Happy 2016!!!
I am so excited about this New Year! I hope you are too!!!
And sharing in my excitement today is my friend Melanie Pickett! She’s got a great read for you AND an awesome giveaway at the end of this post.
Here’s Melanie ….
New Year: Hit the Refresh Button
Sigh. Christmas has past. The joy of the festivities and family gatherings are probably over and while you’re basking in the glow from the fun and reunion of friends and family, you may also be recovering from all the busyness the season brings for many of us.
Maybe you’d just as soon not see another cutout cookie or roll of wrapping paper for a good while.
Perhaps you’re severely regretting that extra piece(s) of pie you indulged in because it’s clinging perilously to your hips and you’re wondering how many gym visits it’ll take to work that off.
You probably spent tireless hours preparing for the holiday season so your family could enjoy food, gifts, cards, treats, and decorations, but had precious little time just for you.
Me too.
It’s a new year, fresh right in front of us like a blank canvas waiting for the stroke of God’s brush to paint out the beautiful year He has ahead for you. Now that things (I hope!) have settled down a bit, you can take some time to reflect on what was and rejuvenate for what’s to come.
And rest.
One of my favorite verses is Psalm 4:8: I will lie down and sleep in peace for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
I struggle with anxiety pretty regularly and if you’re a fellow worrier or anxiety-warrior, you know nighttime is when it can really grab hold tight. You’re tired, things are quiet, and your thoughts run away from you.
God wants you to rest! He created a whole day for it (…he rested from all his work. Gen 2:2) and if you study a little bit about it, you’ll find there are several verses encouraging us to rest.
Loving Jesus made this provision for us in his grand plan…time to rest and the “permission” to do so. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Grab a book and a blanket. Nestle up on your favorite resting spot with a steaming mug of something delicious. And rest.
You’ve been busy taking care of everything and everyone for the past weeks (or years!) and it’s not only okay to take a break and rest, it’s good for the soul to do it.
I’d love to help you treat yourself to a little gift just for you. I’m offering a $25 Amazon gift card for one of you to enjoy and spend on you.
Gift yourself a good book, some music or a movie you’ve been wanting, maybe something pretty and sparkly… whatever it is that will help you relax, feel special and renew.
Adventure awaits so rest and be ready for the promises He has in store!
What are some burdens you can lay down at His feet (and not pick up again!)?
Enter to win the gift card by sharing this in the comment section:
What are your favorite ways to rest and simply be?
Melanie will email the winner Monday.
Stay connected with Melanie!
Website: http://melaniespickett.com/
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185 Comments
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My favorite 2 ways to rest are either sitting down with a good book or just going to a trail near our home and leisurly walking and listening to all of the sounds.
Mendy, that sounds wonderful! It’s snowing and blowing here, but a serene walk sounds so refreshing and reflective.
I rest when I take a walk and take in God’s beauty. That does seem like rest but it is a slowing down of my mind and my soul.
Laura, isn’t a walk a perfect way to get in tune with God?
One of my favorite ways to find rest is by getting out of the house as I stay home. I love to go for a walk and feel refreshed by allowing nature to breathe into my soul. If we lived near the coast, rest for my soul would be found in a walk along the beach!
Sarah, we don’t live near the ocean but we are blessed enough to live very close to a Great Lake. There’s something about the expanse of the beach and water that reminds me how big our God is!
I think the best way I find rest is to grab a warm blanket and book and fall asleep reading 😉
Moriah, that sounds really good today!
Favorite way to rest, is sitting in my living room with all the lights off but my Christmas tree. Now to figure out how to recreate that rest feeling the rest of the year.
Janet, I love the warm glow of those lights too. I have some white lights I leave in the window all year long.
My favorite way to relax is to curl up with a cup of hot tea and a good book or movie. If I am really in need of rest, I want sonething uplifting, but not too heavy; something that will bring a smile, not a tear.
Nancy, I ‘m a big fan of hot tea, good books, and relaxing. 🙂
I love to relax while sitting on the front porch watching my chickens run around. They bring laughter and smiles to my heart. I also love watching the sunset from this same spot. The colors in the sky change daily and always leave me calm.
Journaling and walking in nature are my top ways of relaxing. Journaling is because it helps my anxiety. A hot bath with instrumental music is also helpful.
Those both sound relaxing, Maureen.
Jessica, I can just picture the chickens! 🙂
Walking in the woods or along the beach, especially in the early morning before the world wakes up, is the best way to relax for me.
I love how you put that, Jane: “before the world wakes up.”
I rest by getting away by myself down by the river near our home. I love the water, I reflect on times in the bible where many times we find Jesus near,in a boat or even once walking on the water. It is such a peaceful place sometimes I wonder if that is why Jesus spent so much time there. Watching the sun glisten off the water, the gentle waves crashing in or if in the evening the sun setting. What a beautiful picture HE PAINTS FOR US IF ONLY WE WILL PAUSE AND SEE.
Loretta, that’s such a beautiful mental picture you created and so insightful!
My ultimate resting place is sitting on the beach and watching/listening to the waves of the ocean. That doesn’t happen very often, so in it’s place, I sit out on my deck listening to the waterfall in the pond and the rustling of the leaves in the trees. So peaceful when I take the time.
Lori, the sound of soft water is so soothing and relaxing.
HI Melanie and Nicki….
My favorite way to ‘just be’ is to sit in my war/prayer room and breathe in God! I read daily devotionals and/or a favorite Christian author book. He is so good to surround and comfort me. I also like to listen to Christmas carols, yes, all year long!
Blessings to you both for 2016 and thank you for this opportunity to win this gift for my ‘rest in Him’ time.
Alana
Thank you so much, Alana! That’s amazing you have your own War Room!
My favorite ways to rest are to curl up in my bed and get lost in a good book or sometimes, to take a nap. Happy New Year!
That sounds a great idea for today, Ashley!
My favorite way to rest is to read a good book and snuggle up with a nice soft blanket.
Me too, Staci!
I very seldom have time to read, other than my Bible, so that is what I love to do is curl up with a book under a quilt!!
Marie, I’ve had to make myself carve out time to read in the past year. I usually have a book with me and any time I’m waiting (at the doctor’s office, picking up my kids), I whip it out and consume a few pages.
My favorite ways to rest and simply be are to sit in my comfy chair with my dog in my lap and a steaming hot cup of coffee while watching the birds and squirrels out of my window at my bird feeder.
Debbie, we have a little pug who likes to snuggle with me and a good book.
When I allow myself to rest by sitting and reflecting alone or even sleeping, I get refueled. I also go to my favorite place, a nearby lake, to take in some sunshine, when possible.
Laura, the sunshine is so refreshing as well. I miss it. It’s winter here and every ray of sun that comes, I’ll embrace it.
My favorite way to relax is with hot tea & a book!!!
Jenn, it seems whenever I’m reading at home, hot tea is a requirement.
Rest. I find it a hard thing to do because even when I am sitting and “resting”, my mind is on all the things I have yet to do. Rest, is resting my mind as well. Doing something I enjoy doing is where I find rest. To sit idle makes my mind kick in, so I would rather pick up my Bible and read the scriptures I have signed up to read. (Bible Read Through 2016 with Keith Ferrin) today’s reading is Genesis -11) or having coffee with Bible Study sisters is my way of relaxing. A good book is always nearby, I love Lysa Teurkurst’s books and Bible Studies. I would love to read War Room as I have not seen the movie yet. ~~Happy New Year~~ to all my Jesus loving sisters!!
Elsie, I agree that Lysa’s books are wonderful, full of so many lessons and her words are so real.
My favorite way to relax is to snuggle up in a blanket with a cup of coffee and a good book. For years my favorite kind of book was christian romance novels but I began to compare my marriage and juggling 3 kids with their hectic schedules to the perfect endings in every novel. I felt God leading me to authors like Lysa Teurkerst and Suzie Eller and now find my life so much more fulfilled! I also have Wendy Pope’s “Read Through The Word” to give me the desire to find 15 minutes of that “quiet, relaxing time” each day to read through the Bible in a year. I finished reading through the Bible yesterday for the first time and can’t wait to begin the adventure again today!!
Susan, everything isn’t always tied up nicely in a big bow, so I understand what you’re saying. I enjoy those authors as well!
My favorite is to curl up with the kids, cat and a movie!
Daphne, my kids are my very favorite people to spend time with!
Daphne, my kids are my favorite people to spend time with!
My favourite way to relax is to watch television. I also like to read 😉
Daphne, my kids are my very favorite people to spend time with!
Catherine, I have a few favorite shows too. 😉
Great post after these busy holidays… My favorite way to rest is a quiet spot, a cup of tea (or cool drink in summer) and a book… As a Proverbs 31 OBSer usually it’s a book I’m studying.. Or perhaps a cooking magazine or even just that warm mug of tea and a conversation with Jesus… Peaceful time with praise is always so refreshing… Lord give me more opportunities to “be still” with you
Joanne, I’m a Proverbs 31 OBSer too. Aren’t those amazing studies? I feel like each one was selected just for me. I’m with on more moments to be still. I’m feeling more and more that my word for 2016 might be “present” as in be present in the moment and soak it all in.
When the weather permits, I love to sit in the sunshine on my front porch swing. It was made by my father’s hands when my husband and I bought our house. I swing and read, enjoy a book and a smoothie, and watch my dog laze on the grass.
Amanda, is the swing made by your father? What a precious treasure!
I find rest by listening to KLOVE radio and completing jigsaw puzzles, or sudoko puzzles. They take my mind away from all that is happening. I want to get back into walking (once this cold goes away. I used to walk everyday and life took over. I want to take walks to just look around and enjoy what God has created instead of being out for an exercise walk.
Happy New Year to all of you!!
Those sound like excellent choices, Linda!
My favorite way to relax is spending the day in my pj’s, with a cup of tea, reading a good Christian based book and listening to Christian music.
Debbie, today is a perfect day to do those things. 🙂
My favorite ways to relax are to sit in my recliner with no sound on, reading a good book. Just getting out of the house as I am home almost 24/40 except for doctor visits. Of course, a nap is ALWAYS a wonderful way to relax!!
My favorite ways to relax are to sit in my recliner with no sound on, reading a good book. Just getting out of the house as I am home almost 24/7 except for doctor visits. Of course, a nap is ALWAYS a wonderful way to relax!!
Christine, I hope the new year brings health and peace for you!
My favorite way to “simply be” is to read a good book, crochet, or play in my garden. I’ve found that rest, for me, is relaxing my brain, not always my hands!
Gardening sounds divine, Karen!
My favorite way to rest is a hot bath and a good book. I rarely do this though since I never seem to have time. I am going to try and make it a point to rest more in 2016.
Janice, I haven’t had a good, long, soaking bath in quite sometime, but it sure sounds like a great idea!
Sitting down with a good book.
Yes, Kristie!
My favorite ways to rest are to read or watch good books and movies. I really love books that inspire me to be a giving person. I enjoy a good biography of a person who made a difference in this world for the glory of God. I also enjoy christian books that teach about the gospel, and I also enjoy movies that have a christian message. I also enjoy being up in the morning early to have time to talk to God and listen to the quiet before the day begins.
Salina, early mornings before the busy day begins are so inspiring.
Great post encouraging us to slow down and rest. I get crazy busy and struggle also with anxiety. The two ways I recharge are reading a good book with Christian music in the background or walking inside our local recreation center. Both are very relaxing to me and help me take my thoughts captive and renew my spirit.
Donna, anxiety can really be overwhelming, can’t it? I need to remind myself daily to give those thoughts to God and live in the peace He desires for us. It sounds like you’re doing just that. 🙂
My favorite place to rest is in front of our warm fire place, reading, drinking coffee, or crocheting.
Anna, it’s so cold where I am. A warm fire in the fireplace sounds wonderful!
My favorite way to rest and just be is, good or bad, to wrap up in an throw blanket and binge-watch NCIS or Blue Bloods. Please don’t judge. ?
Nancy, no judgement here! I watch Cops with my husband. 😉
I like to just cuddle up with my dog on my big chair and watch some Netflix and hang out.
Nikki, I’m a dog lover with two pups. Your idea sounds good to me!
I love to get up up early in the morning when no one else is awake. I like to have a cup of tea and get in Gods Word and allow Him to speak to me in the quiet.
Tina, I enjoy those peaceful mornings as well.
I love to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea!
So do I, Kelsey!
My favorite way to relax is to lay down and listen to a podcast by someone like Joyce Meyer or any and all that I can find on a particular topic I want to hear about. It really revives my spirit.
Beth, that’s a really good idea. I’m going to try some good podcasts.
My favorite way to relax is to curl up with a good book. If I can really find time alone a nice relaxing soak in the tub is the ultimate rest!
Sounds perfect, Kathleen!
What are your favorite ways to rest and simply be?
I love to pray and meditate on the Word of God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
That’s a beautiful verse, Elaine.
I have a few ways to “rest “. Which one I choose depends on my day. I may put my feet up and read, take a prayer walk or run (alone or with a friend) or if possible nap! I am a firm believer that God does bless us with rest opportunities whether it is a few minutes or even a whole day! Take that blessing and use it!
Joanie, I think I’m going to start doing prayer walks. They sounds very meaningful.
I love to listen to an audio book when I need to rest and relax. You’re just never too old to have someone read to you.
Laura, that’s very true!
One of the ways I just like to relax and simply be…is to listen to music and read a good book. If I really want to clear my head, I will get some good tunes and go out for a run
Lisa, I LOVE music. It really speaks to me, whatever my mood.
My favorite way to relax is sitting in my easy chair with my feet up , my laptop on my lap, playing Word with Friends listening to James Taylor playing in the background.
Mary, James Taylor does have a relaxing effect, doesn’t he?
I love to sit and read or color/draw. I also love cuddling up on the sofa and watching a movie! When it’s nice out… relaxing outside while kids play is always a wonderful way to sit and rest but at the same time appreciate and enjoy the little things and Gods creation.
Anna, I just got a coloring book and was reminded how “therapeutic” just coloring can be.
Thank you so much for this great giveaway.
I have 2 ways I like to just rest/relax. One is reading and the other is in my prayer room. Prayer room has become my favorite. I love to be in God’s presence, talk to him, listen and many times read his word while with him. Reading has become something I enjoy. For many years I very much disliked it because I struggle with comprehension. Sometimes having to re-read quite often became overwhelming and frustrating. But God has given me a passion to read and understand since I began an on line Bible Study with P31 ministries almost 3 years ago. Now I can’t wait to pick up another book and look forward to what God wants to teach me!
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Sharon, I love reading about people’s prayer rooms. You’re welcome for the giveaway!
When the weather is decent in TX, I like to sit outside in the swing under out trees… I like to sit out there and just be. Or read… Or drink coffee… Or watch the kids in the yard. On bad weather days…. It’s nice to just hang out on the couch. 🙂
Michele, in good weather here, I so enjoy just sitting on the deck and listening and watching nature…animals, the sun, clouds, whatever part of God’s creation is being active.
Sitting at my sewing machine, sewing is my favorite way to relax. I love creating new things.
Pauline, I don’t sew but that sounds great!
Doing what I’m doing this minute – sitting in my den on the futon with my daughter and dogs, listening to my husband practice his worship music for Sunday’s service. Perfect relaxation and a balm to my soul.
Susie, that does sound wonderful and peaceful.
a cuppa, a good book, and praise music in the background . aahhhhh….
Pamela, that sounds good to me!
Love what you shared, thank you. Really need to find more moments to rest. My favorites ways are a walk in nature talking out loud to my Abba or a good book in a comfy chair at a cozy coffee coffee shop with a good cup of joe 🙂 Miss those days!! (I have a very active high need baby girl that takes ALL my time)
You’re welcome, Miranda. I hope you’re able to find more moments in your day just for you to rejuvenate and find rest.
My favorite ways to rest and simply be are enjoying solitude while in my prayer room or snuggled in bed. I find I’m most relaxed during prayer and reflection, during Worship service or when I’m reading my Bible. God is good. He will always provide the calm when we need it most. Prayer is powerful as long as we use it. #anxietywarrior #Godgirl
God is good indeed!
My favorite thing to rest in the warmer months is to load my kayak and a carafe of coffee and kayak on the lake for hours. It is the most serene and relaxing thing! In the winter months I love curling up with a good motivational book and a mug of hot coffee.
Michelle, that sounds wonderful. I’ve wanted to get into kayaking!
Happy New Year Ladies, I do my best resting in my lazy boy chair with a book. I tend to have 2 books going at the same time. There are times where I will sit on Facebook and rest also, I get very encouraged my all my friends pots. Blessings on your New Year.
Pam, I’m the same way; I usually have more than one book going at the same time with different types of content.
Happy New Year!
My 2 fav ways to rest and just be are
1) in the winter months, throw on a cozy pair of pj pants and a tshirt, and crash on the couch, cuddled up beside my hubby or kiddos, watching tv, reading a book, or just simply taking a nap, and 2) during warm days, lounging outside in my gravity chair, holding my big, fluffy cat in my lap, and reading a book or taking a nap.
Happy New Year, Felicia!
Bubble bath & a good book/music
Sounds amazing, Lauren!
I love watching the birds at the birdfeeder on my patio. God created these beautiful creatures. I like doing my nails too with Jamberry Nail Wraps.
April, I really enjoy watching the birds at my feeder as well!
Some of the ways I like to relax and rest depends on the weather. In the summer I enjoy going out walking and seeing the beauty of God’s creation. When it gets too cold out I like to just curl up with a blanket and read a good book or watch a good movie.
This devotion was so good and hit right on the nail. I am a big worry and anxiety warrior and yes nights are so much worse it’s gotten to the point I only sleep a little bit. Thank you so much for sharing.
I’m so glad my words resonated with you, Debbie. Anxiety is tough and nights make it even tougher.
Awesome post Melanie. My favorite way to rest and relax is with a good cup of coffee, a good book or a great movie!
Thank you, Barbie!!
My favorite ways to rest are either to watch a movie with my husband, read a book with a cup of hot chocolate, and/or sit on the front porch swing and look at nature all around. It’s so peaceful! What a great post!
Christina, a mug of hot chocolate and a book sound delicious right now.
My favorite ways of resting and relaxing are by sitting on my back porch and just listening to the sounds of nature. Sometimes, I hear the birds singing, sometimes I hear cars going by on the road out front. I find peace and comfort in just sitting still and listening to whatever sounds God is sharing with me. 🙂
Melissa, that sounds really peaceful!
I love to be. What I mean by that is that I just like to sit and meditate to relax my mind. Just be.,,,be still and let God move. I also love reading. Happy new year to all.
Just be. Sounds wonderful, Liz.
It helps me to journal, play the piano, get out my creative energy with collage, reading and being in Scripture.
Susan, I LOVE playing piano. It’s a little bit of therapy for me.
When anxiety comes knocking I find a verse to focus on, curl up with my baby kitty, a cup of tea and focus on the truth, God loves me!
Jeannie, that sounds wise and wonderful.
Got plenty of tea & Lysa TerKeurst Book Becoming More Than …
Ready to settle in fer a long winter nap 😀 & a good Bible study …
Kay, I’m looking forward to that study too!
To turn off all electronics and just sit, listening to the quiet. And to take a shower in silence.
Jenni, that’s something I’m trying to do more of in this new year, disconnect with gadgets and connect more with family.
My favorite way to rest is to read a good book or just read scripture and reflect.
Really good, Sherri!
The sights and sounds of God’s wondrous creation can be taken in anywhere. That works for me, just to be in His embrace.
Deb, I agree!
I like to curl up with a good book and a Diet Coke in my favorite chair – especially when it’s cool and I can curl up in a blanket in my favorite PJs. Being reading a lot this last year about healing deep and long lasting emotional hurts…
Amanda, I write a lot on my blog about emotional hurts and healing.
My best way is taking a long, hot relaxing lavendar infused bath and curling up with my Kindle.
Sherrie, lavender is SO good!
My best way reading a book
Yes! 🙂
My favorite way to rest is by making a cup of hot tea or cocoa and snuggling on the couch with a blanket and a good movie. With the lights dimmed and just relaxing. 🙂
God bless,
~Johanna
Johanna, that sounds good to me too.
My favorite way to rest is to sit and cross stitch. I enjoy the colors and the order of counting the stitches.
I’ve never done this but my sister cross-stitches and does some beautiful work. Enjoy it!
My favorite way to rest is just to be alone with a new warm blanket and a book, maybe a good movie. God has blessed me with all men in my house sometimes being alone is a special thing. 🙂
Wendy, everyone needs that time to rest and do what they want and soak up some quiet. 🙂
My favorite way to relax is to spend a day in pj’s watching some movies or with a good book or I also enjoy baking and giving away the treats.
Sounds great, Marilyn!
My favorite way to rest is with a good book and a cup of tea. This year, I want to redefine rest to include resting in the Lord and figuring out what that looks like for me.
I need to do this too, Heather!
Hot cup of tea + good book + cats curled up in the bed + me = total relaxation!
Yes! 🙂
My favorite way to relax, as far back as I can remember, has always been with a good book. Reading always takes me out of my “stress circle” and into the world of the book’s character. A comfy chair and a good book….that does it for me.
Madaliene, reading is a great escape, isn’t it?
Snuggle up with a book. Journal….book on tape and i am out on 5!
Anne, that sounds relaxing!
My favorite way to rest is with a cup of hot tea (iced tea in summer) and enjoy nature either through the window or on the patio.
Alicia, I love doing this too. 🙂
Rest is my 2016 word of the year. So I will be practicing and learning to rest in God this year. But some of my favorite ways to rest are to sit on the beach and watch the tide roll in and out or to curl up under a blanket with a good book. My favorite rest verse is Deuteronomy 33:12: “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him for He shields [her] all day long. And the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.”
Crystal, the water is so beautiful, powerful, and peaceful…just like Him.
I like to walk in a near by park, and when I make it prayer time, I get so much more out of it. this year I plan on adding a prayer journal to my schedule.
Jennifer, a prayer journal is intriguing. I’ve been considering that since I’m a big journal person.
I like to take drives in the country and view all the scenery while talking with God. I also like to sit in an overstuffed chair with a blanket and book or handheld game.
Diane, both options sound so peaceful!
A scented candle and some beautiful piano music like George Winston or Worship Music tends to release my soul.
Loresa, that sounds really relaxing.
This past year has been extremely difficult. I haven’t had time to focus on myself or find rest. It’s something I want to work on in the new year. Reading all the comments here for ideas.
Sherry, I’m praying this year is a time of ease and comfort for you!
My favorite way to relax is with a great book and a cup of coffee in a cozy chair by the fireplace.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
That sounds really lovely, Gina!
Oh I wish I was so much better at this, especially right now in the season I am in but for me…I love my Sunday afternoon naps. Deep breaths throughout the week. Laying on the couch watching tv. All ways I find rest.
Holly, I love my Sunday afternoon naps too! That’s the only nap I get throughout the week and there’s something really relaxing about it.
The only way I get rest is to go up the room after I put the kids to bed. My daughter sleeps in the room with me since me and my kids live at my parents house since my husband is wrongfully imprisoned. So, for me to relax I grab my bible or a Christian living book and read!!
Miranda, it sounds like you’re going through a lot. I’m praying for peace for you and yours.
My favorite ways to simply rest and just be, are to cuddle up with my husband and my little boy and just watch a movie.
That sounds perfect, Kayla!
My favorite is either alone with a book or with my husband and a movie.
Both options sound really relaxing, Amy!
I love a warm bath and a good book
Shannon, me too!
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