Hey friends!

This week has been a 'reset' week. Have you ever needed one of those?

I spent some time trying to sort through my piled-up to-do lists while also just taking some time to rest and breathe.

In my Bible reading plan, I just finished the book of Leviticus. Often, this is where reading plans go to die, but there is such great truth here. I often marvel at David's description of the law of the Lord, "The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple" (Ps. 19:7).

David didn't have the New Testament during this time. He was just referring to the laws given in the Torah. These were perfect, refreshing, trustworthy, life-changing.

One of the instructions given at the end of Leviticus was the reminder to give oneself - and the land - a regular Sabbath rest (which we talked about in our podcast on creating a schedule).

The Sabbath was:

• A practice in self-denial
• A habit of trust in God
• A way to promote community among the farmers and the poor who would glean in the same way from the residual growth in the fields
• A time for the land to 'reset' and rejuvenate

It is becoming increasingly popular now to talk about self-care and treating yourself. But, we know that self-care as described by the world is not true soul care.

The Sabbath requires sacrifice to reap its perfect, refreshing, trustworthy, and life-changing benefits.

When we practice a time of rest, we are practicing the skill of trust. We are practicing the habit of self-denial.

Most of us observe our Sabbath on Sundays, but Sundays often are the times when we are busy trying to get caught up from the week before and get ready for the week ahead.

I've tried to change my weekend to doing the home reset on Saturday morning, beginning my Sabbath on Saturday afternoon, and then doing the prep for the week ahead on Sunday night. Keeping a schedule of Saturday afternoon to Sunday afternoon provides some rest time in a way that is life-giving and not stressful.

Here are some ideas for practicing the Sabbath today:

• ​Take a fast from screens for one day​
• Spend some time outside in prayer, bible reading, or journaling
• Make a weekly habit of meeting with extended family, friends, or your church community after church to connect and encourage one another
• Use your breakfast before Church to get your heart in the right place before the "Sunday rush" begins
• Listen to worship music on the way to Church
• Make your 'ride home' conversation from Church be about what you learned that day at Church
• Do a Sunday tea-time with a devotion, treats, your favorite hot (or iced) drink, and time with family.

Here's something just for you from the AMBL Shop!

I love coloring trackers to help me keep track of my Bible Reading plans. Here is one from the shop!

In case you missed it:

Three Simple Cleaning Routines to get and keep your home in tip-top shape! Are you struggling to manage the overwhelm in your home? Little routines go a long way. Here are three to help you tackle the mess in an easy and manageable way! View Post

Write Your Story Workbook: Documenting God’s Faithfulness in Your Life IN THE SHOP - Writing our testimony can be our way of documenting God's faithfulness in our lives. In this workbook, you'll walk through your past trials and victories as you document God's faithfulness in your life. Get the Workbook

How to Recognize 3 Spiritual Winter Seasons and Stop Them in their Tracks ​S1E27 - ​ In this episode, we talk about 3 different types of winter seasons: The seasons of sin, doubt, and busyness. We talk about how to identify their triggers and some glimmers that will help us to get out of those seasons. ​ Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts While you're there, would you leave a 1-2 sentence rating and review for the podcast? This helps others find the show! I would be so grateful!

On YouTube

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This week on our mini-series on getting things done from a godly perspective, we're talking about creating your ideal schedule. This is a bite-sized video that will help you to add Sabbath rest or any other routines you want in your life! Head on over to YouTube and comment about a goal you created for the next quarter!

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