Sweet Dreams Giveaway
Published February 11, 2011If you haven’t read my Proverbs 31 Encouragement for Today devotion that is running today, click here to get caught up with the rest of us. Don’t forget to come back for the giveaway!!
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Well, little did I know two months ago when I turned in this devotion what this week would hold for me! The flu has hit here hard, robbing me not only of health, but of oodles of sleep! With both boys and mom contracting it, our home has been a continual coughing, sneezing symphony!!!
Tired isn’t a strong enough adjective to describe this gal.
But I do feel I’ve turned a slight corner (thanks in GREAT part to the prayers and well-wishes of many of you!) and I am hopeful I’ll be able to head Sunday to Charlotte to appear on next Monday night’s Made to Crave webcast and spend two days with my daughter Kenna and the Proverbs 31 office gals. (I’ve been on the P31 speaking team for nearly 5 years and writing for the magazine for over 8 and I’ve still never seen our office!)
My exhaustion this week is not a foreign concept to many of you, I know.
Everywhere I go I encounter worn-out women.
Married gals.
Single sisters.
Moms who work away from home.
Women who have a home office.
Moms whose whole life is work for their family.
Twenty-something waitresses.
Thirty-something business women.
Forty-something retail workers.
Fifty-something grandmas.
All trying to balance home, church, community, family, life and love.
While sleep may be high on their list of needs…
It is often last on their roster of realities.
What’s a slumber-deprived gal to do?
I have struggled with this issue for over 20 years.
You heard me right! The last time I slept consistently through the night on a regular basis was in 1990 when I became pregnant for our oldest child.
Three difficult pregnancies; two kids who would not sleep through the night until the next child was born.
Then, the third child slept through the night at 5 weeks!!!! Yay!!!!
Not so fast…..at 6 weeks, his dad was put on the night shift.
He returned home to our 900 square foot home at 3:00 am each morning.
I’m such a light sleeper that I heard his keys in the door every night.
Again, my sleep was interrupted continually. And although I usually can fall asleep at the beginning of the night after 20 minutes or so, when I wake up in the middle of the night, I toss and turn for AT LEAST 45 minutes til I can drift off again.
It stinks!!!
Todd no longer works that night shift. No ma’am.
Now he works first shift and gets UP at 3:30 am!!!!!!
Well, fellow short-on-slumber sisters, besides my suggestions in the devotion, here are some sleepy-time tips for you to try:
~ Utilize a notebook to not only list worries and prayer requests but to jot down “to do” items as well. Somehow listing “Pay electric bill” or “Transfer bank funds” can take the task off your mind and allow you to sleep soundly knowing you won’t forget to do it the next day.
~ Try not to eat for the last few hours before bed. It can mess with your sleep.
~ Do drink a toasty mug of chamomile tea with a touch of honey. Zzzzzzzzz……
~ Try some pillow mist spray in lavender or other soothing scent.
~ A microwavable cloth bag filled with buck wheat and lavender works well too. I have a homemade one from my best friend from college but I have seen them online as well. The warmth and lavender scent is very sleep-inducing.
~ Employ a white noise or nature sounds machine to drown out distractions
~ Have some memory verses nearby and a tiny reading light. (I have a clip on one) Spend a few minutes going over your verses when you can’t sleep.
~ Also have a Bible or devotional book on your night stand to read during your awake times as well.
Now, to help out one gal who comments this weekend, I’ll be giving away the following Sweet Dreams package:
~ A box of Sleepytime tea
~ A Hope mug with the verse Jeremiah 29:11 on it ” For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord”
~ Some Bath & Bodyworks lavender vanilla lotion
~ A Bath & Bodyworks lavender vanilla candle (be sure to blow it out before you sleep!)
~ Some Bath & Bodyworks pillow mist in warm milk & honey scent
~ A RingDex card system for you to record favorite verses on
Simply leave a comment anytime this weekend here on this post.
Do you have any tips?
Any struggles in this area?
Any favorite verses or coping methods for inducing sleep?
Or as always, if time is tight, just say “I’m in!” Drawing is random and winner will be announced Monday. The Monday I pray I am safely in Charlotte and on Lysa’s webcast.
Prayers appreciated!
Now, leave your comment. 
Sweet Dreams,
401 Responses to Sweet Dreams Giveaway
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I was awake at 3 am when I got the email with your corresponding message about being unable to sleep. I’m just getting over the flu also, but the bigger problem is the mental battle. Thank you for a timely word! As often happens, I’m encouraged by a P31 post. I hope you sleep well and your message acts similarly for others!
Well I have been awake since 3:30am, as I had to let the puppies out. I had gone to bed at 8pm, after a long day. I tried going back to sleep, but was tossing an turning, and I did not want to wake up my husband. I do have so much on mind, so I decided to come downstairs and write it all down. But I wanted to check to see if there was a new devo for today emailed to me, and sure enough there was. How appropiate that the devo today was just what I needed today. I am a wife and mother, and teacher. We homeschool our 7 year old. Latley as I have been reflecting on our first year, of homeschooling, I have been anxious, questiong how I have done teaching him. Am I doing a good job? Is he excelling? What else should I or could I be doing? All of these ?’s consume me. And then there’s the list of things to do, buy, etc. But I need sleep to be at my best, so and so the verse you listed is perfect for me “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil;for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2 (ESV) My prayer is that God would give me the sleep I need to be the best wife, mother, friend, and servant of God that I can be.
I’m in! I need to sleep now. Good night and God bless!
Here I am at 4:18am…up since 12am! I sure needed this devotional. I’m going to try the notebook suggestion. Thanks!
Thanks for the devotion.
Thanks for sharing this! This is an area the Lord has been working on in me:) I can totally relate…getting better than how I used to be in this area…but I needed the reminder today!! Blessings!
I find as I am getting older my body craves a good night rest.
PLease eneter me for contest.
Thanks!
Thanks so much for this post! I struggle with this so much. Last night I woke up worried if the hamster had enough water – along with many other things. I am going to try the notebook and verses.
I’m so happy I found this article. I discovered this scripture last month, when I was in the midst of moving from over 2100sqt to 900sqt, while closing a business, taking the girls to basketball games, working a full time job (on staff at my church) and yadda, yadda, yadda. What a stressful month!!! I didn’t think I would make it through. I remember, early one Saturday morning, I texted my pastor for prayer and mentioned I had not slept for two days (literally). He texted back this very scripture. He said he had already had an argument with God about it the night before and decided to pass it on to me. I just starred at it. Never remember seeing it before in the scripture (right). So, I was very happy to see your article, I forwarded it to the staff at my church. I’m sure we’ll be discussing it at the next staff meeting.
I’m always a great sleeper until this night…aghh…I am so hyped up still…my daughter’s b-ball team lost by over 60pts about 10 hours ago yet my one comment on the behavior of the other team’s coach openly blew my secret identity out…that I am a Christian who will defend her beliefs openly. It’s the most bizarre story I can’t even explain…tiny public school with only 10 girls vs established parochial program with many to spare. We lost two tonight that made 8. My daughter did awesome!!! Keeping their giant scorer to 12 pts…maybe that’s why they kept their first string in almost to the end. Who knows…other programs(public and non- public) in the area are so much better and nicer to us…tonight was a shock!!! This team isn’t even in the top of the league…so..my point….this is so coincidental..I had to comment. I always count blessings and put others before me in prayer…often I am out while in prayer…I just drift off. Now I am wondering, since the girls got some chuckles out of my weird comment…I truly feel was Heaven sent…what is next? I know I needed to “still” my mind but just couldn’t. Thank you so much!!! I just needed to spout…now off to work and I wont bore anyone there my details or say anything bad about the other team’s coach…that’s the right thing to do today! Love ya!
I have started resting an hour before I need to go to sleep so that I don’t decide to think of things when I hit the pillow later. It helps me to unwind and then finally just sleep.
Thank you for your encouraging words! I, too, tend to worry and was challenged by your encouragement to give all over to the Shepherd. God bless!
Oh boy did I need your devotion & post this morning. I am weary eyed, stressed & exhausted. So much to do that I don’t know where to begin. Thank you for reminding me God will give me rest for my weary soul.
Getting enough sleep seems to be a huge problem for many people these days. I’m learning how to increase the amount and quality of sleep I get but it seems to be a slow process for me! One thing I must do is make sure to have time to decompress from the day. I can’t rush around straightening up or preparing for the next day and then think I can just hop into bed and go to sleep. I like the idea of a journal by the bed to write down worrisome thoughts, to do’s, etc.. and to have Bible verses/devotionals to read to settle those thoughts down. Thanks for this timely devotional – just what I needed to read! And I hope you’re feeling better soon and can make your trip!
I’m not alone! Wow, look at all the ladies who do the same thing…my heart bleeds for all of you and you will also be in my prayers for a restful sleep. I discovered this sleepytime tea about a week ago, along with an ipad app called brainwaves that utilizes pink noise. I,also, got smart about my overall health and enjoy the juicer with supplements to load my body with vitamins and nutrition naturally. God has lead me to the fact that we must take care of our bodies. The difference I feel now, versus about a month ago is amazing! Now, I’m a 43 yr old stay-at-home mom with 5 little darlings, the oldest being 19 and the youngest 4. I homeschool all of them too, so you can tell, I have a list of worries a mile long. Typical scenario, wake up at 2-3 am, nod off at 5:30am. By 2pm, exhausted, ready to go to bed. Slumping into depression, feeling like I was ready to snap. The big worry for me, time for big M. If I feel like this now, my family will take me out back and put me out of my misery when menopause comes. Eek! I didnt want to go to the doc to be put on a slew of pills to combat all of this. We must take care of ourselves as naturally as possible.
Thanks for this post today, it is encouraging to hear that I am not the only one seeing lots of the 3 am hour these days. Thanks for the good reminders
How fitting! We’ve had a crazy night. I’m in!
Praying for you Karen! Thanks for the great verse. I was just “complaining” yesterday about not sleeping and now realize who I should be asking to make me sleep. Feel better soon!
I usually don’t have trouble falling asleep. I just have trouble getting to bed to go to sleep. However, I do have a couple of favorite verses for these times. The first is one I say and pray for my children frequently:
“I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” Psalm 4:8
The second is one I have claimed recently as anxious thoughts and worries have threatened to overwhelm me.
“In the multitude of thoughts within me, Your comfort delights my soul”
Psalm 94:19
Don’t you love that! His comfort DELIGHTS us! So encouraging and such a beautiful verse to chase away all those thoughts that bear down on us and rob us of our peace!
Hope you begin to feel better soon! Blessings!
Now and again when I have trouble sleeping, I try to use this time to pray for dear loved ones…sooner than later I find myself drifting on into a deep and wonderful sleep.
Oh Karen yes, this is such a huge struggle for me. Has been since I was a little girl. I can remember being in 3rd grade and never being able to fall asleep. I would constantly be thinking about things. My Dad would make me some warm milk…it has continued my whole life. Now I am 37, married with 5 kids.. I of course went through the usual sleepless nights of every child first year as an infant. I am a military wife and my husband is gone a lot. In fact getting ready to deploy for the 4th time. My sleep is soo horrible when he is away. I worry about his safety, I worry about if I got enough done that day. The weight of the world is on my shoulders to take care of our 5 kids and small farm by myself and sleep just barely comes for me. Thank you for this message, I am going to try the notebook thing and write down the things I am thinking as I am falling asleep.
It’s always amazing to see how God ALWAYS puts just the right devotional in front of me. I don’t have trouble falling asleep but, I will wake up not feeling rested in the mornings. I will also be passing this along to some friends who have trouble with sleep too. Thanks.
Just had one of those sleepless nights. I will be trying some of your suggestions.
Thanks again for your encouraging words. Looking forward to seeing you on Lysa webcast Mon. night.
Praying you r getting better each day & have safe travels.
Hi! Sleep? What is that?
Honestly, I don’t sleep well at all. Even when I do fall asleep, dreams, pain or sick children end up keeping me awake. I really liked some of your suggestions for getting back to sleep. Thanks so much for this devotional, for a mommy who is in pain herself, dealing with sick kids and other issues I neded a devo. on my Jesus who even cares about my sleep!
Thanks!
I too haven’t slept well in 8 years, since I first got pregnant with my first child. 4 children later and kiddo’s that don’t sleep through the night very well, I can sympathize with you.
Praying for a quick recovery for you and your family. I can’t wait to see you on the Webcast monday night!
We have been discussing this very topic in my Sunday School class on prayer. At first we were feeling guilty that sometimes we fall asleep during prayer. Then it was pointed out that the simple act of praying quiets your mind so you can sleep, what a wonderful way. My favorite quote is from pg. 149 of Philip Yancey’s book “Prayer, Does It Make Any Difference?”:
‘What parent wouldn’t want her child to fall asleep in her arms?’ Now, when I can’t sleep, I just envision my Father holding me and rocking me to sleep.
I LOVE the title for your journal page “please advise”!! What a wonderful way to describe what we need from our Father. I too have “tossed and turned” many nights. Wondering how to solve the latest crises in our lives, how were we going to pay such and such bill, etc. I have found that praying to our Father and just telling him all the details ~ putting in His hands ~ will usually usher me into sweet slumber.
Hope you are feeling better!
Last night I wrote about how the only way I could sleep was with the help of God. Remembering that He loves me and wants the best, not only for me but for my children, makes it possible to rest when things are messed up. Thank you so much for words of encouragement.
Thank you for these suggestions and ideas. How appropriate. Just returned from California a week ago and have been playing catch up ever since. I think I’m getting there although my husband reminded me this morning to fax something since I’ve forgotten to do the past two things he’s requested of me.;) Ooops. Love Bath and Body Works products.:))) Especially their Vanilla Lavender Aromatherapy. Hope you’re feeling better today!!!
So glad to know that I am not the only one with this problem! Sometimes I lay in bed and ask Him to please just let me sleep, almost to the point of tears. I will definitely try some or your suggestions, thank you!!!
Karen, I am praying for your good health to return soon. I am a light sleeper, too. Several things I do to help me drift off are to end computer time an hour before I go to bed, stop drinking liquids earlier in the evening, I do some chores to get ready for the next morning – things I don’t want to forget or if I do them now I won’t rush myself the next morning. When I get to bed I lotion dry hands and feet, purposefully do light stretching in bed – tense and relax muscles then I smile at God and pray and thank Him for the day and ask blessings over the family. There is a fan turned on for white noise. I sleep best in a very dark room. My husband and I both wake up in the middle of the hight to use the restroom. I try to go back to sleep – sometimes I can and sometimes I can’t or it may take awhile.
I love God’s timing. I could not fall asleep last night and woke up early this morning stressing out over the sale of our home. I woke up this morning realizing that my pride was getting in the way and talked with my husband, emailed our realtor and then settled in to read my P31 devotion. It was like a wave of peace settled over me. I can trust in God and I choose to trust in God. God is so good!
When I read this it couldn’t have been at a better time. In the past week I have had 3 sleepless nights in a row!!! Why because of worrying. I recently found out I am losing a job and my father in law is having health issues so the what if monster took over and enough said!!!! I printed devotion because it is just what I need and will read it over and over until I took fall asleep at the edge of my bed!!! Thank YOu.
Thank you so much for this devotion!
I have no great words of wisdom here besides prayer. I have a daughter who has battled serious anxiety for several years. One of the things we often talk about is what we call ‘ww’s’ (a.k.a. wasted worries). In my nightime prayer, if I have any of those hanging around I consciously throw them all out on the table before I try to go to sleep. I don’t frequently wake up in the middle of the night but I do like the idea of a notebook at my bed-even to jot things down before I try to sleep. Thanks!
P.S. I’m super glad you’re feeling better and I look forward to seeing you on the Monday MTC webcast!
Isn’t it amazing how God uses others in our lives. Last night was one of those nights for me. I couldn’t believe it was the subject of P31. Thank you for your words of wisdom.
I’ve been struggling with this a lot lately & when I found this email in my inbox this morning, it spoke wonders to me. I think every mom can identify with this. Thanks for sharing your honestly experiences. I was blessed being reminded of the anxious turmoil scripture.
Such an on time devotion. I’m haivng sleep issues full of worry. I pray to have a better night. Thanks for the gift even if I don’t win. We ladies appreciate it
Thanks for the devotion—I,too have been battling the worry-monster; the last week I have averaged maybe three hours of sleep a night; your devotion this morning was what I needed. I am going to try the journal. Between our separation ( my husband left 4mos. ago)my daughter’s pending surgery, stress from everyday pressures I know I need to give it all to my Savior,Jesus—but then I find myself taking “over” and trying to deal with it all over again! Thank you again for reminding me that I am NOT wonder woman!!!!!!! Hope you feel better soon.
I have a problem with my mind racing as well. Although my sleep is improving, I have been having a hard time sleeping for about 10 years now. I am learning to concentrate on my breathing and listening to my IPOD that has a rain sound to it so I concentrate more on those things than what is racing in my head. I am going to try what you suggested because my mind wants to race so much on even the little things. Thank you I know there was a reason God brought me to this site
Thank you so much for your devotional! As you described, my plate is full, worry is BIG and sleep is scarce. I am so thankful for the notebook idea…I already do that beside my bed with the inevitable “To Do List”, but never thought of the “Prayer List”… I am so appreciative of Proverbs31 devotionals – God seems to use you at just the right time in my life.
Wow! So many women with the same issues! It does help to know that I’m not by myself. Every day seems to bring on new worries and concerns. Praying that the Lord will help me to trust “Him” like I should! Thanks for the devotion and hope you feel better soon!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can relate only too well to you and everyone else who’s commented thus far. How can it be that so many of us Sisters in Christ have this problem? So we know we’re not alone? So we can share not only our burdens, but our praises as well? I am so grateful for your gift of sharing from your heart as God leads you. May He continue to bless you as you bless others!
Thanks so much for such an awesome word! The scriptures are like a good dose of medicine that really does the job at the appointed time! Thanks again for sharing and I AM IN….. Blessings!
Praying you have a safe trip!
thanks so much for the word…as in …a word in due season! I Am In!!!!
years ago, I heard someone say…when you can’t sleep, instead of counting sheep…wait for the Lord to bring those to mind who need prayer. so that is what I do. Sometimes I am literally praying for a couple of hours as the Lord brings person after person, or situation after situation to mind…other times I am out to sleep in a few minutes. I am learning to trust God for my sleep…and my prayers…bless you today!
Lucky for me I don’t have any sleep problems, but my husband does. I am a big fan of lists and find that once I write something down I don’t worry about it.
Karen, thank you so much for you comforting words…I am “in”, and would love to win the giveaway! Blessings.
Thank you so much for your contributions to Proverbs 31 devotions. I always enjoy your writings. When I have difficulty falling asleep, I pray for others. I usually have no trouble with staying asleep unless my husband starts snoring! LOL Have a peaceful, blessed day.
Every time I am up with my two small boys and wanting to sleep because I have to go to work the next day, I start praying and thanking God for giving me two children and a job. That prayer always seems to energize me.
Karen, due to being “very sleepy”, misspelled a word above..should have been “your”…now I really do need some zzzzzz’s…:)
Thank you for this great encouragement this morning! When I’m awake before the alarm, I try to view it as a time that the Lord wants me to pray for others. Getting my focus on someone else instead of obsessing over the passing minutes/hours of the clock always helps!
I loved your post and the Prov. 31 post on Anxious Toil that brought me here. I also fight this issue of insomnia and often find my way to sleep through prayer and a hot cup of tea or cocoa. If it’s broiling hot here I will have a cold, tart lemon yogurt instead (yogurt helps you sleep!).
Thanks for this devotion – I sure wish I had it when my first child was born 13 years ago! I remember claiming that verse many a night when he would not sleep – which means I wasn’t sleeping either.
Three children later, sleep is usually easy for me, but there are those nights when the anxieties come and the mind is full of “things to do tomorrow”. Thanks for the tips – I’ve used the list one before and it really helped! I pray you make it to Charlotte – I live 20 minutes away and the weather is going to be great – perfect for ridding you of all the germs!!
Great devotion… The perfect reminder. Thanks
I’m in! Great devotional this morning!
I go back and forth. Most nights I sleep so sound that I can sleep thgough a huge thunderstorm. Then I hit a period when I am restless and back and forth awake/asleep all night long. I pay for it with a cranky disposition and not being able to concentrate the next day. Not fun!
I’m looking forward to seeing you on Made to Crave next week. Safe travels.
Prayers for you to feel better…partly for selfish reasons.
Thank you so much for all the suggetions – I too have suffered from bouts of insomnia since I was a small child (I was often up when the milkman came, so that tells you how long it has been since I was a small child
) – so I plan to use every one of your suggestions ( which is why that sweet basket would be so sweet to me)). Blessing to you Karen, for using what you have learned from the unlovely parts of your life to help others.
Cyndy
I am sorry to hear that you’ve been unwell and tired and pray for God’s healing stripes to touch you in a mighty way!
My husband, 1 year old, and I have been unwell since last night so I had a pretty sleepless night too. Some of my favorite verses are:
Phillipians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious for anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known unto God, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Matthew 11:28: “Come to me all ye who are weary and heavy ladened and I will give you rest.”
Psalm 30:5 “Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.”
Praise music always helps to bring peace to my heart when I’m unable to sleep due to life’s troubles. This was especially true when my Dad died in a car accident back in 2008. Because my grief was so deep; it was difficult to maintain a proper routine of reading and praying but it was praise and worship music that God used to encourage and lift me up during that time. He is faithful to always provide our needs.
With all of God’s love, peace, joy, strength and favor,
Ayla
When anxious thoughts keep me up, I start reciting all of the scripture I have memorized. Trying to recall all the verses I know takes my mind completely off of the worries, and I drift into sleep.
Oh and it’s awesome that you live in Lansing. So do I and have absolutely loved it here since God brought us here back in September of 09.
Love the ideas and the devotion! I often spend time in prayer when I can’t sleep – I figure it’s God’s way of telling me we need to talk, even if it is in the early morning hours.
Karen, I am continuously amazed at how God uses all of you at Proverbs 31. Ya’ll speak to my heart day after day after day. Am so thankful that this is in my inbox in the mornings when I wake up.
I’ve had problems sleeping for years, since I was a little girl. Love your suggestions! One thing I’ve tried that’s pretty successful is music – turning it just below what I can comfortably hear. I have to focus on that and the music will put me to sleep.
Thank you for your words and your obedience to God. Ya’ll make such a difference in my life and I know in many, many other women’s lives also!
God’s blessings on you!
Thank you for your encouragement. On this Friday morning, as the long and busy days of the week wind down to what will hopefully be a restful weekend with my husband, I needed those words from you and from Jesus. Some weeks, I feel like if you looked up “Anxious Toil” in the dictionary you would find a picture of me on Friday morning. As I noted to one of my students this morning, I am feeling this week! Your early a.m. thoughts provided a needed boost.
Wow…soooo glad to know I am not alone. Sleep through the night left with my first child five years ago…who still doesn’t sleep throught he night and neither does his 2 year old sister! I was blesses recently with a work at home job, bu this sometimes means working into the wee hours of the morning while they are asleep, only to have the wake before I actually make it to bed, lol! I have asked the Lord for the supernatural ability to function on whatever sleep He allows in this season of my life, knowing it will not be forever:)
I’m in!
Im In,
Your words are very helpful and just what I needed to hear. It is nice to know that I am not alone…I have 3 small children and being pregnant I know it is only by the grace of God that I can keep going..Because I have missed many hours of rest! I am going to start writing down my what ifs and declaring psalm 127:2 over my life thank you bunches!
What a lovely verse for those of us who are dragging. Thank you for the encouragement!
HI Karen, I am new to your site but a regular with Proverbs 31 Ministries and I have to say it is so uplifting to read what you and the writers all have to say. god works in wonderful ways and I know he speaks to em each and very day, some times more loudly and clearer than others, like your posting today. thank you for the encouragement and ideas. god Bless.
fran
Karen,
Sorry that you are feeling so bad.I am praying for you and am excited that you are going to be on MTC this week.
I think I could have written this post today.
I have always been a very light sleeper,able to hear all that is going on at night. My husband also, has worked crazy shifts.
This past week has been one where I have tossed and turned. Waking up and thinkingg about things that I have no contol over.
Last night when my head hit the pillow I whispered “Jesus, please give this girl some sweet sleep tonight.” I think that the first time that I woke up was at 5:00 am. I got up around 7:30. I told my husband- I finally got a good nights sleep. I like your idea about listing things that we need to do the next day and keeping a pen and pad on the night stand. When I can’t sleep I try to just bring to mind people that I need to pray for and just try to pray.
Praying with confidence that I will see you on MTC Monday night.
Thanks for your devotion this morning. Until recently, I didn’t have any trouble getting sleep. I would just crash and sleep hard. But my husband changed jobs and is away during the week now so I wake a lot during the night and spend a lot of time on “what if’s”. I know better and I know there are scriptures that teach me better but it has been a struggle. Thanks for posting this and the reminders that you gave. Looking forward to seeing you on Made to Crave MOnday.
Often, when I wake up in the middle of the night, I will watch the clock. When I see that the time has advanced by 30 minutes, I force myself out of bed – as the anxiety of seeing the numbers increase sends sleep far, far away. If I do not see the time increase, it is a blessing from God and I somehow drifted off to sleep again. In the past, I would go to the family room, lie on the couch and turn on the tv – middle of the night tv could easily put me back to sleep – LOL! Now, my plan will be to go to my dining room table or a comfy chair with a journal and Bible in hand. I will take your advice to write it down and get it out of my head, to offer it up in prayer to God and rest in His provision and Word.
Blessings and sweet slumber to you all!
I read a church sign the other day that said, “Trouble sleeping….count your blessings instead of sheep!”
Karen,
Thanks for another awesome devotion. I usually am able to sleep but sometimes do wake up in the night. Lately, I have been praying when that happens. I find that if I’m feeling really stressed, taking a hot bath before bed relaxes me. I can’t wait to see you on Monday night!
Rebecca Ann
As a mother of 6 young children, I feel like sleep is something I can only dream of during the day. Thanks for all of the great tips!
My husband and I always read for a little while when we first go to bed.
God is good if we would only remember that and call on him for everything!
Karen!
How ironic that I would receive the devotional (Prov. 31) and read this blog today. Just a day and a half ago, I was telling my husband, who can NEVER sleep……”I do pray a lot of things for you, however, I never think to pray that God would help you sleep. I am going to start praying that for you!” Perfect timing! I also sent him a copy of the Prov. 31 devotional. I am always telling him to try praying when he can’t sleep. In the past, he has made me feel bad that I have admitted to falling asleep during my prayers; I have decided….what a better way to fall asleep…..talking to God. I do not think HE minds, I mean, I am praying with Him after all.
Thanks for the devotional!
Dawn
i can’t believe their is someone else who can’t sleep either. this is so me and i am so interested in all you can tell me. I wake up at 3:00 in a panic i feel a tightness in my chest and a pit in my stomach how sweet your post is and how timely i will definietly be following you know thanks, i will try and find your items you mentioned i would do anything to wake up in the morning and feel ready for the new day.
Praying for peaceful slumber for all of us : )
I loved reading this post!! I am a RN that works nites part time so my body never knows if it is coming or going sometimes along with raising 7 children ages 16 down to 16 months…running a household…and keeping up with the busy schedule of my spouse …lets just say this mind never shuts off!! This lil basket would be a blessing that is for sure!! Love all the ideas to help those middle of the nite wake ups!! Thanks!!
Thank you for this devotion. I have struggled with sleep since I was a child. Rampant anxiety, mind numbing exhaustion, 2 pm slumps….the list goes on. I have been talking with God about this very thing and how weary this girl is and just wheather or not he really cares if I don’t get adequate zzz’s. What a confirming answer of his love about my struggle has he sent!! Blessings to you and yours; may your trip be prosperous and safe.
I’m in.
I loved your devotion this morning.
I am continually amazed about how our God works! This devotion is just what I needed to read today!
Thank you!
Hi Karen…I’ve been reading Made to Crave and saw your blog post in the book and then also watched the webcast last week and heard Mandisa talk about it too! I also have gone down your checklist- but sometimes I have not answered yes to all of those questions…so Off I go again to submit to God and not my flesh..I am getting STRONGER…(I liked that Mandisa sang that song that night too!)Anyway…I also find myself waking in the middle of the night and just take that time to pray, I figure maybe that’s what God wants to hear. Looking forward to seeing you on the webcast on Monday!!
Prayers just said for your safe travels and a time full of blessings and fellowship next week! Your devotional spoke to me this morning. I struggle with the same sleep issues, but mine stems from pain in my leg and foot that flairs up at night (and then my brain starts up and won’t slow down). I found out yesterday from my dr. that it is from a ruptured disk and nerve pain, but I know the Lord will see me through this. I work full time as a manager, so deprived sleep and pain leaves me little energy left when I leave work at the end of the day. I have spent nightime hours praying, reading devotionals, stretching, etc, which helps some. Please pray for me as I start physical therapy next week. I am responsible for so much at work and home!
Hi Karen,
You have been in my prayers this week for healing for you and your family from the flu. I usually don’t have any trouble sleeping but sometimes when I am really worried about something I find myself tossing and turning. I find that when I start to pray for peace from my worry and then continue to pray for loved ones, I relax and seem to fall back to sleep while praying.
I go through the alphabet listing words that describes Jesus for each letter.
Insomnia? Okay, I’ll write that on my little note pad by my pillow so I can quit thinking about it and go to sleep…zzzzzzzzz
Hi Karen, I also love the Bath & Body Works Lavender and Vanilla spray – even my husband doesn’t mind it!
Occasionally I have a night like you describe. Next time I will try a prayer similar to yours. Thanks always.
I too will wake up in the middle of the night and find it hard to continue sleep. I toss and turn and I find that when this happens is because I have been worrying about “things”. At that time I will say verses that I have memorized over and over and pray until I finally drift off to sleep. When I awake I usually feel tired and cranky. I am going to try your suggestions because I sure need to get rest because our bodies were created to get rest at the end of the day and not be “anxiously toiling” at the end of the day. I pray that God’s healing touch will descend on you today and that you will walk in healing as you prepare for your trip. Have a good weekend.
I LOVE Sleepytime tea. Another good one for bedtime is Nighty-Night by Traditional Medicinals. There is a Yogi tea for bedtime too that really helps you sleep.
Routines work well for children and for grown-ups, too! A regular bed-time routine, lower lighting, and no tv or computer seems to work best for me. Quiet and peaceful, maybe some gentle music, a brief read and I’m good to snooze!
Thank you for sharing,I can totally relate. I have learned like you to talk with our Saviour, I also claim His promises in His word. your other suggestions are good too. I know too after beginning on the down side of menopause that my sleeping is getting better. Blessing, peace and grace.
I’m a light sleeper to. Any little noise and I’m up. I also get insomnia around my “time” of the month. It’s awful. Between the PMS and not sleeping I can sometimes be a real bear to live with. This giveaway looks wonderful. Would really love to win. I have recently started drinking tea again and I love it’s soothing qualities at night.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Josey
For a time, I often woke for an hour or more in the middle of the night. Learned to get up, read and have a cup of Chamomile instead of tossing and turning. Praying helps, but sometimes there’s a need to be up even for a short time! Thanks for the giveaway.
Karen,
You are just the sweetest thang!! You’ll be having a blast in Charlotte (how do I know that. . . hmmmmm). God has blessed me with the ability to sleep, pretty much any time and anywhere. I went to sleep at my desk at work one day, sitting straight up, mind you. I woke up to my boss standing on the step just looking at me. He never said a word. One afternoon a week or so later I was making a pot of coffee in the office and I make mine strong. He walked in and said “smells like good strong coffee, that should help you stay awake.” I just turned red and kept right on working. Have a great time in Charlotte, Karen.
Gosh, Karen, do I have trouble sleeping? Someone once gave me another verse that applies as well. Psalm 4:8 says “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” This was a Psalm of David. I have both sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.
Your devotion hit home this morning and I really appreciate your suggestions. We need to give God our worries and anxious thoughts and trust in him.
Sleep. Sweet, illusive sleep. My husband works 3-11, and usually gets home between 1-3. My kids wake up around 7-8 am. Four hours is about average, most nights.
I love your giveaways, even when I don’t win. I love reading your blog. You are such an inspiration and source of endless encouragement to me.