DayBreak, it's a good thing. : )

DayBreak is the name my church has set aside for our women's Thursday morning Bible studies. I have always been fond of the name but today I believe (maybe for the first time) I understood why our Women's Ministry Director chose the name. Allow me to explain.

Today, the women who gathered in my class were weary. Weary of the heaviness of the hurts and disappointments of life.

Today, the women who gathered in my class were angry. Angry at the wake of destruction sin always leaves in it's path.

Today, the women who gathered in my class were desperate. Desperate for the blessing of community. In desperate need to be encouraged and "sharpened" by the other women they have come to know, love, and trust in the class.

From one woman to another, may I say ... there WILL come a time when life is heavy. And there will come a time when you are tempted to withdraw. From one who knows ... NOTHING good ever comes out of a Christian going into seclusion or going it "alone".

If you are not active in a local church - Determine TODAY that you will get plugged in. Don't miss out on the rich blessing of true community. Find your "DayBreak", it's a GOOD thing.

Regaining Proper Balance - Part 3

I promised you an answer and an answer is what you're gonna get .... over the long haul, the only way to stay in balance is to maintain the balance. Regaining (and keeping) the proper balance will require diligence. Determination, hard work, and maintenance!

Yes, regular maintenance. How often is regular? You will determine ... quarterly, monthly, weekly, daily? But regular maintenance is what's gonna keep you out of the ER (so to speak) and trucking along in balance.

If you're married:

• begin by discussing the areas which may need adjustment with your husband. Ask his thoughts on where you may need to "turn up" or "turn down" the intensity.
• pray together.
• be willing to adjust the balance according to the needs of your family as it grows/changes.

If you're single:

• consider discussing the areas which may need adjustment with a trusted friend. Ask for their thoughts on where you may need to "turn up" or "turn down" the intensity.
• ask them to pray with you as you seek proper balance.
• be willing to adjust the balance as your season of life changes.
  

Whether married or single, do NOT neglect that which is most necessary ... Prayer. Your husband or your trusted friend may know you better than any human on the face of the earth, and may love you enough to tell you the truth but ... God is truth.

He knows what was, what is, and what is to come. Ask boldly and in faith for the One Who Sees to help you plan ahead for what you can not see.

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Join me tomorrow for more ... : )

"SonDay, Sunday" - Humility

In my Adult Bible Fellowship (a.k.a. adult Sunday School) this week we had a guest speaker from our church counseling ministry. I was deeply moved by this portion of his presentation - I am posting it here (with his permission, of course) in hopes it will be an encouragement to you, or someone you know ...


I want to be your friend, but first I must be your Lord.
Your pride is the primary hindrance to intimacy with Me.
I will help you deal with your pride.

As your sovereign, loving Lord, I will allow painful, unpleasant
circumstances into your life offering you the opportunity to
surrender to My wisdom, My ways, My plans, and My agenda.

Your surrender in itself will be saying no to your pride and
embracing humility … allowing you to draw closer to Me.
As you surrender more and more of your will to Me,
you will experience profound emotional peace.

Jesus
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Will you surrender? Begin today. Or begin again, today.