The Rev. Elyse Nelson Winger suggests the following Scripture texts and spiritual practice for finding rest and refuge:

In his book, The Way of the Heart, Henri Nouwen invites us to practice prayer and meditation by repeating certain Bible verses over and over for a period of time, say, 10 minutes. Such prayers take up residence in our hearts and help us remain centered amidst chaotic and challenging lives.

You can choose whatever verses you love, but here are some that point us toward the refuge and rest we so often need in our quest for balance and wholeness. (Note: Scripture texts are from the New Revised Standard Version and have been adapted for inclusive language.)

	Karris Golden suggests the following ways you can to help us put balance in our lives: Walk outdoors. This walk is about scenery, not burning calories. Nature can restore your balance and release tension. An outdoor walk is also a good way to connect with God. Get some sleep! You’ve read the studies: American adults — especially women — deprive themselves of sleep. You need eight to 10 hours each night. Losing sleep affects your physical and mental alertness, and it’s hard on your skin. Reflect on all you're thankful for. Share your thoughts with your family and friends during a regular weekly meal. Intentionally naming your gratitude will carry you through times of stress. Grab your family or friends and indulge in a fun — even silly — activity. Fly a kite, have a water-balloon fight, play charades — anything that can get you laughing. Eliminate unnecessary projects from your life. By scaling back, you’ll give other projects 100 percent and remove the risk of becoming overwhelmed. If you can afford it, dine out at least once a week. You’ll look forward to it, and you won’t have to deal with dirty dishes. Take some time out for silence. Turn off everything that makes noise. Meditate, read, or indulge in that ultimate guilty pleasure: Take a nap! Make time for worship. Spending time at church will help you stay centered and remind you of what’s really important. The faith community can be a wonderful source of advice and support. Back

Psalm 43:5: Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise the one who is my help and my God.

Psalm 28:7: The LORD is my strength and my shield, the one in whom my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to God.

Psalm 100:5: For God is good; God’s steadfast love endures forever, and God’s faithfulness to all generations.

Isaiah 40:29-31: God gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Matthew 6:34: So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the LORD always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The LORD is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.

Philippians 4:12-13: I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstance I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through the one who strengthens me.

Websites of interest

The Columbia School of Business offers 10 ways to create balance in your work life.

Check out the article about creating balance between family and school from the about.com website, by Jamie Littlefield.

For a complete list of prayer ideas, check out the ELCA's "Igniter
ideas to stimulate prayer" page.

Do you do yoga to relax? Check out Café's second article on Christian yoga. The Internet Café page from that issue has several links and resources for creating balance and even finding a retreat!

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