“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Boy: The wildest of all animals. A noise with dirt on it in constant motion – usually in the form of antagonizing a sibling. And I have raised four of them. Wrestling grapplers, football tacklers, dirt bike racing, heavy ammo hunting, never cry Uncle, all action – all the time – boys.

So, honestly, this concept of rest – is really unique for my family. This biblical truth – that if we are weary and burdened and we come to God willingly he will give us rest – is very…..and I mean VERY appealing right now.

Fishing happens to be one of our most relaxing past times. Fortunately for me – we don’t live near the ocean and we only watch the chaotic, crazy, loud fishing that seems to be Wicked Tuna. At least for now, our kind of fishing usually involves a peaceful pond, nice weather, serene tranquil quiet and hopefully a couple of chapters of a book (if I’m lucky). Animal activist alert – we do use live bait – because, well – BOYS.

Anyway – I think maybe that’s why the image of fishing that comes to mind from Psalm 55, verse 22 really brings me peace in the craziest, most hectic times of my life….which are usually the direct result of – said boys.

“Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you.” (Psalm 55:22) Should be a tattoo at my house instead of a cross stitch pillow!

Close your eyes and envision a fisherman casting his line. For some reason it’s always in slow motion in my imagination and involves Brad Pitt fly fishing in hip waders….but, maybe that’s just me. When most fisher-folk (gender neutral) cast their line, there is actually a unique beauty to the motion. It is not hurried or choppy. It is not hectic, cumbersome or rushed. The action of casting is a fluid motion of release. It is, in a word – peaceful.

“Cast your burden on the Lord.” Just throw it out there. Release whatever is keeping you awake at night; that thing that is causing you stress and anxiety – give it to God.

And even better yet…..”He will sustain you.” He’s got this. He will hold you up. He will help you endure and withstand the turmoil in your life that is making you weary.

So – even if your pond is more like a raging river or a turbulent ocean – I encourage you to give this casting business a try. Don’t worry if there is no artistry in your cast; chuck it like a two handed, between your legs, underhand, lob down the bowling alley of life if you have to….but give it to the one who can and WILL sustain you.

He – in return – will give you rest.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

Back in the day…..my mentor chose me. I was a brand new college drop-out in the shipping department and for some reason she thought I would be good in “sales”. She was a single woman in her 50’s, stylish, aggressive, independent and wealthy. She had a VERY specific sense of right and wrong as it pertained to professionalism in that field.

I can still see her glaring at my choice of attire on one of our very first business trips together. Business suits were purchased from a specific name brand (she gave me a personal loan to do so). Heels (always worn with silk stockings) – were a specific height and always polished. Jewelry (14k of course!) consisted of one bracelet, one GOOD watch and never, never, never hoop earrings…….Oh! And the bracelet and watch were worn on opposite wrists – don’t cha know?

Even though she was a pain in the “you know what” – I admired her moxie. I watched and I learned and I listened and I replicated. I guess it was because she saw something in me and was willing to take a chance on me, but I soaked up her decades of knowledge like a sponge.

It took me a long time to realize that it wasn’t just the older generation that could teach me a thing or two about life. Years later it was a group of 10 or 12 misfit teens in the youth group at my church that schooled me good. My official “title” indicated I was their youth minister – but I contend to this day that they taught me more than I ever taught them. They showed me that it was okay to be different. They taught me how to laugh at myself. They helped me harness my OCD, channel my silliness and our crazy little rebel group proved that rules are sometimes meant to be challenged and bent…..just a little.

So – I really loved the message this past Sunday. It was good to hear Don reinforce what I’ve learned over the years. I’ve always sought counsel from the older generation. I love listening to the history of the things they’ve seen and lived through – the changes that they’ve made over their lifetimes in order to adapt and survive are just incredible.

But – I also greatly enjoy time spent with younger generation(s). They inspire me. They give me a different perspective on life! The “youngers” help me realize that I don’t have to take myself quite so seriously….and, they actually have a lot that they can teach this non-technologically evolved “elder”.

I love that actionchurch is a place where it’s easy to find that balance. I commented just last week that it’s awesome (and believe it or not – unique) to see such a vibrant blend of generations working and growing together. We are truly blessed to have the kind of interaction that we do at our church. And I encourage you to be a part of it!

“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.: 1 Timothy 1:15

“Hi! My name is Kenna. And I admit I have an HGTV addiction.”

Living in a household of all males the television is usually tuned to some outdoor channel or sports something or another. Sadly, gone are the days of animation giggles around here. On the RARE occasion when I am gifted with the remote control – HGTV is my go to for entertainment.

Fixer Upper – in particular.

The before and after home renovations that are showcased are stunning. But, it’s the in between that gets my attention. There is always that ONE thing that is uncovered….the leaking plumbing….or the HVAC in the wrong place….or (insert audible gasp!) the foundation is cracked. There is ALWAYS that ONE thing that requires a personal phone call from Chip or Joanna. The unexpected terrible thing that they find that they have to “fix” – with lots of hard work, sweat and determination.

It always kind of reminds me of that proverbial “skeleton in the closet”. That ONE thing that you have hidden from the world. That struggle that is eventually uncovered in your life….that thing that you thought was buried….that sin you wish you could forget. The terrible thing in your life that you feel you have to “fix”.

Honestly – it can be hard work to face and admit your sins. It takes determination to ask for forgiveness. But – here is the good news! As soon as you ask Christ in to your life, that terrible sin that you are holding on to has already been forgiven. The guilt and remorse that are weighing you down are no longer your burden to bear. Christ died for you – for your skeletons and sins. It’s already been “fixed”.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor 5:17 NIV)

Remember always – that your past has been forgiven – you are a beautiful renovation in progress.