• Start Here
    • Privacy Policy
  • The Podcast
  • Spiritual Disciplines
    • Bible Study
      • Building a Bible Reading Habit: A 31 Day Gospel Reading Plan
    • Confession
    • Fasting
    • Prayer
    • Service
  • Liturgical Living
    • Advent
    • Christmas
    • Lent
      • 40 Days to the Cross: A Lenten Workbook
      • The Bible in Lent
    • Easter
    • Pentecost
    • Ordinary Time
  • Catholicism
  • Christian Living
    • Church Life
    • Hospitality
    • Marriage
      • Infertility
  • Latest Blog Posts

The Thin Place

How Winter and Hygge Help Grow My Faith

Living in Hawaii led to me miss the Michigan winters and seasons of calm that had marked my life. The constant sunshine and warmth (while welcomed at times) pressured me to constantly live life on the go. Winter weather gives me permission to live at a calmer pace, embracing the forced rest that being snowed in brings. 

I often see winter weather as a simple mercy in a culture that demands more and more of our time and energy. The bitter winds and banks of snow naturally lead us to calm our hearts and settle into our homes. It is a season of building routines and embracing the people God has placed around us. 

I often see winter weather as a simple mercy in a culture that demands more and more of our time and energy. Click To Tweet

While the opposite of productivity is often categorized as laziness, I think these seasons can be better categorized as intentional foundation-building. If we use this opportunity to slow down, evaluate where we’re at and embrace the life God is calling us to live. 

Winter works well with the practice of hygge in allowing us to slow down and embrace the simple pleasures in front of us. It helps us enjoy the simple lives that Scripture calls us to and opens our eyes to see what makes this season beautiful.

During the warm winter seasons in Hawaii, the Lord worked in my heart. But during this frigid Michigan winter, I’m learning to embrace some new seasons and practices that strengthen my faith. 

Evaluate Habits and Develop New Routine

During summer, the lack of school routine often means that we travel and live generally more spontaneously.  Winter is a consistent, mundane time. It is the perfect time to develop new habits and rebuild lapsed habits. Take advantage of the steady schedule that accompanies winter to look at your spiritual life and see where you can start making changes. It is the ideal time to start a Bible reading plan, develop prayer habits, or invest in a Bible study or accountability group. 

Winter is a consistent, mundane time. It is the perfect time to develop new habits and rebuild lapsed habits. Take advantage of the steady schedule that accompanies winter to look at your spiritual life and see where you can start… Click To Tweet

Deepen Your Relationships

Winter is a wonderful time to practice hospitality and to spend uninterrupted hours with those in your home. Put on a pot of soup and spend time playing games and investing in conversations. Again, because winter typically brings a more reliable schedule, it’s easy to set aside time weekly or monthly to invite others into your home. Take this time of routine to incorporate hospitality into your life and to build friendships with those in your home. Set aside time for movie nights. Bake special foods. Host a potluck. Find ways to spend time building relationships indoors. 

Read. Lots and lots. 

Winter is a wonderful time to stock up on some new books and read. Instead of turning to the television, spend your immersing yourself in another story. Get lost living vicariously through some of the classics and learn to embrace a different perspective. Read through the writings of early Christians and see how God is still using them to teach His church. Whether it’s a memoir or a book on theology, get lost in words this winter. 

Embrace Simple Pleasures

There are little joys that pop up in every season, take time to enjoy winter’s little pleasures. While the cold weather may not be your favorite, focus on things that are beautiful and unique to winter. Embrace the clean canvas of a fresh snowfall. Enjoy a cup of tea with a generous spoonful of honey. Listen to the crackle of the fireplace. Look around you and see what is unique about winter and enjoy all of the things that the spring thaw will take away. Enjoy the little joys that God has placed in your life and let your heart smile. Develop the practice of opening your eyes to how God is making all things beautiful. 

How Winter and Hygge Unexpectedly Help Grow My Christian Faith #hygge #hyggewinter #christianliving #christiangrowth #christianfaith

How Winter and Hygge Unexpectedly Help Grow My Christian Faith #hygge #hyggewinter #christianliving #christiangrowth #christianfaith 5 Ways Hygge is Growing my Faith This Winter #hygge #christianliving #christianwomen #hyggetips #hyggewinter How Winter and Hygge Unexpectedly Help Grow My Christian Faith #hygge #hyggewinter #christianliving #christiangrowth #christianfaith 5 Ways Hygge is Growing my Faith This Winter #hygge #christianliving #christianwomen #hyggetips #hyggewinter How Winter and Hygge Unexpectedly Help Grow My Christian Faith #hygge #hyggewinter #christianliving #christiangrowth #christianfaith 5 Ways Hygge is Growing my Faith This Winter #hygge #christianliving #christianwomen #hyggetips #hyggewinter How Winter and Hygge Unexpectedly Help Grow My Christian Faith #hygge #hyggewinter #christianliving #christiangrowth #christianfaith 5 Ways Hygge is Growing my Faith This Winter #hygge #christianliving #christianwomen #hyggetips #hyggewinter How Winter and Hygge Unexpectedly Help Grow My Christian Faith #hygge #hyggewinter #christianliving #christiangrowth #christianfaith 5 Ways Hygge is Growing my Faith This Winter #hygge #christianliving #christianwomen #hyggetips #hyggewinter How Winter and Hygge Unexpectedly Help Grow My Christian Faith #hygge #hyggewinter #christianliving #christiangrowth #christianfaith 5 Ways Hygge is Growing my Faith This Winter #hygge #christianliving #christianwomen #hyggetips #hyggewinter How Winter and Hygge Unexpectedly Help Grow My Christian Faith #hygge #hyggewinter #christianliving #christiangrowth #christianfaith 5 Ways Hygge is Growing my Faith This Winter #hygge #christianliving #christianwomen #hyggetips #hyggewinter 5 Ways Hygge is Growing my Faith This Winter #hygge #christianliving #christianwomen #hyggetips #hyggewinter

Find New Ways to Create

Tending to Creation during the summer seems obvious. Because we are spending more time outdoors, we naturally are more involved. Take time to embrace creation, not through gardening, but through creating in our home. Try baking or taking up knitting. Look for. Ways to grow your creative abilities and make the world a more lovely place. 

Look around you and see what is unique about winter and enjoy all of the things that the spring thaw will take away. Develop the practice of opening your eyes to how God is making all things beautiful.  Click To Tweet

Curl up and press into this season. Instead of viewing the weather a limitation, look at it as an opportunity to grow in appreciation for all that makes this season different. Take time to slow down and grasp each and every joy that comes from the natural pause this season brings. Find the raw, thin moments in this season where God is reaching into your heart and calling you deeper into your faith.

You Might Also Like:

10 Christian Books That Need to Be On Your Radar

6 Habits To Start Your Morning Routine Like The Proverbs 31 Woman

My Hygge + Faith Morning Routine

5 Hygge Way to Practice Christian Hospitality

Join 6,878 Believers
Join 6,878 believers who receive weekly updates and spiritual encouragement and receive free access to the resource library and our exclusive Facebook group.
We hate spam. Your email address will not be sold or shared with anyone else.
Pin2K
Share59
Tweet
Share
2K Shares
Share
Join the Convo

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

The Comments

  • Candy
    February 26, 2019

    That is why I like four seasons. Winter is time to relax and plan for summer.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Candy
      February 27, 2019

      Isn’t winter lovely?

      Reply
  • Kristin Cook
    February 27, 2019

    Great post, ma’ dear! I love your point that winter forces us to slow down a bit. It’s not as dramatic of a slow down in Southern Georgia, since snow is rare, but, it is still a great time to slow down. I need to get better about grabbing a book and a cup of tea instead of sitting down in front of the TV every time I’m free.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Kristin Cook
      February 27, 2019

      Isn’t it funny how living in a warm winter area effects winter? But no matter where we are, I think it’s important to slow down and spend a season reflecting and intentionally planning.

      Reply
  • Sarah
    February 28, 2019

    I absolutely love this post! I’m enduring a Michigan winter now and you have helped change my perspective! I’m going to embrace the rest of this beautiful, chilly weather and snuggle my little ones as much as I can.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Sarah
      March 12, 2019

      I’m so glad, Sarah!

      Reply
related posts

You May Also Like

Why I Love All Saints’ Day

October 29, 2017

Renewal in the Presence of God

March 14, 2017

10 Christian Books That Need to Be On Your Radar

April 19, 2018
Hello, I’m Bailey
about me

Hello, I’m Bailey

The Thin Place was born out of a season of struggle. A season where I felt stretched thin and desperately longed to see the goodness of God in the land of the living. The goodness of God showed up in unexpected ways. During that season, the spiritual disciplines laid out in Scripture, the traditions of the Church, and the reminders of His faithfulness seen in liturgial living and the feasts and seasons of the Church calendar all opened my eyes to the hope we have in Christ.

Popular Posts

6 Habits To Start Your Morning Routine Like The Proverbs 31 Woman6 Habits To Start Your Morning Routine Like The Proverbs 31 Woman87K Total Shares
Pray Like Hannah and Give It to GodPray Like Hannah and Give It to God23K Total Shares
7 Spiritual Goals You Need To Start Setting Today7 Spiritual Goals You Need To Start Setting Today12K Total Shares
5 Important Ways to Pray for Your Husband5 Important Ways to Pray for Your Husband11K Total Shares

Products

  • Building a Bible Reading Habit: A 31 Day Gospel Reading Plan $15.00

Follow on Instagram

Baruch, as you may recall from the book of Jeremiah, was the scribe of Jeremiah. This is a prophetic book written by Baruch calling the people of Jerusalem to repent of their idol worship and return to the Lord. 
Baruch is a great reminder of the importance of confession. The book opens with a call to make respond.
Then they wept, and fasted, and prayed before the Lord; and they collected money, each giving what he could – Baruch 1:5-6 RSVCE 
Baruch is a collection of the response to sin – both the acknowledgment of sin and the call to God’s mercy. 
#christianwoman #graceupongrace #jesusgirl #inspiredfaith #womenlivingwell #jesuscalling #faithfilledcaptions #catholicblogger #Catholicconvert #CatholicWoman #chasingsacred #christianwomenleaders #bibleverse #biblestudy  #christianblogger #faithinhim #proverbs31woman #faithful #Godisgood #encouragementgallery #godslove #christianposts #christianquote #prayer #prayertime 
#biblequotes #bibleinspiration
thethinplace
thethinplace
•
Follow
Baruch, as you may recall from the book of Jeremiah, was the scribe of Jeremiah. This is a prophetic book written by Baruch calling the people of Jerusalem to repent of their idol worship and return to the Lord. Baruch is a great reminder of the importance of confession. The book opens with a call to make respond. Then they wept, and fasted, and prayed before the Lord; and they collected money, each giving what he could – Baruch 1:5-6 RSVCE Baruch is a collection of the response to sin – both the acknowledgment of sin and the call to God’s mercy. #christianwoman #graceupongrace #jesusgirl #inspiredfaith #womenlivingwell #jesuscalling #faithfilledcaptions #catholicblogger #Catholicconvert #CatholicWoman #chasingsacred #christianwomenleaders #bibleverse #biblestudy #christianblogger #faithinhim #proverbs31woman #faithful #Godisgood #encouragementgallery #godslove #christianposts #christianquote #prayer #prayertime #biblequotes #bibleinspiration
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
The Book of Sirach is part of the Wisdom literature of the Bible. It was also written during the Maccabean revolt to encourage the people to hold fast to their Jewish faith and not to neglect the traditions and commandments handed down to them. 
Sirach is one of the books of the Bible found among the Dead Sea Scrolls in the late 1940s. It is also found in every copy of the Septuagint suggesting that is was considered to be Scripture by the Greek speaking Jews of that period.
It is full of practical, clear wisdom that is incredibly applicable to our lives today such as: 
The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord. - Sirach 3:18
The higher your position, the more you have to actively seek humility. When you are in a low position, when you rely on others, humility is a more natural disposition and you recognize your dependence on God. When you are great, you need to actively seek humility. 
Do not say, “Because of the Lord I left the right way”; for he will not do what he hates. - Sirach 15:11
This is pretty straightforward. We cannot blame the Lord when we choose sin. The Lord does not do what He hates. He will always provide a way for us to choose good and it adds to our shame when we choose sin and blame God for it. 
A slip on the pavement is better than a slip of the tongue; so the downfall of the wicked will occur speedily. - Sirach 20:18
As the Book of James expands upon the importance of bridling your tongue but more abut consistently in the Book of Sirach we are exhorted to keep charge over our tongues. Ironically, this is much easier said than done. 
Whether you’re new to the wisdom literature or have spent years pouring over proverbs, Sirach is a great place to begin in living a wiser, more biblical life. 
#bibletime #biblereading #readyourbible #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword #savedbygrace #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #givemejesus #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #biblescripture
thethinplace
thethinplace
•
Follow
The Book of Sirach is part of the Wisdom literature of the Bible. It was also written during the Maccabean revolt to encourage the people to hold fast to their Jewish faith and not to neglect the traditions and commandments handed down to them. Sirach is one of the books of the Bible found among the Dead Sea Scrolls in the late 1940s. It is also found in every copy of the Septuagint suggesting that is was considered to be Scripture by the Greek speaking Jews of that period. It is full of practical, clear wisdom that is incredibly applicable to our lives today such as: The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord. - Sirach 3:18 The higher your position, the more you have to actively seek humility. When you are in a low position, when you rely on others, humility is a more natural disposition and you recognize your dependence on God. When you are great, you need to actively seek humility. Do not say, “Because of the Lord I left the right way”; for he will not do what he hates. - Sirach 15:11 This is pretty straightforward. We cannot blame the Lord when we choose sin. The Lord does not do what He hates. He will always provide a way for us to choose good and it adds to our shame when we choose sin and blame God for it. A slip on the pavement is better than a slip of the tongue; so the downfall of the wicked will occur speedily. - Sirach 20:18 As the Book of James expands upon the importance of bridling your tongue but more abut consistently in the Book of Sirach we are exhorted to keep charge over our tongues. Ironically, this is much easier said than done. Whether you’re new to the wisdom literature or have spent years pouring over proverbs, Sirach is a great place to begin in living a wiser, more biblical life. #bibletime #biblereading #readyourbible #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword #savedbygrace #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #givemejesus #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #biblescripture
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
The Book of Wisdom full of poetic principles and outlines how to live life well. Written around the time of the Maccabean revolt, it is written in the style of Solomon (and is sometimes referred to as “The Wisdom of Solomon”) but was written by later authors.
While this book was not accepted in the Jewish cannon, it is in every copy of the Greek Septuagint but it was quote by St Augustine over 800 times and, most importantly, was declared Scripture at the Councils of Hippo and Carthage. 
It focuses on Wisdom guiding the lives of the faithful, the follies of the wicked, and focuses heavily on our future home with God and the life to come. 
For those of you familiar with the Nicene Creed, the Book of Wisdom is one of the sources of inspiration of our description of Jesus Christ. The reference to Christ being “Light from Light” is taken from Wisdom 7:26 which refers to Wisdom as being a “reflection of eternal light.” 
There are also several passages in Wisdom which foretell the death of Christ. One of my favorite passages is Wisdom 14:7, “Blessed is the wood by which righteousness comes,” which reminds me how truly blessed is the cross which held the Savior of the world, our perfect Sacrifice. 
Wisdom is very similar to the book of Proverbs in length and style. It points constantly to the Lord who, as James tells us, is ready to give wisdom to those who ask.
#proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword  #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #blessedandhighlyfavored #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #daughterofaking #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #wordbeforworld
#thinplaces #encouragingquotes #christianlife #christianencouragement
thethinplace
thethinplace
•
Follow
The Book of Wisdom full of poetic principles and outlines how to live life well. Written around the time of the Maccabean revolt, it is written in the style of Solomon (and is sometimes referred to as “The Wisdom of Solomon”) but was written by later authors. While this book was not accepted in the Jewish cannon, it is in every copy of the Greek Septuagint but it was quote by St Augustine over 800 times and, most importantly, was declared Scripture at the Councils of Hippo and Carthage. It focuses on Wisdom guiding the lives of the faithful, the follies of the wicked, and focuses heavily on our future home with God and the life to come. For those of you familiar with the Nicene Creed, the Book of Wisdom is one of the sources of inspiration of our description of Jesus Christ. The reference to Christ being “Light from Light” is taken from Wisdom 7:26 which refers to Wisdom as being a “reflection of eternal light.” There are also several passages in Wisdom which foretell the death of Christ. One of my favorite passages is Wisdom 14:7, “Blessed is the wood by which righteousness comes,” which reminds me how truly blessed is the cross which held the Savior of the world, our perfect Sacrifice. Wisdom is very similar to the book of Proverbs in length and style. It points constantly to the Lord who, as James tells us, is ready to give wisdom to those who ask. #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #blessedandhighlyfavored #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #daughterofaking #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #wordbeforworld #thinplaces #encouragingquotes #christianlife #christianencouragement
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
Chances are, the Books of Maccabees are probably the deuterocanonical books you are most familiar with!  It is in these books that we find the origins of Hanukkah.
To be honest, they are a rough read. A really rough read. They detail the suffering the people of God endured while their enemies attempted to control their land and wipe out their religion. 
It is a set of books filled with great suffering as many of the faithful are killed but it is also a book of great bravery and trust in the Lord in the midst of trials.
In Maccabees, two of the theological principles used today are clearly seen. The first, that God created the world out of nothing. 2 Maccabees 7:28 details how God did not make the world out of things already created, but out of nothing. 
The second principle is that of praying for the dead. While there are references throughout Scripture and it is a clear practice of the Early Church, it is most clearly referenced in 2 Maccabees 12. 
#christianwoman #graceupongrace #jesusgirl #inspiredfaith #womenlivingwell #jesuscalling #faithfilledcaptions #catholicblogger #Catholicconvert #CatholicWoman #chasingsacred #christianwomenleaders #bibleverse #biblestudy  #christianblogger #faithinhim #proverbs31woman #faithful #Godisgood #encouragementgallery #godslove #christianposts #christianquote #prayer #prayertime
thethinplace
thethinplace
•
Follow
Chances are, the Books of Maccabees are probably the deuterocanonical books you are most familiar with! It is in these books that we find the origins of Hanukkah. To be honest, they are a rough read. A really rough read. They detail the suffering the people of God endured while their enemies attempted to control their land and wipe out their religion. It is a set of books filled with great suffering as many of the faithful are killed but it is also a book of great bravery and trust in the Lord in the midst of trials. In Maccabees, two of the theological principles used today are clearly seen. The first, that God created the world out of nothing. 2 Maccabees 7:28 details how God did not make the world out of things already created, but out of nothing. The second principle is that of praying for the dead. While there are references throughout Scripture and it is a clear practice of the Early Church, it is most clearly referenced in 2 Maccabees 12. #christianwoman #graceupongrace #jesusgirl #inspiredfaith #womenlivingwell #jesuscalling #faithfilledcaptions #catholicblogger #Catholicconvert #CatholicWoman #chasingsacred #christianwomenleaders #bibleverse #biblestudy #christianblogger #faithinhim #proverbs31woman #faithful #Godisgood #encouragementgallery #godslove #christianposts #christianquote #prayer #prayertime
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
Judith is another archetypal story of the battle being won at the hand of a woman, seen also in Judges and Esther. 
During the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, an army is sent to destroy the mountain town that Judith lives in. The people are greatly distressed and death seems to be the only option. Judith, a wealthy widow, trusts in the Lord and ultimately, kills the opposing military leader and brings peace to the people.
It is a story of God’s provision for His people in their exile through an unlikely source, a widow. In Judith, we see an archetype pointing to Mary and to the Church, waiting for her true Bridegroom. 
But it is also a story that points to the Lord’s desire to draw all nations to Himself! One of my favorite parts of the book of Judith is that it tells us of the conversion of a man who initially sets out to fight the Jewish people coming to believe in the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. 
“And when Achior saw all that the God of Israel had done, he believed firmly in God, and was circumcised, and joined the house of Israel.” - Judith 14:10
It beautiful reminder that God’s deliverance is for all mankind. 
#proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword  #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #blessedandhighlyfavored #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #daughterofaking #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #wordbeforworld #encouragingquotes #christianlife #christianencouragement
thethinplace
thethinplace
•
Follow
Judith is another archetypal story of the battle being won at the hand of a woman, seen also in Judges and Esther. During the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, an army is sent to destroy the mountain town that Judith lives in. The people are greatly distressed and death seems to be the only option. Judith, a wealthy widow, trusts in the Lord and ultimately, kills the opposing military leader and brings peace to the people. It is a story of God’s provision for His people in their exile through an unlikely source, a widow. In Judith, we see an archetype pointing to Mary and to the Church, waiting for her true Bridegroom. But it is also a story that points to the Lord’s desire to draw all nations to Himself! One of my favorite parts of the book of Judith is that it tells us of the conversion of a man who initially sets out to fight the Jewish people coming to believe in the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. “And when Achior saw all that the God of Israel had done, he believed firmly in God, and was circumcised, and joined the house of Israel.” - Judith 14:10 It beautiful reminder that God’s deliverance is for all mankind. #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #blessedandhighlyfavored #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #daughterofaking #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #wordbeforworld #encouragingquotes #christianlife #christianencouragement
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
5/5
@thethinplace
Instagram has returned invalid data.

Copyright Bailey Suzio 2022 Site Powered by Pix & Hue.