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Sleep Through the Storm: 5 Ways to Find Calm When Your Faith Wavers

By
Alecia M. White
-
sleep through the storm

Want to know something about me? No, you don’t actually have a choice; I sleep through thunderstorms. I mean, soundly, too. In fact, the harsher the storm, the more sound I sleep.

As soon as the thunder claps, I’m fighting to keep my eyes open. If there’s lightning, just count me all the way out.

I’ve been asked numerous times how this is possible, as the storms around here are sometimes pretty fierce. I have gone to work many days and had co-workers question my calm in such raging storms because it caused their entire families to wake up and take cover.

I surely cannot explain this phenomenon (they make it seem that way). But I will say that I welcome a good thunderstorm; there is just something about a good sky rumble that lulls me to sleep LOL.

On the flip side, the slightest movement or sound will wake me. A door closing, a baby crying, a light being cut on, they all wake me like an alarm. And, if that isn’t bad enough, once it’s subsided, I can’t just go back to sleep. Nope, I could be up for hours before I can shut my eyes again, if at all.

Can We Really Sleep Through the Storm?

sleep through the stormNo, this isn’t all about sleep – it’s about life. I realized something. My sleeping through storms is synonymous with how I handle life situations. You see, big things, major problems – circumstances don’t rattle me. I welcome the chaos and take it in stride. For the most part, I am considered the calm one that helps to sort through the crazy to find the solution. The more pieces to the puzzle, the more comfortable I am. The louder the “thunderstorm” the more at ease my mind is.

On the other hand, the little things rattle my cage. The small mistakes I make, the “did I apologize?” or “did I offend someone close to me?” moments tear me up. It’s like the light being flipped on as I sleep that urgently wakes me.

Calm Your Faith

I was watching television one evening when God called this to my attention and let me know that it’s not His will for me to panic in any instance. And, even though I am calm during the big moments, I am failing to trust Him with the little things.

Well, enough about me, what about you? Do you sleep through the thunderstorms, but wake at a pin drop? Or, do those storms keep you up and trembling, but you sleep through the noise from the television or a light being flipped on? Maybe you’re like me and welcome the chaos. Or, maybe the little things roll off you “like water off a duck’s back.”

Side note: Who even coined that phrase and in what century? Mmmkay, I’m back.

Whatever the size of the problem that makes you crouch in a corner, God says to let Him handle them. He did not die for us to allow our world to be shaken by stuff that He can control.

So, What’s the Play Call?

We all have our vices, but God wants us to seek Him for help and sleep through the storm in His complete care. Here are a few things to keep in mind whether you are a “storm sleeper” or if you sleep right through the light flip:

  1. God will not let that storm take you out. When you allow Him to handle it, He can take complete control. “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psalms 55:22
  2. Fear is a trap. Fear keeps you in a place where you feel helpless and unreachable. Know that God is waiting for you to relinquish that fear so that He can save you from your troubles. “The fear of a man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25
  3. Tell God what bothers you. There are times when something gets to me in such a way that I don’t even want to bother anyone else with it. The thing about God is that He wants us to “bother” Him with it. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
  4. Check your thoughts. Often, our worry and panic begin with a simple thought that grows and then becomes a huge problem. Check your thoughts, make sure they line up with God’s word. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2
  5. God is with you through the storm. Don’t be like the disciples that panicked in the storm and thought the Deliverer was asleep right there with them. “And they came to him, and awoke him saying, master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they ceased, and there was calm.” Luke 8:24

Whatever gets you rattled awake, please remember that God can handle it and bring peace to your “sleep”. There is no need to worry.

20 Ways Christian Parents Can Help Their Kids Cope with the Pandemic

By
Christianity Today
-
help kids cope with pandemic

You’re not the only one feeling the press.

Little eyes, little ears, little bodies, and tender souls are doing their best to process this COVID-19 experience alongside their parents – with far fewer tools.

Try as we might to conceal it from them, a new “homeschool life,” coupled with a new work-from-home-world, or worse, a “no-work-at-all-world” – positions anxious children in full view of life’s troubling complications.

While we likely have ways of processing the noise, it’s entirely possible that our children might be overlooked in the missionary equation that lies before them.

Continue reading…

Here are 20 suggestions on how to help your children to process the pandemic:

  1. Ask them individually about what they are feeling and thinking about the pain they observe so you can grow in attentiveness to their unique needs;
  2. Pray with and for your children and speak courageous words of hope as you pray;
  3. Take one day each week for family worship: share a Scripture passage that is relevant to the moment, provide a single point of application, allow the children to discuss their ideas, and pray together;
  4. Memorize Scripture together as a family—the message your kids need to hear is the same message you need as well;
  5. Model neighbor-love by finding strategic ways to care for your neighbors who are hurting or alone. Take time with your children to prepare a simple gift basket for neighbors, or pick up and deliver some necessary groceries;

  6. Teach children to be a blessing to others by making crafts, writing cards, or scheduling calls with those who may need an encouraging touch;

  7. As the economy reopens, frequent local businesses and allow your kids to hear stories of the impact of the virus on everyday people they see regularly. Offer to pray with employees in front of your kids;

  8. Make allowance for shortened attention spans if you are watching a church service online. Take time to pause the video and help children process what they are hearing with a question of personal application;

  9. Process grief with children—allow them to feel the emotions of life in a fallen world even if that is simply mourning the loss of school or a big event they were looking forward to; Prepare them for adulthood where disappointment is normal and maturity is reflected in the ability to persevere through pain;

  10. Look out for vulnerable children in your community …

Continue reading…

Reopening Churches: How to Meet Safely When the Doors of the Church Reopen

By
Christianity Today
-
reopening churches

[ Read in Indonesian | Chinese ]

Over the past four months, the spread of a new coronavirus has exploded across the globe, leaving packed ERs, ICU patients on ventilators, and families grieving over the loss of their loved ones.

To limit the spread of this virus, most governments implemented strict stay-at-home orders. This very blunt instrument was necessary because many countries were simply unprepared for the rapid spread of this virus. If nothing was done, the rising number of infections would have overwhelmed health care systems, and deaths would have quickly escalated.

During this period, churches across the US and around the world have closed their doors to in-person worship and ministries. As with many preventive actions, we may never know how this has limited the spread of COVID-19.

But as a global health professional who has worked for 25 years to control diseases around the world, I am certain that this has prevented many infections and deaths that would have occurred among congregants and their families and friends.

After six or more weeks of stay-at-home orders in the US, unemployment claims are piling up, people are getting antsy in their homes, and loud voices are increasingly calling for governments to relax their restrictions.

Public health experts warn that the US lacks the testing, contact tracing, and quarantining capabilities needed to bring and keep the pandemic under control, yet some states are already loosening their restrictions and allowing “nonessential” businesses to reopen.

Our churches are now facing a set of difficult decisions: when to resume in-person ministries and how to carry out these ministries safely.

I propose that the way forward is to take a step-by-step approach that helps …

Continue reading…

5 Reasons to Thank God for Our Problems

By
Lamica A. Burnett
-
great awakening

Thank God for Every Challenge

perfect peaceAll of us have problems. Everybody’s got issues. Challenges are a fact of life. Some issues are more difficult than others, but each of us has things in our lives that we have to overcome.

While difficulties can be the cause of much frustration, have you ever considered thanking God for your problems?

Sounds crazy, right?  Financial problems, legal situations that seem impossible, strained relationships – how can we possibly be thankful for that?

As odd as it may seem, we can and should be thankful for our struggles.  Here’s why:

The Positive Outlook on Problems

1. Our problems teach us patience.

How many times have you said, “Lord, give me patience”? Ever notice how God displays His impeccable timing and sense of humor and answers this prayer immediately?

Our problems are the training ground for us to grow in endurance. You asked Him for patience, and your difficulty will be a tool that He uses to work patience in you.  James 1:3 reminds us that the trying of our faith produces steadfastness. By definition, the word trying means extremely annoying or difficult; it also means straining one’s goodwill to the limit. When we have reached our edge, God’s strength kicks in and helps us to go through whatever issue we may be facing.

2. Our problems bring us closer to God. 

Life issues, depending on their severity, can literally bring us to our knees.  A serious medical diagnosis, a midnight phone call with terrible news, or a sudden tragedy can shake us to the core. Our issues move us from a place of pride and self-sufficiency to a place of humility. They reveal our need for God.  Our problems show us our limitations as human beings.

We can do nothing without God, and despite the pain, we should thank God for anything that causes us to get close to Him. James 4:8 reassures us that if we draw close to God, He would draw close to us. In Jeremiah 29:13, God promises that if we search for Him, we will find Him.

3. Our problems show us our true selves.

When things are going well in our lives, we tend to be happy and content. However, our true colors show when we are faced with challenges.

When difficulties happen, are we thankful and trusting God, or are we full of doubt, fear of the future, and complaints?  It’s easy to be cheerful, upbeat, and full of hope when things are operating smoothly. But, where is our faith and confidence in God when we meet opposition? Our reaction to our obstacles can clearly show us exactly where we are in our walk with Christ. Proverbs 24:10

4. Our problems prepare us to be used by God.

Personal victories over our difficult situations can provide the basis for our encouragement of others. Whether you know it or not, your testimony of victory qualifies you to be used by God.

Coming through a difficult time can give you a foundation for ministry to other people.  Because you made it through, others can be encouraged in their situation as well.  Revelation 12:11 reminds us that we overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. Our personal journey to victory provides us the authority to speak to an issue in faith on behalf of our brother or sister. We can apply our confidence in God to bring them out just as He delivered us.

5. Our problems work for us.

We should thank God for our troubles because they work for us. We have all read the scripture in Romans 8:28, but how many times have you recognized that your problem was actually working for you?

2 Corinthians 4:17(a) reminds us that our difficult situations are temporary. Have you ever had a temp job in your office?  A temp is an interim employee, only working for a short, pre-determined time on a specific work assignment. Once the assignment is complete, the temp employee’s job is done.

Change your perspective and view your problem as your personal temp employee working for your benefit. Like a temp works for a company, it is in the same way that your temporary situation works for you!  You should thank God for your problems because, although they are only in your life for an abbreviated time, their benefit to you is eternal! 2 Corinthians 4:17 (b)

So, what’s the play call?

The word of God never promises that we won’t have difficulties.  In fact, in John 16:33 Jesus tells us that problems are a fact of life. Even with this reality, know that God is with you. The next time you face a problem, instead of rolling your eyes and sighing ‘why me’, try gratitude as your first response.

Though you might not see it right now, what you’re going through is nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed in you (Romans 8:18)!  Be encouraged, Team!

Lord, Put Me in the Game: Waiting on God to Use Your Gifts

By
Charlene Evans
-
spiritual surgery

When I first moved into my house in 2011, I was shopping for home décor and paintings like crazy the first couple of months. I was so consumed with trying to decorate and complete every room of the house as quickly as possible.

My mom gave me the greatest advice as she watched me stress myself out in this pursuit. She said:

“Do one room at a time. When you purchase something, place it in the room and feel the flow of that item in the room. Either it will go with the flow or interrupt the flow. If the latter, you either need to move it to another location in the room or move it out.”

One particular item that I purchased during this time was a metal flower that had multiple colors. I really liked this flower, but it just didn’t ‘fit’ the feel of every room or hallway that I tried to hang it in. So I put it away in my closet and would remind myself periodically that I had it and needed to use it to decorate a space somewhere in the house.

Seven years later, that flower stayed in that closet and never was used. For some reason, I never felt compelled to sell it, give it away, or even throw it away, even after I sold the house.

As I was packing my house to relocate to Atlanta, GA, I came across this flower. I thought to myself, “Well, I didn’t use it in Greenville, SC so maybe I will have a space for it in Atlanta.” So, I decided to include the flower with all of my belongings that were being shipped for my relocation.

Waiting on God and His Appointed Time

redeem the timeFast forward to February 2018. I am now in my new place in Atlanta. As I was unpacking my art and home décor, I came across the flower – yes, it now flows very well with my new place!

I smile at the journey this flower has been on. I never felt led to let it go, but to wait for the right environment for it – an environment where it will enhance the feel and flow of the room. It didn’t feel forced to be a part of the home décor vision. It was created for this space at this appointed time.

I look at my life and what God has deposited in me. Those gifts, opportunities, and abilities are not in vain just because they didn’t manifest when and where I thought they would. This is bigger than a flower bought in Greenville that is now being used in Atlanta – but I know you knew that (smile).

This is about never giving up or feeling like what you have inside of you will never get an opportunity to minister outside of you. God has an appointed time, place, and season in your life where He will manifest what He has equipped you to do.

It may not be for where you are now, but trust me, it will be for later.

So, What’s the Play Call?

There are 3 things I want you to remember concerning waiting on God to use what He has placed in you:

  1. Believe. Never stop believing in yourself. People, situations, rejection, self-esteem all will affect your belief in who you are. It’s important that you never allow anything to interrupt or destroy who God says you are.
  2. Wait. Trusting God’s timeline is essential. God is strategic and all-knowing. He created you and He knows your beginning and end. Don’t rush ahead of his timing.
  3. Work. When we put in the work to honor God with our lives and our abilities, He allows opportunities that are not only edifying to us but also a blessing for others.

Be Anxious for Nothing: 3 Practical Ways to Conquer Cold Feet

By
Keiston France
-
be anxious for nothing

be anxious for nothingHow many times as athletes or coaches – literally or figuratively – are we nervous before a “big game”?

You’re the star player getting ready to play the big school rivalry game. Or, maybe you’re the head coach (leader) of a playoff game or your team has made it to the finals. Perhaps you want to impress a boyfriend or girlfriend cheering you on from the stands.

Maybe you just get nervous in front of big crowds.

We all handle these situations differently. Some of us get sick to our stomachs, or we cannot stop talking or fidgeting around. While others come across as cool and unfazed. These athletes seem to know the secret to remaining calm under pressure.

Be Anxious for Nothing, Stay Calm.

God not only tells us how to remain calm, in Philippians 4:6-7 He gives us a command – we are not to be anxious about anything. If we worry about what is about to happen, we are going against His direct command.

Worrying shows a lack of confidence in God’s sovereignty. If that were not enough, He tells us what to do when we do get a little nervous: pray and talk to Him. In the pressure of the big game, or in any life situation that makes us anxious, we need to pray to the Father who has everything under control.

So, What’s The Play Call?

What do you do when you are worried or anxious? Here are 3 practical things you can do when you are nervous:

  1. Remind yourself of the promises of God. In addition to what God reveals to you during your personal Bible study time, there are many resources available to find God’s promises regarding your specific situation. A quick Google on “what does God have to say about _______” may reveal just the right assurance to encourage your heart.
  2. Give God thanks before He answers. As we pray about what’s making us anxious, the Bible instructs us to do so “with thanksgiving” (Philippians 4:6). Place your heart in a posture of gratitude even before you feel the nervousness go away, or see the manifestation of your prayer.
  3. Place God as the Guard of your heart and mind. Even when we’re too nervous or anxious to calm ourselves down, God is up to the task (Philippians 4:7). Move out of God’s way and give Him the space to protect your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. It’s all about surrender, repentance, and trust.

Father, thank You for loving us even when we fail to fully trust your sovereignty. We want to be Your people who persevere. Give us the strength and courage to keep going when we’re nervous so that we will not deny You. Please teach me in my moments of worry and show me what needs to be adjusted so that I can be victorious in You. Amen.

 

COVID-19: Something Has to Break to be Broken, Then Rebuilt

By
Sonya McKinzie
-
COVID-19

Last week, I was awakened from my rest around 6:30 a.m. by a text message notification; it was from my momma. When I opened the text message, I saw a link to Kierra Sheard’s jam, Something Has to Break. I love her music, but at that very moment, I was so tired after staying up until 4 a.m. the previous night that I did not bother listening to it. I simply turned over and snuggled back up with my daughter.

But, I could not find rest again. My mind had begun to work overtime. The nightly news from the previous day about COVID-19 replayed in my mind and feelings of sadness found their way to my doorstep, again.

Slipping out of bed, I went to my bathroom and turned on the hot water. There I clicked the link my momma sent me earlier and propped my phone up so that I could see it while I washed my face.

Then, I heard Kierra say she would be worshipping “quarantine style”. Slowly, peacefully, and gracefully she began to sing:

I feel it in this room,
Holy Spirit move,
Cause when you have Your way,
Something has to break,
Tear down every lie,
Set the wrong thing right,
Cause when you have Your way…

As the music played, I found myself standing before the mirror, teary-eyed, and filled with the Holy Spirit. Again, I found myself wrapped up in a song that deliberately and spiritually addressed the many breaking, turbulent, and life-shattering adversities that we are faced with in this season called 2020.

COVID-19 is one of the biggest issues that we as Christians have had to face in what seems to be centuries. This virus came like a thief in the night, stealing from and breaking us like never before. It forced us to stay in place, quarantined to our homes, and distancing ourselves from others.

So where do we go? Where is God amid the chaos? How do we receive and process what is happening to us and around us?

We go to God. He is right here in the trenches with us.

Receive and process His presence by opening your heart, mind, and ears to His voice. God is sending us a mighty and powerful message – something must break for the world to hear, reconnect, and receive Him in the name of Jesus Christ.

And, as COVID-19 rocks the world, messages are circulating on social media, in the news, and spoken from the lips of individuals that these things are a manifestation of the world coming to an end. Has the “last days” crossed your mind? It has certainly crossed mine!

Don’t Let This Season Break You.

prayersThis has been one of the most perplexing, disturbing, and heartbreaking years for many teammates, leaving many discouraged and/or feeling a sense of hopelessness. Can you answer “no” to all of these questions?

  • Are you afraid of the unknown?
  • Have you followed the news and the messages about international devastation?
  • Have you been affected by or lost a loved one to COVID-19?
  • Is your family facing financial brokenness or instability?
  • Do you grieve over the behavior of our president?
  • Do your children seem even further away from God?
  • Have you stopped praying?

2020 has likely provoked more questions and fears than most, leaving many of us asking repeatedly, “God, what are you doing and where are you?” But…

Something Has to Break for a Hard Reset

As I process the trials and sorrows of 2020, personally and globally, I re-read what the Lord said to Jeremiah when He called him into ministry:

“See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10.

This passage tells us that God sent Jeremiah to gather, tear down, annihilate, and overthrow. But, the commission to Jeremiah doesn’t stop with destruction. He also says, “I have set you this day over nations . . . to build and to plant.”

The same power with which God brought judgment against the brokenness of Israel is the power with which He promised to eventually rebuild what was broken.

He says in Jeremiah 24:6, “I will set my eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up, and not tear them down; I will plant them, and not pluck them up.”

One day, God would not tear them down, annihilate, and overthrow them anymore. He even says in Jeremiah 32:41, “I will rejoice in doing them good.” 

Will God Break and Rebuild Christians and the World?

God’s Word does not expire. It doesn’t change, and it is everlasting. Today, we can apply His Word to our lives;

“It shall come to pass that as I have watched over them to pluck up and break down, to overthrow, destroy, and bring harm, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 31:28 

And, while it seems that our world is falling apart and sown seeds are not bearing fruit, have faith and know that God is very present and never turns His back on us.

The book of Jeremiah tells us that He will rebuild what has been destroyed and replenish what has withered, broken, or torn away.

In these times, it is essential that we remember that God has proven Himself to be righteous, powerful, and just over and over again. This time is no exception.

Ask, Ask, and Ask Again.

We are at His mercy.

We are quarantined.

How are you processing adversity in this season?

Let’s look at this circumstance as a blessing and NOT a curse, how? We have been blessed with solitude to give us more time with God. In this time, we are forced to slow down, shift our spiritual view, do an inventory on our personal and spiritual lives, and most importantly reconnect with our Father God.

But how do we ask God to rebuild and repair the damages that are circulating within and around us?

10 Ways to Ask God for Guidance During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Let us pray. Ask God to:

  1. Draw near to those devastated by COVID-19.
  2. Restore what has broken down in our families, and to comfort us as we grieve our lost loved ones.
  3. Rebuild what is broken in our nation, and heal the deeply-rooted divisions (i.e. racial, spiritual, political) that we face.
  4. Bring deliverance and restoration to our nation’s leaders so that they can make informed decisions that will rebuild and heal our economy.
  5. Fortify us for the trials and tribulations that are ahead.
  6. Help you cleanse and break away from all things that entangle you to act sinfully.
  7. Unite, bring peace, and healing to damaged relationships.
  8. Give knowledge, discernment, and fortitude to be doers of the work He has called us to do.
  9. Rebuild what is still broken in you. Teach us, Lord, how to appreciate the good and bad things in life and how to have peace even when we are faced with adversities.
  10. Lastly, ask God to make you a willing, intentional fisher of souls, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ during these uncertain times.

SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?

Remember that through these hard times, our goals are to 1) draw closer to God, 2) stand together in unity, and 3) to fast and pray on behalf of our nation, asking God to heal our land, strengthen His people and give those in authority wisdom, guidance, and divine strategies concerning COVID-19 and all adversities.

In this season, know that something has to break – we MUST be still, allow God to have His way. Trust that He will repair us and our nation.  

Eating When We’re Not Hungry: Is the Pantry or Jesus Calling Your Name?

By
Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD
-
eating when we're not hungry

The house is finally quiet.  Bedtime stories have been read and kisses given. We have talked with Jesus and reassured our kids that they are treasured and well-loved. It’s finally time for a little mommy time.

Is it me? Or does it sound like the pantry is calling?  

It’s not uncommon for me to find myself thinking about food after all my kids are in bed and the evening is coming to a close. It’s not hunger. I don’t need any more fuel. For me, it’s finally a moment when I can enjoy a meal in peace.  

There are no disruptions – no spills to clean, hands to wipe down for the third time, no requests for ‘more,’ no table manner training to conduct.  No one is kicking me under the table and no one is doing acrobats in their seat. That’s a skill to leave well enough alone.  

There is a sense of satisfaction that I showed up all day, did hard things, and frequently adapted my game plan to fit the needs of my family. Sometimes, satisfaction is also mixed with discontent that I didn’t get to things that mattered to me. Many days I feel empty by the end, and pride tells me that all my self-sacrificing behaviors are worthy of an endorphin hit.

The end of the day… It’s just a moment that feels right to fill with a tiny bit of pleasure.

Why is Eating When We’re Not Hungry So Common?

eating when we're not hungryThere are so many reasons why we may feel a longing to eat when we are not hungry. In moments of sadness, uncertainty, anger, and frustration, many turn to food to stuff feelings we don’t like, don’t want, and don’t know how to sit with.  

Sometimes, we are trying to escape emotions we feel but can’t label. Mamas who are feeling exhausted and drained may be looking for a moment of pleasure. Individuals who have restricted sugar or ‘forbidden foods’ may be longing to indulge, dreaming of a favorite treat.

And, adults aren’t the only ones who think about food when they aren’t physically hungry.  It’s not uncommon for kids to ask for a snack when they are bored, avoiding schoolwork, indecisive about where to spend their time, or feeling uncomfortable feelings.

Here are a few things you should know:

  • God doesn’t shame us when we eat and we aren’t hungry.
  • You aren’t ‘bad’ or ‘good’ if you eat or don’t eat.
  • You aren’t ‘better than’ or ‘less than’ based on the types of food you eat.
  • It’s okay to eat when you’re not hungry. 

All these things are true.

Something else that is true is that God has given us charge of our body and caring for it.  If there are behaviors that you don’t feel are life-giving or are making you feel lousy, lethargic, or out of control, you can change that.  If there are family behaviors that don’t line up with family food values, you can change that, too.

So where do you start?

To Eat or Not to Eat

eating when we're not hungryHere are 3 questions to consider when it comes to your meal pattern and when you decide to eat:

1. Do I have a general schedule for meals?

It’s not necessary to follow any rigid schedule, but having a flexible one gives intention to nourishing your body. Skipping meals leads to intense hunger and cravings which makes mindful, intentional eating difficult.  

Set yourself (and your family) up for success by creating a time frame and sticking to it.  As seasons change, you will likely have to revamp it and that is totally okay, too!  If you are married or have older children, ask for their input.  This is a great way to get buy-in and to set up a routine that will actually work.

Example: B- 8am; L- 12pm; S- 3pm; D- 6:30pm

2. Do I close the kitchen between meals and snacks?

Go ahead and do it – close the kitchen when it is not mealtime.  This lets you and your family know that unless it is a designated meal or snack time, food isn’t available. This mental shift is huge and can really stifle extra snacking and munching, especially when we are feeling uncomfortable feelings.

Remind yourself and your family that when it is meal or snack time to “eat until your tummy is happy” because the next meal is several hours away.  

3. Do I sit down to eat every meal AND snack?

There is something about the ritual of sitting down to eat a meal and praying over it that identifies it as an actual meal – a time to nourish. When we are standing or multi-tasking as we munch, it can reduce the pleasure of eating the meal and we can lose track of how much we have consumed.  

The practice of eating at a table naturally causes us to give attention to the food in front of us and we can more easily assess our body’s natural cues of hunger and satiety.  

Let’s be real. There can still be a lot of distractions at the dinner table, many that we cannot control. Parents still have to parent. But, standing to eat breakfast or tidying up between bites of lunch isn’t going to make you any more mindful.

So, what’s the play call?

Food can comfort when we are bored, exhausted, anxious, sad, angry, and emotional – but it will never fill us up.  

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. Matt 11:28-30 (MSG)

Your pantry isn’t calling your name – Jesus is, and He is offering to fill you with a loving hug.

Party of One: The #1 Reason You Feel Like You’re Walking Alone

By
Kim Brightness
-
walking alone

Where Are My People?

Walking alone can be lonely for some. Ever feel like you’d be happier, more successful, further along in life, in your faith, in your goals – if only you had someone who understood you? Someone who could relate to you?

You’re tired of the let downs, friends and family who don’t come through when they said they would, or who show up with less than you expected them to bring.

How many of you right now feel like you’re walking alone, saying – “It’s just me and Jesus.”

We know all too well that nothing in God’s creation was meant to thrive alone – on an island – in and of itself.  And, that couldn’t be truer than for the crown of His creation, mankind.

We all want and need to feel wanted and needed. We all want to be loved. And, even if it’s not a crowd of people, we all want our own crew, tribe, or squad who “gets” us – without long explanations, awkward moments of silence or needing a tribe manual.

While this place of purposed isolation may feel uncomfortable and lonely, it’s not exactly a bad place to be.  It’s necessary right now for you to be where you are, feel what you’re feeling, find your way through it all – alone. Why?

Here’s what God whispered to me…

Your cocoon was designed
for a party of one.

God’s Got a Secret for You

There’s some secret stuff going on between you and God. You may not even be aware of it or understand it all, but God does.

You are being made, and God’s strategy and process is not up for public consumption, comment, distraction, or interference. Everyone can’t go where you’re going; we can’t pack folks into our cocoon!

Did you forget how Coach Jesus rolls?

Many times in our playbook, the Bible, Jesus takes His people away from the crowds to perform His miracle. Study the passage of the deaf and mute man (Mark 7:32-37) or the blind man of Bethsaida (Mark 8:22-26).

It is in this “alone time” with Jesus that your greatest healing, miracle, or victory will take place.

God’s Invitation to Isolation

walk aloneConsider it a blessing and count it all joy to be the recipient of God’s special, private work in your life. God thought enough of you to take you off to the side, alone, just you and Him, to produce mind-boggling greatness in your life.

You wouldn’t want to mess that up, right?

Here are a few reasons to graciously accept God’s invitation to isolation:

1. The process isn’t always pretty.

If there’s one thing we all care about – it’s appearances. No one signs up to be embarrassed; no one wants to look bad in front of others. Here’s where God’s cocoon of grace and mercy shields us – He allows us to go through the bad and the ugly under the privacy of His wings (Psalm 91:4).

Do you think the deaf and mute man appreciated being alone with Jesus when He spit on His finger and touched his tongue? Would you have accepted this healing action if everyone was standing around looking? Have you ever screwed up your process so badly, and God’s love hid your faults (*insert praise break*)?

Private moments are the strongest building blocks of our journey. Take a look back in gratitude that no one was around to witness or criticize your process.

2. No competition for your focus.

Sure, you want someone to talk “it” over with, you’d love to hang out with the girls or the boys, but when God has you in a place of isolation with Him, there is no competition for His voice.

Having people around you during your time of process can add much unneeded static to the line between you and God. God wants you to be able to hear Him clearly, without others intentionally or unintentionally poisoning the water. God’s voice will always be loudest in the midst of alone time with Him.

3. Only God gets the glory.

Sure, they prayed, preached, and testified you to where your faith is now. But, there comes a point where “the crowd” has to drop you off to Jesus and let Him take it from there.

In both passages above, the men were “brought to Jesus by the crowd”.  God knows the heart of all men. Many of us can only go so far before we get it twisted:

“I was the one who took you to church. If it wasn’t for me…” 

There will be no sharing of God’s glory through the private work He’s doing in you! No one will be able to stake their claim, stick their chest out, and boast about what they did for you.

The secret things belong to God (Deuteronomy 29:29), and as such, He will not share His secret’s glory with another.

So, What’s the Play Call?

Learn to be okay with your isolated seasons.  You’re in the best hands in the Universe – God’s, and this season can only work for your good. Let God process you in your cocoon, and shape you to come out stronger, richer in faith, and fit for the Master’s use.

Once you take your focus off who’s not here and honor God who is always near, you’ll realize that you never walk alone.

Here’s a little (throwback) cocoon music for your journey…

VBS, Sunday School Sales Drop Sparks Cuts at Lifeway

By
Christianity Today
-

LifeWay Christian Resources, the publishing entity of the Southern Baptist Convention, has announced it will cut roughly 10 percent of its operating budget through staff reductions, a hiring freeze, and salary cuts.

The move comes after five consecutive weeks of steep revenue decline in the wake of the coronavirus and the expectation that sales may not rebound anytime soon.

The Nashville-based Christian publisher said revenue is down 24 percent compared with the same period last year, largely due to a sharp drop in bulk orders from churches for resources such as Sunday school curricula, Bible study materials, and Vacation Bible School curricula.

It’s not clear yet if SBC churches or other churches that buy LifeWay materials will hold VBS or camp programming this year.

LifeWay’s budget for this fiscal year is $281.3 million. It said it planned to cut between $25 million and $30 million from its budget.

The announcement is just the first indication of the financial blow many US churches and denominational agencies are facing as a result of the COVID-19 shutdowns—a blow that could reshape the religious landscape for decades to come.

“LifeWay stands to lose tens of millions of dollars of revenue that the organization would normally generate over the summer months from camps, events, VBS, and ongoing curriculum sales,” said Ben Mandrell, LifeWay’s CEO, in a news release. “LifeWay is mitigating these losses as much as possible through various expense reduction plans, including staff reductions and cuts in non-employee expenses.”

LifeWay said members of its executive leadership team will give up one month’s salary beginning in May. It did not say how it would achieve a staff reduction, …

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