Eye-opening, Veil-lifting, Faith-reviving

Last week, after reading only the introduction from a book received free for my Kindle, my day began with the most positive, joyful, hopeful heart I’ve had in a year or more.

I was excited to continue reading and I was not disappointed. Chapter one opened my eyes, lifted the veil, and revived my faith. Confession of sin and remorse rose from within.

Interview with Angela D. Meyer, author of "Where Hope Starts"

Today, it is my privilege to interview good friend, fellow Wordsower, and co-contributer to “The Benefits Package,” Angela D. Meyer about the release of “Where Hope Starts” on September 14;  a story full of dreams derailed by heartache, and hope restored through redemption, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Sh.h.h.h....I'm reading

 

Much like backpacking a 25-mile section of the Appalachian Trail , I pushed myself beyond what I thought I could do—research, write, and post a month's worth of daily blogs from A-Z. 

So, I’m going to sit back, relax, and read a book. Because I do have a life beyond writing, blogging, and reading, it will take me a few days to complete. Once I am done, I will post a review.

The book I’ve selected is: “Out of Control” by Mary Connealy

I’ll drop some daily breadcrumbs leading up to the full book review. Let’s begin…

Taking Breaks for True Rest – Matthew 11:28-29

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden…find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29

Struggling this afternoon after a great start and morning with a wonderful time with the Lord, working out with my circuit training video, and posting a new devotional to the website. No time for a break, I must press on.

Sometimes, taking a break is necessary, but too often I attempt to press past the need thinking that pushing myself is better. However, while backpacking, I learned – the hard way – the difference between simply stopping and truly resting.

At first, when we would stop for a break, when my husband would insist that I take off my pack and lay it down, I resisted, insisting that it was too much work to take it off and then put it back on. Yet, he was the experienced backpacker!

We took fifteen minute breaks every couple of hours on the trail, especially following grueling climbs. So, I would lean against a large rock or balance on a log with my pack strapped to my back. When we resumed the hike, my feet felt like a ton of bricks. It seemed to me by removing my pack wasted time, but after several of his gentle insistences, I heeded his advice.

Wow! It made a huge difference. In just those few minutes of relief from the burden on my shoulders, a few handfuls of GORP, and a good amount of water, I was felt the spring in my step return.

Remembering this experience and what it taught me, will be of great value as well on this journey. I may need a break to rest and recover. Leaning to take breaks by laying down my burdens, refreshing my soul with true rest, will put a spring back in my step to press onward.

Tomorrow is another new day.