You can still find rest in the mix of busy to-do’s. Remember, though, that it is easier to find Me in the stillness than in the hectic craze of activity. I want to “Wow” you with My delights, – but you must be moving slowly enough to catch them. Take one thing at a time, and delight in each small step or task. Pause, then notice Me and My gifts to you in beauty, simplicity, life, and Light. There is time enough for everything. Pace yourself to allow room for Me.
replenish
Attending To Your Needs
Let the rain of Grace wash away your hurt and unhappiness. I will supply comforts to carry you along the way, too. Your life doesn’t have to be just about serving others. Don’t forget about attending to yourself; self-care is also essential. It’s important to soak up My peace intended for you, and refresh your soul. With My hand upon you, all can be made right. Let Me be a healing agent, attending to your needs. My Goodness rooted and established in you is meant to be well tended, and only then can it result in being My gift to all around you.
Be Gentle on Yourself
Your pain – physical and/or emotional- is from stress. Take one thing at a time, and go back to being gentle on yourself. I chose this path for you, and I will absolutely give you enough strength to handle it. You have endured many trials before, and there is great Joy ahead. I know you are a hard worker and can handle much, but you are way too hard on yourself. I give you My Spirit to go with you, always, so look to Me for guidance. Take breaks. Listen. I will support you. Be content with the fact that you are doing all you can, and know that is enough for Me. I will take care of the rest of the details. Take time out to experience comfort. Your pain will recede as you become more gentle with yourself.
Take a Nap
Do you find yourself feeling exhausted or unsettled? Somewhere, somehow, – in the next 24 hours, – take a nap. Carve out time for yourself this way. My design is for you to include times of rest, for it is only in physically slowing down that you can hear Me and gain perspective. I know you crave a slower pace, and less demands on your time. You may be thinking “How on earth am I supposed to just stop and take a nap?!” It may feel like a ridiculous request. I won’t define how long it needs to be, nor will I expect you to fall into deep restful sleep. This may or may not happen as a result, but the point is to conscientiously SLOW DOWN. Be tender and attentive to your need for rest, giving yourself permission for a time out. Use this time of your choosing to quietly observe and absorb your surroundings. Place whatever comes to the surface of your mind intentionally into My hands. Hand it all over, and listen for a response. You need Me in this way far more than you need to be constantly productive. In seeking and in rest, you shall be renewed.
Lighten Up
Find something to make you laugh, or at least chuckle about, today. Anything, – except negative or destructive humor. You could use a little lightening up! Being so serious all the time can weigh you down. It weighs Me down just to see your furrowed brow. I notice how hard you are concentrating, giving evidence to the pressures you carry. I so desire to change your outlook. Let Me brighten the view for you. Think back to some place or experience that made you smile or belly laugh. Try to recall what your face looks like when deep laughter takes over. I am still a playful and joyful God, you know. When you find yourself under a heavy blanket of grief, depression, responsibility, or anxiety, I will rest there with you; – but I still call My people to places, moments, and glimpses of joy. Laughter equals the sound of hopefulness. Seek this lilting sound somewhere in your day. Be that ray of hope for others, even if all you can muster up is a half-smile. That’s a start. I am truly a God of hope, with the promise of Goodness to arise out of ashes. Join Me, if you can, in a moment of giddiness to ease and delight your Spirit.
Be Still
Don’t drown out My voice with technology and unnecessary noise all the time. Take breaks from all that and BE STILL. Allow your senses to calm down from this over-stimulating environment. Delight in silence and Light. Listen for the smallest sounds; take notice of things around you in a new way. Observe this moment. Contemplate how I give you all good things. I accept and love you FULLY in this place. Connect with My Presence in this way, and take an inner peace away with you as you move on to the tasks at hand, knowing you are loved and you are Mine. Be grateful for this truth. Let Me take the pressure off of you. You never have to go it alone.
You Belong
I equip you. I equip you. I equip you! I, in all My might and majesty, have called you to these places. See what wondrous things are being done! You make people feel special, and I need your presence doing what comes naturally to you. Pray. Come to Me when you feel anxious; see that I don’t judge you nearly as hard as you judge yourself. Know that you belong to Me. “You belong” means you are LOVED, WELCOMED, secure, WANTED. You “fit”. I care about you, and long for you to be with Me all hours of the day. REMAIN WITH ME at all times. It is when you are fretting and punishing yourself that you have your back to me – all you need to do is turn and run into My arms, which are outstretched and waiting to encompass you. Let Me caress away your fears as a loving, tender, reachable parent. I am tender, kind, and fun. Laugh with Me today. See Me all around you in the joy and love outpouring everywhere. You are all part of My great circle of love. Enjoy this belonging.
My Good
You are My faithful servant. Serve for ME, – My Good. My Good is when you touch the lives of others – in a passing hello, in more attentive conversations, or in working together on complicated activities. My Good abounds – everywhere! Take some of it in today. I give My Good for YOU, too. I’m not a demanding God who only asks you to serve serve serve. Today you can receive. Any day, you can receive My Good; it’s not selfish to do so. I think you forget that, and that’s where the “it’s not enough” anxiety filters in. Insulate yourself against this by taking time with Me daily, absorbing My gifts to you in the form of rest, quiet time, help from others, and gifts from others. You are talented – so talented, but you are only one person. Others are okay with this – they don’t expect nearly as much out of you as you think or try to meet up to. “Less is More”. You are allowed to DO less in order to be replenished more. I do not ask for your weariness. I ask you to bring joy, and in order to do so you must receive it, so fill your own well first with My Living Water. Receive My Joy today so that My Good can be accomplished. Let it surprise you with how easy it is to find, and how satisfying it is.
One Thing
You are anxious and worried about many things. One thing only is required. Do you remember the One Thing? Follow Me. Stop worrying about what others will think. Cut back on guilt and resentment. Give with joy and do the things you LOVE; this will bring goodness. This might include taking on a new venture, perhaps, and others may like a chance to get involved, with your invitation. Free up time for friendship. I call you to a time of peace, healing, and renewal. Be gentle with yourself; be gentle toward others. Bask in my Goodness around you as you focus on following My lead for your day’s activity.
“Weary”
Lay your weary head on My shoulder. Let Me soothe away the strain. I am indeed pleased with you. Take time to hug your children, spouse, friends. Leave some chores for tomorrow, as there is time enough for everything. Take time for play and conversation each day. Work less hard, in the sense of taking things one task at a time to not overwhelm yourself. Look for Me in the eyes of others. You are a good and faithful servant. Others see you as kind, compassionate, passionate, capable, talented, loving. They recognize your fatigue, too; there is no need to hide it. Close your eyes and rest on My shoulder as you need to during the day; it will help comfort and rejuvenate you. Know that I am God. My desire is not for you to work yourself to the bone. Your true spirit is Goodness, and it is always there. You sometimes close your eyes to this truth, but I call you to stop doing that! Treasure your Spirit as I treasure you, and know that you can rest assured in Me.
Spoken to Me 