Created for Relationship - Part 1

Relationships are impossible to avoid because for most people, companionship is needed and desired. God knew Adam needed a soulmate to stave off feelings of isolation. Nothing in creation could meet his need for human companionship which included someone to enjoy and appreciate and who, in turn, would enjoy and appreciate him.

Ultimately, the most rewarding experience comes when you put aside your own needs so you can be for someone what only you can be at that moment. Society may teach you to take all you can get for yourself, even if it means great loss to others. With all you can grasp, empty feelings communicate exceptionally clear that something is still missing.

A popular song announced, “love isn’t love until you give it away” to someone who joyfully receives it. Only then will you experience a deep since of fulfillment. Philippians 2:7 tells us Christ Jesus emptied himself to demonstrate God's unconditional love for us. God will empower you to follow Jesus’ example.

Stressed-out Family? Seek Constructive Change - Part 1

Life is stressful, and learning to managing stress constructively is a necessity. Continuously struggling with stress produces tension and anxiety that trigger symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, and neck and back pain. Stress in children may be acted out behaviorally, like a six-year-old’s disruptive classroom antics brought on by his parent’s marital battles.

While it’s impossible to stress-proof your children or to protect them from troubles, you can help them cope with the uncertainties of life. Telling your children age-appropriate truth prepares them for reality. Imagine the parents of a four-year-old in divorce proceedings. The mother and child abruptly move to another state without preparing the child for these changes.

While it's not healthy to tell a four-year-old details of a nasty divorce, age-appropriate truth helps to prepare them for important changes and to reassure them of your love and commitment. Helping your child grieve and express anger in non-destructive ways can prevent unacceptable acting out. God will come to your aid when the storms of life seem overwhelming. 

Resisting Stress: God Empowers - Part 3

What's the greatest challenge you've had to face? For some people a challenge is welcomed. Challenge suggests that  a possibility for change exists. For others, challenge staves off boredom and stress, which is similar to pressure you feel when overloaded with too much to do and not enough time to get it done.

To feel challenged is an invitation to test your competence. Challenge demands engagement outside of what's commonplace. I'm not referring to extreme risk-taking, but being pushed to use your mental, physical, and spiritual capacity to do what's within your integrity and skills to do. Integrity implies strength of character to handle stress effectively.

Hardiness of character does not imply the absence of weakness, but rather the willingness to face challenges made possible by faith that comes as a gift from the Lord God. True disciples of Christ have weaknesses, but they know their purpose is to engage the world as a witness for Christ Jesus. This confidence provides strength to contend with the stress they're sure to encounter. 

Resisting Stress: God Empowers - Part 2

Stress affects everyone because the pressures of living cut across all  boundaries of society. One of the mysteries of stress is that it effects people differently who face similar situations. There are those who succumb to stress and develop ulcers, migraine headaches, and other physical symptoms that can render them unable to function.

Stress-resistant people are open to change and see stress as a challenge rather than a threat. Change is necessary for the prevention of mental, spiritual, and emotional stagnation. Where change is unwelcomed, crises in relationships  or within oneself are assured. Crises point to a decisive moment when a person fails to alter the way life is lived.

People who are stress-resistant portray a hardiness of character and possess an attitude that's open to challenging the status quo. Individuals willing to change understand that stress levels depend on how a specific life event is appraised. They know God gives each believer a measure of faith and courage to challenge troubles that come their way.