Part 2 | The Joy of James

Well, I have just turned the page in my Bible to begin the second chapter in the book of JAMES. (Oh, the JOY of JAMES was calling me as I was lying in bed, waiting for the clock to say “time to get up” so I could get INto the truths that I know are in there. Can you say, “extra-early-EAGER-BEAVER”??!! LOL!) 

And, yup, God didn’t let me down as I soon found some of my favorite concepts popping off the page and right into my heart. And the key pieces were some sayings I am sure you have heard ME saying before.

Like, does the phrase “Practical Prayers” sound familiar at all?

Oh yes, I believe we chatted about that back when we chatted about “THE BLESSING TRAIN.” (Ringing any bells in anybody’s brain?) 😉 But I read more verses that reinforce “The Practical Prayers” concept, and maybe after reading James Chapter 2 — yup, take a break and GO AND DO IT TOO! 🙂 — you may see just where I am going with this.

Or maybe not. 🙂

Because for me, there was a new layer of truth shown today. (How does GOD always seem to do that too? LOL) 😉

Yes, the first and very easy and obvious layer of “Practical Prayers” was noted in verses 14-17, where James was busy chatting about the idea of FAITH. And how, no doubt about it, FAITH is super important, BUT seems it doesn’t stop there. Nope, there is another level to these verses beyond stepping OUT and OFF and DOING some DEEDS that we can SEE with our eyes (and ears … and souls). 🙂 And, yes, “praying for people” through tangible practical measures IS something I do all the time — and truly I love it!! And love it sooooo much that, well, I can see into my past how I truly became …

“Addicted to the DO.”

“What?? YOU??”

Oh yes, it’s true.

And maybe you too??

Well, hear me through. I will never say not to DO things for GOD. (Nope, “Practical Prayers” really are one of my “biggest JAMS.”) But just like I referenced lying in bed at the beginning of this piece, that CHOICE to REST is a “Practical Prayer” too.

You see, when you are a bit of an OVERDO girl as I used to be, you RUN off the adrenaline RUSH of DOING … and doing … and doing … and DOING until? You get dizzy and spill, and  you finally get filled with the fact that all the ‘’DOING” doesn’t ever get all DONE, but the adrenaline does. (More on THIS in an upcoming video workshop — stay tuned!!)

What I really learned is how there really is an order to the “DEEDS” that get DONE for GOD. Yes, the outside-your-house DEEDS are delightful!! But only after the ones for your IN-HOME are done. And the BIG number one? Is to slow down, stop, read HIS Word, let it be heard in your heart, and start to make space in your schedule for HIS GIFT of REST.

Oh yes, in this already-getting-busy holiday season of our busy lives (which, by the way, EVERY SEASON is as “BUSY” as you allow it to be, believe me — been through THAT), 🙂 GOD knows that resting well IS really important … and really valuable …  and really very much a part of HIS RIGHTEOUS COMMANDS … and really the only way to be able to commit and DO those “Practical Prayers” Part 2. 😉

SO, just what and how is the BEST way to REST in your very real world? And is there any way to change what is working (or not working) 🙂 for you to REST WELL? I would love to hear what you have to say…pop me a note at [email protected] to start the conversation today!

Carol 🙂

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