Keys to Rest

One sign of a more grown-up Sabrina, she seeks peace and calm when it is needed.
The other me, she rushed and always said Yes, and volunteered for all sorts of things. She did not use much discretion in weighing what was worthy and what could wait. And so she was busy, and loved being busy.

Now, at almost 29, I still can be busy, but I also can be calm. I know what makes me peaceful and so I add that to my life when times get frantic.

This weekend, I came to one of my favorite places to rest. I packed up my laundry, and some books and a basketball bracket (and highlighters) and went to stay with family that loves me. I came for a mini getaway and the plan was nothing fancy. And I stuck to that plan. And it has felt just perfect!

If I don't take these times, to rest well and bask in the stability of love. Well then, I get tired and it is harder to see the sunny side of life. It gets more difficult to remember what really matters.

Now I know who and what demand things from me and drain me. And it is powerful to be able to tell life, that I have the key to the other side. Life throws me trials at work and I know now that a walk at the Botanical Gardens will clear my head. Life sends me this never-ending loop of sometimes impossible thoughts and cares and I know now I write in my personal journal, or come here to blog.
Life invites sadness and grief both for myself and family and friends and I spend time in prayer and release. Life always requires something of me, whether my gauge is full or empty. And I get it now, that I need to monitor myself. And then act. And this weekend of rest has me ready to start a new week.

*I am going to be leading the Bible study group at my school for these last 9 weeks. As we all learn about the Fruit of the Spirit and practical applications to our calling as educators, may I also see these traits flourish in my spiritual and personal life*

Spring Resolutions

Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/r/roberthsc393754.html#5Uytg3GksZ6fCoi6.99

Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.
Robert H. Schuller

Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/r/roberthsc393754.html#5Uytg3GksZ6fCoi6.99

Spring is almost here. March 20th is the first official day! My Spring Break in Florida was definite Spring weather, and then I had to drive back to rainy, gloomy Athens. But Spring is coming here too. It just needs a little more coaxing!

2014 has been a speedy year, because we are already half of the way into March. This time of year always gets me thinking. I will welcome 29 in a little over a month. And I believe in celebrating my whole birth month. Why? Because you are only as young as you feel. Because I think birthdays are special and should be memorable. And because I love myself and spending time with those who love me too!

For some reason, my life is pointing me to re-evaluate my goals and such, as Spring and growth enter the calendar. So here is what has been passing through the mind of Sabrina recently.

1. Health goals are at the top of my list. Winter did not exactly encourage me to exercise and eat better. Instead I was choosing comfort foods, and more rest. But I need a kick in the pants to get back to work. So here we go. 2 months of no soda and french fries (that will take me right up to Becca's wedding). And tracking my steps as part of my new insurance should be an encouragement.

2. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, & self-control. Do these seem familiar to you? They are the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23. This Spring, as the world wakes up and blooms in beauty, well I want to see some of these traits grow and take over my spirit and character. There are so many days, where I feel like a grown-up woman. And approaching 29 is probably a good time to feel that way;) Anyway, that woman often is confused, but she also needs to always be kind. And I figure some faithfulness, peace, and patience are exactly the kind of flowers that I need to tend in my spiritual garden. I always believe in being the very best Sabrina possible, and that means I have to grow. I don't have the luxury to stay stagnant and complacent. That will age you before your time and tire out your soul.

3. Transitions are coming. The blog has been quieter than usual, but life has not. Life has been full and asking me the constant question of what do I want for my future? These decisions that are coming, have been months in the making. And I am already feeling peace about some choices. And of course some choices leave me trembling, but this is the time for change. And as Spring changes to Summer, yours truly will be making moves. But first I need to end up these times, in this place, with the wonderful people who have made Georgia home for the last 4 years (more details to come).

I absolutely LOVE the quote from the start of this post! The spring will come. And if I pay very close attention and have more faith, it can change my life.