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31 Days of Encouraging Words #3

October 3, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

photo credit: Jonathan Rubio via photopin cc

I was nearly born a reader. At least to hear my mother and gramma tell it. I read Mother Goose Rhymes at the ripe old age of 3. Impressive, eh?

I’m sure what really happened was the positive effect of reading to your children: they learn language. Rhythm, patterns, story, connection, comfort, closeness, fun. Reading had an early positive effect on me.

I have loved to lose myself in books since I could read on my own. My earliest “chapter book” was Anne of Green Gables. Not a bad start really. I was blessed with a wonderful, generous great-aunt Mildred who was the children’s book curator in a lovely bookstore in Witchita Falls, Texas. Aunt Mildred would send books for gifts.

Some children would groan at receiving a book instead of a toy; not this kid. I am the proud owner of the 1936 hard back editions of the entire series of Anne of Green Gables. One book at a time. Aunt Mildred knew I loved books. She hoped I’d learn to love the Good Book when I was older. In fact she prayed that over me when I was a small 9 yr old visiting her in the hot, humid summer of 1966.

I read and read and read. My mother was a junior high English teacher who later became a high school English teacher so there was no shortage of recommendations of good titles for me to hunt for on my weekly trip to the local library.

I love the smell of books. I use a kindle on my iPad but there is no replacing the smell of books. Especially old books in used book stores (if the library is not open!) Reading built my love for words; extended my vocabulary without flash cards and made me a better writer. More pages read than pages written. I live by that rule.

Are you familiar with the author of the quote on the picture above? If you’ve seen the Broadway musical Wicked then you have encountered Gregory Maguire’s storytelling ability. He wrote the book upon which the musical is based. Check him out on Goodreads. He takes a familiar story and writes around it in a new way; a new direction. Not necessarily children’s lit just so you know.

My Aunt Mildred’s prayers were answered 15 years later when I asked for my first Bible. I was curious at that point; how was the Bible so popular over so many centuries? What did it have to offer of lasting value that extended beyond other books?

How little I knew at the time; faith comes by hearing the Word of God. I had no idea the power that lay within that book; power to transform a broken, lonely young woman. How the prayer of an older woman would have an effect 15 years later. What a lovely circle to live within; an extended family who loved the Word as well as the written word.

What heritage are you leaving? Do you have an extended family member who needs you praying for them? Is there someone close to home who loves books but can’t spend money on them? Do you know a family who would be blessed by an anonymous bag of children’s books dropped on their doorstep? Do you have time to be a reading tutor for adults or children?

If you love story, how can you share that love with others?

Share your ideas here!

Does This Happen to You?

September 30, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

Do you ever feel like you’re falling behind in your day before it really gets started?

You have a reasonable list of things to work through; it’s not over full but getting through to the bottom will keep you busy all day.

And then a curve ball gets thrown your way and you’re just not ready for it.

That happened this morning. I really desire to show the Fruit of the Spirit wherever I go and with whom I interact. Well today I, well, failed miserably.

All before 9 am.

Now mind you I had already had my coffee with Jesus and read Jesus Calling and my daily Scripture reading and my Mornings with Tozer devotional. I had chatted with my hubster. I had taken photos in the garden. It was all glorious.

Then a text came in that jarred my serene countenance and the old self showed up in a big way.

What happened to applying all that I had just encountered? Where did that peace go? How did I so quickly dive head long into the depths of a yucky attitude?

I don’t know is the short answer. I missed the choice point. The place where I got to choose a slow, deliberate, patient response or the quick-tempered off the top of my head reaction. I chose unwisely.

We always have them. Choice Points. My sweet mentor used that phrase so many times to remind me at each encounter God was giving me opportunity to learn discretion, discernment, wisdom. Those characteristics aren’t ones we’re born with; they are earned from making the wise choice time and again.

What happens when we don’t choose wisely? Like this morning? Is the whole day ruined by this one poor choice? Do we just give up and figure we’ll start over tomorrow?

The short answer? NO

Start again. As soon as possible.

Admit your poor choice and ask for forgiveness; first to the Lord, then to the person (or people) who need to hear you ask for forgiveness. You are forgiven because Christ paid for that poor choice already. (that doesn’t mean you get a free pass to sin all the more! see Romans 6:1)

I have no promise that your asking for forgiveness from the one(s) you wronged will turn out great or even ok. But taking the time to admit what happened and ask forgiveness is a demonstration of the inner work of the Spirit of God in your life. Don’t just gloss over what happened as if it didn’t. I know it’s tempting. I’ve done it too. It’s no good because you just end up feeling yucky all day long. So get real as gently and as quickly as possible.

Jesus told us if your eye is clear your whole body will be full of light. Basically, when you know you’re forgiven and you live out that forgiveness, you see life clearly. You see glimpses of God everywhere. (see the bit of rainbow?)

I know sometimes you feel as if you’re all alone shining your light

but God has promised He will never leave you or forget you.

Never. In fact Paul tells us in his second letter to the church at Corinth: “But thanks be to God who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.”

Even when you choose unwisely.

Forgiveness isn’t to be taken lightly. Our relationship with Christ isn’t to be taken lightly either. He calls us Friends. His grace to us cost Him everything. But accepting His forgiveness and grace brand new can feel like the discovery of new life when it’s not the season

Strawberries in September?

Reminding myself this morning of how vital forgiveness is helped get me back on track with the day. Even when it was temporarily derailed so early.

We are called to live differently in this world. Do the unexpected. Ask for forgiveness.

And be forgiving.

He is always with you, shining Light on your next step toward His home…

4 Words to Tell Yourself (again & again)

September 23, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

Have you ever thought much about your self-talk? The words you tell yourself in your head? They may come out of your mouth when you think no one else is listening.

Are they kind words? Are you nice to yourself? Or do you have the voice of “the Bad Girlfriend” as my coach calls it?

I hadn’t thought about how I treat myself until one day I overheard my little boy say something to himself when he dropped something.

“That was stupid.”

ouch.

My eavesdropping became an awareness to change something I hadn’t had on my radar.

Maybe that is something you need to be aware of too.

Change is hard. But the good news about change? It’s constantly going on all around you. You might as well join in!

I’ve worked on that self-talk change for almost 20 years. I have learned a four word phrase that I’ll share with you that you can tell yourself too.

You Can Do This.

These 4 words have helped me again and again.

We sent one son off to college. You Can Do This.

My mom and dad passed away in the same year. You Can Do This.

My husband and I trained for 6 months to ride our tandem bike around Lake Tahoe.

You Can Do This.

We’ve watched one son get married and move away. You Can Do This.

We launched our youngest to college all the way across the country! You Can Do This.

We emptied our home of 15 years and moved away from our community. You Can Do This.

See what I mean?

A very helpful phrase. But it’s really a shortened version of the first Bible verse I memorized when I came to faith in Jesus Christ at 23 years old.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

If you follow Christ, You Can Do This. Whatever He calls you to, He will be with you in it. His strength is yours to rely on, to sustain you through the change. God doesn’t change.

Everything around us may change but God remains the same. Yesterday, Today and Forever.

You Can Do This.

My recent challenge?

Food changes.

This guy has had hidden health issues. A change in what he eats will improve the issues.

So we became vegan. Not just a change like “eat less fats” or “cut out sweets”.

A plant based diet will reduce the scary numbers that say bad things could happen.

I had to change how I cook, what I buy and just about everything I knew about food prep.

You Can DO This! (these are tempeh tacos)

You might be a passionate cook who looks at a challenge like this with great enthusiasm. That’s not me.

I have to talk to myself. Daily. I had to find new sources of inspiration (check out my Pinterest boards for proof!)

Here is a new favorite book

Remy would be proud (ratatouille)

Your change challenge may be much different than food changes. Believe me, I know change is hard.

But change can be good.

You Can Do This!

I’d love to hear your changes so we can encourage one another!

Also, I’m linking up today over at Sue’s blog:

Family Fun Fridays: Camping Re-visited

September 19, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

It’s Friday. Maybe you’re exhausted from this first month of school. Maybe you’re excited about what you might do with your family as the fall is easing into view in the weather and on the calendar. Either way, I want to encourage you to think about getting outside with your littles and enjoying God’s beautiful gifts of Creation.

Whether you take them to the park, the beach, or the school playground, getting outdoors is an important part of childhood. Having adventures together as a family is fun and memorable.

We’re a camping family. Ever since the boys were babies we’ve camped. They loved to go up the coast into the redwoods. They loved to camp near the beach to go boogie boarding. They loved campfires (building and lighting, they’re boys after all) and especially loved the eventual s’mores.

We got the wild idea in the spring of 2001 that we should take the boys out of school (WHAT!!??) and camp around the country; giving them a taste of the grandeur and immensity of this nation. We planned for months! We taped a map on the wall and let the boys put map pins on the places they wanted to see. The Hubster and I added our own pins, too. We researched destinations and estimated costs; plotting a course that would circumnavigate the lower 48 states.

And we did it in this

This trip was pre-smart phone and google maps. We had a gps and a phone that would connect to the internet via dial up modem (ancient tech history) which worked 1 out of 10 times!

We camped on average 5 out of 7 days; stopping to visit family and friends around the country. We listened to music, sang songs, hiked beautiful trails, saw amazing vistas, met wonderful people and most of all, made memories. Seeing historic places first hand, rather than in books, made a huge difference in appreciation of what the Minutemen had to go through or why the battle at Gettysburg cost the lives of so many. Both of our sons grew up loving history; due in part to this trip of living history.

Like labor & delivery, there were hard parts but the good outweighed the bad. We got one speeding ticket (seriously? in a fully loaded VW?); had a few emotional meltdowns (mom hates wind, bridges and semi-trucks); but were blessed with no mechanical issues and almost a completely healthy trip (dad got an ear infection).

It wasn’t always neat and tidy

but the four of us managed to live in here and get along for the months of September and October of 2001. Our sons were 13 and 6. Yes, that is a 7 year gap. In school they wouldn’t have see one another; too many years between them. But on the road trip they learned together, had fun together, argued about space together, and learned to resolve conflict without being sent to their rooms. We read the Bible together, talked about God’s creativity as we witnessed so many different rock formations, rivers, trees, and people. He covered our trip with favor in the midst of one of our country’s greatest tragedies: the bombings of Sept. 11. We were drawn closer together as a family through the aftermath; we had just visited Mount Rushmore the night before and were headed east. We saw people of our country come together to pray in places you wouldn’t have imagined like the parking lot of the Mall of America in Minneapolis for a candlelight vigil. We went to church in places around the country and worshiped with strangers but didn’t feel strange. Our trip was unique for many reasons but the timing in history makes it standout to this day.

This scrapbook journal box says it all

You may not be ready to hit the road yet. Camping isn’t easy for everyone I know. I may not have convinced anyone to pack up right now, but I hope you’ll consider camping as an option for fun things to do with your family. Get together with another family as I mentioned in my earlier post. Go to a local county park so you’re close to home in case something happens that you feel you can’t handle (health issues, sleeping bag wetting, etc.). At least give it a try!

Do you have a success story to share? Encourage another family by commenting!

#1 Investment Strategy for Parents

September 11, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

Our economy is based on investments. Short term vs long term; high vs low yield. Where is the best place to put your money? The answers vary; they depend on who you’re talking to, who you’re listening to. With so many voices it’s hard to know what is truly best. That can be scary when you’re a young family saving for college, or an individual trying to make wise investments for the future. So many variables; so many ideas.

Financial investment strategies are valuable but don’t have the long term pay off parents truly need. You are wise to plan and save; there is no doubt about that. But what legacy will you leave your family beyond the material? What is the #1 investment strategy for parents?

I heard a great message on Tuesday from Sue Donaldson. She spoke to a group of moms about A Mother’s Legacy. Sue spoke with humor and wit but also interjected thoughts to ponder.

It caused me to reflect on my own sons and wondered what I have left for them. Interestingly, within an hour of driving away from the event, each of my sons called me to touch base and ask me for something. Prayer.

It dawned on me that God was showing me what my legacy will be for them…that I was a praying momma.

What a humbling thing, to be shown how one is seen.

I wasn’t always a woman of prayer. I was a woman of worry, fear and mistrust. I lived by ‘if it’s to be it’s up to me’ for so many years.

But God…

gave me sweet opportunities to learn from His Word as I sat rocking these baby boys. He taught me to lift up my worries to Him. To ask Him for favor, for their salvation, physical safety, development of their minds. He gave me words to pray back to Him like those at the end of

Psalm 91:14-16. I have prayed with each of their names inserted where the pronouns are:

“Because (he) has loved Me, therefore I will deliver (him); I will set (him) securely on high, because (he) has known My name.

(He) will call upon Me, and I will answer (him); I will be with (him) in trouble; I will rescue (him), and honor (him).

With a long life I will satisfy (him) and let (him) behold My salvation.”

He gave me a sense of purpose to spend the quiet times like those lifting up my dreams of who these babies would one day be, of the men they would grow into many years in the future. I developed the practice of using my laundry time to pray for the 10 year old feet who wore the once white socks; to pray for the arms that would go stronger over time, that they would become the men God desires them to be.

Now they are men. One is married to a beautiful, Christ-following woman. She was prayed for long before he met her. They serve God in His kingdom building purposes as church planters in Utah. The other son is in college, a sophomore Gator at UF, 3000 miles away.

I miss them. A lot. But God…

is with them, in them and guiding them in the lives He has planned for them.

Just as this simple momma asked Him again and again.

My prayers are not my prayers alone. The One Who answers is also the One Who leads us to come be with Him in the quiet place where our soul can breathe out the burdens and worries and breathe in His peace in return.

God has taught me to rest in Him. He has got these babies/boys/men.

Trusting God. Talking with Him about everything. What a gift that He gave me years ago; the gift of prayer.

A gift of investment. Of time, of heart, of hope. You deposit your meager prayers like I did.

Ask Him. He longs to hear your words, pleas, worries and fears. He will transform those investments (and you!) over time.

It is your #1 investment strategy that will pay huge dividends both now and eternity future!

5 Messages I’ve Learned from Spiritual Whitespace

June 19, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

The words and ideas in Bonnie Gray’s new book, Finding Spiritual Whitespace have worked their way into spaces inside me I didn’t realize were there. In the working I’ve learned a few messages (so far). 5 messages at this point that I am able to share.

1) Whitespace is vital

Look at this picture. It’s a classic example of the vital nature of whitespace in photography. If the clouds weren’t there and all you saw was a big blue sky you might miss the details in the photo. Whitespace provides contrast. Bonnie uses this vital idea in art in terms of our spiritual landscape as well. The contrast of whitespace to the over full landscape of our day can allow space for our soul to breathe. Whitespace is vital.

2) Spiritual Whitespace is playful

Right in the middle of this classic photo surrounded by lots of lighter space is my cat Tartar. Named for my high school mascot because he was born in the art teacher’s kiln (warm space right?) I brought the tiny kitten home at the end of summer school before my freshman year. He was playful and creative. Allowing whitespace in our lives gives us room to be playful and creative too. If we are only about the “to do list” and getting things done, there isn’t room for spontaneity and fun. Hanging out with Jesus outdoors, or with colored pencils, pens or paint can be an opportunity to connect with the imago dei that you bear. Considering ways to find spiritual whitespace for creativity is so often pushed away as frivolous. Is it?

3) Spiritual Whitespace is hope-filled

The path in this photo leads off into the distance…I know where it leads because I’ve been there, but you might not. Spiritual Whitespace allows the hope of Jesus to seep into your weary soul just like the fog is seeping over the edge of the mountains. Fog might not seem like a hope-filled thing but it actually provides a lot of moisture for coastal plants and a respite from too much heat. Our souls need to know that in rest from too much heat, of feeling burned out from too many demands, of feeling fried at the edges from too much busy-ness, there can be a renewal of our souls from weariness.

4) Finding Spiritual Whitespace is Daily

Reading Bonnie’s book is not a quick summer beach or vacation reading experience. It is not a light, frivolous read. That being said, it is however a beautiful invitation to care for your soul-Daily. Bonnie has created a set of actions; invitations, to pull up a chair and share. Her writing is so personal and transparent that it makes it easy just to be yourself with Jesus, if you make the time available.

God gives rhythms in His Creation that we often ignore in our contrived electronic filled beyond the margins existence. He created us with a need to come away with Him and rest. Do we hear and accept? Or dismiss and reject?

Finding Spiritual Whitespace is an invitation to choose…

5) Finding Spiritual Whitespace is a Journey

Jesus knew what His life was about: the redemption of humanity. His one goal was met at the Cross. He died the death each of us deserves because of our natural opposition to the holiness of God; opposition of allowing anyone but ourselves to be in charge of our lives. When we recognize that it is us, not the Jews of 2000 years ago that put Jesus on that Cross; when we feel the weight of our own life burdens without His help and influence; when we consider what our options are apart from Him in the very real present and future; we come face to face with why Jesus journeyed to the Cross.

Finding Spiritual Whitespace is a journey. Realigning our priorities and putting our calendars, our past, our present into an alignment of a with-God life is a journey. It is not a one and done event; finding spiritual whitespace is a daily journey to the heart of God who made your soul, and mine, to need rest. To need space for Him.

The most beautiful thing about Bonnie’s book? She is authentic and transparent with her journey; a beautiful model for each of us as we journey through this world. Are you on a journey toward God and rest for your soul on a daily basis? Or are you journeying on your own, worn down, bearing untold burdens from your past, pain in the present, without space to rest?

Join us, won’t you? Community is the place to share and grow.

3 Subtle Changes as You Rest

June 5, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

Change in our souls can be subtle. So subtle that we may not even take notice for some time.

Come to think of it, change is often subtle with things like our weight loss or strength training or distance we can run/walk or gardening.

Hmmm…

We don’t see the changes even from one day to the next. Change can be so slow we forget to stay in the process. Or we give up because we don’t see any progress.

It’s counter intuitive to think that change happens when we rest.

We’ve been conditioned to believe that activity, action, production, achievement, progress are all gained by constant motion.

That’s a lie from the pit of Hell.

There. I said it.

So what is the opposite of constant motion and production?

Rest.

I’ve been reading a new book, Finding Spiritual Whitespace, by Bonnie Gray of FaithBarista. That I am reading a new book is not surprising; I’m known for reading. And doing. And producing.

Not known for resting.

But I have gleaned 3 subtle changes (so far!) that happen when we rest.

1) Your trust level is challenged

Trust that whatever you are saying ‘No’ to will not cause the end of the world as you know it. I know that may sound ridiculous but what are the reasons you don’t say No more? For me it’s Fear. Fear of missing out. Fear of not being thought well of by others. Fear of being called lazy. Fear of letting someone down. All because of saying ‘No’ and taking care of my soul.

My trust level is challenged every time I choose soul rest over a task. It helps me to plan gaps of discretionary time in the day but schedules don’t always allow that luxury. Trusting that pushing the pause button won’t cause the end of the world is BIG. But so worth it. It’s getting easier over time, but the change is subtle.

2) Your ability to let go is called into question

We’ve all seen the bumper stickers ahead of us, “Let Go and Let God”. They may be so familiar that we respond with ‘yeah right’ because we believe “if it’s to be, it’s up to me.” This is the place where prioritizing rest, spiritual whitespace, really started poking me. Who else will go to the store for groceries? Who else will get _________ done if I don’t?

What if getting __________ done isn’t as important in the big scheme of things? (where God’s priorities are) What if I take the risk of letting that task go…for now…to allow my soul to listen to the still small voice for even a few moments? What if?

3) Your willingness to listen to Jesus’ invitation to rest is also brought out of the dusty recesses of your mind & heart

You may know this verse by heart, “Come to Me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Knowing a verse by heart and living out the Truth are two very different things. I have been dusting off this memory verse and putting it into action.

All the doing in the world doesn’t give your soul much needed whitespace to breathe.

Whitespace comes when we push the pause button on activity and give our souls a chance to SLOW DOWN.

Change happens subtly…

one pause at a time to give your soul a chance to breathe…

Who knows? You might be grown into a beautiful picture of Jesus at work in you and through you, to His creation, His children who need to know Him through you.

This book, Finding Spiritual Whitespace, is challenging, encouraging, hopeful and personal. Bonnie has shared her story courageously; that we may step forward in our stories as well. She invites us to pull up a chair and share…won’t you join the conversation?

Linking up today with FaithBarista over here:

How Do You Like to Enjoy a Quiet Moment?

June 2, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

It’s day 2 of 21 Days of Rest. I love Bonnie’s question for today: How do like to enjoy a quiet moment?

It’s been here. At low tide. In the mornings. Alone with Jesus.

Now it’s here

Reflecting with Him on all that He has been doing in me this past year.

It has been a hard journey of letting go.

But my quiet, soul rest moments, below the surface of my circumstances, have been sweet and renewing.

He makes all things new.

A verse that He gave me to cling to in the quiet is Isaiah 43:19 : ” Behold I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”

There have been many wilderness moments this past year. Many times I cried out to Him ‘I do believe! Help me in my unbelief!’ like the father in Mark 9. I wanted to see with eyes of faith that He was doing something new in our lives and especially in my heart.

I have kept bumping up against old tapes telling me I have no value since I am not producing anything. My worth was always tied to my achievement. And then once achieved, the bar was raised to new heights, always just beyond the grasp of loved for who I am.

Jesus whispers to me: You are my beloved. AS you ARE. You are enough because you are Mine.

The clash of internals.

His Words of love, encouragement and acceptance. The voice of the one supposed to love me telling me not good enough.

This 21 Days of Rest is a beautiful capstone to the year of letting go and looking forward to the roadway in the wilderness of my heart, the river of Life in the desert of my soul.

Join in and share or simply read others’ words of rest.

21 Days of Rest: Finding #SpiritualWhitespace Day 1

June 1, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

The first time I saw this beautiful invitation I cried. Tears of disbelief actually.

My head knows the Truth that is written. My heart sees glimpses of the Truth that can be lived. But to simply rest in that Truth? Without being busy justifying my existence?

This is a new way of being. I am trying to learn. And it’s not easy undoing a lifetime of perfectionism. I need help. Maybe you do too.

This is the first of June. Every day for the first 21 days, Bonnie of Faith Barista, will be serving a prompt to for us to ponder. An invitation to be with Jesus as He invites us everyday:

“Come to Me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Whether you blog, journal or simply write your thoughts on slips of paper the prompt will be an invitation to slow down, talk with Jesus and rest in Him.

This is not an invitation to figure out what Bible study to do next, or on what committee to serve, or whatever your doing looks like. This is an invitation from Jesus to be.with.Him.

We can find the whitespaces inside us to rest together with Jesus. (from the introduction Finding Spiritual Whitespace; Awakening Your Soul to Rest)

I’ll be blogging here as well as journaling in this beautiful book created by my friend Holly Beals.

Holly creates beautiful images and makes them accessible to us through cards, journals (like this beauty) through her etsy site. She also is committed to ending human trafficking so she donates a portion of every sale to this cause.

And the other book in the picture? Why that’s Bonnie’s new book that is available this week!!!! You’ll be hearing more from me about the beauty of finding spiritual whitespace in the days to come. I’ve had the privilege of spending time here

reading, pondering and journaling my experiences in finding spiritual whitespace.

I can honestly say this is a book that epitomizes Proverbs 25:11.

Jesus will meet you in the pages of Finding Spiritual Whitespace as Bonnie tells her own journey and invites us to pull up a chair and share.

It’s almost summer. Don’t you feel a need for a different routine? 21 days of rest to take you to the official first day of summer. Now that sounds amazing to me!

Want to join?

It’s easy! Click on this image and you’ll go to her site where you can learn more. I hope you’ll share here too!

Soul Thoughts to Ponder (again!)

May 21, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

“Come to Me all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My load is light.” Jesus

What is very appealing in these words of Jesus is the idea of rest, rest for my soul. Twice He mentions this idea. It is easy to picture my physical self coming to Jesus, laying down a physical burden like a backpack and then being at rest. But I don’t think that is all He means because Jesus says “rest for your soul”.

How do I come with my soul burdens and receive rest? How do you?

What are the burdens of my soul? And yours?

“Search me O God and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.

Point out anything in me that offends You and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” David from Psalm 139 NLT

There is a wonderful book, recently published, that delves into what soul rest really is. Bonnie Gray of Faith Barista is the author. I am only through the introduction and the first two chapters and already I am underlining and writing quotes and personal reflections in my journal. There will be much more written in weeks to come. In the meantime, buy her book. You won’t regret it.

We need rest. We long for rest. He offers us rest. Join Him.

Also, for fun I am linking up today with my friend Sue over at Welcome Heart. She is a great encourager from the Word as well…O taste & see Tuesdays (a day late but worth the wait!?)

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