If your favorite activity is just walking along the shoreline, smelling the fresh ocean air and feeling the wind blowing against your face, then there is no better time than winter when you can experience the beach without too many people around. While most people think that seaside activities are limited for the warm summer days, there are so many things to do at the beach in winter too!
Make a Beach Fire Pit
Nothing beats a beach fire pit to spend quality time with your family or friends, or just by yourself. If you live in an area where it’s legal to have a fire pit, then don’t forget to take advantage of the winter months to have a little beach party.
You will not only enjoy the lovely warmth coming off the flames, but you can roast marshmallows and make all sorts of tasty treats like s’mores. Keeping yourself warm by the fire while talking to your loved ones and listening to music is certainly one of the best things to do at the beach in winter. Just remember to always extinguish the fire completely before going back home!
Surfing
Winter is a great time to go surfing since this is the time of the year where you can catch some great waves. And not only the conditions are excellent but also schools are less crowded which means courses and equipment rental are a lot cheaper too. I don’t do this activity anymore.
Birdwatching
Another fun activity at the beach during winter is bird watching since it allows you to appreciate nature like never before. Many species spend the winter months in wildlife refuges near coastal areas and go back inland when spring comes around which means that you will be able to see different types of birds at once.
Many local communication channels offer information about different types of birds and even their migration patterns, allowing people to understand how important they are. Birdwatching is fun to do. I enjoy learning about knew kinds of birds that live next to the ocean. Even though this activity can be quite slow, it is worth doing it since observing nature can truly change your life for the better.
Watch the sunset
Sunset at the beach is something that can never get old. It’s so beautiful every day but especially in wintertime when the setting sun colors the clouds bright pink and red.
Tip: bring a picnic bag too filled with some snacks and something hot to drink and turn this cold weather beach activity into a romantic date experience!
Beachcombing
When wondering what to do at the beach in winter that costs nothing but brings fun for both young and old, you should definitely try beachcombing! The off-season is an excellent period for this activity when the coast is not as crowded, so it will be easier for you to find treasures from the sea such as various shells, shark tooth, sea glass and other interesting pieces that wash up on shore.
Go for a walk along the beach
Going to the beach in winter can provide you with various benefits, so why not take advantage of the fresh air and go on a nice long walk? Stroll around next to the ocean and chase the waves to find sand dollars. You don’t even have to leave everything you normally do inside, such as reading or listening to music. Just remember that it starts getting dark earlier and chilly in the evenings, so make sure to bring a torch/flashlight and jacket with you!
Organize beach game tournaments
If you are going to spend the weekend by the ocean with your family, game tournaments are another fun thing to do at the beach in winter since it allows everyone to get involved, especially if you have kids who love sports. You can choose from tennis, football, volleyball and many other types of team sports depending on your clan’s liking.
Fishing
If you have friends or family members who share the same passion for fishing, then this is one of the best winter beach activities that you can do together. Unless you want to go by yourself to fish, just make sure you have the right gear on. Enjoy this activity!
If you do not know where to start, then many local guides and services provide information about which type of fish is currently available at your favorite spot. Remember that this type of activity requires preparation since knowing what to expect from a specific location is vital for winter weather conditions. Do your research and ask for help from professional fishermen if needed!
Kayaking
When the ocean is too cold to swim, you can still go kayaking. A sunny, calm day offers excellent conditions to go out for an adventure to explore your local waters and get some exercise!
Many think that kayaking is a typical summer sport, but the truth is that it is more enjoyable during the winter months when there are fewer people out on the water so you can experience nature at its best. To ensure a safe experience, you need to plan a winter kayaking trip well in advance and get some special gear especially if you live in an area where the temperatures can get really low, but with thoughtful preparation, it is a great way to enjoy a cold day at the beach! Make sure you put on your long johns.
Camping
Beach camping is another excellent activity to do at the beach when it’s too cold to swim. There are numerous camping facilities available during the cold months offering a truly appealing experience for people who simply want to take their time enjoying our God’s beauty in the quiet off-season.
DO A BEACH WORK OUT
If you love exercising but hate going to a gym, then why not do it at the beach? You can just do your own thing, such as squat jumps or running on the sand, which requires more effort due to the soft surface but on the other hand, it also minimizes the risk of injuries and muscle damage because of the lower impact forces.
Doing exercise is one of those winter beach activities that will keep your body healthy and relax your mind. You can even intensify your training by taking a dip in the water or surfing through waves if you feel like it. If you want to reconnect with God’s nature, or just feel the sand between your toes, take your next workout to the beach!
Well, I hope you all got some ideas to do on the beach in the wintertime. I encourage you to rest next to your wood stove in your cabin too. And read your Bible or a book you’ve been wanting to have time to read. Enjoy yourselves at the ocean!
Modeling the first Thanksgiving on Sukkot/Feast of Tabernacles
America’s first Thanksgiving holiday took place in 1621, just a few months after the first Pilgrim settlers first landed on the shores of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. They arrived in the New World just as winter was approaching and spent their first few months in Massachusetts huddled on the Mayflower boat(Christipher Columbus) that had brought them from England, relying on the ship’s stores of food. Fully half of the Pilgrims perished over the winter.
When the weather began to improve, they ventured onto land. March 21 was the day the Pilgrims officially left the Mayflower and began to farm and build homesteads. The Pilgrims were aided by members of the local Abenaki, Pawtuxet and Wampanoag tribes, particularly by a Pawtuxet man named Squanto who had an amazing history. He had been kidnapped some years previously by an English ship captain, had learned English, and eventually returned to his tribe in Massachusetts. With Squanto’s aid, the Pilgrims succeeded in cultivating native crops.
At harvest time, the Pilgrims declared a three-day long feast of Thanksgiving to thank God for their harvest. Deeply religious Christians, the Pilgrims were well acquainted with the Hebrew Bible and Jewish holidays, including the autumn festival of Sukkot, when Jewish pilgrims brought offerings from their harvests to the Temple in Jerusalem. Some see the first American Thanksgiving was an attempt to thank God for His goodness in a new place, and to a new set of Pilgrims, a conscious imitation of Sukkot.
Pilgrim leader William Bradford had another Jewish custom in mind when he declared a service of thanksgiving soon after the Pilgrims made landfall in 1620. He opened his Bible and led the Pilgrims in reciting Psalm 107.
2. Ensuring Jews Can Celebrate Thanksgiving
During Colonial times, it was common for colonies to declare special days of thanksgiving at times of prosperity and good fortune. Shearith Israel, the oldest synagogue in America, eagerly took part. Established in 1654 by Sephardi Jews seeking refuge from the Portuguese Inquisition in Brazil, Shearith Israel (also known as the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue) took part in various thanksgiving celebrations that were declared by New York’s colonial governor. Shearith Israel wrote new prayers and included prayers of thanksgiving during these colonial thanksgiving days.
There were times, however, when New York’s Colonial Governor insisted that special days of thanksgiving have a specifically Christian character. (This was true of other colonies as well, which sometimes insisted that days of thanksgiving be celebrated with Christian prayers.) At these times, Shearith Israel had no choice but to refrain from taking part. The synagogue’s predicament became known to George Washington, thanks to the synagogue’s leader, Gershom Mendes Seixas, the congregation’s cantor who was devoted to the cause of American Independence, and his family.
President George Washington
Many of Shearith Israel’s members joined the Continental Army and fought with George Washington; approximately 20 members of the synagogue died in America’s revolutionary war. After the war, Seixas was selected to be one of the small number of clergy people present at George Washington’s presidential inauguration. When the new President declared a national day of Thanksgiving for the new United States in 1789, he specifically made his day of thanks non-denominational, ensuring that his Jewish supporters could fully take part in America’s first national thanksgiving festival.
3. The Shavuot Connection
Thanksgiving only became a regular, annual holiday in 1863. That was thanks in large part to one woman: Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of America’s most popular journal, Godey’s Ladies Journal.
Hale was a progressive idealist. Each year, starting in 1846, she published a public appeal in Godey’s, asking the government to establish a national day of Thanksgiving across the entire country. Notably, she called for a day of Thanksgiving in which all Americans, including Jews, could take part. Hale made specific reference to a key Jewish holiday in her annual appeal, “Pentecost,” which is a Greek name for the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, the day God gave the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai.
Sarah Hale
Hale saw this Jewish holiday as a time for family gatherings and giving charity so that no poor household would be left out of the national celebration. (Hale lived in New Hampshire, which had a small Jewish population, It’s possible she observed the ways that Jews support their communities with charity, ensuring that all members have the resources to celebrate festivals such as Shavuot and other Jewish holidays.)
“The noble annual feast day of our Thanksgiving resembles, in some respects, the Feast of Pentecost, which was, in fact, the yearly season of Thanksgiving with the Jews,” Hale insisted in the pages of her magazine, year after year. Fixing a regular Thanksgiving day “would then have a national character…. It is a festival which will never become obsolete, for it cherishes the best affections of the heart – the social and domestic ties. It calls together the dispersed members of the family circle, and brings plenty, joy and gladness to the dwellings of the poor and lowly.”
President Lincoln finally listened to Hale’s entreaties – and those of her many readers and admirers – and proclaimed the final Thursday in November to be an annual holiday of Thanksgiving across the United States. Deep in the Civil War, it was the hope of many that a national day of Thanksgiving could help heal the country’s wounds.
4. The Jew Who Changed the Date of Thanksgiving
For years, Thanksgiving was celebrated on the last Thursday in November: until a Jewish businessman helped alter the date – and provoked a firestorm across America.
In 1939, there were five Thursdays in November and Thanksgiving fell on November 30. With the economy in depression, merchants were worried that a late Thanksgiving would mean an unusually short Christmas shopping season, as in the 1930s it was customary to start decorating stores and promoting Christmas merchandise only after the Thanksgiving holiday.
American retailers lobbied President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to bring Thanksgiving forward a week, to November 23, to help America’s embattled retailers. The leader of the push was Fred Lazarus, Jr., the Jewish chairman of the Federated Department Stores, a national retailing grouping he’d organized in 1930 to link stores in different communities by sharing a financial base. (Federated Department Stores eventually became Macy’s.)
Fred Lazarus, Jr.
Lazarus’ logic appealed to President Roosevelt, who changed Thanksgiving from the final Thursday of November to the third Thursday of the month in order to help the nation’s merchants. This provoked a swift backlash from conservative states and politicians, some of whom seized on the change to promote antisemitic tinged criticisms of Pres. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies. Critics called the “new” Thanksgiving “Franksgiving” and many states refused to celebrate it.
The backlash fell along party lines. As the New England Historical Society notes, “Republicans called Roosevelt’s declaration an affront to the memory of Lincoln. (P)eople began referring to the ‘Republican Thanksgiving (last Thursday) and the ‘Democratic Thanksgiving’ (fourth Thursday) as ‘Franksgiving’.”
Pres. Roosevelt changed Thanksgiving back to its original date in 1941. Fred Lazarus Jr. went on to contribute to the American war effort, serving as vice-chairman of the Retail Advisory Council of the National Council of Defense. He also served on the Office of Price Administration and the War Production Board during World War II. After the war, President Eisenhower appointed Lazarus to the President’s Committee on Government Contracts, where Lazarus was a voice for fair labor practices. He passed away in 1973.
5. Inventing Thanksgiving Day Parade
No Thanksgiving would be complete without watching a Thanksgiving Day Parade, a tradition started by the descendants and business partners of a Jewish immigrant named Adam Gimbel.
Adam Gimbel
Born in 1817 in Bavaria, Gimbel moved to America where he worked as a dock hand and then a travelling peddler. He soon gained a sterling reputation as a scrupulously honest businessman who treated all people fairly, no matter what their background. Gimbel founded Gimbels Department Store in Milwaukee. He later expanded to Philadelphia; after his death, he sons expanded Gimbel’s further, opening a store in New York City.
In 1920, Bernard Gimbel, Adam’s grandson, held the first Thanksgiving Day Parade, sponsoring a huge spectacle that marched from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to Gimbel’s Department Store at 8th and Market Streets. Each year, until the last Gimbels’ Parade in 1986, the department store sponsored Philadelphia’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. Macy’s in New York started their own Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924, in a clear imitation of Gimbels’.
6. Creating America’s Green Bean Casserole
The iconic green bean casserole topped with crunchy fried onions that many Americans enjoy on Thanksgiving has a remarkable story, and was popularized in the 1950s by the Jewish food writer Cecily Brownstone. In 1955, Ms. Brownstone wrote a story about a journalists’ dinner she’d attended at the home of John Snively Jr., a pioneering citrus grower in Florida.
At the dinner, Mrs. Snively served a delicious green bean casserole – and shared a remarkable story about that signature dish. The Snivelys had recently hosted the Shah of Iran and his wife, and Mrs. Snively made her delicious green bean casserole. The Iranian Queen was so taken with the dish that she kept asking about its ingredients. The Snivelys’ butler answered each question, until he finally lost his patience and told the royal, “Listen, lady, it’s just beans and stuff.”
Cecily Brownstone realized this would make a great food article. She wrote it up, but wanted a recipe to go with her story. Ms. Brownstone reached out to the Campbell Soup Company to see if they could help her develop a fool-proof green bean casserole that was similar to what she’d eaten at the Snivelys. Campbell complied, creating the iconic recipe featuring cream of mushroom soup that’s still popular today.
This is what I found in history. I hope this gets you all to investigate more for yourself. Many Blessings through this Harvest time for farmers and through this Autumn Thanksgiving time. To celebrate God’s Beauty all around you.
A unique birthday card written by you is the best way to show love but let’s be honest, we’re not always that creative.
However, there’s still a way to come up with the most beautiful unique birthday wish for your loved one.
Here’s a collection of happy 55th birthday wishes, pick your favorite and you’re good to go!
This customized birthday message collection contains unique birthday wishes written by me and the most beautiful birthday wishes I found online.
Take a look!
1. “You make 55 look fabulous! Keep shining and inspiring everyone around you. Happy birthday!”
2. “Out of all gifts and treasures life has bestowed upon me, you’re the most special one. Happy birthday, dear!
3. “May your deepest desires and biggest dreams start coming true this year. Happy birthday!”
4. “You’re my biggest source of inspiration and someone I look up to. I wish you the happiest of birthday!”
5. “Don’t worry about wrinkles or grey hair, they simply add to your extraordinary beauty. Happy 55th birthday!” You’re Not Too Old Girl!
6. “Today is a special day, today is your 55th birthday. May this be the best one so far and may the next few be even better. Happy birthday!
7. “Fifty-five years of wisdom, love and happiness. I hope you will celebrate 55 more. Well maybe? Happy birthday!”
8. “True beauty only increases with each passing year. You’re gorgeous! Happy 55th birthday!”
9. “There are no words to describe the love I have for you. You’re truly special to me. Happy 55th birthday!”
10. “You’re a gift to everyone around you. Thank you for being the way you are and thank you for being in my life. Happy birthday!”
Romantic Happy 55th Birthday Wishes For Your Love
1. “You must have been handpicked by God himself for me. Happy birthday to you, my love. 55 has got nothing on you!”
2. “Happy birthday to someone who enriches my life to no end! Having you around is like a ray of sunshine, constantly brightening my days. I am so grateful for you and for everything that you do. I’m wishing you the best and most wonderful birthday possible, my dear because you sure do deserve it!”
3. “Wishing a happy 55th birthday to the love of my life who keeps my soul happy and alive. Being with a wonderful person like you is total paradise.”
4. “Every year is a new opportunity to grow into an even better version of yourself. I can’t wait to keep watching you shine!”
5. “Rather than look 55, you’re as ageless as the finest of wine. Happy birthday, my love. God bless you.”
6. “Your existence makes me believe in twin flames. Happy 55th birthday to my one and only!”
7. “I’m so proud of the beautiful, meaningful life we’ve built for ourself. If I went back, I’d still do it all over again. Happy birthday, my love!
8. “I know I don’t always show it, but you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Let’s make your birthday the special celebration it should be, and I’ll remind you just how much you mean to me.”
9. “If I could gift you anything, I would gift you the ability to see yourself through my eyes. Happy birthday, my love!”
Happy 55th Birthday Wishes For Your Mom
1. “If I can be even half the woman you are, I’ll be proud of myself. Happy birthday to a mom who sets the bar high!”
2. “You’ve taught me everything I know, guided me through life’s most difficult moments, and inspired me to keep going along the way. Words will never explain just how much that means to me.”
3. “Happy birthday to the woman who brought me into this world and helped me each step of the way. Hope you feel a world of love and joy shining down on you today!”
4. “Mom and best friend, all wrapped up in one person. I’m so blessed to have you as my mom. Happy 55th birthday!”
5. “To the most gorgeous woman who just reached this triumphal milestone and the fact that she is my mother makes my heart dance in the rain. Happy 55th birthday, mom!”
6. “Today marks the 55th birthday of the loveliest, kindest and most wonderful person I know! Happy birthday to the best mother in the world!
7. “When I think about my favorite childhood memories, I realize they were all so special because you were making our lives magical. Happy birthday to you, let’s keep making memories this year!”
8. “Happy birthday to the woman who helped to make all my dreams and aspirations possible, my darling mom. May your birthday be filled with delight this year.”
9. “You play so many parts of my life: teacher, friend, and mom. But no one can ever fill your role in my life. You are my everything, Mom.”
10. “You’re more than a mother. You’re the greatest woman I know. Thank you for everything, and happy birthday.”
I do hope these help you find the words to say to your mom and also to your loved one. I pray these touch you as they all inspire and give me encouragement to keep keeping on towards the next half of my life. Praise Yeshua ha Mashiach!
The secret to peace and contentment is not a gnostic secret. It is not concealed knowledge only revealed to those who achieve higher degrees. This secret is hidden in plain sight throughout the Scripture’s and is available to anyone who is willing to believe it.
The Secret
Yahweh has not only gone public with this secret, but he invites us and longs for us to know it. He does not want us to merely know about this secret, not to merely preach it, explain it, enjoy the idea of it, or wish for it but to know it by experience.
Yeshua described the kind of experience he wants us to know:
“Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. [For] your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” (Luke 12:22, 30–31)
Paul, from prison, shared his experience of the secret with all who would listen:
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11–13)
The secret to contentment is very simple. And it does not require heroic acts of piety. No, in fact it requires a childlike response from us. The secret is beautifully summed up in this phrase: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5).
Could It Really Be as Simple as That?
Is it really that simple? Just trust God? Yes. So simple, but its reality is revolutionary.
God designed us to operate on trust. We are reasoning creatures made in God’s image. But God did not make us little gods; he made us in small measure like God. He did not give us his capacities to contain all knowledge and all wisdom. We only contain very small amounts of each. Nor did he give us his power to bring into being whatever we wish. Our power is very limited for now. Yeshua designed us to trust Him in whatever knowledge, wisdom, and strength He provides us and to trust his knowledge, wisdom, and strength when ours reach their limits.
What happened with Adam and Eve in the garden is that they broke trust with Yahweh by eating the forbidden fruit. When they did this, they unhinged their reason from Reality (Genesis 3:6) and besides living in a world subjected to futility (Romans 8:20), they had to deal with the overwhelming complexities of the knowledge of good and evil without the capacities of wisdom and knowledge and strength to adequately process them.
The story of the redemptive history, culminating in Jesus’s incarnation, death, and resurrection, is God undoing the catastrophe of the garden and restoring sinful humans to holiness and once again trusting in him with all their heart.
No matter who we are, no matter what our gifts and abilities, no matter what our background, it all really does come down to trusting God with our whole heart. If we trust him, our hearts will not be sinfully troubled (John 14:1). And trusting is simple. But it is by no means easy.
Why Trusting and Obeying Is Hard
The devil’s treachery and Adam and Eve’s fall from grace is why God chooses to save us by grace through faith, and not through works (Ephesians 2:8–9). God is looking for trust. Our works are important, in fact they’re crucial, but only in that they demonstrate that we trust God.
God knows that our living in simple trust in him will be hard for us in this age. Yeshua promised that it would be (Matthew 7:14). It’s hard because we’re called to trust Yeshua, demonstrated by our obeying Him, in a world under the power of the evil one that rejects and hates Him (1 John 5:19; John 14:15; 15:18), while living in a body of death that has faithless impulses (Romans 7:23–24).
But what we need to remember is that every time we are called to trust Yeshua’s promises over our perceptions and the devil’s deceptions, we reenact what happened in Eden. And every time we exercise trust Jesus by obeying what He says, it’s a smack down in the devil’s face.
We do not need to understand the “why” to every command of God or be able to answer every objection or shadow of doubt cast upon God’s word. But we do need to trust Yahweh and therefore obey Him. In fact, God is particularly glorified when, in the face of disorienting temptation, we do not fully understand Yeshua’s reasons and we trust and obey Him anyway we rest our reason on the Reason of God.
Experience the Secret
Trusting God is not easy, but it’s not complex. The knowledge of good and evil is complex. It produces tight knots we cannot untie. But we were never meant to. We were meant to trust God with them. And when we do, it is a great relief.
Trusting God is the secret:
To forgiving those who have sinned against us (Ephesians 4:32).
To giving generously to kingdom needs, even beyond your means (2 Corinthians 8:3).
To not allowing material abundance to choke the word in us (Matthew 13:22).
To facing every other fear and anxiety-producing temptation.
Yeshua promises to give us peace and contentment if we trust Him through everything in this life (Philippians 4:6–7). He really wants us to experience them in increasing measure, even here in this troubled world (John 16:33). So, He has given us the simple, Hard Secret: Trust me. It is the only way.
Making Yeshua the center and highest priority of your marriage may be the key to saving it, even if it’s not in trouble — yet.
How often do newlyweds excitedly affirm that God will be the heart and focus of their marriage only to find that excitement all but extinguished in short time. Sometimes it’s trials; sometimes it’s temptation; other times it’s just sheer boredom but what once seemed an essential commitment becomes a lost idea.
Part of the reason is that people honestly have no idea what it means to have a God-focused marriage. Nor do they understand the incredible freedom that accompanies it. The couple may be committed Believers, but their marriage becomes stagnant.
What then does it look like to have a grounded marriage?
God-Centered Marriage Means Knowing Him Intimately
You cannot make God a priority in your marriage if you do not know who He is personally. We live in a society that is increasingly unloving and committed. This creates exciting witnessing opportunities for our marriages if they are gospel grounded. However, it also means that we cannot count on culture being our aide. Bible, prayer, and worship have never had as little value in our society as they seem to have today. But these elements are essential if we desire to have a genuine relationship with Yeshua/Jesus.
We cannot know God outside of how He has revealed Himself to us through his word. We cannot communicate with Him outside of His Holy Spirit in relationship. We cannot experience full communion with Him apart from the Body of Christ. If we are to keep God at the center of our marriage, we must know who He is and that is only possible through regular reading Scripture, prayer, and worship.
I cannot have God as the priority of my marriage if I will not have Him as the priority of my life.
Knowing His Spirit
Knowing God means knowing his fellowship through His Holy Spirit. Christ has sent his Spirit to be inside of his remnant and to dwell in their hearts (1 Cor.3:16). This incredible fellowship never ceases to be. Not even when the born-again are sinning, and playing like enemies to the Lord, does His Holy Spirit leave us. A partial fulfillment of the promise of God is that he will never leave us nor forsake us (Deut. 31:6; Heb. 13:5). Though there may be times when we grieve His Spirit (Eph. 4:30), or God removes his countenance from us and we feel as if we are alone, the believer, in fact, always has access to Him. His Holy Spirit brings comfort (John 14:26), peace (John 14:27), and conviction (John 16:8). And when we do not know how to pray as we ought, He intercedes for us with groans too deep for words (Romans 8:26).
This means we can be free from the fear of loneliness because we are never actually alone. We no longer have to avoid conflict in order to preserve a faux fellowship/ relationship. But neither are we driven to conflict in order to create a false sense of intimacy. We are able to give our spouses the freedom to be wherever they are emotionally without the fear that their hurt, fear, and sadness (even joy!) may lead to our being alone. It means that we have an eternal advocate who knows our fears and pain.
Therefore, we are free from having to defend ourselves (He’s the Great Defender) we can take those things to the throne of grace, giving them to God, even when we don’t have the words. It means we are free from the drive to self-comfort because the divine Comforter is always in our reach. It also means that our spouses may be the means of God’s conviction of our sin. We are free to hear those places where we have hurt and scared our spouses, to learn from it, to ask forgiveness for it, and not to repeat that mistake again, even if we are relatively certain we will.
No Safer Place
Prioritizing Yeshua in our marriages means knowing Him in our hearts and reflecting Him in our actions. And loving Him always through any storm of life that tries to take away one of the greatest blessings Yeshua has given you.
Yeshua is the center of my marriage with all of the bumps and scraps along the way.
I wanted to share some deep hurts and digs from life experiences. Not just of what I’ve been through, but with many sisters and brothers I know. Yeshua has been bringing up to my attention lately that our hearts are important to Him. I seem to stuff or brush off any pain I feel now or have felt over the years.
I live in Yeshua’s heart, and I know He loves us all just the way we are. There are times I feel like I’m so alone with my deep cuts deep within my heart that have happened in my life. I have found most friends don’t feel comfortable to talk about their wounds either. I know Yeshua wants us to share them with Him, even though He knows them well.
Oh, how I want to take the time and sit with Father Yahweh and tell Him every scar/hurt inside me. But there are times I stuff them so deep; I forget them. Yeshua is so faithful to remind us to repent for hiding those hurts. We forget we can never hide from our Savior. He lives in us as we are His temple, where His Spirit lives. I know I sometimes don’t realize that.
What do you think about what I have revealed? I do hope you keep walking close to your Savior so He will Redeem you as He has me. I pray for all of you sisters and brothers in Christ. To know HE is right there with you guiding you and healing the deepest wounds that scar us so deep. Lately Yeshua has been speaking to my heart, letting me know I’m not alone anymore. That He will use all of those scars for His good and purposes. I love Him and I believe Him. To our Glorious and Majestic Healer. That see’s us just the way we are.
Winter can be difficult for many individuals, both mentally and physically. The days are shorter, the weather is colder, and it can be hard to get out of bed in the morning. One way to combat the winter blues is by engaging in fun winter hobbies! In this blog post, I am going to share a list of interesting winter hobbies that will keep you entertained and engaged throughout the season. From cooking and baking to skiing and snowboarding, there is something for everyone on this list. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring some of these activities today!
Before we jump into the exciting world of winter hobbies, let’s address a few common questions that often pop up.
Why Winter Hobbies?
Winter hobbies are a great way to make the winter season more enjoyable and to keep yourself entertained. Whether you choose to stay indoors or venture outdoors, winter hobbies can help you pass the time while also having some fun. Moreover, you can gain a wide array of experiences by exploring such hobbies.
How hobbies can make your time enjoyable during the winter season?
By participating in winter activities, you can make the most of your winter season. Hobbies are a great way to stay active and engaged during this time. They will also help keep your mind sharp and improve overall mental health! Plus, if you find something that interests you, it may even become a lifelong passion. The winter season is the perfect time to explore something new and exciting, so why not give it a try?
What Kind of Winter Hobbies Are Available?
The possibilities are endless! From winter sports like skiing and snowboarding to winter-themed arts and crafts like candle making or wreath decorating, there are countless winter activities out there that you can explore. Other winter hobbies include ice skating, winter photography, sledding, building snowmen, and so much more! Let’s take a closer look at each hobby, one by one.
22 Winter Hobbies
Skiing and Snowboarding
Ice Climbing
Camping
Ice Sailing
Bird Watching
Ice Skating
Winter Surfing
Dog Sledding
Ski Biking
Stargazing
Scrapbooking
Ice Fishing
Hunting
Photography
Snow Painting
Paragliding
Cooking and Baking
Reading
Creative Writing
Drawing
Watching Movies
Playing Indoor Games
# Skiing and Snowboarding:
For those who love winter sports, skiing and snowboarding are two of the best activities to enjoy. Whether you love or not winter sports, these two activities will definitely get your adrenaline pumping. Skiing and snowboarding can be quite dangerous though, so make sure to always wear the proper safety gear when participating in either of these winter hobbies. Despite the challenges, if you can learn and take part in these seasonal activities, your experience will be truly unforgettable.
# Ice Climbing:
Climbing
Ice climbing is a winter hobby for those who are looking for an extreme winter activity. Although it can be dangerous, ice climbing offers a unique and thrilling experience that you won’t find anywhere else. However, make sure to always wear the proper safety gear and follow all safety guidelines when participating in this winter hobby.
# Camping:
Camping is another winter hobby that you can enjoy. Although camping in winter weather may seem a bit daunting at first, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. You will have access to some of the most beautiful winter scenery and get to spend quality time with friends or family outdoors. Just make sure to always bring plenty of layers, blankets, and warm food when camping in winter.
You can read the article “outdoor hobbies” to know more about various outdoor hobbies.
# Ice Sailing:
If you love winter sports and the thrill of sailing, then ice sailing is for you. This winter hobby combines the best of both worlds by allowing you to sail across frozen lakes or rivers in a special type of boat. Just make sure to always wear the proper safety gear when participating in such winter activities.
# Bird Watching:
Bird watching is a winter hobby that will help you become more in tune with nature. You can either take a walk around your neighborhood or head to an area known for winter birding. Just remember to bring along the proper supplies such as binoculars, field guides, and warm clothing. This activity is sure to be both educational and peaceful. And it can be more enjoyable if you have a friend or two joining you.
# Ice Skating:
Enjoy the thrill of gliding across the ice this winter with a fun and exciting activity – skating! Whether you’re an experienced skater or just starting out, now’s your chance to show off those new moves. Grab some friends and family for added excitement as you slide around outdoors or head indoors if there’s a rink nearby – it’ll be sure to get your blood pumping in no time!
# Winter Surfing:
Believe it or not, winter surfing is an actual winter hobby. You can either head to the beach and take on some winter waves or try bodyboarding in a lake or river if you are more of a beginner. Just make sure to dress warmly and follow all safety guidelines when participating in this winter activity.
# Dog Sledding:
wintertime hobbies
Dog sledding is another winter hobby that will get your heart racing. You can either head out on a traditional dog-sledding adventure or take part in a winter race if you’re feeling more adventurous. Either way, this winter activity is sure to be an exciting and unique experience.
# Ski Biking:
If you’re looking for a truly unique winter activity, ski biking might be just what you’re looking for! It’s a hybrid that takes the best of skiing and mountain biking, creating an adrenaline-filled experience unlike any other. But of course, when participating in any kind of physically demanding winter activity it’s important to take safety precautions and make sure to wear the proper protective gear. This way, you can fully enjoy the thrill of ski biking without any undue risks.
# Stargazing:
Stargazing is another winter hobby that will help you connect with nature. Winter offers some of the clearest skies, making it perfect for stargazing. All you need are a few blankets and a telescope or binoculars to enjoy this winter activity. Just make sure to bundle up in warm clothes before heading out!
# Scrapbooking:
Scrapbooking is a wonderful way to make the winter months pass by in an engaging way. One can indulge in it either indoors or outdoors, and it is a great opportunity for those wanting to keep track of winter memories. For anyone looking for a different avenue of expression in the frigid days of winter, scrapbooks are tailored to provide recreation and capture nostalgia from your experiences.
From carefully collected photos and mementos to stories from your own adventures this winter–the perfect snow day activity idea! –scrapbooking inspiration opens up with pages laden with decorations for recreating cold weather themes. Pragmatically speaking, what can be a more imaginative idea than filling up a winter-season scrapbook next to a cozy fire?
# Ice Fishing:
outdoor winter hobbies
Ice fishing is a winter hobby that requires patience, as you wait for the right fish to bite. This winter activity can be incredibly rewarding if you’re willing to put in some time and effort. Before heading out on your ice fishing adventure, make sure to always bring the proper safety equipment such as life jackets and warm clothing.
# Hunting:
Turn your winter hobby into an exhilarating adventure in the great outdoors! Hunting has become a popular option for those looking to explore nature, as long you’re cautious and practice proper safety. So grab your gear and get ready – who knows what kind of wildlife discoveries await? Just remember to be respectful of their natural habitat when out on the hunt.
# Photography:
If you are a bit of an amateur photographer, winter can be the perfect time to practice your craft. From winter landscapes to snow-covered forests, winter is full of beautiful scenes that make for great photographs. Whether you use a DSLR camera or just a smartphone, there are endless possibilities when it comes to winter photography.
# Snow Painting:
If you’re looking for a winter hobby that’s both creative and fun, then snow painting is the perfect activity. All you need to do is mix food coloring with some water in a spray bottle and start painting away! You can create winter scenes or just make colorful winter art – it’s up to you. Just make sure to have plenty of layers and winter gear on hand when participating in this winter activity.
# Paragliding:
Are you looking to fill some time in the winter? You may want to consider paragliding—it’s the perfect way to get your heart pumping! For thrillseekers, there is no better feeling than carrying yourself through the gusts of cold air on a winter’s day.
Make sure that when enjoying this outdoor activity, you’re always following safety guidelines and dressing properly for the occasion—nothing too bulky that affects your range of motion. With proper precautions, paragliding can be a breathtaking pleasure through the winter months.
# Cooking and Baking:
winter hobbies for couples
If you love to cook, winter is the perfect time to try out some new recipes. From hearty winter soups and stews to delicious desserts and pies, there are endless possibilities when it comes to winter cooking. You can also experiment with different types of baking such as cake decorating or cookie making. During times when it’s not practical to gather outside, the best part is that you can prepare a tantalizing meal and savor it with your beloved family members.
You can read the article “Hobbies to Do at Home to Stay Active and Mentally Refreshed.”
# Reading:
Enjoy the cold winter weather by snuggling up with an adventure-filled book! Whether you’re a fan of fiction or nonfiction, reading is one way to keep your mind active and engaged this season. Discover thrilling stories, captivating characters and interesting facts – all from the comforts of home!
# Creative Writing:
If you are looking for a winter hobby that will help develop your writing skills, then creative writing is the perfect activity. You can start by keeping a journal and jotting down ideas or stories as they come to you. Or, if you’re feeling more ambitious, why not try your hand at writing a novel?
# Drawing:
If you are more of an artist type, winter is the perfect time to get creative with painting and drawing. You can either take an art class to help you develop your skills or just set up a makeshift studio in your home and start experimenting. Painting and drawing are great winter hobbies because they allow you to express yourself without having to leave the house.
# Watching Movies:
For a cozy winter experience, why not enjoy an indoor movie night? Rent or stream some classic and iconic winter films, like White Christmas or The Snowman. Maybe you’d prefer something more current – there’s always something new out playing in your local theater. You could turn it into a fun family event, or gather friends for a festive get-together.
Watching movies can be the perfect way to keep busy during colder months and create unique memories. No matter what you choose to watch, you’re surely in for an enjoyable winter activity.
To identify best-rated movies you can visit imbd.
# Playing Indoor Games:
indoor hobbies
Playing winter-themed indoor games is a great way to pass the time and have some winter fun. Whether it’s a board game, video game, or card game, winter is the perfect season for staying in and having some winter gaming fun. Keep boredom at bay during the colder months and enjoy quality time with your family members through a variety of indoor gaming activities!
If you’re sick of being cooped up in the house this winter, take advantage of some of those winter hobbies. From baking to painting, there’s plenty of spirited fun for everyone.
Up your holiday cheer by finally learning a new language with online resources such as Rosetta Stone.
Rediscover old music and create an impressive playlist to share with your friends.
Keep warm this winter by trying out cake decorating or honing your knitting skills.
Get outdoors and take part in wintertime sports among distant friends while still following social distancing guidelines.
Take a short road trip over the weekend and tick places off your bucket list that were unexplored this summer due to the pandemic.
And, last but not least, get cooking by trying out scrumptious crockpot recipes that’ll bring comfort and warmth right in the middle of cold winter days.
So don’t wait another moment! Start feeling the joy of the season by engaging in one or more of these fun seasonal activities today.
Coming down with the flu can lead to symptoms like fever, tiredness, or chills. Natural and home remedies can relieve some of the symptoms. However, there is no cure for the flu.
The flu (or influenza) is caused by a virus. Several kinds of viruses can cause the flu.
While there’s no cure for the flu, there are natural remedies that might help soothe flu symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness.
Read on to learn about 10 natural remedies that may help you cope with flu symptoms. We’ll explain how to use them and why they can help.
1. Drink water and fluids
Drinking water and other fluids is even more important when you have the flu, whether you have respiratory or stomach flu.
Water helps to keep your nose, mouth, and throat moist. It can help your body get rid of built-up mucous and phlegm.
You can also get dehydrated if you aren’t eating or drinking normally. Diarrhea and fever (two common symptoms of the flu) can also cause water loss.
You can stay hydrated by consuming plenty of:
water
coconut water
sports drinks
herbal tea
fresh juice
soup
broth
raw fruits and vegetables
You’ll know you’re drinking enough water and liquids if:
you have to urinate regularly
the color of your urine is almost clear or pale yellow
If your urine is a deep yellow to amber color, you may be dehydrated.
It’s also helpful to avoid smoking as much as possible since it can further irritate your nose, throat, and lungs.
2. Get plenty of rest
It’s important to rest and get more sleep when you have the flu.
Sleeping can boost your immune system, helping your body fight off the flu virus. Cancel your usual routine and make sleep a priority to get back on your feet.
3. Drink warm broth
Drinking warm chicken or beef bone broth is a good way to stay hydrated. It also helps to loosen and break up nose and sinus congestion.
Bone broth is also naturally high in protein and minerals like sodium and potassium. Drinking broth is a good way to replenish these nutrients while you have the flu. Plus, protein is important for rebuilding immune cells.
You can buy ready-made varieties, but be sure to look for those that are low in sodium (salt). You can also make your own broth by boiling chicken or beef bones. You can freeze portions of broth for future use.
4. Up your zinc intake
The mineral zinc is important for your immune system. This nutrient helps your body make germ-fighting white blood cells.
That zinc might help ease cold and flu symptoms. Zinc helps your body fight the flu virus and may slow down how fast it multiplies.
You can take a zinc supplement or a multivitamin with zinc during flu season. You can normally get plenty of zinc from a balanced daily diet. Foods that are high in zinc include.
red meat
shellfish
lentils
chickpeas
beans
nuts
seeds
dairy
eggs
5. Rinse with salt water
Warm water and salt rinse (sometimes called a saltwater gargle) can soothe a sore throat. It can also help to clear mucous. Here’s how to rinse with salt water:
Boil or heat up water and let it cool until it’s warm or at room temperature. Mix 1/2 tsp of salt with 8 ounces of warm water.
Pull the salt water to the back of your throat and gargle it for 10 to 30 seconds to rinse your mouth and throat.
Spit the water into a sink and repeat 2 to 4 times.
Do not swallow the salt water. Do not allow children to gargle until they can safely gargle with plain water.
Remember to use your nebulizer with food grade hydrogen peroxide and Salene and a drop of iodine in your nose hose. It helps to kill off the bacteria fast.
Also, if you can get this antiviral tincture, made from bitter herbs, from your doctor will help too.
6. Drink herbal tea
Several herbs have natural antiviral and antibacterial properties. Star anise is a star-shaped spice from which oseltamivir was traditionally extracted.
Oseltamivir phosphate (better known as Tamiflu) is a prescription drug used to speed recovery from or to prevent getting the flu. Its antiviral properties are effective against some kinds of flu viruses. Other herbs and green leafy teas also have germ-fighting and antioxidant benefits.
An herbal tea may help your body fight off the flu virus. A hot herbal drink is also soothing to your throat and sinuses.
You can make a flu-fighting herbal tea with star anise and other herbs like:
gypsy tea
cold and fever tea
green or black tea
turmeric
fresh or dried ginger, or ginger paste
fresh garlic
cloves
Sweeten herbal teas with pure honey. Honey, royal jelly, and other bee products have been foundTrusted Source to have natural antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Many bagged teas are available with these as dried ingredients combined together.
7. Apply essential oils
Some types of essential oils may help protect you against certain viruses and bacteria. One study found that tea tree oil helps fight the flu virus by slowing or stopping the rate at which the virus multiplies.
According to the study, tea tree oil works best when used within two hours of infection. This suggests that it may help block the flu virus from multiplying.
In practice, you might add a few drops of tea tree oil to liquid hand soap when you wash your hands or mixed into the lotion you use. Some commercially made mouthwashes include it as an ingredient.
Other plant and herbal essential oils may also work as natural antibiotics and antivirals. These include:
cinnamon oil
peppermint oil
eucalyptus oil
geranium oil
lemon oil
thyme oil
oregano oil
Use essential oils only as directed. Do not ingest essential oils; many are toxic. Most essential oils can be used on the skin after they’re mixed with oils like almond or olive oil. You can add fresh and dried herbs and spices to food to get similar benefits.
Diffusing essential oils into the air with a diffuser may also help fight some kinds of viruses and bacteria. Inhaling essential oils can also influence children, pregnant and nursing women, and pets.
8. Use a humidifier
The flu virus survives longer in dry indoor air, which may make it spread more easily. Colder outdoor temperatures generally lower humidity in the air.
Indoor air can get dry from heating and air conditioning use. Using a humidifier to add humidity in your home and workplace might help reduce flu viruses in the air.
9. Inhale steam
Breathing in steam from a warm pot of water can help soothe your nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs. Steam inhalation or steam therapy uses water vapor to help loosen mucous congestion.
The warm moist air may also relieve swelling in the nose and lungs. Steam inhalation might help to soothe a dry cough, irritated nose, and chest tightness.
You can heat water for steam:
in a pot on the stove
in a microwave-safe bowl or mug in the microwave
in a vaporizer
Avoid steam from boiling water. Test the temperature of the steam before breathing it in. Keep your face and hands far enough away to avoid scalding or burning yourself.
You can add a few drops of essential oils or a medicated vapor rub to the water for added antiviral and antioxidant benefits.
10. Eat a bland diet
If you have the stomach flu, eat small amounts of food at a time. Try hand-sized portions.
The stomach flu can give you nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. Bland foods are easier to digest and may help ease your stomach symptoms.
Foods that are easy on the stomach
BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast)
crackers
cooked cereals (oatmeal)
gelatin (Jell-O)
boiled potatoes
grilled or boiled chicken
soup and broth
electrolyte-rich drinks
Avoid foods that may irritate your stomach and digestion.
Foods to avoid while you have the stomach flu
milk
cheese
caffeine
meats
spicy foods
fried foods
fatty foods
alcohol
Flu symptoms
The flu typically causes respiratory — nose, throat, and lung — symptoms. Top flu symptoms are:
fever
chills
headache
body ache
runny or stuffy nose
sore throat
dry cough
tiredness and fatigue
The stomach flu is a flu virus that causes digestive symptoms. You might have:
chills
fever
nausea
vomiting
stomach cramps
diarrhea
Flu vs. cold
Viruses cause the flu and the common cold. Both kinds of infections can give you a fever. Cold and flu viruses cause similar symptoms. The main differences between a flu and a cold are how bad the symptoms are and how long you have them.
Flu symptoms begin suddenly and are typically severe. The flu can last for 1 to 2 weeks. Cold symptoms are typically milder. You might have a cold for a week or longer.
The takeaway
In most cases of the flu, you won’t need to see a doctor. Stay home, and don’t bring the virus to your workplace or school. Drink fluids and rest. Home remedies can help reduce symptoms so you can be more comfortable and rest more easily while you have the flu and rest has a big impact on getting better faster
I came up with these helpful hints to help you get through the season easier. Thank you for checking it out. And right now, I have been sick but getting better. Praise Yeshua!
Here we are playing in the Fall leaves again. My sweet Frankie and Gracie. They are having fun hanging out in the cool crisp Fall air in the mornings together. They are my buddies, and I love them. I am blessed to have them around still. They are getting older; my Frankie has joint issues just like I do. We’re getting through it with Yeshua’s help.
I am excited for more hikes in the woods not far from us. We may not be able to walk as far as we used to. But my dogs so enjoy being outside. I can tell they can’t wait by Frankie sitting in the back of my car with a big smile. Yes, he smiles kind of silly but so cute. And Gracie she’s always putting her chin on my shoulder so happy that I spent time with her.
I am reminded of them both when they were puppies. Wow! My Frankie is my Boo Boo Bear as a nick name and Gracie is my Betty Boop de Boop that’s her nick name. Frankie was such a round little ball of fur as a puppy. And Gracie was a cute and sassy puppy. Like I said I am so blessed. Though sometimes they need attention way too much some days. Kind of like my son needed that attention right now as an only child. My dogs are like two- or three-year-olds. But that’s ok I love them just the way they are. How God made them. It is nice to have my pups, they give me comfort when I’m down. They have so much love to share.
Bible Truth Warrior Devotionals 