Welcome my friend! It has been a bit intense around here with the constant threat of Fire in this State of Emergency…as you can imagine!
So, I’m taking us on a slight diversion away from the tension & devastation…on a relaxing walk…
Walking this morning along the waterfront of My neighborhood… in the hazy smoky air the tension of the emergency begins to dissipate.
And as I walk, I mindfully look out across the surface of the water watching the moored sailing vessels, bulky houseboats & sleek speedboats that shelter in our inlet, as they twist & turn on the wind & current…
I noticed a Mariner hoisting his anchor, getting ready to cruise out into the bay…I watched as the sailing vessel was released from its mooring, hearing the splutter of its engine bounce across the surface of the water as they headed out through the passage to set sail in larger waters…

This prompted thoughts for reflection…on the word, Release…
As I continue walking, enjoying the cool sea breeze upon my face, greeting fellow walkers passing by, a leading question comes to mind…
What does this word Release actually mean? And what applications will it have for my life this year!
Arriving back home, somewhat exhausted but wonderfully refreshed, I begin a little research…of course with a mug of tea in hand & a healthy treat.
Shall we take a closer look at what I found for the word Release…
The dictionaries define it in the following way;
to set free; allow (something or someone) to move, act or flow freely; the action of or process of releasing or being released.
Then I took a look at the Biblical Cyclopedia & references, finding the following;
The year of Release was the year of Jubilee, it was the completeness of several sabbatical seasons. Only happening once in every fifty years [every likelihood once in an ancient’s lifetime], restoring everyone to their place of origin, releasing debt & restoring the inheritance of the land. [Summarized]
Wow! Some powerful imagery going on in the meaning, definition & ancient events of release!
I’ve been pondering this while sipping Chai tea & enjoying a handful of dried nuts & fruit…thinking over the events of this past week, the first week of 2020… already I can see Release being enacted!
Let me explain…
Those of you who have joined me over the last few posts know that we have a major crisis unfolding in our country (those who haven’t may find Australia’s burning, Update…, informative).
This crisis has personally impacted my family, in the urgency of my parents having to quickly evacuate their home & get to safety through thick smoke & falling ash as roads closed behind them. As their home lay in the pathway of a very intense & out of control Firestorm.
Once they got to safety, the crisis wasn’t over, as their home, containing more then a century of family heirlooms, memorabilia & memories was still under threat.
As much prayer was prayed we watched the fire over the next few days, via Rural Fire app updates, as ground was won & lost in the battle for control. Finally the fiery beast reaching the edge of my parent’s neighborhood…we held our breath!
At this point I came to a place of total surrender & release, allowing the Spirit of God to move, act & flow freely in the situation!
Releasing all my concerns of the emergency to my Heavenly Father in faith.
Trusting that He would act mightily in the situation.
As it was bedtime, I went to bed completely assured in the knowledge that He was moving! Getting some much needed rest for this ol’ gal with Fibromyalgia.
The firefighters fought hard & long through the night to put all the menacing fiery offspring flying ahead of the main monster out & to gain control over the beast…
I awoke on my birthday to His victory! Praising God! After days of battling this beast they had been able to create a containment field at the end of my parent’s street! All the homes there were spared including my parent’s home!
The fiery beast turning its attention to the unoccupied hills beyond, turning away from the neighborhood, racing across open grassland instead.
Thank you to all of you who prayed. Our words can not express the deep gratitude for your care & concern!
However I’m acutely aware that we can not become complacent, the wider Fire crisis here in Australia is not over!
Please join me in continuing prayer for rain, while we have had fine misty rain fall in some areas, it’s not enough to put the fires out.
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
Or in Prayer
© 2020, Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog All Rights Reserved. Photo on Pexels.com
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So glad your parents home was spared. Praying that this fire is out soon
Thank you Valerie! 🙂
Dear Jennifer,
I’m thankful for answered prayers. Praying the cold front moving in today will produce rain and that no more lives will be lost.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
Thank you Tammy, we are getting some fine misty rain in parts but we need dousing rain to put out all the fires across our land…we continue to pray..
So glad your parents’ house was spared. I am also happy that you were able to release your troubles to God. I too usually get to that point during a crisis, then wonder what took me so long to get there!
Yes, it takes quite a toll on your body & mind when crises continue over a long period of time Laurie don’t they!
Though I had handed it to the Lord as the “states of emergency” began…
The intensity of constant hyper vigilance was getting too much for me..releasing it in His hands for a good night’s sleep was definitely a good thing!
The fires have been burning in various parts of our state since November, 2019…
The Australian fires are such a horrible thing! We are praying over here for their end. And praying protection over you and your family, Jennifer.
Thank you Lisa, your prayers are greatly appreciated!
Thanks to our faithful God…thoughts and prayers continue for all. ❤
Absolutely Bette! Thank you sweet friend ♥
We’ll be praying for you and your family. Asking Jesus to send peace!
Thank you Llyod, we definitely feel His peace… 🙂
Oh Jennifer I watch the news every day and weep and pray with you. I can see that today things seem to have become much worse. May the rains come down in sheets and torrents and quench the fires.
Praying with you Elizabeth! We have days of extreme temperatures & strong winds that create tinder like conditions which are called catastrophic fire conditions…
As I write this it is 11.35am Saturday morning the 11th January we have had a cool southerly change overnight & have some fine misty rain falling…this is a start…
Praying for the soaking rain now…
That’s what I saw on the news. I continue to pray for rain.
Thank you 😀
Jennyfer, I have family in your Australia too. Praying. And thank for what you wrote, about what the bblical Cyclopedia & references were saying about this.
Lots of Love,
Aritha
https://momentsfrozentime.blogspot.com/
You’re welcome & thank you Aritha for your prayers!
I hope your family are staying safe! It is definitely a time of being vigilant in this dangerous time…trusting God for soaking rain!
Jennifer, praise God that your parents’ home was spared. I am praying for rain and that the fires will be controlled.
Release is a powerful word. It says to me, I am not in control…God you are. I have trouble with letting go, my first response is always to worry. Thank you sweet Jennifer for your words of encouragement.
Thank you Pam for your sweet words & prayers. ♥
Yes, we are very grateful & glad for Dad & Mum that they have their home to go back too, especially at their time of life & stages of health.
Release is indeed a word full of powerful lessons this year 😉
Still praying for all of you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🤗
Greatly appreciate it Lisa! ♥