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SIMPLE40 - DAY 19 - Essential Rest

A QUICK NOTE:

HOW TO COUNT THE 40 DAYS OF LENT - SIMPLE40 begins Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. I do not count Sundays as it is a day of rest and release from Lenten sacrifices and obligations.

Over the last few days we have been talking about growing in simplicity through wonder, learning again to notice God, to slow down enough to see His goodness all around us. Wonder opens our eyes. And today we take the next step, shifting into the gift of rest.


Not just the kind of rest that comes from a good night’s sleep, or finally sitting down after a long day. The rest we are talking about is deeper than that. It is the quiet peace that settles into your heart when you remember that God is present and God is in control.


This kind of rest is an important part of living a simple life.


When life becomes complicated and full of constant activity, your body, mind, and soul begins to feel the weight of it. But God never intended for you to live in a constant state of hurry and pressure. Rest is actually a gift He gives to every one of us.


It is in vain for you to rise early and to put off your rest at night, to eat bread earned by hard toil; all this God gives to his beloved in sleep. ~Psalm 127:2

Rest restores your body. Without it you grow tired, irritable, and worn down. God knows you need rhythms of work and restoration so that you can serve Him and others well.

Rest also restores your mind. When you live in constant busyness, your thoughts become scattered and stress takes over. But when you slow down, your heart begins to settle and you regain perspective.


Jesus Himself invites you into this deeper rest:


Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light. ~Matthew 11:28–30

And perhaps most importantly, rest restores your soul.

When you step away from constant activity, even briefly, you make space to pray, to read Scripture, and to simply sit in God’s presence. In that stillness you will begin to hear His voice more clearly.


Be still, and know that I am God. ~Psalm 46:10

As this journey through Lent continues, we move from wonder into rest, because when we truly see God at work, our hearts begin to trust Him… and that trust allows us to rest.


Today, find a small moment of stillness. Even five quiet minutes with the Lord can change the rhythm of your whole day.

Click the link to take a look at my favorite book on rest. She says it's for homeschoolers, but I think it is very applicable for moms in general. This little book has so many gems of wisdom and hope. TEACHING FROM REST

spiritual

As Catholics, we have several practices that encourage rest and contemplation. One of these practices is the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of rest that God commanded in the Old Testament. It is a day when we set aside our work and spend time with God and our families. The Sabbath reminds us that we are not slaves to our work, but rather children of God who need rest. How can you begin planning NOW so you can truly REST on Sunday?

What's on the menu? Make sure you have everything on hand before Sunday to avoid an extra trip to the store.



self

A practice that encourages rest and contemplation is the daily examen. We have talked about the examen a couple of times already and I just cannot stress the importance of this practice in helping you to grow in self-knowledge, which leads to simplicity. As you may already know, the daily examen is a prayerful reflection on the day that encourages you to see where God was present in your life and provides an opportunity for you to reflect on our relationship with God and how you can take steps to improve it. Another wonderful and fruitful tool comes from Matthew Kelly of Dynamic Catholic. He has made a beautiful, simple guided prayer to walk you through your day. Below are links to watch the video as he explains it and also a printable to use as a guide. Prayer Process - Video Prayer Process - Printable

service

Did you make a little plan yesterday to reach out to someone in need?

It doesn't have to be complicated. Our plan is to make and take dinner to a family that just welcomed a new baby girl on Sunday. Most of your life is made of small, simple moments.

These moments are important and meaningful.

Treat others as you would like to be treated and you will be blessed. Yes, it is that simple.

simple recipe

HEALTHY GREEN GUT SMOOTHIE This soothing smoothie is perfect for those days when your gut needs a little love. And, it's also good for something fun and healthy to drink next week on St. Patrick's Day! Just typing out this recipe makes me want to go and make it now! This makes at least 2 servings. 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (almond/oat milk work great as well) 4 cups spinach (or 2 cups kale, 2 cups spinach) 1⁄2 avocado 2 frozen bananas, cut into chunks 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger) 1⁄2 tablespoon chia or flax seeds 1 tablespoon bee pollen 1 tablespoon hemp hearts 1 tablespoon raw honey 2 scoops (or tablespoons) collagen protein Directions Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth (about 2–3 minutes). Serve over ice if desired.


Thank you for following along. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or comments. katie@integratedlife.co If you are enjoying SIMPLE40, please share with a friend. Click the link to sign up. It's never too late! SIMPLE40  

 
 
 

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