pixel skylines
PUT YOUR BEARD IN MY MOUTH
"I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas"
styofa doing anything
RMH
todays bird
Monterey Bay Aquarium
$LAYYYTER
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d e v o n
Keni
blake kathryn
Sweet Seals For You, Always
almost home
titsay
Aqua Utopia｜海の底で記憶を紡ぐ
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roma★
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ojovivo
seen from India
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@thoughts-andwonders
I think people would be happier if they admitted things more often. In a sense we are all prisoners of some memory, or fear, or disappointment—we are all defined by something we can’t change.
Simon Van Booy, The Illusion of Separateness (via wnq-anonymous)
A fast-paced life
I can’t remember the last time I didn’t define my days as “busy.” I go from event to event all day long. I always have my planner color-coded, and every page looks like a rainbow. This is how I live. I like the “keep up” and “power through.” I enjoy being productive and I love schedules.
This is how I want to live, but is it how I’m called to live?
When you live at a fast-pace, there is a temptation to get caught in the idea that the need to rest is weakness. When I go to bed at the end of the day, I’m annoyed, not relieved. I begin to see sleep as a nuisance that prevents me from doing more activities that I want to participate in, healthy exercise as a waste of time, on-the-go meals as normal, and Bible time/prayer as an extra if I have a minute somewhere (spoiler alert- I never will). The Sabbath day of rest? Don’t make me laugh- I live in the real world where the clock never stops ticking.
The problem with my life is that I’m always looking for the moment when I finish everything on my to-do list as the time to “be still” and “wait for the Lord” and “rest in his promises.” But I am called to something more- I am called to intentionally set aside time to rest as part of my spiritual life.
Our call to rest, as demonstrated by God on the 7th day of creation, has a three-fold purpose for our daily lives.
1. It reminds us of our limitations. We have to be able to recognize and accept our weakness in order to truly trust God. After working for an extended period of time, we are worn-out. We become exhausted physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. By taking time to rest, we are reminded that our human bodies are limited, and that recognition of our own short-comings points us to our need for a savior.
2. It creates opportunity for healing and recharging. God knows that you can’t bear the burden of the world on your shoulders….. and he also knew you’d try anyway. We need time and space to let go of our troubles and recover from our suffering. Life on earth is hard, and there’s no way around that. Take time in your day to breathe and release the pain you carry. We go around all day fighting for what we believe and fighting against that which we don’t; no one can do that all the time without giving themselves time to heal and recharge in a healthy way.
3. It is enjoyable. Taking pleasure in life isn’t a sin. God does not say “Thou shalt never have fun.” He gave us senses of humor, and he gave us things to enjoy in life. Resting is a time to take joy in those things. Spending time with people can be just as restful as sleeping or praying. Sharing a meal can recharge your tired soul. Exercising can help self-confidence and release pressure. Reading a book can calm an anxious mind. These are things that can fall under “rest,” and they are just as important as work or school.
I like a fast-paced life, but I need opportunities to slow down. No matter how many items on your to-do list, set aside time to spend with the Lord, with others, and alone.
We are called to rest, and it is a high calling.
-31Women (Beth)
Be still awhile and let God love you. For just a moment, don’t think about methods, or achievements, or past mistakes. Let God heal your heart, soothe your worries, and be your rock. Seek to utterly depend on Him.
Unka Glen (unkaglen.tumblr.com)
Was reading up on the Greek word, “Tetelestai”, or “It Is Finished”, and came across this. That word could be used 4 different ways in Jesus’ time… and it just so happens all 4 of those meanings fit Jesus’ mission on the cross perfectly…
In the repetitive, in the day to day moment to moments.
Find someone who loves you well. Someone who never belittles you. Even in the heat of an argument. Someone who is gentle with you, but does not treat you like you are fragile. Someone who knows what you are capable of, and celebrates those pieces of you. Not someone who is intimidated by your strength. Someone who doesn’t make you feel guilty for being flawed. It is not love’s job to punish you. And remember the person you love is just as broken as you are when they fall short. No one is perfect – do not hold them to this standard. Find someone who is patient, forgiving, and apologetic. Someone who practices forgiveness freely and often. Love someone who is humble, kind, and empathetic. Not only with you, but with a beggar on the street, or a stranger in the supermarket. Common courtesy is important. Compassion is important. Kindness is important.
Unknown (via herkindoftea)
- Akin Olokun
So when are you going to finish school? When are going to get a boyfriend? How’s your business going? When are you going to have kids? How’s your fundraising for your mission trip going? ⠀ Sometimes the questions people ask can really create a lot of pressure. Even if they have the best intentions, we don’t want to let the people we love down. So when our timeline doesn’t match up to their timeline of us, the feeling of not being good enough can easily start to creep in. ⠀ No matter how much pressure has been put on you, God is with you when you are hard pressed, a He provides a place for you to just breathe, and be renewed in Him. ⠀ When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. Psalm 118:5 ⠀ Other people may be pressuring you to pick a certain major in college, get married and have kids at a certain time, or make other decisions, but God is not doing that to you. He provides a way out of the pressure. When our backs are against the wall, He steps in and pulls us into His loving arms. ⠀ God wants the best for us. This is why we sent Jesus to save us from our sins. He sent Jesus to save us from the things that we thought were the answer. ⠀ Cling to this today. The next time someone asks you about the things you feel pressured about, respond with grace, letting them know that you’re learning to be content with where God has you as you wait for what He has in store. Sometimes, you can even just say “someday” or “we’ll see” in a loving way. ⠀ The bottom line is, don’t let the pressure get to you. If you’re hard pressed on either side, God still provides a way out into His loving arms! ⠀ Written by @morganhnichols for #TheDevoCo
i love it when God shows up.
how suddenly everything becomes hushed and still and the atmosphere of the room changes. it’s the quiet way of God announcing His arrival. it’s so peaceful and sweet.
my child, you're not meant to carry this burden,
don’t you trust me? you can’t fix this. you’ve gotta trust that I can and will handle this.
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, you knew my route. On the path in which I walk, they have hidden a snare for me. Look on my right, and see; for there is no one who is concerned for me. Refuge has fled from me. No one cares for my soul. I cried to you, Lord. I said, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need. Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.
Psalms 142:3-6 (via foreverhelives)
Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading.
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest (via this-abounding-grace)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains– where does my help come from? - Psalms 121:1 :: Know who you are help comes from, even in school! Whether it’s the papers, the exams, trying to work and go to school simultaneously, it’s very easy to get burned out, even when you’re a bright student. Don’t let school get the best of you. Instead, through your relationship with Jesus Christ, let God strengthen you to bring in the best OUT of you. :: Written by @morganhnichols for #TheDevoCo
If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.
Habakkuk 2:3 (via everlastingjesus)
A strong woman has waited patiently while her roots grew down deep into the Word of God. Over time, she becomes unshakeable in her faith. She starts bearing fruit naturally and is full of life. People are attracted to her strength and growth, and many find rest and peace as they lean on her. And when storms and trials come, as they always do, they will not be able to take her down. A few branches may be lost or pruned away, but in their place comes new growth, new life. This is what I long to be! A strong woman who is anchored in God’s promises. But it starts by setting down your roots in God’s Word. It will not happen as you stand up for yourself, and demand attention, and fight for yourself. It will happen as you stand in Christ, and demand that He gets your attention, and fight for His glory. The beautiful thing is that as we pursue this, God takes His rightful place in our lives.”
(via imiracleamor)
Maybe He’s not yet answering your prayer because He wants you to want Him more than the answer.
Maybe in this season He is calling you to draw nearer to Him, to align your heart and will with His, so that He can show you more of His love which is more than sufficient and satisfying.
He is not withholding from you. He is not teasing you. But He sees the big picture, and He makes everything beautiful–not in our time, but in His time.
