Tag Archives: rest

faith

do nothing for 2 minutes

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i’m very busy these days. but i thrive on that. and it’s all stuff i totally dig; just lots of it.

in the midst of frenzy, there’s something amazingly calming about taking 2 full minutes to do nothing. yaconelli used to say something like, “of course, when you do nothing, you’re really doing something; because nothing is, perhaps, the best thing you can do for your soul.” (that’s my paraphrase.)

so, here you go: click here, and do nothing for 2 minutes. let your mind wander to god, and off of your to-do list.


(ht to geekosystem, via neatorama)

blogs, faith

principles of rest

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i LOVED april diaz’s article in the recent fyi (fuller youth institute) email, called “Activating and Resting (New Yoke Series, Pt 1)“, and am looking forward to the other parts in the series. april is a deeply gifted youth leader and church leader, whip-smart and relationally gifted. one of those truly rare, exceptional leaders who are fun and thoughtful. i listen when april speaks (or writes).

i particularly liked april’s four “principles of rest”:

Principles of Rest

Principle of TRUST. Ultimately choosing to rest is about whether or not we trust God. I find that when I don’t rest, it’s because I don’t acknowledge he is Lord of heaven and earth…and I am not! God is ultimately responsible for the kids and programs and parents and events and needs in our ministries. We have all the time we need to accomplish everything he has called us to do. So maybe if we can’t find rest it’s because we don’t trust God with the big and small things in our lives.

Principle of WILLINGNESS. God doesn’t force rest – you have to be willing. Never does God guilt us into another thing to do. Rest is simply an invitation to “come to me” and offer our burdens and exhaustion to the One who is capable of handling it all.

Principle of PARTNERSHIP. This is an incredible principle! The yoke Jesus is offering is about partnership with the Triune God in the activities of the world. In the Old Testament, yoking was only lawful for two like animals; only two similar animals were allowed to be partnered with each other for the work they were to accomplish together. And yet Jesus offers us a partnership to yoke or connect ourselves with him to find rest and work. Rest is about trading our heavy yoke for an easy and gracious yoke.

Principle of EXPERIENCING GOD. We are to say “yes” to rest not just because we’re tired but because we need to connect with God our Father. Rest is a gift for you to experience intimacy with the Father so you know all he wants for you to say and do. Then, as we find rest, it creates space in our souls for connection and gratitude.

read the rest of the article here.