Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Rest.

So, last night I experienced a bit of a breakdown.  I started out on a walk with my mom, which inevitably always leads to some sort of spiritual revelation.  Something about being outside in an unconfined space relieves me from the pressure of life and the exhaustion of distractions.  And something about spending time with my mom stirs up my true feelings on things too.  So you can imagine that the combination of the two can sometimes lead to some dramatic releases for me.  What can I say, I am fully girl.

Without rehashing all the unnecessary details of my evening, I'll share with you the central truth that the Lord really laid on my heart last night.  Are you ready?

Here it is...

Rest.

Child, rest.  Let go and rest.

I know it may not seem so profound to you, and at times it doesn't seem as such to me either.  But last night, it was exactly what I needed to hear.  Lately I've allowed my mind and my spirit to become so overwhelmed with everything that I have to do that I haven't allowed any part of me to really rest.  Now I'm not talking about sleeping.  Or napping.  I'm talking about resting.  I'm not good at it and because of that, it's difficult for me to define and explain.  But here is what I've learned even in the last 18 hours:

Rest is not selfish.  In fact, rest is vital to a properly working spirit.

Rest intensifies my relationship with the Lord.  I can't rest and hold on to everything that I've got to do and everything that's "mine."  Resting, for me, requires trust.  Trust that God can handle everything while I take a break and let go of my worries.  Trusting God at a deeper level like that inevitably grows and strengthens my bond with Him.

Rest is one of God's desires for me.  He doesn't call us to be overworked and under cared for.  Rest ought to be part of our spiritual regimen, just like sleep is part of our physical routine.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28



This looks like a good mental picture of rest, I think.

I need to learn to make rest a part of my daily life.  My soul craves it.  What about you?  How are you resting?

Thursday, December 3, 2009

GNO| Sleepover Details

Hey girls!  After much anticipation, it's finally only a week away.  That means you need directions to our fine hostess's home.  So, I'm attaching 2 different links here for you to find her house.

Click here for directions from Ridgecrest to the Godfrey's house.

Click here for a map showing where the Godfreys live.

Here are all the other details you need to know:
Where: Sherry Godfrey's house
When:  Friday, December 11th, 8pm until Saturday, December 12th, 10am
What to bring:  sleeping bag & pillow, toothbrush & toothpaste, pj's, Bible, notebook, pen, and snacks to share (see below)

Snacks to Share List
7-8th grade girls--bring a 2 liter drink to share
9-10th grade girls--bring a salty snack to share
11-12th grade girls--bring a sweet snack to share



There you have it; all of the essential info for our last GNO of 2009.  Let me know if you have questions!  885.5275 or jstone@ridgecrestbaptist.org


See you there!