I was in need of some quiet and rest, and it happened that I was approached with an invitation to go to a resort with very little out-of-pocket cost for what was worth hundreds of dollars, if I would just listen to a "short" presentation.  I agreed and off I went to the sandy beaches of South Carolina.  The resort was beautiful! It had a gym, a pool and special dining.  But when I got to the presentation, my "short" sales talk went past 2 hours as well as high pressure which caused more stress in my life! I left upset and the presenter was not pleased because I did not buy! I have now learned I need to be upfront at the beginning to let them know I am not planning to buy, but they can practice on me and I'll give them some pointers if they would like since I had been in sales in the past.  I let them know I am fun to be with especially if there is no pressure!  I tell them not to take it personal when I turn them down, it's not them but only my decision!  When I do that, we can have a good time, and no one is offended.  I have even at times prayed for them at the close and asked God to bring them the people to whom this can be a blessing. At the end of one presentation, I hugged the young man and said "Honey you did great!  If I was buying, I would buy from you! You have been a blessing to me.  And the scripture says that when you bless the widow, all the works of your hands are blessed!  You just watch and see what God does for you!"  He smiled, receiving his blessing instead of feeling rejected.

 

In this world of free trips and time-share "presentations" we are enticed especially if we are needing some R and R!  (Now if you are easily swayed and can't afford what they are offering, please do not attend one of these!)

 

Does your mind need to go on Vacation?  Does it need Rest and Relaxation?  Mine sure does!  Well, I found an all-inclusive trip that is a trip beyond all trips!  

 

Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus gives us the ultimate invitation!  "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.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls."  

 

There it is!  Refreshment and recreation for our souls!  (Our soul is our mind, will and emotions!)  "R and R" for our minds!  Oh, we need that in our busy stressful lives!  When we take care of our soul, our bodies are refreshed too!

 

So just like in the time-share presentation, there are conditions.  Let's look at this opportunity:  

 

Oh, look there is the disclaimer we need to be aware of what is in verse 30 (also from the Amplified translation).  It tells us what His yoke is so that we can continually examine what we are experiencing.  It also spells out what is our yoke or what the world around us tries to put on us: "For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good-not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne".  

Oh, we can't blame the "Management" for what is harsh, hard, sharp or pressing!  It's not Him!  He is comfortable, gracious, pleasant and good!  What He offers is useful!  His burden is light and easy to bear!  Now that's the kind of time-share He has invited us to!  We share time with Him continually!  That's how we put on His yoke!  The Ultimate R and R!  I like that.

Would you like to visit the '40s and honor our military?  February 16th is our 9th annual "He's My Valentine" ladies' luncheon for widows and singles!  You have an opportunity to dress up like the '40s if you wish, as we celebrate the Lord as our ultimate Valentine!