June 2023 Daily Scripture Writing Plan, "Rest"

 This month's topic is "REST." "Rest" is a word that can have multiple meanings. It can mean a remainder of something, as in "the REST of the iced tea has been poured into my glass," or it can mean to relax, give pause, allow one's body (mind and spirit) to recover from labors. The plan this month mostly focuses on the latter definition, but there is a day or two where it uses the first one. I think I had "rest" on my mind because it's summer time here in the USA, and I truly need some REST myself!!

I'm sure many of you can relate to needing rest. I am in my mid-50's and am medically retired from my career. For the first 3 years of my medical retirement, I was primarily at rest - at least I was in the physical state. I surely was not at rest in my mind or spirit. My career had ended very abruptly against my plans due to multiple medical issues. It threw me into a complete state of UNREST in my mind and spirit. This HAD NOT been the way I had planned it!! I loved my job. I loved the people I worked with. I loved the contribution I made to my employer and our home's finances. It threw me into a state of confusion and unrest. Finally, around the 2 1/2 year point, I had a spiritual breakthrough when I clearly felt God speak to my heart and tell me that He had sat me down for a reason, so I needed to BE STILL and LISTEN to Him. I began to do exactly that, and my confusion and unrest began to lift. I found new purpose, I pursued the things I loved most, and found REST in Him! Now my life is so full that my cup runneth over!! I work 12 hours a week in a job where I had longed to be for MANY years, ministering to young families and expectant mothers. I sing in a women's gospel trio where we travel and minister at churches and venues all around our area. My husband is the pastor of a small but LOVE FILLED church in our city. My children and grandchildren are growing and thriving, and the little time I get to spend with all of them makes my heart SOAR! When I found my REST in God, He gave my mind, body and spirit the rejuvenation and relaxation it needed. Though I am now MUCH busier than I could have ever anticipated when this journey began 3 1/2 years ago, I wouldn't change a thing! HE directs my path now, and I REST in Him!

As you and your family enter into the summer months (for those in a summer region right now), I hope you can find some REST for your body, mind, and spirit. Whether it be on a beach vacation, mountain vacation, or a home "stay-cay," I pray you can get the downtime needed to find some REST in every way!

This month's plan is written for 31 days, even though there's only 30 days in June. I do that intentionally so that it could be used any month of your choosing. Also, if the scripture passage is more than you are able to write, read and contemplate the entire passage, but feel free to just choose a key passage to write - even if it's only a line or 2. God will bless your efforts, I have no doubt!

If you find any typos or corrections that need to be made, please private message me directly. It's always good to have more sets of eyes on typed text!

(I'm including the plan on graphics for both English & Spanish, and also a link to the Google Sheets spreadsheet. If you need it in a different format, please PM me).

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39Linda S Blackwell, Todd N Lori Boston and 37 others