This word can either make you sigh with a smile because you understand the benefit of rest. Or it can ache like a pebble in your shoe, wanting it but never getting relief to find it.

Why is rest so vital for a healthy marriage?

We weren’t meant to go pedal to metal 7 days a week every day of the year. Time to rest must be planned into your routine or it will only happen when you’re laid up with sickness or a broken bone.

What does true rest look like?

I believe it starts in the mind. Where do your thoughts go when you awake in the morning? Are you rested after a good night’s sleep and wake with gratitude for another day? Or do you wake after hitting the snooze button several times, running out the door barely saying, “Good morning?”

How we begin the morning often sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Christy Nockels is known for her gifts as a song-writer and worship leader. Several years ago God called her to slow down and refocus her heart and mind to God first, and foremost, and on those closest He had given her to love—her family. What came from this decision was more than she imagined.

“As we look to God—eyes up, palms up, casting our cares on Him—we see Him in a new light, we see ourselves in a new light, and imagine how it frees us to see others in a new light! It changes us from the inside out to live inside out. Sure, our to-do list isn’t going to get done on its own, but our day is reordered around first things first as we’re propelled to work from rest.” The Life You Long For, pg. 82.

Working from a heart of rest makes all the difference in our marriages. We are less likely to be short-tempered, and when we are, we apologize quickly. We choose to do everything possible to guard the rest we have in God.

“The most beautiful and effective way to change lives around you is to let God change you. The best way you can love others is to let God love you.” Christy Nockels, pg. 84

Today is a new day. Let’s purpose to start our mornings eyes up, palms up casting our cares on God. He is our place of rest, and it is from Him that all blessings flow.

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Tom and I have had a very busy few weeks and this reminder to rest is serving us well. We invite you to join us in this pursuit.

Blessings and rest to you and yours,

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️