REST

Good Morning!

I pray all is going well with you this morning –

Hopefully, you have been able to get some much needed rest this holiday weekend

Rest – it is an important element which often gets overlooked

It is so essential to … REST

I know that it sometimes feels as though there is no time to REST –

Yet, our bodies [and our lives] cannot function properly without times of refreshing

There is a story in the book of I Kings which tells of a day in the life of the prophet Elijah:

‘He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die.’ I Kings 19:4

 

Here we have a mighty man of God, on the heels of a great victory

            He had called down fire from heaven … and it fell! I Kings 18:38

Yet, here he is one chapter later completely despondent

What happened?

The battle had exhausted him and left him utterly undernourished – spiritually & physically

And what was God’s prescription?

What grand solution did Jehovah-Rophe, the LORD who heals, offer?

REST, EAT, GET IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

‘Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” … He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat for the journey is too much for you.”' I Kings 19:5-7

 

THE JOURNEY IS TOO MUCH

We have not had to call down fire from heaven –

Yet many of us have felt that the journey through 2020 has been too much, ‘way too much’

But – take heart

Despite the reality of the challenges, there still remains a REST

‘Thus far, you have survived 100% of the toughest moments life has thrown your way.’

 

LIKE AN INFANT

I had a discussion a while back with my friend where I was sharing the importance of REST

I told her there are times when I get restless, impatient and downright cranky;

            whining and sometimes crying; wanting to be consoled and left alone all at once

In those moments, I shared with her, I imagine a scene plays out in heaven…

The angels are gathered around the throne and they are completely perplexed:

‘My LORD, WHAT is wrong with her?!’

And I imagine the LORD calmly responding,

‘She’s fine … she just needs a nap. She’s tired and hungry and she needs her Heavenly Father.’

 

It used to be that way when my sons were infants. It was not often but they would have those moments when they would start to get ‘fussy’. They were tired, or hungry [sometimes both] and they needed REST! Sometimes all they needed was to know that I was close by, that I was present ...and then they could REST.

 

It is amazing what a little rest will do – emotionally, spiritually and physically

It also helps our perspective, so we may see more clearly

But the act of rest it is not a one-time occurrence

We must be intentional about seeking out regular moments of rest & rejuvenation

Forty days after that encounter with the angel of the LORD, Elijah was in a cave;

And the LORD came to him where he was:

‘The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” I Kings 19:11

Even if you are too weary from the current journey and for the next journey,

The LORD will meet you right where you are

He is the Omni-Present One …there is no escaping His presence

 

HIS PRESENCE IS KEY

The refueling – whatever that may look like – is great

            Water, food, exercise, prayer, meditation

The rest – in all its forms – is helpful

            Naps, sleep, sitting in silence

But the getting in the presence of the LORD – it is absolutely essential

His presence is key!

 

This morning –

Whether you only have today or the remainder of this week heading into the new year;

Be intentional about carving out meaningful moments of rest, in His presence

Take time to pursue and enjoy REST –

recovering from the present journey and preparing for all that is to come

 

Have a Rest-Filled & Blessed Day!

‘He gives His beloved rest.’  Psalm 127:2

‘The LORD provides for those He loves, even while they are sleeping.’ Psalm 127:2

leap of faith ...

Happy Saturday!

It is the last day of February –

Bringing to a close  our focus on love.

I am actually not quite sure where my time went today

The days come and go;

The weekend comes … the weekend goes

However, it has been a relatively good day – following a rough evening.

Last night, out of nowhere, I had a full on anxiety attack

It made me so ill, that all I could do was lie down, to try to calm down

But eventually, I fell asleep ...

And today – well today is a new day

Today is Leap Day … the reason 2020 is a Leap Year

Today is also my Aunt Julia’s birthday;

I always remember her birthday because it falls on February 29^th

This day, the 29^th of February, will not occur on the calendar again

For another four years        

This day, the 29^th of February 2020, will not occur again – ever

There is an old Irish tradition that if a woman makes a proposal on February 29^th

                It must be accepted

The idea was that of a single woman asking a man for his hand

However, I will accept that any proposal made by a lady this day, will be honored.

Therefore, in view of my night last night –

and sensitive the plight of so many who must confront anxiety from time to time

I would like to make the following proposal:

‘Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

                And do not lean on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths’

                                                                                              Proverb 3:5-6

‘Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

                Nor the arrow that flies in the day.

Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,

                Nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

Though a thousand fall at your side,

                Though ten thousand are dying around you,

                These evils will not touch you’

                                                               Psalm 91:5-7

We cannot always control the feelings which come upon us,

But we can control whether we will allow them to control us.

Last night, recognizing what was happening, I went to lie down;

I played some Christ-centered music & I quoted some scripture,

‘Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.’ Philippians 3:12-14

Eventually I fell asleep last night – the LORD granted me rest 

The LORD grants His beloved rest;

He is Jehovah-Shalom, our Peace.

So take a leap of courage, a leap of hope, a leap of faith

                With God, every day, moment-by-moment

God is our refuge and strength – in a leap year and every year

Have a Blessed Evening!

'TIS THE SEASON: SHELTERED

Good Evening Friends

I pray your month is off to a great start

The weather here – which was rather mild this morning – has turned cold & damp

It is nights like these that I am ever so thankful for SHELTER

And not just in the natural sense

TODAY –

Today I am keenly aware of the SHELTERING PRESENCE OF THE LORD

His name truly is a strong tower which we can run to and – BE SAFE

It does not matter what you are needing shelter from this evening –

It could be the SHELTER OF COMPANIONSHIP, HIS PRESENCE

Erasing the sting of loneliness which descends upon some during the holidays

It could be a PRACTICAL SHELTER & RESCUE which is needed from a financial reversal

It could be the COMFORTING SHELTER, a place of relief from wayward relationships

It could be a SHELTERING HAVEN OF PEACE, needed when times are chaotic

Whatever the need –

The name of the LORD is a strong tower – the righteous run to it and are safe

BUT –

Perhaps you are not feeling very righteous tonight; not feeling very worthy

NO WORRIES …

None of us fit that bill in our merit

Scripture tells me, ‘my righteousness is as filthy rags’ Isaiah 64:6

‘There is none righteous – not even one’ Romans 3:10

And these verses would be a discouraging for sure.

However, there is another which reminds me who I am IN CHRIST

I am the righteousness of God IN CHRIST JESUS

‘God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God’

II Corinthians 5:21

That is a blessing indeed –

                A true miracle, not just at this time of year but the whole year through

I am praying this night that He will be your place of refuge –

that you will find everything you need as you call upon His Name

What a powerful name it is!

Have a Blessed Evening…

Much Love in Christ!

THANKS GIVING 2019: WEEKENDS

Good Evening Friends!

I pray you had a great day –

I have to say I am thoroughly enjoying our THANKS GIVING series

AND TODAY?

Well, it has been one of those weeks –

SO TODAY – I am TRULY THANKFUL for …. THE WEEKEND!

This may be one of the shortest posts I have ever written …

YUP – that truly is all I have for today!

I am praying that you have a blessed evening and a FABULOUS WEEKEND!

 God Bless!

‘There is a time for everything,

                and a season for  every activity under the heavens’ … Ecclesiastes 3:1

THANKS GIVING 2019: Thankful Rest

Happy Sunday!

I know it is now evening.

However, it is still Sunday – at least where I am writing from

Today was a quiet day. I did not even venture out of the house for church.

Thankfully, the church is people and not a place or building –

Which means church can be held anywhere you happen to be.

Please do not misunderstand me. I believe in honoring scripture

And we are admonished to ‘not forsake the assembling together’ Hebrews 10:25

However, I am have difficulties with my vehicle

THEREFORE –

Church today was at home where I enjoyed the peacefulness of a SUNDAY REST;

Where I enjoyed the comfort of a SABBATH REST

The LORD Himself took a rest on the seventh day

And it is His gift to His people

It is a gift I am incredibly thankful for – especially since I have had to work 12-hour days every day for the past few weeks – along with work on Saturdays

It is so important to RECEIVE the gifts He has afforded us and to take care of self

AFTER ALL – YOU CANNOT GIVE OUT OF AN EMPTY CUP

Yes, there are times when we have to PAUSE;

Times when we must allow our hearts, minds, spirits and bodies to BE REPLENISHED;

Times when we must engage in the process of doing nothing except to GIVE THANKS.

I thank the LORD for all He has done, for what He is doing and for what is to come.

And I thank Him for REST-FILLED, PEACE-FILLED moments

Praying you will have a rest-filled evening as well …

God Bless!

Spring Break 2013: rest to run

‘I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint’

Jeremiah 31:25

 

Spring Break!!!!

Made it through the first session of classes …

Never thought I would be so excited (at my age) to see spring break arrive.

Yes – it is only one week.

But - there are no papers due tonight ... no reading assignments ... no test to take. And I am feeling better physically now that I'm on antibiotics (getting over sinusitis and a terrible ear infection)

 

What a joy it is to be able to relax –

To cook for my family, listen to some praise and worship music, write ... and rest.

 

 

'... He gives His beloved rest.'

Psalm 127:2

Now, I am certain these days will go faster than I desire but I intend to make the most out of every one. And, for some reason, I can't help feeling like this rest is to ready me for next run.

Expecting great things this week ….

 

Hillsong United ... Oceans

 

 

POWERFUL!!!