A Pause to Rest and Remember

The beautiful emerald waves licking the shore of Tenby!

Ever since we visited that little town in Wales (Tenby), I’ve fallen in love with the sounds of the ocean. The rhythmic waves coming forward and pulling back. It reminds me of how the Holy Spirit constantly pursues me {us} and draws me {us} to Himself. It reminds me of how–if I’ll just let go and relax–He can keep me floating above the waves in my life.

I’m struggling a bit to rest in Him today. Not so much in the bigger stuff, like this cancer scare. I’m struggling in a place that has pulled me down beneath the depths over and over my entire life. It’s an area where I’ve been wounded and haven’t allowed God to fully heal in me.

I’ve felt like not only have I undergone a physical surgery, but that God is doing surgery on my heart lately too. I think the recovery from that may be more painful than the lumpectomy has been for me. {BTW, I’m feeling really good for having gone under the knife just two days ago!}

I wish that I had some wise words that would sum it all up and give you something to chew on or would motivate you to love your spouse better, but today I’m simply sharing where I am. I don’t have much to offer, but I’m praying that in God’s economy that won’t matter.

His riches never run dry and His power and mercy never grows weary.

So as I take something of a pause today from offering practical helps or a challenge to be a better spouse, I offer up a few more photos of Tenby {there will be more to come in the days and weeks ahead} from our glorious anniversary trip to Wales {and England too}. That alone, has been such a blessing from God that I’m still savoring! I hope you gain a bit of joy and beauty from it as well!

The harbor in the early morning, with tide still in.

Later in the day, with the tide out to sea–the boats rest on dry ground!

St. Catherine’s Island on the beach of Tenby, nearing sunset. Just gorgeous!

St. John’s Methodist Church in the heart of Tenby. with bright blue skies above!

Another shot of St. John’s, flanked by flowers in full bloom and bright Tenby businesses.

Typical intersection in Tenby … and yes, cars travel on those narrow streets too!

Wearing my Cymru {Welsh for “Wales”} shirt by one of many flower boxes throughout Tenby.

What kind of pause do you need to take?

How has God refreshed your tired soul recently or in the past?

If you’d like to know the latest on my surgery and journey out of cancer, you can find my Caringbridge site at messymammogram.

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Linking up with – NOBH, Momma Notes, Marriage Mondays, Making Your Home Sing Monday, Living Proverbs 31, Monday’s Musings, Playdates with God and Marriage Monday

BethSteffaniak

November 17, 2013

About Me, Emotions, Love of God, Rest, Self-Reflection, Surrender

Rest, Tired

23 responses to “A Pause to Rest and Remember”

sheila @ LongingsEnd.com

November 18, 2013 at 4:22 pm

Beautiful, Beth. Our good Dad’s ways are so much higher than our understanding and we need to exhale our fear and inhale trust and let go into His arms, ceasing our striving, laying it all down. And He will lift us up as we still and rest, and through the process make our hearts more like His, providing needed healing and more freedom, revealing a deeper layer of purpose and helping many others. Glad you are feeling so good. Continuing in prayer for you, my friend….

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  November 20, 2013 at 5:51 pm
  
  Your words are so comforting and true, Sheila! I’m working on that “laying it down thing,” sweet friend. It seems I have sticky fingers and keep taking what I’ve laid down back! But God’s not giving up on me! Yay, God! And your prayers and encouragement here help to point me in the right direction, my friend. Hugs to you!
  
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Cassie

November 18, 2013 at 4:34 pm

Beautiful pictures! Sometimes just quiet time out on the back porch taking in the wonderful nature He created is very peaceful for me.

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  November 20, 2013 at 5:55 pm
  
  Yes, there’s so much beauty all around us, Cassie–even here in my “neck of the mid-western woods!” But I so often don’t take that time to soak it up and praise God like I did when I was somewhere so awesomely beautiful. It really is a necessity for our peace and love for God, isn’t it? Thanks for that truth, my friend!
  
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JosephPote

November 18, 2013 at 5:45 pm

Beth, I am so glad to hear the lumpectomy went well and that you are recuperating!
Healing is like that…emotional and spiritual as well as physical…healing requires time and rest…and trust and hope…
I too, find something healing in the salt air and sound of the surf…and something wise in the continual repetition of the tide. Something I can never quite put into words, but that is very real, nonetheless.
Thanks for sharing the beautiful pic’s as well as the reflective post!
Blessings to you, my friend!

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  November 20, 2013 at 5:57 pm
  
  God is healing me in so many ways, Joe. I sometimes have a hard time keeping up with Him and His work in my life these days! Yes, aren’t the sounds of surf so soothing and powerful all at the same time? Maybe I’ll have to retire near a coastline. That would be so great! But then, learning to be content here and now, is where God wants me to focus! Thanks for your kindness to me, Joe! I really appreciate it and you!
  
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Mia

November 18, 2013 at 6:23 pm

Dear Beth
Oh, I can see why you fell totally in love with this town. It looks postcard perfect. I just love looking at your holiday photos. With a little bit of imagination it feels as we have been traveling with you guys as well! Right now, dear friend, you need to focus on your husband and yourself. I am so glad and thankful that you are making so much progress after the operation.
Blessings XX
Mia

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  November 20, 2013 at 5:59 pm
  
  I think about you, Mia, every time I break out a few more photos. If you’re on FB, look me up and you’ll be able to see more there too. It makes me feel so great to know that these bless you as much as they have me. I’m so glad you felt like it has taken you where we’ve gone! That’s so much like God to pull us from the ends of the globe together in His sweet Spirit! Love ya!
  
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Lisa

November 18, 2013 at 8:07 pm

Beth,

Thank you for sharing your lovely photos. I’m praying for your physical healing and for God to heal your heart wherever the need is. May God bless you.
Lisa

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  November 20, 2013 at 6:00 pm
  
  Thanks so much, Lisa. Every person who has mentioned to me that they are praying for me, has encouraged me and made this journey lighter and brighter, my friend! Don’t ever think that I don’t care or notice! Hugs to you!
  
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Ngina Otiende

November 18, 2013 at 10:34 pm

Beautiful photos Beth..the tide photos are breathtaking. I’ve been on a pause on some things in the last few weeks. I was praying for God to give me more wisdom and more strength to get things done (and I still am) but I keep thinking that a pause is probably what i needed more 🙂 I am learning, letting go and letting God.

Praying for your healing, both inside and outside. Thank you for sharing your heart, your words have lifted me this evening. hugs to you.

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  November 20, 2013 at 6:03 pm
  
  Yes, I’m a bit envious of Linda Stoll who’s taken a blogging break for the month of November. I have such a hard time walking away from here even for two weeks, but I’ve pondered some of the same things you have lately. We all need those times of rest and pulling away like Jesus did. If He needed it, then surely we do! Thank you so much for your prayers and friendship, Ngina! You lift me every time you visit and I’m lifting you up in prayer right now–that you learn to let go to God and gain more wisdom and strength. 🙂
  
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Stacey

November 18, 2013 at 10:42 pm

I very much enjoyed seeing those pics again. Yet, I hated hearing – reading – you say you don’t have much to offer. Ok, maybe not THIS time, but you have offered immeasurable blessings to my life! I’m GLAD to see that you took the time off. *hugs* for you, my friend!! 🙂

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  November 20, 2013 at 6:04 pm
  
  Aww, thanks so much, Stacey! I’m glad that you feel blessed by me and this ministry. That means so much! And you’ve blessed me too, my friend, in more ways than I can count! Love ya, sister! Oh, and you have the most beautiful family ever! Love the new pics!
  
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Laura Boggess

November 19, 2013 at 12:59 am

What a lovely, lovely trip you must have had. These pictures are just beautiful. I’m glad you are feeling better after the surgery,Beth. I’m sorry for the difficulty in resting in Him. I am praying for you, friend. I’m so grateful for the ways you share your story.

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  November 20, 2013 at 6:06 pm
  
  Yes, it truly was “lovely.” That was a word that we often heard the British say, so it fits perfectly, Laura! I’m doing much better in “resting in God” today, so prayers must be working and easing this challenging season for me. Grateful that you stopped by, my friend!
  
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Lyli Dunbar

November 19, 2013 at 4:29 am

Beth, these pictures are gorgeous! I am so glad I stopped by tonight — praying for you now. May God bring your total healing and refresh your spirit. Hugs

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  November 20, 2013 at 6:07 pm
  
  I’m so glad you stopped by too, Lyli! I’m glad that you enjoyed the pics. They truly encourage me every time I look at them! And that’s not just because of the beauty but because of the reminder that God has been SO good to me! Thanks for stopping by, praying for me and encouraging me, my friend!
  
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bluecottonmemory

November 19, 2013 at 6:06 am

Don’t you think God gave you that trip – to refresh you before this journey, to comfort you through this journey. I love the photo with the harbor and the colorful buildings. Oh, all the places your mind can go with a photo like that! In a way – your post is about marriage – about how those times together sustain us in the the challenge, and are like the way a warm hot chocolate goes down, its warmth spreading on a cold night outside. Wish I could bring you a pot of my chicken noodle soup to help you recouperate! Praying for you, praying his refreshing, that you feel the Father wrap His Holy Spirit around you, hedging you in before and behind you – keeping those things that tear at the tender vines of your heart right now – keeping them at bay so they leave you alone. Praying that just the right people come by, lift you up, make you laugh or let you cry – and just absorb it – not bounce it right back at you. I think that’s what real empathy is – not talking, not teaching – just letting you heal – and they absorb it – because you needed to let it out. Praying you have peaceful sleep and restful dreams. The Father so loves you Beth!
Maryleigh

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  November 20, 2013 at 6:11 pm
  
  Yes, yes, yes! That’s something I was going to write about here soon. It reminds me of a childhood book I loved by Leo Lionni, Frederick. It’s about a field mouse who stores up warm, summer memories and shares them with his friends when the cold winds blow. I do feel that is what God has done for me, Maryleigh. You’re very insightful and so very sweet to want to bring me soup and to share exactly how you’re praying for me. It is such a blessing, my sweet friend. (Oh, and I feel so honored to have you share your first name with me too! Is it alright if I continue to refer to you by that name, or would you prefer to keep it private?) Thanks so much for how you’ve blessed me! Hugs to you!
  
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Mary

November 19, 2013 at 11:22 pm

The pause to admire God’s stunning beauty has been a salve to heal all wounds. Soaking it in and letting God reset the yuckiness that settles in helps on those days when nothing else will do. I hope the beauty of your pictures and all they signify will help do this for you.
Blessings, Beth!

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1. Beth Steffaniak
  
  November 20, 2013 at 6:13 pm
  
  Yes, it really has, Mary. When I keep my mind focused on how God has blessed me and given to me, it makes me realize that I am so rich and this cancer can’t keep my heart from praising and thanking God for His goodness to me. Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement here, my friend. They always bring a smile to my face. 🙂
  
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bluecottonmemory

December 29, 2013 at 11:24 pm

Maryleigh works – LOL – it is deeply hidden in my blog – in the welcome area:) Wishing you much blessing and joy in this New Year!

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