Make Yourself at Home in My Love

"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you." --John 15:4 MSG

Author

Andrea Manor
February 01, 2025

Artwork by Jessica Boehman, “Bedtime Stories”

After the excitement and coziness of Christmas and New Year celebrations are over, the dark winter days can feel long and sometimes lonely, and I find myself longing for the warmth of light.

The winter solstice time is no longer celebrated as it once was, with the understanding that this is a period of descent and rest, of going within our homes, within ourselves and taking in all that we have been through, all that has passed in this full year which is coming to a close…like nature and the animal kingdom around us, this time of hibernation is so necessary for our tired limbs, our burdened minds.

Our modern culture teaches avoidance at a max at this time; alcohol, lights, shopping, overworking, over spending, comfort food and consumerism. And yet the natural tug to go inwards as nearly all creatures are doing is strong and the weather so bitter that people are left feeling that winter is hard, because for those of us without burning fires and big festive families, it can be lonely and isolating. Whereas in actual fact winter is kind, she points us in her quiet soft way towards our inner self, towards this annual time of peace and reflection, embracing the darkness and forgiving, accepting and loving embracing goodbye the past year.

Winter takes away the distractions, the buzz, and presents us with the perfect time to rest and withdraw into a womb like love, bringing fire and light to our hearth.

The new year has begun again, and like a seed planted deep in the earth, we will all rise with renewed energy once again to dance in the sunlight.

Bridget Anna McNeil

The way Bridget Anna McNeil describes the peace that winter has to offer brings me cozy, warm feelings. I would add that God is the creator of winter and He gently invites us to go inwards, not to stop with ourselves, but to find connection with Him. Jesus wants us to feel at home with Him (see John 15, MSG). What makes you feel at home? Making a cup of tea and sitting down to have a nice chat? Kicking your shoes off and curling up on the sofa in front of the fire? Going for a stroll in a garden? Hiking in the mountains?

I wonder what it might be like to accept God’s invitation to make yourself at home in His love during these cold winter days? What would it be like to pause, notice and name your feelings instead of distracting yourself from what’s going on inside you? Bring those feelings to Him. You might close your eyes and imagine yourself at home having a chat with God right now. Tell him about all the things that are on your mind now - all the things that may be keeping you from relaxing in His presence and open your heart to hear what He might have to say to you.

Whether this is a new practice for you or you’ve experienced “at-homeness” with Him before, you’re invited to join a Quiet Day or to set up a free 30-minute phone call to talk about what individual spiritual direction might be like with me.

I’m so glad to know that we have made it through the ten darkest weeks of the year. Longer days of light are coming!

Upcoming Events

My Friday, February 7th Quiet day is full, but there are a few openings left for March 7th and April 4th. I host a small number of people for my third Quiet Day in our cozy little home. You are invited to put away the distraction of your phone, come away to rest with Jesus and grow quiet as you pray with scripture. There will be two one-hour formal prayer periods on your own (prayer guides will be provided for you). A light breakfast and homemade lunch are prepared for you to slowly savor and enjoy. In the free time you can walk, nap, work mini puzzles, work on hand crafts you bring, etc.

You can register for the event for the Quiet Day for Women - Bellevue, TN page.

Resources

I wanted to share a free resource that I enjoy using. The One Minute Pause App is a simple way to reconnect with God in the midst of your busy day. You are invited to the simple practice of releasing everything to God, restoring your union with God and inviting Him to fill you. The Pause app is available from John Eldredge for the iPhone and Android for free.

I look forward to reading John Eldredge’s newest book called Experience Jesus. Really., which will be released March 4, 2025.

Every human yearns to return to Eden, to a state of unbroken communion with God. We are becoming disciples of the internet. We are addicted to distraction. What if there is a powerful alternative to the soulless, disenchanted world we find ourselves living in today?

John Eldredge from the book Experience Jesus. Really.

Conclusion

Thank you for joining me this month to consider your love relationship with God. May you discover what it’s like to make yourself at home in God’s love.

If you are interested in purchasing either of my booklets (Ignatian Rules for Discernment of Spirits or Imaginative Contemplation: Exercises to help you step into the scene and encounter Christ), please fill out a Booklet Order Request.

If I can help you with monthly spiritual direction, groups, quiet days, or other related things please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]