“Well, we all know that this time of year is a season when we are all very busy—some even busier than others. Amen. That often depends on whether you have small children, a demanding job, or are deeply involved in your church. And during this time, we tend to take on extra and by extra, I mean more than what we are normally are used to doing in our daily lives. Amen.

For once again we are all creatures of habit, and when we add more to our already full schedules, we become exhausted. Amen. We get extremely tired, and for some of us, we even become sick because our immune systems weaken under the pressure of busyness and the extra loads we carry. These are often good things we are doing—nice things, meaningful things. And that is wonderful don’t get me wrong. Amen.

But during this time, we must also find a place of rest. Amen. The Lord commands us to be still before Him and to rest. Amen. He wants us to rest in Him. His Word tells us to make every effort to enter into His rest (Hebrews 4:11). because the bible says that He knows our frame. Amen. He knows that we are made merely from the dust. Amen. And He knows that in His presence there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Amen.

We also know the Scripture that says a merry heart does good like a medicine (Proverbs 17:22). Amen. When our hearts and lives are full with joy, calmness, peace, and stillness then we are better. We are well. We are shining. We are sharing. We are full. Amen. Our cups of life are full, and we are able to pour from our overflow. Amen. We pour from our saucer, not from an empty cup. Amen.

I will be the first to admit that I know all too well what it means to live a busy life. Amen. and I also know what it means to never stop. Amen. I used to be terrible about always doing and never resting. Amen. I would go and go and go—never sitting down, never enjoying life, never enjoying a good conversation, or even watching TV. Amen. I wouldn’t even sit down to eat dinner with my family. I would eat standing up the while cleaning. Amen.

Eventually, it took a toll on me. And finally, the Lord began revealing to me that I needed to slow down and rest. Amen.

Even now, when I find myself slipping back into that mode of busyness, I have to remind myself that it’s time to stop and rest. My son once told me something that has stayed with me. He said, ‘Mom, you don’t always have to be doing something.’ Amen. And that is the truth. Praise the Lord.

So know this, only you can take care of you. No one else can do that for you. Amen. You must set boundaries. You must give yourself what my mom likes to call “shutdown time.” Amen. Do what makes your heart happy whether in the evening or the morning, whatever fits your schedule. Amen.

Have a routine—it truly helps. Amen. Get on your own program, so to speak. Amen. This time is refreshing for your soul, your body, mind and spirit. Amen. It is not selfish it is necessary. Praise the Lord.

Think of Mary and Martha. We all know that Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus while Martha was rushing around, busy with many things. Martha went to the Lord and said, ‘Don’t You care that I’m doing all the work while she just sits here?’ But Jesus said, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried, bothered, and anxious about many things.’ Amen. But Mary has chosen the good part, which is to her advantage, and it will not be taken away from her’ (Luke 10:40–42). Amen.

So adjust your life. Live a happy one. Stay full. Don’t wear yourself out—it is not good. Find your shutdown time. Take that bubble bath. Watch that movie. Read that book. Find a quiet place and talk with Jesus. Amen.

But whatever you do, rest, my dear, sweet precious friends. Take care of you. Amen. There is only one of you. Be the best you that you can be for the Lord. Don’t miss Him. Don’t miss your life simply because you are too busy. Amen!”

“For it is in His name, Jesus’ name, that I do ask and pray..Amen and Amen..Be blessed today my dear sweet friends and remember wherever you go and whatever you do, Be a light for our Father, Much love to you all, Mandi ❤️