Rest

I woke up last night feeling like I was in a fog...like a bear waking up from hibernation with that groggy feeling like I was awake and aware of things, but not fully.

What was on my heart was rest...Rest in the Lord and what that looks like.

The picture in my mind was of the "path of rest" with 2 ditches on either side. One ditch was "striving" and the other was "laziness."

And then I began to think about the pits. Striving is the one I fall into most often and am most familiar with. It has it's roots in pride! I want everything to look perfect-my house, my kids, my life. Why? So that others will admire ME.

Most recently, my striving has come at the expense of my kids. I cannot shake the thoughts of getting them prepared for college, and there is never enough that can be done to get them to that point. These thoughts are always at the forefront of my mind.

But the other pit of laziness is just as deadly. Waiting for things to "just happen" and not acting can be just as sinful. And God has strong words for the lazy. God says the sluggard is worthless and wicked in Proverbs 6.

God wants us to rest. He modeled it for us when He rested on the 7th day of Creation. He commanded the children of Israel to rest one day out the week. And He tells us that Christ is our rest and to rest in Him.

So how does that practically work out? I will be the first to say that I'm just learning and taking baby steps. But here are some ideas for me:

1. Keep my eyes focused on the Lord and His rest. Recognizing the pits is helpful, but focusing on not falling into one of them is only going to land me in the mire.

2. When I am feeling overwhelmed or anxious, I should cry out to the Lord for help. Only by His grace can I keep on the path.

3. Examine my heart and repent of sinful motives and actions--whether they be striving or slothful.

4. Continue to work as unto the Lord, but leave the results to Him--for He alone knows the path that we have before us. And also the path of our children.

So how about you? Would you like to join me on God's path of rest?

Be encouraged as God's Word reminds us in Psalm 116. "Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you."

22 years old today!

Some of you may be surprised to find that I'm 22 years old today. Some may think I'm lying. Or delusional! But I assure you--it's true!

22 years ago today-January 23-I was born again! So it's my spiritual birthday. Today, I am 22 years old in the Lord.

For those of you who do not know my story, here's the short version....

In January of 1988, I was a freshman in college. My mom called me and told me that my father was in the hospital in a coma and was going to die of cirrhosis of the liver. I had not seen him for about 10 years. But I was hoping that he would come back, be changed, and save me from the difficulties of life.

Needless to say, my dad was not going to save me from anything. But God had a different plan to reveal my True Savior.. He put me in a dorm on a floor with about 10 girls who happened to be in Campus Crusade for Christ. They had been witnessing to me and my roommate. They explained to me about my need for Christ.

I repented and put my trust in my true Savior, Jesus Christ. And life has never been the same. I have an abundant life--full of God's wonderful blessings. It's not always easy. But I know He is always with me. And I'm so thankful for the most wonderful gift I could have every received.