REST....

REST....

God, my shepherd;

I don't need a thing.

You have bedded me down in lush meadows,

you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to your word,

you let me catch my breath

and send me in the right direction.

Psalm 23  The Message

Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.

Matthew 11:28-30  The Message

Rest ~ the nector of healing....

Quiet ~ baptism of stillness...bask in the peace...

Breathe ~ pause...close your eyes...inhale....exhale...

Direction ~ path...compass...journey...desire...longing...passion...

There comes a time in your life when you have to...stop.

There is nothing left to give...your reserves are gone.

You've been dutifully singing someone else's song when you really wanted to be dancing...leaping...skipping to the harmonies resonating in your soul...

The rules....the demands...the expectations...they are endless...they are heavy...suffocating...

Sleep is... fleeting...illusive...

Who sees?.....Who understands?....Who cares?...

Your heart....trembling...quivering...fearful....weak...

What now?...What's next?...Which way?...

A Voice...soft...gentle...whispering...calling...pursuing...

Come with Me...surrender the restlessness...linger...

Watch...observe...listen...absorb...allow My calm to revive you...

Be wrapped in My light...free...unfettered...rescued...released...

Hear the rhythm...spontaneous...graceful...pure...simple...

Tune your heart to My...presence...steadiness...goodness...love...

Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.

I've called your name.  You're mine.

When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.

When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.

When you're between a rock and a hard place, 

it won't be a dead end-

Because I am God, your personal God,

The Holy of Israel, your Savior.

Isaiah 43:1-2

Praying for the brand-new...the never before...for you and me...

In our weaknesses and our failings...may we be gentle and forgiving with our crepe paper emotions...

May we settle in the now of where we are...reposing...our head resting on the pillow of contentment...

We are unique...rare...one of a kind...

May we embrace the mystery of who we are with courage...trust...

When our soul is empty...may we give ourselves the gift of restoration...peace...renewal...solitude...

May we celebrate the God who created us...who eternally watches over us...faithfully leads us in strength and tenderness...

He is the lifter of our heads...

The establish-er of our steps...

He sees what no one else sees...He shields us in our sorrow...wipes away our tears...

As He fills us up to overflowing....may we be ever aware of those who need a drink of His grace...

May we be mindful of those who need our hands extended in mercy and compassion...

May we pour out what has been poured in....and fill up again...