Rest in Peace

By Kathy Carlton Willis –

Shh—don’t tell anyone I said this, but—I slept really well last night because Russ happened to be out of town. Yep, I said it! I sleep better when I’m “sleepin’ single in a double bed” (well actually a queen size)! I do less tossing and turning, and do more of the deep slumber needed for restorative sleep.

You may ask, “Kathy, that’s all fine and good, but I thought I was going to read an inspirational message today. What does your sleep pattern have to do with my spiritual life?”

I think there are several thoughts for us to consider today. As seen in today’s verse, Jesus promises rest from our labor and our burdens when we come to Him.

Unfortunately, sometimes we bring things to bed with us that hinder our sleep—like our worries and concerns. Our minds are consumed with thoughts not conducive to rest. We bring our anger or our hurt feelings, and lick our wounds rather than seeking rest for our souls. When we bring something with us, to try to come to Jesus, we won’t find rest. It’s a form of rest, but not the good restorative sleep like when we leave it all behind.

Rest is defined as: freedom from activity or labor; peace of mind or spirit; a rhythmic silence in music; something used for support; free of anxieties. When I look over that definition, and realize Jesus promises rest, I yearn for it. I long for Him to give me even more peace of mind, and freedom from activity.

Curious that the definition also includes the musical term “rest.” It means a silence or pause. I like that. Jesus can silence the thoughts and feelings whirling around in my head. I realize I have to do my part in creating the environment for that to take place. I wonder what my wandering thoughts would do if I barked out the order, “Silence!”

Would my thoughts shake in their little boots or would they laugh at me and say, “You don’t really mean it!”

AUTHOR QUOTE: Let your thoughts and attitudes know you mean business. Drop all your bags at the door, as you run into the arms of your loving Savior.

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, KJV).

Today’s devotional is by Kathy Carlton Willis, with a communications firm by the same name. She spins many plates as a publicist and writer. She belongs to Christian Humor Writers, CLASSeminars and the local plate-spinners union. Learn more about how she shines the spotlight on others at: http://kcwcomm.blogspot.com/ or http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com/.

Sailing on the Ships of Life

By Kathy Carlton Willis –

We are all sailing on the ships of life as we journey to our Heavenly destination. The key to success is realizing that it takes more than a good wind to get us there! There is a song sung by children, about these ships. It gave me a seed thought for this article.

RelationSHIPS: All of us have relationships. The first group of people we have relationships with are our relatives. How we get along with our parents, our spouses, our children and our extended families is a key ingredient to happiness. The book Five Love Languages gives good insight regarding communicating with people by speaking in their love languages. We also have relationships with those we aren’t related to. How do you get along with your in-laws? Your co-workers? Your fellow church-members? Your neighbors?

FriendSHIPS: Once I led a friendship study with other women. We met during our lunch hour every other week to discuss thought-provoking questions from Dee Brestin’s study, The Friendships of Women. We realized that most people have been burned by at least one friendship in the past, and often hide in their comfort zones because of this. But if we want a fulfilled life, it is essential to step out of our comfort zones and develop friendships at deeper levels than we presently have. This might mean reaching out to new friends or strengthening existing friendships.

HardSHIPS: No life is exempt from hardships. I believe trials make a person who he or she is. A person with an easy life might not have an opportunity to develop rich character traits and virtues. It’s not wise to try to avoid struggles and strife. The Bible even says we should count it all joy when we are going through hard times. There are many kinds of hardships, including finances, health, relationships and more. What will you allow your trials to make of you?

LordSHIP: The key to sailing through life in these ships is to realize one thing, and that is the principle of making Jesus Christ LORD of our lives. I’m not just talking about living your own life and adding God to it. I mean allowing God to be your Master. We must ask Him to mold our lives and lead us as we sail through life. By letting God guide your ship, when you hit the storms in life, you will discover the calm assurance of the Peace Speaker.

AUTHOR QUOTE: Where will you go as you sail on the ships of life? No matter where it takes you, may God be your Captain.

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3, KJV).

Today’s devotion is by Kathy Carlton Willis, wife to Russ, member of Christian Humor Writers, editor, publicist and a certified CLASSeminars speaker. Kathy Carlton Willis Communications encompasses her many passions.  Learn more about how she reflects Christ as she shines the spotlight on others at: http://kcwcomm.blogspot.com/ or http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com/.

Here Comes the Judge

By Kathy Carlson Willis –

If you are my age or older, you will remember a hilarious skit on Laugh-In called, “Here Comes the Judge.” I must admit, I’m addicted to court-TV shows. Read more

Worship God Our Provider

By Kathy Carlton Willis –

When our Libby cat was alive, she often paced back and forth at night—just couldn’t get satisfied. She’d jump up on the bed and use my body for a boardwalk as she made her way to my face. She purred and begged to be petted. So I petted her. Read more

Can You Set the Table?

By Kathy Carlton Willis –

In times past, girls took charm courses to learn social graces, including etiquette. Boys took a similar class to learn how to be gentlemen. Unfortunately, times have changed and these types of classes are not popular anymore. Read more

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