Get Out of the Whirlwind

 "There's absolutely no reason for being rushed along with the rush. Everybody should be

be free to go very slow."  Robert Frost             (A turtle's quote.)

Last week I enjoyed a delightful ride through the woods at the home of a friend. Just the thrill of riding through nature, enjoying the quiet, the freshness, the forest animals brought refreshment and calm to my soul. Thank you, CJ, for the calm of a summer day.

I've kept a journal of quotes since my 55th birthday. A friend gave me a journal as a gift. I hadn't kept a journal since my diary days back as a girl. I wish I still had my diary. It would be fun to see what I wrote in it.

I put all different types of quotes in my journal books which number about six now. When I read something that touches my heart, I either write it out down or type it and then tape it in my journal. I love going back through these journals because the words are always encouraging, funny, motivating, and inspiring. Like this one said by Gilbert Hay in "Serenity Is . . .":

"The best things in life move slowly. They can hardly overtake one who is in a hurry. We are making haste to ill purpose if we 'haven't time' to read good books, to think quietly, to visit our friends, to comfort the sick and sorrowing, to enjoy the beautiful creations of God . . and to lend a hand to a struggling brother. Time is precious, but more precious than fleeting hours are truth, love, benevolence, friendship, service, a serene mind and a happy heart, for these are the essence of life itself." 

It isn't hard for me to agree with these words. I thrive in quiet and don't hurry about. Yet, the words are true. Taking time for meaningful things encourages the heart.

Another one of my favorite quotes, author unknown, says: "How beautiful it is to do nothing and rest afterwards . . ." I know. Who has time to do nothing? and who doesn't have anything to do? Ae you just lazy? I take this quote to inspire you to relax. It's good for the soul!

I believe God wants us to have a balanced life, where rest, quiet time and sleep is included. Young and growing families are on the go most of the time. It is hard for them to squeeze in quiet, restful times. but it is still important to find time to slow down.

"The Bible commands us to rest . . . what a generous and kind God we have. We expect marching orders, or hoops to jump through. But God simply says, 'Alright, this will be challenging, but here's what I want you to do: take a break.'"

Keri Wyatt Kent

Last week there was a post on my Facebook page that showed a picture of a twin bed with a table next to it and a lighted lamp on the table. My first thought was, 'that's a welcoming way to say, '"Come visit me! I have a bed just waiting for you."

The person who posted it wrote that making her bed every morning was a gift of God's blessing for sleep. Each evening she gets to unwrap it for the pleasure of a good's night sleep.

I often thank God for sleep during the night if I wake up and when I get up in the morning. Sleep is important. It rests your body and your mind, so you are able to go through each day able to accomplish whatever is on your agenda, whether rest or work.

So, move slowly, rest often and sleep well. They all have a purpose to grow a better life for you each day. You'll still have plenty of time to get done what it is important. And you'll be in a lot better shape to do it! Just at the turtle.

"Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

Acts 2:26

By His Grace . . .