Taking a break - in the sunshine

We all need a break, and being outside is one thing many people agree on.
My friend Stephen Bly has more to say about going outside for a break.
Stephen Bly: When I need a break I go to the nearest golf course or driving range. There's nothing like a bit of Vit. D sunshine, clear air, and a full body swing to clear the mind and relieve any stress. Many of my writing and sermon ideas come while searching for a lost ball, cruising in the cart, or following behind a foursome that's slower than evolution, plodding like a glacier.
I can't say I'm a golfer, but I do understand the value in going outside and moving to clear the stress away. Although I tend to get my Vitamin D from a bottle.
Which brings me to my thought/question of the day. If you wanted to clear some stress outside, what would you do?
I invite you to check out Stephen's site at http://www.BlyBooks.com.

Taking a break - in the five senses

Taking a break can be done in many forms. Just reading what my friend laura O'Connell from Australia sent me made me close my eyes and see and feel it all. I opened my eyes and sighed, and it was like I was sitting there beside her, half a world away.
Laura O'Connell: I know I need a break when I’m feeling scratchy – everyone and everything seems to have taken more from me than I can give. I’m on a tight budget, so that means fancy holidays are out.
I go to my back veranda and sit in my favourite chair with my feet up on the railing and before me is a view I never grow tired of – the glorious Gold Coast of Australia.
I hear God in the sounds of the birds; the dog next door nosing his metallic bowl along the concrete; the laughter of children playing at the local school; and the cars tooting letting me know the world is alive.
I smell God in a neighbour’s cooking; the damp earthiness of my potted plants after watering; jasmine scent; and a hint of smoke from a distant fire.
I touch God in my wooden chair that was once a seedling; the fibres of my cushion that were once a plant; and my skin that was made in the image of Him.
I taste God in the velvet water I drink, cleansing my tongue that has indulged more than it should have .
Taking time with God is the perfect break for me. I’m reminded of where I’ve come from, what it is to be. This simple break refreshes me ready to be part of the chaos that is our world today. Sometimes all we need is a few minutes away from the every day.

Wow, I've had my break today. My thought/question of the day is, when you sit in your back yard, what do your own five senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste tell you?

I invite you to visit Laura's website at http://laura-oconnell.com

Taking a break - in the middle of mayhem

As I previously said, my way to take a break is to read a book, but... some of us just can't be still for long enough to get into a book.
My friend Sarah Hamaker has a unique twist on reading a good book.
Sarah Hamaker:
Juggling four young kids, a household and part-time at-home work can leave little free time in my schedule. One of the things I miss the most is relaxing with a good book. Several years ago, I discovered audio books. Now, one of the ways I find little breaks in my day is to listen to audio books on a portable CD player while cleaning the kitchen, making dinner or performing other mundane household tasks. I've "read" many books this way and have enjoyed the stimulation from hearing books while my hands are busy with other things. It has certainly made household chores not so onerous. As a bonus, the earphones help me tune out some of the normal kid noise.

You know, I got tired just reading that. But for Sarah, not only does it work, but I love her comment that the earbuds help block out some of the noise that makes her need to take the break in the first place. Go Sarah!

Which brings me to my question/thought of the day. Sometimes, even a little quiet is a bit of a break as we still continue to do our normal things. What can you do to block out some of that noise and busyness, and still keep going?

I invite you to visit Sarah's website at www.sarahhamaker.com

Taking a break - accepting limitations

One thing about taking a break is knowing when to take that break. That means, not taking the break too late to do any good.
I love what my friend Dave Longeuay has to say about that.
Dave Longeuay: My biggest challenge is not what to do when I need a break, it's how do I find the time in my busy day to take that break. Years ago I developed a practice of priorities. One of those goals was to learn my limitations and say no when asked to take on certain non essential commitments.

I was convicted by the Lord as He graciously pointed out in Genesis that even He took a rest after creating the world.
Now I have made breaks and rest one of those priorities on my daily list of important things to do. Because of that, I am more productive, less stressed an irritable. I'm still dead tired at bedtime, but my journey toward the end of the day is a better one.
After noticing great improvements in my marriage when we went out, a Friday night date night became my next big goal. At the time with two small children and very limited funds that was a challenge. Through prayer and determination we eventually had every Friday night to look forward to and now as the kids are not kids any longer, we take Saturday night out as well. What a tremendous blessing it is.

I think there is tremendous wisdom in Dave's words. Everyone needs a break, and knowing when to take one before something destructs isn't just a luxury, it's a necessity. After all, even God took a break because He knew He needed one.

My question/thought of the day is, when you know you need a break, what is something you can put aside in order to take that needed break? After all, sometimes taking a break is the biggest priority.

Visit Dave's blog at http://rebirthofisrael.blogspot.com

Taking a break - and can't...

We all need to take a break, that's a fact. But sometimes we just can't. Here's what my friend Ginny Hamlin says about that.
Ginny Hamlin: I wish I could say that I go lay by the pool every afternoon, sip an iced tea, and watch a gentle breeze rustle the palm fronds of palm trees in my back yard, but I don't. Yet, with the help of the Lord... I will learn how to take breaks as needed.

Short and sweet and to the point. But sometimes, that's all we can do. Take a deep breath, think that one day we can sit with that iced tea, but for today, life goes on.

So that brings us to my thought/question of the day - what do you think about when you need a break, and can't take one?

Visit Ginny's blog at http://eghamlin.com/Gblog