Garden of your heart

"Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden...

and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

Sometimes life can be so hectic!  There is so much to do!   For instance, here is my "things to do list"  for the summer:

Keep home maintained and clean (okay this is something I always do)

Plant my garden (which I am doing now)

Keep up on all the weeds in the garden (I am already getting behind)

Can, freeze and dehydrate produce from garden

Spend Quality time with hubby this summer while he is on vacation for 6 1/2 weeks (this starts in about 4 weeks)

Write a Bible Study (I am already studying, reading, etc) 

Prepare for our fall study (Starting June I will begin the study on the book of Daniel).

Continue to encourage small group leaders for women's ministries throughout the summer with cards, etc.

Continue to encourage others and support hubby as he leads the small group that meets in our home.

Spend some time with family (hubby's sister, mom, etc) as life can get too busy and we don't see them enough. 

Spend some fun time with dad (playing games:  horseshoes, phase 10, etc)

I was finding I was already tired.  Matter of fact, this past year has been one where I have really struggled to keep balance in my life.  One thing that I was feeling frustrated over was "feeling" connected with the Lord.  I just felt as if life was so hectic that I was feeling "rushed" when I met with Him, my head swimming with all the things to get done, etc. 

So........yesterday, since it was going to be over 100 degrees (it was somewhere near 107+ yesterday) I decided to take a day off fromt he hustle, bustle, etc.  I had a few things to do to keep maintaining the home in what was necessary to be done, but everything else I put aside. I spent the day with the Lord.  Now, as we heard on Sunday from our Pastor, spending a day with the Lord doesn't make us spiritual, but how we live out our faith.  But, I do know that sometimes we need a jump start, we need that personal relationship renewed now and again to help us live our our spiritual lives.  So, that's what took place yesterday.  I have such a heart of peace today!  I experienced so much joy just sitting at the feet of Jesus, being in His presence!  Now, yes we can experience that each day of our lives as we spend with Him, but I don't know about you, every once in a while, I need a much longer period.  I am a "needy" person for the Lord.  I can't get out of bed without Him each morning.  I know that I can't be the wife I need to be, the daughter, the family member, the friend, an encourager, faithful, etc. without the Lord. 

So....what was most important at my "homestead" yesterday.....to sit at the feet of Jesus!  If you are feeling overwhelmed, weary, heavy laden with a burden, I encourage you to find some extended time with the Lord.  It says "Come near to God and He will come near to you...." James 4:8   How does that help?  I found I was more patient with my husband yesterday when he got home from work, I have a heart full of peace (not worry, strife, etc), it allows Him to direct our paths, it allows me to be rejuvinated in order to continue to be an encourager and minister to others. 

If you are in need of rest....spiritual, emotional, etc. it can be found in Jesus!

Day with the Lord

07:04, Tuesday, May 20, 2008 .. Posted by Vickie

I think you did the MOST important thing yesterday! ~Take care.

Untitled Comment

02:12, Tuesday, May 20, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous

Debbie, Its always so refreshing when we spend this kind of quality time isnt it. We are more peacefull and content and the heart is light. Glad you stopped for some refreshment.
Have a good week.
Nettie