REST - what is it and how to do it

As many of you already know, among the reasons I came to Denver was to REST and HEAL, and listen for the Lord's voice in what my next assignment or phase is to be in this ongoing journey.  This has been an ongoing discussion between Doyle and myself, as we both struggle to learn what rest means.
What I'm going to share here is not a complete treatise on rest but is a work in process.  I'm not making going to give you conclusions or a fix it plan, just some random thoughts, observations and some quotes. I pray that you will be blessed as you read and that the Lord will bless you with what He wants to say to you in your area of rest.
Consider Matthew 11:28-30 from The Message, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (italics are mine something to think about).
Jesus tells us, "I'll show you how to take a real rest."  The question that I have struggled with is, How? String's Concordance defines the word from the Greek as 1)to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labour in order to recover and collect his strength; 2) to give rest, refresh, to give one's self rest, take rest; 3) to keep quiet, of calm and patient expectation.  For me, number 1 and 3 seem to be where I am struggling.
Along the same lines, Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still..." means to be quiet, to sink, to relax, or to let go.  Oh, no, I can't let go!  What if...?
Can it be that God will cause me to rest or allows me to do so on my own?
Here I'm reminded of the verse in Mark 6:31, in the KJV, Jesus speaking, it reads, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while...."  Some, myself included, use this verse to tell people to Come a part before you come a part.  But such a refreshing thought, Jesus invites us to come and be with Him in a quite place and rest.
 Robert Morris, pastor and teacher, said this, "If you have an attitude of stress and worry rather than rest, it's because you don't trust God's character, power and love."
I wrote to Tom Wymore for his insights. I've known Tom for many years, we served together in the Foursquare Gospel denomination and I trust his walk with the Lord. He put it this way, "Rest to me, as I am thinking of it in my post, is an internal thing that grows as we learn to live love (think about that statement), listening and trusting in Abba's love. For me, I know I am living in that place of rest when my heart/inner being is still and peaceful.  When that peace and/or stillness goes away, it's a sure sign to me that I am back to striving.  Unfortunately, many believers find that their inner noise is so high that they can't tell when they are striving other than by the frantic pace of their life and the anxiety that produces. But Papa has been kind enough to teach me how to live with inner stillness (it's wonderfully quiet in my mind and heart now), and that has become my meter for letting me know whether or not I am resting in God's love, etc. Obviously, actual physical rest and solitude, etc., are part of this as well, but I am talking mostly about an inward state of the heart and mind."
Psalm 37:7, KJV,says, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not..."
Philippians 4: 6 NIV, "Do not be anxious about anything,..."
Mark Charles, Navajo pastor, instructor at Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, wrote in his blog, wirelesshogan, this observation on Psalm 46:10, "Be still..." "...How possible is this in our modern technological world? What does it mean to be still before God? I used to think I understood this but after living for 3 years on the Navajo reservation in a traditional hogan with no electricity or running water, (dirt floor, cooked on a wood stove that was also the only heat source, out house not very close to hogan) no television, no hot showers or washing machines, no microwaves or refrigerators, no public transportation or paved roads leading up to my house, I found there is a level of stillness that I never knew existed.....until we moved to our hogan that is located on a dirt road, six miles off the nearest paved road. The dirt road is pure clay and when it gets wet from rain or snow it is practically impassable. In fact, I have gotten stuck on this road numerous times as I traveled home in the rain. Once I was able to walk home, but another time my family and I had to spend the night in the car. So I  have quickly learned that when it rains we do not go out.
"When it rains at our hogan we literally cannot go anywhere, so we sit. We read books, we pray, we spend time as a family. We are still and in that stillness we remember God. When it rains at our hogan we can hear God inviting us, saying, 'Stay her. Don't go anywhere. Be still and know that I am God.' But if our road were paved we probably would not hear God's voice in this way, for the weather would have very little impact on our lives. Even during the rain and snow we could still get in our truck and do what we needed. We could go where we wanted and do as we pleased. We would feel safe and secure thinking God was with us, because look, He has blessed us, the road is paved....We can go about our business....We would never realize that with the pitter patter of the falling rain God was faintly whispering, 'Wait, don't go! Be still and know that I am God.'"
So what have I learned so far in this journey? I am to stop striving, pushing, trying to make things happen, instead, I will be still and trust in the character of God, His love, plans, mercy, provision, grace, and more.  I can say with Paul, not that I have already attained to this, but I will continue to look for His hand and listen for His still small voice saying to me, this is the way, walk in it.

Any where there are italics, they are mine to insert or draw attention to something I found interesting.
 The owners of this particular hogan have offered to rent it to me. Don't think I haven't considered it.

Thank you for sharing my journey with me. I hope the Lord blesses you as you read my thoughts on this journey.  Keep looking into His Word for your guidance and instructions.

Troy
Another thought: In our attempts in the flesh to rest we always seem to have an element of doing something in order to rest.

US IN CONTROL vs GOD IN CONTROL

To say that life is interesting, albeit out of our control could be an understatement.  We have no idea of what we're doing (could be much of the time). Sometimes we feel like we are just hanging on, like a kid out of control and completely inept. We feel like there's no holes in our bowling ball. It feels big and clumsy and awkward and we can't get a grip on it.  We can't control what is happening.
God doesn't come with handles. He doesn't want to be controlled and thrown down the bowling alley everytime for a perfect strike.  Life's not like that and neither is God. We will never totally understand God.  And He will never spoon feed us with all the answers about life. Somethings we just have to figure out for ourselves, others, He will show you in due time. In His way and His time.
When we try to control our lives, even trying to control the ministry He's given us, the stress level jumps at us, screaming!
I am learning how to give over control of my life.  It is challenging but I also know that when I give the Lord control over my life and circumstances, I can rest that He will take care of me and the circumstances.

THE ORDINARY LIFE

I have thought about my life, this journey my Lord has me on. thought about it more of late.  While my life may not seem great to others, to me it has been one of steady progression, never dull, sometimes exciting, doing with out, tired, lonely, happy, fulfilled, but always learning.  My course altered a number of times through the years but never truly deviated from the plan God had for me.
I'm reminded of the verse in Acts 4:13, "...they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."  Did you notice the words, 'ordinary men' 'that had been with Jesus".  Love that picture. 
Real living is made up of ordinary moments all strung together like the notes on a sheet of music.  And in the end of life all those ordinary moments will make one eternal symphony of praise in heaven.
I talked with a Navy fighter pilot ( I tried to be one) and he was describing what it was like flying into the battle zone. Hours of sheer boredom flying in, then suddenly, 90 seconds of sheer terror.  Sometimes life is like that, we live our 'ordinary lives' then something happens that causes us to start going to pieces. That's those times we cry out to God to hold our hands and get me through this storm.  And He does.
Might it be said of us, They are ordinary people who have been with Jesus.
I sincerely covet your prayers during this time of seeking the Lord for His direction in my life.

With you in His service,
Troy

WOW! I'VE BEEN HERE A YEAR...and other similar profound observations

Yep, a whole year of experiences and changes.  I started out being the cook here at Sox Place, interacting with the young people, attempted some GED help, and I'll cover the rest toward the end of this writing.

We recently had someone (probably 3) come into Sox Place at night, through the garage door, and take a big screen TV, one computer (not the newest), x-box and controls. While it was a feeling of violation, I am thankful for one thing...they did not come upstairs where I was sleeping.  It was only stuff that they took and that can be replaced.

Those of you who understand something of the spiritual battle that is faced here every day, think about this - within the distance of one city block of Sox Place, there is one large Buddhist temple, two legal marijuana stores, three former brothels (one is Sox Place), and nine bars.  Sox Place is at the gates of hell and making a difference in young street connected lives.  The spiritual battle here is 24/7 and is engaged in on a continual basis. Our weapons? prayer, ours and yours. Our weapons are not carnal (earthly) but are spiritual to tear down strongholds.

Sox Place is having a Fund Raiser on November. This is sponsored, organized and directed by corporate friends. If you are in the Denver area, look up on the website to get more information - http://www.soxplace.com/. And pray for this event.

On a more personal note...this journey that my Lord has me on, continues. What has the Lord in mind for me in the future?  I don't know but I got off track in seeking that plan and am now back on track, at least as much as I can see it. When my brother Doyle and I began talking about me coming here to serve, we both (and one other person, without talking to me or Doyle) understood that Sox Place was only a place to come and rest, be healed and seek God's face for the next season of my life. Also, I have been able to spend time with my daughter, Chelley, my son and daughter in law - Brian and Sarah and my grandson Gage. And now wait for my next grandchild!
I lost my focus over the last several months.  Along in June and July I had occasional thoughts that I could do this ministry from now on...that is I could stay here at Sox Place and cook and serve and be content.  But those thoughts did not feel right.  Then, along about the middle of September, Doyle and I talked and he was having STRONG impressions from the Lord that Sox Place was becoming a distraction for me from hearing from the Lord.  Remember what I wrote just a few sentences ago?  I was to rest, be healed, the last 10 years have been very stressful, even before Jeanne's battle with cancer and her death. I understand healing a little bit, but rest, now that is another thing. Do any of us really know what it means to rest in the Lord? Having been raised that to not be working was being lazy, therefore, to cease doing was wrong. Rest...I can get good night sleep, take a nap, read a good book, but after a few days that gets old.  So what is rest?

I'm beginning to get a handle on what rest is, still trying to put into practice. Strong's defines rest this way:
1) to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labour in order to recover and collect his strength; 2) to give rest, refresh, to give one's self rest, take rest; 3) to keep quiet, of calm and patent expectation.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still" means to be quiet, to sink, to relax, or to let go.
Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30(The Message), "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

I wasn't fired! I wasn't layed off! I lost my focus and my Lord used my brother Doyle to speak to me about it.  He and I both want/need each other in our lives.  I'm still living at Sox Place for as long as I need to.

Pray with me as I listen for the Spirit's guidance.

Troy

NOW I KNOW WHAT I FORGOT!!!

Our web site is up and running. It is a nice and well done site and it was done by a clvr.tv and looks good.
http://www.soxplace.com/
Check out stories by and about some of the ones who have come through Sox Place. View bios of the staff here at Sox Place, including a short one on me, Food Service Coordinator.  There are photos, history and much more.
Come check it out.

IT'S JUST SAME OLD SAME OLD........NOT!!!!

How can it be same old same old when lives are touched for Jesus?  Yes, we do the same old thing day in and day out, however, lives are being touched and changed here at Sox Place.  Consistancy is very important in loving and ministering to these young people. We fix a creative hot meal, and I tell them, "You won't find this in any restaurant."  We don't serve them the meal, they are free to get as much as they want and whatever they want from the table and refrigerator, just like at home.  They watch movies, check out their facebook accounts or surf the web. Some are sleeping, probably because they weren't able to get any sleep last night. Some play pool, talk, sit around, hang out outside. Some bring their pets in, dogs mostly, some cats, mice, and two snakes (shiver,shiver). One girl had her snake down her blouse while she lay down.  To each their own.

I have heard many times, "Thank you for the food. I'm so hungry".  Once in awhile we get someone coming in who got here after the food was gone. I remember one girl who almost cried because she couldn't get her in time and she was so hungry. At times like that we get a Cup o' Soup or ramen noodles so they have something.  We are running low or even out of some items. We need cans of black olives, black eyed peas, sweet peas (I need these for my Eyeball soup). We have almost no canned tomato products, ie, diced, stewed, paste,juice, etc. Pray that these items start coming in. Won't be long before we will need bags or boxes of elbow macaroni, or boxes of mac and cheese. Since we buy no food we look for and appreciate food donations so very much. That's when creativity in cooking comes in to play....

We are thankful for the donation of a Ford Windstar minivan, don't know the year, and we purchased a 2002 Dodge cargo van for $2500.  Already they have helped us out.

Keep praying for a building for Sox Place to move to.  We have a year and a  month until we have to move, but we are looking for something soon.  We are looking for and seeking God's will and His plan for Sox Place.

I recently was asked to serve on the Christian Indian Center church Board in a non-voting, advisory capacity.  I am both humbled and honored to serve this church in this way.

Remember the 5280 Club. It is a way you can help Sox Place continue to minister to the street connected youth here in Denver. It is simply a commitment on your part to partner with Sox Place by giving $52.80 a month. Your church should be your first commitment to giving, and then consider Sox Place. You can get more info by contactiug kara@soxplace.com

I know there's more I need to bring to your attention, but it will have to wait until I find my written notes.

Can you even imagine the reunion that we will have when all get to heaven?

With you in His service,
Troy

AT AGE 22,I HAD MY LIFE ALL PLANNED OUT, HOWEVER...

I was 22 and serving aboard a US Navy Ammunition ship operating off the coast of South and North Viet Nam. I am a dues paid, lifetime member of the Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club.  I had arrived at a plan for my life.  I was going to be a missionary.

I became a Radioman to learn all I could about radios and communications from remote areas. I was going to use my GI Bill to learn to fly and then offer my services to any missions organization that needed me.  That didn't work out.

I was a Construction Superintendent on some commercial office buildings in Houston in 1973.  I and the architect on our buildings were going to start taking our vacations and pay our way to some mission outpost and offer our services to design and build houses and churches at no cost to the missionaries.  Or just go and teach their children, fix their vehicle, fix meals, baby sit, whatever was needed to free them up to do the work of a missionary.  That didn't work out.

I was attending Calvary Chapel Albuquerque and was putting together a group to smuggle Bibles into China.  Then we were going to travel to the Philippines for two weeks to work with some native leaders in the interior.  I had a passport and was applying for a visa.  That didn't work out.

I started a church in Albuquerque, Hope Chapel Albuquerque, and helped others go on the mission field and go on short term missions trips.  But not me.

But the Lord showed me something recently, I am a missionary.  I am working in a mission field that is almost cross-cultural, a different language, and different customs than I am use to.  I fix meals and help out where ever needed.  My brother Doyle has been a missionary in this culture for over 12 years.  He is supported by believers giving. 

I am fulfilling my plans, though they are different from what I had thought they would be.  I know it to be true, the Lord has plans for each of us.
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Sox Place has started a monthly Enewsletter.  In it we talk about current events, upcoming events, articles about staff, and stories about the young people who come to us.   If you would like to receive this Eletter, email kara .@soxplace.com
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In about two weeks we are to have our new website up and running. Keep checking back for updates.
We were going to purchase a 2002 van for SoxPlace use but the owner back out at last minute.
An update on our looking at a new location.  The building I wrote you about has received an offer to purchase.  It is not a done deal and we are still praying for that building.  Thank you for praying with us.
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Have you ever seen a homeless person on the street asking for a hand out, but you didn't have any change or didn't feel comfortable giving them money?  Consider this: use a ziplock bag, fill it with small food items like you would put in a child's lunch box (does that still happen).  Things like small boxes of raisins, small juice boxes, cereal bars, any thing edible that is non-perishable and will fit in the bag. No fruit or any thing that needs special care. You can put some in your car and hand them out at the intersections.  You can carry a few bags for days in you car.  Most homeless are not sure when their next  meal will be.
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Remember the 5280x club.  More coming out soon. You can start this anytime. It is your commitment to give $52.80 a month for one year to Sox Place to help us further the ministry God has given us.
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Proverbs 14:31 "...whoever is kind to the needy honors God."

I leave you with a Christian Navajo blessing: May you walk in the beauty of the Lord.  Beauty before you, beauty around you, beauty above you.  Walk in the beauty of the Lord.

Love ya'll
Troy