Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Psalm 46:10 NIV — He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 

Psalm 46:10 MSG — “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” 

This week we have explored and examined our need to slow down, rest, and rejuvenate. I also encourage you to slow down and think about your words and conversations with others. Today I encourage you to not only slow down but to be still. The Message version of today’s featured scripture tells us to “Step out of the traffic!” In other words, slow down and be still. Surrender your schedule to God today. Allow Him to guide and direct your stillness. In the pause, listen for His voice. It’s in the times of quiet and stillness that we hear God’s voice the loudest.

Listen to this oldie but goodie song by Steve Curtis Chapman titled Be Still and Know.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Colossians 4:5-6 NIV — Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 

This week we have been examining the need to slow down, rest, and rejuvenate within our busy lives. Today let’s examine the times we need to slow down and think before speaking. Our featured scripture today reminds us of how our conversations are always an opportunity to show the love of Christ. Our words matter. Proverbs 18:21 tells us — The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. 

Today I encourage you to be mindful of your conversations with others. Are your conversations full of grace? Are your words uplifting? How are you using your conversations to share Christ with others? Are your words displaying the fruit of the spirit?

Let’s pray. Dear God, may my words today be uplifting, full of life and grace. May the Holy Spirit guide and direct the words I use. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Proverbs 8:17 NIV — I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. 

Proverbs 8:35 NIV — For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.

How have you taken time this week to slow down, rest, and rejuvenate? Today’s scriptures encourage us to seek God. By seeking and finding God we are promised His favor. When we are busy, it is easy to fall into the trap of skipping time with God and rushing right into our busy day. Even in our busy season, you and I must make spending time with God a priority. By slowing down, setting aside a time to read scripture, pray, and seek God’s guidance, you and I will find rest and rejuvenation. 

On this Thankful Thursday, thank God for His promises. How will you intentionally seek God, even when you are busy? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, forgive me for the busy times that I rush through my day and fail to spend time with You. Thank You for not giving up on me and welcoming me with open arms when I return to slow down and rest with You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Mark 6:31 NIV —  Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 

Are you in a busy season? Are you taking time to slow down and rest? Even Jesus recognized the need for rest within a busy season. Today’s scripture occurs after the disciples have gone out preaching and teaching. Jesus encouraged them to get some rest. 

Often we run in a rat race, rushing from one task to another, without slowing down to rest and rejuvenate. In Genesis 2:2-3 God established the Sabbath — By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

On this Water Walking Wednesday I encourage you to step out of your boat of being busy and slow down, pause, and relax. Take time within your day to have a “mini” Sabbath. Sit outside on a porch, take time to work on a hobby, or even take a nap. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, help me to step away from my busy schedule and take time to rest. Use my time of rest to rejuvenate me and help me to refocus on You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Isaiah 40:31 MSG — But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired,  they walk and don’t lag behind. 

In Georgetown County, this week is the beginning of summer break for students and teachers. The time has come to slow down, relax, and rejuvenate. Those of you who know me know that I am winding down a very busy season filled with completing the school year with work, my daughter graduating from high school, and my son getting married. Whew! I am ready to slow down! 

As busy as my life has been over the last weeks and months, God held me up and strengthened me when I grew weary. God gave me the ability to have moments to slow down, breathe, and enjoy blessings along the way. Slowing down allowed me to sit on my patio, feel the breeze, listen to the chirping birds, and marvel at a hummingbird flitting from flower to flower. I savored time blowing bubbles with my granddaughter and soaking in her laughter and enjoyment. Most importantly, I continued to slow down each morning to spend time with my Heavenly Father. My time with Him rejuvenated my spirit and as in today’s version of Isaiah 40:31, He gave me fresh strength to keep moving forward, even in the difficult moments.

How do you intentionally slow down in busy times? How has God blessed you in the moments you have taken time to slow down? If you are in a busy season I encourage you to find pockets of time to slow down, spend time with God, and savor the season.

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me pockets of time to slow down and rejuvenate. Thank You for giving me fresh strength. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

As we begin our week of slowing down, take time to read the featured scriptures for the week. Take your time and soak up these promises from God.

Isaiah 40:31 MSG — But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired,  they walk and don’t lag behind. 

Mark 6:31 NIV —  Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 

Proverbs 8:17 NIV — I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. 

Proverbs 8:35 NIV — For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.

Colossians 4:5-6 NIV —  Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 

Psalm 46:10 NIV — He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 

Psalm 46:10 MSG — “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” 

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

On this song Sunday worship with Psalm 23 by Phil Wickham (feat. Tiffany Hudson). As you listen to the words imagine taking a slow stroll with God.

How do you intentionally slow down in busy times? Maybe it’s slowing down and enjoying breakfast with your family.

Crockpot Grits Recipe. Put 3 cups of quick grits and 15 cups of water in crockpot overnight. The next morning add a stick of butter, a pound of browned sausage, and 1-2 blocks of cream cheese.