Asking ..Why....

So…. Here I am still not able to fully function in life. I can’t go and do the things I used to enjoy without the fear of bursting into uncontrollable tears and embarrassing myself or my family. Not wanting to do anything outside my own four walls. I just want to sleep so I don’t hurt or have to think. In the midst of all this I keep asking why God is not helping me……sadly I come to the conclusion that maybe I am not good enough….

I know this may all sound silly to you, but it is very real to me. Anxiety and depression have taken such a role in my life that I am not the person I used to be. I cannot do the things I once loved any longer. Sure I get up and go to work just like you, I study during the week to make sure I pass my college courses, but at the end of the day I feel am worthless to everyone and so always feel it’s just best to go to bed. I know that this effects my husband and son, as it has made me involved less in activities even around the house. But I again ask why? Why has God not stepped in and helped me?

So let’s throw in on top of this the fact that I suffer from Fibromyalgia. For those of you who do not know what that is, it’s a disease that makes your nerve endings and muscles to constantly over react. When this happens it makes you hurt 24/7 and there is no cure. So couple severe anxiety, depression and horrible pain together…it’s a breeding ground for disaster.

So you are probably thinking that I am writing this looking for sympathy….to be honest I am so lost I don’t know which way is up…but I am sure that I cannot be the only one in the world who is going through this. But each day I continue to ask God….why…..and yet still no answer…..why is that?

Love,

B

Prayer:

Father God,

I come to you seeking relief from these illnesses that are making me to not be able to function. I am asking you to bring me some kind of peace to at some point rise up again. I know you do all things for good…but please place in my heart to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel somehow. I ask so little from you and hope for so much. For it is in Jesus name I pray.

Amen.

I struggle...a personal story

 I am a Wife, Mom, Mentor, Business Woman, College student, a child of God....yet I suffer from anxiety and depression. It's not something that I asked for, it came with the territory of suffering with Fibromyalgia. I don't think anyone just goes to the store and asks for a dose of anxiety along with a side of depression. It happens and it is very hard to cope with. It affects not only me, but my whole life.

I can remember when I was much happier and could participate in life. Now it is a constant struggle every moment of the day. I have days when I just want to lay there and see or talk to no one. It would be fine by me to come home and go straight to bed from work. I have done so, because my anxiety and depression have consumed me so much that I struggle each moment of the day. 

I find myself in a place of exhaustion, sadness, almost to the point of panic. There are times that I just cry for no reason and its frustrating. I know if it is frustrating to me it definitely is for the rest of my family. Especially since I don't know how they can help me. I find them in a state of confusion, because I choose to be alone, even though they have done nothing wrong. 

I can remember when I used to love to go shopping all day. Didn't have to buy a thing, just be out doing something. Now...I don't want to leave the house...don't want any interaction with people. That is so not me...but apparently it has become me. 

My husband will tell you that I have always been an introvert, which is true, but not like I am now. I am sometimes so grumpy I can't stand myself and find it best to just go to bed and sleep. Sleep....that is all I want to do...it helps with my pain, lowers anxiety, and don't feel the depression. But what kind of life is that? It's not a life...

Yes I take medications to help me, but it is not a cure all. I have often even asked God why am I going through this? I have missed church because I can't do what they call "people today." But I can always God....

John 12:46 states, "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness."  This is a verse that I recall each day in hopes of some kind of positive step forward. It is a reminder that I'm not alone in this battle. 

Each day I have to force myself to do the normal daily routine....I just don't want to, but something in me says put on that fake smile, the "I'm Fine...and move forward. I feel guilty in having these issues, but they are real and I continue to fight these demons 24/7. So I look for scripture that uplifts me for even a moment. 

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

I realize that I am not the only woman who suffers this kind of debilitating illness, that makes you not the person you used to be. 

But in writing this post I hope that people can pray for not only me, but others as well. 

In time God, will somehow help me rise up again and when he does it will be a beautiful day. 

Love, 

B

Overwhelmed Spirits

....when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. - Psalm 61:2.

Being overwhelmed sometimes is from our own making. There may be things piled on us that are out of our control for some extent but the majority of stressing out and facing burnout is a combination of bad decisions in our time and management of our life. 

All of a sudden everything has snowballed and we are weighted down in so many areas that everything starts to crumble. On top of that there are sometimes fears that come along with it. Life can get very complicated in a very big hurry. 

When working in any type of organization it is easy to get caught up in piling on too much. We have to work at scaling things so that they are manageable. Nobody can do it all--all of the time. As leaders, we to make better choices.

Here are 10 things that you might have heard before to help guard against stress and burnout, but I think once in a while we all need reminded of them.

1. Consistent Bible Reading and Prayer.

The thing that helps me the most when I am feeling overwhelmed is just to get in the Word and go to the Lord in prayer. When it is a daily part of my life, the weight of the many things that press down on me is so much lighter.

Talking to the Lord about our troubles and concerns can give us some much needed peace. 

2. Rest.

One thing we all need is enough rest. We need a good night's sleep, especially when we have a lot on our plate. We can't accomplish anything if we are worn out before we start out day. 

Even Jesus knew the value of rest. 

3. Eat Healthy.

I always feel better when I eat better. It's a simple thing but we have to eat what's good for us. We have to take in the right things spiritually too because that can have an effect on whether our spiritual lives are healthy or not. 

4. Exercise.

Exercise can release stress in a big way even if it is just walking. When we are leaders, how can we help anyone else if we aren't doing those things that enable us to keep on going?

5. Do Something Pleasurable.

There is nothing wrong with doing something fun. We are not to get caught up in the pleasures of the world but we can have fun and relax as a Christian. 

We need to do something that makes us laugh sometimes. We need to do something that interests us and inspires us. It might be a hobby or just something that you have always wanted to try. 

6. Spend Time with Family and Friends.

Our family can help ease our stress. Being around those that love us can be such an enjoyment and blessing to us.

7. Learn to Say "No".

It's a hard thing for some leaders I know, but learning when to say no has got to be something we learn to do. It will save us so much heartache. 

We don't want to be mumbling, "I should have just said no!" when we end up not coping. 

8. Set Boundaries on Your Time:

Guarding our time helps us avoid that overwhelming feeling. Sometimes we just need to pace ourselves. We need to take things one day at a time. 

It never does anyone any good to try to do a week's worth of work in one day. Set clear boundaries on when you will and will not work on projects.

9. Learn to Delegate.

We have to learn to share the load in ministry and everything else we are involved in. The best leaders find capable people to help. They acquire that knack in delegating tasks and responsibilities to others. 

10. Manage Wisely.

I think we need to manage all areas of our lives a little better. Part of that might be simplifying and uncluttering areas of our ministry or perhaps even areas of our personal lives. If might be organizing, learning to budget, or rearranging activities and events.

The more things flow in our lives, the less stress we pile on. 

Having too much on us can really wear us down. That is why as leaders in life we really need the support of others. There is always so much to do. We need help from others who will help with planning and tasks. We need the support of prayer. 

Above that support though, we really need to make better choices in what we do with our time and how we about our planning. Most importantly we need to rely on the Lord for our strength. 

I think of David and how he relates several times in the Psalms about being "overwhelmed". At each instance he knew where to turn to. He turned to God to help him through and be his strength. I know I need to do that more.

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. - Psalm 61:2.

I cried unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah. - Psalm 77:1-3.

I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then though knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.- Psalm 142:1-3.

If you haven't read through all of Psalm 142 lately, I encourage you to do so. It can be a real blessing when you are stressed and to the point of breaking.

So, do you have an overwhelmed spirit? 

Let's pray.

Father God, 

We come to you today to thank you for the many blessings that you have given us. Thank you for providing us guidance and reminders to use your words when we feel overwhelmed and can't handle anything else. Thank you for lifting us up when we most need it and providing us with people in our lives who are willing to do the same. In Jesus name.

Amen.

With Love, 

"B"

Soul Sisters..We Need Them.

And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. - 1 Samuel 18:1

I've always loved the story of Jonathan and David's friendship and recently when I read in 1 Samuel, that part about their "souls" struck me. It says "the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David". You know, I hear so much about "soul sisters", "soul mates"' and what we consider those "deep friendships". I began thinking about my relationships and friendships with other Christian sisters in the Lord.

I think the friendships between Christian sisters can be so much more than what the world can offer. Talk about Soul Sisters! Our hearts and souls belong to the Lord so we can have wonderful, encouraging, deep and meaningful relationships like the friendship of Jonathan and David.

Those Christian women in my life and who I've known over the years are some of the people who've encouraged me and motivated me the most. 

S...Silly.

When thinking about my sisters in the Lord, what sticks out the most to me? Well, I have some sisters that are just silly. Not a serious point to start with but I think it's so important that our friends bring some laughter and a little humor to our lives. I know some sisters that just make me laugh and sometimes I just need that laughter so much.

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. - Proverbs 17:22.

I think part of it has to do with the joy in their hearts. The Lord gives us that joy and sometimes I think it bubbles out of some people more than others. I love being around people like that, don't you? Especially my sisters in the Lord. I also love the fact that they allow me to be a little silly myself sometimes.

I...Inspiring.

I love those sisters in Christ that inspire. They make me want to do more, do better and sometimes just get involved in something. Sometimes it's not by what they say but what they do.

It might not even be an inspiration to do something spiritual. It just might be by how they are organized or even how they keep their house. 

I need all that inspiration for my spiritual life that my sisters give to me as well. I need to be encouraged to love Christ more, read the Bible more, pray more, and all those things from my sisters that inspire me to be a better Christian.

S...Strong.

I've had many sisters in Christ that seem to have such a strength. So many Christian women I've known and met over the years have had some real struggles and heartache in their lives. I always think that mine seem so small and trivial when I see what some women go through. 

I appreciate all that strength they have found in the Lord to just keep going on and on and I love it when they share some of that strength with me. 

T...Talkative.

I couldn't pass up how much we women like to talk. It's not a bad thing. It's one of those good things. When we don't talk and share, there's something missing from our lives. Talking about things out-loud with our sisters helps us to cope.

Communication is so important. How can we fellowship without talking and sharing? When we share our joys and struggles with each other, it builds us up. And what comes along with that is my sisters listen to me as well.

E...Encouraging.

Praise the Lord! I love it when my sisters in the Lord encourage me. I, like everyone else, have days that I'm down and there's nothing better than when a friend and sister in Christ comes along and cheers me up, perhaps gives me a pep talk, and brings me that encouragement that I am so in need of. 

Using people in our lives to encourage us is one of the wonderful ways in which God works. 

R...Real.

One of things I love about my sisters in the Lord is that they are real. I need some real friends to keep me grounded. Have you ever been around superficial people? It makes me so uncomfortable to be around people like that. 

I need my friends to be real and genuine and that's what other sisters in Christ are to me.

S...Saved.

One thing that all of my sisters in the Lord have in common is that they know the Lord. They've been saved by the power of Christ's blood.

Isn't it great that our sisters in Christ are all in one family? We all have our Heavenly Father in common and that makes our sister relationship special.

I trust I'll be that soul sister that my sisters in Christ need around them. I really don't know what I'd do without my sisters in the Lord. I don't really think it's all about being good "soul sisters" as much as it is about being good for each other's souls. 

My sisters in the Lord encourage me and keep me grounded by their faith, friendships, and love.

So, sister, have you been good for another sister's soul lately?

Let's pray:

Heavenly Father, 

We come to you today to remember that you gave us one another to lean on in times of need, in times of fellowship, and in all times of life. You have made us into one family bonded by the blood of Christ. Let us each reach out to a fellow sister that we have not talked to in awhile and see how we can help their soul. For it is in your name we pray.

Amen.

With Love, 

"B"

Delighting in the Word

I've been studying the 119th Psalm and I kept looking at that word "delight" that runs through it. It all revolves around delighting in the word. 

So many phrases caught my attention.

I will delight myself in thy statutes... (vs. 16)

Thy testimonies also are my delight...(vs. 24)

...for therein do I delight. (vs. 35)

And I will delight myself in thy commandments... (vs. 47)

...but I delight in thy law. (vs. 70)

...for thy law is my delight. (vs. 77)

Unless thy law had been my delights. (vs. 92)

...yet thy commandments are my delights. (vs. 143)

...and thy law is my delight. (vs. 174)

I was going through that Psalm and marking all those "delights" with a highlighter and as I was doing that it struck me, well, how can I really "delight" in the Word? I mean, how do you do that?

I know highlighting the words and having all that yellow just jump out at me might help me to remember that it's important, but just how do I go about really "delighting" in the Word?

So I began reading and re-reading that Psalm and some things really struck me throughout it. There was all this advice just laid out for me. Don't you just love it when the Lord shows you something you need right there in front of you and it's been there all the time?

Long For It (Psalm 119:40,131)

I think when we really start longing for the Word that we will make time to read it every day or more than just once a day. 

Memorize it (Psalm 119: 11,52)

I don't think we are ever too old to memorize Scripture. God's Word can comfort us and help us deal with temptation. Bringing Bible verses that we've learned to our minds can help us through so many circumstances in our lives.

Learn it. (Psalm 119: 73, 125)

Studying the Word will help us to learn it. Look up verses. Compare passages n a subject. Use your concordance and really dig into the Word.

Trust it. (Psalm 119: 42, 89, 114)

There's nothing like trusting in the Word of God. It is something that we can cling to. 

Respect it. (Psalm 119: 128. 140,161)

If we are going to really start delighting in the Word, we have to respect what it is.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. - John 1:1,2.

Love it. (Psalm 119: 97, 159)

When you love somebody, you usually delight in them. It's not any different with the Word of God. If we love it, we are going to find delight in it.

Keep it. (Psalm 119: 4, 33, 106)

Keeping the Word is so important as a Christian. If we aren't following what the Word says, we can't be delighting in it very much. 

Rejoice in it. (Psalm 119: 162)

God's Word should be a joy to us. 

They words we found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. - Jeremiah 15:16.

Live it. (Psalm 119: 5, 6)

Another outcome of delighting in the Word had to be living it. That verse in James 1:22 comes to mind. 

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Share it. (Psalm 119: 27, 46, 172)

I think about how we share and talk about baseball teams, books, and even TV shows. We even may have to tell someone about a deal we got while out shopping. We excited about and have to tell our friends. 

I hope I get that excitement about sharing God's Word. Its' so much more important. I think  if we delight in it, sharing it has to be an outcome of that delight. 

We can't really even begin to delight in the Word unless we get it out and read it. Just pick a spot and start reading or enjoy a story of on of the Old Testament heroes. Maybe read through the writing of Paul in the New Testament. Start reading through a particular book or chapter. 

Use a daily Bible reading chart if it helps you. Just choose something and read the Word.

I challenge you to read this Psalm and really look at what it is saying. Maybe even read it out loud. You can just see the delight about the Word coming through. 

How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!- Psalm 119:103.

I would love to have a delight for the Word of God like that. I have read a lot of Scripture over the years, but after reading through this Psalm several times lately, I really question if I'm really delighting in the Word like I should be.

I think I'm going to maybe have to start making time to read more, memorize more, and really dig more.

So, are you delighting in the Word?

Let's pray:

Father God, 

We come to you to help us to spend more time in Your Word daily. To help us to delight in all that you have planned for us and to share this delight with others. Place it in our hearts to reach for Your Word on a daily basis, whether in our quiet time with you or with family Bible study time. Thank you for giving us the Book of life and helping us see that we should delight in You.

Amen

With Love, 

"B"

Thank-Full

But I have all, and aboud: I am full.... Philippians 4:18

Thanksgiving is just a few days away and I was thinking about my blessings and everything that goes along with the holiday. Of course my mind couldn't help but wonder to a little turkey, dressing, and sweet potato casserole. How full you can feel when you indulge in such a big holiday meal, let alone adding a piece of pumpkin pie on top of it.

When we start dwelling on the Thanksgiving holiday, we sometimes think of all those list of things we are thankful for and we seem to think of them as separate items, but Thanksgiving is more than that. 

It's seeing how God works everything together until we are "full" of His blessings and of His care even through times when we don't seem to have everything we need (or want). It's at those times that we should be thankful too.

I've read through that fourth chapter of Philippians many many times but when I read through it recently, the word "full" really jumped out at me.

Paul is writing to the Philippians and expressing his thankfulness at their care for him and how God had supplied. You really do need to read the entire chapter to get things in perspective but look at what it says in Philippians 4:11,12.

Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where in all things I am instructed both to be FULL and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 

Paul says, "both to be full and to be hungry:. He goes on to say in verses 18,19.

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4;18,19.

It's wonderful the way that God supplies our needs. When I read through that chapter, I notice that Paul seems to be looking at the whole picture. He saw how God had worked through everything for him and how God would supply the need of those at Philippi.

I don't think Paul was just making a thankful list but he was really seeing how God had worked through this situation and on into that situation and so on. He surveyed the whole of how God had been working and supplying and Paul was "full."

I don't think there is anything wrong with writing out a list of things to be thankful for. I think that's great and sometimes we all need to do that just to reflect on how the Lord has blessed us but I think sometimes we forget to see the whole of how God supplied. 

I know personally I don't always think of those lean times or the times Paul was talking about when he said, "to suffer need". Not the things I put right up there at the top of my "thankful" list. I think especially at the Thanksgiving holiday, we put those things in the back of our minds, but that's how God takes care of us. He does it through everything.

Even in those times where we don't feel so blessed, the Lord is still there supplying our needs and working through our lives. When I think of it that way, it tends to make me even more grateful and thankful for all of the ways God supplies. 

So, how thank-full are you?

Let's pray:

Father God, 

As we come upon a day of Thanksgiving, let us not forget to thank you for each day that you provide for us on this earth. Let us remember that it is you who supplies and sustains us at all times. In Jesus name we pray.

Amen.

Being Thankful to the Unthankful

" But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil" 

-Luke 6:35

During our tenure here on earth, we will meet our share of unthankful individuals. These people are presented in our lives by God to test our faith and our patience. However, we have a tendency to look at the naturally, instead of spiritually. But once we see what God is trying to do, we will be able to understand the bigger picture of His divine plan. This will force those who believe in God to be kind to those who really don't deserve it. 

Personally, I find it very difficult to deal with a person who is not appreciative of the things that others do for them. Even the things that we try to do for them aren't good enough. Dealing with this could make anyone act in an ungodly fashion. But, would God be please with us if we did that? No he would not. 

It's even harder to be kind to those unthankful individuals who are supposed to be Christians. When you think of Christ, you think of love, kindness, humility, and more. So when you meet people that claim to know and follow His word, it's disheartening to witness their ungratefulness. This is especially true being that the bible says, " In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). 

But today I challenge you to be like Jesus. When you come across unthankful individuals, I urge you to be patient and long suffering. Even though it may be frustrating to deal with, I encourage you to remember how we used to be before we accepted Christ. Jesus would wake us up and we wouldn't say "thank you". Jesus would protect us and we wouldn't say "I appreciate you God". Jesus died for us and we wouldn't even give our lives back to him. But today, I challenge you to change your way of handling unthankful individuals and to bless those who curse you!

Let's pray:

Heavenly Father, 

At times we forget that we should all love one another and be thankful to you in all that we do. I ask you to remind us daily that we should be thankful for everything. Even in the times that we are struggling we should thank you, for we know all that you have your hand in is for the good. Father God, bless those who struggle with this on a daily basis and touch their hearts, so that they may be more like you. In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

With Love, 

"B"

Privacy Fences

...Thou shalt love the Lord they God with all they heart, and with all thy soul, and with all they strength, and with all they mind; and thy neighbour as thyself..- Luke 10:27

....And who is my neighbour? - Luke 10:29

We have a privacy fence around our entire backyard and I probably wouldn't want it any other way, but it still makes me feel closed in. That's one thing about a fence. There are two sides to it. You shut out intrusions, people, and everything else, but on the other hand, a fence closes you in. 

I read a statistic the other day that said a third of Americans have never met their neighbors. From what I read, I guess that number has increased dramatically over the last several years. I know we've lived in places where we didn't know our neighbors at all. 

I don't think people consciously want to block their neighbors out of their lives...well some might. I guess it depends on what your neighbors are like. In general though, I think we just get so busy and content in our own busy lives that we don't slow down and make an effort to interact with our neighbors.

I think we kind of get like that in how we live in general too. We tend to want to put an invisible privacy fence all around us. We don't let people in. We keep our distance. We don't talk to the neighbors.

It gives me cause to pause because Jesus was the very opposite of that. He was all about the neighbors! He was all about people. He loved them. He cared for them. He got right up next to them. He made room for people in His life.

I think about how close Jesus was with people. Look how much He was on the water with His disciples. They weren't on cruise ships. Fishing boats have close quarters. Jesus was rubbing elbows with those disciples. Look how people followed Him everywhere. I think of the story of the woman who touched the garment of Jesus and how the crowds were pressing on Him.

I tell my teenage son all the time to get out of my personal space. Give me three feet around is what I always tell him. Doesn't work though, but I just don't like people up that close to me. Then I think of Jesus. He really allowed people to get close to Him even physically. We have trouble just allowing people into our lives, let alone dealing with the physical aspect of it.

I think though if we are going to make an impact on people we are going to have to start getting to know them. We have to start investing in the lives of others. We have to stop building up those privacy fences all around us. We can say hello to people once in a while. It won't kill us. We can be kind to people. We can encourage people in some way.

I think of how the early Christians went fellowshipping house to house. You can't really do that without getting to know people. Can you? There is so much in the Bible about encouraging each other and praying for each other as believers. We are to be building people up but we can't do it when we are hiding behind our invisible privacy fences. We have to stop closing ourselves in.

Not only that but in order to spread the Gospel, we have to talk to people. We can't do that behind a fence. We have to make some effort in order to share Christ. 

Sure getting to know people is a little scary. People can dice us up with their words, hurt our feelings, and make us feel small and miserable. It happens. But we just can't stay behind our fences blocking out everyone. Jesus told us how to treat our neighbors when He answered the lawyer in Luke chapter 10.

"And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all they soul, and with all they strength, and with all thy mind; and they neighbour as thyself."

The lawyer then asks Jesus "...and who is my neighbour?"

This is where Jesus proceeded to tell the story of the Good Samaritan. I love this story. Talk about neighborly. The Samaritan helped the man who had been beaten. He bound up the man's wounds, gave the man a ride (on his own donkey), took him to a motel, and even paid the bill. 

That's how Jesus said to treat people. That's loving our neighbor.

The Good Samaritan knew how to get out and invest in people. Look at the things he did:

*The Good Samaritan had compassion on the man.

*The Good Samaritan took care of the man's physical needs.

*The Good Samaritan lifted up the man.

*The Good Samaritan went out of his way for the man.

*The Good Samaritan wasn't selfish toward the man.

I think of all the ways the Good Samaritan acted towards this man shows us exactly how to get out from behind our "privacy fences". We need to have compassion that moves us. We need to lift people up and be encourager's. We need to go out of our way. And then we need to be willing to give. 

I don't know about you, but I know I need to start really investing in other people. I need to break out and find out who people are. I need to get to know the neighbors. 

I need to build more friendships and get to know other believers more. I need to be more of a blessing to people. I can't do that if I never leave my yard. 

I hate to admit it, but sometimes I find myself cowering behind my privacy fence. It is hard to just step out and get involved with other people. I'm going to have to try to stop being scared of the unknown.

We can't witness for Christ to those who don't know Him and we can't have fellowship with other Christians if we don't have any interaction with them.

So, what kind of fence have you built?

Lets pray:

Father God, 

Only you know the fences that we have built around our lives to keep others out. But only you can help us to break those fences down and live according to your will. Guide us to fellowship and bond with other believers on a whole new level to serve and love you.

Amen.

With Love, 

"B"

Unplugging on Purpose...{repost from Expressions of a Working Mom}

How often do you unplug...on purpose? This thought came to me just recently when I went with my son to a Mother/Son scavenger hunt with our church. After the scavenger hunt we all had lunch together in the fellowship hall. While the boys sat together and talked boy stuff, the Moms sat together and talked about mom stuff. A couple of the ladies in the group had mentioned that they had recently in the past few months started having a night during the week where no one in the house could use electronics. This wasn't just limited to TV, video games, computers, iPads, it also included cell phones.

Later that weekend, after the hubs had gotten home from a weekend trip, I had mentioned to him what the other mothers had mentioned about the no electronics night. He thought it was a great idea. So I have not been able to get this idea out of my head since our talk.

You can choose a night when you know that all of your family is home. A night when adults nor children have activities that they have to be at that evening. When you choose this night stick with it and make it the same night each week. Some of the Mom's had children that had cell phones and they are required to give their cell phone to the parent for that night.

When you decide to unplug for that one night, I strongly encourage you  to take time out away from the electronics we've all come to rely on and spend time reconnecting with the ones you hold dear. It's not time you'll regret, I can promise that. By taking time to unplug the electronics for one night a week, you will become better parents, better spouses, and friends (Probably a little saner too) for the time you spend together without any distractions.

During these nights pull out the old fashion board games, read books, have family bible devotional time, and just generally spend time together. Take this time to have your family help you prepare the dinner for that evening. As I discussed in my previous blog post, this will give you a chance to Discover your family at Dinner.

You could also plan activities for you and the family to do together, such as crafts, but it's not mandatory. The whole idea is for us to spend time together reconnecting with each other in a stress-free environment.

I know my husband and I will be discussing this topic further, so that we can set aside a night during the week to unplug our electronics and plug into our family. Will you be setting this time aside as well to reconnect with your family?


With Love,

"B"

God's Soul Food..

" When Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my hearts delight, for I bear Your name, Lord God Almighty." - Jeremiah 15:16.

It's amazing how some folks react when you mention the words "soul food" to those people who really enjoy it. They get that longing in their eyes. Their mouths begin watering, and they begin to use wonderful descriptive words to describe the flavor, aroma, and taste of it. They get excited about the mere mention of "soul food".

Do we get that way when we hear the mere mention of God's Word, the Bible? It is our soul food and yet how many of us get as excited over that as some people do over cornbread, collard greens, or fried green tomatoes? Do we get a longing in our eyes? Do our mouths water? God's Word is full of flavor, aroma, and taste. Our verse says that,

"When Your words came, I ate them:

they were my joy and my hearts delight,

for I bear Your name, Lord God Almighty."

Jeremiah 15:16

Soul food is usually considered to be the most satisfying food there is. God's word is the most amazing soul food and can satisfy us beyond measure. Think of all of the wonderful things found in the Bible that we can feast upon. There are promises, comfort, direction and instruction, salvation, love, joy, and wisdom. The list could go on and on. The menu is full.

There is only one thing we need to do as we sit down to feast on the Word of God. We have to partake of it. We can have the most wonderful food on our table. The table can be set with the most exquisite tablecloths and napkins. The china can be the most expensive in the world. The crystal can be glowing and the silverware can be shining. The food can look and smell tantalizing. The table can be beautiful, but if we never eat any of the food it will not fill us up or satisfy. We must eat. 

Reading, studying, and memorizing the Word of God is the only way we can taste of it and we must do it daily. If we only ate physically once or twice a month we would starve. We wouldn't have anything to sustain us. The same is true with the Word of God. We must constantly go back for more. Let's take our napkins, open the Book, feast together, and see what morsels we can find inside.

How to really enjoy our Soul Food.

1. Desire - "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" - 1 Peter 2:2. Create that desire to feast on God's Word daily and grow in it.

2. Memorize - " Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." - Psalm 119:11. Memorize His word so that you can be close to Him.

3. Meditate - " This book of the law shall not depart out of they mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." - Joshua 1:8. Think on His word, embed it deep in your soul, so that you may prosper in His ways.

4. Study - "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15. Study His Word and know that you are favoured by Him.

So, have you had some Soul Food today?

With Love, 

"B"