1 00:00:02,680 --> 00:00:08,200 Speaker 1: Life Audio. Welcome to the Love Offering Podcast. I'm your host, 2 00:00:08,320 --> 00:00:10,600 Speaker 1: Rachel Adam's, author of every day Prayers for Love, Learning 3 00:00:10,640 --> 00:00:13,159 Speaker 1: to Love God, others, and even yourself. Each week we 4 00:00:13,240 --> 00:00:15,760 Speaker 1: dive into meaningful conversations about how to live out the 5 00:00:15,800 --> 00:00:18,400 Speaker 1: greatest commandment, loving God with all of our heart's soul, 6 00:00:18,520 --> 00:00:21,960 Speaker 1: mind and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves, whether 7 00:00:22,040 --> 00:00:25,360 Speaker 1: through inspiring stories, practical wisdom, or biblical truth. My hope 8 00:00:25,400 --> 00:00:28,440 Speaker 1: is to encourage you to love boldly, live faithfully, and 9 00:00:28,480 --> 00:00:31,920 Speaker 1: reflect God's love in your everyday life. Today, I'm honored 10 00:00:31,920 --> 00:00:34,400 Speaker 1: to welcome Kara Ray to the show. Kiara is the 11 00:00:34,440 --> 00:00:38,199 Speaker 1: author of the Pursuit of Holy Leisure, Enjoying God in 12 00:00:38,240 --> 00:00:42,960 Speaker 1: everyday places. Through her own journey of moving from performance 13 00:00:43,000 --> 00:00:46,720 Speaker 1: driven faith to peaceful presence with the Lord, Kara invites 14 00:00:46,800 --> 00:00:50,040 Speaker 1: us to rediscover delight in God not as something earned, 15 00:00:50,240 --> 00:00:51,640 Speaker 1: but is something received. 16 00:00:52,320 --> 00:00:52,479 Speaker 2: Well. 17 00:00:52,520 --> 00:00:55,639 Speaker 1: Hello Kiara, and welcome to the Love Offering Podcast. I'm 18 00:00:55,640 --> 00:00:56,320 Speaker 1: so happy to have you. 19 00:00:57,120 --> 00:00:59,440 Speaker 2: Thank you, Rachel. I am so excited to be here. 20 00:01:00,160 --> 00:01:02,600 Speaker 1: I told you before we hit record, God knew I 21 00:01:02,640 --> 00:01:05,600 Speaker 1: needed to talk to you today because I feel like 22 00:01:05,640 --> 00:01:08,800 Speaker 1: this message is specifically for me, because so much of 23 00:01:08,840 --> 00:01:10,679 Speaker 1: what we're going to talk about is so much of 24 00:01:10,720 --> 00:01:13,759 Speaker 1: my personality. And so you describe yourself, and I've described 25 00:01:13,800 --> 00:01:17,920 Speaker 1: myself before as this too, as a quiet time checkbox checker. Yes, 26 00:01:18,120 --> 00:01:20,880 Speaker 1: and so I also describe myself as like the gold 27 00:01:20,880 --> 00:01:23,160 Speaker 1: star girl. I need like a tor chart. I want 28 00:01:23,160 --> 00:01:25,360 Speaker 1: to know exactly what's expected of me and I want 29 00:01:25,400 --> 00:01:28,360 Speaker 1: somebody to give me gold star stickers to make sure 30 00:01:28,400 --> 00:01:30,120 Speaker 1: that I feel like super accomplished. 31 00:01:30,240 --> 00:01:33,600 Speaker 2: Yeah right, Yes, that was my experience too, kind of 32 00:01:33,880 --> 00:01:36,640 Speaker 2: growing up. I can say that I'm not that anymore, 33 00:01:37,040 --> 00:01:39,760 Speaker 2: but that was my That was kind of my motto, 34 00:01:39,959 --> 00:01:43,880 Speaker 2: my mo for many many years of my life, that 35 00:01:45,200 --> 00:01:49,640 Speaker 2: spending time in God's word and really the fellowship that 36 00:01:49,720 --> 00:01:54,000 Speaker 2: I wanted to enjoy with him was a regular and 37 00:01:54,280 --> 00:01:56,520 Speaker 2: I really felt like I just need to go and 38 00:01:57,000 --> 00:02:00,560 Speaker 2: show up and do this thing, open the Bible, pray, read, 39 00:02:00,800 --> 00:02:03,120 Speaker 2: check my box, and go on with my day. And 40 00:02:03,240 --> 00:02:05,920 Speaker 2: I just I felt that I was missing out. It 41 00:02:05,960 --> 00:02:08,080 Speaker 2: was this fomo that I was like that there's more 42 00:02:08,080 --> 00:02:11,440 Speaker 2: to this Christian life than just doing this duty. And 43 00:02:11,480 --> 00:02:16,359 Speaker 2: I was really desperate to enjoy being in God's presence. 44 00:02:16,360 --> 00:02:19,400 Speaker 2: And that's really kind of what prompted the discovery of 45 00:02:19,400 --> 00:02:21,560 Speaker 2: holy leisure in the writing of my book, But that 46 00:02:21,720 --> 00:02:25,000 Speaker 2: was definitely where I was coming from. You know, if 47 00:02:25,040 --> 00:02:27,160 Speaker 2: there were gold stars, I would have wanted those two. 48 00:02:27,280 --> 00:02:29,440 Speaker 2: You know, I wanted to please the Lord. I wanted 49 00:02:29,440 --> 00:02:32,560 Speaker 2: to do the right thing, but often it became about 50 00:02:32,639 --> 00:02:35,520 Speaker 2: duty more than delight, And so that was kind of 51 00:02:35,560 --> 00:02:38,200 Speaker 2: the heart posture behind the writing of this book. 52 00:02:38,880 --> 00:02:42,839 Speaker 1: Yeah. Have you ever heard the saying that spending time 53 00:02:42,880 --> 00:02:46,560 Speaker 1: with the Lord starts with discipline, that then it moves 54 00:02:46,720 --> 00:02:49,440 Speaker 1: to desire, and then it moves to delight. I think 55 00:02:49,520 --> 00:02:51,320 Speaker 1: that's the process. And I don't know who to even 56 00:02:51,360 --> 00:02:53,360 Speaker 1: attribute that to, but I think if sometimes if we 57 00:02:53,440 --> 00:02:56,600 Speaker 1: do just start, it does eventually the more you are 58 00:02:56,639 --> 00:02:59,200 Speaker 1: with him, the more you want to be with him, 59 00:02:59,240 --> 00:03:01,800 Speaker 1: the desire and delight does come. If you're in that 60 00:03:01,840 --> 00:03:04,000 Speaker 1: place right now, that does not feel like a delight 61 00:03:04,080 --> 00:03:05,800 Speaker 1: to me. Do you agree with that? 62 00:03:06,280 --> 00:03:10,760 Speaker 2: I do, and yes and no, because I really felt 63 00:03:10,880 --> 00:03:13,160 Speaker 2: for many years I'd also heard this other saying that 64 00:03:13,240 --> 00:03:16,880 Speaker 2: like thirty days makes a habit, thirty days breaks a habit. 65 00:03:16,919 --> 00:03:18,640 Speaker 2: You know, little things like that, where it was like, 66 00:03:18,760 --> 00:03:22,080 Speaker 2: if you just do it, then it will eventually become 67 00:03:22,120 --> 00:03:26,280 Speaker 2: a delight. And I'm not saying I never experienced that 68 00:03:26,480 --> 00:03:29,920 Speaker 2: delight of being in God's Word, but it's still just 69 00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:33,120 Speaker 2: overwhelmingly my spirit was just like, this is something I 70 00:03:33,200 --> 00:03:37,720 Speaker 2: have to do. So I just wasn't in that frame 71 00:03:37,760 --> 00:03:40,440 Speaker 2: of mind enough to feel like, oh, this is a delight, 72 00:03:40,520 --> 00:03:43,960 Speaker 2: this is what I want, and that bothered me. It 73 00:03:44,040 --> 00:03:47,480 Speaker 2: kind of haunted me for many, many years until I 74 00:03:47,520 --> 00:03:52,240 Speaker 2: came across this phrase called holy leisure. And it was 75 00:03:52,280 --> 00:03:55,480 Speaker 2: this quote out of a book on spiritual disciplines. It 76 00:03:55,520 --> 00:03:58,880 Speaker 2: was written by Richard Foster. It's called the Celebration of Discipline, 77 00:03:58,920 --> 00:04:03,080 Speaker 2: and he was talking how early church fathers really focused 78 00:04:03,160 --> 00:04:05,640 Speaker 2: on this idea of holy leisure in it and it 79 00:04:05,680 --> 00:04:09,480 Speaker 2: referred to a balance in life and an understanding of pace, 80 00:04:09,880 --> 00:04:13,120 Speaker 2: an appreciation of beauty. And he talked about being in 81 00:04:13,160 --> 00:04:17,520 Speaker 2: God's Word as a pursuit of holy leisure. And I thought, WHOA, 82 00:04:17,560 --> 00:04:21,080 Speaker 2: what does that mean? What I want? That? That sounds wonderful. 83 00:04:21,640 --> 00:04:24,280 Speaker 2: And the more I started to kind of dig in 84 00:04:24,520 --> 00:04:27,440 Speaker 2: and figure out what that really meant, it was more 85 00:04:27,480 --> 00:04:31,919 Speaker 2: of a mindset shift. So the discipline came later, but 86 00:04:32,000 --> 00:04:35,280 Speaker 2: it was because I had my mindset shifted that it 87 00:04:35,400 --> 00:04:39,279 Speaker 2: wasn't my duty, this was my delight, it was my 88 00:04:39,320 --> 00:04:42,040 Speaker 2: holy leisure. And I was like, well, everyone loves leisure, 89 00:04:42,320 --> 00:04:46,200 Speaker 2: everyone wants to acts, everyone enjoys spending time with a 90 00:04:46,279 --> 00:04:49,000 Speaker 2: loved one. And so it was that kind of mindset 91 00:04:49,000 --> 00:04:51,359 Speaker 2: shift for me that just changed everything. 92 00:04:52,720 --> 00:04:56,120 Speaker 1: I can't wait to hear more about this idea of 93 00:04:56,200 --> 00:04:58,559 Speaker 1: holy leisure. But we're going to take a brief break 94 00:04:58,600 --> 00:05:00,640 Speaker 1: to hear a word from Today's sponsored When we come back, 95 00:05:00,680 --> 00:05:03,400 Speaker 1: we'll talk about holy leisure, what that actually means, and 96 00:05:03,440 --> 00:05:09,880 Speaker 1: why so many struggle to embrace. Welcome back. I'm talking 97 00:05:09,880 --> 00:05:13,400 Speaker 1: with care about the pursuit of holy leisure, enjoying God 98 00:05:13,520 --> 00:05:17,680 Speaker 1: in everyday places. So that phrase holy leisure, it's beautiful, 99 00:05:17,800 --> 00:05:21,760 Speaker 1: but it's kind of unfamiliar. And I know this seems strange, 100 00:05:21,800 --> 00:05:24,400 Speaker 1: but it almost feels sinful to me, which is not right, 101 00:05:24,440 --> 00:05:26,520 Speaker 1: because leisure is almost like a bad word, like I'm 102 00:05:26,520 --> 00:05:29,839 Speaker 1: not supposed to relax and have fun. Why is that 103 00:05:29,839 --> 00:05:33,839 Speaker 1: that's so weird, isn't it? Well, I yes, it's not weird. 104 00:05:34,000 --> 00:05:37,080 Speaker 1: I think it's it's very common. I think, especially in 105 00:05:37,120 --> 00:05:41,920 Speaker 1: the West, we associate leisure with like doing absolutely nothing. Yeah, 106 00:05:42,240 --> 00:05:45,800 Speaker 1: yea sure, it is watching Netflix all night Friday night. 107 00:05:45,920 --> 00:05:48,560 Speaker 1: Like leisure is like checking out mentally. 108 00:05:48,760 --> 00:05:52,080 Speaker 2: And really, what I learned is I was writing this book, 109 00:05:52,200 --> 00:05:56,960 Speaker 2: is that leisure is not doing nothing. Leisure, especially as 110 00:05:57,000 --> 00:06:01,200 Speaker 2: like the ancient Greek civilization, they were fascinated with leisure. 111 00:06:01,320 --> 00:06:04,640 Speaker 2: They really felt that leisure was the height of humanity. 112 00:06:04,680 --> 00:06:07,760 Speaker 2: They believed that you were unleisurely, which meant that you 113 00:06:07,880 --> 00:06:11,600 Speaker 2: worked in order to have leisure. In the West, we've 114 00:06:11,680 --> 00:06:14,120 Speaker 2: kind of turned that on its head. We feel like 115 00:06:14,279 --> 00:06:16,880 Speaker 2: we just have to keep working and keep working. But 116 00:06:17,040 --> 00:06:20,520 Speaker 2: leisure is like extra, It's like it's like the cherry 117 00:06:20,520 --> 00:06:23,440 Speaker 2: on top. If you can enjoy it once in a while, 118 00:06:23,480 --> 00:06:26,919 Speaker 2: that's great. But they really felt that leisure was like 119 00:06:27,120 --> 00:06:31,159 Speaker 2: the height of being a human. And so what I 120 00:06:31,320 --> 00:06:34,880 Speaker 2: learned in this whole thing was that leisure is really 121 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:37,880 Speaker 2: the pursuit of the good, the true, and the beautiful. 122 00:06:38,560 --> 00:06:42,240 Speaker 2: And so leisure is not doing nothing. It's really about 123 00:06:42,279 --> 00:06:46,320 Speaker 2: actively engaging our minds and our hearts and our wills 124 00:06:46,360 --> 00:06:50,080 Speaker 2: into appreciating and longing and enjoying something that's good and 125 00:06:50,120 --> 00:06:52,440 Speaker 2: true and beautiful. And we do that all the time. 126 00:06:52,480 --> 00:06:55,160 Speaker 2: We do that when we're outside and we're appreciating a 127 00:06:55,200 --> 00:06:59,480 Speaker 2: beautiful sunset, or we're pushing our child on a swing, 128 00:06:59,760 --> 00:07:02,440 Speaker 2: or we're sitting around a campfire with a bunch of 129 00:07:02,480 --> 00:07:05,320 Speaker 2: friends and we're just enjoying conversation. Like, all of those 130 00:07:05,360 --> 00:07:10,040 Speaker 2: things are times of leisure because they're good, they're true, 131 00:07:10,280 --> 00:07:14,800 Speaker 2: there's a beauty around those activities. And so when I 132 00:07:14,880 --> 00:07:18,160 Speaker 2: learn that, it reframed leisure for me as well. It 133 00:07:18,200 --> 00:07:20,880 Speaker 2: became not a frivolous thing, but really something that we 134 00:07:21,000 --> 00:07:23,600 Speaker 2: need in life to really connect with one another and 135 00:07:23,760 --> 00:07:24,280 Speaker 2: with the Lord. 136 00:07:25,280 --> 00:07:28,200 Speaker 1: Yes, it sounds like I need the reframing of the 137 00:07:28,240 --> 00:07:31,320 Speaker 1: word too, And so from many of us who feel 138 00:07:31,360 --> 00:07:35,200 Speaker 1: pressure to perform, even spiritually, to have the perfect quiet time, 139 00:07:35,480 --> 00:07:38,520 Speaker 1: the color coded Bible, the consistent routine, how does holy 140 00:07:38,600 --> 00:07:41,240 Speaker 1: leisure free us from striving and invite us to just 141 00:07:41,280 --> 00:07:43,600 Speaker 1: simply enjoying God in our everyday moments. 142 00:07:44,960 --> 00:07:47,800 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's a good question. I feel like when you 143 00:07:47,920 --> 00:07:50,760 Speaker 2: go into something with the mindset of I'm going to 144 00:07:51,080 --> 00:07:54,400 Speaker 2: enjoy this, it becomes like you can still do your 145 00:07:54,440 --> 00:07:58,880 Speaker 2: color coded Bible if you enjoy that enjoy I love 146 00:07:58,960 --> 00:08:02,520 Speaker 2: that that and I find that beautiful. So I think 147 00:08:02,520 --> 00:08:05,200 Speaker 2: it's just a reframing of those things where it's like 148 00:08:05,320 --> 00:08:08,560 Speaker 2: I'm doing this out of a heart of worship versus 149 00:08:08,600 --> 00:08:13,320 Speaker 2: a heart of like working to get God's approval, to 150 00:08:13,440 --> 00:08:15,840 Speaker 2: feel like I've done my duty, I've checked my box. 151 00:08:16,000 --> 00:08:17,920 Speaker 2: So I think it's a reframing of the way we 152 00:08:18,200 --> 00:08:19,880 Speaker 2: approached those things. 153 00:08:20,920 --> 00:08:24,840 Speaker 1: So how have you seen your own heart and life 154 00:08:25,560 --> 00:08:29,000 Speaker 1: change as a result of finding out about holy leisure? 155 00:08:29,320 --> 00:08:31,920 Speaker 1: What did maybe your daily routine look like in monthset 156 00:08:32,040 --> 00:08:33,559 Speaker 1: versus what it is now? 157 00:08:34,320 --> 00:08:38,520 Speaker 2: Yeah, well, it's not exaggerating to say it really kind 158 00:08:38,559 --> 00:08:40,880 Speaker 2: of changed everything for me. One of the things that 159 00:08:41,040 --> 00:08:45,559 Speaker 2: I had always struggled with was the discipline of getting 160 00:08:45,679 --> 00:08:48,240 Speaker 2: up early in the warning. And I know not that's 161 00:08:48,280 --> 00:08:52,120 Speaker 2: not everyone's normal routine, but that was what worked for me, 162 00:08:52,160 --> 00:08:55,160 Speaker 2: and it was something I really wanted to strive to achieve, 163 00:08:55,240 --> 00:08:58,000 Speaker 2: that kind of regular rhythm of meeting with the Lord. 164 00:08:58,440 --> 00:09:01,520 Speaker 2: When I looked at it quiet time as a pursuit 165 00:09:01,520 --> 00:09:05,320 Speaker 2: of holy leisure instead of doing a spiritual duty, I 166 00:09:05,360 --> 00:09:08,000 Speaker 2: automatically enjoyed it more and I was able to get 167 00:09:08,080 --> 00:09:11,080 Speaker 2: up early, and it has become for the last I 168 00:09:11,080 --> 00:09:14,239 Speaker 2: would say five years of my life, I have regularly 169 00:09:14,320 --> 00:09:18,360 Speaker 2: gotten up early because the pain of missing that time 170 00:09:18,480 --> 00:09:20,920 Speaker 2: with the Lord is greater to me than the pain 171 00:09:20,960 --> 00:09:24,360 Speaker 2: of getting out of bed. So it was like, I 172 00:09:24,480 --> 00:09:28,160 Speaker 2: need this now, this is the oxygen I need to 173 00:09:28,320 --> 00:09:31,400 Speaker 2: carry on my day. And so I would rather have 174 00:09:31,440 --> 00:09:34,280 Speaker 2: the pain of getting out before I feel ready to 175 00:09:34,320 --> 00:09:36,880 Speaker 2: get out of bed and to spend that time with 176 00:09:36,960 --> 00:09:40,280 Speaker 2: the Lord than to sleep in another thirty forty five minutes. 177 00:09:40,320 --> 00:09:43,400 Speaker 2: And so it has really changed that. It's also changed 178 00:09:43,440 --> 00:09:46,920 Speaker 2: the way I work and the way I rest. I 179 00:09:46,960 --> 00:09:50,160 Speaker 2: feel so much more freedom and the fact that there 180 00:09:50,200 --> 00:09:53,840 Speaker 2: are times and seasons for everything under heaven and so 181 00:09:54,640 --> 00:09:57,679 Speaker 2: I don't have to constantly work to get ahead. I 182 00:09:57,760 --> 00:10:01,440 Speaker 2: can enjoy those times of rest with my family being 183 00:10:01,480 --> 00:10:06,160 Speaker 2: outside stopping productivity. I know in American culture we're all 184 00:10:06,200 --> 00:10:09,840 Speaker 2: about being productive, and so I think sometimes the most 185 00:10:09,840 --> 00:10:12,040 Speaker 2: productive thing we can do is to rest, to take 186 00:10:12,080 --> 00:10:14,960 Speaker 2: a nap, to go out with your family and do 187 00:10:15,040 --> 00:10:16,559 Speaker 2: the things even if you feel like, oh, I've got 188 00:10:16,559 --> 00:10:19,520 Speaker 2: a deadline pressing, I've got work to turn in all 189 00:10:19,559 --> 00:10:22,559 Speaker 2: of those things, and sometimes that's definitely what our souls 190 00:10:23,280 --> 00:10:27,040 Speaker 2: need most. So really, and I talk about this in 191 00:10:27,040 --> 00:10:29,439 Speaker 2: my book, it really kind of it touches on all 192 00:10:29,480 --> 00:10:33,760 Speaker 2: of life. It touches on that hidden time with the Lord. 193 00:10:33,800 --> 00:10:37,520 Speaker 2: It touches on our work and what presents itself to 194 00:10:37,559 --> 00:10:40,080 Speaker 2: the world and how we show up in the world. 195 00:10:40,640 --> 00:10:42,960 Speaker 2: I think this mindset of holy leisure can touch all 196 00:10:43,000 --> 00:10:44,240 Speaker 2: of those areas of our lives. 197 00:10:45,960 --> 00:10:48,840 Speaker 1: It changes your relationship with other people too. I mean, 198 00:10:48,880 --> 00:10:51,000 Speaker 1: I'm sure your husband and your children, and your friends 199 00:10:51,000 --> 00:10:54,800 Speaker 1: and your family. The atmosphere changes when somebody's coming in 200 00:10:54,880 --> 00:10:58,440 Speaker 1: and they're feeling rushed and performance oriented and busy versus this, 201 00:10:58,840 --> 00:11:02,200 Speaker 1: Let's notice this, let's enjoy this, let's delight over this. 202 00:11:02,360 --> 00:11:06,199 Speaker 1: Like that's a totally different personality really in many ways. 203 00:11:06,200 --> 00:11:09,160 Speaker 1: So talk to us about how your relationships have improved. 204 00:11:10,559 --> 00:11:13,120 Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean I and I don't want to give 205 00:11:13,120 --> 00:11:16,160 Speaker 2: anyone the impression that, like we don't feel busy or 206 00:11:16,240 --> 00:11:20,200 Speaker 2: pressed or stressed out in life. Ever. Again, I don't 207 00:11:20,240 --> 00:11:23,559 Speaker 2: think that's real, but I do think it has kind 208 00:11:23,600 --> 00:11:27,200 Speaker 2: of taken the temperature down in the room sometimes when 209 00:11:27,280 --> 00:11:32,959 Speaker 2: we can just like all of life, everything, whatever you do, 210 00:11:32,960 --> 00:11:35,200 Speaker 2: do it all in the name of the Lord. And 211 00:11:35,240 --> 00:11:39,040 Speaker 2: so I think having that mindset of looking around to 212 00:11:39,440 --> 00:11:42,400 Speaker 2: the people that we're immediately in contact with, even like 213 00:11:42,640 --> 00:11:45,640 Speaker 2: small group time like there's there's host a small group 214 00:11:45,800 --> 00:11:48,280 Speaker 2: in our hall on Monday nights. We've done this for 215 00:11:48,360 --> 00:11:51,400 Speaker 2: many years, and as a host, there are times I 216 00:11:51,559 --> 00:11:54,000 Speaker 2: just like, I do not want to do this, but 217 00:11:54,120 --> 00:11:57,400 Speaker 2: Holy Leisure reminds me that I need the refreshment of 218 00:11:57,440 --> 00:12:00,640 Speaker 2: being around other people. And so there are times when 219 00:12:00,679 --> 00:12:03,120 Speaker 2: it's good to step away and to be alone and 220 00:12:03,160 --> 00:12:05,680 Speaker 2: to be quiet and to have a night off. Absolutely, 221 00:12:06,320 --> 00:12:10,720 Speaker 2: but there's also a rest that comes from doing these 222 00:12:10,800 --> 00:12:13,480 Speaker 2: rhythms of life that the Lord tells us to in 223 00:12:13,520 --> 00:12:16,080 Speaker 2: God's word, which we know we're meant for community. We 224 00:12:16,160 --> 00:12:19,160 Speaker 2: know there's no such thing as a lone ranger Christian. 225 00:12:19,600 --> 00:12:22,520 Speaker 2: We need one another in life. And so I have 226 00:12:22,640 --> 00:12:25,680 Speaker 2: found that often on the nights when my heart is 227 00:12:25,720 --> 00:12:31,440 Speaker 2: the most fatigued, that being with other people it becomes 228 00:12:31,520 --> 00:12:35,000 Speaker 2: a new kind of rest in my soul that I needed. 229 00:12:35,160 --> 00:12:37,320 Speaker 2: I didn't know I needed it, but I do. And 230 00:12:37,360 --> 00:12:40,360 Speaker 2: when I walk in obedience, and when I do the 231 00:12:40,360 --> 00:12:42,400 Speaker 2: things that God has called me to do, and I 232 00:12:42,440 --> 00:12:44,360 Speaker 2: do it with a heart of like, Okay, Lord, I 233 00:12:44,400 --> 00:12:47,000 Speaker 2: want to I want to glorify you in this and 234 00:12:47,000 --> 00:12:49,679 Speaker 2: this hard thing maybe I don't feel like doing right now. 235 00:12:49,880 --> 00:12:52,240 Speaker 2: I feel like He provides the rest that we need 236 00:12:52,559 --> 00:12:54,120 Speaker 2: as we walk in his ways. 237 00:12:54,400 --> 00:12:56,640 Speaker 1: I'm interested by the fact that in the title you 238 00:12:56,720 --> 00:12:59,920 Speaker 1: say the pursuit of So this is something that is 239 00:13:00,160 --> 00:13:04,480 Speaker 1: really intentional and maybe it's a progress and it's going 240 00:13:04,559 --> 00:13:08,000 Speaker 1: to maybe happen slowly, and to not have this expectation 241 00:13:08,080 --> 00:13:10,240 Speaker 1: that it's going to be a light switch. So maybe 242 00:13:10,280 --> 00:13:13,560 Speaker 1: talk to us about that, the process of it and 243 00:13:13,800 --> 00:13:15,640 Speaker 1: the intentionality of it. 244 00:13:15,880 --> 00:13:18,600 Speaker 2: Yeah, I wish it was a light switch me too. 245 00:13:18,960 --> 00:13:21,720 Speaker 2: I feel like in some ways I had that moment 246 00:13:22,120 --> 00:13:24,559 Speaker 2: where I was like, oh, this kind of changes everything 247 00:13:24,720 --> 00:13:26,960 Speaker 2: about the way of thinking about life. But it is 248 00:13:27,040 --> 00:13:30,760 Speaker 2: an ongoing thing, just like our Christian lives are. We 249 00:13:30,840 --> 00:13:34,960 Speaker 2: are constantly being sanctified, and so I feel like this 250 00:13:35,040 --> 00:13:38,600 Speaker 2: is a lifelong pursuit for me and hopefully for others 251 00:13:38,640 --> 00:13:42,040 Speaker 2: who come along, because we don't arrive at this ever. 252 00:13:42,240 --> 00:13:45,760 Speaker 2: Like the Gospel, still, we need the Gospel every single day. 253 00:13:45,880 --> 00:13:49,800 Speaker 2: We need to continue to preach it to ourselves. And 254 00:13:49,840 --> 00:13:52,520 Speaker 2: so I feel like it's a very intentional way of 255 00:13:52,800 --> 00:13:56,920 Speaker 2: living mindfully and presently with the Lord and in every 256 00:13:57,200 --> 00:14:00,320 Speaker 2: day life. And so just the same way that we 257 00:14:00,360 --> 00:14:03,480 Speaker 2: are all on a continuum, we are all under construction, 258 00:14:04,200 --> 00:14:07,720 Speaker 2: we are all being transformed from one glory to the next. 259 00:14:08,240 --> 00:14:11,120 Speaker 2: That this is not a band aid. This is a 260 00:14:11,160 --> 00:14:14,959 Speaker 2: way of interacting with God in his words, so that 261 00:14:15,600 --> 00:14:20,760 Speaker 2: you will continue throughout your life loving him like fulfilling 262 00:14:20,760 --> 00:14:23,200 Speaker 2: the first and second greatest commandments to love the Lord 263 00:14:23,240 --> 00:14:26,400 Speaker 2: your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. And 264 00:14:26,440 --> 00:14:29,360 Speaker 2: the second commandment is like it, to love your neighbor 265 00:14:29,400 --> 00:14:31,920 Speaker 2: as yourself. And so I feel like this is just 266 00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:35,600 Speaker 2: a tool that will hopefully help people live that out. 267 00:14:35,680 --> 00:14:40,560 Speaker 2: So we don't arrive here at oh, we've discovered holy leisure. 268 00:14:40,600 --> 00:14:44,840 Speaker 2: We are completely at leisure, like I think that comes 269 00:14:44,840 --> 00:14:49,400 Speaker 2: in glory. So it is an ongoing process. 270 00:14:50,680 --> 00:14:53,480 Speaker 1: Is there a biblical example? I'm kind of racking my 271 00:14:53,600 --> 00:14:58,440 Speaker 1: brain of somebody in the Bible and Scripture that walked 272 00:14:58,600 --> 00:14:59,600 Speaker 1: this idea out. 273 00:14:59,720 --> 00:14:59,960 Speaker 2: Well. 274 00:15:00,320 --> 00:15:03,120 Speaker 1: Is there somebody that you use as a as an avatar, 275 00:15:03,280 --> 00:15:05,200 Speaker 1: so to speak, or as an example for us? 276 00:15:06,000 --> 00:15:09,800 Speaker 2: I do, and I think there are several, but one 277 00:15:09,840 --> 00:15:13,040 Speaker 2: that immediately comes to mind is Mary and Mary and 278 00:15:13,080 --> 00:15:16,680 Speaker 2: Martha's story. I feel like so many women and we 279 00:15:16,720 --> 00:15:20,560 Speaker 2: can probably most of us probably identify with Martha in 280 00:15:20,600 --> 00:15:25,080 Speaker 2: the kitchen, working doing the necessary things right It's not 281 00:15:25,120 --> 00:15:28,280 Speaker 2: that what she was doing was not important. It's just 282 00:15:28,360 --> 00:15:31,920 Speaker 2: that Jesus told her that Mary has chosen the better portion. 283 00:15:32,240 --> 00:15:35,920 Speaker 2: It was the one thing that her heart needed most. 284 00:15:36,160 --> 00:15:39,040 Speaker 2: Even though even though Martha's work was important, it was temporary, 285 00:15:39,120 --> 00:15:42,840 Speaker 2: whereas what Mary was doing was focusing on the eternal. 286 00:15:42,840 --> 00:15:45,480 Speaker 2: And Jesus said, what she has done will not be 287 00:15:45,560 --> 00:15:48,680 Speaker 2: taken from her. And I love that idea because I 288 00:15:48,720 --> 00:15:53,080 Speaker 2: feel like, especially as women busy about family and home 289 00:15:53,160 --> 00:15:55,840 Speaker 2: and work in ministry and all of those things that 290 00:15:55,960 --> 00:15:58,880 Speaker 2: we put on our Martha hats really really easily, it's 291 00:15:59,000 --> 00:16:02,560 Speaker 2: much more difficult to be still and to sit at 292 00:16:02,640 --> 00:16:06,760 Speaker 2: Jesus's feet and to enjoy his presence. I mean, even still, 293 00:16:06,800 --> 00:16:09,400 Speaker 2: I want a more a merry heart. I do, But 294 00:16:09,520 --> 00:16:12,520 Speaker 2: I even when I'm with the Lord, sometimes I'm like, oh, 295 00:16:12,560 --> 00:16:14,680 Speaker 2: I need to go and love the dishwasher, and oh, 296 00:16:14,720 --> 00:16:18,080 Speaker 2: you know, you're mentally going through your daily to do list. 297 00:16:18,280 --> 00:16:21,920 Speaker 2: So it's a constant struggle. But Mary is the epitome 298 00:16:21,960 --> 00:16:25,280 Speaker 2: of that mindset of holy leisure, sitting at Jesus's feet, 299 00:16:25,640 --> 00:16:29,160 Speaker 2: soaking up his words, letting the world around her fade away, 300 00:16:29,680 --> 00:16:33,080 Speaker 2: and just filling up her heart, her love her love 301 00:16:33,160 --> 00:16:35,880 Speaker 2: tank with being in God's presence. 302 00:16:36,120 --> 00:16:38,560 Speaker 1: So good and I can't wait to continue today's conversation. 303 00:16:38,640 --> 00:16:40,440 Speaker 1: But we're going to take another brief break to hear 304 00:16:40,480 --> 00:16:42,480 Speaker 1: a word from today's sponsor, and when we come back, 305 00:16:42,560 --> 00:16:45,200 Speaker 1: we will talk about how to practice holy leisure in real, 306 00:16:45,400 --> 00:16:52,080 Speaker 1: everyday life. Welcome back. I'm talking with Kara Ray about 307 00:16:52,080 --> 00:16:55,640 Speaker 1: her book, The Pursuit of Holy Leisure. So all the 308 00:16:55,640 --> 00:16:57,920 Speaker 1: women were talking to right now were bouncing work or 309 00:16:58,040 --> 00:17:02,360 Speaker 1: a motherhood ministry, all verseponsibilities that just don't slow down. 310 00:17:02,440 --> 00:17:05,560 Speaker 1: So how do we practice this in the middle of 311 00:17:05,640 --> 00:17:07,600 Speaker 1: our full and demanding days. 312 00:17:07,800 --> 00:17:12,160 Speaker 2: Yeah. I think that it begins with that seek first 313 00:17:12,520 --> 00:17:17,520 Speaker 2: the Kingdom mindset and attitude. I think it means setting 314 00:17:17,560 --> 00:17:20,080 Speaker 2: aside some time. I make a case in my book 315 00:17:20,160 --> 00:17:23,040 Speaker 2: for mornings. But whatever morning is for you. I mean, 316 00:17:23,160 --> 00:17:25,239 Speaker 2: you may be a night nurse, so I don't know 317 00:17:25,400 --> 00:17:29,359 Speaker 2: what that looks like for you. But intentionally putting the 318 00:17:29,359 --> 00:17:32,840 Speaker 2: Lord first, seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and 319 00:17:33,000 --> 00:17:35,760 Speaker 2: all these things will be added unto you, all those 320 00:17:35,880 --> 00:17:39,840 Speaker 2: necessary things, all those Martha duties that we all have, 321 00:17:40,680 --> 00:17:43,359 Speaker 2: all those things will be added as we seek first 322 00:17:43,400 --> 00:17:46,960 Speaker 2: His kingdom. And so I think it's it's not complicated. 323 00:17:47,040 --> 00:17:49,639 Speaker 2: I think it's about spending time in God's word and 324 00:17:49,680 --> 00:17:53,479 Speaker 2: being intentional, about not being a hearer only but a 325 00:17:53,520 --> 00:17:56,480 Speaker 2: doer like I am going to walk in obedience. I'm 326 00:17:56,520 --> 00:17:58,639 Speaker 2: going to I'm going to love the Lord. I'm going 327 00:17:58,720 --> 00:18:02,000 Speaker 2: to serve him. I'm going to seek to grow more 328 00:18:02,080 --> 00:18:06,200 Speaker 2: and more like his son Jesus over time. So I'm 329 00:18:06,240 --> 00:18:09,560 Speaker 2: not offering anything new that no, you haven't heard before. 330 00:18:09,640 --> 00:18:13,640 Speaker 2: But it's about time in God's word and prayer. Those 331 00:18:13,640 --> 00:18:16,320 Speaker 2: are the two tools of holy leisure that we lean 332 00:18:16,400 --> 00:18:19,280 Speaker 2: on the most. We take time for the things that 333 00:18:19,320 --> 00:18:22,240 Speaker 2: are most important to us. We make time for the 334 00:18:22,320 --> 00:18:25,359 Speaker 2: relationships that we want to nourish. And so I just 335 00:18:25,359 --> 00:18:27,440 Speaker 2: want to encourage. I know there are busy moms out 336 00:18:27,440 --> 00:18:31,480 Speaker 2: there who are saying, I don't have time. Is there 337 00:18:32,119 --> 00:18:36,199 Speaker 2: thirty minutes where you're thinking that TV is going to 338 00:18:36,240 --> 00:18:39,360 Speaker 2: restore your soul or social media is going to restore 339 00:18:39,400 --> 00:18:42,919 Speaker 2: your soul? I bet there is. Is there time and 340 00:18:42,960 --> 00:18:47,440 Speaker 2: your commute that you need your soul restored? How can 341 00:18:47,520 --> 00:18:52,520 Speaker 2: you dedicate that time? Seek first the Kingdom through God's 342 00:18:52,520 --> 00:18:55,960 Speaker 2: word and through through prayer. And I believe that your 343 00:18:56,000 --> 00:18:58,359 Speaker 2: soul is going to be nourished, refreshed, and you're going 344 00:18:58,400 --> 00:19:02,760 Speaker 2: to find that leisure in your soul that mindless entertainment 345 00:19:02,800 --> 00:19:06,600 Speaker 2: is never going to provide. And so we need to 346 00:19:06,640 --> 00:19:10,800 Speaker 2: wrap our minds around what rest looks like. You know, reframe. Rest. 347 00:19:11,320 --> 00:19:14,560 Speaker 2: Rest isn't doing nothing. Rest is engaging our minds into 348 00:19:14,640 --> 00:19:17,160 Speaker 2: the true, the good, and the beautiful. So how can 349 00:19:17,200 --> 00:19:20,200 Speaker 2: you make space for that in your day? I think 350 00:19:20,200 --> 00:19:22,560 Speaker 2: that's what it comes down to, give. 351 00:19:22,400 --> 00:19:25,399 Speaker 1: Us an example in your day of something true, good 352 00:19:25,480 --> 00:19:26,119 Speaker 1: and beautiful. 353 00:19:26,359 --> 00:19:29,920 Speaker 2: Well, aside from that time with God in his word, 354 00:19:30,080 --> 00:19:33,520 Speaker 2: I feel like just beauty looking out at a sunset. 355 00:19:33,520 --> 00:19:36,520 Speaker 2: I live in Arizona. We've got some pretty awesome sunsets 356 00:19:36,560 --> 00:19:39,320 Speaker 2: around here. I love sitting around a table with my 357 00:19:39,440 --> 00:19:42,679 Speaker 2: family just looking around. This is good. This is a 358 00:19:42,680 --> 00:19:45,520 Speaker 2: good gift from the Lord. Last night I was at 359 00:19:45,600 --> 00:19:47,679 Speaker 2: church and it was a worship service and it was 360 00:19:48,080 --> 00:19:51,479 Speaker 2: just like the most beautiful little preview of Heaven, Like 361 00:19:51,640 --> 00:19:55,080 Speaker 2: all of those little moments in life that maybe we 362 00:19:55,200 --> 00:19:58,280 Speaker 2: breeze past we're too busy going to the next thing, 363 00:19:58,440 --> 00:20:01,520 Speaker 2: that we can slow down and appreciate just the beauty 364 00:20:01,560 --> 00:20:05,879 Speaker 2: of creation around us. Like how often are we outside 365 00:20:05,920 --> 00:20:09,439 Speaker 2: getting fresh air and sipping on that latte and just 366 00:20:09,440 --> 00:20:12,000 Speaker 2: being like, God, thank you for this latte. This is 367 00:20:12,119 --> 00:20:15,320 Speaker 2: such a refreshment to me. I enjoy this, all of 368 00:20:15,359 --> 00:20:17,760 Speaker 2: those things that just kind of fill up your heart. 369 00:20:17,880 --> 00:20:21,520 Speaker 2: I think, is something good, something true, and something beautiful. 370 00:20:22,800 --> 00:20:25,960 Speaker 1: Sounds to me like it's just being a noticer. It's 371 00:20:25,960 --> 00:20:28,240 Speaker 1: flowing down enough to notice because the sun is setting 372 00:20:28,280 --> 00:20:30,199 Speaker 1: and the sun is rising every single day. But so 373 00:20:30,280 --> 00:20:32,600 Speaker 1: often we're just in such a breakneck pace. Don't even 374 00:20:32,880 --> 00:20:35,000 Speaker 1: we don't even appreciate it or acknowledge it. 375 00:20:35,119 --> 00:20:38,840 Speaker 2: Right, Yes, yes, I think it's about being present. And 376 00:20:38,840 --> 00:20:42,200 Speaker 2: I believe me, I've been not present for so much 377 00:20:42,240 --> 00:20:44,720 Speaker 2: of my life, thinking about the next thing I need 378 00:20:44,760 --> 00:20:47,040 Speaker 2: to do. There was a moment I remember, this is 379 00:20:47,760 --> 00:20:50,280 Speaker 2: always just kind of haunted me. I had a new 380 00:20:50,320 --> 00:20:53,359 Speaker 2: baby and I was nursing my baby, and this was 381 00:20:53,520 --> 00:20:57,720 Speaker 2: like before emails were accessible on your phone. I remember 382 00:20:57,880 --> 00:21:01,439 Speaker 2: lifting my laptop lit it with my toes as I 383 00:21:01,480 --> 00:21:04,280 Speaker 2: was sitting in the chair trying to open my laptop 384 00:21:04,320 --> 00:21:07,639 Speaker 2: and read my emails, and I just that moment sticks 385 00:21:07,640 --> 00:21:11,119 Speaker 2: out in my mind, is just like what were you doing? 386 00:21:11,160 --> 00:21:13,600 Speaker 2: Like you don't get to nurse a baby very long. 387 00:21:13,920 --> 00:21:18,119 Speaker 2: Your emails can wait. Be in that moment. Enjoy that moment. 388 00:21:18,240 --> 00:21:21,920 Speaker 2: Those those they go so fast, and so babies don't keep, 389 00:21:22,480 --> 00:21:25,760 Speaker 2: So be present, enjoy those moments. 390 00:21:26,880 --> 00:21:30,040 Speaker 1: Yeah, my children are teenagers, and my husband and I 391 00:21:30,160 --> 00:21:32,960 Speaker 1: were just saying that the other day because my brother 392 00:21:33,080 --> 00:21:34,800 Speaker 1: just had a baby and we had the chance to 393 00:21:34,840 --> 00:21:37,639 Speaker 1: hold the new baby and it's just so precious. And 394 00:21:37,720 --> 00:21:40,080 Speaker 1: I was saying to my husband like, I don't even 395 00:21:40,200 --> 00:21:43,440 Speaker 1: really remember this time. It's crazy. It went so fast 396 00:21:43,480 --> 00:21:45,000 Speaker 1: and we were so tired, and I feel like we 397 00:21:45,040 --> 00:21:47,680 Speaker 1: didn't appreciate it like we should have, you know, when 398 00:21:47,680 --> 00:21:49,919 Speaker 1: you're looking back. And so it's like, how can we 399 00:21:50,040 --> 00:21:52,439 Speaker 1: be more present in the moment and truly enjoy the 400 00:21:52,480 --> 00:21:55,399 Speaker 1: people and the things and the beauty around us that 401 00:21:55,440 --> 00:21:57,800 Speaker 1: God's given us, Because I do I think we take 402 00:21:57,840 --> 00:22:01,520 Speaker 1: it for granted. And so I love this reminder so much. 403 00:22:01,560 --> 00:22:04,640 Speaker 1: And so, just speaking to the woman today that feels 404 00:22:04,800 --> 00:22:07,920 Speaker 1: maybe just tired and spiritually dry, what do you think 405 00:22:08,000 --> 00:22:10,520 Speaker 1: is one small, gentle first step she could take toward 406 00:22:10,640 --> 00:22:11,480 Speaker 1: enjoying God again. 407 00:22:11,680 --> 00:22:15,360 Speaker 2: I think that confession of the fact that sometimes our 408 00:22:15,400 --> 00:22:18,000 Speaker 2: hearts don't long for the things that we want to 409 00:22:18,160 --> 00:22:20,880 Speaker 2: long for is a good first step. Again, I don't 410 00:22:20,880 --> 00:22:25,240 Speaker 2: want to encourage that performance thing, because I do, but 411 00:22:25,320 --> 00:22:28,560 Speaker 2: there is there is a good thing about being intentional 412 00:22:28,760 --> 00:22:31,480 Speaker 2: about your time with the Lord. And sometimes we got 413 00:22:31,520 --> 00:22:33,560 Speaker 2: to clear the deck, we got to clear the air. 414 00:22:34,200 --> 00:22:39,480 Speaker 2: Maybe their sin there, maybe it's exhaustion. The Lord knows, 415 00:22:39,680 --> 00:22:44,719 Speaker 2: he understands your frame, he knows that you are but dust, 416 00:22:45,080 --> 00:22:48,239 Speaker 2: and so we can go to him. He is a 417 00:22:48,240 --> 00:22:51,920 Speaker 2: good good father. He warmly receives us back. We can 418 00:22:51,960 --> 00:22:55,960 Speaker 2: confess to him. Lord, my desires aren't where they should be. 419 00:22:56,280 --> 00:22:59,280 Speaker 2: I don't long for you the way I should long 420 00:22:59,359 --> 00:23:03,159 Speaker 2: for you. You are the epitome of truth, goodness and beauty, 421 00:23:03,200 --> 00:23:06,720 Speaker 2: and my heart doesn't want that right now. So confess 422 00:23:06,760 --> 00:23:10,680 Speaker 2: it and ask God to replace your longings. To change 423 00:23:10,680 --> 00:23:14,040 Speaker 2: your heart, change your desires. I believe those are things 424 00:23:14,080 --> 00:23:16,960 Speaker 2: that are in line with His word, and He will 425 00:23:17,000 --> 00:23:20,720 Speaker 2: answer that prayer of sincerity of Lord, forgive me and 426 00:23:20,840 --> 00:23:24,480 Speaker 2: help me to long for you. Like the deer pants 427 00:23:24,480 --> 00:23:28,480 Speaker 2: for water. That's the idea. It's like a deer in 428 00:23:28,600 --> 00:23:32,600 Speaker 2: the forest. He's on the lookout for water. He wants refreshment. 429 00:23:33,080 --> 00:23:36,359 Speaker 2: He's wanting to go because it's survival. And sometimes I 430 00:23:36,400 --> 00:23:41,199 Speaker 2: think we forget how thirsty and that where are we 431 00:23:41,280 --> 00:23:44,600 Speaker 2: filling up? And so going to the Lord is to 432 00:23:44,680 --> 00:23:47,879 Speaker 2: find that that desire fulfilled for sure. 433 00:23:47,960 --> 00:23:51,080 Speaker 1: So you mentioned the Greatest Commandment earlier, that is there 434 00:23:51,119 --> 00:23:54,040 Speaker 1: a biblical concept of love that you think applies to 435 00:23:54,119 --> 00:23:54,960 Speaker 1: this topic today. 436 00:23:55,160 --> 00:23:58,080 Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean that one was what comes to mind 437 00:23:58,160 --> 00:24:01,880 Speaker 2: right away, because that is the first and greatest commandment. 438 00:24:02,200 --> 00:24:04,920 Speaker 2: There's a quote by R. C. Sproll when he talks 439 00:24:04,960 --> 00:24:08,399 Speaker 2: about that commandment and he says, that commandment scares me 440 00:24:08,520 --> 00:24:10,720 Speaker 2: because I don't think I've kept it for five minutes 441 00:24:10,760 --> 00:24:14,840 Speaker 2: of my life. The Lord with all your heart, soul 442 00:24:14,920 --> 00:24:18,720 Speaker 2: and strength. And so I do think it's a lofty, 443 00:24:19,080 --> 00:24:23,760 Speaker 2: lofty goal and command of the Lord to give us. 444 00:24:24,400 --> 00:24:28,080 Speaker 2: And so I do think that this is about constantly 445 00:24:28,160 --> 00:24:33,880 Speaker 2: reframing our heart and about what we truly desire, what 446 00:24:34,000 --> 00:24:39,640 Speaker 2: we love most, and when we love God premierly and primarily, 447 00:24:39,880 --> 00:24:43,800 Speaker 2: loving others is a lot easier, right, because that's what 448 00:24:43,920 --> 00:24:46,800 Speaker 2: First John teaches us is about how if you're walking 449 00:24:46,840 --> 00:24:49,119 Speaker 2: with the Lord and his commandments, you are going to 450 00:24:49,200 --> 00:24:53,320 Speaker 2: have love for your brothers. And so loving God is 451 00:24:53,359 --> 00:24:57,160 Speaker 2: like love offering Rachel, you fill up with God's love 452 00:24:57,240 --> 00:25:00,480 Speaker 2: and it pours out to other people. So I think 453 00:25:00,560 --> 00:25:03,439 Speaker 2: we have to fill up where where the fountain of 454 00:25:03,600 --> 00:25:05,520 Speaker 2: living water is, and that's in Coott's work. 455 00:25:06,680 --> 00:25:09,639 Speaker 1: It never runs, drives so beautiful. So Kiara, tell us 456 00:25:09,640 --> 00:25:11,120 Speaker 1: something you are living right now? 457 00:25:12,600 --> 00:25:15,359 Speaker 2: Well, I might be on the bandwagon kind of late. 458 00:25:15,440 --> 00:25:18,640 Speaker 2: I normally do get on these bandwagons late. But I've 459 00:25:18,640 --> 00:25:21,880 Speaker 2: been putting collagen in my coffee and that has been 460 00:25:21,920 --> 00:25:24,280 Speaker 2: really great. I just turned fifty this year, and so 461 00:25:24,320 --> 00:25:26,240 Speaker 2: I was like, wow, I need to start being a 462 00:25:26,240 --> 00:25:29,000 Speaker 2: little bit more intentional about all of that. So I've 463 00:25:29,040 --> 00:25:31,720 Speaker 2: been putting collagen in my coffee. Don't taste it, you 464 00:25:31,840 --> 00:25:34,280 Speaker 2: just propped it up, and that's been That's been a 465 00:25:34,320 --> 00:25:37,000 Speaker 2: fun new little trick I've learned. 466 00:25:37,720 --> 00:25:39,639 Speaker 1: So Okay, it's funny because I was doing it for 467 00:25:39,680 --> 00:25:42,080 Speaker 1: a while and then for whatever reason, I stopped, and 468 00:25:42,119 --> 00:25:44,320 Speaker 1: that just added it again this morning. So it's funny 469 00:25:44,359 --> 00:25:46,120 Speaker 1: that you mentioned that because for whatever reason, I was thinking, 470 00:25:46,160 --> 00:25:47,639 Speaker 1: I don't know if I looked a little bit more 471 00:25:47,640 --> 00:25:50,000 Speaker 1: wrinkly or what was going on, but I was like, 472 00:25:50,040 --> 00:25:52,160 Speaker 1: I need that college again. Why did I stop? Because 473 00:25:52,200 --> 00:25:53,840 Speaker 1: I actually don't mind the taste a bit. 474 00:25:54,400 --> 00:25:56,879 Speaker 2: No, I don't even taste it, so no, So that 475 00:25:57,040 --> 00:25:59,040 Speaker 2: was something I was like, Man, this is an easy, 476 00:25:59,440 --> 00:26:02,159 Speaker 2: easy look thing I can in my routine. 477 00:26:02,600 --> 00:26:05,040 Speaker 1: Yes, well, I think you have beautiful skin. You're beautiful 478 00:26:05,320 --> 00:26:07,800 Speaker 1: exactly how you are. But I'm on the college in 479 00:26:07,840 --> 00:26:11,560 Speaker 1: bandwagon too, So okay, Well, so I know I want 480 00:26:11,600 --> 00:26:13,760 Speaker 1: to stay connected with you. I'm sure listeners are going 481 00:26:13,800 --> 00:26:15,760 Speaker 1: to want to, So tell us how we can best 482 00:26:15,760 --> 00:26:18,239 Speaker 1: do that and grab a copy of your book and 483 00:26:18,320 --> 00:26:20,000 Speaker 1: listen to your podcast all the things. 484 00:26:20,680 --> 00:26:23,680 Speaker 2: Thank you. Yeah, well, my book is on Amazon. It's 485 00:26:23,720 --> 00:26:27,280 Speaker 2: the pursuit of Holy Leisure, enjoying God in everyday places. 486 00:26:27,440 --> 00:26:31,160 Speaker 2: I write regularly on my blog, which is at Karadashreay 487 00:26:31,320 --> 00:26:34,520 Speaker 2: dot com. I'm on social media Facebook and Instagram, mostly 488 00:26:34,720 --> 00:26:38,679 Speaker 2: at pursuing odium sint tune that's Latin for holy leisure. 489 00:26:39,240 --> 00:26:39,480 Speaker 1: Yeah. 490 00:26:39,520 --> 00:26:42,920 Speaker 2: And also I have a community for Christian women writers 491 00:26:42,960 --> 00:26:45,960 Speaker 2: who are longing to grow in both the art and 492 00:26:46,040 --> 00:26:49,399 Speaker 2: heart of writing, and that's at my writer's Block dot com. 493 00:26:49,440 --> 00:26:54,000 Speaker 1: If they're interested in learning more, they're talking about everyday 494 00:26:54,040 --> 00:26:56,439 Speaker 1: places to spend time in commune with the Lord. Do 495 00:26:56,480 --> 00:26:59,040 Speaker 1: you have a favorite place that you always have your 496 00:26:59,080 --> 00:27:01,439 Speaker 1: quiet time or someplace that you feel especially close to 497 00:27:01,560 --> 00:27:03,080 Speaker 1: the Lord. I know we can feel him and be 498 00:27:03,119 --> 00:27:05,679 Speaker 1: with him at all times anywhere, you know. But do 499 00:27:05,720 --> 00:27:06,800 Speaker 1: you have a place like. 500 00:27:06,760 --> 00:27:09,359 Speaker 2: That for you? I do. There's a spot on my 501 00:27:09,440 --> 00:27:13,200 Speaker 2: couch that I really enjoy and I have a little 502 00:27:13,400 --> 00:27:16,600 Speaker 2: Malti poo who comes and he sits right next to 503 00:27:16,640 --> 00:27:20,320 Speaker 2: me every morning, and it's quiet and it's dark outside, 504 00:27:20,400 --> 00:27:23,040 Speaker 2: and it's just a normal little place in my house. 505 00:27:23,160 --> 00:27:25,639 Speaker 2: But that's where I really commune with the Lord and 506 00:27:26,280 --> 00:27:29,639 Speaker 2: it's sweet. I also love being in a coffee shop. 507 00:27:29,720 --> 00:27:32,720 Speaker 2: I love taking a walk around the neighborhood and being 508 00:27:32,720 --> 00:27:34,800 Speaker 2: with the Lord in those places too. You can be 509 00:27:34,880 --> 00:27:38,840 Speaker 2: with him everywhere. I try and engage with him, just 510 00:27:39,160 --> 00:27:42,119 Speaker 2: driving around town. But yeah, there's a spot on my 511 00:27:42,160 --> 00:27:45,240 Speaker 2: couch that's kind of getting indented from all my many 512 00:27:45,600 --> 00:27:47,480 Speaker 2: many meetings with the Lord. And that's good. 513 00:27:47,560 --> 00:27:50,080 Speaker 1: And so does that usually look like you and your 514 00:27:50,080 --> 00:27:53,119 Speaker 1: Bible or you in your Bible and your journal, or 515 00:27:53,160 --> 00:27:55,280 Speaker 1: you and your Bible and journal and commentaries, or you 516 00:27:55,280 --> 00:27:57,560 Speaker 1: in your Bible and journal and like another author's work. 517 00:27:57,600 --> 00:27:58,919 Speaker 1: What does that usually look like for you? 518 00:27:59,080 --> 00:28:02,399 Speaker 2: Yeah, Yeah, it's very simple for me. It's just the 519 00:28:02,440 --> 00:28:05,520 Speaker 2: Bible in my notebook. I feel like journaling is such 520 00:28:05,560 --> 00:28:09,800 Speaker 2: a wonderful practice because we're forgetful people, and I feel 521 00:28:09,960 --> 00:28:13,200 Speaker 2: in my journal, I really I ask questions, I write 522 00:28:13,240 --> 00:28:18,440 Speaker 2: down insights that I'm seeing my journal prayers. But it's 523 00:28:18,480 --> 00:28:20,560 Speaker 2: such a good tool for me to go back and 524 00:28:20,600 --> 00:28:24,520 Speaker 2: look at what God has been teaching me. Or sometimes 525 00:28:24,560 --> 00:28:28,320 Speaker 2: there can be a little pattern of things I'm noticing 526 00:28:28,359 --> 00:28:31,359 Speaker 2: that I wouldn't I wouldn't remember if I wasn't writing 527 00:28:31,400 --> 00:28:34,520 Speaker 2: them down, And so my journal is just very important 528 00:28:34,640 --> 00:28:37,160 Speaker 2: to go with my Bible reading. 529 00:28:37,200 --> 00:28:40,000 Speaker 1: Will you pass down your journal or will you burn them? 530 00:28:40,720 --> 00:28:46,520 Speaker 2: Yeah, that's been a thought. I don't know. I think 531 00:28:46,560 --> 00:28:50,440 Speaker 2: that if my family was so inclined, there might be 532 00:28:50,480 --> 00:28:52,880 Speaker 2: some good things they'll find a lot of like scribbling 533 00:28:52,920 --> 00:28:56,320 Speaker 2: about how to write this next blog post, which would 534 00:28:56,320 --> 00:28:58,080 Speaker 2: be really boring to anyone else but me. 535 00:28:59,280 --> 00:29:04,080 Speaker 1: It was like my journal might be similar. Yet, Yeah, 536 00:29:04,120 --> 00:29:06,240 Speaker 1: I love that, And I've loved my time with you, 537 00:29:06,360 --> 00:29:09,000 Speaker 1: and I would just love it if you would pray 538 00:29:09,040 --> 00:29:10,560 Speaker 1: for us as we close today. 539 00:29:10,640 --> 00:29:13,920 Speaker 2: The honor to thank you, Lord. We thank you that 540 00:29:14,080 --> 00:29:19,040 Speaker 2: you are the most desirable person and being in the universe. Lord, 541 00:29:19,120 --> 00:29:23,160 Speaker 2: and help us God to realize how thirsty and how 542 00:29:23,240 --> 00:29:27,280 Speaker 2: hungry we are to know you. And so I just 543 00:29:27,320 --> 00:29:30,640 Speaker 2: thank you for this time to be with Rachel and 544 00:29:30,680 --> 00:29:33,840 Speaker 2: her audience. And I just pray for those who might 545 00:29:33,880 --> 00:29:37,760 Speaker 2: be listening who desire to understand what it's like to 546 00:29:38,360 --> 00:29:41,960 Speaker 2: enjoy your presence, to experience holy leisure. And I just 547 00:29:42,040 --> 00:29:45,239 Speaker 2: pray God that you would affirm in their heart that 548 00:29:45,320 --> 00:29:48,960 Speaker 2: this is a good and godly desire, one in which 549 00:29:49,160 --> 00:29:52,680 Speaker 2: their love for You and their love for others would 550 00:29:52,720 --> 00:29:55,400 Speaker 2: just expand and grow. And so Lord, we need your help. 551 00:29:55,560 --> 00:29:57,560 Speaker 2: We can't do this on our own. We know that 552 00:29:57,720 --> 00:30:02,520 Speaker 2: we are accepted not because has our attendance with You 553 00:30:02,960 --> 00:30:06,200 Speaker 2: or checking our boxes, but because of what Christ has 554 00:30:06,240 --> 00:30:09,760 Speaker 2: accomplished on our behalf on the Cross. So we thank 555 00:30:09,800 --> 00:30:12,200 Speaker 2: you for your son, Jesus. We thank you for your 556 00:30:12,240 --> 00:30:14,880 Speaker 2: word that allows us to know him. We thank you 557 00:30:14,960 --> 00:30:18,040 Speaker 2: that prayer allows us to communicate with You, and so 558 00:30:18,680 --> 00:30:21,760 Speaker 2: we commit this to you now. It's in Jesus name. 559 00:30:22,160 --> 00:30:26,520 Speaker 1: Amen, Amen Kara. Thanks for being my guest today and 560 00:30:26,560 --> 00:30:30,520 Speaker 1: helping us in the pursuit of holy leisure. Thank you, Rachel, 561 00:30:31,920 --> 00:30:34,720 Speaker 1: Thank you so much for listening to the Love Offering podcast. 562 00:30:34,760 --> 00:30:37,360 Speaker 1: I hope today's conversation reminded you that enjoying God is 563 00:30:37,400 --> 00:30:40,200 Speaker 1: not reserved for perfect mornings or uninterrupted retreats. That His 564 00:30:40,280 --> 00:30:43,000 Speaker 1: presence is available to you right here in the middle 565 00:30:43,040 --> 00:30:46,760 Speaker 1: of your ordinary, beautiful, imperfect life. If this episode encouraged you, 566 00:30:46,800 --> 00:30:48,680 Speaker 1: share it with a friend and lead review. It helps 567 00:30:48,680 --> 00:30:50,680 Speaker 1: others find the show and spreads the message of love 568 00:30:50,760 --> 00:30:52,960 Speaker 1: even further. To connect with me, visit me on my 569 00:30:53,000 --> 00:30:55,880 Speaker 1: website at Rachelkadams dot com, where you can download the 570 00:30:55,920 --> 00:30:58,720 Speaker 1: Love Offering Calendar, a free resource build of simple daily 571 00:30:58,760 --> 00:31:01,200 Speaker 1: ways to love those around you. Be sure to look 572 00:31:01,200 --> 00:31:04,240 Speaker 1: for Kiara's book, The Pursuit of Holy Leisure, Enjoying God 573 00:31:04,320 --> 00:31:07,720 Speaker 1: in everyday places. Until next time, let's make our lives 574 00:31:07,800 --> 00:31:09,120 Speaker 1: an offering of love.