Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.       Genesis 2:1-2 Greetings Family: I pray this writing finds you well!  As this offering is later than usual my first inclination is to put forth an apology.  However, I am not going to apologize because it was prudent that I take a couple days this week for self-care, and no one should ever apologize for that.  As a minister of the gospel I am still occasionally amazed that God chose me and deposited spiritual gifts to equip me through this walk.  I will also admit to you that one of the greatest gifts I have is knowing when to pull back for some “me” time.  Say it with me…. I love me! With the constant need to care for those around us, the 24-hour news cycle, the continuing pandemic, social uprising, and for some simply trying to make ends meet; it is easy to feel overwhelmed at times.   The good news is….  even God rested. So just for a moment lets engage in an exercise of love.  Find a good hard chair and sit down.  If you can, turn off all electronics (including your phone).  Now, feel your feet on the floor and let the pressure of your body flow through your butt and onto the chair.  If your chair has arms allow your arms to line up with them. Close your eyes (not at work) and experience yourself breathing.  Feel the breath pass in and out of your lungs and make each one as a praise to God.  Now breathe in peace and breathe out anxiety.  Breathe in the love of God and breathe out anger.  Breathe in the joy of the lord and breathe out the spirit that keeps you from forgiving others, as well as yourself.  Family, it is okay to catch your breath.  It is okay to not be okay.  It is okay to rest. I pray that you feel love for yourself.  I pray that you find yourself resting in the secret place promised by God where you can abide under his shadow.  I pray that you know your worth and realize that you are worthy of rest.  I pray your peace. God bless you Pastor Don