Winter Rest

"There is an appointed time for everything." 

Ecclesiates 3:1

How about a time for warmth and a time for cold? Solomon didn't mention it, but I'm sure he meant to. Times for sleep and times for action? Of course. Our body would defy us if we stayed in action-mode continuously.

Outside my window, all of nature is covered in a thick blanket of white. It's barren and still.

Have you ever noticed how loud sound is when there's snow on the ground? Or how people tend to whisper just after a new snow? Shhhhh . . . Listen.

Winter is a season that lends itself to rest. Plants sleep away the long, cold months as do some animals. I catch myself gazing at my couch longingly some afternoons. Mornings and evenings are so dark, sleep seems the perfect remedy. And although I still have a full schedule, my body craves more rest.

My spirit, too, needs a respite from activity. Time to be still in the presence of the Lord and know Him. Refresh the spirit to be ready for whatever God intends for us in the coming moments of the coming year. 

Nature demonstrates the wisdom of rest during these barren months. Seeds don't sprout, plants don't grow, they don't photosynthesize. These simply sleep, silent and barren as if dead. But in a few months they will be renewed!

Let us also take some time during this quiet season to rest. Go ahead, plan a few extra hours of sleep--write it in to you schedule if need be. And let's not forget to guard those quiet moments with our Heavenly Father.

"Be still and know that I am God." 

Psalm 46:10

Be restored and be refreshed.
 

**Note: Our small group has just started a series on the character of God by Chip Ingram. It has already challenged me to get to know Him better. Our understanding of God dictates our theology and our way of living. A great way to renew the spirit is to get to know God.Check out this link to hear Chip talk about God's goodness.


More veggies for simplifying and cleansing your diet:

1 Potato, cut into thick slices
1/2 head Broccoli, cut into 2-3 inch pieces
Some Cabbage, preferably purple, cut into 2-3 inch strips

Steam all ingredients in a small amount of water until not hard (not too soft).
Put the mixture on a plate and top with butter (if you're not fasting that), salt and pepper.
It's delicious!