I just watched the new promo for Rob Bell‘s next book, What We Talk About When We Talk About God, which releases on March 12.
While viewing, I had the following thoughts: Continue Reading…
Archives For new book
I’ve been left awestruck that more than 400 people applied to be part of our launch team for Wonderstruck, affectionately known as “Partymob.” These old and new friends have been going above and beyond to spread the word about Wonderstruck on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and their own websites.
I wish I could have my own little celebratory dance party with each of you. But we wanted to introduce you to some of the partymob (more are coming!). Some of the posts are just breathtaking, others profoundly thought-provoking, and still others invite you into the wonder. I’m wildly grateful to the Partymob. You’ve been a dream team and taken my breath away in your love and support.
Today, I wanted to introduce you to a few: Continue Reading…
Many of our Partymob members are already beginning to #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK. Read their thoughts below and see how God desires to astound each of us with wonder upon wonder: Continue Reading…
As I’ve been proofing Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God (from Worthy Publishing and Lifeway) and working on the accompanying Bible study, I’ve been wrestling with the issue of life-giving rest.
Sometime ago, someone asked me what activities made me feel the most rested and rejuvenated. I responded with a blank stare. I didn’t know. I worked for so long and for so hard I forgot what activities brought me joy-those that made me feel most alive. I know I’m not the only who has struggled in this area.
While grabbing lunch with my dear friend Leslie two weeks ago, she admitted she also struggled, not only to carve out the time, but even to remember the activities that rejuvenated her. With two kids, a demanding job, and an aging home that needs constant work, she and her husband find themselves crawling in bed exhausted most nights. Yet Leslie knows that give her best self to her husband, kids, and job, she needs to rediscover these life-giving activities and make time for them.
We all do.
When we make time for life-giving activities, we’re more sensitive to the nudges of the Holy Spirit and the grace God wants to pour in us and through us.
What are THREE activities that allow you to experience rest and rejuvenation in your soul?
When was the last time you engaged in those activities?
**Photo courtesy of here
As I’ve been proofing Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God (from Worthy Publishing and Lifeway) book and working on the accompanying Bible study, I’ve found myself welling up with tears and prayers that the Holy Spirit will well up in you as you read each chapter.
Years ago someone asked me, “What’s the biggest thing that causes you to sin?” I thought about that question for while. I considered the temptation to overeat at a fancy buffet, the advertisement of that sexy shirtless guy, the juiciness of gossip, the enticement of breaking the rules, the pride that so easily creeps into our hearts, and much more. Temptation takes so many different forms. But as I reflected on the thing that causes me to sin the most, I only had one answer:
Lack of sleep.
That may sound silly at first glance, but when I don’t get enough sleep, I’m more likely to fall into the temptation before me. Any resolve to stay strong, pure, or courageous melts away, and I’m much more likely to take the bait of sin. Without enough rest, I become increasingly impatient and unloving, more susceptible to fear, and easily angered.
Are you more prone to give into temptations when you haven’t gotten enough rest?
With rest I’m in a better place to receive the grace of God to overcome these temptations. With enough sleep, I can more easily locate the way of escape from a sticky situation as described in 1 Corinthians 10:13.
I had to make some significant changes in my life including committing to quit work earlier even if projects remained undone, setting an earlier bedtime so I didn’t wake up exhausted, and learning to set apart time to simply be and enjoy this life God entrusts us with. What was amazing was that as I began making these small changes, my hunger to study the Scriptures increased, my sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit heightened, and I found myself filled with joy, awe, and gratitude.
What changes in your own life do you need to make in order experience the wonder of rest?
**Photo courtesy of: here.
