Laziness Wasn't to Bad

There remains then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his work, just as God did from his. Hebrews 4:9-10 NIV

Not quite sure how it happened...after lunch on Saturday it seemed as if naps were going to occur. Four of the five of us had managed to fallen asleep. I vowed this wasn't going to be me because if I nap during the day sometimes it's very hard to fall asleep at night.

I grabbed my Nook and headed outside. After struggling to find the fan and a table to put it on, I opened my chair and got comfortable so I could read. Soon though my head began to bob and my eyelids felt heavy before I knew it I had succumb to a nap. Occasionally, I peeked to see what was going on-everything was still quiet so once again I fell back asleep. It did feel nice.

Sunday we had company, so it was easier to stay awake. Monday it was time to head home. After unloading and some lunch. I was drawn to my couch where I turned on the TV and zoned out for awhile (the rest of the day). My head bobbed again and the eyelids shut tight, a nap was on the agenda again.

Sure there were chores calling my name. I mean my closet could use a good clean up again. Not to mention the mess in the utility room. Instead though I rested. I felt guilty as I wasn't even motivated to lead Bible study last night. I wanted to rest and veg out instead.

Does this make me a bad person? Did I not do the right thing? Should I have fought the urge to rest and done the things that needed to be done?

I guess I could have, but sometimes it's OK just to rest. If it was alright for God to rest, then on occasion it must be alright for me to rest. He did make it a point to mention it in the Ten Commandments. Now I am refreshed and ready to begin again.

Being Out of My Comfort Zone Wasn't So Bad

So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in  suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. 2 Timothy 1:8-9 NIV

A couple of weeks ago I shared that God was calling me to something. Something that was not in my plan, and I really never saw myself doing. This past Sunday though I did it, and if it wasn't for the Lord I wouldn't have.

When I woke up Sunday morning I felt fine. Of course the task of what God called me to do was on my mind, but I wasn't nervous. In fact, I had peace. Then we arrived at church and soon the butterflies danced in my stomach.

The friend who first suggested the idea came up early to hug and encourage me. She was unable to be there later because she just started a job five days sooner. I had time by myself in the sanctuary where the butterflies disappeared leaving me with peace once again.

I went about my usual routine, well pretty much we had a cover dish following service and there was stuff to do to prepare for that. Funny how God affirmed the message I was to give with the Sunday School lesson for the kids.

Service began as usual, there were a few returners since it was the 119th birthday of the church. After passing of the peace and the next song the butterflies returned. I looked to another friend to let her know I was nervous and she mouthed "You can do it", to me.

My husband introduced me and I proceeded to the pulpit. Funny how that short walk left me with peace once again. I shared the message God called me to share and before I knew it the task was completed.

God and His power is what got me through. I'm not quite sure why He called me to give the message on this particular day. All I know is when I hear His call I need to obey. For it is by His grace that I have been saved and through Him all things are possible. Even if I have to come out of my comfort zone.

Ten Butterflies All Safe and Sound

Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing glory to his name; make his praise glorious! Psalm 66: 1-2 NIV

A little over a week and a half ago, our caterpillars arrived in the mail. The kids knew they were coming and kept asking, "Ms. Diana, are they here yet?"

So you can imagine their joy when they finally arrived. They'd watch the two cups containing our little caterpillars. I explained what would happen next and not to scare them by shaking or tapping their cup. We began praying for ten beautiful butterflies.

Then it happened soon they made it to the top of the cup and formed their cocoons. It happen rather quickly. Next came the part I was scared to do, I was so afraid I'd hurt one of them. My daughter even laughed at me when I carefully carried one container over to the pavilion where they would live as butterflies.

The plan was to open the cups and remove this lining that the cocoons were attached to. Once that was done then you'd pin it to the side of the netting. Remarkably, it went rather smoothly. Really, there was nothing to fear since the paper they were attached to was made for them to stay secure.

Finally, a few days later the first butterfly made it's appearance. Quickly followed by the second. Four more came during the night. Then one more later that morning. One more the next night and the final two sometime Sunday morning. All ten of them made it!

Praise God! It's been amazing to watch His glories emerge, and His beauty put on each butterfly. Just as he puts His beauty on each of us.

Out of My Comfort Zone

If we are distressed, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 2 Corinthians 1:6 NIV

Relaxing on my couch with my feet up, now that's what brings me comfort. When I sit with a good book chilling in my folding chair by my camper now that brings me comfort. Following my routine and everything going smoothly now that's what brings me comfort. Yes, even holding one of my teddy bears brings me comfort.

This past Sunday one of my friends suggested something. Something that would put me out of my comfort zone. When she first suggested I thought she went completely nuts for a moment. I mean how could I possibly do what she asked? Besides my husband wouldn't think it was a good idea or would he?

On our drive home from church, I shared what this friend suggested. He not only thought it was a good idea, but told me I'd be good at it. Now what kind of supportive husband is that, LOL.

"Well I'm going to pray about it," I replied. Surely God won't think this is a good idea.

So yesterday before I even had the chance to pray and ask God if He thought this was a good idea. He put an idea in my head. One that would work really well. Oh dear.

Then when I shared with my small group this idea, they all cheered me on and said "Go for it."

So with all this-um, support. I guess in a couple weeks I will get out of my comfort zone, and do something I never planned on doing.

I'll let you know how it goes.