Resting

Take a Break from the Chaos - Desiring God blog

"For those of us who are in Christ, we want to come back better, not only rested, but more ready to love and sacrifice. We want to find new clarity, resolve, and initiative, or return primed to re-double our efforts, by faith, in our callings in the home, among friends, at work, and in the body of Christ.

One benefit of silence is simply searching the depths of our own souls, asking what our blind spots have become in the rush of everyday life. In the busyness, is there anything important I’m neglecting or repressing? How am I doing in my various roles? What needs refocusing?"

Rest is hard, yet crucial. I don't like stopping, slowing or admitting I can't do something by myself. But God made me, I am dependent on Him and He has built within in me (and all of us) the need to stop, rest, rejuvenate. To rest is to stop thinking about that to-do list, to slow or silence the internal monologue, to quiet the anxious heart and to meditate on and praise God, to read His Word, talk with Him and listen to what He has to say. Rest is not escapism from the worries and needs of the day but it is to refocus on the one who made me and sustains me.

Christmastime Peace

December is usually a hectic, chaotic, rush-rush month, with presents to buy and wrap, gatherings to arrange and be at, Christmas services, weddings and so on. The start of the month was like that for me but things have surprisingly settled down. There's a calmness and peace about my weeks right now. Yes, I'm preparing for beach mission and cooking for the team. Yes, there's a CRE Christmas service to prepare and run. But I find I have time for reflection and reading, for catching up with friends, for decorating the house in celebration of our Lord Jesus' birth.

Today I read this from the True Woman blog:

"My favorite Christmas word is Immanuel. That word tells us that Jesus is not only out there at God's right hand, interceding for us, out there preparing a future home for us—He is here now, living with us.

• When you get up in the morning, God is with you! 
• When you go to work, God is with you! 
• When you talk on the phone, or email, or take a walk, God is with you! 
• When you are frightened and anxious, God is with you! 
• When your needs exceed your income, God is with you! 
• When you are alone, or tired, or teary, God is with you! 
• When your health is failing, God is with you! 
• In times of pain and in times of joy, God is with you! 

As you read this right now, God is with you!"

How encouraging is that! The God of this world, Creator, Sustainer, Saviour, is with us! We are never alone!

May you find time to meditate on God and accept the peace that He gives to you. What greater gift than Jesus Christ, born as a man, to live as one of us but perfect, so that he could die in our place and take away our punishment for ignoring and rebelling against God.

Remember that Gift this busy season, that because of Jesus you are not alone, God is with you.

Sharing Life

Last week was a wonderful week of meeting with several different women, for several different reasons. After a season of admin, organising and management it was wonderful to be out and about, sharing life and thoughts with the women of our church. Whether it's over a cuppa as we discuss which women's conference to focus on for next year, or helping a mum tidy the kid's craft box (which I loved!), there is potential for the love, patience and grace of God to be shown and spoken of, there is the chance to share in the struggles and joys of seeking to live with Jesus as Lord.

I was greatly encouraged recently by the Mustard Lunch-time co-ordinator (of all the groups) that I have a natural way of building relationships, mentoring and discipling young women. What a joy to hear that! May God use that for his glory.