rest

Spring Summons Work, Rest, and Play

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“Observe the sabbath day to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you.”
Deuteronomy 5:12 NASB

Many have no problem seeing the dust and clutter that accumulated through winter’s bury under blankets . . . spring silently summons us to work. We pull on our gloves and clean walls, windows, curtains, and cupboards, and clear the yard’s debris. However, God also created time and place away from work so we could be refreshed. As a young mother, it was hard to let go of my “To-do List!” However, I am challenging you to work, rest, AND PLAY . . . to pull your mud boots on and search for some puddles to stomp in with your children and/or grandchildren!

The Sons of Israel forgot God’s faithfulness during their wilderness wanderings. They saw His miracles as He delivered them from bondage and led them by cloud during the day and fire by night. He fed them manna from heaven and water from a rock; yet, they craved the fish, melons, and cucumbers of Egypt. God gave the Ten Commandments as a secure foundation to conduct their lives. The first four applied to their relationship with Him; they were commanded not to serve other gods and idols, and warned not to take the Lord’s name in vain. They were also instructed to keep the Sabbath holy. The Ten commandments are relevant today.

 The Sabbath is set apart. It’s a gift of rest from God. Besides, rest is worship. It’s a break from work, an intermission and opportunity; and it was part of God’s plan from the start of creation. Rest revives us. Since God rested on the seventh day, let’s follow His example.

 In our home, singing is a way of life. It is part of our work, rest, and play . . . and trust me, no one can sing well. It’s why we choose to sing “Happy Birthday” loud and crazy, each with their own tune and beat! The grandchildren and I also sing prayers before meals and songs at nap time; and we sing silly to overcome fear and stress, and teach discipline and routines. Singing changes our hearts. Therefore, how much more will we be transformed when God sings over us?

A few summers ago, I jotted in my journal, “Lord, show me your humor.” I grew up in a household with little laughter; and so, few things struck me as funny. Later that morning, my daughter and I’d planned a trip to Shores Sisters, and we’d stopped at Song of Bread Bakery on the way. When she stepped out, she shrieked and pretended to step over a snake to scare her four-year-old son. She’s been known to prank her brothers in similar ways. We laughed, and I thought nothing of it . . . until we hit the cliffs near Wysox. The clouds that nearly touched the road added to our adventure. My grandson was awestruck. However, my daughter admitted that she didn’t like driving through the rocky crags. No sooner had I questioned her dislike, we broke through a cloud, and a monster vulture swept down and almost hit our windshield. It’s like he squawked “Boo!” Then he was gone. Shrieks of laughter erupted. God had pranked His children.

 Spring summons us to work, rest, and play. God says to come to Him as a child; they are curious and easily captivated, open, trusting, and playful. Our Mighty Warrior sings over us with love and reveals His wit. So, splash in puddles. Climb the apple trees. Skip rocks. Blow bubbles!

Be blessed,

Lily Mae

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3: 17 NASB

Way of Peace

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     When Jesus approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. Luke 19: 41, 42 NASB     

Jesus climbed the dusty, rugged road to Jerusalem. The last few miles of His journey were the steepest. He’d healed the sick, blind, and lame; and, He’d eaten with the outcasts and offenders. He also stooped to bless the children and instructed the crowds with parables, applicable stories of their times. Jesus had called and sent His disciples out to “fish for men.” Then He sent seventy more out in pairs to announce His coming. His mission was simple: 


“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19: 10 NASB

     Jesus drew near to Bethany and Mount Olivet, the olive grove that He’d often fled to for solitude. Rest was found in the shade of the gnarly, twisted trees and their messy, bruised fruit. Bystanders placed their cloaks on a donkey colt for Him to ride on and laid their coats on the road. They praised God and recognized Jesus as their Messiah. Yet, as Jesus approached His beloved city, He wept, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace!” 

     Jesus is the “Way of Peace.”

     The Son of Man walks with us today. He gifts us with His example as He guides us through our valleys and o’er the rough ridges. He leads with humility and compassion, care and concern. Jesus made room for the children, the weak and vulnerable, and His Heavenly Father. When we lay our cloaks down, our rights, ranks, and responsibilities, and choose solitude and rest with the Father, we’re not only revived; but, we’re better able to see His Way of Peace. 

     Peace is born in the shade of the bent, broken, and fallen, the beaten, bruised, and refined. When we are completely undone, the Prince of Peace can have His way. His grace alone saves. Inner calm, contentment, and harmony and reconciliation with others begins with Him. 

     We must let His light in!

Lord, have your way with us.

Lily Mae