There is nothing more wonderful than being outside with warm sunshine and a cool breeze blowing across your face! As summer months have arrived, we are thankful to God for the changing of the seasons that we experience in Minnesota.

This month, we are looking at the wonderful topic of REST. In our busy lives, we often fit too many things into our schedules and end up becoming overwhelmed. We forget to make time for fun, for nature, for friends, and for REST.

Take a moment to sit outside with a glass of tea and a good book. Enjoy the REST.

July 2015

Executive Director, Kathy Weckwerth

Finding REST

Founder & Executive Director

Kathy A. Weckwerth

If you're anything like me, your life is racing by day after day. Each day brings new challenges from work, family, church, and community. Every person in your life is swamped, overwhelmed, and moving as fast as they can, and so are you.

The one thing I have noticed as I'm running my own race, is that the more technology provides us with ways to communicate and stay ahead of the race, the more unplugged from others and the more behind we get.

With recent health challenges, it scared me enough to make some big changes in my lifestyle. I determined to schedule time for rest.

A few days a month, I unplug my phone, do a light housekeeping of answering emails and posting on Facebook, and then, I remain in my pajamas and make it a fun day. ... a day of rest.

My husband, Farmer Dean, reminds me over and over that other people rest, so why shouldn't we? And he reminds me that God rested ... He worked 6 days and rested on the 7th. Rest is imperative!!!

Here's the top 5 things you need to know about REST:

1. Physically, our bodies must have 7-8 hours of sleep a day to function.

2. Rest helps make us more productive.

3. Rest helps us avoid burnout.

4. Rest improves memory.

5. Rest helps us think clearly.

Have you ever made stupid mistakes because you were overly tired or emotional? I know I have!

Even Jesus modeled the importance of rest. Mark 6:31 says, "Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some

rest. '"

It's summertime and time to make yourself slow down and rest. Take a break. Take a vacation. Live the day in your pajamas and read, nap, eat cookies, go fishing, bake some brownies, make some ice cold lemonade.

Whatever you do, just REST.

Restful Table Settings

Sometimes the most simple settings are the most restful ones. They just emit a leisurely feel.

To get this look, the Best Life team put an old white sheet over the picnic table. We purchased a couple yards of ticker-type fabric at Walmart ($3.97 a yard) and used as a center piece.

Next, we found lanterns on Amazon (set of 3 lanterns for $69.99 from Pebble Lane Living) and scattered them across the center.

Rope can be found at Runnings Hardware Store (approximately $6.29). We threw a garage sale utensil box on the table with utensils from the same sale ($5.00 for the box) and decorated with white plates, (Crate & Barrel $5.95 each). Add in napkins cut from red checkered material ($3.97 a yard at Walmart), a piece of driftwood from Grandma's trip up north, and you have a simple setting. Enjoy some rest and relaxation and invite your neighbors over for a burger. Nothing fancy ... just good old rest and relaxation!

What God's Word Says About REST

"My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14

"My soul finds rest in God alone my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Psalm 62:1-2

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yours souls." Matthew 11:28

BLM's

Top Restful Movies for SUMMER!!!

1. Laura (1940)- starring Gene Tierney & Dana Andrews. Mystery & Romance.

2. Sweetland (2005)~endearing story that takes place in 1920.

3. Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1965). Romance & Fabulous Music.

Josh introduces his Refreshing Frozen Key lime Pie

This is an easy to make version of the popular creamy dessert made with tart, aromatic Key limes. Key lime pie filling is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. For simplicity use a purchased graham cracker crust.

Ingredients:

1 prepared and cooled pie crust (preferably graham cracker crust)

1 pint heavy whipping cream (2 cups)

1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)

� - � cup key lime juice (depending on how tart you like your pie)

1 � tsp key lime zest (finely shredded lime peel)

� cup powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Whip a 1/2 pint (1 cup) of the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.

2. In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and key lime zest.

3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the lime mixture, and spread into the bottom of the prepared crust.

4. Freeze for approximately 3 hours.

5. Just before serving the pie, whip the remaining whipping cream with the powdered sugar and spread over the frozen filling.

Tips: You may want to let the frozen filling sit at room temperate for about 10 minutes before topping it with the additional whipped cream. May pipe cream decoratively onto the pie and garnish with lime slices. Enjoy!

Rest is Good for the Soul

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time."

John Lubbock

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Saturday, July 18, 2015 is our Annual Fundraiser!

This year, we will be featuring The Mill Pond Jazz Orchestra

Supper: Pulled Pork on buns, coleslaw, fruit, chips, pickles

and ice cold tea and lemonade!

Fresh homemade pies and hymn sing to follow.

Bring your generous donation and join us!!!

To bring a pie:, email kathy@bestlifeministries.com

NEW BOOK FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KATHY A. WECKWERTH

The Story of My Life: Joseph (Life Lessons from Genesis)

10 week women's Bible study! $12.99 each or $9.99 if you order 10+.

To order, click here: kathy's new Joseph book!

BLM's 2015 CONFERENCE Topic is "Get on Track! Train for Your BEST LIFE"

WE ARE BOOKING 2 MORE CONFERENCES! NEED US TO COME TO YOU?

Bring our conference to your location! $50.00 referral fee to anyone who refers us to a church who delivers an event.

New workshop classes include: Celebrating God Through Psalm 119, When Faith Stretches, Stretch With It!, Living Your Best With Authentic Prayer, Living Your Best With Vitality and Letting Go of Fear and Worry.

Tickets this year are $35.00. Connect with Executive Director, Kathy Weckwerth for questions or to book your women's event!

Kathy's email

Upcoming Conferences:

Saturday, September 19-St. John's of Biscay, Hutchinson, MN

Saturday, September 26-Peace Lutheran, Faribault, MN

Our New Radio Show

YOUR BEST with Kathy Weckwerth

KSCR 93.5 BENSON, MN

6:00-7:00 p.m.

or listen to the iTunes podcast!

This month, take some time to REST! Keep in touch with us via our facebook page: BLM facebook for encouraging help.

You can find out more about Best Life Ministries by visiting our website at www.bestlifeministries.com or
kathyweckwerth.com

Remember, it's never too late to make changes.

Start today. Start living your best life!