97) When "Be Still" Sounds Like a Fantasy Novel

Description

Overview

Carrie Hurley introduced the podcast, highlighting the universal challenge of feeling 'stretched thin' while managing a busy life with family and work commitments.
Exodus 20:8-11 was referenced as a biblical foundation for rest, emphasizing a dedicated Sabbath day for rest to reconnect with God.
The importance of being intentionally aware of both extraordinary and everyday miracles was discussed, alongside the new "Victorious Living" session based on 1 Peter 2.
Psalm 46:10 was highlighted, stressing the necessity of being still to recognize God's presence through habitual two-way prayer.
Personal testimonies illustrated how Isaiah 40:31 offers renewed strength through waiting on the Lord, tying directly to overcoming struggles like depression.
Jesus' command to the disciples to rest in Mark 6:31 was compared to modern challenges of self-care amidst parenting and working from home.
Practical strategies for daily integration of spiritual rest included conversations with God during mundane tasks and promoting uplifting media consumption.
A Holy Pause Retreat is scheduled for the last weekend of September, providing an opportunity for reflection, prayer, and connection with nature.
Early bird registration for the retreat is available until August 1st, stressing that rest is a gift from God to be accepted, not earned.
The podcast encourages ongoing engagement with scripture and devotionals to facilitate the transition from stress to rest.

Introduction & Context Setting (00:00 - 01:35)

Host Carrie Hurley introduces the Rise Up and More podcast episode, sharing personal context of being in a busy life season with four children and multiple businesses.
Addresses the universal challenge of being 'stretched thin' in various life seasons and the prayer for just 'five minutes of boredom'.

Biblical Foundation for Rest (01:35 - 03:00)

Sabbath commandment referenced from Exodus 20:8-11 - six days for work, seventh day as Sabbath rest dedicated to the Lord.
Family's intentional decision to observe Saturday as their Sabbath instead of Sunday due to Sunday's busyness with church and other activities.
Job 37:14 emphasized - 'Pay attention... Stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God' as instruction to pause and notice divine works.

Key Scripture Foundations (06:09 - 07:49)

Psalm 46:10 - 'Be still and know that I am God' - personal anecdote about learning two-way prayer conversation.
Habakkuk 2:20 - 'Let all the earth hush and be silent before him' - emphasis on creating holy pause and silence.
Personal retreat experience in Rocky Mountain cabin as example of finding silence away from normal chaos.

Promises of Rest (09:35 - 13:09)

Isaiah 40:31 (Amplified) - those who wait on the Lord with expectancy will gain new strength, rise like eagles, run without weariness.
Personal testimony of overcoming depression, bitterness, and anger through God's healing process, resulting in renewed strength for ministry.
Matthew 11:28-30 (Message translation) identified as pivotal scripture during lowest point - promise of recovering life through getting away with God and learning 'unforced rhythms of grace'.

️ Jesus' Example of Rest (14:48 - 16:21)

Mark 6:31 referenced - Jesus telling disciples to go to quiet place and rest because they didn't even have time to eat due to crowds.
Comparison to modern parenting and work-from-home challenges of forgetting to eat while caring for others.

️ Practical Daily Integration Strategies (16:21 - 22:25)

Strategy 1: Intertwine Divine with Mundane - Maintain ongoing conversation with God throughout daily tasks.
Strategy 2: Background Awareness - Evaluate constant media consumption for uplifting vs. draining content.
Strategy 3: Scripture Integration - Post scripture around house in frames, on cabinet doors, bathroom mirrors as constant reminders.

️ Retreat Invitation (26:54 - 28:31)

Holy Pause Retreat scheduled for last weekend of September with activities including reflection, journaling, prayer, nature walks, creating, and resting.
Early bird registration special available until August 1st at https://carriehurley.com/holy-pause-retreat
Emphasis that rest cannot be earned but must be accepted as God's gift.

Action items

Consider what season of life you're in and evaluate your level of being 'stretched thin' (00:00)
Implement intentional gratitude speaking to the Lord throughout daily tasks (17:44)
Evaluate and adjust background noise/media consumption for peace vs. stress (19:22)
Post scripture around house for constant reminders and truth reinforcement (22:25)
Take five minutes daily to meditate on scripture for stress-to-rest transition (23:51)
Listen to weekly devotional podcasts starting from episode 39 for scripture intake (25:25)
Register for Holy Pause Retreat by August 1st for early bird pricing at https://carriehurley.com/holy-pause-retreat (28:31)