Delores Liesner
Activating Faith in everyday life
Tossing and Turning
I couldn’t sleep last night, and thought of two things – silly song lyrics from the 50s including “tossing and turning all night,” and a friend’s favorite quote – If you can’t sleep, don’t count the sheep – talk to the Shepherd.
So I got up to pray for her and others on my heart. I am surprised I don’t feel tired. I’ve been home several days from the WordGirls Retreat, and gratefully some of the effects still linger.
The peace.
Peace of knowing I was in the right place at the right time.
Peace of having no other responsibilities to attend to, and no interruptions.
Peace of the setting – curling up in a chair by the lake with Bible, notebook, pen and a healthy dose of anticipation
Peace now – knowing I am back in the saddle so to speak, working but again in the right place, at the right time, and for the moment I have quiet, responsibility-free time, in my nice soft green office chair.
The rest.
Rest with long stretches of time to think, ponder, and process confirmation
Rest from fresh air and nature
Rest from mental detours, I awoke more refreshed each day than I have for awhile
Rest today in reflection and rest in the work I got done so I can let that go and move on
The freedom
Freed from the stress of trying to figure out some answers on my own, I was able to hear and receive direction from the Lord, and from others.
Freed from a jam-packed schedule, I was strengthened for the next round of life
Freed from trying to prove myself, I found new friends, lost some excuses and discovered a bit more of who I am in Christ.
Free today to celebrate daily direction, and strength as I head into the other goals set at retreat, remembering where God leads, He will have already prepared the fulfillmet
Mark 6:31 Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat.
Matt. 11:28-29
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Matt. 11:30 Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
2 Comments on “Tossing and Turning”
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Be the Miracle! – with journaling pages
Delores Liesner: Author
American Christian Fiction Writers Association
Delores Liesner 
Wonderful post! Loved the line about not counting sheep, but talking to the shepherd.
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Kalin Ann, You are so right – that is such a good reminder, isn’t it, that even our sleeplessness can have a holy purpose. Thanks for stopping by. I see we also both are touched by Tozer’s deep faith and how he expresses it so personally.
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