Restoring Hearts Blog

“Our rest lies in looking to the Lord, not to ourselves.” Watchman Nee I’m a crammer. I’ve been known to cram large boxes of Tupperware into my then 1974 Datsun B-210, breaking the rear-view mirror. I enjoy the challenge of cramming groceries in the refrigerator. Cramming too much into my schedule though can have negative results. I became tired and without emotion or motivation after a busy Fall schedule of travel and additional holiday responsibilities. Those symptoms signa

“Burnout victims give and give and give, until finally there was nothing left to give any more.” Christina Maslach I struggled with emotional burnout years ago. It was one of the scariest and most devastating seasons in my life. I was tired all the time and had no motivation. Apathy and hopelessness ran high. I lacked energy, bitterness and cynicism replaced compassion for others, I withdrew and isolated myself as a form of protection, and resented those who needed me. When a

“Worry implies that we don’t quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough or loving enough to take care of what’s happening in our lives.” Francis Chan Years ago, a friend spoke I Corinthians 2:9 over me. “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived – the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” Prepared means to “make ready beforehand for some purpose, use or activity.” This reminds me of the preparations I make prior to h

“If I will simply come to Jesus, my real life will be brought into harmony with my real desires.” Oswald Chambers One of the most comforting passages in Scripture is Matthew 11:28-30. “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” My heart is encouraged by these three verses. The pace of a

“To do so no more is the truest repentance.” Martin Luther I’m amazed at how songs, smells, Scripture, and even food can cause me to return to a specific memory. Recently I meditated on Isaiah 30:15: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” Reflection on that verse took me back to the first time this Scripture gave me encouragement. My daughter Lindsay was hospitalized at sixteen months to see why she wasn’t gaining weight. I strugg

“You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you.” St. Augustine of Hippo With the holidays right around the corner, our hearts may start singing, “Tis the season to be anxious, Fa-la-la-la-la.” I become stressed when the calendar fills up with too many commitments and I plummet into despair when I can’t fulfill my responsibilities. Some time last summer, my anxiety level climbed to the top of my meter. I can’t even remember what I

“I cannot be the man I should be without times of quietness. Stillness is an essential part of growing deeper.” Charles R. Swindoll My family and I went on a short-term mission trip to Kenya, the summer of 1992. While there we learned a phrase in Swahili: “Haraka Haraka Haina Baraka.” This proverb’s translation is: “Hurry, hurry, has no blessings.” I have found this to be true when I rush around or fill up my calendar with a jam-packed schedule. Living under a performance min

“I cannot be the man I should be without times of quietness. Stillness is an essential part of growing deeper.” Charles R. Swindoll The other day I told God, “I’ve missed You!” It’s not that I haven’t been in the Word or prayer, but due to either busyness or rain, I have not sat still before the Lord on our deck, waiting to hear His voice. My soul is replenished when I take time to be still with God outside, listening to the leaves rustle, birds chirp and the melodic sounds o

“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The other day I was tempted to become anxious as I reviewed all I needed to do. I wondered how I would not only have the time to complete it but the energy as well. It was then the Lord spoke the following words to my heart. Rest in Me Norma, rest in Me. For I have everything you need for every assignment I’ve called you to. I have equipped you or will equip you with My to

“It is not our trust that keeps us, but the God in whom we trust who keeps us.” Oswald Chambers How do you handle fear? Do you run away or run to the pantry? Do you immerse yourself in a hobby or sweat if off through exercise? Or do you put your trust in God like King David did? Even though David was being chased by King Saul and was seized by his enemies, the Philistines, David still placed his trust in God. “When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise

“God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.” Jim Elliot One of my favorite TV shows growing up was “Father Knows Best.” The story line was centered around a father named Jim Anderson and his family. Whenever his children needed advice on anything at all, they could always turn to their father, because father knows best. Periodically, when my kids were young, they would ask for things that may not have been beneficial, such as having cookies right before