Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 22, 2013

Managing Holiday Stress Part II

Family Praying Before Dinner“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you….” Psalm 55:22a (NIV)

 More holiday stress tips to finish out our week:

  • Don’t over-do. Focus on a few areas that we can really enjoy. For example, it’s likely that most churches in our area will have Christmas events. Don’t try and go to all of them. Instead, choose one or two and plan on attending those. Same with gift gifting and charity work. We can’t do it all or give it all, so decide now what is most important and focus our time and attention on those things.
  • Schedule down time – nights where we have no plans except to spend time at home with family. Maybe that will involve sitting in front of a fire drinking hot cocoa, watching a Christmas movie, decorating cookies or a tree, or simply sitting quietly while listening to our favorite Christmas tunes or reading that cherished Christmas book. Whether or not we live alone, we can benefit from time alone. If we live alone and feel lonely during this time of year, intentionally plan to spend time with others. Even if we are away from family and/or friends, we can get involved in a local church or volunteer to surround ourselves with others.

 

And, above all, spend time focusing on what really matters this season. We will talk more about family (and dealing with that stress) and “the reason for the season” over the next couple of weeks. By the way, all of these tips can also help with managing holiday blues. If you find that your feelings seem more severe consider seeking out professional counseling. Find someone local here: http://www.aacc.net/resources/find-a-counselor/

 “Father, help us to remember that You are the reason for the season and everything else will fall into place.”

 For His Glory,

 Laurel Shaler (www.drlaurelshaler.com)
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 21, 2013

A Good Word

cb devo aug 19“Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” Proverbs 12:25 (KJV)

Have you ever had a heavy heart and someone came along and said something kind to cheer you up? Have you ever had a heavy heart and someone came and made you feel worse? We can either weigh people down or make them glad. Anxiety in a person’s heart can weigh them down, but words can literally change the way one is feeling. We never know what others are going through.  Being sensitive to others can make a difference to one that is hurting, to one whose spirit is heavy. It’s amazing how kind words can encourage, comfort, and give hope. We must always be filled with goodness so we can spread joy and uplift someone who might feel like giving up. It’s amazing how God wants to use us daily to make a big impact in other people’s lives if we are but just sensitive to the Holy Spirit.  With just a few kind words, we can bring healing to someone’s heart. With just a few kind words someone’s life could be saved.

 

“Lord, I choose to be an encourager. Help me to be sensitive to your Spirit so I will know what to say and when to say it. May I see the opportunities that come my way to cheer others up. Help me to have healing words, kind words, comforting words, and hopeful words.”

 

For His Glory

 

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 20, 2013

Managing Holiday Stress Part 1

???????????????????????????????????????????????????????“Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NKJ)

Stress is a problem for many people year round, but there is something about the holidays that tends to cause an increase in stress for some. It makes sense because, well, there’s a lot more to be stressed about. Dealing with travelling, too many meals where we eat too much, spending more money than we typically do, being around family more than we usually are…it all adds up to negative stress, also called distress. But, what is a person to do about all this stress? Here are a few tips:

 

  • Don’t set expectations too high. Rid ourselves now of the illusion that our holiday season will be perfect. While the mantra is “peace on earth”, there surely won’t be peace everywhere we go. Traffic will abound. Irritated shoppers will surround. And there is no doubt that at least a moment or two of our holidays will be spent frustrated about something or the other. Just accept it.

 

  • Speaking of acceptance, accept that things won’t go perfectly as planned. Even if we have what we believe to be realistic expectations, things still won’t be completely smooth. And sometimes those things are beyond our control. For example, I recall one Christmas when a Christmas gift I was hiding in my car was stolen. I was so disappointed, but I had to accept that the gift was not the focus of the season. And the person who did not receive that gift was okay with it too.

 

More managing holiday stress tips will be featured on Friday.

 “Dear Lord, thank You for this special time of year. We pray we will not allow the stress to outshine the honor of giving thanks and celebrating the birth of Jesus.”


For His Glory

 Laurel Shaler (www.drlaurelshaler.com)
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 19, 2013

Are You On The Wild Goose Chase?

MP900444069[1]“You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it’s headed next. That’s the way it is with everyone ‘born from above’ by the wind of God, the Spirit of God.” John 3:8 (MSG)

 By tradition Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit – A’ ghèadh allta (Scots Gaelic) – in other words – the Wild Goose. Celtic Christians believed the Wild Goose was the best accurate description for the Holy Spirit because the Wild Goose is untamable, free and unpredictable.

 Being grounded in the Word of God gives us the freedom to chase after the Holy Spirit. Are we learning to fly with the Holy Spirit on our spiritual journey following the tailwind of the Wild Goose? Learning to chase after the Wild Goose requires a different kind of person. A person of untamable belief and unpredictable trust. A person to be free as we chase after Him. It’s a life of no commendation and no shame. It’s a life of healed wounds only evident by the scars left behind from a battle for our salvation. Stand tall, mighty and strong because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross has made us victorious…the war is won!

 Chase the Holy Spirit as He leads and directs us down paths of uncertainty. As the winds blow this way and that way not knowing where we are going having complete trust and confidence in His faithfulness. 

The Wild Goose is calling us out of the nest to chase after Him to our life of untamable, free and unpredictable abundance. He sees us wanting to let go and run after Him, don’t let the cares of this world keep us grounded.

 “Father, the Holy Spirit is motioning to us…come on let’s fly high and soar –  empower us to allow Your Spirit to direct our paths.”

 For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 18, 2013

God’s Amazing Touch

???????????????????????????????????????“Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” Exodus 8:19a (NIV)

 When the magicians in Egypt couldn’t match the miracles Moses and Aaron performed, they realized someone greater was at work.   And they wasted no time letting the mighty Pharaoh know who he was up against.  However, Pharaoh’s heart was so hardened he couldn’t even see the reality starring him square in the face.  All of Pharaoh’s power, wealth and intimidation couldn’t match the finger of God.  Despite the warnings of those closest to him, Pharaoh refused to admit that the One true God  was poised to intervene and deliver His people.

 Wonder if we’ve ever dismissed God’s activity in our lives?  Something incredible happens and we chalk it up to luck.  Something we’ve dreamed about for years unfolds and we attribute it to coincidence.  We witness an amazing miracle, something that only God could have done, and we give everyone else the praise.  A near miss accident swerves us into a safe lane of traffic and we attribute it to quick thinking.

Our mighty God intervenes, rescues, delivers, heals, restores and orchestrates while we just let it slip by unnoticed and caught up in the moment.

 The finger of God is still touching lives – how has He divinely impacted your life?  Who in our circle of influence needs to hear the incredible story of His touch?  When was the last time we bowed down on our knees with lifted hands and praised the One true God for who He is?  Minutes slip into hours, hours slide into days, days melt into months and months fade into years.  If we’re not careful we will miss the miracle of seeing Him in every moment.

 “Father, refresh our minds of all the ways You love us.  Give us glimpses each day of how You intervene and invade our lives with your sweet grace.”

For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 15, 2013

Stretching Deep

Woman with Arms in the Air“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”  Psalm 9:10 (NIV)

 We’ve tried every parenting tip and method available.  We’ve prayed and wept until our hearts were completely poured out.  We’ve consulted, we’ve enlisted, we’ve attempted and still no results. We’ve recounted our efforts, confessed our failings and claimed God’s provision. And sometimes we’ve watched in disappointment and discouragement as a wandering child slips further and further away.   Yet in the midst of our hopeless and distraught circumstances, our seemingly lifeless soul rises up to praise the only One who can change our outcome. Remembering His faithfulness, reflecting on His sovereignty, embracing His strength – our load lightens as our soul stretches deep to claim all that He is, choosing to praise Him instead of rejecting His existence when we can’t envision His deliverance.

 Though all we have is exhausted and we’re bowing down empty handed and weak, God welcomes our confidence in His name. It is there at His feet that our souls are energized and our spirits lifted.  As we focus our hearts on who He is and not what we see, our lips cannot contain the wonders of our God.  We get a glimpse of glory, we catch a glimmer of heaven, we bow in awe, we tremble at His power, we dance in His joy and we trust in His unfailing plan.  Despair or  joy?  Bitterness or praise? Weakness or strength? Emptiness or overflowing?  The choice is ours.

 “Father, we can praise You in the midst of our deepest despair because You are worthy, You are Holy, You are just, You are true and You are more than enough for all that we need.”

 For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Prayer, Spiritual Living, Wisdom, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 14, 2013

The Faithful One

devo feb 18]“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV)

 There are times when God calls us to do what seems to be difficult tasks. Are we going to allow fear to stop us or are we going to be courageous? God knows what we are capable of handling with His help. He also will equip us and direct us with His Holy Spirit. God is faithful. If he has called us to do something he will guide us. He will not leave us helpless. He is our helper.

 What is God calling us to do right now? Perhaps He wants to do something unusual through us, something out of the norm. This can cause us to have doubts and fears. We can rest assured, however, that God will give us the power, love, and  discipline (a sound mind) to undertake whatever He has called us to do (I Timothy 1:7). We are not alone in this. We must step out by faith and lean on God all the way. I remember when he first called me to minister at the Juvenile Detention Home. I was nervous. Once I got there and started ministry, God showed me what to say and how to minister. I now love this ministry. God has been faithful to me, and He will be faithful to you too. He has equipped me and guided me all the way. He will do the same for you. What is He calling you to do? Will you step out by faith? Will you trust God to equip you?

 “Lord, thank You that You are faithful and  You equip us for the things You have called us to do. Thank You that You are with us and go before us. Help us to be courageous and obedient to Your call.”

 For His Glory

 Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 14, 2013

Trust God With Your Heritage

Family in autumn“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”Ephesians 6:4 (ESV)

The small clown fish with the defective fin was the sole heir of a single clown fish named Marlin.  He lived in a sea anemone, had lost his wife and all but the little survivor whom he named Nemo. As one could guess, Nemo was overprotected because a big, ugly, voracious enemy had destroyed his entire clan in a matter of seconds.  This situation was negative for both father and son. The father didn’t relax about anything related to his offspring, always fearing for the worst. The son felt his dad did not trust him to be intelligent and capable of handling things.

One day, Nemo got upset when his father embarrassed him in front of his friends.  He disobeyed him ultimately placing himself, his friends, and his dad in danger.  Nemo even ended up separated from his dad for a long time. Somehow, his dad found supernatural strength to go to the ends of the earth to find his son and the two were reunited.

How is your relationship with your children? Do you trust God for their upbringing? Are you allowing them to discover who they are as you teach them about God’s love for them? Or are you a Marlin, who struggles to let go and let God? Remember: we are God’s workmanship and our children belong to Him, just as we do. So, choose today to trust God and to let Him lift the burdens that may be suffocating you.

“Father, we are not deserving of anything, but You so often entrust us with much. Our children are an inheritance from You. Please help us to train them in the way they should go – the path that leads to a life of blessing and eternal life with You.”

 

For His Glory

 Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 12, 2013

Enjoying Family Time At The Holidays

Family Walking In The Park“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”  1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)

 

Sometimes dealing with family over the holidays can be stressful. So, what can we do to enjoy the holiday season? Here are a few ideas:

 1)     Plan well. If we’re travelling to visit family or if they are travelling to us, make sure we know who is staying where. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries. Be fair, but be firm. Make sure it is clear what the expectations are. Will we need to bring an air mattress?  Is there a “lights out” time? These may sound silly, but they can help avoid problems between us and our loved ones.

 2)     Avoid controversial topics. I am not saying that we shouldn’t share our faith with the people we care about the most; however, this precious time together should be spent enjoying and sharing life. That doesn’t mean we can’t have heart-to-heart convos…quite the opposite; face-to-face is the best way to have those.  We should choose our words carefully. Don’t debate. Don’t argue.

 3)     Be flexible. Instead of wanting to do everything our way, allow the family to choose the restaurant, activity, or movie. Be forgiving. If our loved one gets irritable try not to take it personally. Remember, we may not get to spend much time with them. Focus on being together rather than what we are doing together.

 Even if we won’t get to see our family during these holidays, we can apply these tips for any family events or visits.

 “Dear Lord, thank You for the opportunity to spend time with family. Please help my heart to stay in the right place during this special time of year.”

 

For His Glory

 

Laurel Shaler (www.drlaurelshaler.com)
TRBC Coffee Break

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 11, 2013

Surviving or Thriving

devo dec 17“….every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” John 15:2b (NIV)

 We survived today –  sliding under the covers we put another day to rest.  Tomorrow brings new challenges, higher mountains to climb and yes new things to survive.  We pat ourselves on the back and breathe deep – we made it.  So, why does it feel like there’s something more?  Why does it seem like simply surviving isn’t the goal?  Maybe because it isn’t enough.  Wait a minute, surviving is good right? We didn’t give up, we made it through – no white flag of surrender in our corner regardless of the challenges.  We held on tight and braved the storm – what more could we ask for.  Ah…but there is so much more in this incredible place drenched in sweet lessons we don’t want to miss.  Surviving is good –it means we made it through; but thriving  – means we grew through it – quite a difference. Thriving ushers in the chance for God to transform our challenges, stretch our faith and infuse desperate places into monuments of victory.  We’re not just clinging for dear  life – we’re actually standing firm – moving forward, unshakeable women of faith – now that’s amazing.  And the best part, when we flourish in the midst of difficult days, God’s glory shines the brightest.  Our world sees, our world hopes, and our world wants to know – what’s that girl got?  Because the bottom line is – we all want to thrive. We all want to reach higher than the limits of survival and drink deep of the fountain of God’s power.  What was meant for evil has turned from good (survival) to great (thriving) – now that’s the dance of victory.

 “Sweet Jesus, how incredible to know that every day is an opportunity to shine for You.  Every moment is a chance to grow – to be more like You.”

 For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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