It seems lately REST, is the Law of Health I’ve been rather fixated on. This time yet another aspect of that law came up for me.
You know how many people find “one word” to focus on for an entire year to improve their lives? Well my word for this year, after seeking God on it, is “courage“. After doing a search for scripture references on it, I found that it is God’s rest that is our courage. Before I share those references let me give you some background on this for context both for us and our dogs.
First of all, I’m definitely not cowardly but I’m also not what I consider brave. I do face things head on, but sometimes with fear and trembling – that’s what courage really is by the way. I believe that my dog Ezra is the same way – it’s uncanny how we can attract the very dogs to ourselves (not to be woo woo, it’s just how things work in this world) that are like us – or that we need. With Ezra it’s both, but WOW does he try and test me. Maybe that’s the point – to be tried and forged in the Refiner’s Fire.
First of all, Ezra and I are both very noise sensitive as you know if you’ve read this blog for any length of time. Secondly, we both make a lot of noise lol! I yell when frustrated and he barks at every single darn thing (which can often be the source of my own frustration – a never-ending merry-go-round). So we’re both noisy while being irritated by noise – go figure. He’s a mirror of me – I know a dog trainer who has an upcoming class on helping us with this very thing by the way, The Somatic Hound. Yes, I’m strongly considering this class – Ezra and I need it and I know King will benefit as well!
It’s no surprise to me then that the essence of courage is rest. When I first began to learn about the 8 laws of health, I simply thought of rest as getting a good night’s sleep. That’s the beginning of going deeper into that law. In fact ALL of the laws of health go WAY deeper but we must start somewhere. Once I learned that, I began learning about EMFs interfering, fasting, and now courage! How did I come to that conclusion though? Let me share a few scripture verses with you and I’ll link to other places you can go read more (or look them up in YOUR bible – it’s easy to do with a Bible app).
- Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ~John 14:27, NKJV
- Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”~Mark 5:36, NKJV
- Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. ~Psalm 31:24, NKJV
- https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-courage/
The best one though for me is, “…and the peace that surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:6. You see His peace IS our rest, which makes us courageous when we trust in Him and not our own understanding! Proverbs 3:5-6.
The best way for me to overcome in this area is to praise and worship God. When I do this, both of my dogs are calm. In fact, they DIG it haha! They like it when I dance and sing (only they could like my singing LOL), because they feel my joy and peace. I wrote the following last month (everything for me goes back to music and song):
January 22, 2021 “Yesterday, I had this little phrase come into my heart (a Holy Spirit download since He speaks directly to our spirit which has its home in our hearts not our heads) that I made a song out of and yep I did dance (my favorite thing to do aside from singing which I can’t but do anyway lol). I’m sharing with a quote and scripture verse which I hope encourages and uplifts you:
Sing it, dance it, believe it, live it, tweak it to make it yours.
‘I dance for THE Lord, I dance for THE King, I dance for THE One Who created all things, I dance for THE One Who rules and reigns. Jesus, oh Jesus, oh Jesus, Jesus!’
‘…To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.’ ~Isaiah 61:3, NKJV (bolding mine)
‘Don’t let your circumstances alter your faith. Let your faith alter your circumstances.‘ ~Jon Gordon “
Here are two songs that give me courage on the days I really seem to need it more:
That was exactly what I needed and actually set the tone for my entire day so much I had to share with others. It’s why I am sharing with you now. I know I share far more faith-based than I did when I began this blogging and podcasting journey in 2004, but it has always been my heart. Now more than ever, it must be front and center, facing with courage all that is happening in our world with faith in King Jesus Who WILL return one day. Maybe not in my earthly life, but return He will. For now, as the entire world is spiraling at an alarming rate into deep darkness, I’ll find my rest, my courage in the only ONE Who can dispel and completely annihilate the deep darkness, Isaiah 60:2. Won’t you join me? And bring your dogs too!
Kim Bloomer, V.N.D., N.D. is an animal naturopath as well as being certified in small animal nutrition, with years of experience in animal wellness. Dr. Kim is a published author, writer, and blogger. Subscribe to her DOGgone Newsletter for updates or to her blog via email. Copyright ©2005-2024 Aspenbloom Pet Care, Dr. Kim Bloomer, All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the Author/Publisher. This article is intended to be educational. However, it is not intended to be a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified animal health professional. Dr. Kim Bloomer and Aspenbloom Pet Care, do not assume any legal responsibility for misuse of the products discussed in this article. The only essential oils referenced on this website are Young Living.
