Please help me welcome author, Zeke Lam, to The Mustard Seed today. He's here to share his thoughts in a guest blog and chat for a bit and he's also doing a book giveaway. Hope you can hang around.
How to Deal with the Winter Time Blues
Dealing with the winter time blues completely revolves around a shift in perspective. As a fast paced individual, I find it very difficult to be disciplined enough to stop and enjoy each moment as they pass. Although winter can be quite long and cold, my approach to it has changed throughout the years.
As I gaze out my window into a forest of trees without leaves, my mind immediately ponders the beauty of rest. Much of the wildlife as either moved or is spending time in hibernation. Absent from my ears is the sound of birds chirping and crows calling. Everything is just still and quiet, yet my heart and mind race with greater intensity.
Certainly a setting previously described is limited to rural life, but the concept I am talking about is the same worldwide. Winter offers a slight break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It gets dark earlier and snow days are huge possibilities. Winter offers mankind the chance to do exactly what takes place within nature’s habitat: rest.
This “rest” I speak of will definitely not take place to the extent that we may like, but truth be told, there are certain things about winter that just give us a little break. As previously mentioned, early nights and snow days can come along and slow down a day, but what about Christmas and New Year? Many folks get time off of work and have the opportunity to see family and friends.
Beating the winter time blues is all about a shift in perspective. Instead of complaining about the high electric bills, the lack of sun light for evening work, the cold, or the snow, I purposefully allow winter to be a season in which I stop and enjoy the simple moments I tend to overlook in the rapid pace of life. I get inside earlier in the evenings and spend time with my family. I take advantage of the snow and enjoy it with my children. It is not that I do not do these things year around, but winter seems to provide more opportunities.
Lastly, the best way to handle any winter time blues is expectation for the seasons to come. When life seems cold and blistery, we can take hope knowing that as this season fades, brighter days will follow. I appreciate the Lord’s design for winter, and living in a four season’s climate grants me the privilege of seeing His message through it. It represents rest, restoration, and rejuvenation.
Dealing with the winter time blues completely revolves around a shift in perspective. As a fast paced individual, I find it very difficult to be disciplined enough to stop and enjoy each moment as they pass. Although winter can be quite long and cold, my approach to it has changed throughout the years.
As I gaze out my window into a forest of trees without leaves, my mind immediately ponders the beauty of rest. Much of the wildlife as either moved or is spending time in hibernation. Absent from my ears is the sound of birds chirping and crows calling. Everything is just still and quiet, yet my heart and mind race with greater intensity.
Certainly a setting previously described is limited to rural life, but the concept I am talking about is the same worldwide. Winter offers a slight break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It gets dark earlier and snow days are huge possibilities. Winter offers mankind the chance to do exactly what takes place within nature’s habitat: rest.
This “rest” I speak of will definitely not take place to the extent that we may like, but truth be told, there are certain things about winter that just give us a little break. As previously mentioned, early nights and snow days can come along and slow down a day, but what about Christmas and New Year? Many folks get time off of work and have the opportunity to see family and friends.
Beating the winter time blues is all about a shift in perspective. Instead of complaining about the high electric bills, the lack of sun light for evening work, the cold, or the snow, I purposefully allow winter to be a season in which I stop and enjoy the simple moments I tend to overlook in the rapid pace of life. I get inside earlier in the evenings and spend time with my family. I take advantage of the snow and enjoy it with my children. It is not that I do not do these things year around, but winter seems to provide more opportunities.
Lastly, the best way to handle any winter time blues is expectation for the seasons to come. When life seems cold and blistery, we can take hope knowing that as this season fades, brighter days will follow. I appreciate the Lord’s design for winter, and living in a four season’s climate grants me the privilege of seeing His message through it. It represents rest, restoration, and rejuvenation.
Zeke and children in the Dominican Republic
Let's meet Zeke and then chat...
ZEKE LAM is the founder of SUBMISSION Ministries—a ministry devoted to seeing lost souls encounter God and live lives fully surrendered to the risen Christ. A graduate of Liberty University, Zeke’s deep passion for following Christ’s will has led him through many years of youth ministry and itinerant evangelism. Both of these experiences have enriched and fueled his desire to hand others the keys to a Christ-centered life. Zeke resides in Virginia with his beautiful wife, Kathleen, and a growing family of future world-changers. : Zeke's Website and Blog
ZEKE LAM is the founder of SUBMISSION Ministries—a ministry devoted to seeing lost souls encounter God and live lives fully surrendered to the risen Christ. A graduate of Liberty University, Zeke’s deep passion for following Christ’s will has led him through many years of youth ministry and itinerant evangelism. Both of these experiences have enriched and fueled his desire to hand others the keys to a Christ-centered life. Zeke resides in Virginia with his beautiful wife, Kathleen, and a growing family of future world-changers. : Zeke's Website and Blog
Zeke, thanks so much for sharing with us about dealing with the winter blues...very inspiring message to take the time to slow down and enjoy the simpler moments in life. So, why do you like being an author?
It gives me the opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ to people I may never meet. My purpose for writing revolves around making the name and salvation of Jesus known around the world.
That's probably the best reason I've heard from an author. Who’s your favorite author of classic literature?
C.S. Lewis
I'm also a Lewis fan. Do you have a fond memory of interaction with a reader?
On a few occasions, I have had the privilege of discussing the impact of my book on a person’s life. As they explained how a certain section or portion has enhanced their walk with the Lord and changed their lives, I am humbled and touched that Jesus could use me in this way. These testimonies are interactions that I will never forget.
It gives me the opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ to people I may never meet. My purpose for writing revolves around making the name and salvation of Jesus known around the world.
That's probably the best reason I've heard from an author. Who’s your favorite author of classic literature?
C.S. Lewis
I'm also a Lewis fan. Do you have a fond memory of interaction with a reader?
On a few occasions, I have had the privilege of discussing the impact of my book on a person’s life. As they explained how a certain section or portion has enhanced their walk with the Lord and changed their lives, I am humbled and touched that Jesus could use me in this way. These testimonies are interactions that I will never forget.
Can you share with us about your book, SUBMISSION: Heeding Only His Voice?
What is the greatest challenge that the Church is facing today? One word is the greatest challenge: submission, or the lack thereof. It is not external forces that nullify the testimony of a Christ-centered believer, but rather the failure to humbly submit to the voice of the Lord. This book will help you to live a surrendered life abiding in Christ.
Is the approval of God more important to you than the approval of man?
Is the presence of God evident in your life?
Do you fiercely protect your intimacy with Christ?
Do you desire to live a life of truth, free from the lies of the devil?
Is God’s divine character visible to those around you?
Learn how to submit your life wholeheartedly to the Lord so that you can dwell continually in the secret place—a place of intimacy, surrender and joy.
Sounds like a book going on my TBR list. Where can readers find your book online?
Purchase Link for Submission: Heeding only His Voice
Zeke, thanks so much for guesting today and sharing with us. I enjoyed chatting with you and learning more about you and your book.
If you would like to enter to win a copy of Zeke's book, please feel free to comment on this blog post. Here's what others are saying about Zeke's book:
Prepare to be stirred by this authentic calling to return to Scriptural obedience.
--Pastor Gabe Turner, The Point Church of Charlottesville, Virginia
In my opinion Zeke has laid his finger on the defining message for our time. This message is essential for believers everywhere…
--Eric Stephens, Pastor of Life Changing Ministries and Fellowship in Sugarland, Texas
What is the greatest challenge that the Church is facing today? One word is the greatest challenge: submission, or the lack thereof. It is not external forces that nullify the testimony of a Christ-centered believer, but rather the failure to humbly submit to the voice of the Lord. This book will help you to live a surrendered life abiding in Christ.
Is the approval of God more important to you than the approval of man?
Is the presence of God evident in your life?
Do you fiercely protect your intimacy with Christ?
Do you desire to live a life of truth, free from the lies of the devil?
Is God’s divine character visible to those around you?
Learn how to submit your life wholeheartedly to the Lord so that you can dwell continually in the secret place—a place of intimacy, surrender and joy.
Sounds like a book going on my TBR list. Where can readers find your book online?
Purchase Link for Submission: Heeding only His Voice
Zeke, thanks so much for guesting today and sharing with us. I enjoyed chatting with you and learning more about you and your book.
If you would like to enter to win a copy of Zeke's book, please feel free to comment on this blog post. Here's what others are saying about Zeke's book:
Prepare to be stirred by this authentic calling to return to Scriptural obedience.
--Pastor Gabe Turner, The Point Church of Charlottesville, Virginia
In my opinion Zeke has laid his finger on the defining message for our time. This message is essential for believers everywhere…
--Eric Stephens, Pastor of Life Changing Ministries and Fellowship in Sugarland, Texas
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