about living intentionally but I was just walking through it. I learned a while back that the title “The Walking Dead” was not referring to the zombies but the people who were still alive.

That’s how these last few months felt to me. I was the walking dead.  No joy.  No peace. Just tired. Just anxious.  I could not shake it.

Then Tuesday I came home from the doctor full of anti-anxiety meds and slept that rest of the day and all night.

Something reset in my brain and I woke up different.  The physical problems were the same but I felt different.

Yesterday I slowly did a few tasks and did them with joy. I hummed a bit and danced a step or two.

Here is my point my friend and I am saying this to myself too.

Stop reliving the past.  Take the lessons learned and leave the past in the rearview mirror.  Don’t allow the regrets and the guilt of the past to steal the joy and peace from today.

Jesus came to earth as fully man and fully God.  He came to change the world but not in the way many thought. He came to offer salvation to the sinner.  He came to offer redemption to the unredemable.  He came to offer eternal life with Him.  His blood cleaned you and me.

Guilt and remorse are not gifts from Him. Joy and peace are His gifts.  When the world was created God set aside a day to rest. Rest with peace not anxiety. Rest with joy, rest full of praise for His blessings.

If I can stress one lesson I have learned in life, it is to rest. Rest in His comforting arms.  Rest in His peace which is like no other.  Rest in Him for He has done all the hard work for us.  Let’s sit at His feet like Mary and soak it all in.

No more do I want to just get by.  I want joy as I do the dishes and fold the laundry. I want joy as I clean the bathroom.  I want my hands to have joy as I cook a meal. 

Then when it’s time to rest, I will be able to experience the rest that only Jesus can give. I pray that for you also.

We are running a race called life.  My race began poorly and I proceeded to stumble all along the way. But I want to finish the race with strength and courage from Jesus. I may not have the “best time” in this race but I want to finish with victory from Jesus.

I pray for your rest. May it revitalize your body and soul. May your rest bring you peace unknown in the world.  May you heal from the past. May the pain start to disappear. May you find the place in Jesus’ arms that nourishes you.  It’s there, all you need to do is ask.

Rest well, my friend.

By Lois Hewitt

Today is the day. A new start with new healthy habits.

I claim to be a minamalist but our 500 sq ft apartment overflowth. Already are four bags to donate and two bags of garbage.

And that’s only a corner of the first room. Lucky there are only three rooms.

We came to the mountains with only what fit in our car. We rent a lovely furnished apartment, so where did the stuff come from?

Oh I know….Amazon.

As I struggle to move and clean things in a small place I am amazed at how much of the stuff I thought I actually needed.

Things never taken from the box. A porch full of broken down delivery boxes. Messes everywhere.

One thing accumulates and then another and another. Next thing you know it’s so overwhelming that you cannot do anything. Well that’s how it is for me anyway.

I’m drowning in things again. Things I thought I had to have. Things meant to make life easier. Things that take my joy.

It’s so easy to fall into the thinking that the shiny things on Tik Tok are important.

I’m sad at myself for letting it get so bad again. Of course it’s not the scale of when we lived in a house. Luckily there is only so much we can do in this small space…but I over did it.

The things made my heart and soul heavy. I want light and airy not dark and cluttered.

First World problems you say? Yes without a doubt. I have too much. I can’t rationalize it away anymore.

I know God allows blessings but we are called to be good stewards. He owns all things and we just care of it. I feel that I fell short once again.

So today as I start yet another epic journey of self awareness. Step 1. Come to terms with stuff once and for all.

And stay ever vigilant against the forces that thrive on consumerism. I don’t say that owning things is necessarily bad but it is easy to overconsume.

Today I ask God for my daily bread. What I need for today. What will enrich my soul and bring me closer to Him.

I hate to admit my love for shiny things. I disappoint myself. But if they take away my peace and light, they have no place in my life.

I forgot that I learned the lesson of less already. I don’t honestly think I was ready to believe my own words about all the stuff. But I am now.

Peace means more to me than any shiny item. Space to breathe is paramount.

Let me try this again and lest not forget the beauty of less.

By Lois Hewitt

It’s time to take back peace.

Make a to do list of what makes you happy, you know the simple pleasures, and prioritize them.

Don’t listen to those who have no idea where you have been and what you’ve been through. Their opinion means nothing.

Accept that not everyone is going to like you.  Just means you are probably doing something right.

Quit listening to people with agendas telling you how to live.  You know how to live, it’s inside of you…listen to that.

Money is ok but it’s not more than that.  We need it to live but the pursuit of it, especially when others are used, is a hanoius behavior. Learn to respect money but not be seduced by it.

Don’t listen to the lies, they are based on hidden agendas. Remember the lies taste sweet and usually sound good.  But look underneath and find out the truth. Trust your gut!

Stop worshipping people.  They are just people. Maybe the make up hides the ugly, maybe the billowy words cover up the nasty. Beware when a celebrity/influencer gains too much power.

The whole idea is to take back your peace. To prepare a warrior spirit. To be the kind of person you always wanted to be.

If someone told you that you weren’t smart enough…they were wrong.

If someone told you that you weren’t pretty enough…they were wrong.

If someone said you were not talented enough…they were wrong.

Refuse to retell yourself those old incorrect stories. Those words that reverberate over and over in your head. Stop now.  Change the narrative.  Be a warrior.

I know you are tired. It’s been harder than you could have imagined. But the race isn’t over yet,  don’t give up.

Look around at the world today. The popular ideas are not working. At least not for everyone. Turn the tables and fight for your life.  It’s yours…own it!

My life has to change.  The way I’m going isn’t healthy. If you are in the same place, I beg of you to stop!  Stop listening to all the voices…stop reading comments…stop being influenced by random people.

Take care of yourself my friend. The likelihood of a knight in shiny armour coming is low, become your own knight. Save your sanity and save your peace. 

If this is too harsh, I honestly am very sorry. But many of us were raised to be nice. We learned that religion wanted us to be nice.  Don’t make waves.  Go with the crowd.

Well, the One I follow never once said to be nice. Be kind but that’s different. He said to be courageous and have a warrior spirit.  That doesn’t mean picking fights but standing up for yourself, your family, for those who can’t and your beliefs.

In fact, Jesus said His way was hard.  And He wasnt lying.  But living in His truth brings peace, regardless of circumstances.

I wrote something the other day (I’m sure someone else said it before me but I liked it).  We need to stop looking right or left and start looking up.

The revolution starts with you!

By Lois Hewitt

Do you ever just feel like there is something you have to say or do, but you are not exactly sure what it is?  The urge is so strong but there is no clear path to get it done.

Like a painter who just can’t get the image to look like they thought it would.  Or the author struggling to find the right words.  Or the dancer who can’t get the moves just right.

I feel so many things, always have.  So many, in fact, it has left me frozen in place for so long.

I live inside my head, probably a bit too much.  It’s funny inside there.  The sun could be blindingly bright in my head while a tornado passes through.

Inside my head is such extreme love coexisting with hatred.  Peace and joy are always fighting disappointment and anxiety for a seat at the table in there.

I laugh when I want to cry.  I’m strong when I’m scared to death.  And the reverse is always true too.

No matter how hard I try, I cannot regulate the chaos inside my head and heart. 

I want all things and I want nothing at all.  I feel magnificent and I feel sick at the same time.  I care too much and I care not at all.

The days lately have proven to be exhausting.  How can they be?  I don’t work like I used to.  I certainly don’t “play” like I used to.  My life is so much “less” (stress) and not in a bad way by any means. 

So what’s happening?  I prayed for healing.  I prayed to be better.  I prayed to change.  All I got was chaos.

Or so I thought.  It’s like going into the kitchen after Thanksgiving dinner.  Every pan and pot is dirty.  Dishes you didn’t even know you had are dirty.  There are mashed potatoes on the wall.  It’s a mess.

But you start at one end and just move your way to the other.  It may go quickly or it may take some real time.  But if you keep on task, it will eventually get clean again. 

Then the next meal needs prepared but, hopefully, the chaos is not as much.

I prayed to be better and I saw flaws I didn’t know I had.  I prayed for peace and opened my eyes to the “clutter”.  I struggled and may be have gotten worse but then I was clean and my vision clear…er.

That’s how God works. Not like an ATM dispensing requests. He is not a genie in a bottle or a magician with a magic wand.

God will always do His will. Even if His will is not quite what I was hoping for.  But the end result, His will, will be better than anticipated. You will have a deeper clarity. You will be changed.

It may hurt.  I’m in a hurtful stage right now but I do have more clarity.  I see more of my sinful nature.  I feel more.

I love comfort and I am learning that most of life is not learned in comfort, much to my dismay.  Life is learned in those times that don’t make sense. The times you can’t verbalize. The times that seem confused.

I love to watch the daffodils fight their way through the spring snowfall to be in the sun’s light.  The struggle must be exhausting. But once the warm sunny rays touch their leaves and petals, the struggle lessens and the rewards are clear.

So it is with life. Don’t be afraid to do the hard things. If it is truly God’s will, He will give you the strength needed. And He promised to never forsake you…in the good or in the bad.

We are all looking at an unsure future. It can be scary, but I’m learning to keep my eyes on God.  He is the only way to peace. He has this.  Cling to Him and He will calm the storm.  He always does.

By Lois Hewitt

The day has finally come.  I have been dreading it and looking forward to it at the same time.

I no longer feel the need to write.  I feel like all my words have been expressed.  I want to try something different. Of which I am not quite certain just yet.

The last couple of months, I have struggled and have come to a place that is peaceful.  All the chatter in my brain is no longer a welcome companion. 

I want to honor Jesus in a new way.  I tried to honor Him with my words but now there are so many more eloquent and grammatically correct, I will leave it to them.

Some times the page just has to turn and a new chapter to start.

I have been honored that anyone at all read my feeble thoughts.  It has been fun but I feel the climate has changed too much for me.  I am excited to regroup and come back stronger, maybe as a painter or something else.

Jesus does not call the most qualified (I am a testament to that!) but qualifies the called.  I have a more profound love for Jesus everyday and I look forward to serving Him in a capacity that, I am sure, will be surprising to me.

I’m off to re-invent myself and hope that I can honor Jesus in a way that pleases Him.  For He has given me life abundantly and life eternal with Him.  I can do nothing to repay that.  I can only accept the gifts with extreme gratitude and try to share with others.

Thank you to all who have suffered through my excessively long diatribes.  To everyone who ever liked and or commented on a post, your words forever encouraged me.

Change is scary but necessary for growth.  I pray to be guided by Jesus and to always show His light to the world around me.

He is my Shepherd, I shall never want.  He leads me to a place of peace as I know He is ever watchful over me.  He protects me as I walk through the valley of death.  He is my strength and my comfort. He can do all that for you too!  Just ask and you will receive according to His perfect will and timing.

May His perfect peace be with you ALWAYS!

By Lois Hewitt

Do you know that Jesus went to the cross and faced the most horrible, lingering death so that you could have forgiveness and an eternal life with Him? And He did it willingly.

It’s true!

You can’t work enough to earn it. You can’t get it with deeds.  Just seek Him earnestly , fall at His feet in genuine repentance.  He has done all the heavy lifting for you.

It’s true! 

He takes your worry and replaces it with a peace not known in the world.  It’s hard at first but just trust Him and He will show you peace even during the most difficult times.

It’s true!

Through Jesus you will learn to hate the sins you loved.  You will see the world differently. Gone will be the false idols.  You will see only Him.

It’s true.

I could go on and on about how Jesus took a broken shell of a life and transformed it into something amazing.  Easy?  No.  Worth it? Most definitely!

It’s true.

All you have to do is ask Him and trust Him. He longs to have a relationship with you.  The Heavens rejoice when just one sinner repents.

It’s true.

Think you are too far gone?  Think no one can forgive the things you’ve done?  Think it sounds too good to be true?

It is too good to be true, but it that does not change the fact that it is still all true!

Just say a prayer. Like a conversation with your best friend.  Ask Him to come into your life. There is nothing He wants more.

When the storms come and the winds blow, stand firm in His love.  He has you.  He won’t let you be swept away.  He can walk on water, He can raise the dead, He can cure disease, He can withstand any storm.

It’s all true.

My heart bursts with love for Him.  We haven’t officially met face to face, but I know Him and He knows me.  One day we will meet and glorious does not even begin to describe that day.

It’s all true!

Your house may not get bigger, your bank account fatter, or other earthly things may not appear. But His blessings, the ones He pours down so freely, will fill your life in such a way that gratitude becomes your state of being.  You will feel richer than any king for you will be a child of God. 

It’s all true.

Forget what the world has told you.  Find out for yourself what Jesus can be in your life.  He has a love for us all that transcends everything we know here on earth.  It’s not easy but so so so worth it! 

It’s all true and there’s even more!

My prayer to the world…

Dearest Lord of Lords, as we continue down the unknown paths of life, with its twists and turns, its darkness, please be with us and keep us from the evil that is all around us.

Dearest Lord, please be with Your people as it becomes easier to become afraid and confused. Shocking events keep taking place and we are left feeling vulnerable and angry at times.

Dearest Lord, help us to never forget that You are with us always. That You promised to never forsake us. Please ease our anxiety and calm our fears.

Many of us no longer recognize the place we live. Evil seems to be winning, let us not forget Who will be the Victor. Evil may have its day but You, Lord Jesus, will win for eternity.

We are fighting and hating against our own brothers and sisters. There are those crying for inclusion but that does not include Your followers.

You told us in Your Word the road following You would not be an easy one. That there will be those who hate us because of You. We see it more everyday. Please keep us strong in our faith, knowing the struggles here will be but a distant memory in eternity with You.

I pray today for every Christian in the US and the world, please keep us wrapped in Your protective and loving arms. Please give us the strength and courage needed to stand up for You in a world full of hate.

Please let us keep our eyes on You as the days grow darker. Let our hearts rejoice in Your love no matter the circumstance. Let us act and be true Children of God to a world so desperate to see You!

Thank You Dearest Jesus for never leaving us. We know You have a plan and it is designed for good.

In Jesus’ Holy name we pray. Amen

By Lois Hewitt

Over the last few weeks I have been dealing with a little bit of a health issue.  Each day I felt myself grow just a little weaker.  I kept going, doing what I needed, but each day it was a little harder.

Then the other day, I was just too exhausted. Then I realized that I had taken my health for granted.

We do that so many times in life. And slowly the signs show up but it is easier to ignore them.

For me….

The bills got harder to pay but my excuses for spending did not stop.

My food addiction grew worse but my inclination to do better did not materialise.

My drinking become a little more frequent but I just did not care any longer.

My depression grew deeper but I did nothing to change it.

Then it all fell apart and I was left wondering why on earth had this happened to me.  Clueless to my VERY active part in my own demise.

I took it all for granted. I had so much, too much in reality, and I flushed most of it down the drain.

Human nature tends to accept the gifts while avoiding the costs.  I knew in the far regions of my mind, one day I would have to pay the piper.  Since it wasn’t that day, I kept going in a downward spiral.

Fast forward and I’m better.  I am more self-aware and I’m grateful.  But I missed, or chose to ignore, the signs of my impending health issue.

I am eating better, sleeping regularly, filling my soul daily with God’s word and I thought this could not happen.

But it did.  The issue came out of nowhere and I was shocked.

The reality is that I should have been shocked that I thought never again would I have an issue because I was doing everything I thought was right.

Things happen out of nowhere with no hint or preview.  Some times you can see the eventuality of a situation, such as I did in my previous life.  Some times we are going a long and it hits us.

Does it mean God is punishing me for something? No.  Did I bring it on myself? No.  Can I blame God?  No.

I believe, for myself, that I was in a pool full of complacency. I was in my comfort zone, that little bubble I so desire to live in.

This woke me up and jump started my life a bit.  I see areas that need improvement. In the meantime, I have a few tests to have done and will go from there.

But if I set my eyes on Jesus and pray, I can rest assured His plan is greater than mine.

I pray for healing, of course, but more importantly I pray for His peace and an unwavering gratitude for all His gifts.  No longer do I want to take those for granted.

No matter how this situation goes, I want my eyes on Jesus and my heart in His hands.

By Lois Hewitt

As one gets more mature, one desires more comfort.  Basically, old age is making me uncomfortable. Pants don’t fit anymore. Shoes hurt my feet. Let’s not even talk about bras!

I just want some comfort. So I looked and looked and decided on a cute little house dress. Maroon with white hearts. So cute.

It arrives, I wash it and put it on.  I didnt realize it wasn’t cotton.  So it’s some weird manmade material that just irritated me to no end.

It went in the donation bag straight away.  I don’t have the patience for that mess.

I thought why not get one of those long cotton housedresses that grandma’s used to wear.  How could anything be more comfortable?  I ordered one right away.

It finally arrived. It’s a light baby blue cotton number with white piping around the bodice. Very plain but I like simple. So I throw it in washer and wait anxiously for it to dry.

As soon as possible I grabbed it out of the dryer and put it on.  I stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself.

Generally, looks are not my first concern. I haven’t worn make up in decades. I haven’t combed my hair (except with my fingers) in years and I wear the same work outfit until it falls apart.  Looks don’t matter until….

I put on that house dress. I openly admit to being frumpy but this went to a whole new level.  I gasped as I looked in the mirror. I looked like a baby blue beach ball.  I was almost invisible in this house dress.

Who cares?  Right? My husband is the ONLY one to see me and he is used to me.  It wasn’t about what anyone else thought. It was just me and it looked like I had just given up.

Isn’t that the craziest thing?  It’s just a piece of clothing meant to be slept in.  I do not wear my work outfit around in the apartment. I have my work outfit and my sleep outfit so I can end up wearing my sleep outfit a bit longer than just for sleep.

I hated myself and my body in this house dress.  I thought it would be comfort but it just made me sad.

We do that a lot in life.  I have, personally, looked to alcohol, food and shopping to bring comfort from the pain and disappointment.  All things I rationalized as ways to feel better. None of which actually worked.

I hear so many people say that Jesus is oppressive and how Christians live under tyranny from a legalistic God who demands accountability.

To that I say you are wrong.  In my life, which is all I know, it is those other things that are oppressive. The addictions we think that free us actually bind us worse than prison chains. There is no comfort in addiction.

My relationship with Jesus does make me accountable for my words and actions and that brings me comfort in a way living just for myself never could.

His love then covers me better than a silk kimono or a cotton house dress. I feel His presence in my life and His way has, as I always say, changed me.  And I feel good “wearing” His love for me.

As I struggle to find something to wear around the apartment, I gladly wear the cloak of Jesus in my life. Oh what a friend we have in Him.

By Lois Hewitt

On this day celebrating America’s independence, a few thoughts.

Being nice is a good thing.  Humans could stand to be nicer.  Nice and polite are cornerstones to a civilized society.

But do not be confused.  Nice is not what all humans are.  We live in a world full of bullies of every varying degree.  Bullies love to run right over nice people.

Now I know it’s not fair. Nor is it ideal but it is a part of life especially in this day and age.

Even fairy tales deal with mean step-mothers and violent, cannibalistic old ladies. 

I was taught to be nice. As a youth, I ended up in a variety of unhealthy situations because I did not think I was allowed to not be nice and just say no.

Today I think a lot about warriors. People who stand up for what’s right, who are not being nice in the moment.

I am reminded that the One I look up to, the One I try to emulate, Jesus Christ, was not always nice.

He fought head on with the hypocrites of the church in His day.  He stormed the church and turned over the tables of the moneychangers.

He came to give us mercy and grace for which we are undeserving and He came to call out the liars that said one thing and did another. The ones who ultimately killed him for His teachings.

Please do not misunderstand me. Nice is a good thing. Compassion and grace can go far in healing a broken society.

But we must also be ready to stand for justice and righteousness.  We are called to be warriors. Maybe not with swords but in word and deed.

Unfortunately, a bully will not respond favorably to you being nice. No one told me that there will be times in life where you have to stand up straight and stand your ground.

I dream of a world where everyone is kind and courteous. Would that be perfection?  But that is not where we live today. 

Everyone has an agenda and they expect all others to comply. I, too, have an agenda but realize not everyone else is interested in my thoughts. That’s ok, I expect moderate opposition.

But if you start really pushing back, I will not be nice.  I have learned, however, that you can still be civil and yet be strong. 

That’s what my experiences have taught me. Even in one’s niceness, there must be strength. 

I grapple with this daily.  I still hear the words “be nice” ringing in my ears. But I also know the debilitating fear of not owning one’s strength.

As society continues to spiral, I pray for strength which is different from uncontrolled anger.

Strength and determination are beautiful attributes. Nice can bring change for sure. But strength brings justice and rightness in action.  Strength protects the unprotected and holds the evil at bay.

Please be kind, nice and gentle.  But also remember that you are a warrior with strength given from Above.

With strength comes purpose and those two things together can change worlds and the people in them.