FIRST-TIMERS DAY 2!

Anxiety in a new place can wear one out. 

Grandmother's Praying System still at work.

Melody's quilt and a soft baby triceratops help. Familiar and favorite.

God refreshes the weary and satisfies the faint. (Jeremiah 31:25)

The Lord gives to his beloved even in their sleep. (Psalm 127:2)

National Napping Day!

National Napping Day! Who knew!! 

My college friends would think I did since I was such a napper. They were also convinced that my tombstone would be marked with, "She's only down for a quick nap!"

Educator friends thought scheduled naptime was the reason I taught kindergarten for so many years.

Google says this about Nap Day, "It's always the day after the date we "spring: forward"--- the return of Daylight Saving Time. 

How grateful I am the "Lord gives to His beloved, even in his/her sleep." (Psalm 127:2)

I know today is not National Napping Day but I've decided to celebrate ahead of time in case I miss it.

Yes....I'm still looking forward to this year's designated National nap Day, March 14, 2022.

NATIONAL NAP DAY!

Today is "National Nap Day"!

Who knew? I, and all the other consummate nappers in the nation, knew!

My friends often teased me that teaching kindergarten was my favorite assignment because 5 yr. olds have scheduled naptimes.

Baby Jack is enjoying nap time at the beach being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the ocean.

For all in our family, there is nothing quite like a "Big Water" nap.

If you don't have swooshing ocean waves to soothe you to sleep, meditate on these calming scriptures from God's word.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. (Psalm 4:8) 

God takes care of His own even while they sleep. (Psalm 127:2, CEV) 

When you lie down you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24)

Ah-h-h sweet sleep.....even in the middle of the day.

MONDAY's MURKY MUSINGS

Murky musings result as another sleepless night made my Monday's musings and meditation a little foggy. I'm sure that the Lord must have life lessons for me during these l-o-n-g nights but I spend so much time trying to sleep, I think I'm missing them..

Insomniacs unite---or at least share remedies for those who panic at the very thought of how little sleep they are getting.

I've tried many---trying to leave drug remedies on the shelf where they belong.

No digital 2 hours prior to bedtime. Same time every night. Be alert to your "window" of sleepy signs. Keep bed room cool. White noise. No noise. Back rubs from hubby. Relaxing breathing---deeply through the nose, hold & then exhale slowly to count of 7. Listen to the semi-boring book for the umpteenth time. Recite scripture. (Psalm 3:4-5, Psalm 4:8, Psalm 121:1-4, Proverbs 3:24, Matthew 6:34, Matthew 1:28-29, Philippians 4:6-7) Honestly, I love God's word & it excites me more than it calms me.

Recently I resorted to a "treat". insomnia cookies! It might be a little out of the box but warm cookies are "delivered" until 3 AM daily. Desperation ruled. My "moral failure & fear calculation" time is usually between 2 AM & 4 AM so those warm cookies would be timely.

I know God gives to His beloved, even as she sleeps. (Psalm 127:2) 

I just wish He would give her sleep. 

To be honest, the warm cookies & milk didn't work on my head---but at least my tummy felt better!

Rest : God-given

God's rest to His beloved is a gift. One just has to choose to accept it.

Do you ever feel such fatigue that you just want to "lie down in green pastures"...?(Psalm 23:2)

God provides green pastures of contentment and rest, refreshing and restoring the soul.

He even gives sleep to His beloved. (Psalm 127:2)

I think I'll let His fingers close my eyelids and take a nap. 

"futili-TEA"

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. (Psalm 127:2, ESV)

I should have been spewing my cuppa futili-TEA all over the patio table these last few mornings---because I know better! I need to be sipping mugs of trust in Him.

But...these last few days I have been spinning---trying to get everything done. Up early, trouble even going to sleep and sometimes anxious thoughts begin again when I awaken for my nightly urine trek. 

I've been sipping from my very own cuppa futili-TEA as I've struggled in my own strength. 

Seeking the unattainable "perfection" of packing and preparation for our upcoming trip.

Goal oriented not God oriented.

But God....took me to task thru His word. He reminded me---once again, that He is in control.

Then, he sent help from hubby, goodies for the trip from one friend, and prayers from another that came via a 3:07 am email -- I'm awake praying that you are asleep. 

Tonight, no more working by the moonlight, I'm going to bed---packed or not because H gives to His beloved even in their sleep.

Burden Bearing

3/21/11 Alone in a dark parking lot at 5:30 am. Overcome with a wave of nausea and cold sweats---I was scared. So.........

I unloaded my burdens today at work----maybe out of fear. Maybe out of necessity. But I have willing, caring, listening burden bearers at Houston and I felt safe. I do believe there is a time to bear our fears/cares/struggles in solitude. Sometimes I have to work through things and have a good cry before I’m ready to share. Sometimes I go right to my prayer partners. It takes wisdom to know which avenue to follow.

This past week I have felt burdened beyond belief as I have watched loved ones suffer and have felt helpless. Emotionally I have struggled. Physically I have struggled. I am wiped out. 

Tonight I’m taking my burden to THE Burden Bearer. I know that He gives to His beloved even in their sleep.(Psalm 127:2)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matt. 11:28-30)