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Greetings!
Help........Hope.....Healing........
Best Life is founded around these 3 simple words. And yet how powerful they really are. This month, we're taking a look at the first of the words we stand behind: the word HELP.
Join the Best Life Ministries Staff, and some of our friends, as we take a closer look at the way we reach out to others and deliver what Jesus needs us to be....the ultimate help.... the hands and feet of Christ.
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 Help... In Many Forms
Isaiah 57:15 "A Message from the high and towering God, who lives in Eternity, whose name is Holy; I live in the high and holy places, but also with the low-spirited, the spirit crushed; And what I do is put a new spirit in them, get them up and on their feet again."
Help is a funny thing isn't it?
It seems to be something so wonderful when we extend it to others, and yet at times, so difficult when we are the ones to accept it.
Webster's dictionary says that the word help means "to make it easier or possible for somebody to do something that one person cannot do alone by providing assistance."
I like those words. I like them a lot. The thought that perhaps I can do something that would allow someone else to be able to do something makes me so happy. It's wonderful when you have that feeling of contentment, a feeling of deep satisfaction and blessing because you were able to help someone, and you were allowed to make, even a small difference, in their life.
But there were days when I was on the receiving end, after being on the end that doled out help, and it wasn't so easy. Pride is that ugly factor that we don't seem to see in the whole equation of the situation. And after while, I learned to press the pride right down to the basement of my soul, and open my arms, welcoming every ounce of help offered my direction.
It started with the divorce for me. I had never purchased a car, a house, mowed a lawn (well maybe Dad's once and awhile), never paid my own utilities, never flipped the switches on an electrical box, never changed my own furnace filter and definitely had no idea what to do when my kitchen pipes were frozen.
And there they were...the problems came one by one...and shortly after each problem...the answers came one by one....the help came....through others. I was embarrassed. I was humbled. I was grateful. And one by one men, women, and children extended advice, extended money, extended a hand, a hammer, a rake or a snow shovel.
I was given things I could never afford and help I only prayed for, and I received it with open arms. The faces of my friends and neighbors were unforgettable as I watched them realize the amount of relief and comfort my family received through their generosity. Those are the gifts I will never forget.
When hard times came to my family, we made it through, but we knew it was because of the help of others, and once we were doing better, it was time to reverse the roles. Now, it was time for us to help others.
Pushed, shoved, and at times scared out of my mind, I have allowed God to lead me on a path where the words help....hope...healing.....belong to the core of my very being.
 Best Life is founded around those 3 simple words. And yet how powerful they really are. So, this month, we're taking a look at the first of the words we stand behind: the word HELP.
Join the Best Life Ministries Staff, and our friends, as we take a closer look at the way we reach out to others and deliver what Jesus needs us to be....the ultimate help.... the hands and feet of Christ. |
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 | | Pastor Lewie Schultz |
Finding Help: from God
Have you ever found yourself in over your head at work or home? Are you facing financial stresses or health concerns today?
Day after day life offers us opportunities that require more from us than what our own resources could ever accomplish. I am so glad that Jesus has provided supernatural help to make up for my deficits and weaknesses.
Just before the Savior left His friends and followers, He had to comfort their hearts as they were confronted with the pending departure of their Master. Jesus told them that it was necessary for Him to leave so that His "ever present help" would be fully released into their lives through their new relationship with the Holy Spirit. God knew that there was no way we could thrive in the midst of all our trials, temptations and testings without God-sized assistance each and every day.
When I was seventeen, God introduced me to a choice I could make every day that has had immeasurable impact in my life. It was a simple encouragement to implement a daily prayer pattern that invites the Holy Spirit to fill me and control my thoughts, feelings and choices. Ephesians 5:18 says "Don't be drunk with wine for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Our precious Lord Jesus has made provision for daily victory over every overwhelming circumstance that He knows we will face. Think about it, we have access to unlimited spiritual power and victory.
Will you join me in starting each new day with a simple prayer inviting the Helper to control every thought, feeling and choice? If you do, "I am confident of this very thing, that God who began a good work in you will bring it about to completion on the day Christ returns." (Phil. 1:6)
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 | | Pat Russell |
Sometimes Help Comes in the form of: Listening
When I was in college, what seems so many years ago, there was a book I had to read for some class that I've long forgotten. But I haven't forgotten the book or the messages that it held for me. As a matter of fact that book continues to rest in our bookcase, and every now again I take it down to refresh my memory. It's name is, The Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. That book taught me many fantastic lessons that I still go back to on occasion to review and reflect. One in particular lesson that it taught was on listening.
As a school psychologist one of my many jobs is to listen. I listen to students talk about why they got into trouble; why they feel like they needed to hit that snooty kid in the nose; why they launched that spoonful of mashed potatoes across the cafeteria which in turn hit the little red haired girl in the ear. I listen to teachers talk about the trouble they're having with students. I listen to principals talk about the trouble they're having with teachers. I listen to secretaries talk about the trouble they're having with principals. I listen. Listening in my line of work is very important. But then, listening is always important. Especially if you're a Christian.
In his book, The Celebration of Discipline, Foster talks about twelve disciplines of the Christian faith. There are the inward disciplines, the outward disciplines, and the corporate disciplines. One of the outward disciplines is the discipline of service. There are many parts to service as a Christian such as the service of common courtesy, the service of hospitality, the service of bearing the burden of each other, and of course, there's the service of listening.
I often think that we as Christians have lost the art of truly listening to one another. We many times get caught up in the fable that tells us we haven't the time to listen. "Yes, yes that's truly interesting but what exactly is your point?" "Is this going to take long, I have something else I really have to get back to?" If we learn to quiet our minds and really listen to one another, we find it so much easier to quiet our minds and really listen to what God is trying to tell us. Foster states, "We don't have to have the correct answers to listen well. In fact, often the correct answers are a hindrance to listening for we become more anxious to give the answer than to hear." Boy, was that a relief when I first read that. You don't have to have the correct answer. You just have to listen. But you have to really listen! We need to stop listening to what we're missing; where we should be; who's winning the game; what time is it; did I turn off the bathroom light. We need to hear with our ears, eyes, and our hearts. We need to listen with patience, and with compassion. And when we quiet our minds and truly listen to what the person who's talking is saying, we can hear what God is trying to tell us how to best minister. It may be to share a similar experience. Perhaps share something the Lord has given you to say (which you've heard because you've been listening). Or, perhaps it's to say or do nothing at all. Except listen. You don't need a degree in counseling or psychology (don't tell my bosses) to be a good listener, especially a good listener to a brother or sister in Christ. All it takes is patience and compassion.
 Foster ends his section on the service of listening with a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, "Anyone who thinks that his time is too valuable to spend keeping quiet will eventually have no time for God and his brother, but only for himself and for his own follies." Want some advice from a school psychologist, husband, and father of four? Slow down, put away your watch, be still, and listen. You may be surprised at what you hear.
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On this road that we're traveling...
We are each given tools.
Every time we struggle through something and get to the other side, we are given another tool... tools of experience and knowledge. These tools go into our toolbox. If we look to the left and to the right, we will see others traveling this journey next to us. Remember that you have tools to help others... the tool of knowledge, experience, kindness and love... the tools God has given you. Use your gifts talents and knowledge to help one another on this journey called... Life.
Kathy Weckwerth
"I will always show you where to go,
I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places."
Isaiah 58:10 The Message Bible
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 Sometimes Help Comes From: Unexpected Places
By: Aimee Libby
I remember the very first time someone used the phrase "special needs" when speaking about our daughter, Peyton. At the time she had just turned 2 and wasn't anywhere close to walking. She also had some other obvious delays due to an injury at birth, which we were told would eventually "work themselves out". My husband, Chad, and I sat stunned as we were handed a sheet of paper from the Developmental Pediatrician. The paper was a list of big words I could barely pronounce. We weren't given any sort direction or prognosis, just a "why don't we follow-up in 6 months" from the doctor. As we walked out of the clinic that phrase just kept running through my head...special needs, special needs, special needs...what does that even mean? On the car ride home I felt physically ill, almost as if someone had just kicked me in the stomach.
To say that Chad and I were crushed would be an understatement. I remember feeling completely overwhelmed thinking about caring for Peyton and her newborn little brother while still working full-time. There were so many nights I drifted off to sleep on a tear-stained pillow praying that the Lord would show us what His plan was for Peyton and our family. Over the next few months, we did a lot of research online on the big words that were listed on the diagnostic sheet we'd been given from the doctor. We should've known better than to look the medical terms up online - most of what we found was worse case scenario and definitely wasn't very encouraging. My biggest fear was that we wouldn't know how to best help Peyton. So my first and foremost prayer was that Chad and I could work as a team to do everything possible to help Peyton become the wonderful creation God intended her to be. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but honestly there wasn't any other choice.
The next few years were tough. We started Peyton in additional private therapies beyond the ones she was already in for her birth injury. We also began receiving home-based services from our school district. Miraculously, my employer allowed me to work from home 2 days a week so I could get Peyton to her therapy appointments. Peyton began making progress...slowly. From day 1, Peyton has always had an incredibly joyful caring spirit, which everyone who comes in to contact with her recognizes. She has the emotional intelligence of someone much older and wiser. And she has an amazing ability to melt the heart of people young and old.
Last week we had our annual IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meeting at school for Peyton where she's now in 1st grade. I always dread these meetings because for almost 5 years I've sat through them as the teachers/therapists tell us how far behind she is, followed by, "but she's making progress - slowly - so that's a good sign". This meeting was different. After years of sleepless nights and heartache, the meeting started out with the case manager telling us what a joy Peyton is to work with and how much she adores her and is thrilled with how much she's catching up to her peers. She also talked about what a sweet friend Peyton is to everyone she runs into. Then the next specialist spoke...and said the same thing. As each person at the big round table took their turn to speak, they all said the same thing - they were blessed to have the opportunity to work with Peyton, whom they absolutely love, and they're very encouraged with her gains academically and socially. All of the staff inquired about where we go to church because we found out that Peyton often tells them, "I'll pray for you", when they aren't feeling well. So we had an opportunity to share with the public school staff how blessed we have been with a supportive church family. I sat there holding back tears and thanking God for allowing Chad and I to be able to see His plan for Peyton unfold before our very eyes. I can't even describe how completely in awe I was as we left the meeting.
Special needs...I used to think that phrase meant someone who required a lot of extra help and wasn't particularly gifted in any area due to their disability (naïve, I know). But God has used Peyton to reveal to me that each of His children have been created with special gifts regardless of their abilities here on earth. The world may not see these gifts immediately, but over time they're uncovered. Peyton's gift of compassion has been revealed to the people around her who have taken the time to get to know her. And yes, it's been a slow (and often painful) process, however it's been a valuable learning experience and has changed my perspective on everything.
God has used the past 7+ years to teach me so many things that I'm now able to share with others who are going through similar experiences. But best of all, He's creating something beautiful in our sweet little girl and is allowing her to bless others with her gifts.
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." * 1 Peter 4:10 *
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 Sometimes Help Comes in: What We Read
An Interview With Blogger: Sara Neufeld
What led you to want to create your blog?
I started my blog in 2007 as a way to document our days. At the time I had two little boys at home and I desperately wanted to record all of the fun {and not so fun} memories we were making. It's Good to be Queen became a space to do that. My blog has evolved over time from being just something for our close family and friends to becoming a creative outlet for me. I typically write during nap time and it has become such a fun hobby. I truly enjoy writing, connecting with readers, posting my decorating and crafting adventures and rambling on about whatever is going on at the moment.
How do you, as a busy wife and mother, find time to meet Jesus in your day to day walk?
As a busy wife and mama to three sweet boys and one baby girl, I have to be intentional to spend time with Jesus every day. I am a hot mess without Him. I have made it a habit to get up everyday before my kids. For me, it's 5:30 in the morning. I am not a morning person so I have to have about half my cup of coffee down my throat before I can function . . . but it is so worth it.
The house is quiet and peaceful and there are no little ones or tasks demanding my attention. I usually read Jesus Calling followed by scripture reading and a short prayer time. I listen to worship music while I get ready and every so often have to stop my primping and raise my hands in the air. I try to remain in conversation with Jesus while I'm getting ready for the day. I also put my scripture memory verse for that week on my mirror so I can work on that as well. You know mamas have to multi-task!
The Maximize your Mornings (http://inspiredtoaction.com/ebook/) free ebook has helped me so much with this. Getting up and spending that time with the Lord before the day gets ahead of me has been the best thing for me. It's a new year, this is a great time to get into a new habit!
If you could tell women one thing today that would bring encouragement, what would it be?
There are times when life is just crazy and hard and you can't seem to carve out that extra time with the Lord. God has grace for that. This verse has always encouraged me, "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young." {Isaiah 40:11}. He gently leads us. Isn't that so good? Even if all you can do is cry out to the Lord in the shower or while you're folding laundry {again} or as you're cleaning up another mess, do it. Be in conversation with Him all throughout your day, through the good parts and the bad. He sees you. He is El Roi, The God Who Sees {Genesis 16:13}. He sees you and He is crazy about you.
Best Life Encourages our readers to visit Sara's blog " It's Good to Be Queen" at http://itsgoodtobequeen.net
Kathy's favorite things about this blog: Sara's love for her family, her devotion to God, her authenticity, creativity and her knack for finding fabulous things at the thrift store! |
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 The Bottom LineMovie Review: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Starring Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock & Thomas Horn
By Karen Barton
This movie is an adaptation of the bestselling book Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close written by Jonathan Safran Foer in 2005.
This film follows Oskar who has lost his father in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. A year after "the worst day," Oskar finds a key in his father's closet and believes that his dad must have left him a final message or a treasure of some sort that he must search for. Off of this one clue Oskar has regarding the key, he devises a plan that involves him tracking down one person in hundreds across the five boroughs of New York City.
 The movie shares that Oskar has been tested for Asperger's Syndrome, but that the results were "inconclusive". Oskar is a brilliant child, but obsessive and troubled, some of those fears including swings, old people, loud noises, crying, screaming, people looking up, tall buildings, bridges, public transportation, and talking with new people.
In addition to these fears, Oskar tells lies, screams hateful things at his mother, and pinches himself until he has bruises all over his torso. Oskar's father, Thomas (Hanks), seemed to be the only one who knew how to handle Oskar's quirks. So when Thomas is gone, Linda (Bullock) appears helpless. The relationship between mother and son crumbles.
I don't want to go any further with the plot in fear of giving too much away. I will tell you that the movie does have a few lighter moments and it does end on a high note with the message of love and hope.
Now that you have a faint overview to the plot of this film, let's get down to the nitty gritty. First things first: Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock are barely in this movie! I know! Any movie that has either of those two has got to be a winner. Let alone a movie that has BOTH of them...it's no question what movie I am going to see when I get to the theatre. So the word "starring" is quite misleading. The main character of this movie is their son, Oskar.
That aside, I did like the movie. I feel it is probably impossible to love a movie that involves 9/11. It was a tragic day. Period. Throw in a boy who lost his father and is having quite a bit of trouble dealing with his loss...needless to say, this movie is a highly emotional one. (Yes, bring Kleenex.) When it was over, no one in the theatre moved a muscle. Everyone just sat there trying to process it. Even though we all grieved with the events of 9/11, few of us lost a parent. I did find myself thinking of that during the movie. How challenging it must still be for those families that lost someone. I am at a loss for words. There is no way for anyone of us to take away that pain. God is needed there.
The bottom line: We are not alone. We all have a story, happy or sad. Oskar finds this out on his journey. Let us support and love one another on ours.
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Upcoming Best Life Conferences: Find One Near You!
 February 4, 2012
Westwood Community Church Excelsior, MN
February 24-25, 2012
NorthRidge Fellowship, Rogers, MN
March 10, 2012
Marshall Evangelical Free, Marshall, MN
March 30-31, 2012
Rising Sun Church of Christ, Des Moines, IA
April 21, 2012
Gateway Church,
Elk River, MN
April 28, 2012
Friendship Church,
Shakopee, MN
For more information, log onto www.bestlifeministries.com
 
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Songs That Encourage Our Hearts....and Help Make Things Better
- When I Am Afraid~ Laura Hackett
- God Will Lift Up Your Head~ Jars of Clay
- Hope in You~ Dave Herring Band
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 Best Life Ministries offers a 2012 Calendar
Featuring photos from Lexi Iskierka and Joshua Garland
With inspiring scripture and quotes from our Best Life staff, you will enjoy inspiration each month! For sale at our store on our site at http://bestlife.storenvy.com
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Welcome New Conference Coordinator, Jan Serumgard!
What a blessing you are to us!!! Thanking God for answered prayers. |
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Remember, it's never too late to make changes. Start today. Start living your best life!
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