Below are some stories and pictures that were shared with me from those who attended a Sabbath In September House Church. If you missed out on this round we will have another House Church experience in January 2024.
Hi Jon,
The whole idea of rest and restoration and being healthy has become a very important thing for My wife Dawn and I. As we have grand kids and we both want to be as healthy as possible. About a year ago I started down this path, and I have been working on my health, eating better, taking care of my body and getting good sleep. Dawn has been doing this a lot longer than me.
Second, we've been working on our spiritual and mental health. Understanding fellowship and relationships are important and learning to prioritize better rest.
When the idea of Sabbath came up and we talked to Barbara to do the group with her sounded it sound great. At the same me, we started had started reading "Soul Care."
The main thing that hit me was, I was taking care of my mind and body, but how was I taking care of my soul? Now I see a direct connection between taking a day off for the purpose of taking care of all three facets of our being.
The group setting was great because, we could hear what others were getting out of this and it gives you a different perspective.
Doing this on my own, I may have gotten to the same conclusion, but doing it in the group and being open to share, made the process happen faster for me.
And that we are all dealing with the same challenge to stop and truly Sabbath.
Rest, restoration, FINISH WELL! Blessings,
George Hesse
John Mark Comers series on the Sabbath is just what is needed for this fast paced world we live in. In my church history the understanding of Sabbath was primarily to stop work.
Which sometimes I practiced and sometimes not. I have already reaped the benefits of this series by stopping ( for me: news, phone, TV shows, shopping, paying bills) and tuning into the Lord, by things I delight in, journaling, worship music, meals with family and friends, simplicity. The rewards of keeping a Sabbath which for me, Saturday afternoon to Sunday afternoon has brought peace and a greater awareness of Gods love and presence. A weekly reminder we are not slaves. Doing this in a small group setting I saw transparency come about immediately ( I think prayer did that). We all gained from this to follow suit. Very refreshing to experience. Humbling. Especially refreshing to hear men being transparent. In a group setting that’s needed. In a smaller setting being vulnerable sharing deep sins that hinders fellowship. Above all a safe place to share.
Barbara Christiansen
I would say, I’ve seen the Sabbath in a whole new light. Instead of viewing it as a list of things I shouldn’t do, I’ve learned about pleasure stacking and how God wants me to delight in Him and the Sabbath by doing things that bring me happiness and peace with the people I love most. What could be better? It’s a true soul rest. Learning this in a group setting confirmed that a lot of my preconceived ideas about the Sabbath are shared by others.
Melissa Kazebee
He’s been showing me how important it is to have a small community. Sunday church is for worship and learning. Community is for going deeper and being connected like a family.
Monique Taylor
By intentionally scheduling a time off sabbath I found myself growing closer God, I could feel his presence telling me to rest my weary child. I will always be here and I have your back. I felt His comforting grace and peace.
Trish Milone
Comments