Last night I did something absolutely marvelous. It was a bit off character for me but nonetheless felt quite lovely.
I didn’t do anything.
Or more specifically, I rested. I decided to simply grab a book.
After getting home from work, I made a quick decision to grab a book and read. I sat at the edge of my bed, staring at the many books I’d like to dig into. I considered each, but felt my gaze lower to the bottom shelf. The bottom shelf holds my non theological books I simply read for fun, aka the books I never read.
My eyes scanned through until I saw one in particular. The Princess.
I grabbed it, walked to the living room, opened my front door, sat on the couch, opened a coca-cola, bundled myself in a blanket and started to read.
I read for the next hour and a half until I had to chat with a friend. I chatted, but once we were done, I wandered back to the couch for more. As I sat and grabbed the book again, now enjoying wine instead of the long-finished coca-cola, the idea of a bath occurred.
Hm. That sure sounded delightful.
So I walked around to find Epsom salts, my pi’s, a freshly poured drink and grabbed the same book I was now a hundred pages into.
For the next two hours or so I sat and I read, literally soaking in the rest.
I was ready to be done the bath and few minutes before finishing the book. Yep, almost 300 pages in just a couple hours.
I’d written on instagram earlier:
Sometimes I think it's important to grab a book you've read at least ten times, one that won't teach you anything, and that isn't on your goals list. Too settle under your favourite blanket, drink coca-cola, and let your heart rest for awhile. Anybody agree?
I think everybody agreed. Or at least the comments and double tapped hearts made me think so.
Self-care is such a buzz word. I always always always hate buzz words. Especially when I feel like a buzz word is for a particular group, self-care being for moms.
Yet as a single girl, with a fully schedule, who loves people and community, serving and all things gospel, rest matters. Self-care matters.
I meant what I said when I said: read a book that won’t teach you anything and that isn’t on your goals list.
I’m always working to make things count, to make them matter.
When I go for a walk with the baby, I walk really fast so I can count it as exercise.
When the baby is in the bath, I’m lying on the floor beside her doing sit-ups and push ups and squats.
I fill up every minutes of everyday with purpose. I read books and blogs and I think the things I do are good. I think they’re from a pure heart that is seeking righteousness.
But Jesus rested. He really and truly did. Jesus rested amidst storms and sought solitude from a world that desperately needed Him to offer them Himself.
And then, at the proper time, He did offer Himself. Fully and completely, in the biggest act of grace and compassion the world had ever seen.
I can’t claim to do the things He did, and I hope never to have to bear a cross. But I do want to seek first His Kingdom.
And I think, well, I’d be willing to say know instead of think, that I’ll find His kingdom when I seek His presence for my rest.
Which is exactly what I did as I read The Princess last night. A book I’d read maybe even a dozen times, that surprised me with its sweet teachings of the rest and grace we find in Christ.
Self-care. What do you think? Valuable? Buzz word? Am I off in my perspective? I hope not. But let me know your thoughts on self-care.
There are a few areas of the internet
that I am constantly in cheering mode for. Aka, ministries and things
going on that are awesome and that I love!
One such ministry is #SheReadsTruth, an
incredible daily devotional. I had a chance to meet the writers at the
Influence Conference back in the fall, and was truly honoured to write
during the women of the Bible series for Rachel, Dorcas, and the Woman with the disabling spirit.
During the current lent plan (a plan that is really good. Like, dang, it’s good and beautiful and convicting and comforting and IS the Gospel), there is a weekly link-up on Friday where we, the reader, get to pop in and share what we learned.
This week, the focus is on Psalm 38. Since I’m in a (forever and a year)
long series walking through each Psalm, I looked back at what I had
written for Psalm 38 last year and decided to share an edited version of
that post. Aight, preface done.
There are two best parts of the Gospel, in my opinion.
The first best part is that all have fallen short of the glory of God. I kind of sigh a big relief sigh when I remember that, because there is almost a sense of community.
I'm not the only one who sins.
I'm not the only one who falls short.
I'm not the only one in absolutely desperate need of help.
The second and really very best part of the Gospel is this:
Christ died a sinner's death so that those who call upon His name never have to die that death.
He was forsaken by God so that those who call upon the name of Jesus will never be forsaken by God.
Christ experienced the fullest and most awful death possible so that followers of Him will experience the fullest and most amazing life possible.
Our death, because of Christ if our faith is in Him, leads to eternity spent with Him.
He took our death.
And that, that is good news.
Are you linking up as well? Do! There’s little reason not to.
P.S. Those cool SRT friends of mine are creating an app. And pretty soon they're going to have a kickstarter campaign to make it happen. If you've got a heart for Gospel centered ministries, this is one to support. I'll be sure to share about the campaign (probably only on twitter though) when it happens.
If you’re anything like me, you tend to assume that spring starts about January 2nd.
Every single year, I’m surprised when it’s still winter come late January, come February, come MARCH?? WHY?? (#realtalk) It snowed two weeks ago. That’s insane. Though it has been super beautiful this week.
Anyway, one of the best parts of winter (and fall and even on a crisp day during spring) is the accessories. I love wearing boots and scarves, toques (beanies) and gloves.
In the fall, I heard from Ashleigh over at Binti Designs that she was looking for some people to help share about her company. I emailed her quickly, let her pick a scarf for me, and have worn it often.
Ashleigh launched the Binti Designswebsite the very first day of the Influence Conference. She told me that she has felt like the Influence Network has played a big role in her success.
Binti Designs is doing a good work. Not only are the scarves themselves beautiful and high quality, the purpose behind the scarves is also excellent.
Here’s what Ashleigh told me:
I knew the Lord wanted me to do something with my creative desires and I desperately wanted to do something that would help women overseas. In addition to that, I have always had a heart for giving women in the States purpose and a way to serve the Lord. I began praying about the time, the product, the name, and the mission He wanted me to focus on. I started making scarves and got tons of comments on them so I thought I would give it a shot.
I really want Binti to be an inspiration to women that they can do something good with the gifts the Lord has given them, whatever they may be. I also want to lead women into serving others. Right now I am giving 15% to micro-financing loans but I have so many dreams for the future.
Be sure to pop over to her site to order a scarf!
The scarf that I have is sold-out but my personal current favourite is Berry Berry.
Use code “Nadine” during the month of March to get 20% off your next order!
