{Sabbath Rest}

Revisiting these thoughts as we enjoy our Sabbath rest this week.

Okay, so it's not that restful. I'm tackling the garage. Gack! But it sure is nice to take a break from the normal routine.

Have a lovely week, my friends.

And on the Seventh Week Mama Rested

{Day 30} :: What Makes Me Happy

"Does it make you happy to hear children running around having fun?
Is it one of the things you're thankful for?"
{Avery Kate}

Enjoying this peaceful Sabbath afternoon, thankful to be surrounded by little ones who are really starting to get it: That true happiness finds its roots in a spirit of gratitude. Blessings on your Sunday, my friends. May you open your eyes and hearts to the abundant gifts that have been poured out by our generous Heavenly Father.

{Day 23} :: Wonder

What a natural wellspring -- cooling and refreshing the years -- is the gift of wonder!
It removes the dryness from life and keeps our days fresh and expanding.
Edwin Way Teale

Seeking to keep my Sunday "fresh and expanding." Once again declaring a cyber-Sabbath, that I might focus on and sincerely dwell with the little ones who surround me. After all, children are the true experts when it comes to wonder.

Have a blessed Sunday, my friends.

Read about the thirty-one day challenge over here.

Day 16: Sabbath Rest

Hello, friends! Just popping in briefly to wish you all a blessed Sabbath. My desire this afternoon is to truly sit and rest in the abundance of the Lord's goodness, to look deeply into my children's eyes, and to soak in my husband's presence. Since this is hard to do in front of a computer, I'm declaring it a cyber-Sabbath, too. Until tomorrow . . .

The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26

Day 2: A Day of Rest

Over the years, our family has worked to create meaningful traditions and rhythms in order to make Sundays particularly special. One such tradition, modeled after a friend's suggestion, is afternoon tea.

Each week following morning worship, we swing by the local farm for a few cartons of fresh eggs. Then we head home and dive into meal preparation. Our Sunday afternoon meal usually includes bacon and eggs, chocolate chip scones, a fruit or potato/veggie side dish (depending on the season) and, of course, tea.

Everyone has a job to do. Jamie is on bacon and potato detail while the girls set the table. Bethie also enjoys getting the eggs started and usually asks to roll out the scones that I've mixed. Drew empties the dishwasher and starts the tea, while Aidan happily does his part by fetching various odds and ends. Oh -- and by entertaining the dog.

When we finally gather 'round the table, we join hands in prayer or song. Today we did both, ending our meal with my favorite mealtime hymn, "For the Beauty of the Earth."



For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth,
Over and around us lies,
Lord of all to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise!

We linger over the food, savoring both the flavors and the conversation. This is the kind of sitting that comes naturally to me. This day of rest sitting is essential and beautiful.

Following the meal and dish-washing, Jamie usually heads up for a nap, the kids scatter to read, color or play games ("Quietly, please! Daddy's sleeping!"), and I go right back to that tea table with a book in hand. There's a pot of tea to finish and a chapter or two to enjoy.


Read more about the 31 Day Challenge.