Monthly Musings: Four things from August

It’s that time again – the end of another month. Before we get all excited about spring, here are some things from August that I want to share with you.

1.  From the reading list

One of the books I’ve been reading during August is Ed Cyzewski’s little e-book, Creating Space: the case for everyday creativity. Here are a couple of quotes that made it into my bullet journal:

You need to invest in your own creativity because it’s the way God designed you to fully live.

and

Tapping into your creativity isn’t about the finished product. It’s about the process – becoming who you were made to be.

2.  A new book from one of my favourite authors, Emily P. Freeman

I’ve been a fan of Emily’s blog and books for a few years now, and in August her latest book, Simply Tuesday: small moment living in a fast-paced world was released. I’m still reading the book, and will probably read it again to really absorb more of the goodness from Emily’s writing. There may be more to come on this is a future post. In the meantime check out Emily’s free video series to see what she’s talking about. And here is Emily’s podcast interview with Jeff Goins.

3.  Yummy food

This month I made pizza from scratch – dough, sauce and toppings – tomato, basil and bocconcini is simple and delicious. And then there’s Bracegirdles’ salted caramel dark hot chocolate – mmmmmmmm.

4.  An old-new way to slow down, de-stress and get creative

Did you know that adult colouring books are very popular at the moment? I hadn’t really noticed until I saw a display of them in an airport bookshop recently. I bought one and have been enjoying a little colouring each evening. Fun and relaxing, it’s a creative way to unwind.

When He whispers …

From my journal tonight, God’s whisper:

Stop being afraid of what I’ve called you to be and to do.

And I am undone.

Lord, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:12)

“Cast aside the last vestige of unbelief and embrace that destiny which you feared to accept on account of your limitation. These handicaps are now transcended by the might of My indwelling Spirit.”

quoted from John Gaynor Banks, The Master and the Disciple,
in Leanne Payne, Listening Prayer.

Here I am Lord.

May my heart will my feet to step out in faith.

When you’re not sure what else to do – Just Show Up

I sat down to write; a few rambling thoughts and then I had a sudden urge to go and wash the dishes. What’s with that? I hate washing dishes. Will I be more inspired once my kitchen’s clean, or is that really just procrastination masquerading as responsibility?

Maybe I should go and find out. The dishes certainly aren’t going to wash themselves.

Well … the dishes are clean.

Now what?

Lord, I know you invited me to meet you on the page. So I guess that’s what I’m doing, showing up at the page. Perhaps that’s what you’re trying to show me; not to wait for inspiration before I start writing; not to wait until I feel like writing; not to wait until you show up before I take a step forward. But to show up in faith that you will meet me here.

I know the best way to write is to tell my own story, with my own voice. I’m still not sure exactly what that is or why anyone else would be interested, but perhaps that’s not for me to judge.

So I’m showing up, and I’m going to keep writing. Because showing up is the only way anything is ever going to happen.

More thoughts on how to receive the gift of rest

Yesterday I shared some thoughts on how to receive the gift of rest. Today I’m attempting to get a little more practical. This is not a checklist or a prescription, just some ideas that may be helpful for your own experience of rest.

Sleep

Are you getting enough sleep? Perhaps that sounds too obvious, but we live in a sleep-deprived world and making sure you get enough sleep every night is a key aspect of rest.

I’d like to say that I’ve got this sorted, but I have to say it’s a work (or un-work) in progress.

Set Your Priorities

If you had to rate all the things in your life in order of importance, what would rise to the top? Those are your priorities. Are they consistent with your values? Are they the priorities you actually want for your life?

If you don’t make rest a priority, there will always be reasons why you never seem to have the time. Rest is a necessity, not a luxury.

Simplify Your Life

I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency to over-commit, repeatedly. As a result, I am no stranger to burnout. It is not something I would recommend. Establishing your priorities may help you to decide what commitments or activities are worthwhile, and which ones you may need to stop.

It’s also worth being aware that commitments may have a season. Pay attention to the signs that a season is coming to an end. Ignoring the signs can be costly to your health and wellbeing.

Creating some space in your life will make it easier to rest.

Set Aside Time to Rest

Schedule time for rest. Regularly. That doesn’t mean you have to sit like a lump and do nothing. Choose things that are refreshing and life-giving for you. Choose things that help you bring your focus back to God. Here are a few suggestions:

• spend the first 5 or 10 minutes relaxing when you come home from work before you start dinner, do the housework or check emails.
• take a walk in a park or along the beach
• watch a sunset
• listen to your favourite worship music
• have a short nap (set an alarm if you need to get up by a certain time)
• read a good book
• do something creative – paint, draw, write a poem, write in your journal, take photographs, play an instrument, sing …
• take a short nap (did I say that already?)
• write a note of encouragement to someone
• meditate on a verse of Scripture
• sit in your favourite chair, close your eyes and just listen for a few minutes

Stay Connected

Make sure you stay connected with people. This may seem a little counter-intuitive at first, but you need people who know you well, care about you and are willing to hold you accountable when you’re over-stretching and not resting well. You need people who will help you to keep perspective on your commitments, responsibilities and expectations of yourself. You also need to be willing to listen and respond if they express concern that you’re too busy and too tired.

Do you have any other practical suggestions for resting that you’d like to share?

The gift of rest

And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.

Genesis 2:3