Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Be Kind

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with COMPASSION, KINDNESS, HUMILITY, GENTLENESS and PATIENCE. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on LOVE, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

Today we'll look at the second article of clothing; KINDNESS.


KINDNESS:  the state or quality of being kind
KIND:  of a good or benevolent nature or disposition
BENEVOLENT:  desiring to help others; charitable, characterized by or expressing goodwill or kindly feelings, friendly, doing good or giving aid to others, rather than making profit; charitable

"You gave me life and showed me KINDNESS, and in your providence watched over my spirit." Job 10:12

"'For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back.  In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting KINDNESS I will have compassion on you,' says the Lord your Redeemer." Isaiah 54:7-8

"I will tell of the KINDNESSES of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many KINDNESSES.  He said, 'Surely they are my people, children who will be true to me'; and so he became their Savior."  Isaiah 63:7-8 

"This is what the Lord says: 'Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises KINDNESS, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the Lord." Jeremiah 9:23-24 

"The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing KINDNESS...'" Jeremiah 31:3 

It is so good to reflect on the kindnesses of God, to remember how He has shown His kindness to those He loves.... to everyone. His kindness is exercised - shown to us, it is everlasting, they are many... His kindness is unfailing! God DELIGHTS in KINDNESS! 

"Consider therefore the KINDNESS and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell,but KINDNESS to you, provided that you continue in his KINDNESS. Otherwise, you also will be cut off." Romans 11:22 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, KINDNESS, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23 

We are called to be clothed in kindness.  We should be devoted to doing these things - to being KIND.  I challenge you, as well as myself, to lay ourselves down before Him and allow His Spirit to work in us.... and then may the fruit of KINDNESS flourish!

"At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the KINDNESS and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." Titus 3:3-8

In His KINDNESS, He saved us!  We serve a KIND God - may we reflect His KINDNESS to those around us.  May we be clothed in it so that when others look at us they are seeing Him instead.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

What Shall We Wear?

I made the sign pictured below with my husband.  It hangs in our bathroom and we see it every morning as we prepare for the day - it is a good reminder for me as to what I should be "wearing" that day; rather, every day.  Over the next few days I'd like to take a look at each of these and how we should be "dressed" for Him. 



"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with COMPASSION, KINDNESS, HUMILITY, GENTLENESS and PATIENCE. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on LOVE, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

Today we'll look at the first; COMPASSION.

COMPASSION:   feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

Our God is a God of COMPASSION!  He upholds the distinct characteristic of compassion throughout history.

"But you, Lord, are a COMPASSIONATE and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." Ps. 86:15 & 103:8 & 145:8

"Then I called on the name of the Lord: 'Lord, save me!'  The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is FULL of COMPASSION.  The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me." Ps. 116:4-6

"For the Lord comforts his people and will have COMPASSION on his afflicted ones." Isaiah 49:13b

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his COMPASSIONS never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23 

"Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance?  You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.  You will again have COMPASSION on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea." Micah 7:18-19

God's compassion wasn't once... it is contiual, a continual act of alleviating our suffering, our pain.... our sin.  Many verses describe His compassion as deep, with everlasting kindness, also accompanied by tenderness.

Jesus showed compassion wherever He went... to the crowds, and to the individual that was hurting.  He showed compassion in healing, compassion towards the lost by teaching them His way...compassion in feeding them - miraculously feeding the crowds... compassion in His touch, compassion in His embrace.  Compassion... JESUS was and is still today COMPASSION.

We like Him are called to show compassion. 

"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and COMPASSION, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves" Philippians 2:1-3 

"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be COMPASSIONATE and humble." 1 Peter 3:8

Who is God calling you to have COMPASSION on?  Who are you to show compassion to; just as He has been so very compassionate to you... full of mercy and grace?  There are so many hurting around us in our world today - so many lost, so many confused, so many in turmoil.  I find it interesting that God has made time for me to address compassion on a day where tornadoes are flying through this part of our country. A time following so much destruction.

There are people that are in NEED of compassion today - in need physically, spiritually, emotionally.  What will you do?  What will I do to show compassion... HIS COMPASSION.  May we be more like Him daily - be empowered by His Spirit and clothe yourself in COMPASSION today! 

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Fear Not!

Now that the butterflies are gone I am going to move on to new topics, even though I think I could seriously continue to connect so many spiritual truths to the transformation and stages of the life of a butterfly. So, I hope each of you enjoyed the couple of weeks we looked at this analogy, but today we'll be moving on.

Today I would like to encourage you by looking at some of God's words in regards to fear. If any of you know me well, you know that I have struggled with worry over the years. A few years back my worry slowly turned into fear. A gripping fear. For years I was entangled by the sin of fear - I was crippled by it.  Today, however, I would love to glorify God by saying this last year He has truly freed me from the bondage of this sin. My prayer to Him last fall while studying Isaiah was that in my life, fear would be abolished and faith would flourish. I am free from fear and instead full of FAITH! 

Are YOU afraid?  Afraid of something in particular?  Afraid of the future?  The what-if?  Afraid of failure?  Rejection?  Fear for your children?  What are you in fear of?  What are you worrying about?  If you are in fear today of the circumstances around you, I pray that you would release it - truly release it at the feet of Jesus. Let go of it and let Him be in control - He is anyway.

I would now like to share some verses I love; verses I have clung onto so tightly.... promises from Him. If one of these speaks to your soul, hang onto it, memorize it, know it... live it!

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

“You came near when I called you, and you said, ‘Do not fear.’” Lamentations 3:57

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you" Isaiah 41:13

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you" Psalm 56:3

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid" Isaiah 12:2

"They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord." Psalm 112:7

"For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

"My soul is deprived of peace,
I have forgotten what happiness is;
I tell myself my future is lost,
all that I hoped for from the Lord.

But I will call this to mind,
as my reason to have hope:
The favors of the Lord are not exhausted,
his mercies are not spent;
They are renewed each morning,
so great is his faithfulness.
My portion is the Lord, says my soul;
therefore I will hope in him."
-- Lamentations 3:17-18, 21-24

I hope you are encouraged today that God is in control and you have nothing to fear. And, I pray you are challenged today to let go of the sin of fear, if you are entangled like I once was, ask Him to help you be freed from this sin. I know a life lived in fear cannot flourish - be changed and live in Him! I pray you will continue to cultivate your faith by putting your trust and hope in Him alone.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Set Free!

Yesterday the ten little butterflies were set free!  What a beautiful moment we enjoyed together as a family.  We each took turns taking a butterfly and releasing it to nature - the place where they were created to be.   

SET FREE: to make free; set at liberty; release from bondage, imprisonment, or restraint, to exempt or deliver

This applies to us too... have you been SET FREE?  Do you have FREEDOM in Christ?

“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.  Through him everyone who believes is SET FREE from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses."  Acts 13:38-39 

"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been SET FREE from sin." Romans 6:6-7

"But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.  You have been SET FREE from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."  Romans 6:17-18

"What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of?  Those things result in death!  But now that you have been SET FREE from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:21-23 

I would encourage you to read Romans 6 in its entirety. 

"It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."  Galatians 5:1 (slavery to the law)

Just like the butterflies weren't created to live in a netted cage - we weren't created to be captivated by sin.  God provided a way out for us - Jesus came to SET US FREE!  He came do fulfill the purpose of freeing us from the bondage of sin.  If you are in Him and He is in you then know in your heart and soul you are FREE - flourish my friend - fulfill the purposes God has called you to - complete the tasks you were made to complete - in Him be you - be FREE!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Creation

Today I am enjoying God’s creation!  I have enjoyed seeing these amazing little creatures go through each step of their transformation.  Even though they are just butterflies, they are still a part of God’s creation and they reflect His beauty and His creativity.

CREATE:  to cause to come into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve or that is not made by ordinary processes.

I LOVE THIS DEFITITION.  God is our CREATOR – It is stated this numerous times throughout the scriptures.  He is the One that has caused us to come into being – He made us UNIQUE, not ordinary!  We did not naturally evolve – scripture says we are CREATED by the CREATOR!  You are beautiful!

“For you CREATED my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14

“Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone who is called by my name, whom I CREATED for my glory, whom I formed and made.”  Isaiah 43:6b-7

“For in him all things were CREATED: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been CREATED through him and for him.  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”  Colossians 1:16-17

“the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you CREATED all things, and by your will they were CREATED and have their being.’” Revelation 4:10-11

GOD created you!  God CREATED you!  God created YOU!

You are not just a human being, you are His CREATION – His work of art, His invention, His.  You are His that is, if you allow Him to be yours.  Have you accepted Him and all that He is?  All that He has done for you? 

We were made by Him.  We were made for Him.  We were made in His image.  Are you, the created, reflecting the Creator?

He loves you.  He loves you so much – He loves you more than anyone ever could.  He CREATED you. 

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Not Quite There Yet

We have two butterflies! ! !  We are hopeful in our expectation of the other eight to come as well!  So excited to see their new creation - oh, their beauty!  Even though there is great joy, today I'd like us to think about the other eight that haven't yet become a new creation. 

Do you know of anyone who has not yet become a new creation through faith in Jesus Christ?  Sure, we all do. 

What are you doing on their behalf?  Are you praying for them?  Are you being a good example of what faith looks like?  Are you sharing the gospel of Jesus with them?  In your conversations?  In your actions?  In your love? 

Do they want what you have? 

Please be in prayer for those around you, for those loved ones who aren't seeking God - who don't yet have a saving faith.  They are going to come to God only when the Holy Spirit stirs within them something you nor I will ever be able to touch.  But He can.  Pray for them.  Never give up hope, pray.

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."   1 Timothy 2:1-4

"Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."  2 Timothy 2:25-26 

"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.  So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

Monday, May 9, 2011

Waiting

We are still waiting for the transformation of our little guys to turn into butterflies.  The boys are full of anticipation, but some days it is hard as we wait.  No change.  Nothing new to notice.  Just waiting. 

WAIT:  to continue as one is in expectation of; await, to postpone or delay in expectation, to be in readiness for; or be reserved for.

What are you waiting for?  What are you waiting in anticipation of?  What are you expecting to happen?  Who are you waiting on?  Are you ready?

"Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it.  Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, WAITING at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord." Proverbs 8:33-35

There are blessings that come from waiting.  But also know that there are defintitley blessings that come while we wait. 

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants WAITING for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.  It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them." Luke 12:35-37 

Are you expectantly waiting for Jesus' return?  Are you prepared?  Are you ready?  Have you done and are you doing the work God has called you to do until His arrival? 

"Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are WAITING for him." Hebrews 9:27-28

In all aspects of waiting in life, I pray above all that you are waiting on God. Whatever your situation may be, stay patient waiting on Him and His plan.  Also be waiting expectantly for Jesus' return.  May you continue to seek Him and find Him daily.

"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and WAIT expectantly" Psalm 5:3 

"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. WAIT for the Lord; be strong and take heart and WAIT for the Lord." Psalm 27:13-14

"We WAIT in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.  In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name." Psalm 33:20-21 

"I WAIT for the Lord, my whole being WAITS, and in his word I put my hope." Psalm 130:5 

There are so many more wonderful scriptures I could share about waiting, but as I read all of these I am reminded of how all things are in the hands of God.  Things of this life are in His time and His ways.  Our job is to know Him and choose to trust Him.  I pray you will be waiting on Him in trust and in hope.

A good reminder:   "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord.  'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'" Isaiah 55:8-9 

Friday, May 6, 2011

Be Still

There is a lot of stillness in the butterfly garden today.  What does God say about being still?

"Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be STILL.'"Exodus14:13-14

"Be STILL before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." Psalm 37:7

"He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 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." Psalm 46:9-11

We are commanded to be STILL before our Almighty God and to KNOW that He is God.  He instructs us to be STILL when there are battles going on.  Battles going on around us.  Battles going on inside us.  Either one, or both - He is God - He is sovereign - He is in control!  Be STILL. 

STILL:  remaining in place or at rest; motionless; stationary; peaceful; tranquil; calm

"You will keep in perfect PEACE those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal" Isaiah 26:3-4

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Do Not Disturb

Our caterpillars are now all chrysalides - we just moved them to their new net butterfly garden, very exciting!  Now the directions inform us that "It is crucial that they not be disturbed at this point as this is their most vulnerable stage.  Although this seems to be a time of resting in the butterfly's development, it is really a time of rapid change."

Do you have a time set aside each day to be with God - with no disturbances? 

You may not think you are at a vulnerable stage in your life right now, but I believe as long as we are here living in a sinful world we are vulnerable to sin and its entangling capabilities.  We need to be always be on guard - continually guarding our hearts - renewing our hearts and minds before Him - and being equipped to fight the spiritual battle that is all around us.... daily.  A daily time with Him.  A time with Jesus, alone in is presence.  I need this.  You need this.  Jesus needs this; He desires to be in relationship with you.  Yes, with YOU!  How can you have a relationship if you don't spend time with Him?  Make time for Him.  Be alone with Him.  Talk with Him.  Learn from Him.  Be in His word.  Be still and listen.  Grow.  Change.  Be blessed! 


"Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4-5

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." Proverbs 4:23-27 

"How can a young person stay on the path of purity?  By living according to your word.  I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."  Psalm 119:9-11

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." Ephesians 5:15-16 

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

On the Inside

"Soon, the caterpillars' skin splits open, from head to abdomen, revealing a shiny green case underneath - the chrysalis.  What is happening in the chrysalis?  Inside, the caterpillar is becoming completely liquid and reforming itself into a butterfly."

What is going on INSIDE of YOU? 

"When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal.  Then the Lord said to him, 'Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but INSIDE you are full of greed and wickedness.  You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the INSIDE also? But now as for what is INSIDE you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.'" Luke 11:37-40 

What is on your inside - the innermost part of you?  What is going on in your heart?  Is your outside reflecting the inside?  Are your actions reflecting your heart?  Is your heart still in a human sinful state or have you given it to Jesus, allowing Him to reform it and change it for His purposes?   

Today too many of us "Christians" play the game - we play church and the "Christian" life.  We are doing what we think we are supposed to do.  Following rules, abiding regulations, checking off our "Christian" duties.  But where is your heart?  What is going on inside of you?  Put your heart, soul and mind in check before Jesus today.  Don't play "Christianity."  Don't become a modern day "Pharisee" within the church.  Truly surrender you heart before Jesus.  Allow Him to transform you from the INSIDE out! 

"Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about; See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong—then guide me on the road to eternal life." Psalm 139:23-24 

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Continued Rest

Some more on rest:


"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....Yes, my soul, find REST in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."  Psalm 62:1-2,5-6


I also had this song pop into my head and couldn't help but share.... so many truths here:

Still by Hillsong

"Hide me now, under Your wings
Cover me, within Your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God

Find REST my soul, in Christ alone
Know His power, in quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God"

As the song repeats these verses it reminds me of the truth that true rest is found in Christ alone.  Where are you searching for rest?  Have you found it?  Continue to seek Him and be blessed with His rest.

If you want to listen to Still by Hillsong here is a link:  http://www.last.fm/music/Hillsong/_/Still

Monday, May 2, 2011

Rest

Our caterpillars are getting ready to change into chrysalides.  The first step is finding a safe place to rest.  Rest ... ah, rest.  What is that? 

REST:  refreshing ease or inactivity after exertion or labor, relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs.

I love those definitions!  We should find time to rest; rather make time to rest.  Do you?  As a momma of three boys this is sometimes hard for me to find.  It is more than just finding though - I have to make time - it has to be purposeful and it has to be desired.  We should make time to climb into the arms of the One who promises us rest.  Have you rested in a while?  Have you found rest for your soul?  Have you spent time with Jesus?

“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 

I love this verse - Jesus himself offers us rest - but it requires an action on our behalf first.  We have to come to Him.  We have to take His yoke upon us - we have to learn from Him;  then we will find rest.  True REST! 

"The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one RESTS content, untouched by trouble." Proverbs 19:23 

I pray that you will find rest - true REST in Him alone.  I pray that I will too will find this rest and make time for it.  Make time to be with Jesus and learn from Him.  Be with Him so that we can also be freed from the wearies, troubles and disturbances of this world.  In finding rest in Him we can also be refreshed and strengthened to do the work that He has called us to do.  Find REST my friends!