Tricia Lovejoy

I have to admit that one of the people I was most looking forward to meeting at the Armed And Dangerous Retreat (besides the Leading and Loving It Team) was Tricia Lovejoy! It might have been in part because she laughs at my tweets, but honestly I think its because she comes off as a really sweet, down to earth lady (how can you not like a person who's last name has love and joy in it....LOL!). Tricia knew enough about me through my twitter and Facebook page to either embrace me or reject me (yes, I have issues). LOL Not only did Tricia not reject me, but she embraced me as if we had been friends for years! Any doubts I had about our "virtual" friendship went out the door when we actually met in real life. I know you will enjoy her post (and its about Disney...see why I like this girl?) and I hope that her words will bless you just as her friendship has blessed me!

Tricia’s Bio: Tricia is married to Shawn Lovejoy, Lead and Founding Pastor of http://mountainlake.tv in Cumming Ga.  She is a stay at home mom of 3 cuties.  She also leads the women of her church in a monthly ministry called Girlfriends and mentors Pastor’s wives across the nation.  Tricia and her husband lead out together in life and ministry.  You can connect with her at http://SharpenHer.com

Finding Rest for Your Soul

Last summer my husband and I took our kids on the ultimate family vacation.  It involved black mouse’s ears and a castle.  That’s right, we loaded up the family van and traveled 8 hours to experience everything Disney World has to offer, and I do mean everything.  You see, I am a task oriented person which means I felt compelled – dare I say driven – to conquer every ride, see all the shows, and take pictures of our kids in front of every Disney landmark.  Using maps of the parks, I detailed the route we would take each day to maximize our fun by catching rides and shows at their off-peak times, allowing us to avoid long lines in the oppressive June Orlando heat. After six days in four parks, we could say we did it all.  Epcot, Hollywood Studios, The Magic Kingdom, The Animal Kingdom.  Every. Single. Ride. 

At the end of the week, my family was worn out – which made for a peaceful ride home.  But, my husband admitted that he actually felt rested.  Not physically, but emotionally and mentally.  You see, he had disengaged from the demands of life, the burdens of leadership, and the deadlines of work and simply had fun.  Quite refreshing. 

God tells us to rest, but, let’s be honest.  We ignore that one, don’t we? I mean, we’re a little old to be told to take a nap, right? But, as it turns out, God knows what He’s talking about.  Go figure.  He knows that when we are refreshed physically, emotionally, and spiritually, we will be better people.  Better parents.  Better coworkers and friends.  Better spouses. 


For my family, August through May is our busiest time in ministry, so we take full advantage of June and July.  In those months, we vacation, visit family, and pull back to center.  We also spend time setting goals for the coming year so we don’t overextend ourselves – or our children.  Our goal is to run our schedule, not for our schedule to run us! 


The season of rest is here for us.  And, although we certainly don’t quit work altogether, we are running at a different pace.  I want it.  I crave it.  I need God to re-energize me.  My family certainly does.  I bet yours does, too.  Take advantage of these gorgeous summer days to reconnect with your family….and maybe with God.  Cancel a few things on your calendar, and enjoy your home life a little more.  Take a much needed break, and find rest for your soul.  God knows you need it.