Deep Breathing for the Soul

I’m guest blogging about Sabbath and its role in spiritual formation all over the place this week. It’s been fun to connect with other writers and bloggers and create some new content.

If you’re interested in using any of the articles, say in a newsletter or a church website, just leave me a comment or use the contact form to get in touch. I’m happy to grant permission for use as long as you give attribution.

Here are a few sites that are running some articles I’ve written this week:

Spiritual disciplines for writers

What Moms really want for Mother’s Day

Sailing and Sabbath

What Jesus said about Sabbath

10 Steps to Sabbath Rest

Please visit these blogs and leave a comment or question–the bloggers will appreciate it. And stop back here and tell me which article you enjoyed or which blog you want to start reading regularly!

Earth Day seems to have morphed into Earth Month, hasn’t it? Well, as Earth Month draws to a close, I written a new article on how spending time in creation can draw us close to the heart of God, and give us some space to enjoy Sabbath rest. My friend Tracey Bianchi, (author of Green Mama: the Guilt-Free guide to helping you and your kids save the planet) has posted my article on her blog. So click on over and read it, leave a comment and tell a friend!!

I’m guest blogging on my friend Anita Lustrea’s website today about how to get started on building a Sabbath habit. You can start reading the article here:

Life sometimes seem to spin past us so fast. Our family, career, church, friends all seem to have needs that can consume us. Our involvements and obligations are not often optional. But there comes a point when it can feel a bit overwhelming. We need a rest.The God who made us, who designed our bodies and souls, knew that we would not be able to function non-stop 24-7. That’s why when he laid out the rules for life, the best way to live, he told us to rest. It seem odd that people would have to be commanded to take a day off—until we look in the mirror and realize we don’t obey that command. But just as our bodies need sleep to function, they’re also hard-wired by our creator to need a weekly break. (Click here to read the rest of the article).

I’d love to hear your comments about this article. If you’d like to reprint it, just let me know, I’d love to share it with you.

How is it possible to practice Sabbath?

Like any spiritual practice, taking a day to rest requires discipline. It also requires preparation. Jesus and his contemporaries called the day before Shabbat “Preparation Day.” Anyone who has ever practiced Sabbath knows why. In order to take time off, we must be ready.

I am a mom of two teenagers who works two jobs. This week was full of work, driving kids to soccer and track meets, domestic chores, volunteering at church, and so on. Today I spent time with friends, but then I came home to prepare. My kids and I also cleaned the house–it’s easier to rest without clutter calling to be straightened or dust bunnies dancing through the room. I took my son shopping (something we don’t do on Sabbath) and ran through the grocery store one last time so that I won’t have to do that tomorrow. I thought about what I will cook this evening and what leftovers will be available tomorrow so that I have a day off from fixing and planning meals.

I remember talking about Sabbath once at a retreat and a woman remarked that it would take a lot of advance work in order to have a day of rest. I told her she would do the same if she were having guests to her home: she’d clean, shop for food, etc. before they came. She would not be vacuuming while trying to entertain. She nodded–of course not. So, I said, think of Sabbath as a day when Jesus is a guest, when he comes over to hang out with you. Why would you run to WalMart or dust? I could tell by the look on her face that this was all new information to her, but that she got it.

Spiritual practices require us to be intentional. When we pray or study, for example, we set other tasks aside, if only for a little while. Sabbath is just another practice, and one with incredible transformative potential.

So today is Preparation Day. In addition to preparing my home and a meal, I spend a little time preparing my heart. I slowly try to let go of things that cause me anxiety. Even as I go through tasks, I’m asking God to make me ready, to help me let go of needing to be busy. I prepare to worship, to love, to simply rest.