Many people who find themselves stuck in difficult situations often feel as if they've become lost. Somehow, they've arrived in a wilderness where everything has dried up and nothing seems to be growing.
Many of them have lived in this wilderness for so long that they have given up on things changing and concluded that this must be all God has in store for them. On numerous occasions, they have attempted to change their situation, but all of their efforts have failed.
If this sounds like you, you may not be lost at all! You may be squarely within the Will of God. All dry places in life are not the result of being lost. Sometimes God uses dry places as a place of preparation.
In Exodus 3:8, when God met Moses at the burning bush, He told him that He was going to deliver His people from bondage and into a land flowing with "milk and honey”. Yet, we know when God delivered His people from bondage, He led them directly into a "wilderness” where they spent 40 years.
We know that their wilderness experience had a purpose because the Bible tells us that there was a shorter route available that they could have taken and avoided the wilderness altogether. Exodus 13:17 says, "God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near."
Whenever God leads you somewhere, He has a purpose and a predestined place for you, even if the route is a long or a dry one.
Often, your wilderness is the doorway to your promise. At the initiation of Jesus' public ministry He was led into the wilderness first before He ever preached a sermon. If you are in a wilderness right now, remember what you learned while there because it will be necessary to sustain you in your Promised Land. Don't faint or lose heart. You may be at the door of your promise and purpose.
You may not have been lost at all.
You may have simply been led!
Scripture Of The Day: "Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness” - Exodus 15:22 (NASB)
Friday, May 27, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
He Counted His Blessings
He Counted His Blessings
By Cindy Beall
This week's topic: Mothers
He told me he was depressed when I tucked him in last night. Of course that made my heart sad. As his momma, I don't want him to feel depressed. I also didn't just dismiss it because I don't want to be that parent who says, "Oh, you're fine." I want him to know that I will listen to him and consider what he has to say.
I prayed for him and because he attended a slumber party the night before where he only slept five hours, he drifted off to dreamland fairly quickly.
This morning he walked into my study and said, "Mom, remember when I was sad last night? Well, I thought about how sad I might be if I didn't have a house to live in or a family to love. Then, I realized how I do have that and it made me thankful."
My heart swelled with pride that only momma's get and I said, "You counted your blessings."
And he smiled and said, "Yeah, I guess I did."
Sometimes I grow weary in my mothering role, wondering if I am doing enough or saying enough or training them enough. And then God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, decides to bless me with a gift such as this. It's like God said to me, "See Cindy, he is listening. Keep up the hard work. It's paying off."
So I will keep training my sons to love Jesus, love others, walk in gratitude, give generously and serve their part of the world without expecting anything in return.
Moms, the hardest job we have is being mothers. I know how long the days are when you need that 14-month old to just take a nap. I know the struggles you face when you desire first-time obedience from your children and don’t receive it. I get that for once you just wish someone would thank you for all of the sacrifices you make.
Just remember that your efforts are not in vain. You are working for something eternal, more than just a temporary pat on the back. You are incredible women of God who are training the future men and women who will change the world for Christ.
Believe it. Own it. Step into it.
Scripture Of The Day: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
By Cindy Beall
This week's topic: Mothers
He told me he was depressed when I tucked him in last night. Of course that made my heart sad. As his momma, I don't want him to feel depressed. I also didn't just dismiss it because I don't want to be that parent who says, "Oh, you're fine." I want him to know that I will listen to him and consider what he has to say.
I prayed for him and because he attended a slumber party the night before where he only slept five hours, he drifted off to dreamland fairly quickly.
This morning he walked into my study and said, "Mom, remember when I was sad last night? Well, I thought about how sad I might be if I didn't have a house to live in or a family to love. Then, I realized how I do have that and it made me thankful."
My heart swelled with pride that only momma's get and I said, "You counted your blessings."
And he smiled and said, "Yeah, I guess I did."
Sometimes I grow weary in my mothering role, wondering if I am doing enough or saying enough or training them enough. And then God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, decides to bless me with a gift such as this. It's like God said to me, "See Cindy, he is listening. Keep up the hard work. It's paying off."
So I will keep training my sons to love Jesus, love others, walk in gratitude, give generously and serve their part of the world without expecting anything in return.
Moms, the hardest job we have is being mothers. I know how long the days are when you need that 14-month old to just take a nap. I know the struggles you face when you desire first-time obedience from your children and don’t receive it. I get that for once you just wish someone would thank you for all of the sacrifices you make.
Just remember that your efforts are not in vain. You are working for something eternal, more than just a temporary pat on the back. You are incredible women of God who are training the future men and women who will change the world for Christ.
Believe it. Own it. Step into it.
Scripture Of The Day: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Monday, May 2, 2011
Communication is the Key
Want to communicate better with your spouse? Follow these six steps. They will help you and your spouse improve the way you talk to each other.
Step 1. Accept responsibility.
Poor communication is a two-way street. Therefore, you can't blame all of your issues on your spouse. Are you sarcastic or overly sensitive? Is the depth of your subject matter in conversations limited to girly stuff? Take responsibility for your role in the breakdown of your communication, so you can improve.
Step 2. Manage your emotions.
The quickest way to communicate better with your spouse is to manage your emotions. Men often struggle with the way the fairer sex reacts to toward them. Give your husband a break by reigning in the usual tears, ranting and sulking you display. In return, he will feel more comfortable expressing himself to you because the after effects are less stressful.
Step 3. Set aside time to talk.
Ambushing your spouse when he's busy isn't smart. Make time to time to talk, but be wise. Ask him to go on a walk or for a private lunch. Don't mention what you really want to do right away. Your guy will think he's in trouble. Instead, after you have had a few laughs, open up and let your words flow. He'll likely reciprocate.
Step 4. Focus on your subject.
Communicate better with your spouse by staying on subject. If you're upset about an unpaid bill or your child's poor grades, don't gravitate to other topics. Stay on subject until you come to a resolution. This way, the focus of your conversation won't get muddled and distract from your spouse's attention.
Step 5. Use the 60-second rule.
A common complaint men have about women is that they talk too much. They have a challenge listening to a tirade of what happened on your job during lunch or how you really think your best friend is jealous. For this reason, when you want to communicate an important idea or request to your mate, use the 60-second rule. Get straight to the point and say what you want him to hear under a minute. He will be able to hear and digest your words much easier.
Step 6. Seek help from a professional.
If steps 1 through 5 aren't enough to help you communicate better with your spouse, see a professional or your Pastor. A good counselor can help you and your mate sort out your problems. Just be sure you both agree on who you receive assistance from. With you both on the same page, you are more likely to have a breakthrough.
Try these six steps and you will communicate more effectively with your husband. You will fill more of the dead silence with words and get across your feelings in a more acceptable way.
Step 1. Accept responsibility.
Poor communication is a two-way street. Therefore, you can't blame all of your issues on your spouse. Are you sarcastic or overly sensitive? Is the depth of your subject matter in conversations limited to girly stuff? Take responsibility for your role in the breakdown of your communication, so you can improve.
Step 2. Manage your emotions.
The quickest way to communicate better with your spouse is to manage your emotions. Men often struggle with the way the fairer sex reacts to toward them. Give your husband a break by reigning in the usual tears, ranting and sulking you display. In return, he will feel more comfortable expressing himself to you because the after effects are less stressful.
Step 3. Set aside time to talk.
Ambushing your spouse when he's busy isn't smart. Make time to time to talk, but be wise. Ask him to go on a walk or for a private lunch. Don't mention what you really want to do right away. Your guy will think he's in trouble. Instead, after you have had a few laughs, open up and let your words flow. He'll likely reciprocate.
Step 4. Focus on your subject.
Communicate better with your spouse by staying on subject. If you're upset about an unpaid bill or your child's poor grades, don't gravitate to other topics. Stay on subject until you come to a resolution. This way, the focus of your conversation won't get muddled and distract from your spouse's attention.
Step 5. Use the 60-second rule.
A common complaint men have about women is that they talk too much. They have a challenge listening to a tirade of what happened on your job during lunch or how you really think your best friend is jealous. For this reason, when you want to communicate an important idea or request to your mate, use the 60-second rule. Get straight to the point and say what you want him to hear under a minute. He will be able to hear and digest your words much easier.
Step 6. Seek help from a professional.
If steps 1 through 5 aren't enough to help you communicate better with your spouse, see a professional or your Pastor. A good counselor can help you and your mate sort out your problems. Just be sure you both agree on who you receive assistance from. With you both on the same page, you are more likely to have a breakthrough.
Try these six steps and you will communicate more effectively with your husband. You will fill more of the dead silence with words and get across your feelings in a more acceptable way.
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