I can’t believe summer is almost over and it is still HOT as Blazes here in Houston! We are savoring our last few days of summer before we head back to school. I love the freedom and flexibility that summer offers, but part of me really likes getting back into a structured schedule for the school year.
Today I am excited to share that I finally got my social media channels all rebranded, thanks to my lovely new headshots taken by the beautiful and talented Sara Quinnett at Sara Jane Photography! Sara has done our family photography for years, but I really love the vision that she has for my blog!
You will see the lovely photo below is my new social media profile picture.
A special thank you goes to Black’s Table Market for opening their restaurant to us to use as a lovely air-conditioned backdrop for our photo session. Black’s Table Market is a farm to table restaurant that you might find located in one of the hip and trendy Houston hot spots, but fortunately for us, it is nestled in a shopping center near Vintage Park in the suburbs of North Houston. They have great food and lovely farm to table decor!
The shot above is my new banner on my social media platforms.
The Lord is teaching me all kinds of things that I can’t wait to share with you in the coming weeks! Until then be blessed.
We went to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, and I was overwhelmed by the purity of his message; he preached the gospel and Him who was crucified. Billy Graham packed stadiums across the globe with the simple gospel message. People came by the thousands upon thousands to hear that Jesus loves them, that they should repent of their wicked ways and turn to Jesus Christ because only Jesus saves. The beauty of it brought me to tears. The message was not about Billy Graham, but about Jesus.
We live in a world that tries to convince us that it is all about me. Me time, my wants, my needs, my desires, anything I want. We should get as much as we can from this world that promises it all but leaves us feeling empty.
This makes me think of the “icky side” of Christian publishing, as a Christian author and blogger, the competition is fierce. There is a push to promote yourself and grow your platform to reach thousands with your book so that you can get that elusive book deal from the coveted publisher.
God has given us two hands – one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing. – Billy Graham
For me what grew from my love for my Lord and Savior has become a constant striving to go and be and do all of the things. To attend the right conferences, meet all the right people, and do all of the things in the name of Jesus.
[ctt template=”2″ link=”Rbd8b” via=”yes” ]When I am pushing and striving to grow my platform to help propel my ministry, then it becomes all about me, and not about Jesus.[/ctt]
Make sure of your commitment to Jesus Christ, and seek to follow Him every day. Don’t be swayed by the false values and goals of this world, but put Christ and His will first in everything you do. – Billy Graham
Taking a break from writing over the last few weeks to ponder and reflect upon my life has been good for me.
Making last minute preparations for my son’s wedding took priority over writing. Witnessing him make a covenant with the Lord in front of hundreds of people to love, honor, and cherish his bride proved to be a very emotional time.
Jane getting ready
The launching of my adult son into the world was much more emotionally charged than I had anticipated, and was followed by a much-needed vacation with my younger boys to rest and recharge before school starts.
As my sweet friend said, “Parenting adult children is not for the faint of heart”!
My son Jacob and myself
This break has been good for me as we have traveled across the country. We encountered the protective hand of God and His ministering angels, as we spun out into a ditch along the way but drove away unharmed.
We reconnected our hearts to longtime friends and spent hours talking, breaking bread and hiking out in the wonders of God’s creation.
[ctt template=”2″ link=”WJN1q” via=”yes” nofollow=”yes”]There is something special about getting away from it all, and spending time out in God’s creation that is so good for your soul.[/ctt]
Lake Norman State Park
[ctt template=”2″ link=”z3Vd5″ via=”yes” ]Face to face Christian fellowship is so important to build each other up.[/ctt]
We attended my friend’s church Elevation, the praise and worship was fantastic, andPastor Stephen’s powerful sermon blew me away as it felt like it was written specifically just for me! I love how God’s word can speak to us both corporately and individually!!
An opportunity to model for a fashion video with Fashion Meets Faith to teach women how to dress for their body types, in a way that is modest, but fashionable turned into a day filled with joy and laughter with some sweet Jesus girls. Look forward to seeing the finished product in September!
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. – Proverbs 17:22 ESV
We also spent a day with my cousin on his organic farm, Coldwater Creek Farms.
There is so much of God’s truth that we can reflect on at the farm. You can see firsthand the principles of seed time and harvest, the types of soil, and be reaping and sowing, and so much more.
If you live near the Charlotte, NC area and love organic produce as much as I do, then you should check them out! You can find them on Facebook at Coldwater Creek Farms LLC.
My son Ian on the tractor at Coldwater Creek Farms
As I have taken a short break, God has spoken to me in many ways. God reminded me of some fundamental things I want to share with you today.
Ruth Bell Graham faithfully served her household and raised five children while Billy Graham traveled around the world as an evangelist. She considered being a wife and raising her children a divine calling.
Motherhood Matters, it is a divine calling
The Lord reminded me that Motherhood is a divine calling and until my children are fully grown my heart and attention should be turned to them. My time with them is fleeting, and I have the ability to shape and nurture souls to be used in the service of King. Laying my life down to serve my family, sometimes feels like denying myself and taking up my cross to follow Him.
[ctt template=”2″ link=”L_JSY” via=”yes” ]But what I do matters, both now and eternally and I need to choose wisely.[/ctt]
Prayer and Bible Study is paramount
I can not affect the kingdom, let alone my household if I am not spending adequate time studying the word of God, and in prayer. As believers, we have the resurrection power of the cross at our disposal and the blood of Jesus Christ. We have weapons of warfare at our disposal to tear down strongholds and set the captives free. Our prayer life should be alive and active like the word of God.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33 ESV
Billy Graham preached revival to thousands upon thousands because he lived a life fully surrendered to the Lord. He spent time studying the word of God, and time in prayer.
The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.’ -Billy Graham
It is not about me
The gospel message is simple and speaks for itself. It is not about me, but about what Christ has done for me, how Jesus has changed my life for the better, and what I can do because of Him. It is all about the cross, and Him crucified. The creator of the world, and Savior of the World, who loves us so much that He even knows the number of hairs on our head.
Heavenly Father, help me to be a good steward of everything that you have asked of me. I pray that my friends here that read this blog see my heart for you and may I always point them to you Jesus. It is all about you Jesus. Thank you for your love and grace and for the cross.
A battle rages in the media today over “fake news.” In the news media outlets from television, to the internet and social media. Everyone seems to be talking about fake news from President Trump, the Russians, or the Clinton’s, the world is a buzz with fake news. It is hard to know who to believe anymore and what is true, and the internet has made it easy for false stories to spread like wildfire.
“Believe none of what you hear, and only half of what you see.” – Benjamin Franklin
When I was a child, we often played the telephone game. Do you know what the telephone game is? Or am I dating myself? Perhaps you know it by the name of whispers or Chinese whispers. If you are not familiar, then let me explain. You would sit in a circle or form a line and then tell someone an anecdote, word, or phrase by whispering it in the ear of the person sitting next to you. They would tell the person next to them, and this would continue until you got to the last person who would say aloud to everyone what the word or phrase he heard. As children, we would get the biggest laughs because the thing the last person heard and said aloud was never even close to what was originally said.
[ctt template=”2″ link=”Oq_G8″ via=”yes” ]There is nothing new under the sun.[/ctt]
Things are not always as they seem. Fake news and the telephone game have much in common with the whispery lies of the enemy of our soul. The enemy likes to whisper false news in hopes that we will turn away from what we know to be true, and believe the lies, and often he uses well-intentioned people, even good Christians to twist words, and spread lies.
Have you ever read the fictional work of JRR Tolkien or seen the Lord of the Rings Movies, if so perhaps you remember a creepy character known as Gríma Wormtongue. He was the chief adviser to King Theoden of Rohan, and through his deceitful lies and whispery secrets, he cast a spell over the King, until he no longer resembled himself. The lies of a whispery confidant physically, mentally, and spiritually changed his countenance. This is one of the reasons the Bible warns us about the company we keep.
Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” – Revelation 12:12 ESV
A war rages in this world today for truth, but also for our very souls! The devil knows his time is short and would like nothing more than to divide our families, our churches, our neighborhoods, communities, and nations. He wants to steal our joy, and rob us of our peace to keep us from living the abundant life that Jesus Christ has to offer us.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. – John 10:10 ESV
Where can we find truth today?
How do we know what to believe? Where do we find truth? Not in the sense of philosophical discussion, or lofty debate, but real truth, the kind of truth that changes peoples hearts and lives. The kind of truth that tears down strongholds can only be found in the word of God.
We are all sinners, but as we turn our hearts toward Christ and press into Him and read, study and memorize his word, we can combat the lies of the enemy and replace it with the truth of Jesus Christ. Through the practice of worship and thanksgiving, we keep our hearts focused on Him.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.He was in the beginning with God.All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.In him was life, and the life was the light of men.The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. – John 1:1-5 ESV
Jesus Christ is the Word of God, and He is the light of the world and through the power of Jesus, darkness in this world is dispelled. Satan is a defeated enemy. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary, not only does He overcome the world, but everyone who believes in Him overcomes the world too! Our faith in Jesus Christ overcomes the world. It is not just at the moment that we believe in Jesus, but it is a continuous action of exercising our faith in Jesus that overcomes the world.
[ctt template=”2″ link=”eB7U6″ via=”yes” ]The world and the enemy would like to deceive us with fake news, we must choose to believe the word and the truth of Jesus Christ.[/ctt]
Friend, do you know Jesus Christ as your confidant and personal Lord and Savior? Jesus loves you and wants you to know the voice of truth. If you have not put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ today, I would encourage you to pray a simple prayer of faith. Ask Jesus to come into your life and be the Lord of your life today. Simply ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and ask Him to be Lord of your life. Then I would encourage you to pick up a Bible and begin reading the greatest love story ever told.
For my believing friends, what do you do to combat fake news? Do you have a go-to verse to keep your mind steadfast and focused on the truth? If so, I would love for you to share it with me.
Hi friends, I am busy helping my son move out, set up his new home, and with last-minute wedding preparations this week. I have asked my Compel Writing group leader Tondi Wheat to share some encouraging words with you this week. Compel Writer’s training program is a part of Proverbs 31 Ministries. You can find out more about Compel at Compel training. Without further ado, I welcome my friend, Tondi Wheat to By His Grace Blog today.
Three Reactions to Build Relationships
There are times where I would love to omit some scriptures out of my Bible; they’re just difficult to obey. I grew up when kids were to be seen and not heard, and continued that philosophy when I had my first child.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, “ James 1:19 NIV
During church was no exception to that rule. Toys were to be quiet if my daughter sat in the church service with me. She needed to be dressed for church, with her hair brushed well, and never was there any gum to be played. Gum was meant to be in the mouth; no bubbles and no playing with it. I usually would give her a warning, but after that, it was to be thrown away.
One Sunday morning, church was beginning. My daughter had already sat down by my bag, and I soon joined her. I noticed she was sitting very quietly, playing with something in her hand. My eyes became fixated on the item being stuck to her little four-year-old fingers.
I leaned down to her level and quietly said, “You need to put that in your mouth now. You know you are not to play with gum.”
“But mommy,” she begged as her sweet big blue eyes met my eyes gazing at her.
“Put it in your mouth now,” I said a little more sternly.
“But Mommy,” she pleaded as her sweet looking eyes now looked saddened.
“Now” I demanded.
She quickly put the gum in her mouth as I sat beside her; frustrated she didn’t obey the first time. I began to think about the whole situation. She usually was very obedient. “Why had she not listened and obeyed?”
I thought of the color of the gum and what kind it may have been. Then I wondered where she got it and who gave it to her. So, I asked, “Where did you get that gum?”
She replied, “I found it under the water fountain.”
“Get that out of your mouth,” I said as I took a piece of paper to wrap around it.
She was trying to tell me, but I was too quick to assume she was disobeying. I didn’t want to listen; I wanted her just to do as I said.
We can be so quick to react to a situation without knowing the full extent of the circumstances. When a child appears to have not obeyed; your spouse does something they know bothers you, or a colleague blatantly disrespects you, we have a decision as to how to react. How we react to a situation can build a relationship or build a wall in the relationship.
In James, we are told to “be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
Relationships will be stronger when you follow these steps in any situation.
Quick to Listen:
To be a good listener, give them your full attention. Stop what you are doing, and if possible look them in the eyes to ensure they know you are listening.
If you are on the phone and there’s a problem arising with your spouse or kids, if possible, get off the phone. Show them they are more important that the person on the phone.
Slow to Speak:
Just because you think you know what happened, doesn’t mean you need to share it first. Listen to the other person’s side of the story. Show them their words and feelings are important too.
Slow to Become Angry:
When you hear another perspective, it helps to understand another person. Building relationships are God’s focus. If we are angry, we are building a wall between relationships.
When we follow these steps, we may find: our perspective was incorrect; we have caused some feelings in the other person, and they are reacting, or the person is hurting and will lash out at anyone. We are only responsible for our reactions to their actions.
My daughter survived the germs shared by another, and I became a better parent and listener after that gum incident over 20 years ago. I may not always follow these steps, but when I do, it shows others: their words matter; I don’t know everything; and, they are important.
Listen to their side of the story; then speak, so you don’t become angry.
Tondi Wheat grew up in church, being a Pastor’s kid; although, she never fully grasped the concept of God’s love and grace until later in life. She has learned hard life lessons through a failed marriage, raising a daughter to adulthood, homeschooling, life changes, and remarriage. She loves doing life with her husband of 14 years, adult daughter, and two young sons. They reside in the country, outside a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. You can follow her on her facebook writer’s page: Tondi Wheat, writer.
Things don’t always go as planned. Life comes at you sideways sometimes and knocks the wind right out of your sails. You can go from smooth sailing to rough waters in the blink of an eye.
Have you ever been through a tough time that you are now thankful for?
I know I have had my share of difficult circumstances, but God has been so faithful to see me through! I can look back with a grateful heart on things that I never would have chosen, but God in His infinite wisdom allowed me to endure.
Pain and suffering are not something that we would necessarily want for ourselves but sometimes it is the vehicle that God uses to sanctify us. No one knows this better than Neuropsychologist Dr. Michelle Bengtson. As a Doctor and a Christian, she shares her journey through depression from her perspective in her new book, Hope Prevails.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11
Michelle writes about what worked for her and what can help you if you are battling depression. Michelle wants you to know that you are not alone. She wrote this book to offer you hope and to dispel some of the myths and lies about this condition. Michelle’s approach treats depression physically, emotionally and most importantly spiritually, treating the whole person. Traditional treatment doesn’t address the spiritual side.
Dr. Bengtson does a great job of addressing the spiritual side of depression throughout Hope Prevails. She addresses what depression is, where it comes from, and ways to treat it, but most importantly she addresses what depression does to a person spiritually and how that perpetuates depression.
Each chapter in Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression is filled with truth and biblical wisdom along with practical steps to take. At the end of each chapter, she gives you a prescription, Your Rx, these thought-provoking questions and action items are steps that you can take to help you find healing. She also includes a recommended playlist of praise and worship music to uplift you and concludes each chapter with a special prayer.
An Excerpt from Hope Prevails:
In the valley of my depression, the enemy tried to convince me that no one cared, not even God. For a while he had me convinced, and I took my pain and anger out on God. Can I share with you a little something I learned, though? God is big enough to handle my anger and yours.
One evening the pain of the darkness dragged me so low that I wondered aloud where God was in my suffering. Did he even care that I felt like a surfer battered against the rocks within a vast, lonely ocean? In my agony and desperation, my wonderings turned to angry venting. I told God of the pain deep within my soul. I held nothing back as I lost control in an angry outburst like a volcanic eruption.
When I had no more words to say and was physically spent from my vulnerable expression of the depths of my pain, I sensed a quiet gentle voice whisper within me, “Well, at least you’re now talking to me.” It wasn’t a condemning correction but more a lighthearted reflection to help me see the truth in my ways.
Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a board certified clinical neuropsychologist with more than 20 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of medical and mental disorders in children, adults, and seniors. She has been in private practice for more than a decade of that time. Speaker, author, and doctor, Michelle is also a woman—a wife, mother, and friend. She has experienced her share of trouble and trials and knows the pain of losing someone she loves as well as the despair that can follow trauma or illness.
Combining her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith, Dr. Bengtson is on a mission to instill hope in the hearts of those who are suffering from or caring for those with ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, developmental disorders, head injuries, dementia, and the neurological side effects of illnesses such as Epilepsy, Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, and Cancer, as well as psychiatric disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder.
Everyone goes through hard times, but you are not alone. Hope is the key to the survival of your soul. Dr. Michelle Bengtson provides sound practical tools, affirms worth, and encourages faith. She instills hope to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm.
I highly recommend Hope Prevails for anyone struggling with depression, or if you have a family member or friend who suffers from this condition. Visit Dr. Michelle Bengtson’s blog where she offers a free book on how to help a loved one with depression.
A Special thank you to Dr. Michelle Bengtson, The Blog About Network, The Blythe Daniel Agency, and Revell for providing me with a signed copy of Hope Prevails for me to review and giveaway along with the goodies above!
Leave a comment about a tough time that you have been through and are now thankful for in the comment section below and share this post on social media with the hashtag #HopePrevails for a chance to win a signed copy of Hope Prevails, along with this beautiful scarf, hope bracelet, and dog tag all reminders that hope prevails!!
Today we continue the summer reading series with Doing Busy Better: Enjoying God’s Gifts of Work and Rest by Glynnis Whitwer.
From the moment I picked up this book, I knew Glynnis was speaking directly to me! For years I have lived my life in a flurry of busyness. As a wife and homeschooling mom of three boys with a hectic schedule, I am constantly in motion cooking, cleaning, guiding, directing, teaching, correcting, living and loving. And I wouldn’t want it any other way!
Along the way, I have learned that I need margin and space, but I have a hard time resting. I have German heritage, and I grew up mid-western. Salt of the earth hard working people is where I come from, but I feel guilty or lazy if I stop to rest. I am always busy caring for the needs of my family and friends and have had to learn the hard way to be still and care for myself.
After a particularly crazy busy season of life, I had a bicycling accident that resulted in me severely breaking my both of my arms! Talk about a life changing situation! Remember, I am a homeschool mom that lives in a house full of boys that do everything for everyone else, and I am a workhorse. Yet for weeks on end, I was unable to care for the most basics needs for myself and couldn’t do anything for anyone else.
God taught me to be still and know that He alone is God.
Spiritual rest doesn’t just happen when we cease working; it happens when we cease striving. – Glynnis Whitwer, Doing Busy Better
What God showed me when I broke my arms is exactly what the chapter on Spiritual Rest is all about. I want to share another quote from this amazing chapter.
Spiritual rest is a deep sense of confidence that no matter what comes our way, God is still on the throne, He has not forgotten us, and He is working on our behalf. – Glynnis Whitwer, Doing Busy Better
In this chapter on Spiritual Rest, Glynnis showed me that when I don’t rest, I am actually disobedient to God because He commands us to rest. Spiritual rest happens when we trust God regardless of the circumstances in our life, and rest is both a promise and a reward.
Doing Busy Better is filled with so much wisdom and I think this book is a must read for every busy woman I know!
If you don’t know who Glynnis Whitwer is, you should! You can begin reading chapter 1 of Doing Busy Better at her website Glynnis Whitwer where you can pre-order a copy and sign up for bonus material.
*As I member of the Doing Busy Better launch team, I was given a pre-release copy to read and review. A special thanks go to Glynnis Whitwer and Revell Publishing.
Doing Busy Better is available on the 4th of July, 2017, and you are going to want to grab a copy!
How do you plan to rest on this upcoming Holiday weekend? Do you struggle with being too busy or do you find it hard to relax? Leave a comment below telling me about how you plan to rest, your struggle to find rest or how I can pray for you.
Don’t you just love summer? We tend to give ourselves some time to rest, relax and enjoy a slower pace. I am enjoying some great new books that are coming out on the market this summer, and I can’t wait to share them with you over the course of the next few weeks in my Summer Reading Series!
“Take a deep breath, grab a cup of something cozy, and let God’s love fill your heart with whatever you need most today.”
—Holley
Everyone enjoys opening packages and receiving something in the mailbox besides junk mail. One of the things that I love about being an author, blogger and online influencer is that I have access to Christian books before they are available for sale on the market. I am a bit of a non-fiction Christian book nerd. Some people love to read romance or thrillers, but my jam is books that stretch me and challenge me to grow as a person, and help me love God and His people more.
I love the way that God uses men and women today to share the timeless truth of His word in new and refreshing ways to His people.
In Coffee for your Heart, Holly Gerth touches on the issues that we all struggle with at our very core being from feelings of acceptance, to know that we are cherished and loved, and forgiven. This book contains 40 life-changing powerful reminders of how much God loves you!
Holley’s book was a cup of love for my soul.
Filled with God’s love and encouragement each short devotion begins with a scripture that corresponds with the theme of the day’s reading is packed full of wisdom and ends with three sections entitled Reflect, Respond, Remember. At the end of each devotion, there are thought-provoking questions for you to Reflect upon and answer. Followed by a written prayer section entitled Response, and concludes with things to Remember.
This book was previously published as God’s Heart for You and is available online and in stores on July 1, 2017.
Holley Gerth is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of You’re Already Amazing. You can learn more about Holley on her blog at Holley Gerth. Holley Gerth is a natural born encourager, and if you are in need of encouragement or to know how much God loves you then this book is for you!
*I was given a copy of this book to review compliments of Holley Gerth
What books are on your summer reading list? I would love to know what you are reading. Leave me a comment below and tell me what you are reading!
This past weekend I went to meet up with His Girls Gather, a group of authors, bloggers, speakers, social media marketing and technical support girls from Texas and Louisana. Many of us are members of Compel, a writer’s training program which is part of Proverbs 31 Ministries.
We had a wonderful time of prayer, fellowship, and training. While I was there I met an adorable millennial Jesus girl named Shelby Howe. We struck up a conversation about how to impact the millennial culture for Jesus.
Many faith communities and Christian organizations are struggling with how to make space for Millennials—not just appealing space in their buildings and gathering places, but also space in their institutional culture, ministry models and leadership approach. – Barna
If we want to impact future generations for Christ then we need to know how to reach them. I have asked Shelby Howe to share her thoughts with you on today’s blog concerning what the Lord has put on her heart in regards to reaching millennials.
10 ways to reach Millennials
We’re a generation connected in all the wrong places. Consumed with what’s happening on a screen, the majority of millennials miss the richness of real life. Being one of them, and living the struggle of screen-time versus face-time, I’ve often been asked – how do you reach millennials? What gets us off our phones and listening intently to the person before us? I hope it’s to your delight to know it’s not another piece of tech or a silly video.
Speak my language
When my phone rings, I automatically think something’s wrong. Phone calls are for dire situations, just send me a text. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Once I forget what you told me, I can go back and read it again. Friend me on Facebook, follow my Instagram, that’s where you can keep up with what’s going on with me. Speak my language.
Meet me on my terms
Unfortunately, I struggle with accountability so if we’re going to meet face to face, it’s got to be on my terms. Be prepared to cancel and reschedule ten times before we actually meet. Once I know that you’re committed, I’ll get committed too, but I need grace at first.
Don’t ask me what I’m doing, ask me what I want to do.
The first thing people always ask is, “So what do you do?” What I’m doing right now is not what I want to be doing, and it just reminds me of that when you ask. Start with “What do you want to do with your life?” then follow up with “So what are you doing now?” This tells me that you care about my dreams, but it’s okay that I’m not there yet.
Don’t tell me what I should do unless you’re going to help me.
I don’t respond well to “you should do this” or “have you tried this?” Someone has probably already suggested that and I probably have some lame excuse you don’t want to hear anyway. If you think of something that I should do, help me do it. If I need to study for a certain test, schedule a time to study with me. If I need to make a resume, sit down with me and show me how which leads to our next one…
Show me instead of telling me.
It’s one thing to throw words at me just for them to bounce off the rim like basketball, but if you actually practice what you preach, I’ll take notice. If you want me to read the Bible, let me see you living it. I’m a newlywed, and I want to cook made-from-scratch meals for my husband, but I don’t know how. Invite me over one day and show me how you make homemade biscuits. I need to see it. Let me see you do real life and I’ll want to live it with you.
Be consistent.
My world is fast paced and ever changing, having a constant helps keep me grounded. If I know when you’re available, I’m more likely to turn to you. When you respond quickly to my call for help, I’ll remember. The next time I’m in a sticky situation, I’ll crave that relief and look to you. Then, hopefully, I’ll work to avoid sticky situations.
Hold me accountable.
Remember when I said I struggle with accountability? Once I’ve seen that you’re consistent, I’ll answer your call for accountability. The next time I cancel or reschedule our meetup, I’ll care about your frustration, and it won’t make me feel good. Give me some time to get to this point, but hold me accountable for my actions.
Be real, transparent, honest.
Talk is cheap, and I know it. I don’t sugarcoat things, and I don’t want things sugarcoated. If you’re upset with me, let me know why. If you’re having issues with something in your own life, don’t hide it from me. I need to see you solve problems, so I know what to do when I face them.
Cover me in prayer.
I’m probably not doing this for myself so cover me in prayer. Pray with me before we eat or when we’re talking about a hard situation. Let me see and hear you pray so I can take note. Pray for me until I know how to pray for myself.
Don’t give up on me.
Please, please, please don’t give up on me. If you give up on me, I give up on me. Speak life to me, encourage me at my lowest point, reach out your hand when I’ve fallen down. I will fall, time and time again. I will let you down. Love me anyway. Show me, Jesus.
The overarching theme here is love. Love me like Jesus. I’m not so different from his followers when you think about it. Learn my love language and speak it back to me. Walk the hard road with me, and I’ll meet you on the other side. But most of all… Love me like Jesus.
Hey, Y’all! Just another Millennial here and one southern raised, Bible-believing Christian. The soil I call home is in Shreveport, Louisiana. I know the love of a good family but was transformed by the love of a Savior. The love I receive from him I try to duplicate to others. A passion for God’s word and advancing his kingdom is what compels me to write. Growing in the knowledge of Him is what I hope you, and I accomplish. Connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.
Please like and share this post if it ministers to you, and make sure to visit Shelby on her social media channels. I would love to hear if you have other ideas about how to reach millennials for Christ. Please leave me a comment below with your thoughts.
I have seen a lot of really great pics on Pinterest about cool things to buy Dad for Father’s Day this year. Beard oil, a badger hair brush to lather up shaving cream, tools and various and sundry things made from leather. However, I think the thing that Dad wants most can’t be bought in any catalog or store. He doesn’t really want another tie or another set of tools. Okay, he may want a new putter or has his eye on the latest technological gadget, but I think the thing that dad really wants this year for Father’s Day is simple.
Appreciation
Appreciation – Dad doesn’t mind working hard all week providing for the family. Sure, he probably dreams of the day he retires, but a real father loves to provide for his family. In fact, Proverbs says A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children. Instead of going to the hardware store and looking for that perfect gift to buy Dad, may I suggest that what he really wants is to be appreciated? Tell him that you are thankful for his provision for your family, and for working hard to take care of you! He wants to feel appreciated, so tell him that he is doing a great job and that you are thankful for all he does for you.
Respect
Respect – Men desire to be respected by both their wives and their children. You can’t put a pricetag on honoring dad, and it means the world to a man to know that he is respected by his family. Value his advice and wisdom and listen to him. Esteem him, admire him, and revere him. Hold dad in high regard and let him know how you feel. Your words of respect can be life changing to a dad.
Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. – Deuteronomy 5:16
Love
Love – Finally, love him. Shower him with words of affirmation and kindness. Write him a note, make him a banner, or spend time with him doing the things that he enjoys doing. Make dad feel special and feel loved by making his favorite meal or taking him to his favorite restaurant for dinner.
Whatever you do this year for Father’s day whether you make or buy dad something, or you spend quality time together, just be sure to make sure he knows that he is loved, appreciated and respected.
In the valley of my depression, the enemy tried to convince me that no one cared, not even God. For a while he had me convinced, and I took my pain and anger out on God. Can I share with you a little something I learned, though? God is big enough to handle my anger and yours.
This book was previously published as God’s Heart for You and is available online and in stores on July 1, 2017. 
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