Meg This is Life

Keeping My Sabbath

So, I’ve been reading this book called “Go Green, Save Green” by Nancy Sleeth and I’ve been really convicted. And not just about lacking in “going green.” I was super convicted about the chapter entitled “Sabbath.” Its a Christian book that talks about being an awesome steward of God’s earth. Its great - an easy read and packed full of knowledge. I love it. But the “Sabbath” chapter of the book talks about really taking time out of your week to rest, devote to God, re-focus and carry out sabbath traditions. Now, some of the ideas she presents are cheesy and a little on the extreme side for me. But, for the most part this chapter is pulling at my spirit - and that shouldn’t be shocking, considering that God has been screaming at me to breathe and take a time out.
 
I have a billion excuses on why I am horrible at taking a day, especially lately. Sundays are a work day. They are filled to brim. And Saturdays are my only day to get things done around the house or to plan something with youth kids or run around with Nik. And, speaking of Nik, I have a little bitterness creeping in due to the fact that he has established a Thursday Sabbath day, while I’m at work (o wonder he always seems more grounded than me).
 
But, I’ve reached the point where I’ve got to change something. If I don’t, the snowball effect of exhaustion and crankiness are going to be a permanent fixture of my adult life. And I refuse to let that happen. So - for starters, I’m taking back my Saturday mornings. Saturday mornings are actually my most favorite time of the week (if I am not running out the door to do something). I love sitting on the couch with my cup of coffee in my pajamas knowing that I don’t have to jump in the shower, do my hair and make-up and pick out an outfit within the hour. And if Saturday mornings are booked with something that I cannot help (youth activity, work), then I am going to start scheduling at least a section in my weekend that is devoted to resting and renewing.
 
I’m putting this out there, because I need to be accountable to this decision. Also, I hope it might encourage some of you out there that are extremely busy to join in and breathe deep - lets give ourselves some time to let God’s spirit really soak in. That way, we can be ready for whatever the week holds.

I Lift Up My Soul

Recently, Nik & I have taken on the new task of leading Sunday morning worship. We no longer have a worship pastor, and Nik & I offered to start leading it. To say the least, its been on the nerve-wrecking side. There is something very sacred about worship. I have known this aspect of church more than any other aspect. And musical worship is deeply embedded into Nik’s spirit, as well. Its a love of both of ours, although Nik certainly proves to be the better musician! We were pretty nervous to put ourselves out there, but felt that God was urging us to step up to the plate. So far, its gone really well, and we know that it must be God’s doing, and not our own.

Since we started doing the worship, I have felt the need to fill my soul and mind with Psalms -probably the most foundational musical worship that is presented in the Bible. Its amazing how the Bible can really speak to you about exactly where you are, or where you’ve been. Its good for me to write down the Psalms that resound deep with me.  So, I’m sharing Psalm 86 which is my prayer for today.

Hear, O Lord, and answer me,  for I am poor and needy.

Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long.

Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abouding in love to all who call to you.

Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.

In the day of my trouble, I will call to you, for you will answer me.

Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.

All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name.

For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.

Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.

The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life - men without regard for you.

But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant.

Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Refined Liked Silver

Psalm 66:8-12

Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard;

he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.

For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver.

You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs.

You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.

My reminder from God that he works on us. He sharpens us and test us. He gives us the opportunity to quit or persevere. But He does not let our feet slip. He preserves our lives. And He brings us to a place of abundance. Without the hard part, abudance would not  seem quite as sweet.