Something happens when you find yourself lying in bed unable to fall asleep. Sometimes life enters seasons of uncertainty and stress that keep you awake. You feel restless and search your heart for glimmers of what once made you feel alive, young and innocent, refreshed.

Jesus understands and sees that longing in us — to find a way to feel safe, loved, and held again.

As sunlight first warms you in the morning, Jesus draws near to whisper: I am here. I am making a way. For you. With you.

I heard this whisper from God as I lay on my bed, unexpectedly finding myself in a season to heal from anxiety and depression. And it happened during Lent. I remember it well because it was raining so much.

Lent in Latin means “spring,” yet I did not feel new. As the rain poured in sheets against my window pane, I felt weary and tired.

When I realized life was never going to be the same for me again, I stopped wishing to be rescued. I began to pray for courage to rest, to heal, and be loved instead. I started learning how to love myself the way God loves me. I began researching ways to pray, spark joy, and take simple soul care actions to prioritize my well-being.

Starting with Lent, I spent the next forty days reflecting on new ways to pray and practice soul care as I reflected on Jesus’s love for us on His way to the cross. Little did I know Lent would lead me to share my journal of forty discoveries in a book I wrote called Whispers of Rest.

A life refreshed with God’s peace and joy is possible — even if we feel overwhelmed with everyday stress.God understands. God doesn’t want you to do more for Him. God longs to love you deeper.

But, we often struggle with slowing down because life is so busy. You may ask me: How can I get practical about rest? How can I take better care of myself and draw close to God?

Today, in celebration of a new Lent series on my blog starting Wednesday this week, I am so happy to share three simple whispers of rest to draw closer to God’s love…. (to be continued)

Read the rest of  “Why It Takes Courage to Rest and Let God Love You Deeper”

To read the rest today’s blog post,click here to join me at DaySpring’s (in)courage, where today’s blog post is published. Join me there and share a comment. I’d love your company!

Experience God’s love during Lent by reading Whispers of Rest. Read along as I do a special Whispers of Rest Lent Series! Starts Wed Mar 6!

This Wednesday on March 6th, it will be Lent.  I’d want to guide you to let God love you more – to refresh your heart to God’s gentle love. During the 6 weeks of Lent by doing a special weekly blog series: Whispers of Rest Soul Care Lent.

So get a copy of Whispers of Rest, if you don’t have a copy yet! (click here to read what sweet readers have shared about it!)

?Do you know a friend who would love some rest and refreshment? Share this email with her and you can read Whispers of Rest together! 

And since Lent is 40days and Whispers of Rest a 40day devotional with hands-on ways to help you rest & refresh your soul with soul care tips & prayers, it’s the perfect for you to really experience SPRING in your heart!

Last chance, friends! It’s the last day to sign up for the FREE Online Flourish Writers Conference! Registration ends Tuesday Mar 5th! You can get up to $350 worth of freebies!

Dear friend, free registration ends on this Tuesday 3/5! And you get over $350 worth of freebies. You can watch all the videos until March 12th. So, don’t wait, before your forget!  I don’t want you to miss it. It’s pretty incredible the conference is free! I know it feels scary. But, I’m there to help encourage you!

I want to help you write the story God put inside you!I will share how I overcame critical thoughts and writer’s block to publish two books (Finding Spiritual Whitespaceand Whispers of Rest) while I was still experiencing anxiety & panic attacks from childhood wounds. What I have to share will encourage & help you write your story!

Click here to join a FREE Online Writers Conference where I’m speaking about writing your God-story.Register to watch – starting today! Watch the videos anytime. Learn from 24 speakers. All free. Just register and you’ll get access. Tell a friend and enjoy!

I will share my tips and insights on how-to get unstuck, so you can write all God’s put on your heart. So, if you ever wondered why God put a love of words on your heart. The reason is because God made you a writer. It’s who you are.

SIGN UP: Click here to join a FREE Online Writers Conference where I’m speaking about writing your God-story.Register to watch – starting today! Watch the videos anytime. Learn from 24 speakers.  All free. Just register and you’ll get access.