Hey Friends –

Anybody weary??  Or feeling dangerously close to empty today??

You may remember, last week I reached the “stick a fork in me, I’m done” stage. After weeks of frustration, exhaustion and just everyday life stuff, I reached empty.

Big time.

I’m so thankful that Jesus offers rest for our weary souls, and that we don’t have to pretend we have it all together when we don’t.

Christ offers a better way. 🙂

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]  – Matthew 11:28 AMP

I don’t know about you, but I want to accept Christ’s offer to ease, relieve and refresh my soul. Yes, please!!

Here’s what I’ve learned to do when my “low fuel” light is warning me to pull over and fill up!!

1. STOP

Pull over for a pit stop! Pay attention to the symptoms (weariness, short temperedness, craving coffee, etc…) and just stop.

2. Spend time with Jesus

We know it’s the right thing to do, right??…But how do we carve out time with Jesus in the midst of our everyday, full lives??

• For me, sometimes when John has come home, I’ve literally run out the door with my Bible and made a beeline for the local bookstore.
• Or sometimes I break my “screen-free summer” rule and let the kids watch a 2 hour “America’s Got Talent” while I immerse myself in God’s Word. (Just being honest, here….sorry. :))
• Last week I took my kids to “open gym” so I could check them in to read my Bible.
• One summer (when I had 3 kids in diapers) I set my stove timer to beep every hour. Everytime my stove beeped, I’d beg God for strength and grace for the day. Desperate times call for desperate measures – but it worked! 🙂

To fill back up, we must spend time with Jesus in prayer, and digging into the Word….and yes, sometimes it takes creativity! 🙂

3. Examine Our Schedule/Priorities/To-Do List

Typcially when I hit empty, I’ve allowed my schedule (and my email inbox) to control me, rather than for me to take control of my schedule and responsibilities.

I now ask myself questions such as…

• Am I using my new favorite word “or”, or have I overextended myself?
• Are my priorities in order??
• Does something need to go from my schedule??
• Is it time for the computer to be powered off?

4. Allow God to fill me back up (& stay in His care until He’s done so!)

Of course, everyone is different. Personally, I fill up by being alone with God, renewing my mind with Truth, and some good 1:1 with time with loved ones, where I can just “be” and not have to “do, do, do”.

Oh, and a quick trip to Starbucks with a close friend is always helpful too – just kidding (kind of!)

5. Pay attention to Self Care

Am I eating well? Resting? Drinking water? Getting exercise?? Playing?

I am learning that self care is crucial (and not selfish), but critical to living as the rest-full, joy-filled woman God has created me to be.

So how about for you??

How do you fill up when you are starting to feel empty? Weary? Discouraged from life’s demands?? I’d love to hear from you (please!).

May we learn from one another and have tips & techniques ready for when our “tank” starts heading towards “low fuel”!

Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! God’s richest, fullest blessings to you!

P.S. If you have a moment, allow this Kari Jobe song to minister to you!

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