Let’s light the wood stove!

It’s not very warm these days, is it? If you’re lucky enough to have a wood-burning stove in your home, you know how comforting and soothing the heat of a fire can be. When the temperature cools and there are only embers left, all you have to do is add a log or two and you’re once again set for a hearty, invigorating fire…
In our home and in our spiritual life, we need these “logs” to warm our souls and allow us to continue with courage, while waiting for better times…

Here are a few concrete ideas to renew our energy and warm our hearts:

• A little reading with the family!

Over the past few years, I have found family reading to be beneficial in every way, even with older children who have been reading on their own for a long time. One series that I have found particularly uplifting is the series of true stories written by Samuel Grandjean, available on the Bible Ouverte website (in French):https://www.bible-ouverte.ch/jeunesse/histoires-a-episodes.html
These are accounts from the lives of Christian children who have experienced hardship or persecution and who have persevered with exemplary courage. We particularly enjoyed the stories of Genovieva, Sebti, and Aracy. It was a wonderful way to revive our faith and to strengthen our desire to make bold choices.

• Dessert for the neighbours

Last Christmas, the children and I came up with the idea to bake a variety of cookies and take packages to a few neighbours living nearby. This simple gift gave us the opportunity to exchange a few words with neighbours we didn’t know very well and to meet some nice people. Our gifts were received with great joy by all, especially those who were alone. An experience to be repeated!

• Let us pray together!

Some churches have started to have weekly online prayer meetings, either via Zoom or Facebook. Others are meeting outside in a public place (e.g. in front of a church) to pray, sing praises, and have fellowship together. These are ways of staying connected to other Christians who share our faith, in the way of the early disciples: ” speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ” (Ephesians 5:19-20).

• The Great Outdoors and some hot chocolate

On these cold days, what better way to warm up than with a hot chocolate… outside! A thermos and some cookies and we are ready for an al fresco snack while breathing in some fresh air. A fun activity that requires little preparation and can be done in the forest or… on your balcony!

• Bible verses on the menu

The Word of God is food for our soul! Why not look for Bible verses that strengthen us and learn them by heart? You can even copy them, illustrate them beautifully, and keep them as a small work of art. There is a very interesting guide for learning how to illustrate Proverbs, Draw to Learn Proverbs, available here: https://notgrasshistory.com/products/draw-to-learn-proverbs-ebook-download

• Call me?

There may be a mother in your life who needs encouragement and prayer and would welcome an unexpected call. A few minutes of conversation could make all the difference in her week (and yours!) and spark some refreshing ideas. Dare to call a mum you’ve never spoken to… you might discover someone with a rich and wonderful personality!

• Write a card or letter

Sending a greeting card, even without a special occasion, can change the life of someone who is feeling sad or suffering. You experience the joy of giving freely and making someone happy.

Which log will you add to your home today?

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
(Deuteronomy 31:6)