rest – Amy Linnea

Final Curtain Call

Published on May 24, 2025 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:14

Ever think about how life is not a rehearsal?

Only get one shot at all of it.

Every milestone.

Every age.

Every day.

Today, for example, you have only these minutes to spend once.

The ones you are spending reading this blog are used wisely.

Good job!

But what’s next?

Yes, life is spent with many mundane things, such as laundry, shopping, and caring for others.

But even the mundane can be exciting when thinking how temporary it all is.

Thinking about your emotions, do you want to spend your only today racked with guilt?

Will you spend your only today filled with self-pity, un-forgiveness, or fear?

You only get today once.

Don’t give it to the devil.

Today, you have a chance to spend your minutes praising God.

Today, you have a chance to spend your minutes praying to the One who created you.

You get the chance to care for those God has entrusted to you or relax with well-deserved rest.

Don’t allow yourself to squelch these precious minutes you can only spend one time.

Don’t give these minutes to the devil by dwelling outside of God’s peace.

Or living only for yourself.

Why? Because minutes turn into days, which turn into years.

Before you know it, you’ll be a decade older and not at all wiser.

Your family might become distant and you’ll find yourself alone.

Bitterness and self-righteousness are not good companions.

So choose to spend your once in a lifetime minutes as God ordained.

Ask God how He would like you to live.

Ask God who He would like you to love.

Ask God who He would like you to influence for His kingdom.

And spend those precious minutes for Him.

Because every minute is only spent once in our final curtain call called life.

Photos by Steve Sharp, Jon Tyson, Gwen King, & Tony Lomas on Unsplash

Losing Control

Published on November 11, 2023November 8, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

I hold onto things too tightly.

When I do, I remain in control.

As more and more things climb into my hands, I stumble, dropping everything.

I stand, crestfallen at the mess before me.

Looking up, I see You, my God, are here.

Your arms are reaching down to me, inviting me to come.

To surrender.

I place my hand in Yours as You lift me onto Your lap.

Instantly feeling peace, I rest, knowing You are the great I Am.

I look down at the life I’ve spilled and because of You, the messy pile is gone.

You’ve organized all of it for me.

In it’s place is a nice neat row, everything in a logical place.

You’ve even added Your touch, causing it to look more beautiful than it’s ever looked.

Thank you for reminding me that You, God, are in control.

You are my helper. My shield. My protector.

You are the author of my peace.

My constant shelter in the storms of life.

Remind me to give you my daily moments.

Remind me to let You hold my days as you protect me, allowing my hope to dwell in the future plans You have just for little ole me.

Photos by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

Rest in God

Published on August 7, 2021June 9, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Psalm 62:1

Summers are for rest.

At least for teachers.

We plan summer projects and accomplish home things, but we are in rest mode.

We become like old farmers, driving the truck on a country road.

Not in a hurry.

Or like old Southerners, shooting the breeze on the porch of an old store, chatting with anyone and everyone.

Why?

Because we can.

Do you have periods of rest?

Days or seasons when you can even forget what day it is?

Yes, it’s important to accomplish things when you have more time to spare.

But don’t forget to simply be.

Allow your mind to rest as well.

Disconnect from social media, emails, and the news.

Close the door to all the noise.

And rest.

Unfortunately, my summer has ended.

The rush has returned.

But even so, take time to rest.

Fill yourself up with God and His peace.

And take the time to rest.

Photo by Blake Meyer on Unsplash

Gifts

Published on August 22, 2020July 9, 2020 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Rest in the knowledge that He is enough.

That He, our Lord, holds all things in His hands.

Are you resting?

Or are you resisting?

Matthew 7:11 reminds us “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Are you trusting God to give you those good gifts?

Might not be what you asked for, but it will be a good gift nonetheless.

Socks for Christmas are not a favorite, but your feet will be thankful next winter.

A new kitchen appliance is not as sparkly as jewelry, but making dinner from now on will be easier, so frankly, that gift means time.

Taking something away from a child is hardly met with enthusiasm, but it’s a gift.

As parents, you give the gift of self-control and thinking of others, hoping to kick pride to the curb.

Mostly.

We try.

We try to give these good gifts to our children.

Guessing they don’t think of them as gifts.

When God gives you the gift of unemployment, are you thankful?

Thankful for the fresh start?

When God gives you the gift of a child who operates completely different from you, are you thankful?

Thankful to see things from a whole new perspective?

When God allows challenges in your life, it’s for a reason.

To shape you further into His image.

We’re just fine, Lord, thanks anyway!

Good gifts from God belong in His will.

Rest in the knowledge that He is in control.

Allow all of His gifts to mold you into who He wants you to become.

Good can mean lots of things.

To our Lord, it means for your very best.

Photos by Toa Heftiba, Christopher Jolly, Cody Black , and Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash

Come Unto Me

Published on August 15, 2020June 13, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus is asking you to come to Him, giving Him your burdens.

Reading further, Jesus is asking you to come to Him, giving Him your burdens.

In exchange, He will give you rest.

Rest.

But you must come unto Him.

Boiling it down to one word, it’s an imperative command.

Not a statement or a question, but an action.

An action required of your own free will.

Jesus cannot drag you.

Your friend cannot drag you.

Your parents cannot make you.

You must come to Jesus on your own.

If you go to Him, giving Him everything, He will give you rest.

He will enable your mind to be full of Himself.

Full of peace.

It’s so easy to tell Him, “Later”.

But later always becomes much later, or maybe even never.

Why don’t we go to Him?

Because we want our way.

We want our foul mood.

It all points back to self.

God wants to make you a better version of yourself.

A way better version.

Superior, in fact, to anything you can come up with on your own.

When you go to Him, He will change you.

He will change your desires into wanting what He wants.

Continually go to Him.

On a daily basis.

Every time you find yourself in a less than stellar situation, go to Him.

Go to Him and drop it at His feet.

He will give you peace.

Perfect peace and rest.

Photos by Allef Vinicius, Kent Pilcher, Matthew T Rader, and Daria Nepriakhina on Unsplash

Letter from God

Published on September 22, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. you lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. Psalm 31:19

A few days ago, God impressed upon me to encourage my friends at school. I believe God wants to remind all of us who we are when placing our lives into His hands…when we become a child of the King as we place our trust in Him and Him alone.

I see you.

I see you when nobody else does.

I see your many joys and also your tears shed in secret.

I see the many long hours you continue to work.

I see your heart.

I know you want to do your very best for Me.

That brings joy to My heart.

Know that I see all that you do.

I need to remind you of something: you are enough.

What you are is enough.

You are my precious son, my precious daughter.

You have nothing to prove to me.

I love you for who you are.

What do I want from you?

All I need from you is your heart.

Give me your heart and release everything else into My hands.

My capable hands.

Give me your lesson plans.

Give me your seating chart.

Give me your curriculum you struggle to plan.

Give me that one child.

You know who I’m talking about.

Give me office toner issues.

Give me all of your security concerns.

Give me your teeny tiny breaks.

Give me all of it.

Everything.

Surrender it and do not ask for any of it back.

I will faithfully help you every step of the way.

All the way to May and beyond.

You are enough.

Take a step back and survey your life.

I have been with you, I am with you and I always will be with you.

Always.

Know that I love you and am immensely proud of who you are.

Love, God ❤

Fill in the concerns with your personal struggles. Write them all down. Everyone. Then pray and give them all to Him. Every single one. Tear up the list and refuse to worry anymore. Pray that He replace your worries with peace. Remind yourself that “God’s got this” every time that worry begins to creep back, threatening to steal your peace. Then keep your faith close, looking forward to God’s perfect solutions.

Photos by Jeff Kepler & Ksenia Makagonova on Unsplash

Clothed in His Love

Published on August 4, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. John 15:9

Abide in God’s perfect love for you.

Reside.

Stay for a long, long time.

Rest.

When you are abiding in God and His love, there is no room for fear.

When you focus on His love, anxiety walks away and worry leaves.

Why?

Because you feel secure.

Loved.

Complete.

1 John 4:18 says There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.

God’s perfect love casts out all fear.

When you abide in God’s love, there is no fear.

How do you abide?

Replace ungodly thoughts with God’s truth.

Use Scripture or words which have spoken to your heart.

Rest in God’s love.

Breathe.

And always abide.

Purpose your mind on it.

Focus your heart on it.

And stay.

Stay for a long, long time.

Abide.

It’s OK to be Sad

Published on February 10, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Luke 7:13

Really?

Yep, it’s ok.

Sadness is an emotion.

Just like happiness or anger or irritation.

Jesus was sad.

He was grieved for his people.

Do you think He was filled with joy in the Garden of Gethsemane before He was betrayed?

Not at all.

His spirit was greatly troubled (Matthew 26:37).

Sadness, deep sorrow is a real emotion.

God made us and created all of our emotions.

They are for a purpose.

A reason.

When your life crumbles, you need to grieve.

Your heart needs to heal, and that takes time.

How much time depends upon you and your needs.

Major life upheavals require a season of grief.

A winter of sorts where you rest.

If you choose to rest in the arms of Jesus, your recovery may be shorter.

A person can also become a bit sad for little reasons.

You might have an expected bill.

Your child doesn’t give you a hug before bed.

Gasp, your children ate the last of your favorite ice cream.

These are moments.

They pass almost as quickly as they come.

Dwelling on these little moments of sadness never really enters your mind.

The bigger moments, however, dig into your core and sadness can easily overtake you.

It can become your focus when a loved one dies, during a divorce, a job that evaporates, or an intense godly desire that never seems to materialize.

It’s in those moments that you have a choice to make…

Dwell on sorrow or experience the real emotion for a time, and purpose to move on.

You must grieve.

It’s an honest emotion.

It’s healthy.

But only for a season.

Don’t allow your mind to become stuck.

Resist the temptation to keep hitting the replay button for months and years.

You will take away years and the grief will become an idol.

Your identity will be wrapped up in grief.

Allow yourself a season of rest.

Of sadness.

Grieve.

Please.

But during that time, place your burdens and sorrow into the arms of Jesus.

He will fill your void, dry your tears, and give you little bursts of hope.

And when your season is over, a new day will dawn and your joy will return.

Just ask Him to help.

And I promise He will.

Photo by Noah Silliman on Unsplash

Choose Life

Published on November 18, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Live like you mean it.

Like it matters.

Every task God asks us to do is ordained by Him.

Is washing the dishes holy?

Yes, if you wash them for Him.

How bout taking your daughter to volleyball practice or fixing the hole in your son’s school pants?

Yes.

What about driving a truck or teaching children?

When God gives you responsibilities, you can either do them half-heartedly because you have to…

Or you can joyfully tackle them, knowing they are a precious offering to God.

Make those mundane tasks a sweet smelling sacrifice to God.

Change your attitude to joy.

Purpose to choose life.

You’ll be surprised how fun these tasks suddenly become.

Not all the time, of course, because we’re human.

We forget.

Daily tasks overwhelm us and we are suddenly annoyed our children are involved in any extracurricular activities whatsoever.

Pause and ask God to order your day.

Ask Him to involve your family in what He wants you to be involved in.

Once you have peace in your heart with the duties on your plate, offer that service as an offering to God.

Holiness.

Surrender.

Your heart will be peaceful and your soul will be at rest.

God will work through you and bless your family.

If you choose irritation instead, your spirit will be troubled and that will spill into the other people in your life.

Choose life.

Not only will God will be pleased, but your spirit will be at rest, and your home will be full of peace and joy.

A beacon to the weary, even if that weary soul is you.

My Shepherd Protects Me

Published on August 12, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.

Because I have trusted,

Because I have trusted my Shepherd, who has led me onto paths of righteousness,

And who has led me to peaceful places of plenty and rest,

Because I have wanted nothing else,

I can rest in the knowledge of His protection when I am suddenly surrounded by hills and death.

When I cannot see the next step, I will fear no evil.

Why?

Because my gentle all-knowing Shepherd is right by my side.

He never leaves my side.

Through the sunny skies and days of dark, He is always there, guiding my every step.

Your rod and staff, they comfort me.

He gently prods me to keep moving, even if I am frozen with fear.

If I am about to stumble off the path, He catches me and gently brings me back to His side.

Because He has proven Himself faithful over and over,

Because He has provided for my every need and I want nothing,

I can trust Him in the valley of the shadow of death.

The valley won’t last forever; however, when in the midst, it seems like it.

He will lead you out.

Keep trusting Him.

He is faithful.

My Shepherd’s Care of Me

Published on July 29, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea5 Comments

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Psalm 23:2

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

My Shepherd, who guides me, tells me what to do.

I must listen and obey.

And look where He guides me?

To relax in a sweet safe spot, where there is plenty.

Notice He’s not telling you to lie down in a smelly dump.

He’s instructing you to relax in a peaceful paradise.

Some of us don’t like to be told what to do.

Especially by an authority figure.

But if we trust God, our Shepherd who is leading us, we must listen.

We must listen and submit to Him, because He is God.

He knows the beginning from the end.

He loves us so much and wants to lead us into everlasting life.

So obey, we must.

He leads me beside still waters.

Allow Him to lead you.

Remember, when He is your Shepherd, you do not want.

You do not want anything else, because He has provided for you.

He brings you to green pastures and still water.

Peace and calm.

Will it always be like this on our journey in this life?

No, not even close.

But before we get to a valley, He fills us up with strength for the journey.

He prepares us, because He knows all things.

God began filling me up years before my divorce.

My desire for devotions and prayer became a flame that sustained me during the valley.

When God is leading you beside green pastures and still water, simply enjoy.

He might be filling you up for a valley or to minister to someone else.

Or maybe it’s just time for a rest.

Enjoy, my friend.

Photos by Daniel Seßler & Martin Sanchez on Unsplash

Clothed With Him

Published on April 1, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23