Fresh Start..

The beginning of the  year is an opportunity for a fresh start. I’m not writing about New Years resolutions or a list of all the things that I want to accomplish in 2014. What I need right now is a new way to look at the same old difficult things. When the clock struck 12 on Dec 31st, I did not leave my struggles back in 2013. Many of the difficulties of last year are continuing right into January.

So I am taking some steps toward living through the hard things without losing my emotional balance..One focus I have for this year was given to me by a good friend. She purchased a workshop for me called “One little word.” It gives me an opportunity to choose a word and focus on it throughout the year..creating a scrapbook and whatever other means I want to use to get that word inside my heart.

My word is ” REST”. I’ve heard that word for years now..coming to me from the heart of God. It seems unobtainable because of the trials that life continues to bring. Yet the Lord promises us rest and there are many references to it throughout the Bible. So I am going to throw myself into the challenge of learning to rest in all things.. to rest in the Lord.

I hope by the end of this year I can say with confidence..REST  is available and I am experiencing it in a deeper way than ever before. If you are interested in taking this workshop, it is available on this website.http://aliedwards.com/

Let’s trust God to bring us our word and to take that word and take it deep into our minds, emotions, body, and spirit this year.

Then Jesus said ” come to me all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Vacation time..

July is vacation month in America..even if we aren’t taking one the feeling is in the air. We’ve had some beautiful summer weather this year..a welcome relief. We need those days and we need time to relax and move away from our everyday activities. Each new morning provides opportunities to start fresh. I don’t know about you..but I need fresh starts. We all need to have times when the cares of this world don’t feel so heavy..when we come out from under the responsibilities that we carry.. how do we find these times?

Well..a trip to Hawaii sounds perfect! Not possible for me and maybe not for you. We’ll have to get to that place of peace in another way..to accept those day trips and week-end getaways..whatever God gives us and make the most of them. It helps me to remember that I can rest in Him wherever I am and that is a relief for my heart. Our inner life is the place where all the turmoil is taking place..when I am trusting God I feel like I am on vacation. He is driving and I am in the back seat relaxing. I may not know our destination but I know I am in good hands. He has plans for my life and yours.. plans that are good.. plans that are more than we could ever ask or imagine.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”