Surrendered Sleep Blog Tour

There's nothing like the lack of sleep to make contentment seem impossible. Optimal functioning, whether it be mental, physical, emotional or relational depends on proper rest. But how often have we considered God's place when it comes to our sleep (or lack thereof). Today I'd like to introduce you to a new book that steps into this subject and takes the reader into the Bible for a look at sleep and what God has to say about it. Author, Dr. Charles W. Page, shares with us "Balin Jam" - Chapter 17 from his new book. Read on and then share your comments about sleep to be entered in a special sleep-centered drawing.

  Surrendered Sleep
A Biblical Perspective
Dr. Charles W. Page
www.surrenderedsleep.com
Publisher: Camino Real Pub.
ISBN-10: 9-780-983-138105 ISBN-13: 978-0-9831381-0-5 Release Date: 9/15/2011
Paperback: 189 pages
Retail: $14.95







(Nacogdoches, TX) Sleep Clinics. Sleeping Pills. Sleep Systems. With all the focus on sleep, it’s obvious to anyone breathing (or not—in the case of sleep apnea) that sleep disorders are on everyone’s minds. Can’t fall asleep. Can’t stay asleep. So many problems, but so few zzzs.

Dr. Charles W. Page has been plagued with sleep deprivation his entire adult life. Whether from the rigorous unpredictable lifestyle of a general surgeon or dealing with obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Page sees sleep as a precious commodity. Many of his surgical patients also report sleep problems on their medical histories. It’s certainly a widespread problem.

Although there is extensive medical literature regarding sleep, insomnia and sleep disorders, there is little instruction about these issues from a Christian worldview. Sleep was God’s idea—why shouldn’t we go to the One who created rest in the first place for answers to our sleep problems. One of the reasons Dr. Page wrote Surrendered Sleep was to heighten people’s awareness of the spiritual side of sleep issues, which often goes neglected in health and medical literature.

Surrendered Sleep

A Biblical Perspective

By Charles W. Page, M.D.

CHAPTER 17

Balin Jam

Balin jam (“may you pass your night in peace”)—it’s how the Fulani people of western Africa say goodbye. This Fulani expression best captures the message of this book. Passing your night in peace, from a biblical perspective, involves a whole lot more than sleeping well. It encompasses surrendering every aspect of sleep to God. The prerequisite for having peace as we lay down to sleep is a growing, vibrant relationship with God. Everything in our lives, including sleep, flows out of our pursuit of our loving Father in Heaven. The ability to sleep is a multifaceted gift given by God, who likewise pursues a love relationship with every individual on this planet.

From God’s perspective, sleep (or its absence) is a tool designed to help fulfill His agenda in our lives and in His world. Our response should be twofold. First we must transfer our focus off our personal sleep issues and onto the Shepherd of sleep. We must fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Second, we need to relinquish control of sleep and allow God to shape our hearts into His image. In so doing, we may find that we sleep better.

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” A life of surrendered sleep is characterized by the ability to discern the time and seasons that God has prepared for us, and respond with a heart of thankfulness and obedience.

At times we may experience peaceful sleep because we are pursuing a wise heart. Let it propel us on to greater heights of service. When we encounter storms that threaten to steal our sleep, let us cling to God’s presence and promises with a calm heart. If disobedience presents itself in our sleep patterns, we must return to the One who removes our sin as far as the east is from the west. If God interrupts our sleep to call, instruct or intervene in our lives, our hearts must respond in obedience.

Similarly, there are times when we must offer up to God a sacrifice of our sleep. And last, if we suffer intractable insomnia and unrest, let us move forward with a peace that passes all understanding. For an enduring and expectant heart knows that our reward and perfection is waiting just around the bend.

Surrender your heart to the One whose eyes never close. Allow Him to keep you and help you to “pass your nights in peace.”

Balin jam!

 

Author Bio
Dr. Charles W. Page is a sleep-deprived surgeon. He completed medical school and residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas and serves as surgeon in rural Texas. Dr. Page is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Christian Medical and Dental Association. In addition to his involvement in the teaching ministry of his local church, he has participated in medical mission trips to Cameroon, Pakistan, Milawe, Niger, Mexico, Honduras and Nicaragua. He and his wife Joanna live in Texas with their five children.

Leave a comment to be entered in the Grand Prize Giveaway (one commenter on this blog will be randomly selected for the drawing):

Surrendered Sleep Products
Surrendered Sleep - Book
Surrendered Sleep - 8-Volume DVD Series
Sleep Songs - CD of music from Fletch Wiley
SLEEP - Lavender Vanilla Aromatherapy from Bath & BodyWorks
Pillow Mist (4 oz)
Body Wash & Foam Bath (2 oz)
Lotion (2 oz)
Candle (1.6 oz)

What Will You Do On Your Day of Rest?

When it comes to preparing for a day of rest, it helps to consider what a restful day will look like for us. We need to consider what we will do, not just what activity we'll cease from. So I have a question for you: what does an ideal restful day off look like to you? In other words, what activities recharge you?

I'm lucky to belong to a neighborhood book club that meets on a Sunday afternoon once a month. To me, it's the perfect activity for a Sabbath. It combines many things that I love and that "fill up my tank":

• social time with friends
• lively discussion
• books!
• good food
• pleasant surroundings (we take turns hosting and somehow, each of our homes feels like a haven during our book club. usually the house is quiet and the hostess will create a cozy space for us to meet - either outside on a deck or in a sunroom, or at a spacious dining table or gathered in a living room)

Take time today to envision that perfect day of rest. And then think of one thing you could incorporate in your plans tomorrow to move toward celebrating that perfect day.  Also think of ways you could intentionally add more and more of those elements over time (or maybe brainstorm one activity, like my book club, which includes multiple aspects of your perfect day).

Then share what your perfect day of rest would look like. I'd love to hear.

What's Wrong With Average Kids?

Where all the women are strong, all the men are good looking and all the children are above average - Garrison Keillor

 This describes the fictional Minnesota town of Lake Wobegon. But I think it also embodies what we wish our towns and families to be described as.

We live in a competitive society and nowhere is that more apparent than the arena of parenting. We want our children to succeed. We want them to live good lives. We want them to make something of themselves - to be "above average".  Being simply average apparently doesn't cut it any more.

In yesterday's Chicago Tribune, John Keilman's column did a great job exposing this side of parenting. Check out his article here. Then please, come back and tell me what you think. Tell me, are you afraid of having children who are average, or of being average yourself?