Midweek Morsel: Rest During Demanding Times

September 17, 2015 by 4 Comments

3475199344_22c0327a80_z“‘. . . even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.’” Exodus 34:21b

God knows what we need, doesn’t he? As Creator, no one knows us and our needs better than he does. The Bible, his Word to us, is full of his instructions, exhortations, commands, and wisdom that are for our benefit. We are our wisest selves when we listen and heed his words.

One of the things God knows we need is rest. He not only gave the commandment about resting from our work on the Sabbath when he gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, but he went on to emphasize in the passage above that even during the plowing season and harvest the people were to rest. Yes, even during their busiest times, God said, “you must rest.”

If people in Old Testament times needed rest during their busiest seasons, don’t you think we need rest today during our most demanding times as well? I can’t help but think that God knows us so well he knew we’d need explicit instructions for busy seasons. He knows we’re tempted to push too hard when we’ve got more work than hours in the week.

But if we’re wise—if we’re honoring and obeying God—we will rest. And it will indeed benefit us.

“‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” Mark 6:31b

*What are some of the benefits of rest?

*Flickr photo by Meagan, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: refresh, rest, time, wisdom, Word of God, work Tagged With: , ,

Good Intentions Lost in the Shuffle

June 1, 2015 by 2 Comments

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We’ve all been there—moments when we make mental note to carry out a certain action at a later time. A time that’s more convenient, more sensible, or simply more doable. A time when we actually have a chance to see some white space on the current page of our lives.

That’s right, sometimes we are in the midst of situations or schedules that make it next to impossible to add anything else to our to-do lists. I bet many of us are just now emerging from such a time. The month of May fills our calendars to overflowing, becoming second only to December in pushing us to our limits.

For me personally, my busy season started several months ago. In addition to the regular demands of life, some caregiving responsibilities presented themselves as I helped care for my husband after his injury and then began making trips to help take care of our twin grandbabies.

During such demanding seasons, it’s easy and natural for our good intentions—those moments when we make those mental notes—to get lost in the shuffle of life.

During one of my out-of-town trips, I received an email update from missionary friends sharing news of their rather abrupt and early retirement. I told myself I’d drop them a note later when I wasn’t on duty at baby central. After I returned home, however, it seemed to only cross my mind at other hectic times—which, of course, was nearly all the time since I was busy playing catch-up amid the normal pulse of life. I hate to admit it, but it was over six weeks before I made good on my plan to jot that note to my friends.

When we fail to carry out our good intentions—and some of them are much more critical than writing a note—we tend to get down on ourselves, but instead, let’s give ourselves some grace and then go ahead and carry out the action. Like the old adage says better late than never.

Who knows, my note arriving weeks late (in my estimation) may have come at just the time for my friends. And other good intentions, whether starting an exercise regime or investing quality time in a relationship or learning a new skill, can still be carried out regardless of the delay in getting started.

Let’s not miss out on blessing someone or being blessed because our good intentions get lost in the shuffle of life. Let’s reclaim those good intentions and remind ourselves that it’s not too late to act. Let’s live in grace and victory!

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7

*Do you have any good intentions you need to reclaim?

*Flickr photo by m4r00n3d, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: accident, encouragement, fail, time, victory Tagged With: , ,

Waiting for the Right Time

January 12, 2015 by 8 Comments

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(Don’t miss some exciting personal news at the end of this post!)

“The day for building your walls will come, the day for extending your boundaries.” Micah 7:11

Are you waiting to move forward or grow in some way? Does it seem like it’s never going to happen?

Some of us may be waiting until our children are older so we can go back to school and pursue a new career while others may be waiting until a time of caregiving is passed so we can move forward with our plans and dreams. Still others maybe waiting until present financial obligations are met before branching out with a new venture or interest. Personally, I’m waiting on God’s will and perfect timing regarding publication of my book so I can move forward with that project. All kinds of scenarios find us waiting for the right time for our dreams to unfold.

The Old Testament prophet Micah’s words to the nation of Israel in the scripture above offer us encouragement and hope today as well. He assured them that a time of building their walls and extending their boundaries would indeed come. And the same can be true for us. Just because a goal or dream is not coming to pass on the timetable we hoped for doesn’t mean it’s a lost cause. Instead of giving up, it may be that we just need to trust God and wait for the right time to move forward.

So what can we do as we wait for God’s perfect timing? The specifics can be different for each situation, but certain general actions can help us in almost any waiting situation. Here are a few that can help:

1. We can pray regularly for our hearts’ desires, asking God to bring them about at just the right time, in just the right way.

2. We can recruit others to join us in prayer about the matter. The prayer support of others is always a comfort and a help.

3. We can take some steps to be ready to move forward when the time is right. Maybe we can do some research, take a class, hone our skills, network, save some money, tie up some loose ends, or give attention to any number of things that could help put us in the best position possible when the right time comes.

4. We can faithfully carry out our present responsibilities and learn the life lessons God has for us in our current season. We can be at peace, knowing we are doing what we’re supposed to be doing in this stage of our lives.

5. We can look forward in faith to the day when extending our boundaries will come but can also be open and alert to any change of plans that God may lead us to.

Whatever strategies we employ, let’s be encouraged by the scripture above. Let’s not lose heart, but instead, let’s trust God. He will grow us and extend our boundaries at just the right time, in just the right way!

“But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands;” Psalm 31:14-15a

*When have you had to wait to extend your boundaries? Are you currently in a waiting season?

*Important personal news: God has heard our cries for mercy—our daughter Kristin and son-in-law Shawn are now the parents of beautiful twin boys! And yes, that means I am now a grandma! Woohoo!! The entire family is so incredibly grateful for this double blessing from God after such a long wait. Little Isaiah and James are truly gifts from Him. Thanks to each of you who have prayed for this day with us! More to come in a future post and also find more info on my Facebook page!

*Flickr photo by Andrew Bartram (WarboysSnapper), Creative Commons License

Filed Under: dream, goal, hope, time, vision, wait, Word of God

Say No to Say Yes

September 15, 2014 by 6 Comments

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Raise your hand if you have trouble saying no when asked to do something. If your hand shot up, don’t feel bad—I’m willing to bet many others did, too.

Most of us struggle to say no for several reasons. We don’t want to disappoint others or not do our part to meet a need. We may fear that someone will think less of us—we want to fit in or be accepted. Sometimes we just flat feel obligated for one reason or another. Saying no feels like such a negative response so we say yes instead, even when it’s not a good thing for us or for our families.

But what if we began to see saying no as a positive thing? Just think about it. When we say no to a request or an offer, we’re actually saying yes to other priorities or responsibilities in our lives.

That’s right—sometimes we need to say no to say yes. When I say no to extra activities or responsibilities right now, I’m saying yes to the writing life God has led me to. Or when I say no to certain ministries or meetings at church, I’m saying yes to the areas where I’m currently serving. And when I say no to some opportunities for socializing, I’m saying yes to time with my husband or to setting aside time where we’re not constantly pushing. Sometimes we need to say no to build margins in our lives.

Let’s think for a moment about the things we’re saying yes to right now. Are these the things we truly want as priorities or obligations in our lives at this point? If something is amiss, what should we do about it?

It may be time to say no to certain things so we can say a wholehearted yes to others. True, saying no may make us feel uncomfortable temporarily, but when that happens, let’s just remember that we are in fact saying yes. Yes to the right things for us today.

“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” Psalm 48:14

*What have you said no to this year in order to say yes?

*Flickr photo by cheerfulmonk, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: balance, focus, protection, time, wisdom

Wedding Savings Tip: Make It Yourselves!

June 26, 2014 by 1 Comment

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Mother of the Bride, as you look for ways to save on the multitude of wedding expenses in front of you, be sure to ask yourself this question: Can we make it ourselves? Of course, expense is still involved when making things yourself, but the cost can many times be cut in half or more.

Start by making a list of all the items you or the bride or other family members and friends could possibly make. Your list might include: the bridal gown and veil, the garters, bridesmaids dresses, flower girl dress, your own dress, bouquets and boutonnieres, favors, pew bows, invitations and programs, the cakes and/or other food for the reception, and centerpieces and other décor. I’m sure you’ll be able to add other ideas to your list as well.

But keep this in mind—several factors need to be considered before deciding to make some items yourself.

*Do you or someone you know have the skills needed to make the items?

*Will the savings be significant enough to justify using your time in making certain things?

*Do you (or the person making the item) truly have the time to give to the project or will it add too much additional stress?

*And also, is there enough time before the wedding to make the items on a reasonable schedule?

Remember, MOB, always balance the savings against the stress and time involved. After you’ve made your decisions, go forward with joy. If you can save a little money while making your daughter’s big day one that she’ll remember forever, what a great bonus it will be. But if you need to buy most items to save your sanity, that’s a bonus, too, right?!

*You might also like to read Wedding Savings Tip: Borrow! 

*Flickr photo by thepatrick, Creative Commons License

*Would you like to subscribe to my blog so you won’t miss any posts? Find the email sign-up and RSS button to the right!

Filed Under: advice, balance, creation/creative/creator, help, money, Mother of the Bride, preparation, stress, talent, time
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