How to Find Faithful Friends

October 29, 2012 By 2 Comments

Have you ever noticed how many different types of friendships there are in today’s world? We have the good, life-giving, full of health friendships. There are those acquaintance friendships where you’re there if needed, can do small talk well, but really only interact when in similar situations. Then we have those friendships that we are in because we are the stronger one, the encouraging one, the supporter.

In relationships, we tend to look for the ways that we can be there for others, but at the same time we are looking at what the other person has to give us in return. This is our natural tendency. I believe this is healthy as well. At least to an extent.

What happens when we start to look at the friendships we have in terms of only what they can give us, and not what we can give to the other as well. Well, then we start to take advantage of all the benefits we get from having a close relationship with them. The relationship becomes unbalanced with selfish motives and we will eventually end up doing or saying something that could break the friendship we have become dependent on.

What if we start to try too hard to make/keep friends? I believe we could very easily become obsessed and we’ll end up smothering the person that we’re really trying to connect with. What if we stop trying to keep a continuous connection? As with most things, the connection then fades and eventually becomes non-existent.

What can we do to maintain healthy relationships and ensure that we have more of the good types of friendships than we have of the other two types?

  1. We pray for God to send us the people He wants in our lives. Those that we can encourage, challenge and build up, but be confident that they will be doing the same for us.
  2. We look for ways to connect on deep, real levels.
  3. We sacrifice some of our minor needs if it means bettering the friendship. (**Disclaimer, I did say minor. I wouldn’t say it would be wise to sacrifice the big, deal-changing attributes)
  4. We forgive everything no matter how big or small. And when it’s forgiven, we never bring it up again.
  5. We love the other person no matter what.

These are the things I have found to work best when looking for life-giving, faith-building, healthy friendships. How about you?

Filed Under: Accountability, Friendship Tagged With: , , , 2 Comments

For such a season as this

October 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

There are times when everything seems to be moving forward, yet standing still at the same time.

That is where I am right now.  My diet is under control, I’m actually exercising regularly, I’m knee deep in my Bible studies.

Yet on Thursday I couldn’t get out of bed.  I was overcome with anxiety.  My husband, bless his heart, helped me out and let me have some time to work things out.

I lamented all day, wrestling with my thoughts, crying out to God to take away my panic and fear.  I tried all the weapons in my arsenal, music, prayers, journaling…nothing calmed the storm that raged on my heart.

I put myself in survival mode, that’s what we moms have to do, right?  I put my kids first, got dinner on the table, and quieted my heart before God.

“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”  Esther 4:14

Now I know that I’m no Esther story.  This down time in this mom’s life doesn’t compare to a princess in training that saves her people.  But I know that God has set this time aside for me, for a purpose.  There are lessons to be learned, as well as dishes to be washed, faces to be wiped, and hearts to pray over.  The overwhelming sense of fear and anxiety do not make sense right now, but I know I’m being refined in the fire.  I know this is a time of preparation for something, and even right now, in this moment, I see Him moving.  No, I don’t think He has placed this anxiety in me, but I believe He is using it to grow me for Him.

What season of life are you in right now?  Do you see these moments as moments for Him, no matter if it’s a hill or valley?  I believe each of us, no matter what season, is being prepared for such a time as this.

Filed Under: Emotional, Mental, Physical Tagged With: , , , , Leave a Comment

Word of God Speak

September 4, 2012 By 11 Comments

Welcome! We’ve created a Special Series for you this month! We’ll
take 4 weeks and focus on 4 elements to ‘Reset’ our lives for Him.
We’re calling it ’4×4 Reset’. If you missed the introduction, you
can find more details here. Each post will feature a READ IT
(scripture verse), a SEE IT (motivation), & a DO IT (challenge/
call to action). Our 4×4 Reset Toolbox is available and has links
to all the posts and to our resources, including our Build a Firm
Foundation Printable tracking page. Be sure to subscribe to not
miss a day, & join us on Twitter & Instagram using our hashtag
#4x4Reset!

 

Word of God Speak

So lately I’ve been forced to look at evaluating the amount of time that I spend in God’s word. As life seasons have changed and priorities have been realigned, I’ve discovered that it’s time to get serious about how much time I spend in His word, and how crucial it is that I connect with it. After all, it is the best way to guard my heart against Satan’s attack. And several times we are called to protect our heart for it is our well-spring of life.

I have found that it’s very hard to do life well when I’m disconnected from the Source of all life. I could give you a million reasons excuses as to why it’s not become a habit yet in my life. With all the ups and downs that life has thrown my way, most of them would seem to be understandable. But when I get down to the nitty-gritty of it all, it simply comes down to a lack of discipline, or in even simpler terms, laziness, in building the habit.

What’s the best way to change this? Prayer always works–asking Him to give me a hunger and thirst for His Word that can only be quenched by adequate time with Him, then soaking in His directions for living in this world. Finding a song to inspire me to dig in His word, to connect in new ways, just looking for that gem that I know is hidden in there. Knowing it was hidden there just for me.

So as we’re heading into fall, a time when many of us are just getting back into routines (especially the teachers in our midst and parents with school-aged kids), we’re looking to make this the best year yet. What better way to do that than to refresh our dedication to the very source of our life?

I happened to be driving in my car as I was contemplating what I might write for this first week of the 4×4 reset this month, when suddenly Mercy Me’s song Word of God Speak came on. Suddenly it was clear that I needed to write on this subject. It was like He was saying to me, “Daughter, only by shedding light on a struggle, will anything change.” It’s been a topic He’s been pounding into my head a lot lately.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (Proverbs 4:23)

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

So friends I ask you today, what would happen if we took the time to really dig into what His words have to say to us? Would we find ourselves falling repeatedly into our same old habits? Or would we find ourselves soaring to new heights, undiscovered places in our walk with him? I challenge us to really examine our time in His Word; evaluate if it is truly beneficial. Seek Him to guide us on how to best use the sword He’s given us to defeat the Enemy that so badly wants to destroy us. Won’t we be bold enough to let Him mold our Bible study into what it needs to be to nourish our souls?

Read it:

See it:

Click this link to watch Mercy Me–Word of God Speak on YouTube.

 

Do it:

 

Don’t forget to check out our 4×4 Reset Toolbox tab up at the top of every page.  Links to previous posts and to our printable tracking journal can be found there.  Make sure to connect with us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram with the #4x4Reset hashtag too! 

Filed Under: 4x4Reset, Balance, Spiritual Tagged With: , , 11 Comments

Five Ways to Worship While on Vacay

August 27, 2012 By 3 Comments

Between throwing our swimsuit into the suitcase and printing off our itinerary and road maps, let’s take a minute to pause and make sure we’re packing one of the most important things into our vacation bags…our worship.

Scripture is clear about the role worship plays in the life of a Follower of Christ…in fact, it doesn’t play a role – it’s our actual identity.

And you never leave your identity behind…just because you’re going on vacation doesn’t mean you stop being a mother, or a friend, or a blogger.  How those identities play out may look a little different while you’re relaxing and recharging, but they don’t cease to be a part of you.  In the same way, our identity as worshippers should travel with us.

In Scripture, John points out that we are to worship God…truly worship Him in spirit and truth.  What does that look like as we take to the road for a week of “fun in the sun?”  Here are five practical ways you can continue to live out a life of true worship with your family or a group of friends while on vacation.

  1. Give Him Your Playlist – Dedicate your playlist or the portion for that early morning chunk of the ride to worshipping the Father.  If you don’t have a good library of worship music, check with a friend or your pastor for guidance on what to purchase.  Or, shoot me an email at alle(at)chasing-eden(dot)com - I love helping friends discover music that fits their personal style while helping them enter the Throne Room. And, after 10 years as a musician and worship leader, I’ve got a pretty good library built up to give some personal recommendations!
  2. Spend Time with Him – Don’t forget to pack your Bible and any other “tools” you use for your personal time with God.  As your body and mind relax and take a break, you’ll find more room in your heart for God to speak extra encouragement and refreshment.  If you’re traveling with your family or a group of friends – perhaps you could dedicate a portion of each morning or outing to some group devotional time!
  3. Create Something – Some of my most intimate times with God come from being an image-bearer of His creativity.  Whether that manifests itself in a new song, a piece of art, writing, or any other creative medium doesn’t matter.  Dedicate some time on your vacation to create…you could even make a mini-journal or memory jar of your trip!
  4. Explore Creation – Being in a new physical location (or even exploring a place you’ve never visited in your home town) can uncover some beautiful parks, ocean-views, and mountain-top experiences.  Thank Him for His creativity in making this planet our home and capture it in a photo or journal!
  5. Meet Your Extended Family – If your trip spans over a weekend, take the time to investigate a new church in the area you’re visiting.  Meeting with other Believers who you may never see until we’re all called home is an exciting experience as you worship corporately!

What are some other ways you can live out your life as a worshipper even while “on break” from your other responsibilities?

 

Filed Under: Balance, Spiritual Tagged With: , , , , , , 3 Comments

A Call to Reflect

August 6, 2012 By 1 Comment

If you’ve noticed around here, we’re about learning how to better love God in all aspects of our lives. That’s one of the things I love the most about this place. We’re all encouraging, challenging, loving on each other to make ourselves more like the One who created us. I believe that this–this type of accountability–is something we all need in order to improve our spiritual impact on the world around us.

My question is this: Are we moving so fast that we fail to take delight in the good that is going on in our lives right now?

Even in the midst of the challenges, the chaos, and the trials, if we open our eyes and ask for the eyes to see, He will be faithful and show us in bits of how He is working and the good that is happening around us. It won’t be easy. Not in the least! But, if we stay the course, continue being faithful to ask for the eyes to see (and the hearts to comprehend) what He’s wanting us to see through this, it is possible.

If things are good, are we taking the chance to say thanks to the one who gave us this time? If not, I encourage you to take some time now, or later today, to pray/journal/blog about it. Maybe even start (or continue) your gratitude list.

Let every detail in your lives – words, actions, whatever – be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. (Colossians 3:17 MSG)

If things are mediocre, could we take time to seek His heart, His will and His path for us to take? Maybe it’s taking a time for confession. Maybe it’s setting aside some time to seek Him in worship. Or perhaps it’s just taking some time to turn everything off (TV, music, phone, etc.) and sitting in silence awaiting Him to speak into your life.

For we go through all things on account of you, because the greater the number to whom the grace is given, the greater is the praise to the glory of God. For which cause we do not give way to weariness; but though our outer man is getting feebler, our inner man is made new day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:15-16 BBE-Bible in Basic English)

If things are really hard right now, is there anything we can sacrifice for a period of time that would help de-clutter this thing we call life and help us focus on the Creator of all? Even if only for an hour or a day?

Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it. We may receive it gladly, with thankful hearts. For we know it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. (1 Timothy 4:4-5 NLT)

So friends, whichever stage you’re in, I want to encourage you to seek His face. No matter where you are right now, may you take the time to step back, take a deep breath, and seek out the good going on around you.

Friends, sisters, what can we do to help you in the stage you’re in right now? Please let us know.

Filed Under: Accountability, Balance, Mental, Spiritual Tagged With: , , , , , , 1 Comment

Why Does It Even Matter?

August 1, 2012 By 2 Comments

Its been a little hard to focus lately.

My mind is bouncing all over the place as I prepare to start back to school for my final year of college.  I go from planning a month of meals to planning my blog to planning my children’s church lessons.  I’m crossing projects off my to-do list and adding more behind them.  I’m shopping, cleaning house, sorting coupons, and organizing my notebook for school.

This crazy balancing act gets pretty overwhelming at times.  Each item on my list is important.  Everyone on my list needs me, and I love everyone and everything on it.

But I’ll admit, there are days when I want to throw the whole list away and hide under the blankets, singing “Make The World Go Away.” 

Some days, I wonder if this all really matters.  What difference does it really make?  It gets so redundant – get up, go to school, go home, change clothes, go to work, go home, cook, clean, do laundry, go to bed exhausted, get up the next day and do it all over again – day after day, making sacrifices for this dream of finishing my degree.  Does it even matter?

As I pray for God’s strength and wisdom to see me through the months ahead, I’m realizing more every day that it all matters.

  • When my children’s church kids are bouncing off the walls and don’t seem to be listening to a thing I say, they’re actually soaking in lessons.
  • When I’m washing the 15,000th load of laundry this week, my family is blessed because they are being taken care of.
  • When I drag myself to the gym for the workout I don’t want to do, I’m honoring God by caring for my body.
  • When I focus on my class work for college, it brings me a step closer to being an RDH – one step closer to providing a better life for my family, one step closer to the short-term medical missions trips I dream of going on, and one step closer to fulfilling what God has called me to.

It seems like so much of life is a string of little things, but those little things quickly add up to big things.  As I finish assignments, scrub toilets, write out grocery lists, tuck my kids into bed, or file papers for my husband, I remind myself of what I’m building with all these little things.

I’m building a family and a life that strives to honor God every day…and that’s a pretty amazing thing.

Filed Under: Balance, Battles, Emotional, Mental Tagged With: , , , 2 Comments

Are you getting enough water?

May 25, 2012 By 6 Comments

The point of the MLG community is to help women find wellness at the Living Well.  We’ve shared our hearts, welcomed each other into our lives, and are growing together.

Today I want us to do a wellness check- how are you doing?  How can we help you?

I love making pneumonics, alliterations, and mantras.  Basically I use anything to make my life easier.  Let’s just say a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and three babies has not left room in my brain for much else.  However, I remember how I would’ve never made it through pharmacy school if it weren’t for pneumonics and alliterations.  (Believe me- you don’t want to hear my song to help me remember diabetes drugs).

As we focus here on whole-life wellness, I came up with a little pneumonic- a checklist of sorts- to help us remember each day how we can achieve this wellness.

Are you getting enough WATER daily?

W: WORD

this is the foundation for our spiritual wellness!  Are you getting daily time in the Word–either study, reading plans, or memorization?

A:  AFFIRMATIONS

it’s so apparent to me that what you think about you bring about!!  This affirmation part of the equation involves bringing every thought captive.  It also includes anything you use to snap yourself out of that downward spiral or to encourage you to push play on the exercise DVD.  In fact, MUST LOVE GOD is one of those very affirmations.  When thinking and praying about this community, the terms “must love God” fit perfectly.  When things are all going wrong, all the kids are crying, dinner is burning, remember, it all comes down to this- I must love God.  Another one- “eat clean, move more, refresh daily” and “turn north”.

T:  THANKS

it’s my word for 2012 but I’ll let you use it too!!  Much like affirmations, giving thanks in ALL THINGS reminds me to slow down, change my thinking, and focus on Him.

E:  ENERGIZE

this is not an easy one for me…I want so badly to be fit and healthy but the actual getting out and exercising…oh that is hard.  But, I will challenge you to add purposeful movement to your day.  Not athletic?  Neither am I!!  But I’m finding some super fun tools from YouTube, the App store, and Peak 313.  What is your favorite way to energize?

R:  REFRESH

in this pneumonic, refresh actually stands for what we eat and drink.  Filling ourselves with nutrient dense foods makes such a difference in our days.  As I’ve been tinkering with my own personal diet, I’m learning so much about what foods make me feel good and what foods don’t!!

Can this pneumonic of WATER help you with your daily goals?  What are some ways you can incorporate WATER into your life?

Filed Under: Accountability, Balance, Emotional, Mental, Physical, Spiritual Tagged With: , , , , , , , 6 Comments

Those Pretty Pansies

May 2, 2012 By 8 Comments

DSC_0249
Creative Commons License photo credit: bobosh_t

Pansies are my favorite flower. They are delicate, and come in such a variety of beautiful colors.

Here’s another little tidbit for you: I am a terrible gardener. Which is why pansies are the perfect flower for me. Why is that, you ask?

The word “pansy” in its non-flower definition has connotations of weakness. The flowers themselves, however, are anything but. These little guys will survive through some tough weather conditions, pop back up after dying off during the harshest part of winter, and reproduce even when neglected. They are hardy, cheerful, and beautiful, and with a minimum of care will last for a long time. They are the type of flower I can actually grow.

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Creative Commons License photo credit: steevithak

I want to be like a pansy.

I want to brighten the world around me. I want to bring joy as I bloom in a variety of circumstances. I want to be known for growing no matter what. I want to not be “high maintenance.” I want to “reproduce” my faith even when things going on around me aren’t optimal.

If you could be a flower, which would you be…and why? Would you share your answer to that in the comments?

Filed Under: Balance, Spiritual Tagged With: , , , , 8 Comments

Super Star Living

April 25, 2012 By 6 Comments

Ever feel like a rock star in some area, only to realize you’re neglecting another? It’s as if there are only twenty-four hours in a day!!!

Honestly though, I’ve been there.  I’m there.  I’m finally feeling better, eating better, and regularly exercising.  I have, however, compromised myself with my thought life and quiet time.

I feel like it’s so important to have balance in order to have a healthy life.  Even if our exercise is just walking, we pair that with walking with God, I believe we will see a balanced healthy life.

It may not always be easy, but I have a formula for a super star life.

Simple, focused, no hype.

They say, “you are what you eat!” and “what you think about you bring about!”

How about we take control of the things we can control?  We do our part in healthy living.  I truly believe this can happen when we find balance!!

Psalm 148:3

English Standard Version (ESV)

3 Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars!

 

I’m committing to live like a super star and create a balanced healthy life!!!

How are you?  Do you want to live like a super star?

Filed Under: Balance, Emotional, Mental, Physical, Spiritual Tagged With: , , , , 6 Comments