Week Three | Rest

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Week Three | When Less Becomes More  Online Bible Study
Reading Assignment – Pages 77-111 | Rest & Wellness

Last year I developed a step-by-step guide on How to Plan & Execute a Personal Retreat that focuses on the act of soul care, which stirred up a lot of questions.  Is soul care the same as self-care?  And is this just a guide that encourages women to get a manicure or a massage?

My answers were, “no” and “definitely, not”. 😂  Though I’m all for pampering yourself when you can.

Then what is soul care, you ask?  As a temple for the Holy Spirit to dwell, each day we receive an invitation to nurture our relationship with God. Soul care focuses on activities that allow our earthly bodies to disconnect with the world and find a connection with the divine.

As Emily says in chapter five of When Less Becomes More,

“Soul rest.  It’s the kind of rest that soothes and quenches a hot, dry, thirsty soul – the kind of rest that replenishes our best attributes and draws us back toward our best selves.”
Emily Ley, When Less Becomes More (pg. 79)

It’s the kind of rest that puts out our “soul fires” as Emily calls them.  The rage of too much… well everything.

Taking time for soul care and seeking wellness look different for everyone.  As you probably know well, all diets aren’t created equal.  And one size definitely doesn’t fit all.  The same is true for soul care and wellness.  You have to be selective and find the things in life that truly fill you up, and bring a healthier balance to your day to day living.

“What if we focused on the things that bring more to our lives?  That truly lessen our worries and fill our cups?  The healthy and meaningful activities that calm our nerves, settle us down, and equip us to live our fullest lives – good, hard, and everything else?”
Emily Ley, When Less Becomes More (pg. 102)

In chapter six, Emily provides some space for us to make some downright honest lists. She asks us to:

• Define who we want to be on the inside, outside, what we want to exude, and why.
• Find alternative options to help us break our unhealthy habits.
• List what tools we can put in our self-care toolbox.

Carve out some time and answer these questions and then plan how you will put those answers into practice.

Write your answers in the book (do it in PEN!) so that you can come back and see how things have changed.  What a sweet surprise it will be!

COMMUNITY CHAT

Let’s chat!  We’d love to hear from you once you’ve had some time to read through this week’s reading assignments.  Come back to this space & share your thoughts in the comments below about:

Identify – In this week’s reading we’re considering what it means to give our souls rest, and how to begin living in ways that provide wellness to our bodies, minds, and souls.

What soul care practices could you begin to adopt that would allow you to get your daily fill-up?

In the Word – This week’s Scripture focus comes from Matthew 11:28 (NIV). Download our weekly Scripture card.  Print it and hang it in a place where you’ll come across it often this week, to aid in memorization and the reminder that God doesn’t ask you to do it all.  He calls you to Him for Him to give you the gift of rest.

How is this verse ministering to your soul today?

Share with us in the comments; we’d love to hear from you!

Bree Blum

Bree is a recovering perfectionist whose weaknesses include the dollar spot at Target and any pretty office supplies. Though she is an introvert, she has an insatiable craving for community and a desire to bring light to God’s purpose in the imperfections of life. Read More