The Battle for Rest

As I reflect on this past year, I've come to realize that many of my struggles come from exhaustion and feeling overwhelmed. I've found that even after a solid ten hours of sleep, I can wake up feeling more tired than before. It's easy to think of 'resting' as sleeping, watching a movie, or reading a book doing something that takes your mind off of your present circumstances. But this is not rest, this is distraction and distracting yourself doesn't help you process.

When I came home for the Holidays this year, I came with the intention to be deliberate in my rest. I wasn't going to exhaust myself trying to catch up with everyone like I did last year. Last week, I had the chance to go to a friend's cabin for a few days. I left my computer, grabbed my Bible and journal, and together with my dog headed north.

The silence was intimidating at first and I jumped every time the heater made a noise or snow fell from the pine trees outside my window. I had just started to settle in when I received a call telling me that I was missing some important details from my visa application. It sounds dramatic, but I could feel the enemy battling to steal my rest. I struggle with anxiety already, so he chose his weapon well.

I'd like to say I turned to God instantly and that I trusted Him without question, but He stayed with me through the process. The silence was healing and I came home feeling encouraged and renewed. I'll blog later about some of the things he spoke to me about.

Christmas Tree Shopping

When I was growing up, it was a big deal to go pick out a Christmas tree. The whole family would stuff into the car, bickering and arguing the whole way. It was fun! It was family.

This year, most of my siblings didn't even want to go get a tree. It ended up being just the three of us my dad, my brother Derek, and myself. We still had fun, but it wasn't quite the same.

A Food Blog

Whenever you run into Americans living overseas, the one topic that always comes up in conversation is food. Food, food, and more food. Mexican food, Italian food, American Chinese food, Mexican food, fast food, Mexican food, etc, etc, etc. Did I mention Mexican food?

So here's a sampling of some of the yummy food I've eaten since I've been home, including some of my mom's delicious home cooked meals.

Dad Date

Some of my favorite memories as a child are the Saturdays when my Dad would take me on a 'special time'. We would wake up early, run errands, visit pawn shops, shop at yard sales, and go to breakfast or lunch somewhere special.

My Dad

It's still a tradition that whenever one of us kids comes home, we get to go on a date with Dad on a Saturday morning. I appreciate and value how he's always made time for us kids individually. I treasure that and will make sure I do the same for my own children some day.

Gathering in Texas

Last week, I traveled down to Texas for a conference. I've never traveled much in the States. Europe, Africa, some parts of Asia, but not my own home country. Just for the experience it would have been fun.

But the best part of this trip was connecting with old and new friends. I had such a good time hearing people's stories, laughing, and eating way too much Mexican food.

What an amazing Christmas present!

a girl's best friend

Rueben James Deniston

Sports?

Attending my brothers sports events, while not on my list of top favorite activities is something that is so apart of my family life that I miss it when I'm away from home.

I've happened to come home this time during wrestling season which involves going to hot, smelly school gyms and sitting in the bleachers for hours waiting for the kid you know to wrestle for 5 maybe 10 minutes. Definitely not my cup of tea, but I did enjoy watching my little brother Zach at one of his tournaments.

Unfortunately, Zach lost, but he seemed to have fun doing it even if he pouted a little afterwards.


[Mom comforting Zach]