Before I explain the title of this newsletter, let me first thank you for your prayers!!! I wasn’t at all nervous while sharing my two keynote addresses at the SoCal writer’s conference June 20-22, and several folks said afterward they felt the Lord had given them specific direction and/or encouragement. All glory to God! I returned from the conference with new skills, new friends, and new opportunities that I’m praying the Lord will grow into fruit.
I also returned completely exhausted. 46 of my first 48 hours at home was spent in bed or on my couch while my to-do list piled higher. Roy continues construction on our basement in-law suite at our kids’ home, and I’ve begun packing for the July 17th move. But my body is telling me it’s time to slow down.
Time For Extended Sabbath
It struck me that July is the 7th month. There’s something special about 7’s in God’s economy, so I’m stepping off the gerbil wheel—at least for the Sabbath month of July. My assistant has scheduled posts on Facebook and Instagram, so I’ll keep in touch through comments. I’ll check email occasionally. But my next newsletter will arrive in your inbox August 5th.
July will be filled with family and reflection. Fun stories about our move. Lots of picture and memories to last a lifetime! I’ll share some in August, but July will be for me. For us.
A Lesson From Elijah
In my personal time with Jesus last week, I read Elijah’s story. After he experienced Yahweh’s great victory over the prophets of Baal, he then experienced physical and emotional exhaustion.
“Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, ‘So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.’ Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life…But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree.” 1 Kings 19:1-4
The Lord’s response to Elijah’s fear and flight? God didn’t chastise him. Or berate the faithful prophet. Yahweh fed him. Gave him water. And gave Elijah very specific instructions on how to remain faithful before his ministry was done.
“An angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.’ And [Elijah] looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, ‘Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.’” 1 Kings 19:5-7
I’m not Elijah. (Nowhere near!) And I’m not discouraged or fearful of a wicked queen like he was. But I serve the same God, and I’m going to take some time to let Him nourish me both physically and spiritually before I resume ministry to those I love. (You can read Elijah’s whole story in 1 Kings 18 thru 2 Kings 2.)
Refresh, Refuel
Please don’t think I’m burned out or on the brink of chucking my writing ministry. I’m not. I love y’all dearly, and I’m so honored to minister through books, newsletters, and social media. But I want to continue to feel that way, refreshed and healthy.
I hope if you’re feeling drained, tired, exhausted, you’ll let the Lord minister to you. Enjoy a Sabbath each week. If that’s not enough, seriously consider ways you might take an extra week, month, or even a year of “sabbatical” to focus on God’s direction for your life. Please pray for me during this July sabbath that I’ll hear His gentle whisper to direct the next steps of my writing ministry. May your summer be a time of renewal as well!
