FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP

Mark 6:31-32 "Then Jesus said, 'Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.'"

The season of Advent is here and before we know it, we will be celebrating Jesus' birth. My last article focused on the second week of Advent and preparation. I asked people to move the focus off ourselves during Advent and focus on what Jesus would want us to do, help others.

Well, here's my second request for Advent. Now that you have thought of ways to focus on others during Advent, I want you to add back in self-care. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of others. If you are not at your best, you cannot provide your best to others. Re-read the above Bible verse. Even Jesus took time to find a quiet place to rejuvenate. This verse is from when Jesus was on the boat with his disciples and there were so many people around, they did not have time to even eat. Even God took time to rest on the seventh day.

God is all for self-care. He not only wants us to eat right, exercise, get enough sleep; God wants us to take care of our spiritual needs. So, this Advent season make sure you set aside time each day to sit in the quiet, read the Bible, pray, and listen to God speak. By doing this you will not only grow stronger spiritually, but you will become closer to God. When we have that strong connection with God and truly take time to read His word, pray and listen, we can truly accomplish all He asks us to do.

Blessings,

Heather Stone