Rest
Breathe easy now, traveler, for you will find serenity here at the Haven–crossroads of fantasy, faith, coffee & rest.
Some who come here aren’t so bad off, just worn down and needing to stop for a bit. Others are altogether done in, unsure about life and whether they can go on. Staring numbly into a bleak future.
Reject such lies. You have a purpose, and deep down you know that. All you need is someone to take your hand and show you there is still hope. There are simple steps you can take to nourish your soul. You don’t want to be closed off, so let’s get your heart back open.
Settle in, either in solitude or with your dear ones, and get started here and now. Five quick, delightfully simple steps for you.
~ Verse ~
Look up Bible Gateway and you will see the Verse of the Day right at the top. Read it.
~ Light ~
Get the fireplace going, light a candle, or turn on some Christmas lights (any time of year, no judgment here). Or simply dim the lights.
~ Music ~
Look up Coffee Shop Vibes on Youtube and choose one. Now you’re in a coffeehouse with hours of instrumental peace without interruption.
~ Brew ~
Ready for a hot drink to keep you company? Treat yourself with an old favorite, or thrill yourself with something new you’ve been wanting to try.
Go to the Brew area right here at the Haven for inspiration.
~ Book ~
Take a break from your thought stream. From taxing emotions. The daily stress of your trade. Yes, an escape, for there is nothing wrong with that. Not a mindless distraction, running from your life and wasting time. Rather, this is to bring focus, to remind you what it’s all about. Of the good that was and will be again. To cast your vision beyond your present condition. For when we venture to fantasy realms, we read inspiring tales that feed our souls.
Pick one off the shelf you’ve been meaning to read. Today’s the day. Or have a look at this list of my old favorites if you want.
By J.R.R. Tolkien:
The Hobbit
The Lord of the Rings
The Silmarillion
Leaf by Niggle
By C.S. Lewis:
The Chronicles of Narnia
By George MacDonald:
Phantastes
The Princess and the Goblin
At the Back of the North Wind
Lilith
By Stephen R. Lawhead:
The Pendragon Cycle
The Song of Albion
By Calvin Miller:
The Singer Trilogy
By Karen Hancock:
Legends of the Guardian King
Arena
Of course there are many more by these and other authors, but this is the foundation.
So there you are. Nothing you couldn’t have come up with on your own, but sometimes you need a nudge. Come back here often. I’ve kept it simple, but you can change your choices and have a fresh experience each time.
Wishing you much rest,
~ Serl
Post Script ~ If you’re really, really low, I’ll tell you of a song I heard of from one of my best patrons years ago. For music, like books, touches us deeply. When he felt most downtrodden, he’d listen to Hush by Waterdeep. So should you.