Rest

In my years of life experience, I think I've finally figured out--

It's okay to rest.

Rather than give up on something--stop--take a break--rest.

Rather than run myself into the ground--stop--take a break--rest.

No matter where you may be in life, it's okay to rest--

to take that fifteen minute or two hour break--

or how about a whole day and rest.

God rested on the seventh day after creation. It's okay for us too.

 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

Genesis 2:2-3

Autumn Gold

Psalm 96:11-12
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
 let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
 let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

Autumn dresses up in gold, the richest season of the year. -Angie Weiland Crosby

I sat with my daughter at Trunk-or-Treat. In the corner of the parking lot, a tree glowed golden. The sun's light, as it faded from the sky, lit up the leaves as if gold dripped from the branches.

There is a rhythm to nature—a time to hold on and a time to let go. Leaves tumble to the ground as the trees let go. As I watch the branches drop their red and orange gems, I think about the things I want to let go. Fear, worry, doubt, guilt. I want to hold up my arms like tree branches, and let those things that plague me drop into God's hands.

After the leaves fall, the deciduous trees nap in winter. Their trunks and branches adjust to a time of rest and prepare for regrowth. I seem to remember God rested on the seventh day of creation, and Jesus said, "Come to me and I will give you rest."

I've let go of the negative burdens, now I can rest in Jesus' assurance, his promise of renewal and strength.

Let go—then rest sounds like good advice from the golden tree and from the Father who created me. Release the overwhelming and rest in his arms. Then in spring, or after renewal, rise stronger than before. With my arms up, I rejoice and sing with joy like the forest.

In this month of November, as I enjoy the vibrant colors and the cooler temperatures, I thank God for so much. The golden tree reminds me to look at creation and appreciate the incredible gifts God has given. Because of the rhythm of nature, I know the leaves will return after they rest for the winter. Because of God's promises, I know my faith is renewed daily.

Stop and appreciate God's creation, rest in his beauty, and thank Him.

His Rest Restores

Matthew 11:28-29
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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 will find rest for your souls.

I was concerned I’d worn her out.

Our seven-year-old granddaughter, Ella Cate, spent the night on Monday. What a delight! (I’m not prejudice, nope, not at all.) On Monday, we played on the playground, swam in the community pool, watched cartoons, drew pictures, and ate kid food with Grammy’s requirement of fruit. She blessed every meal with a sweet prayer and went sound to sleep that night. On Tuesday, we spent most of the day at the pool, met her parents for dinner, then she went home to sleep in her own bed.

On Wednesday morning, I went to her house and discovered a tired little girl. A good tired, mind you, but tired nonetheless. We watched a movie, then went with my daughter to lunch and patio furniture shopping.

When I called Ella Cate on Thursday and heard her perky voice on her momma’s phone, I knew she’d gotten her pep back. A restful morning on Wednesday and a good night’s sleep helped restore her sweet little self.

Ella Cate and I had so much fun, but even in good times, we got tired. A night of rest restored our energy and carried us through.

Jesus offers rest for the weary and burdened. Who does that entail? All of us. Folks worn out from the stress of life. People burdened with sin and folks concerned for family and friends. Jesus knew we’d grow tired, he knew, when he died on the cross, he’d take on the weight of the world. The very picture of Jesus gentle and humble heart reminds me how much he loves me.

In Jesus, I rest in the assurance of grace and forgiveness and the promise of eternal life in heaven. 

Seek Jesus for relief from this weary world.

Be Still and Know...

Psalm 46:10-11
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep..."-Robert Frost

We traversed the curvy hill into town. Foliage slept in an array of gold and brown on the ground. Trees rested their slender, naked limbs. Even in winter without snow, the scene took on a lovely glow and a story of hope.

Deciduous trees conserve water, a scarcity in the cold or dry months. Their time of rest allows them to re-energize and prepare for the coming spring when leaves sprout again.

The gray of winter often brings on sadness, depression, anxiety, or lack of energy. Yet, I've learned from the trees to rest in winter, to be still, and embrace the quiet. Even when the world isn't quiet, I cherish time to sit with God and seek his wisdom.

God knows I need winter. I crave a time to reconnect and kneel before his throne and worship the Creator. Like the trees, I raise my arms to him and let the stress of life drop like leaves.

Even as he asks me to be still and know, the Lord promises to sit with me. He is my refuge and fortress. I see him in the evergreens, a constant reminder of the steadiness of God.

This spending time with God isn't always easy. Some days I wake up prepared for the quiet, the prayer, the listening. But other days, I've struggled. I want to sleep instead of rise and worship—Some days chaos trumps stillness—Sometimes dread overwhelms and frustration lingers. But I won't give up. I continue to strive to find the quiet and be still before the King, to offer gratitude for everyday life.

Find moments in the winter days to stop, be still, and hear from the God who loves you.

Pray with Assurance

Psalm 16:7-8
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
    even at night my heart instructs me.
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

I wake up at least once a night.

Every night when I go to sleep, I hope I'll stay in la-la land 'til morning. But my body has other plans. I'm older now, my constitution has changed, so I get up and take care of business. When I lay my head back on the pillow, there I am, eyes open, mind churning, thoughts darting. All I want is sleep. Sound familiar? I know I have family and friends who experience the same restlessness.

I've found one solution. Talk to God. Share my reflections, burdens, prayer requests, love, and praise. As I lift up my thoughts to my heavenly Father, I drift off to sleep. And that's okay. God understands. He'd rather I pray and fall asleep, than lay awake with racing thoughts.

When I read Psalm 16:7-8, I stopped. I read it again. Wow—even at night when I'm groggy, my heart instructs me. That instruction and direction comes from God. He's right there with me at two am. He's ready to listen to me when the dark covers the sky and the stars shine. The Lord who loves me stays near, so that I can, with confidence, rest in him.

God hears every pray. He's given us this amazing love language of communication.

Keep your eyes on the Lord. Talk to him with assurance, even in the middle of the night.

He loves to hear our prayers.

Finding my Hygge in Jesus

Psalm 62:1-2

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
    my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

I enjoy winter.

While people around me dread the cold and gray, I snuggle in for a time of coziness. I understand the person who needs to drive in bad weather not liking winter. I know the grayness of Ohio Valley winters can cause depression. Yet, I embrace January and February as if they arrived just for me.

Tucking in for winter. photo by Penny Frost McGinnis

 I've been reading about the Danish practice of hygge (pronounced hoo-guh.) Because they are short on daylight and long on winter, the country of Denmark has embraced creating a cozy atmosphere within their homes. Hygge isn't something you can buy. Family and friends snuggle in with candles, fireplaces, good books, blankets, hot tea, coffee and comfort food. 

Simple things in life. Sounds good to me.

Evidently, I've been practicing hygge for years without realizing it. As I write, my (fake TV) fireplace crackles and my gingerbread candle burns. Blankets cover the chairs and my Christmas tree still twinkles.

Even as I practice hygge in my home, and enjoy the tucked in feeling, how do I create that well being in my heart. Finding the joy, hope, and peace I need come from Jesus' love for me. He's my rock, the one who offers comfort when my heart hurts. He's the one who embraces me and cares for me when sadness fills my day. Jesus draws me in to a place of rest. He throws away fear and replaces doubt with trust.

In Jesus, I find respite from the weariness of life. As much as I love the holidays, they wear me out and throw me a bit off track. January gives me time to renew my spirit. To snuggle in and walk my path with God, once again.

Take the time to reconnect with Jesus. Put on your slippers, sit by the fire, sip your coffee, dust off the Bible, read the word's of Jesus and pray.

Winter Rest

It's Okay to Rest

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

On our drive to South Carolina to visit Hannah, we admired the autumn leaves. Many had fallen yet the colors that remained held a soft hue. God's beautiful artistry surrounded us. Among the trees with foliage stood many bare limbed giants. Their arms reached for the cerulean blue sky. To me they appeared as lovely as the fall flora. The sun shined on them as they rested from their summer job of shade and growth. I felt a peace as I admired their beauty.

Jesus knew we'd wear ourselves out. He understood we'd push through and exhaust our bodies and spirits to the point we'd need rest. Our spiritual health is as important as our physical health. Jesus took breaks. He'd find a place to be alone and pray. The bare trees reminded me, I need to take time to stop and rest, stop and pray, and stop and give thanks. 

Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:15-16

The holidays bring busyness, stress and exhaustion. Make a mindful effort to rest and renew your spirit in Him.

Come Unto Me

I am blessed to be part of a family with an amazing work ethic. 

People who work not only to provide, but to make life better for others. 

That includes my husband, thank you Tim for all you do 

which gives me the opportunity to be retired. 

God knows his people labor and need rest. 

He offers that rest to anyone who accepts him as King of their life. 

Rest, Recharge, Refresh

Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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 will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

My daughter, Maggie, directs the VBS program at her church every year. She pours her heart into preparing the best possible environment for kids to learn about Jesus. Along with her children, she decorates the church with the year's theme and turns it into a wonderland for the kids. This year the beach theme brought out surfboards, Hawaiian leis, hibiscus, palm trees and beach balls. You may wonder, why all the effort? Because she loves creating a place for kids to hear Bible stories, for kids to be loved on, and for kids to know someone cares. I had the privilege of helping her with a few small tasks, and I can tell you this momma's heart is proud of the work she does for Jesus. No matter how many or few kids show up, they will be blessed.

Yet, as much joy that comes from preparing for and working at VBS, exhaustion usually follows. I've been there and done that. I'm guessing you have too. Worked for days, even months on a project you've been called to do, plus all the other responsibilities in life. By the end you are tired. That's when we need to rest, recharge and refresh.

But Jesus who calls us to work the fields also calls us to rest.

I love that Matthew tells us that Jesus has a gentle and humble heart, and that he offers us rest for our souls. When we put in effort doing the Lord's work, we don't just get physically tired. We often become spiritually weary, dragged down by negativity, judgy people, and frustration. Jesus promises to recharge us through his rest. His yoke lifts our burdens and refreshes us because he carries them. When we take on Jesus' yoke, we take on the love he pours over us.

When the weariness and burdens seep in, turn to God in prayer and read his word in order to soak in the Savior. His is a yoke of love meant to lift burdens and give rest. Thank you Jesus for your loving kindness.

I Will Give You Rest~Jesus

Hope is a Beautiful Thing!

He Will Give You Rest

Matthew 11:28-30
 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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 will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I've spoken to a lot of women lately who say the same thing. "I'm so tired." Me included. Whether they are running after pre-schoolers, staying up late waiting for their teenager to come home, working long hours, volunteering, or just tired of the chaos of living. We're all tired. Whether 21 or 91, we live in a world where we're worn out too much of the time. I'm sure men feel the same way. Living life on this earth is exhausting. Whether physical labor or emotional exhaustion, life takes the gumption right out of us.

And Jesus knew this would happen. That's why in all of his wisdom, he offers us relief. The only rest that removes burdens and allows us to sleep at night, comes from Jesus. His arms are wide open to receive our anxieties, worries, and burdens. Jesus offers to carry our cares. He asks that we give them to him. Through prayer, release the weight of life and let him take your load. He's willing and able.

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

Weary? Jesus Will Give You Rest

©Penny Frost McGinnis

Aggravating Allergies

©Penny Frost McGinnis

I rarely miss church. But today after sleeping all day on Friday and Saturday, my body called again for rest on Sunday. Spring allergies have attacked and given me their gift of an ear, eye, and sinus infection. It started out as a minor irritation and worked it's way to a full blown aggravation.

I missed work on Friday, free admission to the Nature Center on Saturday, and church on Sunday. I probably sound whiny because I am. But I just hate missing out on life. Yet I know God calls me to rest and too often I don't listen. My husband tries to remind me, yet I think I'm okay and I plow through.

My advice to myself and anyone who might read this. Rest when your body gives the signs. Take care of yourself. And sleep as needed. It's not easy or convenient sometimes to just rest, but it's sure necessary.

Here's hoping the allergies are done with me or will at least give me a pass for the rest of spring.

Do you have allergies? What do you do to keep them at bay?

He'll Give You Rest

Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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 will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Exhausted, fatigued, sapped, spent, drained—ever felt like that? Yes? Then you know what it’s like to be weary. Not just physically tired, where a good night’s sleep revives the energy in your body. But, weary. Exhausted right down to the soul. Your heart hurts, your heads aches, your spirit sags. Life’s been sucked out. This kind of life draining experience often occurs with stress, loss, when the same frustrating situation occurs over and over again or when hope is lost. You’re so spiritually beaten down, you want to crawl under the covers and hibernate like a bear. Or sleep the day away like my dogs. And sometimes physical rest is part of the process that refreshes a hurting soul. But there’s more.

Jesus offers to take the burden, carry the stress, and restore the spirit. Anytime I’ve taken my weariness, my burdens, my stress and anxieties to him, I find hope and peace. Not only do I give him my burdens, I take on his ways and pray his gentle spirit and humble heart will fill me. Spending time in prayer and reading the Bible relieve me of the weariness the world brings. Asking others to pray with me and for me gives me encouragement. For me being outside surrounded by God’s creation restores my soul. I’m thankful Jesus loves me enough to carry my burdens and give me rest. Praise God for his son!