Room A203: Sleep vs stress

Hey family,

Here’s a little something on the lighter post side,  yet VERY important as we need to get things done, yet balance that with getting the proper rest. Yes, we need to take care of the physical body as best we can so we can be equipped to carry out God’s duties, whether it’s ministry, family, work, school, or in many situations, a combination of many or all of the above!

By applying the information in the link below, in addition to praying away anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7 tells you all about that), and casting all your cares on God (after all, He does care for you, I Peter 5:7 says so), you’ll find your stress level lowering and sleep quality rising. 🙂

Click here for more information.

Enjoy and God bless you!

 

BlenCouragesU

 

 

 

BlenCouragesULeave a comment

Reminder: How GREAT is our God?

Hey Fam!

The Lord gave this to me and it truly blessed me.  Read, reflect and rejoice about the magnitude of our God. Love you!

Prophecy: Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).

Situation: Joseph & very pregnant Mary are in Nazareth/Galilee about 70 or so miles away (and with no modern transportation, I might add).

Solution: Caesar declares a tax and all people, including Joseph and Mary have to make their way to their own/home city (Luke 2:3-5).

Lesson: God used a carnal government official to make His Word/promise come to pass. He’s that powerful!!

Proverbs 21:1 declares, “the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will.” When we think about that, it helps us to understand who God really is and how He organizes circumstances to accomplish His will. While we may not understand or like our current situation(s), with His help, we need to trust He knows what He’s doing.

Bottom line: Paul reminds us by saying, “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” (‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬). Amen? Amen! Keeping this in mind in and in your heart will help YOU #StayOnTheWall.

 

God bless you!

BCU

BlenCouragesULeave a comment

Visual: Thinking of buying a pet?

Hey family,

With Christmas approaching, some of us are thinking about pets for the kids…or maybe even ourselves. While I admit I am occasionally tempted buy the sheer cuteness of the four-legged variety, the helpful infographic below does not include dog-grooming, kenneling (if you need to go on away), or doggie day care in the event your pooch needs supervision during the day. Unless I have a change of heart, I’ll just be content enjoying other people’s pets with my eyes! Lest you think this decision has nothing to do with God, the Word advises us to “be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations” (‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭23-24‬). In other words, take a look at the costs and budget wisely.

Love,

BCU

Infographic4

Source: http://www.dailyinfographic.com/cost-of-owning-a-pet-infographic

BlenCouragesULeave a comment

Wonderfully made..

Hey fam!

This is a quick reminder post from a while back. I was poking around on a couple of sites on the Internet and came across this picture:

I think many of us wish for, fret about, or loathe something about our faces or bodies–believe me, I GET it.  In fact, we spend a LOT of time, energy and money on comparisons,  youth potions or the latest diet fads. Or we just do nothing. At. All.  These are NOT options!

Bottom line: Now, let the record show, I am ALL for looking your best and being healthy, now–we just have to work with what God gave us (not always easy) and if there is something within our control we can improve, then, sure go for it.  In the meantime, let’s ask God to help us remember He took the time to make us special, to be you and no one else for a reason!

No need to be sad. Let's praise God because we are fearfully and wonderfully made! (Psalms 139:14(a))
No need to be sad. Let’s praise God because we are fearfully and wonderfully made!
(Psalms 139:14(a))

Be blessed and thanks for stopping by!

 

Love

 

BlenCouragesU

BlenCouragesU1 Comment

Be on high alert: Holiday blues

Hey Family,

As many of us prepare celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s with family, friends, serving others, or what have you, I’d like us to keep ourselves, those around us and especially those we do not know in prayer.

I recall a few years back on a Friday night, I was at a  Christmas dinner party with some friends, where we ALL laughed and talked for hours–it was one of the best times I had ever had!  Fast forward to the following Monday and we learned one of the guests had committed suicide. I was SHOCKED..and as I recounted the time we had together, I did not detect this engaging person intended to carry out their own demise. It still breaks my heart to think about it. 😦

*Sigh* "The holidays are here again"...
*Sigh* “The holidays are here again”…

While there is not a set time, the enemy, adversary or plainly, the devil seems to come around hard during November, December and January, working on the minds of people to convince them there is no hope, you’ll never get a job, your family does not love you, you have no friends, things will not get better, that relationship will not work, nothing goes right, the pain is too great, things will only get worse..et cetera. And the ultimate–if you end it all, you will finally be at peace. That is NOT so–your soul has an eternity to live with that decision, and it WILL be one you regret.

God is the giver of life and whether we saved or not, as depressing, sick, tough, painful, ugly, unbearable, tiring, impossible, messy, hurtful or what ever is happening  (and yes, I DO understand.. we have ALL been here some time or another), God does not give us permission to end our lives–that’s HIS job. Rather God directs us to cast our cares on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). The Word also reminds us that Jesus wants all who labor, are burdened and are heavy laden to come to Him for rest! He wants to exchange burdens with us because His burden is light. (Matthew 28:11-30).  Is that easy to do? No! Think about the alternative, though–as we carry burdens, they get heavier, we get weaker, sicker, less motivated, depressed and then the suicidal/self-destructive thoughts  and actions come. It is true we will have troubles in this life,  but God really wants us to come to and depend on Him to help us with every situation we have.

Bottom line: Sometimes, behind the smiles and jokes, there is a person who is hurting and does not know how or to whom they should reach out. Pride, fear of ridicule, stigma, losing social status, gossip, being bullied more (all coming from the enemy), can rob a person from this earth prematurely leaving the family and friends reeling from the shock and praying for God to heal their shattered hearts.

My Holy-Ghost filled readers, please… ask God to sensitize your heart, spiritual eyes, and give you what to say to those around you. Be on the lookout for people who are laughing, but there is pain in their eyes. Make it a point to call or SEE someone (NO texting or email unless it’s to set up a meeting). Only use Skype or FaceTime if needed..just make a personal connection. Pay attention to folks at the market, pray silently (or with them if they would like) for the representatives you speak with on the telephone.  As you are getting your hair cut or styled or shopping about, ask the Lord to bless, heal, deliver and save anyone who comes in the shop.  As you think about it,  pray for those who may be depressed over losing a loved one, relationship, job, hurting, and over life in general. Ask God how to help–maybe you can cook a meal, give a gift card, buy them a coffee, or just listen –be a friend. Your act of kindness can turn things around. Also, ask God to help YOU (yes, believers feel sad sometimes), to take all your heavy burdens to Him. Confide in a trusted friend or prayer partner as needful.

If you do not know Christ, and are feeling blue or know someone who is, know that we are praying for you. Take every situation to God in prayer right now–you do not have to be fancy about it, just talk to Him.  Ask Him to send you a sensitive, Holy-Ghost filled counselor who will give you biblical and practical advice. God is STILL in the saving, fixing and healing business. He has done it for me and wants to do it for you and others as well..you have His word on it! He promises.

You can reach out to me at:  Blencouragesu at gmail dot com. (just type it out like you would any other email address).

God bless you for reading and taking action!

 

Love,

 

Blen

 

 

 

BlenCouragesULeave a comment