Whenever I go home to Ohio, probably one of the biggest adjustments to have to get used to, is…the quiet.
Falling asleep, there is nothing. Maybe a distant train. Maybe the ticking of a clock. But it is silent.
Especially in the winter. When there’s a blanket of snow covering the ground, the silence can be deafening.
A far cry from New York City, that’s for sure.
Ambulances, garbage collectors, cars, rowdy bar crawlers, blaring music — all things I fall asleep to. In fact, from my bed, when I put my ear to the ground, I can feel and hear the subway pass beneath every 4.5 minutes.
Needless to say, silence is a bit of an anomaly in the concrete jungle.
But not here. Not in Ohio.
And there’s something about lying here, eyes closed, listening to the stillness, that I realize just how powerful that lack of noise is.
And how I could use a lot more of it.
This past week has been a whirlwind of epic proportions. Christmas, traveling, cooking.
I’m sure you can relate.
No matter how non-commercial you try and keep Christmas, the fact is, you can’t show up to parties empty handed. Christmas cards have to be sent. And people expect a token of appreciation, even if it is non-monetary.
So that means running around like a bat outta hell trying to get things done.
But it is in the silence that I finally am able to breath. Relax. Think.
And, with literally nothing else as a distraction, my mind is able to wander. And come to the sobering realization that this is missing from my life. The quiet. The stillness. The moments of no distractions where I can think and pray and listen.
I’ve been so restless these past few months about boys and life and career, and I wonder…when was the last time I sat in silence like this? And just think?
Not even church is an avenue for contemplation anymore, with its hymns and people watching, and interaction. All well and good – but admittedly, lacking the stillness.
God speaks to us in the stillness. As a “gentle whisper.” 1 Kings 19:12. We need to “stop and consider God’s wonders.” Job 37:14.
This is not such a simple matter. Being still is not nearly as cut and dry as we may think. Because honestly, when we slow down and be still, we have to sit with ourselves. We have to come face to face with some truths. With who we are. With who we’ve become.
And that, can be scary.
But I think, it’s a necessity. For growth. For our relationship with God. And our relationship with ourselves.
Ohio may be onto something with its silence. With its ability to be quiet. And still. It provides an opportunity to reflect.
So for now, I’m going to just shut down the computer and enjoy this respite from the noise and absorb the silence. To sit with my thoughts and prayers and just be.
And think about that little Child in the manger. Because He was born on a Silent Night, just like tonight. And I bet if we listen close enough, we may even be able to hear the Heavenly Hosts sing Hallelujah.
Hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas.
Hugs
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201 responses to “Silent Night”
What the Lord said in the Psalms comes to mind: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Wonderful article!
Thanks so much! Yes I absolutely love that verse too. Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Beautiful thoughts and a lovely Christmas epiphany!! Safe travels.
Thanks my friend. I appreciate it. Hugs and love xox
Awesome post! Very true. I find silence in the wee hours of the morning. This time is my personal sanctuary.
Thanks so much. Yeah it’s such peaceful time to reflect. Hugs and love xox
Enjoy your silence before returning to NYC. Bundle up and go outside. Let the snow cover the brown and the noise. Look up to those same stars gazed upon by shepherds, Wise Men, Jesus, Apostles and more…the small lights God made. Enjoy the quiet His snow gives you. Relish His fingerprints in the boundless space above. And if tonight nothing speaks back to you but the silence, give thanks, for that is what God knows you need. Tonight. Hugs & prayers
Thanks Jeff. Yeah we are home now. Thanks for everything these past 48 hours. You’re a great friend. Another act of God that I had already had this post all T’d up and ready to go. God is truly so good. Hugs to you friend xox
And to you. Your contemplation tonight reminded me of a favorite quiet spot in Toledo, so I wrote a short piece on that. Prayers for you and yours. 🙂
Can’t wait to read it Jeff 🙂 thank you. and you and yours as well xox
I know what you mean. I need and long for silence. Glad you’re enjoying your visit.
Thanks Kate. Glad it resonated with you:) Hugs and love xox
I lived my teenage years in Upstate NY and now that I live in Atlanta celebrating Christmas without a white blanket of snow covering as far as the eyes could see didn’t bring that sense of being home. Although Christmas is not about the weather, but about the birth of my Savior. It’s interesting how a snowy Christmas makes the holidays feel so different!
As you enjoy the serenity of Ohio remember that verse where we read… “be still and know that I am God”!
Oh wow sounds peaceful. Thanks for the reflection, Jordan. You’re right- about His birth! Hugs and love xox
I hope you had a joyous Christmas, too! Thanks for sharing. You inspired me to read Job37:14
Thanks Charles. Love that verse. Hugs and love xox
Beautiful reminder at the end!
Thanks so much! Glad you liked it! Hugs and love xox
My husband and I and a friend sit in silence for 30 minutes every Sunday evening. We have done this for 20 years, rarely missing a time. It is a very good start to our weeks. God is always present, of course, but given Him 30 minutes of silence often gives Him room to get a word in!
Thanks Elizabeth, for this thoughtful response. Wow that is such a beautiful thing you and your husband do! Such an inspiration. Amen to that. Hugs and love xox
Love this. From the run-up to Christmas to the peace in silence. My favorite post of yours. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Libby, aw I’m so glad you enjoyed it! What a kind thing to say. Glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox
Where in Ohio? What part?
A quiet “God Bless You Caralyn”, enjoy your peaceful time. Shhh..
a whispered “Thank you so much :)” xox
Yep, I love this.
Coming home for Christmas, and after moving back from the “big town”, what I actually noticed was…the birds. Throngs of them singing at 6 AM so loudly I could hear them easily through the closed bedroom window. That’s what I love – I’ve heard all kinds of silence throughout my life–craved silence, been driven crazy by it. But to just be still and know He is Father… to sit on a mountaintop and listen to the wind, or lay in bed listening to a thousand little choruses all singing in medley, MMMmmmmm……. He is Father, and He loves me
Thanks for this, Carson. Yes, the birds! I love listening to them in the summer in Ohio too. They’re so beautiful and lively. Not like the pigeons in the parks in NYC – dang, they’re as bold as the squirrels! They’ll come up and eat a bagel right out of your hand if you let them! no fear, those birds! haha but seriously though, you’re right – He does love us, and He communicates that in the silence. thanks for stopping by. hugs ox
Bahaha all I can think is Leif Hetland, talking about living from one spiritual ‘high’ to the next, ‘one moment you have the dove, the next moment all these pigeons come flying in, and all you’re left with is pigeon-religion!’ Okay, maybe that’s only very funny if you hear him say it…haha 😀
Suffice it to say, I think the real value for me in silence is, that’s when I hear it. That’s when I hear all the things all around me that always were whispering, “I love you, I love you,” that I never did hear before…. and I remember that Father doesn’t speak just one language. (:
Happy Saturday, and happy new year!
Haha sounds pretty hysterical! You’re right- He speaks many languages – and one is definitely in silence! My other favorite language of His is the unequivocal smack upside the head haha Happy new year Carson! Xox
I live in a fairly small village, out of the way of the single main road, its so quiet and peaceful most of the time, I guess I take it for granted quite a lot maybe I need too appreciate more, something about the trains going by its kinda calming 😁. I got the sense God maybe preparing you for a move in location 💛 do you feel it also. Hope you had a great day 😁
Thanks Benjamin. Yeah, I love hearing a distant train too. There’s something so…literary, if you know what I mean. Like I’m the main character in a book or old fashioned movie. It’s so cool. haha, yeah, perhaps you’re right 🙂 God definitely works in mysterious ways! hugs xox
At least you have snow in your book 😍 we just have frost 😞 we are quite near to the train line and station so we the express trains (not polar..sadly) & freight mostly. And planes preparing to land at the nearest airport which isnt too far. We also have an old railway line you can walk down. So yeah kinda like a book\film here too. But I would happily visit your book😂 but you would have to be there z
Haha the polar express-that’s one of my favorite Christmas movies:) that’s awesome. I love beautiful scenery. Hope today’s great! Big hugs xox
You write so beautifully. Thank you for sharing.
Aw, thank you so much!! What a kind thing to say. glad you enjoyed it! hugs xox
Silence is indeed terrifying. I’ve had far too many moments of silence recently and it’s too the point that it became mentally unhealthy. Only because I filled my mind with the problems of my heart rather than the God of my soul. Such a wonderful reminder. Thank you for being a constant source of encouragement. In all honesty, reading your work and getting to know you has inspired me and how I’m going to write in the future.
Thank you.
Thanks Matthew, for this thoughtful reflection. Oh gosh, I’m sorry that you don’t like the silence! I know what you mean, if I’m in an unfamiliar place, the silence is definitely frigenting to me too. But wow, thank you so much for your incredibly kind words about my blog! it seriously means so much. have a great night. big hugs xox
Absolutely, my friend. 🙂
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Well put! – the silence can be terrifying… If we share it with the wrong person!
Wishing you a very happy New Year in advance. May the coming year help you fulfill all your dreams
Thank you so much Sreekumar! Same to you! hugs xox
Beautiful reflection. I feel you about church. I was fond of my old church that was traditional with a basic choir that was beautiful but much less distracting than the one near me now with a full band.
Thank you so much! Yeah, music is such a powerful part of worship. It’s such a soul-awakening part of praise 🙂 perhaps this new church has a quieter service?? 🙂 hope you have a happy new year! hugs xox
That is the main reason why I moved to small town wyoming. I love the peace and quiet. The city is a fun place to visit, but I’m always in a hurry to get home.
Hi there friend! Oh yes, the p’s & q’s! There really is something so special about a place where you can hear yourself think! hugs and love xox
**and thanks for stopping by! xox 🙂
Love this post! I fully understand what you mean about the beauty and fierceness of sitting in silence. Sometimes I sigh with relief when I finally pause and process life. Other times, I realize I’ve been hiding in the busyness, afraid of the inner person I’ll see when I stop for too long. Either way, contemplation is a necessity and a gift.
Hugs! And happy New Year! You are absolutely right that finding stillness and silence is incredibly difficult – much more difficult than it seems like it *should* be. And it is in the silence that God speaks to us. Even in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city, I have confidence that you will be able to find moments of peace and stillness. Even on a crowded subway train, it is possible to take a deep breath, let it out, and think just for a second about how everyone in that packed car is connected through our Creator. I also struggle with finding time for peace and quiet. It’s so hard to just *sit* and be still. There is always another chore to do or something else that I can “just take care of really quickly” on my to-do list. Having been transplanted in the opposite direction, from the cities of the Northeast to Ohio, I can definitely appreciate the different pace of life here, but I can still find a balance when I go back to Connecticut and Boston. Sometimes I’m better at practicing mindfulness than others, but I think that’s what it really comes down to. If I can just take a single breath and be mindful, then the next breath is more mindful, and then the next, and finding stillness doesn’t seem like some enormous, overwhelming thing. Anyway, this is apparently another of my rambling comments 🙂 I’m wishing you an abundantly happy New Year and lots of moments of peace and stillness in 2017!
Hi Lulu!! ohh, thank you so much 🙂 what a sweet note:) I totally feel you. and yes! the silence is where we can hear His gentle whisper. Yeah, I do have a couple places in NYC where I can find respite. Especially by the water — it’s somehow less clausterphobic. The only thing is…I have to take the earbuds out of my ears 🙂 hehe Thanks for stopping by! hope you have a blessed 2017 as well! hugs xox
😍Happy New Year😍
Thank you so much!! same to you!!
It’s absolutely necessary to sit down with yourselves and reflect. These days, that can feel like the last thing you should be doing, but I find it’s essential to maintaining mental wellness and inner peace. It can go wrong of course. Sometimes you stumble across inner conflicts and turmoil that ruin your whole day. But we have to face these conflicts or else they seep into our entire lives.
You’re so right – it is essential for mental health and wellbeing. It’s also essential for personal growth I think. Because we can really get to know who we are, and work out issues we may be facing. All good things. I really need to find more time for it in my life! hah thanks so much for stopping by! i always love seeing your name pop up on my dash board 🙂 happy new year my beautiful friend! hugs xox
You’re always welcome 😊
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There is an old 1967 hit, by Brian Poole and The Tremeloes called ‘Silence Is Golden”..
Oh I love that! thanks for sharing! So glad you stopped by! have a happy new year! xox
You too, and listen to Brian Poole!
Will do! 👍👍
Lovely and the soul’s still pond has reflections of you waiting. So glad you get to relax far from the midding crowd. Very nice subject
Thanks Rob!! Yeah, it’s so nice in the quiet. It’s good to be home:) hope you have a happy new year! Hugs and love xox
Same for you. We know how those people can be down there. Don’t take no bull!!
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I can definitely relate to this post. Not because I love Ohio or not because I’ve never been in New York. Does Buffalo count? I can relate to it because I experienced noise during my exam time. When I see the noise during exam time I’m not referring to ghetto blasters or boomboxes even Walkman from 1991 I’m referring to the business of the college life. And the definite sometimes overwhelming urge to stay on task and do your homework and then sometimes your studies from a spiritual perspective get put on the burner beside your school homework. I’m very blessed these days because I am currently out of the Concrete Jungle of my apartment complex I’m going to be enjoying the second semester of my first year in radio at home in the country but I will be commuting everyday PS Akron is beautiful this time of year especially Jubilee Donuts
Thanks! Haha buffalo I think definitely counts. That’s so great to hear you’ll be at home in the country for this next chapter! Exciting! Hugs and love xox
Thanks
xoxo
Very beautifully said. Silence is getting harder and harder to find. I feel closest to God when I can get out in nature and soak in the serene beauty that He has created. If only I could do that more often and get away from the noise. Thanks for sharing! God bless you in the new year.
Thanks so much Carla. Oh yeah, I love being out in nature too. It definitely makes me feel closer to our Creator. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Excellent post and well put! Even when life isn’t busy, it’s easy to fill it up with stuff and noise just so we don’t have face that Still Small Voice
Thank you so much! You’re so right- gotta keep listening for that gentle whisper. Hugs xox
Couldn’t sleep – thanks for the bedtime story. I think I’ll listen to the quiet, count my blessings and fall asleep… 😴 Zzzzz
I’m sorry you can’t sleep! Hope you can catch some Z’s Hugs and love xox
I really enjoyed your post! I feel like I need time to reflect everyday to be able to have a relationship with God. I call it my one-on-one time with God. To dig into His word and just focus on Him before I start my day. I find this to help me start my day on the right foot and to remember to be patient with others and kind to others even when they may not deserve it. I like the part where you mention that silence is not always a bad thing. We need that every now and then to bring us back to a place of calm. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts and being open as well! It is cool to find others who are like minded in this way!
Thank you so much! I hear ya. Having that one on one time with Him is so important. That’s such a great way to start the day. So glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Great as always . I welcome everyone to come n visit me. Bless you all
Thanks so much:) Hugs and love xox
love your blog, sending you some Christian Xmas cards I have made for 2016 with best wishes
https://fightingthedemonanorexia.wordpress.com/2016/12/27/christmas-cards-2016/
Aw thank you so much! Oh wow what a beautiful thing:) that’s so kind. Thank you xox
Silence and stillness really has come to me as important this last year. The realization that true silence is not just absence of sound, and stillness is not absence of movement. And how worthwhile it is to actually silence ones mind to see and feel what’s beneath!
Hey there! You’re right-it allows us to feel what’s beneath. I love that 🙂 thanks for stopping by! Big hugs xox
Enjoy the silence, it sounds beautiful
Thanks so much! Yes! Gotta love some peace and quiet. Hugs and love xox
Lovely post Caralyn – couldn’t help thinking about Jesus asleep in the boat during the storm (Matthew 8 23:27). I think this is the level of peace we all long for and that only He can provide; so that you can have it even in New York! Hope you enjoyed Christmas with your family best wishes, Andrew
Thank you so much! Oh yes! What a powerful scripture passage. You’re right – He will always provide. Big hugs xox
Poustinia
I guess I don’t know what that word means! 😳🤔😬haha but I’m glad you stopped by! Big hugs xox
Yes. I am desperate for silence right now. (With a house full of kids home for the holidays and all that entails, my quiet time gets squished out… and I am feelin’ it!!!) I ache for quiet. I crave the silence and space that I need to really connect with Jesus on a deep level. Thanks for this great reminder… I’ll try hard to find a quiet corner in the next few days…. 🙂 Blessings.
Hey K! Thanks so much – wow ! Sounds like you had a busy Christmas! Yes-I love that connection that comes with quiet time with Jesus. 🙂 hope you can find a few minutes to get away! Hugs and love xox
“Be Still” was my motto for all of 2016! Its amazing what you can hear when you are “still” in His presence or in life in general! Enjoy the quiet and have an amazing new year when it comes!
Hi Soph! Oh, what a powerful motto! So true – there’s so much to hear in the silence. Thanks for stopping by! What will 2017’s motto be?? 🙂 Hugs and love xox
It seems that grace has been a recurring theme for me as of late so somewhere in the lines of a”His grace will keep me” ❤
Oh yes, His Grace will definitely keep us:)
You said:
That would be a nightmare for me. living in Meridian, Idaho (suburb of Boise), my little neighborhood is very quiet at night. Over a year ago, I attended a conference in Portland and my hotel room faced the street and yes, it was noisy. I barely slept at night. Coffee was my friend during the day. I had my big city adventures when I was young (lived in San Francisco), but now that I’m a cranky old man, I like it peaceful and still.
Hi James! Thanks for this reflection. Sounds idyllic in Idaho! Haha oh coffee – our best friend. Thanks for stopping by! H
You speak such truth! I myself live in the Mile High City, and it’s constantly noisy; there’s never a quiet moment. But then when I finally get a quiet moment with myself, I feel like I need to be doing something. I hate the silence. But, I’m going to try this, as I need to dig deep within myself to move forward and heal with God. Thank you for this post girly. 🙂
Thank you so much! Oh Denver! What a cool city! Yeah I can definitely relate…I need to work on stillness and peace in silence. Thanks for sharing your heart:) big big hugs xox
This was beautiful and resonated with me today. Thanks!
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it! Hugs and love xox
Happy new year 2017.
Good posts, beautiful blog.
Congratulations.
Welcome to see my creations:
http://paintdigi.com
Thanks so much! Looking forward to checking it out! Hugs and love xox
you’r welcome friend 🙂
🙂 🙂 🙂 xox
“Be Still, and know that I am God” Ps 46
Happy new year sister. I’m glad to have “met” you in this space. This quiet space 🙂
xoxoxo
Jeff
Thanks Jeff! Oh I love that verse so much! Thanks for passing it along! You too! Hugs and love xox
Inspiring! Sometimes,only in silent night that we can hear things that our ears cannot hear and our eyes cannot see. May you be blessed more this new year! I can see not only beauty beyond bones but mostly the beauty beyond your heart…God Bless!
Thanks so much! You’re right- there is so much to hear when it is silent 🙂 Hugs and love xox
[…] liked the recent post on Beauty Beyond Bones so much I just had to share a few of her words. Her eloquent words say so much more than I could […]
Thanks for the link up! HH
Beautiful thoughts! Rural Iowa is quiet too…don’t think I could sleep in NYC 😉
Thanks Lynn:) haha yeah, nyc is quite the noisy city! Haha enjoy the peace and quiet! Hugs and love xox
I can never have enough quiet. I drive my husband crazy! He has to have noise. lol!
I live in a rural part, winter is the quietest time of the year and I love it! I wait all summer for my hush hush winter, when you can hear the snowflakes fall.
Your thoughts are so soft and beautiful. I hope you find the quiet you are looking for in Ohio.
Aw what a kind thing to say. Thank you so much. Haha yeah, opposites attract! Yeah I do love the stillness of a snowy night:) happy new year! Hugs and love xox
Happy New Year to you too!
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I read a book by John Ortberg a year ago. He said one of the hardest things for us to do is sit in silence but it is very crucial. We need to do it often. Thanks for the reminder.
Hi Saleama, thanks for this. Yeah so true – definitely hard to just be present in silence. Big hugs xox
🙂 this was so beautiful to read and gave me a sense of peace and refuge just imagining the stillness and prayer of your heart 🙂 Ohio sounds beautiful although I love New York and its noise and smells too 😉 Em
Thank you so much Em! oh, Ohio is absolutely beautiful. haha oh the nyc smells! gotta love em! thanks for stopping by! hugs xox
Reblogged this on James E. Woods.
Hey James! Thanks for the reblog! hugs xox
Finding stillness and quiet is difficult in our always on world. We recently house sat out in the country. So quiet. Almost “there is a murdered coming to get you in the night” quiet. Fortunately, we survived.
Your post made me think of Paul Miller’s book, “A Praying Life: Connecting With God in a Distracting World.” Have you read it?
Hi Brad, I haven’t read it! But it sounds like a great book! I’ll definitely have to check it out. haha, glad you made it out of that silent night alive 😉 hugs xox
This is beautiful
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it! happy new year! hugs xox
“Because honestly, when we slow down and be still, we have to sit with ourselves. We have to come face to face with some truths. With who we are. With who we’ve become.”
^This line got to me. So very true. Sometimes that’s what makes silence so scary.
Thanks so much, my friend. I’m glad this hit home with you. Yeah, definitely something I have to be mindful of and work on 🙂 hugs to you xox
Silence is hard where every bit of your attention is demanded elsewhere. Many pay good money to learn to sit alone with themselves. So, accept that gift wherever you may find it. There are many times when I don’t when others do because I’m, fine. I don’t know a better word for it.
Hey Kenzie! That’s such a great point! People really do pay money to learn just that. It’s actually kind of bizarre when you think about it. But there’s importance in stillness. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
Hi Caralyn. My friend helped create Current/Elliot, it’s a fancy LA brand. Among some others but, he was falling apart and LA will turn on you, haha. So, he bought a piano and moved to a small town in PA. He only sells a few songs a year to survive. I think artists need that, quiet. To find their their way maybe. This post reminded me of that.
Oh wow, what a powerful story Elliot has. Sounds like he’s found his place of peace. Good for him:)
He’s happy. That’s pretty neat you could hear the subway through the floor. It’s a nice picture of you also.
Oh thanks:) yeah the subway – it never sleeps! Haha 🙂
Haha. 🙂 You have a pretty neat life. Do you think people just choose escapism over silence because of the fear of knowing yourself? I know, when I work long hours it is when I don’t feel connected that I have to call it a day. I noticed that’s when other people even escape that through their devices and stream shows or drink. I read and draw, I don’t know who has it right really my love of old ideas or trusting the hive mind of popular culture.
Streams shows is a big one. You always have such interesting thoughts and comments:)
Very perceptive 👌
Thanks. I’m the same in real life.
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Yeah silence is golden and freaky. I’ll probably always have to use ambient noise to fall asleep. But as you say silence is important. There’s a reason why it’s a spiritual discipline. Not speaking can have a similar effect. An interesting experience for Lent would be only speaking when absolutely necessary or when spoken to or something.
Can you see all the stars where you are in Ohio? That’s the other thing about leaving the city: Stars. I love being able to actually see the Milky Way. Silence and stars sounds very purifying and relaxing.
Hey Aaron! Oh gosh, yes the stars are such an awesome part of Ohio too. Sometimes, living in the city, I forget they’re up there! Haha they definitely speak to the splendor of God! Big hugs and happy 2017!
Happy Wonderful New Year….Thank You For Inspiring Me…You Are Fantastic
Thanks so much! Gosh what a kind thing to say:) you too! Happy 2017! Hugs and love xox
Hugs and Love XOXO
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This is a beautiful reflection. Thank you for sharing this insight into that basic need: silence. I started incorporating that into worship regularly at church and find that it is a marvel how long even 2 minutes can feel but how refreshing 2 minutes of silence can be. And yes, then God can be heard much better when we are still. Love this. Thank you
Thank you so much! You’re right. It is a basic need. Oh wow, that’s awesome that you incorporate it into worship. Rock on! Hugs and love xox
Silence is indeed very important. I’m so happy the city I live in has parks! Best wishes and have a happy new year!
Thanks Cookie Monster 🙂 oh yes, parks are definitely a respite from the hustle and bustle! Hugs and love xox
Reminded…in Peace.
Reflect…in Peace.
Strengthened…in Peace.
A relationship…in Peace.
Thoughts…in Peace.
Listen…in Peace.
Understand…in Peace.
Speak…in Peace.
Taught…in Peace.
Teach…in Peace.
Reach out…in Peace.
Live…in Peace.
Rest…in Peace.
Wishing you a New Year of Peace, young Peace-Maker. ☺
This is so beautiful:) same to you, happy new year! Hugs xox
Have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Thanks for the likes.
Thanks so much! Same to you! Happy new year! Xox
I’m very happy you found a place of peace, and enjoying it.
My best wishes for you in the New Year.
Let it bring you all good, blessings, love, and good luck.
You are Amazing!
Thanks Ellen! Same to you! Happy new year! Hugs and love xox
Thanks. Very profound. Yes. Definitely God can minister to one’s soul in the silence.
In silence, one can experience the presence of God.
In silence, one’s questions can be answered and new questions can be raised.
In silence, direction can be discovered.
In silence, the balm that heals mental, emotional, and physical ailments pours forth and one can embrace the peace that passes all understanding.
Thanks Alex. Yes, silence is definitely powerful in how we can feel His love and presence. So true. Hugs xox
Silence is powerful in so many ways that it can’t be explained in just few lines. I’m glad you found it and you are making the most out of it. Happy new year!
Thanks Mona! You’re right, it is so powerful, and moving, and healing, and provides an opportunity to think and reflect…..yeah…much more than just a few lines! hahaha hugs xo
Actually what my point was that I can’t explain the power of silence in one comment…Now I realize I expressed it incorrectly 😬😂😂
Oh hahha gotcha! 👍👍❤❤😎😎
Well said. My mom always told me, “Silence is golden.” To which I could only add, enjoy it every chance you get.
What a great phrase. If rally is golden. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
I had some of the exact same thoughts this past week, visiting family in rural Ohio. The silence was needed, but somewhat unsettling, haha. If there’s one thing I learned from my years in New York City, it was that silence can’t be an end unto itself. Sometimes in the City, I didn’t have that option (obviously). But at the same time, I had the most peace-filled moments of my life amidst the chaos of the city. If I am able to treat silence as a way to posture myself to listen to God, I’ve found that He is there… just waiting for me to finally acknowledge Him. Thanks for this post!
Hi Josh! Thanks for sharing this. Wow, what a cool reflection – you’re right, amidst the chaos, one can find peace and even hear God. Amen to that, He is always there! big hugs xox
Wow, powerful stuff!
Aw thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it! Big hugs xox
Yaaassss I love this so much.
Thank you so much! I appreciate you stopping by! hugs xox
What a powerful testimony and great analogies.
Thanks for the wonderful insights
John Hayes
Aspirations of Living
Thank you so much John! You’re kind to say that. happy new year! hugs xox
Thank you for replying.
Jesus is good to us all isn’t he
YES HE IS! 🙂 hehe got a little excited there 😎
Glad you had a Silent Night, Vit. B! I always love silent moments, you know. I believe it is during such wherein you are closest to God. I pray that you always find that needed silence whenever you need it this 2017. Happy New Year! 🙂
Thanks Kyle! 😎 I think you’re right. There’s something about silence that is powerful and yes – makes me feel closest to God. Thanks for that beautiful prayer. Happy New Year!!! Hugs and love xox
The irony is beautiful! You’re welcome. 😊
🙂 🙂 🙂 hugs to you you Kyle xox
I ws just thinking if I could find a “quiet” place in my house for mediation it would be great.. my room is not right and the house is packed with work stuff.. i am researching it more but yes I need and desire quiet time to relax, recharge and get the mind on a positive level sometimes
Hey friend! oh yes, a little R&R does the body good. We let our electronics recharge, so should we! hehe Big hugs xox
Nice post. I like the phrase, “we have to sit with ourselves”. Very important to sit with ourselves and realize who we have become and if that is okay. Self-examiniation is indeed a very important part of being a Christian.
Thanks Mickey 🙂 yes – very important to do … and very difficult to do, in all honesty! hah big hugs to you xox
My husband and I went back to Ohio for Christmas as well and said the exact same thing. The quiet was startling (which sounds like an oxymoron, but I know you understand!). From the hustle and bustle of California, the quiet felt like such a needed respite. Like time was moving slower, and we finally had time to catch our breaths. I relate so well to this post. Moving into this year, I want to be more intentional about sitting in the quiet listening for God’s voice. Thank you for sharing, Caralyn. <3 Wishing you big blessings in this new year!
Hey Mackenzie! Thanks for this thoughtful reflection 🙂 Yes! me too…I’ll join you in the quest for more quiet time 🙂 hope your 2017 is off to a great start! massive hugs xox
I live in Cleveland – not much quiet here. Plus, I have a gang of children whobare on winter break! I find that late nights and early mornings are ideal for real quiet time. I sacrifice a bit of sleep just to have space to think.
I remember going “camping” at the cabins in Pymatuning and Salt Fork as a kid. I wish I could go back and enjoy the beauty of just being. I hope you enjoyed your visit, and are able to find quiet moments even in NYC.
Ok gosh yeah Cleveland is pretty noisy! Oh those camping trips sounds idyllic. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh sister, we’re SOOO on the same wavelength. LOVED this post! ☺☺
Aw thanks!!! So glad you could relate 🙂 thanks for stopping by! Big hugs xox
Great observation..silence is liberating 🙂
Thanks Sumi:) yes it is! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for sharing. This is how I felt leading up to Christmas, which saddens me as I couldn’t get myself to sit in silence, to take in the serenity of our calming natural surroundings and to just breath. I felt overwhelmed and lost to be honest.
Hey there, thank you for sharing this. I’m sorry that christmas was overwhelming. I definitely can relate…our “to do” lists are always super long and it’s hard to find that respite from the busyness. hope 2017 proves to be a quieter and more peaceful year 🙂 hugs xox
Silence is so key to hearing the Truth. Thanks for sharing:-)
Amen to that! So true! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
This is a perfect post to end 2015 on. I personally identify so much! I found blasting music or having a show on in the background the last few months causing overstimulation. My mind started shutting down, fatigued by all the noise, and I realized I also need quiet. Quiet resets my mind and in a way, gives me a chance to hear God more loudly. <3
Thanks so much! I’m so glad you could relate. Yes! It allows for us to hear the Father. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
Reblogged this on purelycrystals.
Thanks for sharing!
Our mountain in WV is really quiet too. And, dark when the moon is new. Ah…
Oscar
Hey Oscar! Wow that sounds absolutely idyllic! 🌚🌚🌚
Great post! Sometimes silence is all you need. Ohio is my second home <3
Thanks so much! You’re right… silence is so powerful to have:) thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox