My antenna is always rotating for more wisdom about rest.

A few years back, Mom shared with me that her favorite scripture is Psalm 23. She started me on a journey of pondering the truths the Psalmist is communicating.

The stone in the picture above is a special gift from two friends after Mom died last fall. Here Psalm 23:1 is from the New Living Translation. The stone rests against the fireplace hearth in our great room and often provides the impetus for my morning prayers, Lord, thank you for providing what I need today.

I copied the words below from Dayspring’s website on June 24, 2018. Their featured article that day written by Julie, 6 Verses to Help You Rest this Summer, caught my attention because of the word ‘rest’ in the title and because Psalm 23:1 is the first verse Julie highlights. Like me, I hope you find it helpful.

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6 Verses to Help You Rest this Summer

Hammock? Check.

Lemonade? Check.

A good book? Check.

An afternoon all to yourself? Check.

Mix those four ingredients together and you have a recipe for a perfect summer afternoon. So why can’t you relax? Why is your mind racing a mile a minute, as usual? What seems to be missing? There is one more secret ingredient needed for this dish and it is often overlooked – a spirit at peace.

For many of us, pushing the pause button is easier said than done, even during the summer months when life should slow down a little, giving us a chance to catch our breath and relax. But just as physical rest is necessary for a healthy body, spiritual rest is important for our spiritual well-being. And the best way to rest your spirit is to rest in the One who created you.

The notion of resting is a theme woven throughout Scripture beginning … well, at the very beginning.

“On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation, so He rested from all His work.”

Genesis 2:2 NLT

Even God took a day to rest after creating the world and it’s a lesson He intends for us to follow. Here are six verses you can focus on this summer – verses to remind you to rest in God and lean into Him so you can relax and fully enjoy the season.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.”

Psalms 23: 1-2 NLT

In God, we have all that we need. No matter what. He knows the “green meadows” and “peaceful streams” that will restore and renew each of us. And He promises to deliver. When we walk with Him, we can count on Him for complete rest and restoration.

“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat: for God gives rest to His loved ones.”

Psalm 127: 2 NLT

Even with the best of intentions, we can easily slip back into the habit of counting on ourselves to meet our needs. We honor God with our work but not when it serves as a cover for our inability to trust in Him. Trusting in Him, while working and resting, is the key to renewal and refreshment.

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life … your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Matthew 6: 25-34 NKJV

In this passage, Jesus makes it clear that worrying about the future is a waste of time. Instead, He reminds us that our heavenly Father values us above all else and He will care for us just as He does the flowers of the fields and the birds of the air.

“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.”

Matthew 11: 28-29 NIV

Responsibilities can be overwhelming but Jesus promises to help carry the load. And His shoulders are much bigger than ours! While He doesn’t promise a life without hard work and trials, He does promise to be our partner, participating with us and walking with us every step of the way.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Phil. 4: 6-7 NASB

In this passage, Paul provides some great advice – he suggests we turn our worries into prayers. When we stop worrying and start praying we will be filled with the complete peace and rest that only God can provide.

“I have told you these things so that, in Me, you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NIV

The next time a restless spirit threatens to ruin a perfect summer day, stop and remind yourself that, in Jesus, the victory has already been won! God is in control, our destiny as believers is set, and things won’t fall apart when we pause to enjoy the beauty of the world around us.

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A few days ago … while still in Florida … after lunch with friends, I was weary. A nap sounded really good. But it was also the last time Bill and I would be able to enjoy the beauty and the rest of the Atlantic Ocean. So we packed up and headed out.

Neptune Beach, Jacksonville, FL

“He knows the “green meadows” and “peaceful streams” that will restore and renew each of us.” Oh how I experienced that today. Just 90 minutes on the beach and I felt rested. The waters of the Atlantic were what God knew would provide my needed rest.

What is it for you this summer? The hammock and the lemonade, the beach, the mountains, perhaps a quiet morning with Jesus and good cup of coffee? Whatever, may you too enjoy rest in these days.

My friend John, a pastor, has a brother who embraces the homosexual lifestyle. As a follower of Jesus, John prayed, how should I relate to my brother?

God’s answer, tucked in the words of John’s prayer, came almost immediately. He needs you to be his brother. Of course, so obvious, love him as a brother.

Live out who God created you to be, his brother, and trust God to work out the particulars.

Real life is an unfolding journey without easy answers.

I don’t have a brother; I have three married sisters. We live in four different states. Mostly our journeys don’t overlap. But we are sisters and there are some common paths.

I’ve often prayed John’s prayer, how do I relate to my sisters. And the answer I hear is the same, love them as sisters. Each of my sisters is a unique creation. My love for each one needs to look unique.

I trust Jesus for the how.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I love you.
Abide in my love.”
John 15:9

1. Jesus loves with the love he has received from the Father. So I must be soaking myself in God’s love for me. If I’m not receiving, I have nothing to give.

“Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee,
he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon
casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
And Jesus said to them,
“Follow me …”
Mark 1:16 and 17

2. Jesus initiates. So I call, I initiate. When I wonder about, when I have joys or heart aches to     share, when I have questions, or just because. Usually the phone calls are not short.

“When Jesus saw her weeping,
and the Jews who had come with her also weeping,
he was deeply moved …”
John 11:33

3. Jesus pays attention. He identifies. So I’m curious. I ask about their realities, their kids, their grand-kids .And I’ve experienced their care especially with our precious Ezra. We too identify with each other.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you …”
John 15:16

4. Jesus includes. And so I include with invitations to special events. I include them in our calendar. And they include me.

We love like sisters, long-distance sisters. Sisters can’t always be there. Sisters don’t always have solutions. But we journey with each other as our stories unfold. I’m thankful for my sisters.

“A friend is always loyal,
and a brother (sister) is born to help in time of need.”
Proverbs 17:17, NLT

Greenhorn Peak, from our covered porch

I’m here with you, God.

I’m here for you, God.

I’m here to experience you, God.

I’m here to be loved by you, God.

I’m here to know you in new ways, God.

I’m here for others, God.

I’m here to be all here with you, God.

Penned June 2017
at Our Sanctuary

The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, from our deck

Actually I was drawn to this picture because of the beautiful cloudy sky above the mountains.

As is usual, the more I write about something, the more I continue to ponder with the Lord. That’s been true with the concept of humility. Below is the link to my post on humility from 3 weeks ago. Scroll to the bottom and you’ll notice 5 additional humility is sentences.

Eating Humble Pie

Our Sanctuary

It was the last few days of our two weeks at our Sanctuary, our small cabin buried deep among the pines of the Wet Mountains, the place where we go to refresh and refuel.

A text came from two friends both sharing their great weariness. I was caught off guard. That was not how I was feeling at all. But of course not. They were in the midst of people, appointments, and do-lists. I was in the midst of listening to breezes, enjoying the chatter of birds, uninterrupted leisurely quiet times, watching the clouds, and one night the Milky Way, Su-do-ku puzzles, and a good novel. They were giving out; I was taking in.

I was reminded of God’s creation account in Genesis 1 and 2. On days 1 -5, God created all those things I was enjoying at our Sanctuary. And he called it “good”. On the 6th day, he created man in his image, and called it “very good”. And then on the 7th day, God rested and he called it “holy”. Our time of rest is holy time.

Holy and not forever.

“And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves
to a desolate place and rest a while.”
Mark 6:31 ESV

Come away – This was Jesus’ invitation to his disciples in the midst of a busy ministry time. To leave behind their normals, their do-list, the crowds, their ministry, and join him.

with me – The New International Version adds this small phrase “with me”. To me this seems important. Jesus isn’t sending the disciples away, he is inviting them to come away with him, let him be their companion. Our Sanctuary is for us (Bill and me) a unique place to go and be with Jesus … and each other.

by yourselves – At this point there are still 12 disciples. The invitation was to all of them, to 12 like-hearted men.

to a desolate place – The NIV as well as the NLT (New Living Translation) says a quiet place. A desolate place is usually also a quiet place. A place to listen well and enjoy what God has created.

and rest – One size fits all does not apply to rest. For my husband to rest, quiet music in the

From an ad cut from a magazine.

background is his desire; for me quiet is quiet … except for the sounds of God’s creation. We did something different this time, we kept our phones on ‘silent’. I still checked my messages and emails morning and evening, but I did it on my time, not when my phone alerted me a new message had arrived. This picture magneted to our fridge says, “the best way to recharge is to unplug”. I agree.

a while – The rest our cabin provides does not last forever. It is for a while. There is a time to return. When we returned last week, I knew that there were phone calls waiting to be made. I made them from the place of quiet God worked in my life during our days at the cabin.

For the disciples that particular time of rest was not two weeks long. They were quickly tossed back into ministry. That often is our experience as well.

So we rest a while. Savor the times God graciously provides.

“And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” I Corinthians 2:1-5, ESV.

These personal thoughts (or this conversation with God) came as I journaled I Corinthians 2:1-5 . I’ve included more context at the end of the post. Read on.

“And I, when I came to you,”   When I inserted myself into your lives … as I often do … sometimes with people I know, like family or friends … sometimes with people I’m just meeting like you who  signed up for the online course I’m leading.

“brothers”  or rather, sisters …

“(I) did not come … with lofty speech or wisdom.”  I didn’t come like I had it all together, or like I had all the answers. Hmmm, but if I’m the leader or the facilitator, shouldn’t I be at least one step ahead? Paul would answer my rhetorical question with a resounding ‘no’. I’m learning, God doesn’t need my wisdom, he wants my journey, my story, my stewardship. God then can translate that into his wisdom.

“For I decided to know nothing … except Jesus Christ …”  It’s not what I can impart to you; it’s what we can impart to each other about Jesus. I wonder, do my words and my questions reflect this to you who are part of this course? If not, how can I better communicate? Please help.

“And I was WITH you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,” (capitalizing, mine)  The recipients of Paul’s letter understood ‘fear and trembling’ as we understand humility. We’re on this journey together. I was with you. And in my with-ness sometimes I feel insecure or that I won’t be enough for you. Not being good enough is one of the biggest lies I need God to apply his truth to … often.

“and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom”  I noticed, this is the second time in two sentences Paul says the same thing. Emphasis = importance! I don’t say what I’m saying because I have it all together. True for Paul; true for me.

“but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,”  Yes! My desire as I steward my words, that God’s powerful Spirit will translate them to you in ways you need to hear.

(so) “that”  The reason, the purpose, the key … Listen up, Sue!

“your faith might not rest in the wisdom of (wo)men but in the power of God.”  ‘Resting faith’, that communicates. Resting faith in the power of God. YES! Only the power of God is transformational. I’m continuing to ponder what resting faith looks like. Please share your ideas.

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God brought me to this passage when I was a month in to leading a group of full-time Christian workers through the Trueface, High Trust Leader Course. Although I had facilitated this online course several times before, this particular time was a bit intimidating as I considered all of these women peers. And they were.

I’m so thankful for each of these women. Because of their faithful participation, their stories, and their understandings, God grew me. I needed them. I learned from them.

Like Paul who was WITH the Corinthians on their journey, I was WITH these ladies. As I’ve thought about our 16 weeks together, three principles have emerged:

Being WITH them meant:

1. I was not out in front of them trying to fix them.
2. I was not lagging behind them licking my insecurity wounds.
3. I was stewarding who God created me to be and was WITH them in humility trusting God to work in all of our lives.

The High Trust Leader online course will be offered again starting August 1. Hit comment and I’ll fill you in on the details. Or click here to check it out for yourself.

I am so thankful for Romans 8:1.

“There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

You know, there are some stories that sometimes are just so embarrassing you don’t even want to share them. But if you do, you learn you not only minister to others, but you allow yourself to experience truth.

It was the mid eighties. Our church asked me to write a Bible memory program for their elementary grades that built from the first to the sixth grade. Our sons were in elementary school at the time. After initially hesitating,  I agreed and Well-Versed Kids was born. My good friends Barb, Kathy, and Millie all jumped in to help. Once again, thank you ladies. (For more information on Well-Versed Kids, click on the link above.)

Well-Versed Kids was a success. Not only was our church using the program, but it was published by Navpress in 1988, was adopted by Christian schools, and many home-schoolers as well.

So when I was invited to speak at a large Sunday school convention on Bible memory for children, I accepted. After all, I had a book published with my name on the cover on that very topic. Can you hear the pride? Ugh, like I said, some stories I don’t even like to remember.

My biggest memory of that day is not how God used me to encourage scripture memory in children, but my arrogance. Oh how I hate writing that. In my mind, it oozed out as I responded to questions.

Years later as I reflect on that day, God encourages me with these truths.

1. Romans 8:1. God is not condemning me for my attitude that day. He has his arms wrapped around me and is whispering, Sue, I’m glad you see it. Let’s move forward from here.
2. Matthew 18:4, NLT, “So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” According to my ESV commentary on this passage, “The humility of a child consists of childlike trust, vulnerability, and the inability to advance his or her own cause apart from the help … of a parent.” Those were absent qualities that day. I’m learning from the negative.

I’ve begun a list of the qualities of humility. This is what I’m thinking about. I’d love your thoughts. What might you add?

*Humility leads me to ask questions.
*Humility accepts that I don’t know all the answers.
*Humility is more concerned about learning answers than knowing answers.
*Humility is stewardship.
*Humility is more than transparency; it is vulnerability.
*Humility teaches me to wait.
*Humility is tied to trust.
*Humility is trusting God and others with me.
*Humility sees others as a reflection of God’s glory.
*Humility creates space for God.
*Humility predisposes me to believe I always have something to learn.
*Humility leads me to believe that I might be wrong.
*Humility redeems my desires.
*Humility is owning my influence.
*Humility is not needing to be more than you are. Thank you Kirstin.
*Humility is living consistently with my new identity.
*Humility illuminates my theology.
*Humility creates an affirmation lifestyle.
*Humility is living with nothing hidden.

I want to keep learning. What are you learning about humility?

“He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.”
Psalm 25:9

Grammie and Grandpa’s Home, Maine

It was a special treat each August to drive 7 hours to the north for our 2 week family summer vacation. I loved those 2 weeks. There were lots of predictables: exploring the BIG house and the attic over the garage, helping Grammie shell peas from her extensive garden, sleeping in the canopy bed, finding Grandpa’s special treats hidden in the chest freezer, playing in the sand and catching waves at Old Orchard Beach, a day at Lake Sebago with cousins, a family reunion at Aunt Madeline’s home where we always feasted on chop suey. And so much more. I think of the word repetition and the security that provided for me as a child. (I never saw this home in winter. And I’m not old enough to have seen cars like the ones pictured.)

My Childhood home, NJ

My own bedroom in this tri-level was up the stairs and immediately to the right. My sisters shared the room over the garage. This is where I knew every family in the neighborhood. We rode bikes together, caught lightning bugs on summer evenings, played tag, walked through the woods together, and whatever else young children did.

My best friend lived two doors down. Her family was Catholic (ours was Protestant) and she attended the Catholic school. One memory is that she wore a uniform to school. Somehow that was attractive to me. I was a bit jealous.

Mom’s home, NJ

This is where Mom and Dad moved to the summer I graduated from high school. I never lived there longer than summer breaks from college. But a lot of life events happened in this lovely home. I introduced Bill to my parents here; our wedding pictures were taken in the living room; we brought Mom and Dad’s first grandchild to visit one Thanksgiving. All positive memories.

Our current home, CO

Bill and I have lived in 10 different places, in 4 cities, in 3 states – Illinois, California, and Colorado. But this has been our home for 24 years. Our youngest son was a senior in high school when we moved here so this is our empty nest home. It has been a quiet place and a place to welcome guests. It is a place filled with stories and laughter especially when the boys come back with their families to visit. It is the only home our grandchildren have known. It is also the place where we were living when our biggest challenge happened.

Our Sanctuary, CO

This simple 700 square foot cabin in the Wet Mountains is our place to rest, reflect, refuel, to listen to God and the birds, to be. There is no internet, or oven, but all the other pieces of home are there. I’ve learned to “bake” biscuits on our outdoor grill. Our Sanctuary is a wonderful gift to Bill and me. Our habit is to spend the month of August there and as many weekends as possible before the snow flies.

“Surely the LORD is in this place (these places) and I did not know it.”
Genesis 28:16 (my paraphrase)

Unlike Jacob who voiced the above words, as I look back I do know the Lord was in and active in each of these places. I was experiencing Revelation 21:3, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” This quote refers to our dwelling place in heaven. But truly I have experienced God with me in each of these places on earth.

Grammie and Grandpa’s home highlighted for me the importance of repetition. It was a big piece of defining us as a family.

The lesson of repetition also defines my relationship with God. I review almost every day scriptures that anchor me in God’s love and purposes for me; they bring truth to mind instead of those familiar lies. They often guide my prayer life as I consider current circumstances.

My childhood home was the first place I became aware that religion (not yet relationship) was part of who I was. I was not Catholic like my friend who wore a uniform to school. I was not Jewish like several other families in the neighborhood. And although my memory of church is cloudy from those years, I knew our family was Presbyterian and that’s where you would find us most Sunday mornings. The seeds of the spiritual were planted and watered in this home.

Those were the years I also learned the benefit of community. There was my playmate community, but there are also many good memories of our extended family community. Family gatherings for holidays and special events or at the beach in the summer were a normal part of every year.

Mom and Dad’s (until his death 20 years ago) home is the place I think of when I think of going home. This is where we related as adults.

Mom and Dad never wavered in their support. There were times that they didn’t understand my decisions and probably would have made a different one. But as adults they walked by my side, they listened, and accepted my decisions.

I want to be like that with our adult kids who also live long distances away. My desire is to be their biggest cheerleader.

Our Colorado home is tucked in the midst a tall Ponderosa Pines; their needles sparkle in summer sunlight, and bravely bare the weight of heavy snows, beautiful in every season.

We love inviting our friends in for dinner or overnight. They too enjoy the quiet beauty of this place. We love having our GRANDS visit and filling the house with laughter.

The quietness was the need of the hour 18 years ago, when we walked through the biggest challenge of our marriage. You can read about it here.

This protected place ministered deeply in those days.

Our Sanctuary is a dream come true. We started camping on the property about 8 years ago and fell in love with its off-the-grid lifestyle. We realized we needed a place away from our everyday normals. It’s simplicity, views of the mountains, and remoteness feed our souls and energize us to return home.

Each of these places hold special memories and life lessons that continue to guide us today. When Paul addressed the Men of Athens in Acts 17:22-28, he said, God determined the allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God…

And, yes, the significance of each of these places has been a step on my God journey.

“In my Father’s house are many rooms.
If it were not so,
would I have told you that
I go to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again and will take you to myself,
that where I am you may be also.”
John 14:2,3

I am looking forward to this place.

CO to KS to MO to IL

It was a full two weeks. Full of miles; full of old and new friends; full of catching up over good food; full of ministry; full of thankfulness; full of joy.

And full of opportunities to trust and live the truths God has been speaking to me through the years ~ same truths, new circumstances.

Last week, toward the end of our trip, sitting in a new-to-me coffee shop (I’ll be back), I was overwhelmed with all the fulls. My pen was having a hard time keeping up with my memories.

When I turned to my leather journal, God offered perspective. These two reminders were timely.

1. Ministry is abiding, not activity. John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” Psalm 138:8, “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.”

As I thought about the different friends I would be with, or what words I would share in my presentations, I heard God whisper, Sue, you need to abide. You, Sue, need to remember it is me (God) who fulfills my purposes for you and my purposes are wrapped in my love for you.

Sometimes in a few (very few) quiet moments at the beginning of the day or in our car as we traveled to our next appointment, I reminded myself of these truths. And I silently reviewed some of my favorite scriptures on God’s love for me.

Mark & Jenny

2. Ministry is who God created me to be. More than the presentations I was giving or the words I said, ministry happened. It showed up in living rooms, at dining room tables, over cups of coffee, in shared hugs after church, in enjoying the pictures that caught us up on each other’s lives, in all that friendship means. “God not only loves you very much … he has his hand on you for something special … something happened in you … your life if echoing the master’s words” from I Thes 1:4-9, The Message.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay …” II Corinthians 4:7.

Ministry for me is being a friend.

The joy of being with our friends flowed from the quiet moments with God.

“All you people will be righteous. They will possess
their land forever, for I will plant them there with my own hands
in order to bring myself glory.”
Isaiah 60:21 (bolding mine)

Daffodils, some of the first flowers of spring in my neck of the woods. I watch eagerly for the bright yellow to push through the still cold sod, and they are one way I savor springtime.

I met Tsh (yup, no vowels) a few years ago at a retreat on the Oregon coast. It was springtime, but to my memory, it was hard to recognize that year in Oregon.

Tsh is a lover of Jesus, a wife, a mom, a creative writer, and one of the bravest ladies I know. Perhaps her suggestions on this post will help you enjoy spring time a bit more this year.

https://theartofsimple.net/20-ways-to-enjoy-springtime/

I’m looking forward to being back with you next week.   sue