Welcome to Five Minute Friday!
We’ve saved you a seat. Even better, we’ve got lots of fun announcements to share this week!
If you’re new, learn more about the Five Minute Friday community here.
First of all, I’m so excited to tell you that the e-book, Letters to Grief, is now FREE to all subscribers! AND … there’s bonus content! Sign up now and get two free adult coloring pages to go along with the book!
Speaking of free books, click here to grab Amy Sullivan’s book, When More is Not Enough: How to Stop Giving Your Kids What They Want and Give Them What They Need, for FREE!
But wait! There’s more!
Both Dayspring and KraftyKash, two of my favorite companies, are having summer sales!
Use code THANKYOU to get 25% off sitewide at Dayspring.com.
Use code SUMMERTIME20 to get 20% off your entire order at Krafty Kash, through June 30th!
And with that, it’s now time to WRITE!
This week’s Five Minute Friday prompt is:
[Tweet “It’s Five Minute Friday time! Join us as we write on REST.”]
Set your timer for five minutes, and let’s GO!
***
I’m tired.
It’s summer vacation, and instead of kicking back and relaxing, I’ve said yes to way too many things.
I’ve said yes to too much, and I’m feeling the self-induced stress and pressure all the way up to my chest.
I’m sleeping poorly, nervous that I won’t finish what I’m suppose to accomplish. I wake up with deadlines heavy on my rib cage. I make lists and add items faster than they get crossed off.
I need a break.
My kids are feeling it, too. They’re complaining that I’m on the computer all the time, not spending enough time with them.
I promised to take them to the beach.
We went this afternoon.
The forced separation from my computer for few hours was just what I needed. I stared out across Lake Michigan, and took a deep breath.
It was glorious.
As I felt the breeze in my hair and listened to the gentle repetition of the waves, I remembered the goodness and faithfulness of my God, who beckons me to come and hand over my burdens.
[Tweet “”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” ~ Matthew 11:28″]
So I heave my To Do List and my deadlines onto His shoulders, and I look forward to His promise of eternal rest in Him.
***
[Tweet “Come write with us! This week we’re #writing on the prompt, REST!”]
Related posts:
When You Have a Burden that Needs to be Lifted
Disclosure: Affiliate links have been used in this post.
Don’t forget to grab your FREE COPY of Letters to Grief, plus the two free adult coloring pages to go with it!
Happy writing, friends!
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Just wonderful, Kate. Made me feel like I was on The Lake with you!
It really was the perfect beach day. So spoiled.
It does seem like so much stress we feel weighing heavy is what we decide to take on ourselves. We are ambitious and hopeful and yet it all becomes too much. We lay extra weight upon our own shoulders and sag beneath it.
I know my kids see that in me.
I had to laugh the other day when my eight year old saw another woman and pronounced her as “Stressed out.” simply because of certain facial characteristics.
We push a lot of our own buttons and then boil over with the stress of it all
Lake Michigan sounds lovely
Hope you find some rest this weekend!
It’s true, Somer. So much of it is self-induced. I could just learn to say “no,” right? š Thanks for being here!
We might need to be rest partners:) Feeling the struggle with you. And I’m so glad you got a chance to relax on the lake. I can hear the waves now…
Solidarity, sister! Maybe I can come chill on your back porch for a while? š
Kate, my husband and I have “stepped off the grid” expecting rest – but God! Girlfriend, we are busier than I knew was possible, gutting and remodeling a house and loving being near family. Hugs!
Wow! Sounds busy, but fun! Enjoy this season, Susan! Thanks for stopping by!
The Great Lakes are on my bucket list!
Come visit, Susan! We’d love to have you!
Yes, I so agree. I especially like that quote about courage. I am actually going to take a break from writing, social media, etc. for awhile and wanted to let you know you won’t be seeing me here for a bit. I blogged about it today which is why it’s a little ironic to see the word rest for today’s prompt! Thanks fit being a safe place!
Thanks for letting me know, Leah! I pray it’s a restorative time for you. I took off from Facebook for all of July two years ago. It was bliss. š May you come back refreshed and encouraged! Enjoy your down time!
Thank-you so much for the opportunity to share with this wonderful group of bloggers! As a fairly new blogger myself, I don’t take this gift lightly. I enjoy the chance to read others’ thoughts and to learn from those that God has placed in my path.
This is a perfect topic for me to write about today!
Even though I “cheated” just a little on the five minutes and “no editing” rules, I gave myself grace for this first time, as I navigate the waters of learning to embrace my imperfection….which is all a part of rest.
What a blessing to have you with us! I hope it’s the first of many! And yes, I agree — this community is a gift! Enjoy getting to know the special people who gather here!
Kate,
ha ha ha, Oh I did that this summer as well! I’m taking my first online course (ever) and it’s a 500-level. I feel in over my head. I’m the only teacher that has less than 5 years’ experience. There are 8 others in my class. We don’t use Common Core in my school but we’re supposed to research it (they provide the articles for reading) and speak eloquently in discussion forums.
That and I’m repainting the entry way at our school. And VBS is in 3 weeks.
But? You are right. We need to take the kids and fulfill our promises and take those water breaks.
Seriously-Lake, Ocean, Waterfall, even River. Something about the water. Soothing. Rocking. Restful.
Love you and your posts and praying for Peace in the middle of your stress this summer as I’m also swimming upstream!
Love,
Tammy
(#55)
Oh my goodness, girl! You must be superwoman! May God strengthen you for all of your tasks in the coming weeks. Thanks so much for being here!
Kate, I too am feeling no rest this summer. Having been to the beach with you a few months ago, I can imagine your kiddos running and playing and you resting…but the big question is did you make a trip to Captain Sundae’s?
Ha! I may or may not have snuck to Captain Sundae on Tuesday night while the kids were at karate, but shh … you didn’t hear it from me. š
my lips are sealed, hehehe
i love it kate:) i have so been there. i did have to learn to say “no”. but i have so slowed down. i can’t keep up the pace anymore. now that i got sick, i’m just lying here like a slug and don’t even feel guilty. i do feel sad that i missed out most of my vacation and all of the beach:( but i just lie here and doze and sip sprite! after 2 days, i’m almost feeling human again!
Wow, so sorry to hear you’ve been sick, Martha! And how sad that you missed your vacation! š I do pray that you fully recover soon!