Room A203: A Story of Love, Friendship & Sisterhood🌷🌷

Hey there BCU Fam!

For this special presentation, please tune into the video recording, and refer to the written post for the highlights. We pray the post blesses and encourages your heart today!

Podcast highlights:

  • This is a special conversation about an amazing individual in the person of, Lydia “Tulip Petal” Edwards.
  • We met years ago and became fast friends and sisters in the Lord, sharing conversations of everything and nothing.
  • In this impromptu video post, among other things, I highlight a stretch assignment she gave me, and how that changed my life.

KJV Scripture references:

Psalm 143

1 Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.

4 Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.

5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

6 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

7 Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

9 Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.

10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

11 Quicken me, O Lord, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.

12 And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”

You know, BCUFam, I had no idea that Psalm would minister to Lydia and the BCUFam the way it did! Many of us have experienced feeling overwhelmed and desolate—-and that is NORMAL! What David did in that Psalm was to teach us feel our feelings, and to take them to the Lord, who is the ONLY one who can comfort, strengthen and advise us on our next move—–even if it’s just to trust that He knows what He is doing. And that’s what Sister Tulip Petal did.

BCUFam, Lydia passed away late last week. My Tulip Petal was beautiful flower who wasn’t called to speak on a program, did not have a dedicated platform to teach from, or a mass following, but quietly ministered in an impactful way to all the people the Lord assigned to her. I am blessed and enriched to have had her in my life for the time God allowed, and not one moment squandered. May God bless us to all be the same way about our relationships. The people in our lives are assignments from the Lord, and we want to be sure we are about our Father’s business in every interaction. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father in the Name of Jesus, as we come before You today, our hearts are heavy for the loss of our sister, yet light because she was saved, full of the Holy Ghost, and is resting without any tubes, medication or pain. And Jesus, with Your help, when we see You for the first time, we will see Lydia again, as Heaven is our final destination. Please bless and comfort all who were connected with this wonderful woman of God.

We ask You, Lord to help us be mindful of and loving in all of our interactions, and that You bless us to be an excellent witness to all around us, so that people may ask, “what must I do to be saved?” We thank You answering our petitions and for all things, in Jesus Name we pray, Amen!

As a reminder, if you have not subscribed to BlenCouragesU.com, please do so! It’s free and a good place to get the encouragement, inspiration and information based the Word of God! Additionally, you can also see what we are up to on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Also, if you so inclined, join us Thursday nights––we are LIVE on YouTube 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Pandora, and Spotify!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

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Becoming a First Responder in Prayer

Hey there BCU Fam!

Because of the informal format, please tune into the podcast recording (click here or on the BCU avatar below) and refer to the written post for the highlights. We pray the post blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

  • BCUFam, we are continuing our unofficial series on lessons learned from last year.
  • When we hear the term “first responders”, we think of the amazing Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s), paramedics, police officers, and fire-fighters that we thank God for.
  • First responders specialize in quickly and skillfully attending to emergency situations.
  • The Lord has been talking to me about being a better first responder when it comes to people and prayer.

KJV Scripture references

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

I Thessalonians 5:17

17 Pray without ceasing.

James 5:16

6 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

BCUFam, when someone requests prayer, or when the Lord prompts us to intercede for someone, we may get caught up in the cares of the day and delay or even forget to take the request to the Lord. While our actions are not intentional, when we say we are going to do something, the Lord holds us to it, so with His help, we want to pray right away, even if we need to pray in our hearts—-God does hear us! Something else for us to consider——do we get caught up trying to get information about a situation rather than pray?

For example, on an extremely cold and icy morning, an ambulance showed up at my neighbor’s home. Unable to get outside, we looked out of the window for several minutes talking through scenarios as to what may have happened, and hoping to get a glance at who was in distress. As we continued looking out of the window for answers, the Lord reminded me that rather than talking and gawking, I should be praying for whoever was ailing—-and thank the Lord and I did just that! Thankfully, everything turned out fine for the neighbor, but the lesson is, that as people of God, we are intercessory first responders via prayer. Anytime an emergency situation arises, prayer should always be our first response. Amen? Amen. Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank and praise You for this day that You have made, and that we are rejoicing and glad in! Jesus, as we listened to what Your Word had to say to us, thank You for correcting and reminding us to be fervent and immediate in our prayers, rather than forgetting to or waiting for a particular time to pray. In fact, Luke 18:1 reminds us that we always ought to pray and not to faint. On that wise, we want to be in prayer in the morning—before the busyness of the day, we want talk with You, Jesus throughout the day and evening—–acknowledging You in all our ways, so our paths will be directed. Please bless us to remember to intercede for others as You prompt us, so that Your will is accomplished in their lives. Thank You, Lord for blessing us to be better first responders in our prayer life and we will continue to bless and praise Your name, in Jesus Name we pray, Amen!

As a reminder, if you have not subscribed to BlenCouragesU.com, please do so! It’s free and a good place to get the encouragement, inspiration and information based the Word of God! Additionally, you can also see what we are up to on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Also, if you so inclined, join us Thursday nights––we are LIVE on YouTube 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts, YouTube podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, and many others podcast platforms!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

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Letting Go and Trusting God (WHEW!)

Hey there BCU Fam!

Because of the informal format, please tune into the podcast recording (click here or on the BCU avatar below) and refer to the written post for the highlights. We pray the post blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

  • With the new year, we often look back over the previous year to take account of what lessons we’ve learned.
  • At times, I’ve attended courses at “Experience University” (EU) enough to know NOT to repeat certain situations.
  • Recently, in sharing my EU insight with advice-seekers, the intent was they would follow the godly, sound council.
  • Sometimes, the hearer chooses a different path, and that’s where the lesson of letting go and trusting God comes in.

KJV Scripture references

Ecclesiastes 3:1

24 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Proverbs 19:8

8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

Luke 18:18-23

18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

Philippians 4:6-8

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Matthew 11:28-30

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

BCUFam, when we are advising the people that God has assigned to us, it can be heart-wrenching when they do not heed the biblical and wise council we offer. While it is fine to be concerned, fretting, worrying, and being consumed with their decision is not of God. Rather, what we can and what we will do is take everything to the Lord in prayer…and we will pray in FAITH! Then, we will wait in faith and look for the Lord to speak to the person/situation, and turn things around His way and in His timing. It is not easy to let go and wait, but when God takes care of a matter, it is taken care of perfectly, because He is perfect. With the help of the Lord, let it go and trust God. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for allowing us to hear Your voice through Your Word. We thank You for being here today and for the people You have placed in our lives that we care so deeply about. Lord, some of us have family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, loved ones, etc that are not making/have not made good choices, have not heeded wise and godly advice, have not secured their salvation—–whatever the situation is we are worried about. Rather than being anxious and fretful, we leave our emotions, cares and concerns at Your feet, Jesus! We want to exchange our heavy load for Your light load, as the book of Matthew 11:29-30 reminds us. We thank You for the exchange, and for giving us peace in our hearts and minds, Jesus, as You take care of the situation and us! In Jesus Name we pray, Amen!

As a reminder, if you have not subscribed to BlenCouragesU.com, please do so! It’s free and a good place to get the encouragement, inspiration and information based the Word of God! Additionally, you can also see what we are up to on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Also, if you so inclined, join us Thursday nights––we are LIVE on YouTube 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts, YouTube podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, and many others podcast platforms!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

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A Testimony of Healing: Jim Tyska’s Story

Hey there BCU Fam!

Because of the informal format, please tune into the podcast recording (click here or on the BCU avatar below) and refer to the written post for the highlights. We pray the post blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

  • While high school wasn’t always the easiest place to get through, it holds VERY fond memories for me.
  • In between “shop” classes, we had academics where we learned with/befriended other shop students and forged close friendships.
  • Life took us in varied directions, but social media brought many of us back together, including my friend Jim Tyska.
  • Jim reached out to me regarding a dire prayer request that I outline in the podcast, and a video update* (click here) that starts at about 49:45.

KJV Scripture references

Ecclesiastes 3:1

24 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Psalm 30:2

2 O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

James 5:16

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Romans 8:28

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

James & Angela Tyska

BCUFam! When Jim sent me this video, the title said “Norma Prince Testimony”… So, I was thinking I would be watching another testimony and/or his church service, which I was all too happy to do! I had NO CLUE Jim would be called up to testify of God’s goodness, healing and mercy! God is faithful and has proven who He is in the life of my friend and brother!! And that is something to give God praise for!! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for the miraculous healing You have provided for my brother, Jim! This testimony serves as a reminder that You are a healer, and our faith and trust should always be in You! We thank You, Jesus for hearing our cries, and for the reminder that even in these days You are STILL real! Hallelujah! We thank You for the Tyska family, and ask that You will continue to bless, keep and save the entire family in the matchless Name of Jesus!

As we come before You today, some of us have very grave, heavy, and serious situations before You. It is our desire that You will speak to the situations, and speak to our hearts and minds, giving us the peace and assurance that You hear us, and that You will lead and guide through to victory! We ask Jesus that You send healing and deliverance to someone today! We ask Jesus, that You lift up someone’s head today! We ask that You comfort someone, that You meet a need, that You step in to assist someone in a dire, impossible circumstance! We thank You Lord, for healing someone’s heart and mind, for mending broken hearts and relationships and for forgiveness to flow freely in the Name Of Jesus!

Most of all, Jesus, we thank You for giving someone the knowledge that they need to repent, be baptized in Jesus Name, and filled with the Holy Ghost, as outlined in Acts 1 and 2! Thank You for ALL that follow through on the plan of salvation and for blessing and keeping Your people! We honor and thank You, Lord for your love and kindness toward us in Jesus Name we pray, Amen!

As a reminder, if you have not subscribed to BlenCouragesU.com, please do so! It’s free and a good place to get the encouragement, inspiration and information based the Word of God! Additionally, you can also see what we are up to on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Also, if you so inclined, join us Thursday nights––we are LIVE on YouTube 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts, YouTube podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, and many others podcast platforms!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

*The video is entitled “Norma Prince Testimony–Wednesday PM”, so for anyone wondering, you do have the correct video! Enjoy this awesome testimony!

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Enjoy The Present

Hey there BCU Family!
For this special post, you have the option of listening to our podcast (click here, or on the BCU avatar below to listen), reading the notes or BOTH. In any case, we pray the podcast blesses you. If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy your study!


This “adulting” thing I have to do keeps me pretty occupied. I praise God and am grateful that I have a full-time job, spouse, church, family and the BCU ministry (essentially run pretty full time). In between all that, I like to see friends and family, minister to people, keep house, eat, read and especially rest and sleep.


In fact, I look forward to the holidays and precious few and far in between days off to just. do. nothing. I’m the kind of vacation person that LIKES to stay home, with no plans, no clock to punch, no set time do, be, or go anywhere. I call that, “the slow hurry.” Those are my million dollar days.


I recall years ago, I had a week off for vacation. While a couple of those days were already spoken for, I was excited for the remainder of the time for doing nothing! As I was talking to my best friend Kenya about it, I started to lament about my life AFTER my time off was finished. It would be MONTHS before my next big block of time was coming up! I started thinking about how long those days would be and how hard it would be to get through them. During those days, there was nothing to look forward to, until the next vacation. The Lord checked me on that.


“Enjoy the present.”


We have a habit of saving the anticipation-filled phrases like, “I can’t wait…” or “I am looking forward to…” for special occasions, while saying, “I’ll be glad when this day is over”, or “it is Monday…already”, or “I wish this day would hurry up and come…” with dread and disdain. We wish away the days, complain the about the time we have to spend at work, going to and from work, doing chores, shopping, cleaning, running kids around——we even complain about the time we give God. “Why does the message take so long?” “He prays too long!” “What time is service over?”


When we FINALLY get to the free time we couldn’t wait for, how are we really spending it? Looking our loved ones in the face, studying their words and actions——-conversing intently? Or are our faces glued to our devices, while we catch snippets and fragments of what is being said? I’d venture to guess that many of us do the latter. Keeping that in mind…

What if…we were intentional about rejoicing in the day the Lord made (which would be all of them, including Monday)… See Psalm 118:24.


What if… instead of complaining about our jobs and wishing the day away, we payed attention to the people we work with for an opportunity to bless, encourage or be a witness to them——even if it’s demonstrated through our attitudes and actions. See Matthew 5:16. 


What if…rather than complain about the job God blessed us with, we take all the tasks, including those those mundane meetings, the clean-up, the less glamorous parts that have to be done, along with tasks we enjoy, keeping in mind, that we work unto God as not as unto men. See Colossians 3:23-24. 


What if… we practiced being content..even if things are not where we want them to be at the moment? The spouse you prayed for? Thank God. The kids you asked God for? Thank God. The spouse you are waiting for? Thank God.  Struggling to pay bills? Thank God. We have the money to pay the bill? Thank God. It’s important that we live in the state of contentment. See Philippians 4:11. 


What if…we prepared our hearts, minds and bodies for the services we attend——-looking for the Lord to bless, heal, deliver, save and set free in a mighty way? What if we arrived rested, full, prayed up and ready to see what we can do to be a blessing——and excitedly anticipate what God has for us? See Psalm 133:1. 


What if… we prayed fervently (rather than half-way and sarcastically) that the Spirit of the Lord rest upon the hearts of the people during service, so much so, that people walk out differently than how they came in? And rather than complain about the time, we rejoiced in the fact that people are being blessed? See James 5:16 (b). 

BCU Family, whether we like it or not, our days are numbered. In Psalm 90:10, Moses said that we the days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years. Threescore is 60, add another 10 and that’s 70. So, fourscore is 80. Of course, some live longer and some shorter——that’s all in God’s hands. No, we don’t know when we’ll leave here—-but what we can do, with the help of the Lord, while we are living for Him, is to enjoy our days to the fullest. Ecclesiastes 5:18 reminds us, “it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of labor that he takes under the sun all the days of his life, which God gives, for it is his portion.”


Enjoy the present.

BCU Fam, I really have to be intentional about not rushing through my days and wishing my time away. Once, I remember catching myself thinking “I need to hurry through this chore to get my free time”. Rather than rush through my schedule, the Lord reminded me to take my time. I confess, I was blessed in the process, and got home in plenty of time to rest.  We often miss how we can be a blessing and God blessing us, because we are operating in chronos time (keeping a schedule), versus being present in kairos time (God’s opportune moments). Amen? Amen!

BCUA Fam, as a reminder, if you have not subscribed to BlenCouragesU.com, please do so! It’s free and a good place to get the encouragement, inspiration and information based the Word of God! Additionally, you can also see what we are up to on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Also, if you so inclined, join us for our Thursday Night Bible Study–––we are LIVE on YouTube 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and many of your favorite podcast platforms!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! May God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

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