Silent Night

While I doubt all was calm as Mary was giving birth in a stable or a cave used to house animals and their caretakers, a sense of peace and deep comfort settles over me as I listen to this sacred hymn. It refocuses the lens of my life, replacing my view of me and my needs with the blessing of salvation brought to us on that cold night in the form of the Baby Jesus.

When my kids were babies, this was our go to lullaby, no matter the season. The peace that filled me flowed out of me and into my babies and brought rest into our home. I want that peace to flow through me again.

I have been reminded over the course of this past week that silence brings an opportunity to breathe deep, listen and be refreshed. Throughout scripture, we are encouraged to be still, be quick to listen, slow to speak and be quiet before the Lord.

The busyness of this season can rob us of the joy of making the time to do exactly what this season is for, adoration. I talk too much. I think too hard. I make too much noise. I need to be still and know that He is God. I can’t hear the Silent Night with the TV blaring, the music playing, or the traffic racing by.

So, I will take time this week to listen for that gentle quiet whisper that is our Heavenly Father speaking the truth to me that He loves me, that He cares for me, and that He sent His only son to bring peace on earth and goodwill toward men. I will hear that whisper in the waves and in the bird’s song. I will take time to be still and adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Psalm 62:5-6 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.(NLT)

My name is Keri Willis. I am a semi-retired educator. I spent a great deal of my career working with adults with developmental disabilities and many years in elementary education, in the classroom and as an administrator. My main ministry now is coordinating the women’s ministry for our church in San Diego, CA. I have been married thirty-four years and have two grown and married children. I now have a head of full grey hair and good ideas.
I believe we are created to use our gifts and to be creative. That comes in many forms for me. I love to woodwork and use power tools, design, decorate, garden, and create new recipes. And I love to write. One major lesson I have learned in my writing journey is that I need to be still and listen to hear God’s voice before I am prepared to put into words the message he has instilled in my heart. This has been much easier since I am no longer working full time, but it is so easy to get distracted and not listen, which almost always ends with an empty page in the form of writer’s block.
While I have written many articles for newsletters and local newspapers, I did not consider myself a writer until I self-published my first book, Teapots and Power Tools. https://www.amazon.com/Teapot…/dp/1466458763/ref=sr_1_3…
The idea emerged as I was working on a project in my garage. I had worship music playing, power tools out and saw dust flying. I glanced up and saw my delicate teapot sitting on my router table. The message was clear. Sometimes we are using the power tools God gives us and sometimes he just wants us to be still and have tea with him. The book became the foundation for a women’s retreat, and then my amazing niece helped me work through publishing it on Create Space (now KDP).
At least five other projects are in different stages of production. I joined hope*writers to help motivate me and keep me focused and accountable. I am still trying to figure out the whole website and blog thing. That is my next goal for myself; that and finish writing at least one of my projects!
Teapots and Power Tools: Effectively using the tools God has equipped you with, while taking time to “Be Still and Know That He is God”
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