rest

Rest for Weary Women’s Ministry Leaders + Podcast guest

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I was honored to be featured on two great resources recently: an article at The Gospel Coalition and as a guest on Christine Chappell’s Hope+Help podcast. I’m including the links to both below.

As a women’s ministry leader, you’re an event planner, a teacher, a mentor, and a counselor. You’re on call when a woman is in crisis. You’re meeting with new moms, empty nesters, and women of every life stage in between. You’re developing discipleship programs to reach single, divorced, widowed, and married women. You’re planning Bible studies that are accessible for women whether they’re at home full-time or in the workplace. And added to all these ministry demands, you have your own responsibilities and cares.

The idea of rest isn’t new to you. You’ve probably encouraged other women to follow rhythms of rest, and you may have even organized a retreat on the topic. You’ve likely pointed women in your church to Jesus’s promise of rest in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” But do you follow your own counsel?

As a ministry leader, you likely have more people leaning on you and looking to you for care than you have people who are caring for you. This reality can subtly reinforce the false belief that your needs are less important than those of the women you serve. But in your role’s unique demands on your time, energy, and inbox, you’re “heavy laden.” Christ’s invitation to rest is for you, not just for the women you serve. So how can you practically look to Christ for rest amid ministry demands? [to read the rest of the article, click here]

To listen to my podcast with Christine Chappell on “Hope + Help for Soul Refreshment”, click here.

How to Rest: Remember the Lord’s Goodness

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Isn’t this good news for your soul this weekend? We can expect God’s gracious and compassionate welcome into the rest he has prepared for us, regardless of how frantic or hurried we’ve been throughout the week. Come join me on the journey of rest by reading along in my 31-day devotional, Rest: Creating Space for Soul Refreshment.

This meditation is taken from Day 18, based on Isaiah 30:18 (NIV):

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.

The Beginning of Rest

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And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. 

Genesis 2:2–3

Excellent stories have compelling beginnings. The story God tells in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, has a very good beginning. There is nothing, and then there is everything. Over six days, God speaks the entire cosmos into being—it is the most productive workweek imaginable. But what happens next is striking. God stops. Into his pattern of daily work, he weaves an entire day of rest. It’s a holy pause. 

Did God stop because he was tired? The work of creating an entire universe exhausted him, and he needed to catch his breath? Absolutely not. This is the God who needs “neither slumber nor sleep” (Ps. 121:4), who is all-powerful and all-creative, who possesses a well of infinite resources and strength from which to draw for all eternity. No, God rested because he knew the creatures he had made in his image—including you and me—would need rest. 

[To read the full article, click here to be redirected to P&R Publishing’s blog.]

My book is now available at Amazon in print, audible, or kindle editions.

Hello again!

/ Heather Davis Nelson / Leave a comment

It’s been a minute since I’ve written in this space. (Since January of last year, to be precise.) I have been encouraged in a handful of conversations over the past few weeks about writing. So I’m going to dive in yet again.

I love to write. I’ve always loved words. Their power to capture my imagination as I was whisked away to fictional worlds like Green Gables and Narnia as a child. The way finding the words for experiences and emotions swirling within me helped me to process them. Isn’t trauma often marked by the loss of words? We hit a wall where even words can’t seem to find us and show us a way out.

I’ve been there before, but that’s not the reason for my absence in this season. I’ve been engaged in a new writing project that I’m thrilled to be able to announce, as it will be released in early October. It’s a book about something I need – and that you need – and that, in fact, we were created to enjoy.

R E S T

Wherever you are, take a moment and notice how the idea of “rest” makes you feel.

Wistful? (What you wish had more time for in your busy schedule)

Nostalgic? (You fondly remember a season in the past when you had time for such a “luxury” – maybe before kids, or before entering adulthood, or before you began the climb on the corporate ladder)

Guilty? (I know I should be resting more, but I just can’t figure out how to make this happen.)

Peaceful? (Yes! Rest helps me savor life; remember what’s good and beautiful.)

There is no wrong answer, by the way. As I write these words, I can identify with all of them. I do wish I’d make more time in my life for regular rest and that I’d live out of the grace of resting (wistful). I remember life before kids, when I did have more semblance of control over my schedule and could more easily “step away” from responsibilities (nostalgic). And oh my goodness, on the eve of completing this book about rest, I can feel so guilty for not practicing what I write (guilty). But what I’ll choose to land on is this sense of well-being that comes as I take a few moments to stop and notice the still-bright-summer-evening, to savor today’s pace that was a break in this busy week (peaceful).

It’s the absence of rest in my life that drew me to engage in writing about rest. But more about that later. Without further ado, I present to you my next book: Rest: Creating Space for Soul Refreshment. It’s part of a 31-Day Devotional Series published by P&R, with series editor Deepak Reju. Stay tuned for more details … and for now … take a moment to R E S T.

Resting & Abiding

/ Heather Davis Nelson / 6 Comments

As I took my over-eager gentle giant of a “puppy” on a morning walk today, he pulled and strained as usual. He was eager to explore the falling leaves and the group of runners and all of the hundreds of enticing dog-scents. I kept saying, “Stay with me. Stay with me. STAY WITH ME,” as I tugged his leash. I was trying to keep him near and out of the path of danger (the large trucks barreling down the road to their construction sites).

As I heard myself, I almost laughed out loud because I am so similar to my curious yet oft-misguided pup. In my relationship with God, I want to run off and explore – to chase whatever seems most compelling in the moment – and it can lead me off course straight into the path of danger. God gently reminds me in the words of John 15 of His instruction to abide. To stay with Him, not wander away. It’s so simple, and so difficult.

photo credit: https://stillnessofthemorning.wordpress.com

I think of another scene from a few days ago. It was cold outside, there were sick kids at home and a cheerful fire in the fireplace. I was settled in a comfy armchair with my Bible and journal. And where was our pup? Resting at my feet. Curled up on the hearth and quite content to stay with me. I didn’t have to instruct him repeatedly. In fact, I didn’t have to say a word. It’s what he chose.

Isn’t that so like our hearts? I’ll speak to mine. I’m content to rest and abide, to sit and learn at Jesus’ feet when protected from the distractions that too easily catch my mind and can lead my heart to stray. How can I practice the rest of abiding? For me, this means choosing to regularly go to spaces where I can focus on listening more carefully to His still, small voice. It means quieting the noise without – metaphorically and literally! It means coming away to be with Jesus, away from the demands and requests of others and my own internal distractions. It means turning off my devices, or silencing them. It means tuning in to Him through prayer, God’s Word, the Spirit, and His beautiful creation. It means heeding His words to “Stay with me!” when I find myself wandering away. And the result? It’s a soul-rest that I was created for – at the feet of Jesus, calm and at peace.

a Sunday prayer

/ Heather Davis Nelson / 2 Comments

Lord God,

You see the weary one struggling to make it through another week, to drag herself into a place of worship – perhaps with a few young kids in tow – and see her now and let her know you are near.

You see the pastor’s wife, whose day will be the opposite of rest-filled as her husband preaches and shepherds to bring spiritual rest to the congregation. Meet her this morning, as you met me when I was in that place, and let her know you will carry her burdens and shepherd her heart.

You see the joy-filled one, brimming with optimism and hope and eager to join his church in worship. Let him be a blessing to the ones in the row beside him, the ones he greets who may be in need of a cheerful look or a kind word.

You see the lonely one, whose church experience is the most poignant weekly reminder of what you have not given as they sit alone in a pew. Let them feel part of a community; let them feel known – that they belong and that they are loved.

You see the exhausted one, ready for rest from a week well-lived and well-loved. Let him find a soul stillness that refreshes him, that lets him know you are near and that you see the work he’s done, and it’s never in vain.

You see the depressed and anxious one, who will muster all courage she has to simply show up and be present with God’s people today. Let her know that you recognize her bravery in being present, in stepping out of her comfort zone, and let her feel whispers of hope this morning.

You see the grieving one, who longs for comfort and not pat answers or well-meaning platitudes. Let him feel the nearness of the fellowship of the One acquainted with sorrows and grief, the comfort of others who can sit with him in the awkward discomfort of grief and let him ask the questions without answers.

You are the God who sees.

Let us rest and worship and be comforted by You today.

Amen

“Humble Roots” – a preview of a book

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Usually I wait until I’ve read (and reread and highlighted) a book before giving a review. There is a stack of books waiting to be reviewed right now. [Sidebar – I even have one to giveaway … coming soon, hopefully in the next few weeks.]

But the introduction of Hannah Anderson’s newest release is so compelling to my heart this morning, and speaks right into the midst of our anxiety, that I couldn’t help but pass along a few quotes that are calming my own heart – in hopes that it will also bring peace to yours.

humble-roots-book

Humility frees us to flourish as the human beings we are made to be: to celebrate the goodness of our physical bodies, to embrace the complexity of our emotions, and to own our unique gifts without guilt or feeling like an imposter.

Humble Roots is not a sequel to Made for More [Hannah’s first book which I reviewed in 2014  here], but it is the other half of the conversation. At the same time, it’s also a conversation all its own, one that can be explored and savored for its own sake. If, however, you have read Made for More and it inspired you to think about yourself as a person destined to reflect God, Humble Roots will help you think about yourself as a person dependent on God to do just that. And remembering this simple but essential reality – that “You’re not God” – will lead to the spiritual and emotional rest you long for. 

Happy, restful weekend to you, friends and readers!

[PS – Would love to hear from you about my blog’s tagline if you would complete this one question survey here. Thanks for all of your input so far! I really appreciate it.]

5 Reasons Why We Need to Rest

/ Heather Davis Nelson / 1 Comment

Today I am a guest blogger at (en)Courage – a blog started earlier this year as “Gospel-Centered Hope to Fulfill Your God-Given Design.” Christina Fox, author of the upcoming A Heart Set Free (which you’ll be hearing more about from me soon), asked me to be a contributor, so I will be be writing semi-regularly there, along with a team of gifted women writers who also call the PCA  (Presbyterian Church in America) their denominational home.

***

rest

I’ve long viewed rest as a luxury that I couldn’t afford. I was too busy. I’m a part-time counselor/writer/speaker, pastor’s wife, and a mom of young children. When was there time to rest? Rest seemed indulgent, until it became a necessity when I hit burnout in the fall of 2015.

God stopped me in my busy performance-driven tracks, and forced me to be still. Psalm 46:10 has long been a favorite verse of mine – “Be still and know that I am God.” I know that being still is a precedent for part b of this verse, “I [God] will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” I have counseled many others about the value of solitude, going away and being with God the Father as Jesus did throughout his ministry. The practice of Sabbath rest one day out of seven has long been a spiritual discipline which I’ve championed for others, while practicing it inconsistently throughout my life. Isaiah 30:15 is also a favorite verse for me – that in quietness and trust is strength; and salvation comes through repentance and rest. Yet for all my head knowledge, without the regular practice of holistic rest, I grew exhausted and weary as my heart and soul lost sight of rest.

What is Rest?

Before I give you five reasons we need to rest (especially as women), let me first define rest. Rest is the regular rhythm of taking a break from the usual demands and stresses of life and ministry. Rest includes all of these components: mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical. … [Read the rest of the article at (en)Courage here.]

9 things I learned in January: from Buffer to Freedom Firm

/ Heather Davis Nelson / 6 Comments

I am linking up with a favorite blogger and author, Emily P. Freeman (Grace for the Good Girl, A Million Little Ways, and Simply Tuesday), for her monthly series “what I learned.” It’s a fun way to summarize each month and take stock of it, and to share things that are a mixture of serious and silly/fun.

1 – To rest takes a lot of work. As my husband starts a 3-month pastoral sabbatical, and I get the privilege of joining him on this break, it’s been surprisingly hard to slow down as I need to and have been longing to do. I think it’s akin to stepping off a moving sidewalk (like at the airport) – there’s a bit of a jolt as your gait has to readjust to “normal.” Cue the metaphor for going from crazy busy to rest.

michael hyatt

2 – Michael Hyatt = amazing virtual “platform-building” coach. Thanks to my friend and fellow writer/blogger/speaker, Leigh Ellen, for encouraging me to check out his podcasts.

3 – Buffer is an easy way to regularly schedule updates to Twitter and Facebook. (Consistency can be difficult for me in every area of life, so I appreciate any and all tools that help me stay on track.)

4 – I have “donated” $135.35 to our public library since 2010. My donations have been in the form of library fines. Oh, yeah. At least it’s for a good cause? (I tell myself.)

anna quindlenannie dillard

5 – Anna Quindlen and Annie Dillard are two different authors. For some reason I thought they were one and the same. They’re not. I’ve greatly enjoyed both of their writings, two books which made it to my favorite books of 2015 list.

6 – Making the right choice for your family and yourself doesn’t necessarily feel easy or good all the time. As I’m choosing a 9-month sabbatical from counseling to devote more time to parenting my twin 5-year-old daughters (among other factors), I have to dig deep to stay motivated for the shift in pace/focus/energy. I love my daughters, and I am convinced this is what’s right – but it doesn’t mean I don’t wrestle with this decision. It’s a good place for me to be – reminding me of how dependent I am on God’s love and strength and sufficient grace for the new challenges that are ever-present.

path

7 – Visioning energizes me, whether it’s my own personal vision, talking with someone else about theirs, or creating a vision with my husband for our family during this season of sabbatical. Speaking of vision – I’d love to introduce you to my friend Dan who’s a life coach and a former colleague of mine from my days working as a recruiter at Serge. Check out his blog here that talks about his new venture of life coaching. And while I’m talking about life coaches, I had the great experience of a visioning seminar with local coach Melissa. I highly recommend her seminars!

8 – Looking at kindergarten for our daughters has been unexpectedly emotional for me. I’ve felt on the verge of tears after each school tour we’ve taken. This milestone for our girls in the fall of 2016 feels huge and momentous. (Even though they’ve been in preschool for three years already!)

light at the end of a tunnel

9 – The biggest impact Freedom Firm (based in India) has seen for rescuing victims of human trafficking comes through prosecuting brothel-keepers. Oh, that there would be more justice and more rescues in this crucial arena of fighting darkness with light! 

 

 

a few of my favorites

/ Heather Davis Nelson / 1 Comment

It’s been awhile since I last shared a few favorite links with you. So on this Sunday morning, there’s no better place than here and now to invite you to read along with me.

For all of my fellow write-in-the-margins readers, this poem by Billy Collins speaks right to us.

grocery list notepadThis grocery list by BrimPapery. (I *heart* all things organizing and all kinds of paper. Love her design and I just found this: a gorgeous 2016 calendar).

When you feel mom guilt (and what mom doesn’t?), Sara Hagerty (author of Every Bitter Things is Sweet about finding God when life stops working for you) offers these words to encourage our hearts in The Best (and Most Resisted) Words A Mama Can Say: Help. I Don’t Know What I’m Doing.

On those who share my feeling of weariness, this is hope-filled and honest: Lay Your Tired Stories to Rest by Charlie Howell, a student at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology.

Enjoy your Sunday, friends. May it bring you rest as you step away from the busy, frenetic pace of life for a few moments or hours. And may you find that a God who is there in these still moments.