By Major Nancy Fuller

“By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing, so on the seventh day He rested from all His work.” Genesis 2:2. Our fast-paced schedules often leave us feeling guilty when we rest.

But no one can work all the time. We all need time out to celebrate, refresh, get away, plan, and renew our minds and bodies for whatever comes next. Taking a break is just good human maintenance. When you celebrate a day of rest, remember that God also rested. In six days, He spoke the world into existence. Then He completed His work, looked it over, and smiled.

Since God doesn’t get tired, why did He rest? He rested to celebrate, to affirm the value of what He had just done. You can do the same. Resting affirms the value of your efforts. “I said to myself, ‘Relax and rest.  God has showered you with blessings.'” Psalm 116:7…God, thank you for the gift of rest. Please help me honor you by taking time to renew myself and celebrate those efforts you have called me to.

We all need time off.  John and I have just returned from being away from Port Arthur for two full weeks.  We had the privilege of taking care of our grandchildren in Cambridge, Maryland, for two weeks.  Not only was it a wonderful time off for us, we also enjoyed the time spent with two precious children.

We only get to see them about every four months or so and it is always nice when the parents are gone and we have them all to ourselves.  They act a whole lot better with grandma and grandpa that way also.  And it is so nice to not have the “grown-ups” telling the older folks what to do and what not to do.

Their parents, who are also Officers in The Salvation Army, were privileged to attend the International Congress “Boundless” celebrating 150 years in existence for The Salvation Army.  Over 15,000 Soldiers (Salvation Army members) and many others from around the world convened on London from July 1-5 to mark this great celebration.  There were flags flying high and the week-end culminated with a March of Witness (parade) going right in front of Buckingham Palace.  My daughter came back on fire for the Lord and the Army after experiencing this wonderful event.

150 years is a long time for an organization to be around, with no break whatsoever during that time.  Our Founder, William Booth, began a good thing in the East End of London those 150 years ago and the services, the social services and the message continues on throughout the world today!

There is a song we sing in the Army, “Salvation Army, Army of God, onward to conquer the world with fire and blood, onward to conquer the world with fire and blood.”  May that be our calling, our creed and our testimony to go and conquer the world in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  The Salvation Army is located in 126 countries and still more to conquer!

If you have any questions about The Salvation Army, please give me a call at 409-983-2229.  We would love to see you on a Sunday at 3145 25th Street, Port Arthur, at 11 a.m. for our Morning Worship.