Let us labor to enter into His rest

I believe that God created the world on which we live and it is a BEAUTIFUL place.  But I've never really pondered much about HOW he did it.  Maybe I've been influenced too much by the stories of the Greek and Roman Gods, but I've always kind of pictured God resting on a lounge chair and just casually waving his hands and commanding the elements and "voila" the earth was created.  (I told you I've never really thought about it!)  

But this morning as I was reading Hebrews 4 it suddenly dawned on me that creating the world must have been A LOT of work.  After all, when God was finished He needed to "rest".  That doesn't sound like He was just casually waving a hand or two.  It sounds like he worked  for 6 LONG days and didn't stop until everything was finished and pronounced "good".  

I believe that He wants me to do the same.  My time here on earth is in reality VERY short (only 2 1/2 hours in God's time!).  I need to work diligently and tirelessly until my mission is finished and "pronounced good".  And to remind me of His infinite mercy He allows me to follow his pattern:  I work six LONG days and then rest - not "lounging" on the couch" but spending the seventh day totally focused on Him; renewing my spirit and strengthening my soul.

As Paul reminds us..."Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest..." Heb 4:11. 

Be Still My Soul

When I go to the mountains, I love to sit and ponder under the pine trees and listen as the wind whispers through the needles. It is peaceful and calming to my soul. Modern life doesn’t allow us many moments of quiet reflection. It takes conscious effort and determination to slow down and allow the Spirit to whisper to us.
I am learning that the more I choose to take those moments of quiet reflection the better my life becomes. I do not always have the opportunity to sit under the pines, but I can find time each day to be still. When I take that time every day, Heavenly Father is able to guide me and direct me on His path. He is able to show me the things I need to change to become the best I can be. He shows me the things I can do to lighten the burden of others. He fills me with His love until it overflows to all those around me.
I believe that every individual on this earth has a mission that is unique to them. We are not placed on this earth by accident. We are here at this time and this place for a specific purpose that only we can accomplish. To discover that mission I must take the time for quiet reflection. I must learn to “be still” and listen. It seems like such a simple thing, yet it isn’t always easy to do.
God has great things in store for me and I know he has great things in store for you. And it all starts with learning to “be still.”

What does that "a" mean?

This is for Jackie and a few others who asked...

"To muse" means to think, ponder or meditate. When you place an "a" before a word it makes it negative or the opposite of the original meaning.

"A"muse therefore means "to not think, to not ponder, to not meditate"

I chose this title on purpose to emphasize that I am choosing to think. I am choosing to ponder and meditate and gain my own opinions.

I think it is interesting to note (and think about :) the fact that most of our society is focused solely on being "amused." We as a culture spend millions every year on entertainment. We purposefully spend our freetime trying NOT to think. Is it any wonder we are in the state we're in?