New Living Translation (NLT)

Isaiah 28:12 "This is the refreshing." - New King James Version (NKJV)

As I'm writing this, I find myself in a very turbulent time in my life. Jan and I still don't have a house, and I'm basically living in my studio.

While I'm grateful for that, it's not healthy.

I need a place of rest; WE need a place of rest where we can be refreshed.

On top of that, I'm in the middle of a big work transition. I basically have to start over on a new computer system to keep making my songs. Until recently, I had to force-feed one of the animals here twice a day, and another 1,000 things need my attention every day.

My mind says, "Work harder and faster." The enemy says, "You don't have time for quiet time now!"

In my old life, I had a serious sleeping pill addiction. To sleep for about four hours, I had to take 8-12 sleeping pills every night. I mean the real stuff—prescription drugs. And when I woke up, I had to take a bunch again to keep me calm. I was always working. Always wired.

That was my old life. I'm still not a slacker ;) But I now know the importance of peace and stillness, of a quiet place to have focused, intimate time with my Father.

Jesus taught me the importance of daily quiet time and living in and from the Word. The Word keeps me sane, balanced, and focused.

In the craziness, I can always find God in the quiet place. That's why I guard my daily quiet time at any cost. I can't afford to skip my time with God.

Don't get me wrong; from time to time, I still fall into the trap of starting with work instead of quiet time. But I will always have time with Papa during the day. And when I do, I come out rested, focused, refreshed, and blessed.

Isaiah knew it; Jesus knew it. He says:

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

Give Him your stress, worries, troubles, fears—whatever it is—and in the exchange, you'll get His rest and peace. Let Him teach you how to live a life focused on Him. He's the Prince of Peace after all (Isa 9:6).

If your yoke feels heavy, then you can be sure you've picked up some stuff along the way that ain't yours. 😉

We're taking a summer break for a few weeks. We'll be back, God willing, with some fire tracks! 🔥 Have a great and blessed summer, y'all! We'll miss you!

Janis & Xander.