This week, I am giving away THREE copies of the book and DVD: 24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life by Matthew Sleeth. My friend, Matthew Sleeth is a former emergency room physician who resigned to teach, write and share his faith.
God commanded us to “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.” While we all know this commandment, how many of us really honor God by following it? Most of us are “plugged in” 24/7, or close to it. We are slaves to technology and busyness and are suffering as a culture because of it.
In his book, 24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life, author Matthew Sleeth shares his experience as an emergency room physician who has identified the need to slow down and honor the Sabbath to counteract the physical, emotional, relational and spiritual toll of our 24/7 busyness. Sleeth shares his personal testimony of how his family was dramatically transformed by adopting Sabbath practices and provides practical advice for all of us to do the same.
To win a copy, comment on this ORIGINAL blog post at www.margaretfeinberg.com. Winners will be selected and notified on Friday.
Congratulations to this week’s winners: Suzanne Ietjen, Ralph Hawkins, Nicole Byrne
How do you counteract the physical, emotional, relational and spiritual toll of busyness? Where have you found the wonders of rest in your life?
Always needing that quiet to slow my life that I may hear the Lord’s voice.
Get away to a solitary retresat setting away from the rat race
This seems to be my “sacred echo”….”be still and know” ….I am constantly being reminded to slow down and enjoy and appreciate what is in my life! This sounds like a wonderful book!
Oh how much and how often I need to be reminded ! I thank God he is SO patient with me, and that He has many and varied ways of getting this message to me! This book sounds like it will be a great read!
Sounds great! Thanks for the giveaway
To be honest, I have never been good at resting. An “overachieving-I-can-do-it-all-with-Gods-strength” kinda girl, it took a critical illness diagnosis three months ago for me to stop and really learn what it means to rest in God. The blessings have been unimaginable and transformed not just my relationship with God, but also my family, friends, co-workers, and church family. So yes, for me I have found the “wonders of rest” while confined to a hospital room and hooked up to chemo. Certainly not what anyone would wish for but God never said our mission field was going to be an easy one!
I find it SO hard to make room for Sabbath although I am really trying to carve that time out of Saturday afternoon and evening. Working for a church and organizing the Sunday services makes Sunday a joy…but hardly a time of rest! I all spent many years working in an ER until I had to leave because the burn-out was killing me. It took me at least a year to heal. I still have too many jobs going at once but at least now I am aware and working on ways to get that much needed rest.
During a period of my life I worked hard to keep the sabbath day one of rest and worship. Currently I’m not as intentional with this practice. When I am intentional, the benefits are incredible. I’d love to read this book, and then pass it along to my brother-in-law as he enters residency as an ER physician.
I’m definitely not good at resting. No matter what season of life I’m in, I always take on too much. Last semester I taught seven classes at six different colleges, thinking I could do anything for four months. It was a disaster. This semester I’ve got a better schedule, but I can feel myself taking on more than I should.
I’m trying to learn how to observe the Sabbath.
I’m trying to define rest. And work.
I’m trying to choose a day.
I work in a place that’s open 24/7. I struggle with this a lot.
too easy to keep adding ’1 more thing’ to the waking hours ..
i have to be ruthless with myself and entirely intentional in choosing time out .
personally, i think rest needs to be lifestyle and not optional –
saying the inconvenient ‘no’ to more demands in honour of ADONAI and His call to us to draw near..
many thanks for a giveaway supporting us in this determination
Love the title. Immediately you know what it means. Now that my youngest is in her first year of college I can start to slow down and focus on me and find that quiet time with the Lord again.
In ministry, in life, sabbath is so key and often too neglected. This is encouragement I need daily.
It is so hard to find that Sabbath rest when once works for a company that is no respecter of one’s time or family. I am so thankful I work for myself now and can schedule in that time of rest. I’m currently reading a book by former Senator Joe Lieberman titled “The Gift of Rest: Rediscovering the Beauty of the Sabbath.” I’m looking forward to seeing Matthew Sleeth’s perspective…
With a recent job change I needed to figure out a new schedule – suddenly instead of getting up at 6am I am going to bed at 2am – Sunday is a work day so new choices were part of this path God had set me on – ideas for putting a new Sabbath time in motion are sooooo welcome. It is a necessary part of my health!
Wondered why it was called 24/6. I really like the idea of taking a Sabbath every week – usually it’s a Friday for me.
Due to a book called “Breathe” and later “Rest” by Keri Wyatt Kent, as well as, Richard Foster’s “Celebration of Discipline” and other books on the topic, combined with the gentle guidance of spiritual mentors, I have found that it’s okay, actually more than okay, to have some “margin” in my life. Today I am thankful for margin, as I received news that family is in town. The margin in my day, may well allow me to go spend time with these who I love.
This defiantly sounds like a great read! Hope I win
I’m terrible at resting, I tend to use my Sabbath as catch-up (after church until about 10 pm) so the upcoming week is more manageable. I’m trying, tho, to work smarter so that’s not the case. Sounds like a wonderful book.
I would love this! Always love to hear insight from others and see how they’re balancing especially in seasons where I find this hard myself
Reminded again of the importance of being unplugged.
I gave up the rat race a few years ago, but still working on a new rhythm for my life.
My heart/spirit encourages me the REST IN THE LORD so often! Setting aside one whole day is a challenge having grown up in a household where most every waking minute involved some type of “productive” activity. Now, even when attempting to “rest” my mind whirrrrrrrrrsssssssssssss. The SABBATH is, I know, very necessary for my well-being. Thank you for offering this opportunity to learn more.
This book sounds like a wonderful read! What have I found to counteract the toll of busyness? Still looking! But I do recognize a deeper peace in my life when I’ve spent daily time with the Lord. I believe He honors my commitment to do that, even if it’s just a few moments of prayer and a quick devotional.
Sounds like a great book. Seems like I’m working all the time just to make sure the family has a steady flow of STUFF and to keep a roof over their heads.
Probably the biggest struggle in our marriage – I ache for sabbath rest and rhythm, my husband can’t quite get the concept/need for it. He travels often on Sunday and there isn’t another day in the week we can substitute for a shared sabbath experience. Always looking for ways to capture his heart for this practice. I’ll be very interested to read another approach to this much needed soul nurturing discipline. Any really, it’s a key component to a submitted heart in my opinion.
looks interesting and a good read. worship, focus, quietness, leaning… all on God
Sounds like the book I have been looking for. I have been feeling for some time now that we need to change our lifestyle to get back to honoring the Sabbath. Thank you for the opportunity of receiving this book.
Sounds very appealing…rest, quiet, stillness, sabbath…all seem to be a reoccuring theme in my life lately. PICK ME PICK ME!
Would love to read this. I think it’s an area I really need help with.
Having worked in an ER for several years, I can’t wait to read this one! This is something that has been a hard lesson to learn! God doesn’t give up though!
Busy schoolteacher! I would love to read this book!
Trying to continue to be intentional about unplugging and looking for the wonder.
I think everybody can relate to the need for this book!
I’d love a copy–not sure, however, if you’d post it overseas, too.
Definitely need to read this- I go 24/7 non stop. I could use help in this area
Love the title–24/6! In the past few years I really have tried to make the Sabbath a day of rest. Sunday mornings are busy–I am a pastor’s wife and church musician, but most Sunday afternoons I kick back, put my feet up and read a good book.
I am always trying to seek ways to honor the Sabbath. On some days I am successful, but on most days I find myself resorting back to what I know….reliance on technology and the desire to be entertained (instead of simply devoting more time to reading scripture and soaking in its truths). It is no wonder I can’t hear God when he speaks. I fail to sit and listen. I love a copy of the book just to get a different perspective on how to approach the Sabbath.
I love to go to Filoli Mansion and enjoy the beautiful greenery and flowers. I breathe in the fresh air and marvel at the beauty of God’s creation. I am refreshed and renewed.
I have found rest by learning to say NO! I don’t over-commit – and always place family FIRST! I find everything in life works better that way!
This can’t be coincidence! Feeling extremely “overbooked”, this morning I emailed a clergy friend that I met on a trip to Israel. She was so profoundly struck by the reverence the Jewish people had for the Sabbath, she determined that she would begin to be very intentional about honoring the Sabbath,too. I haven’t seen her in over a year, so I emailed her to ask her what she has learned and what insights she might have. It seems we, the well intentioned church, have suddenly decided that Sunday afternoons are the ideal time to schedule committee meetings, training sessions, teas, showers, extra practices for choir, drama, etc. Thank you for making me aware of this book. There may be an answer for me there!
What a wonderful concept for a book! This is most definitely something that we need to embrace as a [Christian] culture within a culture in America!
Love to shut everything down and be silent before the one who completely knows me.
I love learning new things. What a great way to learn something new by reading a book!
Hello,
This is a right now word!! Would love to read it, share it with friends!!! Sounds great!!
Blessings,
Tina
I need a day off from everything.
My Monday night Bible study group was just discussing the Sabbath last week and how to keep it holy. Would love to read this book!
Sabbath and rest have been coming up for me whenever I read the Bible or talk with others!
God spoke to me a couple years ago about keeping the Sabbath. Now I tend to read anything on it. Looks like a great book, and confirmation to what God spoke to me. I would love to read this.
Every day I close out my day before I go home from the office, writing about how the day went, what conversations I had and need to have, and what I learned and need to learn. This helps me choose rest from the chaos and give thanks to God for the day.
The Sabbath is our day of rest for the busyness of the work week. We attend Bible class, church services, then come home to a big salad that was prepared ahead of time. We have the afternoon to read the Bible or other spiritual books/materials, take a walk in nature, and have a restful afternoon. We eat a nice dinner of left-overs, and spend the evening quietly at home or in fellowship with friends from church or neighbors. We are then spiritually and mentally ready for a new work week, blessed by God.
Summer – In a hammock in my backyard with a book.
Winter – In a rocker by the fire with a book.
Interesting timing for the give a way. I have been thinking a lot about the Sabbath and what it means for us today. Look forward to reading his insights.
I have spoken on Sabbath before–really because I wanted to get a better grasp of it. While it is one of the Ten Commandments, it is one that has a different look in a way now that Jesus, Our Sabbath Rest has arrived. I think the key thing I learned is that our Sabbath needs to be intentional–a looking back in reflection, celebrating the now, and embracing a hope for the future. For Sabbath i turn off electonics, make a meal, sometimes light a candle, eat, and journal. sometimes it is a walk in the country. I look forward to reading this book.
Today’s world can easily become a pressure cooker of busyness.Through the years and as more and more technology was implemented into my life style, (which I love by the way), it became necessary to learn a new way to find down time. It is easy for life to take a toll on each one of us, physically, emotionally, relationally and spiritually. I believe the negative toll comes from not taking charge of our life. For instance I learned that I am in charge of technology and the online social network side of my life. It is not in charge of me.
Once per week I try to take some down time and review everything I am doing, what I am part of, what’s coming up etc. I check myself to see when was my last day off, am I doing well taking time to spend with God, am I getting enough sleep, what does my diet look like?
Do I have all this down perfect? No, but I learned to be aware of what it takes for me personally to stay healthy in all of the areas you mention. I am in the middle of setting out to plant a church and at the same time continue writing, which means to do what God is calling me to do it is necessary to be aware of my schedule. I can easily run myself into the ground, especially because I am single. In my singleness God places people around me that check on me and say, hey….and ask me the necessary questions.
This is an area I am working on. I counteract my busyness and overacheiving by starting and ending my day reading God’s Word and this does help. I have scriptures to refer back to during my day.
In the last few weeks I have heard several messages on “resting.” This book fits right into the message that I have been hearing over and over again. Do you think God is trying to tell me something? Thank you for your generosity – and blessings on the recipients.
This book sounds wonderful! Don’t think I’ve yet learned to truly rest…what real Sabbath is!
I’ve been wondering about how to keep the Sabbath out of need to know. My husband and I were just saying how church can be so busy as we serve. It can be like a work day. I’ve heard it said that the Sabbath is the only commandment that we don’t observe and can feel no shame in it.
Help! How do we keep the Sabbath is a great question!
I would love to be choosen for a copy of this book. I have joined you on the Lenten journey of reading and listening to The Word of God (the Bible) in 40 days. I am already so blessed . . . . I am like the pages of an unwritten book . . . . The notes that are beginning to fill my pages are so amazing. Thank you for the invitation to be apart of the journey.
We all long for simplicity!
I used to be pretty good about resting on Sunday. Then I started working full-time. It took me all of Saturday to recover from the week, leaving Sunday (my day of rest) as the day to try to get a little bit done. I think it’s been to my detriment. I wish the Sabbath was on Saturday. I’m REALLY ready for a rest then.
Oh yes…the attraction of distractions.
It’s a daily choice to surrender my desires and crucify my flesh to enter into His rest. I seek His Kingdom and Righteousness and tear down the altars at the high places….any distractions that keep me from my first love. It’s not easy but I’m learning to identify when I’m not abiding…if I’m not its because I’m connected to something else. I had a huge revelation two summers ago when I read Psalm 131 and that’s where I go to renew my mind…to pray for the Holy Spirit to mold me to a humble, still, simple child that hopes only in Jesus Christ! No…this is not easy and I fail often but His grace is sufficient.
131 O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty;
Nor do I involve myself in great matters,
Or in things too difficult for me.
2 Surely I have composed and quieted my soul;
Like a weaned child rests against his mother,
My soul is like a weaned child within me.
3 O Israel, hope in the Lord
From this time forth and forever.
Sounds like something I really need. It’s hard to slow down!
My life is a combination of hectic right now. Work, family, aging parents, household duties and supporting a family business. I am trying to focus on living out of my rest, rather than working towards a break. Last Sunday I gained great rest from a hike with my husband, a drive to the coast to visit a daughter and a late evening Sunday worship. I felt filled.
This is a life challenge, though. It requires intentional planning and purposing. Sometimes things happen that we have to tend to, but we still must make time for a rest, whatever that may look like for us, including worship.
“…..and are suffering as a culture because of it”. So true:(
I love writing in my journal as a way to slow down and relax. I need to be more focused on Sabbath rest, however. I often use that day to catch up with projects. Giving my family some downtime would be very beneficial. Sounds like a great book!
God is definitely speaking this to my heart right now. Something I’m struggling with but thankful for His patience!
I think this is a resource for everyone. Maragaret your going to have to have a hard time choosing 3. I have tried to disconnect. It is very hard . I know there needs to be a Sabbath day where we put all distractions away and just dwell inGod’s goodness and majesty. Our society has made it veery hard, but it must be a choice to unplugg and be quiet before our God to revitalize and strengthen us.
I think you are a great writer and love your website. I would love to have a copy of the book you are giving away. I also work in the medical field and see people suffering and hurting. WhenI say I will be praying for you some say thank you and some look at me like I am crazy..
I struggle to be still and unplug. Hiding the phone usually works.
I definitely need to learn to rest!
Oh the need for rest ! ! ! Sabbath rest ! ! ! I’m amazed at how God’s creation can bring such serenity in a fast paced and technical world.
In today’s frenetically paced society, it is more difficult than ever to find serenity. More than twenty years ago, I began seeing a counselor for substance abuse, and the counselor refused to work with me unless I entered a 12-step program. While I had been raised in the church, and had even been a preacher by that time for over a year, I did not realize that my trust did not, in fact, lie in the Lord. In the 12-Steps, I found several mentors, one of whom invited me to share in his morning routine, which included getting up, reading 12-Step materials with Gregorian chants playing in the background, and then going for a vigorous walk in the woods. I have maintained this habit now for more than twenty years, and find that, no matter how busy my life becomes, taking time to center at the outset of each day can help me move into the day’s affairs from a position of serenity and stability.
Learning how to say “No” on sundays has helped me. We need learn to say no, and take a rest on Sundays, or whenever your day of rest is. When we do not, and we try and charge through our weeks, months without resting we are actually living a very proud life. We think we can “handle it” and we are strong enough. Even if its ministry, we justify by saying that we are giving “all of ourself” to God. The problem is we are living in our own strength and our own power instead of acknowledging we are week, depedent on God and in need of his strength. Taking a sabath allows us to stop and reflect on our need for God and our dependence on his strength. I would love a chance at winning this book and will definitely be getting it either way. A great topic for a book!
Sounds like a must read for me and my family.
I am currently in the middle generation, taking care of my 11and 16 year old children and my aging parents. I have been in the hospital with my dad for over a week now, many crazy and scary twists and turns. My friends keep telling me to make sure I am taking care if myself. I was so tired Sunday morning and just wanted to stay in bed, but I did get up and make it to church, and I thanked God for making sure I did make it in, I needed it……for me!
I have to get up early to spend time in God’s Word, and go to bed pretty early to get a good night’s sleep. My hubby is always so great about letting me get out for some alone time when I need it too!
So grateful for him.
Sounds like a great book!
I do not honor the sabbath as well as I should. There’s only so much time in the day and some of my to-do’s spill over onto my Sundays.
I work in an extremely busy ER. When I am off, I try to get as much family time, reading time, rest and running as I can. I have several goals for this year,connecting to God is priority, so far Hubs and I are on the right track. Reading the Bible together in a yr.( The Chronological Bible)
Would love this book. I just read your chapter in wonderstruck called rest. Wow! I am realizing the biblical rest and the rest of this world are two very different things.
It’s amazing how much time we waste on things we think matter. Certainly they matter somewhat or we wouldn’t put any effort into them. What’s even more amazing is how God’s Word and plan transcend the ages. We think we’re just non-stop 24/7 crazy busy but how about people in Biblical times? They weren’t busy shuttling kids to sporting events or to the mall but busy trying to survive. Farming, trading, gathering water just to live we’re no easy task in those days and yet they were commanded to rest on the Sabbath from activities way more important than many of us face today. What if we really did it!?!
If God, the Creator of all things, in His infinite wisdom thought it necessary to rest on the 7th day then how can we as mere humans think we can do any less? A time to retreat clears the mind and soul and helps us to begin again.
How I desperately need rest…and a day to just be with God…a true Sabbath.
Love this and all that the Lord uses you!
My struggle is quieting my brain and spirit. Even if I make my body take time to be still..my spirit and soul are often busy. I would love glean some resting wisdom from this book. Please enter me in the give-away. Thank you.
Sabbath…gosh just that word makes my heart, mind, and body drool. With two young boys, and a police officer husband who works crazy hours, sometimes I will forego rest and stay up late just to have some time to myself, which of course turns out not so well since the next day I’m running on less than enough sleep. In addition to reading the 40 day Bible reading plan during Lent, I also decided that I would be in bed by 9pm every night during those 40 days. It’s been hard since my mind doesn’t always want to shut down by that time, but my body has sure appreciated the rest.
But clearly Sabbath is so much more than just physical rest because even with the extra sleep, I still find myself feeling worn out in my mind. I’m thinking this book sounds like a great starting point for learning how to establish a real Sabbath each week that encompasses body, mind, and spirit. The idea of a day unplugged, slowed down, and resting in the Father sounds more than lovely.
How I would appreciate a prescription for 1 day a week to be still and be with my God. I would eagerly take whatever dose that was suggested. Somehow God always finds a way to teach me the things he so desperately wants me to learn.
I have found rest in the realm of the word “no”…no to over commitment, no to pleasing people, not to the world’s agenda and yes to God…to His plan and purpose for my life!
One of the ways I find time for Sabbath is by weaving sacred pauses into my day–a moment of silence before jumping out of the car to start my work day, words of blessing before a meal, lectio divina with a short passage of Scripture tucked into an afternoon “tea break.” Commenters here may also be interested in Sacred Pauses: spiritual practices for personal renewal–a copy will be given away on Twitter when @SacredPauses reaches 300 followers.
To relax, I either read a good book that has nothing to do with my profession or any of the other pressing demands of life, or I take the time to create something. The creation can be as simple as a new smoothie to as complex as a quilt. But, this allows me to pull away from the world and remember beauty.
As a church planter with a young family, the idea of 24/6 is both frightening and hopeful. The reality is – there’s always going to be something to do. The reality is – I don’t spend nearly enough time “simply being.” And yet – the idea of rest and intentional Sabbath is critical for long-term impact and effectiveness.
We have a saying at our home – “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Easy words to say – not always easy to live out. The concept of 24/6 is something I’ve been processing over the last week. In fact – this is about the 5th reminder I’ve had regarding the topic, and I can sense God is speaking to me about it. Thank you for profiling this – it is a transformative change that we’re embarking on as a family.
My family and I really need to look at doing this and slow down in life. We are constantly go, go, go. We have done some better on Sundays about going to church and coming home to relax.
Sounds like an interesting book and definitely things we need to remember!
I need this….need to learn how to do this in my life.
It’s really hard to be still in busy ness! I don’t succeed most of the time. I can talk to friends, go for a run, but to listen to the Lord, it’s really hard!
I have worked nearly every Sunday evening ever since we started having kids 13 years ago. It wasn’t until I read the chapter on the wonder of rest in Wonderstruck, that I realized the gift I have been missing out on all these years. I am one weary girl and determined to make rest a priority this year!
God has recently been dealing with me on this issue. I would love to be inspired and educated by Matthew Sleeth’s journey and the wisdom he’s accumulated along the way!
Almost three years ago, my entire life changed. Busy was my middle name, with my two teens both very involved in church, school activities, sports, volunteering, etc. Living 45 minutes from most of those activities wasn’t helping the situation any. Then my husband got ill, and life as we knew it was over. Somehow during that time we managed to get both kids through high school, their driver licenses, and into college. Now with my children out of the house and my husband still fighting lyme disease (I am his caregiver) and pretty much a recluse, living in the mountains is rather quiet and sometimes lonely. After telling my friend that a couple days ago, the very next day my devotion reminded me that I was to use the quiet times alone to study the Bible and draw closer to God. I am really enjoying learning about and spending time with God.
This is a recurring theme in my life. I work variable shifts as a neonatal ICU nurse which, of course includes weekends and holidays. I try to substitute another day when I have to work but am not always successful but I want to practice scriptural rest.
During the 40 day reading the Bible God says to keep the Sabbath a day of rest plus in the days of wonder we had a day of rest. Even though I took my day of rest and enjoyed it with thoughts I should do this more often I still have not. I work Sundays plus I volunteer at church I am not listening.ugh
Finding quiet time isn’t easy I maybe get an hour or two that is before or after bedtimes. So I am in need of this book!
I made a serious new years resolution to be obedient in keeping the Sabbath holy. Cant believe the difference it makes but is very hard with a business to change your focus so drastically as required. Cant wait to be inspired by the new book.
Sounds like a fascinating book.
Wow, and from an emergency room physician! Sounds like a great commitment to make.
When our children were infants and toddlers we use to spend Sunday afternoons laying in front of our big bay window (all 4 of us) taking a nap in the sunshine. There’s something about the warmth of the sun on a persons skin that is so relaxing and soothing. Once they were in grade school our lives became very busy and I have longed for those carefree days. I would love to start getting back to the basics again and worship God and rest on the Lord’s Day! By the way, our children are both in college now (20 years old and 18 years old).
I love reading anything on the Sabbath; the ordained time for us to rest and focus on God. Such a merciful God we serve.
Piper
This sounds amazing. This year I challenged myself to find different outlets for strengthening my faith and it’s been a fun, yet challenging experience. Slowing down and focusing on the parts of my life I can handle, change and strengthen has been great.
Although I don’t always practice what I preach, I try to keep the Sabbath holy. But we all know how busy and crazy life is these days!!! Usually my keeping the Sabbath holy is falling asleep trying to read on Sunday afternoon – which is not horrible!!!
New wish list!!