Sabbath Keeping.

Baab, L.M.  Sabbath Keeping.

I have enjoyed this book which was lent to me and have read it twice.  It gave me rest.
I have taken some notes in order that I remember some of the points which were so helpful to me. I have not included all the wonderful information as I would recommend that if this is something which you would like to learn more about; that you go out and buy the book.  Click on the book cover above for more information.

I hope that my notes make sense to you...

God made the Sabbath for us.  When we live the way that God wants us to we operate in the most optimal, efficient way.

The sabbath teaches us grace because it connects us experientially to the basic truth that nothing we do will earn God's love (we are given it freely).

"During a day of rest we have the chance to take a deep breath and look at our lives... we seldom notice...." p18

The sabbath can help us with the addiction of "doing"  p 34.

Work never ends, "(the) sabbath is God's gracious five o' clock whistle that gives me permission to stop and lay down my tools, ready or not."
"We are invited to enter God's rest as an acknowledgement of his abundance, our rest indicates that we depend completely on the God who created and sustains us" p 43.

"Jesus was teaching through his actions that the sabbath is a day of liberation, a day when people return to the joy of the world as God created it." p46

"Observing a sabbath is calling us back to this gift from God, the gift of rhythm in time, the gift of a day to rest in the reality that God is in charge of the universe and we are not." p51

We are drawn to the words of Jesus about abundant life and his peace that passes understanding, but often we don't know how to access them.  The sabbath is a concrete way to start, a practical and ancient solution to an enduring human need." p52

"What do you need to cease from?"  p 53

The sabbath gives us a delightful opportunity to consider where we need to slow down." p53

"The sabbath calls us to abstain totally from whatever is our work at the time" p54

Work goes beyond what we do for pay though, people will have different things on their list.  Perhaps things that might appear on a "to do" list p55.

"It could be something that you will judge based on progress or production."  p55

"On the sabbath, you can enjoy slowly and intentionally."  Experience.  p58

Freedom from multi tasking p58.  Focus on one thing at a time and enjoy-it could be sport p59 or cooking. p58, or staring out of a window.

Freedom from slavery of anxiety p 65.  Try and set aside worries.  Our bodies need a break from worry and stress. p66

"We are invited on the sabbath to remember that we have been freed from slavery by the death and resurrection of Jesus." p67

We need twenty four hours for a sabbath and try to keep the same pattern/day for three to six months in a row.  This will help to develop the habit.  p68.

Even hobbies may not be rest.  If you are doing it because you want to get it done, then stop doing it on the sabbath.  p71

"On the sabbath we are  invited to clear away the distraction of our lives so we can rest in God." p72

Perhaps you may need some simple structures to help experience this.  p72

Enjoy sights, sounds, smells.  Do it with lots of breaks.  Spend the day attuned to beauty.  p76.

"...breathe deeply, to enjoy nature, to watch a flickering candle...." p77

"Some enjoy caring for God's creation on the sabbath."  p78.

"Because our culture puts all its emphasis on the things we don't have-so we can purchase something to meet that need-we have no natural structures to encourage us to remember what God has done, except perhaps Christmas and Easter.  The weekly sabbath can be a wonderful opportunity to stop and notice God's goodness to us, to remember who God is and what he has done." pp81,82

"Good food, rousing music, laughter and playful activities can help us revel in God's overflowing abundance and the freedom he has given us in Christ." p83

The mind-numbing escape of a video game is not rest (ie the above)  p82

Regarding your choices for sabbath activities:
quoted from the book:
-Does it promote rest and or relaxation?
-Does it bring delight and enjoyment?
-Does it give you a sense of holiness and sanctity?  p84

True rest on the sabbath requires preparation.  Get tasks and shopping for food done before the sabbath. p85

"God may want us to be inefficient sometimes in order for us to receive his gifts more fully." p90

Time has a rhythm which we have now lost p92.  Sunrise/sunset have little impact on us.
24-7 blurs weeks p93
Sundays used to have no shops trading.  Seasons are blurred as we import food from all over the world.  "The loss of rhythms dehumanises us." p93

Productivity and all these achievements can become a form of idolatory.  p96

"Sometimes the way to get unstuck from procrastination and lack of self discipline is to begin with a full day of enjoyable rest."  p97

"....Adam and Eve were created on the sixth day, so their first full day on earth was the seventh day, the sabbath."   "They didn't begin to work until they had rested in God's presence.  We often do the opposite, believing we have to earn the right to a day of rest by working hard."  p97

Take care with legalism.  "We enter into legalism when we focus on the letter of the law rather than its spirit."  p99

We can choose which day we will keep for the sabbath.  Also which time frame ie sunset to the next sunset etc.  p101
Try and keep it on the same day to experience the rhythm.  "The sabbath is about rhythm, intentionality and expectation."  p102

Sabbath patterns also change over time based on family needs, working hours etc  p105

"Throw out perfectionism.  Let God run the universe."  p116

"If you desire to begin a sabbath practice, make a plan and then follow it for three to six months.  Resist the temptation to analyse during that period.  Simply receive the gift of the sabbath and wait until the end of that time and then reflect on what you have experienced.  Let the sabbath teach you."  p121

"The sabbath...invites us to participate in something without totally understanding it."  p122

How can we be thankful if we have not taken the time to notice?  p124

"It takes concentration and stillness to find and follow tracks...notice God's footprints in our lives....noticing takes time.  We can and should pause each day to take time to notice but we need more than moments." p125

Essential Jesus.

We have adopted a lovely new routine this week.  After the little ones have gone to bed, the older two and I have been reading "Essential Jesus"  together.  We are enjoying this time together as the narrative that is Christmas unfolds.  The children were interested to think that Jesus was once a boy!

Advent 1.

We lit the first candle for Advent; the coming of Christ (although Christ is with us now...)

A circular plate as it represents the eternity of God.

I am missing the evergreen foliage as it has been raining and I would like to wait till the holly bush is dry again before I bring some in. Evergreens, He is ever with us.

We read Romans 15:12-13.

And again, Isaiah says,

"The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him."

Bibles for Easter.

Our older children got a more grown up Bible for Easter this year, while the younger two got books with Bible stories in them.

Genesis 9.

Photo by husband E. Taken today at 5pm from our front driveway.

"I have set my rainbow in the clouds and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my convenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting convenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." Genesis 9: 13-16.

Inspiration.

The last few days have seen me very much in this earthly world; I have seen manipulation, lies, greed, rudeness, power, deceit, hopelessness, selfishness and anger.

I must say that there has also been support, friendship and strength.

In my sheltered life, this has been a shock, yet if I was in the corporate world, the political arena or media, this would be my daily experience.

I can't say that I have the stomach for it and am glad to disappear into the woodwork again. I have questionned and stated my views, my concerns and findings into an issue. Hopefully some good will come of it for many.

Boy am I tired though.......
And then, "As the deer pants for streams of water......" Ps42:1,
I was still.



I have just read a chapter in this book,that has reminded me of God's powerful presence in the beauty around us in His creation.

This book reminded me that we are meant to take time from the mundane, difficult, tedious and be still and be in awe of the seasons, the sunset or sunrise, the ocean, trees, the stars, the colour in flowers and so on.......We are told to stop worrying and take this all in.........

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin......" Matthew 6:19

Sabbath, Scripture and Sharing.

This is the second week at our church and we are enjoying being local and meeting very welcoming people. The Sunday School Bible story was the story that we read to 7 year old daughter the night before!

A friend and I are still reading The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. We have started the chapter titled "The Gift of Inspiration." Our children are all blessed with different gifts, we as mothers not only love, clothe, nurture and protect our children but we are also to set them on their life's mission to use their gifts to serve others.

On the Twenty Fifth Day of December....

Before we entered the room with our gifts, we remembered the greatest gift-the birth of Jesus. We read Luke 2:1-20 and Matthew 2:7-12.

My sister in law made this tree from gingerbread stars.

Festivities at the lake.....

I kept forgetting that Ouma would not ring for Christmas...

Christmas Eve.

And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!"

Luke 2: 9-14

On the Twenty Second Day of December.....

Readings: Luke 1:1-23, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:39-80

We are in holiday mode. All woke at 9:30am (except poor husband E who is at work). The cat is enjoying all the company and now breakfast at 11:30am. Beds are made, chores are waiting. the children have eaten! I have posted a photo of myself, inspired by A Woman of Notes. I have a few family members from overseas who look at this blog, so thought I would say "Hello" in person.

Before the 24th I need to draw four more items for cards. In husband E's family, when children start high school, we do not buy gifts for Christmas. Instead we make a special card with encouraging messages and hand it to them on Christmas Day. E's sisters write limmericks or poems or other ideas that inspire. Every year I draw something small......I have done one already.....

Bible Reading.

We read Luke 1:1-23 today.

Zechariah sees an angel, the angel Gabriel. The angel tells Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth will have a baby. This baby will be John.

We have four long readings leading up to the birth of Christ. We also have an Advent Calendar with daily verses which we will read at the dinner table.

Sabbath.

"Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, be compassionate and humble." 1 Peter 3:8

Sabbath.

"Let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Protect them, so all who love Your name may be filled with joy. For You bless the godly, O Lord, surrounding them with Your shield of love." Psalm 5:11-12

Daily Bread.

The work on the floor is going well. We have been retreating to other rooms and are faring well. The poor cat however does not appreciate the noise and needs extra reassurance from us at present. I am happy to oblige.

I rearranged 9 year old son's room again to make it easier for him to spread out. I have started a lovely routine with our children whereby we snuggle and read the Bible together. 6 year old daughter loves this time in the morning and 9 year old son loves this time at night. They each have different versions of the Bible story, which have been kindly given to them at birth by loving friends and family. We try to keep to the same story in order that they may chat about it in the day.

This older Bible is a Bible from my Dad's older sister, given to me when I was little.

Sabbath.

"The generous prosper and are satisfied, those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

Again, posting on Australian Monday, hoping it is Sunday somewhere still.... I really try to leave the computer off on the Sabbath, a day set apart. These words can sustain us on all days of the week.

Sabbath.

"Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I think it is still Sunday in some parts of the world. I enjoyed the Sabbath yesterday; a day set apart. I did not turn the computer on, put the washing away or any usual activities. Instead we went to church, we enjoyed a family lunch and a time in the garden in the afternoon. I will post some pictures of that later on...... I hope the Sabbath was a day of rest, a day set apart for many.....

Sabbath.

"The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine." Proverbs 4:18

Sabbath.

"Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Quiet Moment.

"Come, follow me, " Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Mt 4: 19

Rest.

The ultimate rest;

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Ps 62:1-2