Whispers of Rest Book Club

In my last blog post, I shared with you about Whispers of Rest, a 40 day devotional that encourages resting in God’s presence as well as taking care of your soul.

I am excited to share that the author Bonnie Gray is hosting an online book club to read through the devotional together, beginning May 11, 2020. I love that Bonnie is walking us through a season of growing closer to God during this time of worldwide pandemic. She is so passionate about us finding rest, finding joy, and taking good care of our souls.

For more information about the Whispers of Rest Book Club, check out her introductory video. You can also visit www.whispersofrest.com.

Bonus: As of yesterday, Whispers of Rest eBook is only $1.99 at amazon.com! I am not sure how long this reduced price will last, but it’s a great deal if you are interested in reading the book!

For more information on Bonnie Gray’s writings, you can visit her on Instagram.

Let me know if you decide to read along with us! I’ve got my book, and I am ready!

 

Hustle or Rest?

For the past couple of weeks, I have seen conflicting messages on social media about how we should spend our time during COVID-19. People are telling us to “seize the day,” and become better, faster, stronger, and happier during this current season. Basically, do ALL the things; and if we don’t do ALL thing things then maybe we never really wanted to do them after all. Others are encouraging us to slow down. They remind us that we aren’t meant to hustle all the time; we should take this time rest and savor. Basically, stop trying to fill every single hour with something. I can see the value of both perspectives. I have made a mental list of ways I can make this prolonged time at home more useful. Organize that closet, clean out my pantry, etc. Other times, I want to take part in the world’s slowing down. Read a book, or put my hands to work on a puzzle or craft, with a generous mug of tea or glass of wine. Spend more time in prayer and reflection. To allow myself to rest and just BE. To enjoy living life.

So, which is it?

Which is the best course of action for us to leave our time of quarantine less frazzled than when we came into it? Do we take advantage of the flexible schedule and hustle, or do we linger and allow ourselves to feel the shift and process all that it means?

Friend, I think the answer is to do whatever feels right in your heart for you to do.

Tune out the shouting voices of the world and listen for the still small voice to guide you. 

If you feel a quickening in your spirit that NOW is the time to move towards fulfilling your purpose, then seize the opportunity. Work hard, but set boundaries to include things you love to do. If you have been feeling frayed around the edges for much too long, then now is the time for you to rest guilt free, friend. Allow yourself to breathe, allow yourself to be loved by God, trusting in His love in all seasons.

Truthfully, regardless of whether or not you find this to be a hustle season or a rest season, moving the needle towards more balance is a healthy goal. (Keep in mind that balance does not mean a perfect schedule.) The LAST thing that any of us needs during a global pandemic is to have a massive guilt trip about productivity. Friends, let’s not put any more pressure on ourselves than we would if there wasn’t a stay at home order. This has nothing to do with laziness, but it does point us to Sabbath.

I listen to the BEMA Podcast hosted by Marty Solomon and Brent Billings, and it examines the Bible within historical and cultural contexts. I love the definition of Sabbath presented in one of the earliest episodes: “we rest, we play, no work, God loves us.” They reminds listeners that God loves us regardless of circumstances, accomplishments, or even an ordered life. I love this. How often do we think that God’s love for us is based upon what we do or how much we accomplish? How wonderful to be reminded of the truth that we are loved simply for being His beloved.

Today you and I have a choice:

We can stop,

Be still and breathe.

Rest with Jesus and hear him whisper,

Be beloved, not busy. Come away with me. Today. – Day Three, Whispers of Rest by Bonnie Gray

This week’s encouraging read is Whispers of Rest: 40 Days of God’s Love to Revitalize Your Soul, by Bonnie Gray.  Whether you are in a quiet season due to stay at home orders or continuing to work, this devotional will invite you on a journey of resting in God’s presence without agenda. Beautifully written, Whispers of Rest walks us through forty days of unhurried experience in becoming the beloved of Christ. This devotion is unique in that each day is composed of a scripture and passage reading, reflection questions to apply the Word to your life, and a prayer. Bonnie also includes Soul Care Tips that invite rest and increase joy. I especially love the prompts to enjoy nature and art. It was nice to read that looking at photographs of happy memories can increase our joy in the present. Although I’d already read this book a while back, I recently decided to pick it up again for a second read. I can’t wait to slow down and receive spiritual, emotional, and physical rest.

So go forth and dream, if that’s what your heart is calling you to do. Whatever you choose, choose to rest in God, knowing that we are His beloved, regardless of our output or accomplishments during this time.

You are loved.

 

Home is Where the Heart Is

Hello, world! I’m back! Did you miss me?!

I certainly missed being here with you. I am excited to return to my corner of the world where I can share my stories, good reads, and encouragement. So grab your cup of tea (or coffee!) and join me for an update.

The past year and a half has been a whirlwind, to say the least. The last time I wrote was shortly after relocating back to Memphis, and I was reflecting over the past year. Relocating proved to be a bittersweet and, at times, challenging experience. Four months in, I was adjusting to a new job, crashing temporarily on my mom’s couch, and acclimating to a new city culture (Regardless of what people say, DC may be south of the Mason-Dixon line, but it certainly ain’t the South!). The safety net of my community of fourteen years, and my beloved church family were behind me. I went from a place where I was loved and known to a place where I’d need to build new relationships from scratch, aside from family and a couple of friends.

For those first few months, all I could think about was what I’d lost, what I’d left behind. I’d start looking for a favorite book, or an engraved spoon, some trinket that held sentimental value to me. A book that I just knew I would never give away was not there. I would frantically search the boxes for it again. Then, I’d remember. I’d given it to a good friend, donated it to goodwill, or, simply forgotten to pack it and left it behind in the furnished apartment. It may sound silly, crying over an object as small as a spoon or a book. But when you have left everything behind, sometimes it is the little things that bring comfort and make a place feel like home.

The grief of loss was so heavy on me that I could not fully celebrate the new beginning I was being given. Make no mistake – I love my family dearly, and I am so happy to be closer to them. I can actually attend my nephew’s special school events, and be here for all the family fun. One of the best times this year was celebrating my mom’s birthday and retirement. SO thankful that I could be here for this day, one that I have prayed for many times!

Well deserved celebration for my mom!

Happy Retirement, Mom!

I knew this move was God’s plan based on how everything worked out so quickly (talk about a testimony!). In talking with friends and mentors, I was encouraged to stop going through the motions of life, to put my heart into Memphis. And so I have. They said that these things take time, and so they did. What they say is true: home is where the heart is, and my heart is in Memphis. The grief of lost things has subsided, friendships are being rekindled and new ones forming. I am active in my new church home, and life is moving forward. I am excited and expectant for what the future holds. Now, I realize that sometimes for even deeper healing and growth, we have to go back to where our story begins. Even if that means walking into the unexpected – which leads to my book recommendation of the week.

 

Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind, Move Forward in Faith, Embrace the Adventure by Christine Caine is a book about dealing with life as it comes, especially when something happens that we didn’t see coming. We can all relate to this right now. I read this book with Propel Book Club last year, and it was so encouraging. In light of our current unexpected times, it felt only right to recommend this book to you too.  Christine Caine covers multiple facets of the unexpected, such as when the unexpected brings fear, disappoints, requires risk, or interrupts. Armed with scripture, she walks us through how we can handle unexpected situations and emerge stronger. In the chapter “When the Unexpected Brings Fear,” Caine writes, “perhaps in the days in which we live, we can confound people by responding in faith instead of fear, by letting our lights shine so bright that they dispel all the darkness around us.”  Friends, now is the time for us to let our lights shine and push back the darkness.

Wherever you are on your journey, regardless of your current situation, I pray that you are able to face this unexpected season with faith, courage, and boldness, and that you come out stronger on the other side. May God grant you peace, give you hope for the future, and restore all that has been lost. On the difficult days, just remember: these things take time. This too shall pass.