The Bible is a BIG book. Now you’ve finished reading the Bible in 90 Days. That’s a BIG accomplishment. Don’t let your momentum go. If you’re wondering what’s next read on.
We did it! (Or we’re on our way to finishing!) Over the weekend we passed the “official” 90th day of the 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge. It’s wild to think that summer is nearly over and it’s been three months since the challenge started.
As always, I’ll remind you: If you aren’t done, that’s totally okay! It’s more important that you are reading through the Bible in a condensed timeline, than the actual amount of days it takes. The goal here is to get a good overview and understanding of what the Big Picture of the Bible looks like. When read in a short span, we are less likely to forget details.
So whether it took 90 days or you are more on track to finish in 100 (or 150), keep going! You can do it! And you’ll be so glad you did.
With the challenge over and fresh in my mind, I wanted to share some follow up/reflection with you. And if you didn’t join in the Challenge, that’s okay too–maybe some of these reflections will sell you on the idea and you’ll give it a try through the fall. (Get the reading plan here.)
What Now?
Anytime you finish a Bible study or reading strategy, I recommend some reflection before moving on. The rest of the post is an example of my reflection and questions I use to decide what to do next.
Things I’ve Noticed About Myself After Reading The Bible in 90 Days
Whenever I complete a challenge for reading the Bible in 90 days, I ALWAYS notice positive change in myself. Inevitably I think–I should do this more often! But life comes up, and cyclically reading the entire Bible every 90 days isn’t sustainable in my life.
No matter. Every time I complete a cycle I’m reminded of just how powerful God’s Word is. Here are five things I’ve noticed in my mind, attitude and heart through the challenge.
Captive Thoughts. I have had more control over my thoughts. Taking my thoughts captive (II Cor 10:5) now comes with relative ease. Anxiety, worries, lies–they are taken captive, bound, tossed aside and replaced with Truth. Listening/reading big portions of Scripture also leaves little space for those lies to creep into my mind.
Godly Musings. When I wasn’t listening to Scripture, my thoughts were still there. The things I’ve wondered about and talked about have been godly. This practice has made it habit to “set my mind on things above, not on earthly things.” (Col 3:2)
Demeanor. My demeanor is calmer. I organically have more patience and understanding. I see the fruit of the Spirit naturally growing and manifesting in my life.
Intentionality. It’s been so rewarding to see that I can set a goal and achieve it. God has shown me when I pursue Him intentionally, He will make space. The excuses of being in the midst of a remodel, or caring for a 2 year old or being pregnant didn’t stand in the way. With determined intentionality, reading Scripture became a natural part of the day that felt nothing like work.
God’s Voice. I’ve been able to discern God’s voice and inspiration in my heart more clearly.
Ways My Understanding of Scripture Deepened While Reading the Bible in 90 Days
Any purposeful reading of Scripture will deepen our understanding. But here are some specific things (I limited myself to only five) that stood out to me during this reading. Yours will probably be different than mine!
The Sabbath. I gained a deeper understanding of the Sabbath, its meaning and importance. I was so inspired I wrote a series all about Sabbath rest. You can read more here.
The Prophets. This reading plan helped me understand where the prophets fit into the Old Testament narrative, and the Big Picture of the Bible.
Remembrance. Frequently God tells His people to remember. Specifically, to remember the history of Abraham, Moses and Egypt. This history is used throughout Scripture to rebuke, remind, and persuade others of the credibility of God as Yahweh and Jesus as Messiah. It’s important to have an understanding of OT history to explain and defend the credibility of Christ.
The Epistles. The letters to churches recorded in the New Testament are written to different audiences from different authors at different times in different places. Yet so much of the instruction and language is nearly verbatim in its overlap. While each letter is unique, reading them all in a short time opened my eyes to how cohesive these teachings are. This gives deep credibility to their message and testifies to the fact that they witnesses of Jesus. (For more on eye-witness credibility, I highly recommend Cold Case Christianity by J Warner Wallace.)
Sanctification. People are truly only sanctified (set apart, special, made righteous) by God. Through everything, God demonstrates that no person or people group is special on their own. They are special because HE sanctifies them. People cannot and will never be able to achieve righteousness apart from God.
What Next?
Now that this big challenge is drawing to a close it’s important to have a plan for what comes next. Don’t let the new habits and momentum you’ve built up fade away. Be intentional and create a plan that will move you forward now that you’ve finished reading the Bible in 90 days (or maybe a few more.)
Here are some things to ponder as you decide how to move forward. Start with prayer. Where is He calling you to deepen your understanding? Is He calling you to step out as a study or small group leader? Spend time chatting with Him.
What stumped you? What was confusing or raised questions? Dig deeper and search until you’ve got answers have reached a place of understanding.
What was fascinating? Which books or chapters do you wish you could have slowed down and spent more time in? (For me it’s Kings and Chronicles!)
Big chunks or little pieces? Did you enjoy big chunks or are you ready to slow down and dig deep? Reflecting on this will give you a good idea of how to continue in your Bible reading.
Themes. Were there themes that stood out to you? Maybe you’d like to explore them more deeply. (A prime example for me is the Sabbath.)
People, places and times. Is there a person you would like to know better? Is there a place you’d like to know more about? Or is there an era that stood out to you? (Like the divided kingdom, exile, early church, etc.) These are great places to launch an individual study–or track down an organized study that will help you dig deep.
Try journaling your answers. This will help you visualize where you’d like to go next in your Bible reading journey.
Connect and Join the Community
I want to get to know you. Please connect with me on Instagram to get daily encouragement, devotionals and tips for living intentionally in the Kingdom of Christ. You can also find me on Facebook. Or join the email mailing list to be sure you never miss a post. (Just sign up below!)
However you do it, know that I truly, honestly want to know you and encourage you along your faith journey. Together we can be learn to be inspired by God in our daily lives, excited by His Word and motivated to walk in faith–no matter what our circumstances.
Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLCOAL Minot. Their publication is a guide to living like a local and a great resource for acclimating to life in Minot. Today we are talking all about things to do in Minot in the fall. Enjoy the list.
The heat wave has broken. Nights are getting cooler. Acorns are falling like very dangerous rain. Fall in Practically Canada is nearly here.
Now, you know I love summer in North Dakota. And fall is close behind. Daytime temps are mild (even warm through September), nights are chilly. It’s adorable how when the thermometer drops to 30˚ we all act like we’re in the arctic (even though we know when the thermometer gets to 30˚ in February or March we’ll be acting like it’s beach weather.) The air is crisp and clean. Cozy flavors and activities crawl upon us and remind us that every season is good for its own reasons.
Here are five things to do in Minot this fall. There are lots of great things coming our way in the next season (COVID may affect some), but here are a couple of my favorites.
1. Berry Acres
Berry Acres is at the top of the list for good reason. It’s a local favorite when it comes to things to do in Minot this fall. They’ve got a HUGE variety of pumpkins for purchase. Everything from your traditional carving pumpkins to heirloom varieties. Additionally, they sell mums, gourds and farmers’ market goods (like fresh produce, jams, etc.)
But Berry Acres isn’t just a pumpkin patch. They offer all kinds of activities for the family: A corn maze, hay rides, obstacle courses, pumpkin launching. It’s truly one of my favorite fall traditions (with or without little ones in tow.)
At Angelic Gardens you can pick your own fall produce. In their orchard apples, pears and plums abound. In the garden you can pick your own gourds, squash and pumpkins and choose from traditional or heirloom varieties.
Annually they host a fun, fall-kick off celebration. Family activities, picking, and all around autumn merriment will be had.
In the spring and fall the City of Minot offers “Clean Up Days.” I like to think of these as magic trash days. On these days the city offers residents an opportunity to easily dispose of large, unwanted items and hazardous items at no cost. Everything goes to the curb. It’s the perfect time to clear out your house and make room for fun, indoor winter activities.
For all the details about your pick up date and how it works, see FAQ here.
(Also, if you’re into dumpster diving or otherwise picking at “curb alerts” this is a great time to literally make someone else’s trash your treasure.)
4. Walking Weather
Summer is great for enjoying the parks, but fall offers even more idyllic walking weather. It’s a great time to take longer walks, enjoy the changing colors and enjoy the fact that mosquitoes are finally going away.
Fall brings the return of the Minot Flea Market. The flea market only costs $1 to enter (vendor costs are reasonable too) and offers a huge, indoor market selling everything from canned and baked goods to antiques to plants. It’s held indoors at the Fair Grounds, so this is a great weekend activity, even if weather is crummy. Check their page for dates and details.
PRO TIP: On Flea Market weekends, there are often estate auctions happening down the hall. Be sure to check those out too!
6. Lutefisk and Meatballs
Fall ushers in Lutefisk and Meatball season in Practically Canada. You’ll start seeing signs around town for Lutefisk and Meatball fundraisers and dinners. (Usually at churches.)
If you are a transplant to Minot and an adventurous eater, you should definitely try this old-fashioned, Scandinavian fare. (More on what Lutefisk is here.)
7. Downtown Trick or Treat Trail
I love Halloween and I especially love small-town Halloween events. Each year Downtown Minot opens up for a PreSchool trick or treat trail. Trick or treaters stop in at downtown businesses to pick up treats. It’s good clean fun, I mean…who doesn’t love to see littles in costume?
(No announcement has been made as to how COVID 19 will affect the Trick or Treat Trail. Watch the Visit Minot events page or the Downtown Minot page for details.)
8. Craft/Vintage Fairs + City Wide Rummage Sale
One of my favorite things to do in Minot in the fall is browse the craft, vintage and rummage sales that take place. Keep your eyes out for listings, but here are a couple happening.
Harvest Moon Festival (autumn inspired goods from local makers, collectors and junkers.)
Minot has adorable, local coffee shops. Fall is my favorite time to grab a hot drink with the season’s flavors and take one of those walks we mentioned earlier. Don’t limit yourself to a basic Starbucks PSL. Get out, support local and try something more unique.
Okay, so Practically Canada will never be Vermont. (Or Brown County, IN). In Minot the trees change, and it’s beautiful. However, it can be nice to get out into open spaces and see the season in all it’s glory. The ND Tourism site has a map and links to great places to see fall colors. Only in Your State also provides a good map with photos and location descriptions.
More Minot Life and Fun
Join me here each week for more spotlights on Minot life, and join me on Facebook and Instagram for daily looks at life in Minot. You’ll see what my day-to-day looks like and join a community that aims to live intentionally and see the good wherever they are. And to stay up to day on what’s going on in town, be sure to watch my weekly roundup of events each Monday evening on Instagram Stories.
For even more on living like a local check out BeLOCAL and their listings for seasonal events. They are a great, comprehensive guide to thriving in Minot.
Happy Minot Monday! Today we are taking a road trip to get a Whirla Whip in Stanley, ND. Never heard of it? Perfect. Let me enlighten you. But first we need to thank BeLOCAL Minot for making Minot Monday possible. BeLOCAL is a guide to living like a local and thriving in your town. Be sure to check them out.
Whirla Whip in Stanley, ND
Today we’re taking a little road trip outside of Minot. Well…in the world of North Dakota, this is more like a quick commute than a road trip. Stanley is about an hour west of Minot, and lots of folks make the trip daily for work–or weekly for shopping. (See other road trip ideas from BeLOCAL here or my recommendation about a road trip to Rapid City here.)
Bet let’s get back on topic: Whirla Whip. Have you heard of it? If you have, you’re already on your living-local-A-game. If you haven’t, you aren’t alone. Let me enlighten you.
A Whirla Whip is an ice cream treat that was once found at soda fountains across the country. As soda fountain culture died out, so did the Whirla Whip. Today the only place you can get a true, genuine Whirla Whip is at Dakota Drug‘s original soda fountain in Stanley, ND.
…ice cream blended with your choice of mix-ins. Unlike fast-food joints with similar concepts that use soft serve, the Whirl-a-whip uses quality ice cream and blends it to a smooth consistency.
Lots of descriptions of what a Whirla Whip is exist. And it’s a little hard to explain. Yes, it’s ice cream with mix-ins. But that just makes it sound like any run of the mill Blizzard or Concrete or Flurrie.
Trust me. This is different.
First, like the quote above states, a Whirla Whip starts with hard ice cream. Believe me, you’ll taste a difference. Then your pick of flavors and mix-ins are whipped into it. The result is something light and creamy. Perfectly consistent (no pockets of vanilla ice cream left at the bottom or a the-cookie-dough-was-all-on-top situations here.)
Second, the flavor choices are a lot different than what you find on a fast-food menu. You can mix in up to three flavors. And any of the hard candies are pulverized into a powder than blended in–so you don’t break your teeth on them, while still enjoying the flavor.
Third, you can choose to start with a vanilla, chocolate or rainbow sherbet base. This isn’t a choice you typically have with other blended ice cream joints.
Flavor List and My “Usual.”
Here are the flavors you can choose to mix in. At the fountain, they also have several combinations on special already made up–in case you get overwhelmed.
Banana
Blueberry
Strawberry
Raspberry
Maraschino Cherry
Pineapple
Whopper
Butterfinger
Peanut Butter
Nutella
Bits o’ Brickle
Coffee
Dill Pickle
Bacon Bits
Oreo
Mint Oreo
Cheesecake
Brownie/Vanilla/Chocolate/Strawberry Cake Batter
French Vanilla
Coconut Cream
Orangesicle
Vanilla Wafers
Hard Candy Flavors
Cinnamon
Cherry
Butterscotch
Peppermint
Butter Rum
Lemon
Werther’s Original
Apple
Sprinkles
Licorice
Root Beer
Watermelon
Grape
Blue Raspberry
PRO TIP:
Here is my usual. It’s so good. If you feel overwhelmed, you should get this one: Vanilla ice cream base, cheese cake, coconut cream, orangesicle.
What To Do After Whirla Whips
Stanley is a small town, but we typically make an afternoon of our trip to the Fountain.
Shop around Dakota Drug. They carry lots of local or Dakota Made products.
Go to the park. We love the playground at Wilson Park. It’s got play equipment for kids of all sizes. If the weather is nice, we walk there to run off our ice cream.
Check out a few ghost towns in the area. Palermo, Tagus and Belden are all close to Stanley. Be sure to read up on visiting Ghost Towns here. You can access a Ghost Town Map here.
Here are a couple other ideas of things to do while you’re there.
Get More Local Love and Minot Living
Get more tips on living in Minot by following along with me on Instagram and Facebook. Each Monday I put out a round up of events going on in town in my Instagram stories. Throughout the week, I show you what life in Minot is like in stories and inspiration for intentional living through the week. And don’t forget to check out BeLOCAL–they offer a truly comprehensive guide for living in Minot.
This post is last of a series on Sabbath rest. Today we’ll cover some final thoughts and action steps for practicing the Sabbath, including a FREE downloadable guide. Here are the previous posts:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
Practicing the Sabbath isn’t Legalistic
Today we are wrapping up the Reshaping Your Rest series with a FREE downloadable worksheet and a few final thoughts. The worksheet will walk you through assessing how you currently spend your “day of rest,” auditing your Sabbath activities and an action plan for creating a Sabbath that is both holy to the Lord and refreshing to you.
Best of all, our God cares more about our heart posture than our actions.
It’s easy to let our Sabbath rest become something legalistic. To lay out a list of things we are prohibited from doing. That’s missing the point. The Sabbath is a gift from God, Mark 2:27. (More verses on the Sabbath here.) It’s not meant to be drudgery. It’s not meant to enslave us. (Great commentaries and study resources here.)
The Sabbath is a day of rest and freedom. A day to look back and remember what God has done, enjoy the present and the place God has brought us to, and look forward to a future when things will be perfect and we will truly rest in paradise. The Sabbath doesn’t require us to be stagnant or mindless. (More on symbolism of the Sabbath in Part I and Part II.)
Your Sabbath May Look Different Than Mine.
The way you observe the Sabbath should be obtainable in your own house. In order to keep the day holy (literally: set apart), you need to be able to execute it and enjoy it. Having a Sabbath plan will do you little use if it’s an unobtainable ideal. That will eventually stir up guilt and exhaustion as you strive for rest. As you consider Sabbath rest for your own household keep it simple. (Here are some of my takeaways for inspiration.)
Your day of rest may look different than mine. And that’s okay.
Make a Plan for Practicing the Sabbath in Your Home
This is broken down in greater detail in the worksheet, but here are the steps our house took to Reshape Our Rest.
Prayerfully consider the Sabbath. Ask God to open our hearts to the truth of what He desires our rest to look like. Thank God for inviting us into the Sabbath. Repent of disobedience.
Choose a day that will be our Day of Rest.
Discuss what a “regular” work day looks like. Since the Sabbath should be “set apart” our rest day needs to look different than a work day.
Discuss what feels laborious or oppressive, like work to each of us.
Examine how we currently spend time on the Sabbath.
Filter activities through what Scripture says about the Sabbath.
Brainstorm what activities are acceptable and enjoyable for us on the Sabbath. Again, drawing from Scripture.
Create an action plan of what needs to be done before the Sabbath in order for us to enjoy and observe the Sabbath. This takes a little intentionality and forethought.
Our Sabbath Plan
If this still feels overwhelming I’ll give you an example. We decided to be intentional about the Sabbath over the past year. Previously our day of rest had no plan. Things felt unanchored. Sometimes stressful. Sometimes lonely, if we were busy with our own tasks and “unable” to enjoy our family together. Once in a while, resentful if I perceived that I wasn’t getting the rest I so desperately craved after a long week.
Communication has been key to reshaping our rest. Understanding what is burning us out, what brings refreshment to our family, and how we each effectively commune with God guided our plan.
Practicing the Sabbath looks a little different each week, but we prepare, communicate and examine our hearts before we step into our day of rest. Here are things we do or prioritize on our Sabbath:
Church
Pursue fellowship/edifying conservation/community outside the walls of the church.
Time doing something fun as a family.
For me, working on a house projects. It’s a time when I feel close to God and inspired by Him. **However, if projects become something I’m stressed about or burdened by, I do NOT work on them during the Sabbath. Instead I offer my concerns and stress over getting things done as a sacrifice to God. I choose to trust Him that the work will get done–and enjoy my day.
For Derek, working in the yard or taking care of a few things around the house is refreshing. He is joyful as he provides for our family in ways he cannot during the regular work week.
For Derek, intentional one-on-one time with Gideon is important during his Sabbath. For me, it’s important to step away from Gideon for a bit and have a little time to do something quietly alone.
Now It’s Your Turn
You can get the worksheet for intentionally reshaping your Sabbath over in the resource library. It’s totally FREE. It will walk you through the process we’ve used to set apart our Sabbath as a holy day to God.
For more intentional living, Bible geekery and daily motivation to walk in faith, be sure to join the community on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to get to know you. Or, sign up for my emails (below), and you’ll get new posts straight to your inbox. Thanks for being here, friends.
Reshaping Your Rest:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
Happy Minot Monday, everyone! Today I’m sharing information on how to take your own sunflower photos.We’ll cover etiquette on what’s appropriate, how to access a field and tips for taking your own photos. Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is filled with tips and information on living like a local and loving our town.
It’s that magical time of year: Sunflower Season! This beautiful part of the growing season is just one more thing that makes summer in North Dakota great. In North Dakota sunflowers aren’t just planted as garden decor. Sunflowers are a major crop–which means they grow in professionally kept fields, covering plots nearly as far as the eye can see. “Sunflower Season” is usually throughout the month of August. But bloom times vary year by year.
It’s really a breathtaking sight.
Which also makes sunflower fields a great place for breathtaking photos.
I get asked on a regular basis about how to find fields and what the etiquette is for taking photos in fields. Today we’re going to cover everything you need to know to take your own sunflower photos.
How to Find a Sunflower Field
Most crops aren’t planted in the same field every year to preserve the soil’s integrity. Sunflowers are no different. This means that the perfect field this summer, will likely be filled with a different crop next summer.
The best way to find a sunflower field is to look for one. It a good idea to find a field before you head out to take your own sunflower photos. Here are a few places to check.
North of town off of 83 as if you’re headed toward base.
I find it works best just to drive. As you explore, you’ll start to see bright yellow fields. Some may be along a main road, but chances are, you’ll need to veer off the highway onto back roads to get up close to a field.
Accessing a Sunflower Field
Once you have found a field to your liking you’ll need to get “inside” the field for photos. The important thing to remember here is that these are cash crops (read: someone else’s income). Never ever destroy plants to get a photo op.
Instead look for a pull off along the road. If it’s on the side of the road, you can walk into the field gently. Even better is finding a pull off (for farm implement access) that juts into the field. You can pull off and walk in from there.
Edges of the field (especially the edge where the flowers are “facing”) may be a little more sparse. This offers a good place to walk in and set up your camera. Otherwise, try walking a few rows in to look for a bare spot in the field. It’s nearly impossible to get an easy shot in the most crowded part of the field.
Sunflower Photo Etiquette
When snapping sunflower photos respect is the name of the game. Remember, this is someone’s livelihood. Their career. Your perfect Instagram photo does should take priority over someone’s personal property.
North Dakota farmers and ranchers work hard to make sure our country has the crops, energy and American-raised products we need to stay fed. Their job is hard. I can’t even wrap my mind around the amount of planning, scientific knowledge, math, and painstaking details that go into coaxing crops to grow like magic from the ground.
All that said, here is some common sunflower etiquette:
Remember, these fields belong to someone else, and these crops are their livelihood.
Never ever pick or cut flowers. This is stealing.
Do not cut down or trample flowers for any reason.
Walk gently and watch your step.
Do not drive over crops for any reason.
Respect posted signs. If you see something that indicates you should not enter the field, don’t do it. (ie No Trespassing, Private Property, etc)
Do keep pets on a leash, make sure they don’t harm crops.
Use common sense.
Take Your Own Sunflower Photos With These Tips
Since I used to do photography full time, our family photos are mostly all done by me, a tripod and timer. Here are my recommendations for getting great shots if you decide to take your own sunflower photos.
Go in the evening. The lower the sun to the horizon, the better.
Take a tripod if you’ve got it. (Or a friend, if you don’t.)
Screen shot a couple poses you like. If service is spotty you won’t need to rely on your Pinterest board for inspiration.
If you’re short, or photographing your kids, think about taking a small stool or box to stand on. This will get you closer to the blooms so the background isn’t all stems.
If all of this makes you uncomfortable, hire a pro. Minot has a network of wildly talented photographers!
Stay Connected For More
For more on living like a local–be sure to check out BeLCOAL. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and read the current issue online. I’d love it if you stayed connected with me too! I am seriously passionate about welcoming folks to Minot and helping them love their time here.
Let’s get together on Facebook and Instagram. There, you’ll find a growing community, striving to live with intentionality and enjoy the season they’re in. (Pro Tip: each Monday evening I post a round up of events happening in town on my Instagram stories.) Thanks for being here, let’s be friends.
Today I’m happy to bring you part III of the Reshaping Your Rest series. For once, I’ll be piping down to let others do the talking. I’m sharing a few commentaries and resources that have helped me further understand what setting apart a day of rest really means.
All posts in the series are right here:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
An Overview of the Sabbath
Do you know the Bible Project? If you don’t, get to know them. I’m a HUGE fan of their work. They produce great, short videos that cover all kinds of Biblical topics. (I’m especially fond of their videos that give a “nutshell” perspective on each book of the Bible. Those are great for anyone, but especially families and young students of the Word.)
Anyway, the Bible Project has a great video on the Sabbath and its origins.
If a few things went too fast, or you’d rather read than watch, see this quick article. It links up all the verse references used in the video.
Is the Sabbath Still Relevant Today?
Is keeping the Sabbath still something relevant to the modern church? This is an excellent question. And while we’re talking about the Bible Project–here is an excellent article that covers a wide range of questions about keeping the Sabbath. (Excerpt below.)
Jesus reminded the people of God’s actual intent for the Sabbath: unity with God, creation, and each other that was first found in Eden on page one of the Bible. Jesus taught that the Sabbath was about mercy and was purposeful. It was supposed to point to him, the one promised through all of Israel’s prophets, the one who would restore the rhythm of creation.
When followers of Jesus observe the Sabbath, we live as if this restoration has already taken place. We take a break from the broken rhythms of hustle and hardship to set aside a time of submission to his rule and enjoyment of his presence and to extend these things to the world around us. When we observe the Sabbath well, we become little resting places of God’s presence.
…As followers of Jesus, we aren’t required to follow the laws given to Israel by God exactly. These were given at a specific time to a specific people group for a specific purpose. Yet the wisdom of those laws is enduring, and the law of the Sabbath is pure gold. It is not a commandment we are bound to; it’s a promise we’re invited to.
Sometimes looking into the meanings of specific words used in the Bible can help glean a deeper understanding of what the text is meant to communicate. The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, the New Testament in Greek. Here are a few Hebrew and Greek words I found helpful for understanding the Sabbath as I studied.
How to read interlinear references:
If you’ve never Bible geeked out over an interlinear reference, this could be your first time. At the top is the word we are studying. Next is a section of definitions and uses. At the bottom is concordance results. This is a list of every verse in the Bible that uses the word we are looking at.
**Always remember to read in context and apply the definition as meant by the author. The Word is powerful. We should read to find truth–not arguments that support our own opinions and ideas.**
Shabath: First seen in Genesis 2. This is the word used to describe how God rested on the seventh day.
Nuwach: To rest or settle down. This word has the connotation of comfort, being placed in order, knowing your place and being able to rest securely. (Missy Takano also covers nuwach in her article.)
Shabbath: The word used for the proclaimed and prescribed Sabbath.
Sabbaton: The Greek word used for the proclaimed and prescribed Sabbath in the New Testament.
Katapausis: A calming of the winds, a resting place. This word is used primarily in Hebrews 4–describing the rest of God.
Be diligent to enter that rest: The rest is there, but God does not force it upon us. We must enter that rest. Clearly, the rest is entered by faith; but it takes diligent faith. This shows us that faith is not passive; it takes diligence to trust in, rely on, and cling to Jesus and His work for us.
This directs us to contrive family affairs, so that they may hinder us as little as possible in the work of the sabbath. Works of necessity are to be done on that day; but it is desirable to have as little as may be to do, that we may apply ourselves the more closely to prepare for the life that is to come.
Get Ready to Reshape Your Rest by Keeping the Sabbath
Next week we’ll wrap up our Sabbath series. I’ve got a quick study guide and worksheet for you that will help you reshape your own rest–and more fully align it with the rest God wants to give us.
Until then, I’d love to get to know you! Join me on Instagram or Facebook to connect with me and a growing community committed to striving to live intentionally, viewing the world through a Christ-centered lens. I post *almost* daily encouragement and devotionals–and you can get a behind the scenes look at what I do when I’m not writing in my stories. You can also connect by subscribing to my emails. You’ll be notified every time a new post comes out and have access to the resource library!
As always, thanks for being here. If this series is teaching you or touching your heart, I’d love to hear from you–and I’d love if you shared with friends to help grow this sweet, encouraging corner of the Internet.
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
Happy Minot Monday! Today, we’re talking about Angelic Gardens in Minot. The Minot Monday content you know and love is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is a publication that helps folks discover local favorite–so you can live and thrive like a local. Be sure to check them out, follow them and thank them for supporting Minot Monday!
Okay gang. I’ve got a good one for you today. Angelic Gardens in Minot is a true hidden gem. Recently I’ve talked to a handful of friends who have lived in Minot their whole lives and never heard of Angelic Gardens. Others have heard of it–but most have never been.
And I can’t figure out why!
It’s a bit hidden, but it shouldn’t be. I think everyone should know and go. So let’s blow its cover a bit.
What is Angelic Gardens?
Angelic Gardens is an U-pick garden right here in town. But to call it simply a U-pick place seems lacking. The garden (which is expansive) is organic, hand-weeded, and meticulously cared for. Most U-pick places that I’m familiar with offer one type of produce. Angelic Gardens in Minot is different, in that they offer a wide scope of fruits and vegetables throughout the summer and fall. (Seriously, everything from berries and herbs to corn and heirloom onions.)
Inside the small shop is a map of the garden, sign with what’s available to pick and another small sign with the entire growing season’s crops and when they’ll be available.
Inside staff will tell you what to pick and where. Then you can grab a basket and get to it. The staff is so kind and sweet, I’d venture they’d even help you pick if you need it.
Also inside you can pick up pre-picked items, baked goods, gourds, and jellies made from their own produce.
Our Day At Angelic Gardens in Minot
Last week I went to Angelic Gardens for the first time with a friend. We both brought our littles and had a great time wandering the gardens. I picked zucchini and beets. (See what I’m making with them on Instagram this week!)
At the end of our garden tour we sampled a few choke cherries and sand cherries (I’ll be back this week to pick up some of those to make my own batch of jelly.) Then we headed in to pay.
In my opinion, prices are low for organic produce. (At least on par with grocery store and farmers’ market prices.) Some items were priced by the piece, but most are priced per pound. Buy only as much or as little as you need.
All in all, I spent less than $5 on what I needed and we had a fabulous outing. And Gideon loved seeing where the fruit and vegetables grow (especially pulling up the beets.)
The hours are limited and shift between summer and fall. Current summer hours are Mondays 5:30-7:30pm and Thursdays 10am-1pm. But again, check their page for the most accurate information.
They offer a military discount.
A discount is offered for donating plastic bags to their stash for customers.
Save a plastic bag by bringing your own.
This is a perfect family-friendly, homeschool friendly adventure.
They offer special events (especially in the fall when apples and pumpkins are plentiful). What their page for announcements. (Or my Instagram round up each Monday.)
More Encouragement and Minot Love
Get more, daily encouragement and inspiration for intentional living by joining our community on Facebook and Instagram. I share things I love about Minot, faith, and inspiration for thriving and loving life right where you are. To make sure you never miss a post–sign up for my email list! And remember to check out BeLOCAL for more local favorites and ways you can start living like a local today.
Welcome back to the Reshaping Your Rest series. Today we will dive into 10 key Bible verses for understanding the Sabbath.
Here are all the posts in this series:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
The Right Mindset About The Sabbath
The thought I keep coming back to is that God tells us it is a sacrifice to deny ourselves the work we think needs to get done. We created in God’s image. God Himself is a creator and worker. It’s natural for us to work, to have goals, to want to achieve.
The trouble is that those things can become idols. Something we value higher than God’s command to “honor the Sabbath.” Something we think is more important than slowing down, putting aside and obeying.
At first, the idea of a day of rest viewed as a “sacrifice” seems counterintuitive. But it doesn’t take too much thought to connect the two. Especially in our material, secular-success driven culture.
Key Bible Verses for Understanding the Sabbath.
Here are 10 verses/passages that have helped me understand Sabbath rest, as seen from a Biblical perspective.
It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. Ex 31:17
Key takeaways: God rested. We are to emulate God in all we do. God was refreshed after He rested. How much more will we be refreshed after true rest? Also, just because “He rested…” doesn’t mean God stopped working, caring, or being relational. Likewise, our Sabbath rest should be a rest from work–but not a complete halt to life, relationships or doing Kingdom work.
You shall work six days, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during plowing time and harvest you shall rest. Ex 34:21
Key takeaways: Being in a “busy” season or needing to get things done is not an excuse for neglecting the Sabbath.
This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselvesand not do any work—whether native-born or a foreigner residing among you— because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins. It is a day of sabbath rest, and you must deny yourselves; it is a lasting ordinance. Leviticus 16:29-31
Key takeaways: Laying work aside is to sacrifice and deny ourselves. God has already done (and will do) the important work of atonement. (Note: in context this verse pertains to an annual celebration of atonement–not just a traditional weekly Sabbath.)
…but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day. Deut 5:14-15
Key takeaways: Sabbath rest means refraining from traditional work and reflecting where we’ve come with God’s aid. We should also respect others’ right to observe Sabbath rest.
Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the Lord made them holy. Yet the people of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness. They did not follow my decrees but rejected my laws—by which the person who obeys them will live—and they utterly desecrated my Sabbaths. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and destroy them in the wilderness. Ezk 20:12-13
Key takeaways: The Sabbath is a gift and sign from God for us. Observing the Sabbath illustrates our trust in God. God is passionate about the Sabbath. He is hurt when it is not observed and honored.
How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Matt 12:12
Key takeaways: Observing Sabbath rest is not an excuse to not do good, be kind, do Godly work, or be helpful to others. (See Matthew 12:9-14 for more context.)
Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27
Key takeaways: The Sabbath is a gift for us. Something God made for us.
It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. Luke 23:54-24:1
Key takeaways: This is a great passage for understanding proper reverence for the Sabbath. It takes intentionality and self-discipline to observe the Sabbath. If the work of these women can be put on hold to honor the Sabbath, our work can also wait.
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. Acts 16:13-15
Key takeaways: Fellowship, teaching, fulfilling the great commission, being outdoors, prayer and building relationships are all welcome on the Sabbath.
Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. Acts 18:4
Key takeaways: Do not use the Sabbath as an excuse to lay around idly or to fill your mind with idle thoughts. New Testament examples of activity on the Sabbath include using spiritual gifts, fellowship, building relationship, teaching, sharing our witness and reflecting with others.
Start Reshaping Your Rest With These Verses and Passages
These Bible verses for understanding the Sabbath are a great place to start reshaping your own rest. Read them, pray over them. Dig deeper by seeing what else Scripture has to say about the Sabbath. (To get you started I ran a quick search for every reference to “Sabbath” on BlueLetterBible.org.)
As you study, remember to think critically about what Scripture is saying. What does the text say? Who does it affect? What actions are taking place? What are the consequences or God’s opinion on those actions? Specifically, what does each verse teach you about who God is and what His character is like?
And, don’t forget to read verses in context to get an accurate understanding of the true meaning of the text.
Coming Up in the Reshaping Your Rest Series
We’ve looked at some background and key Bible verses for understanding the Sabbath. Next week, I’ll be sharing resources, commentaries, and a little Hebrew that will help you understand the rest God wants to give us even more deeply. Then, we’ll finish up with a worksheet that will help you intentionally reshape how you accept this gift from God.
In the meantime, I’d love to get to know you better, by connecting with you on Instagram and Facebook. There, you’ll find a community striving to live intentionally, while viewing life through a Christ’s Kingdom lens. You’ll also get daily inspiration and motivation for living intentionally with a Kingdom mindset (and fun anecdotes and mishaps from my home.) If this series is hitting your heart, I’d love if you shared. If you’d like to get all the latest posts straight to your inbox, just sign up below!
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
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