Why My Backyard Fence?

When I was a child, neighbors would visit with one another over their backyard fences. There would be a fence on either side and one in the back. These fences were not barriers to keep others out, but rather a means to define one's property. Sharing with a neighbor a smile or perhaps a story, or even a piece of pie was not uncommon. I love people and hope to bring joy and encouragement to my Friends and Neighbors over "MyBackyardFence." And, yes, I now live in the Oregon Outback. Beautiful place.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

TURNING STRESS INTO GODLY ENERGY

As most of my Blog Followers know by now, I got married again on the 4th of July of this year. After giving my hopes, dreams and aspirations to the Lord while caring for my late husband for several years, I believed I knew what direction my life was to go. The Bible tells us that: "man can make his plans but the final outcome is in the Lord's hands." Proverbs 19:21. The story goes.... Widower marries Widow. I fell in love with my Friend of 19 years. We and our spouses had been friends for many years which makes it comfortable to share the memories we have with one another. My new Husband, Albert and I share a common call to see people come to Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. We Pastor together in Christmas Valley, Oregon. We love the people in our Fellowship and our heart's doors are open to receive and love all those God sends our way.
 
Life's circumstances have a way of bringing stress of varying degrees into our lives. Stress can be extremely harmful if not handled correctly. Many sicknesses and diseases can come upon us both mentally, physically and spiritually if stress is given free reign. The following is a teaching I shared with our Church last evening and I felt it would be beneficial to pass it along in the Blogging World. There are many healthy ways of dealing with stress but I believe the best remedy is through the Word of God. Here are 7 steps I suggest you follow if you are being weighed down with the stress of life.

Change your Mind: Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 10:5
Choose to think on the “good” things and not the circumstances. Bring every thought into  
captivity at sword point.
 
Change the scenery: Hebrews 12:2
Fix your eyes on Jesus and who he is and what he has done rather than your circumstances.

Get moving:  2 Peter 1:2-11
Exercise and add to your growth spiritually

Just Breathe: Psalm 150:6
Breathe out praise to the Lord.
 
Goof off a little: Proverbs 15:13; Mark 10:1
 “A merry heart does good like a medicine”. Come to the Lord as a little child. Lighten
 up sometimes.
 
 Journal, talk, tweet, facebook: James 5:16&17; 1 John 1:9; John 3:16 
 Don’t be a “Ruminator”. Write what is stressing you down “once” and let it go. Proclaim the   
 truth about God with one another. Use social media to speak the truth. Confess your sins to 
God and one another. Pray for one another. Believe 1 John 1:9. Believe John 3:16.
 
Finally: John 10:10
The enemy, satan, will use stress to try and "kill" us spiritually and physically. The thief     
comes to destroy... Jesus came to give life abundantly. 
 
I hope your enjoy this brief Bible Study and it becomes a way of life that you come to practice and pass on to others. Until next time.... Grace and Peace be yours through the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!! Be well!