I got a new job with a good company and I tried everything humanly possible to keep it.However,at the end of April this year,I was told that I had finished my contract and there was no chance of renewing it.
I didn’t see this coming.I hadn’t applied for jobs anywhere neither was I looking for one.I hadn’t saved much of the salary but I had invested some in spiritual matters(Church).I decided to go back home and rest for sometime.In my mind I decided I was not going to look for a job.I just wanted peace of mind.I was planning to finish writing a book which I am yet to finish.
I have been staying at home playing a stay at home mom to my now one year old nephew.I have gone through this period while my country was preparing for elections which we had in August,but it was annulled,so we are preparing for a re-election in October.
I must say not everyone has been understanding my need to rest.In fact if I hadn’t purposed,I may never have rested.I remember around the month of May/June someone suggested that I go back to business which I refused adamantly because I knew how the business was demanding yet apart from resting,I needed a change of environment.
With my nephew after participating in a recent worship festival.
I have rested.This is my first time in many years staying at home like this.I have slept and overslept.I have reduced my movements to the city center unless I have special meetings .From my online friends,I have learnt some(DIY)s.I can’t wait to make my own body butter,scented candle and lip balm.I have already gathered some ingredients which I am planning to use soon.
When Courtney,my Bible Study leader introduced the next topic we are doing from 2nd October 2017 as Rest and Release ,at first I thought the study would focus on her.I didn’t know it could apply to me.After sometime,it dawned on me that I had lost a job and was taking a break at home.This study is so real for me.I think it can be good for all of us since we might be experiencing different burdens but we serve one God who gives us rest.
Mathew 11:28-30
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
The study guide is optional because Courtney will be providing many free resources on her blog although I highly recommend it because it is not just a journal. It provides for you a daily devotional that is not found on her blog plus, a place to keep all of your reflections, prayers and video notes in one place.
This study will last for four weeks and each week has a weekly challenge:
Weekly Challenges:
Week 1: Stop
Go buy an extra large candle and light your candle everyday in your home. Each time the glimmer of the candle catches your eye, stop and say a prayer for peace.
Week 2: Receive God’s Love
Go pick a bouquet of flowers from your garden or a nearby field or buy yourself a small bouquet. Each time you see the flowers, be reminded of God’s love for you.
Week 3: Release
Determine to sing to the Lord this week.
I have a playlist I have created titled “worship music” on my iPhone. I’ll be listening to it on the treadmill, in the car and in my kitchen on my blue tooth speaker and I may or may not be belting out songs to Jesus in the shower. 😉
Courtney Joseph
Week 4: Rest
Determine to sleep extra long one night this week or to take a nap or a bubble bath. This is not pampering. This is meeting your God given need for rest.
”Share pictures of your candles,flowers,playlists,and favorite places to rest on instagram by using the hashtags:#RestAndRelease,#WomenLivingWell,and #GoodMorningGirls
Here is an introduction to the study by Courtney.
Order your Bible Study Journal NOW
to get it in time for the start of our study!
Inside the journal you will find:
*The Weekly Challenges
*Daily Devotionals
*An explanation of how to use the signature S.O.A.K. method of the GMG’s
*The GMG Coloring Chart
* The Verse of the Day each day
*A Reflection Question for each day
* Blank space for SOAKing in your scripture reading for the day
*Space to take notes on the videos
To be involved actively in this study,
There are no sign ups/enrollments.
You may join my facebook group here,where you will find me actively participating in the study.
Building Meaningful Relationships,
In Christ,
Stella.
Note:This post contains affiliate links,Thanks for your support!
These are the highlighters I use in my Bible:
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Thanks for sharing! These are practical ways to rest and release. I find it difficult to step out of the frantic pace of life and press into the Lord for the rest my soul desires, but he calls us to come to him for rest. Thanks for these insights!
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Hello Stacey,
Yes,when we respond to His call,we will find rest.Thanks for visitting.
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Great stuff and you look amazing 😍 😍
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Thank you Usher fo visiting,God bless you.
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I have been participating in this study. This first week it’s really been a blessing. I have had kind of a trying week and the particular verse have been such a blessing.
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Wow Kara,I am so happy to meet you,so thrilled that you are part of this study.We have three more weeks to go.Its such a blessing.
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I have been in transition trying to build my dream business. When I started this blog I didn’t realize that it could lead to other ministry opportunities. Ultimately, that’s all I want to do—is ministry.
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Hi Kim,
I am so encouraged,you made me read this post again.I pray that the Lord will grant you the desires of your heart and your dream business will be a success.God bless and hugs.
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Praise God!🙌🏾 Thank you woman of God!♥️
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