I recently sat watching Holden, my one-year old, napping and was struck by what he already knows - that his play is more fun and his learning more effective if he gets a good rest in during the day. He's not yet learned to resist the nap - he actually welcomes it - and awakens refreshed and ready to go at it again.

Apparently, this concept is not new news. Before performing each of the most well-known miracles, Jesus went off somewhere to "take a rest".

In Matthew 14:13, before feeding well over 5,000 people with five loaves and two little fish, "He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself." Then, in Matthew 14:23, before walking on the water, "...He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there." And again, in the 15th chapter of Matthew, prior to many healings and the feeding of the 4,000, He "...went up on the mountain and sat down there." Now, Jesus performed miracles on a daily basis, but he clearly illustrates to us the importance of a certain amount of solitude, prayer and rest - especially when something big's about to happen! How opposite to the way we often react to impending major events - we get worked up, stressed out, and run down. This is not what God intends for us! In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." And the fourth chapter of Hebrews is dedicated to God's promise of rest.

So, let's remember, as our fall projects get underway and the impending holiday season beckons, to take some time to rest in His yoke first, and be refreshed, restored and strengthened by His perfect peace.

Love Candice

"Eyes of a Carpenter" recently became the third top 5 single rado release from the current album.

Nominated for CCMA Female Vocalist of the Year - Convention and Awards show to be held in Nashville, October 29- November 2.