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Greetings!
There are days when we face doors that we must walk through, or walk away from. Those doors usually represent steps of faith.
Join the Best Life Ministries Staff, and some of our friends, as we take a closer look at the way we react to the doors that God places in front of us, and how we ultimately respond to His calling. Are we shrinking back in fear, or stepping up in faith and allowing God to bring new adventures and a new calling with new opportunitiess?
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 DOOR BUSTERS: When God Stretches Our Faith
Kathy A. Weckwerth
Rev 3:7 (MSG)
"See, I have placed in front of you an open door that no one can shut."
My girls are infamous deal shoppers. They are the crazy-ones, who get up at 3:00 a.m. for the "door busters" sales that take place on Black Friday.
They will do their best for the best deal.
So, I wasn't surprised when Jenessa came to me a couple of weeks ago and said, "Mom, there's a set of towels I want, advertised in the "door buster" sale. Do you want to go with me?"
Storming the doors of some store for the best deal is not my idea of fun. Hear my heart... I want the deal, but I don't feel like doing the work to storm the doors.
But this morning I realized that God has been stirring in my mind now, these past few months, to open up scripture to the "door busters" of the Bible. And so, I sipped my ice tea, patted my dogs head, and opened up the Word of God to the book of Esther. Yesterday, God called me to the book of Daniel to study being thrown in the lion's den, and to Genesis to study Noah and the flood.
I felt His continual prodding, day and night, to stretch and look farther, deeper into His Word and my lifestory, and to step up to the doors He was opening.
These stories are made up of our heritage. These are the characters that are the "Door Busters" of this life.
There is Daniel, refusing to worship any god except the real God.
There is Noah, leading animals into an ark, two by two, when people think he's crazy.
And today, there is Queen Esther, saying to Mordecai, in Esther 4:15b, "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
Some would say they were crazy. Some would even say they were plain stupid.
But they are the first ones at the door of the unknown....of the impossible....of the unseen saying.... "I'm here...bright and early...ready to go for whatever God has. My faith has moved me. I'm walking through now...and with God's help...busting down the impossible for the best deal....God's deal...the real deal."
Join me this week in busting down any of the doors that God says we need to go through. His Word tells us in Rev. 3:7 (this is my life verse right now)
" These are the words of Him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut."
All praise, honor and glory, to the God of the open doors.
Let's be Door Busters, faith builders and mountain movers.
 | | Outside New BLM Headquarters |
Join the Best Life Ministries Staff, and our friends, as we take a closer look at the way we deal with life when we're in need of becoming a Door Buster!
For more from Executive Director, Kathy Weckwerth, read her blog at http://bestlifeministries.com/best-life-lifelines/
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Expanding Our Faith
By: Riley Erickson
"We plant the seeds; God causes the growth."
It started with my choice to delay making a call to a friend in another state. I had been putting it off for weeks because I knew what I had to say would inevitably change the way things had been going up to that point. Frankly, I was nervous and somewhat afraid to venture into those waters. Some advice from a trusted friend during the week had me convinced that I needed to make the call, but I was still unsure about the timing. With hindsight, it became clear I was the one who needed a spurt of growth in my faith, and God used specific friends and family to plant the necessary seeds for that to be accomplished.
The following weekend, I made the trip with my family from Minnesota to Kansas to attend a cousin's high school graduation. As I lounged in the captain's chair in the middle row of the SUV our relatives affectionately call "the bus," I joked with my uncle that I needed the DVD player on to survive the trip across town. As the screen lit up, I couldn't help but smile as I recognized the animation of a Veggie Tales movie. Twenty seconds in, it became apparent it was no mistake I was watching this, with the story recounting a point in Gideon's life where he was looking for a sign to know God's direction in dealing with the Midianites (Judges 6:11-40). As the happenings with the dew and the fleece unfolded, I felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit as a thought entered my mind. It was as if God asked "How many more signs do you need to see before you realize what you need to do?"
The day before I finally made the call to my friend, God was still making it remarkably evident that He was orchestrating the whole thing. I smiled in amazement as my devotional for that day covered Isaiah 43:1-4, declaring "Do Not Fear." The ensuing day, I literally laughed out loud as the next devotional was entitled "Taking Risks." The story from Acts 15 was of a different context than the situation I was going through, but I immediately felt that calming peace that no matter the outcome of my conversation, God was still God and I still belonged to Him.
"Grow where you're planted."
I've witnessed this short but thoughtful expression in vinyl letters decorating a wall, and again adorning a piece of parched paper encased in a rustic picture frame. The frequency I hear or see those words is uncommon enough, that it still makes an impact. Maybe my fondness for it stems from all those years of mowing lawns during the summers between schooling, or perhaps more likely, it is a testament to wise words withstanding the test of time.
Sometimes growth in an area of our life or faith is a well-marked and identifiable path. At other times, it can be disguised as a conversation, or hidden in the last-minute choice to tag along for a ride in the car. For seemingly disparate happenings to contain a uniquely common thread is evidence to the boundless imagination of our Heavenly Father in His persistent ways of making sure He has our attention.
Growing and expanding in our faith as we walk with Jesus does not come easy. As with all growth, sometimes it's awkward or painful, and at other times we don't have a desire to grow because we've become comfortable with the way things are.
In order to be the person we are called to be and live a life that is worthy of Christ's sacrifice, we need to be willing to let go of fear and take a risk.
Is there an area of your life where God has been giving you signs or nudging change?
Make the effort to grow where He has planted you.
The outcome may not be what we expect, but we have full assurance that His plan is better than anything we could ever conceive on our own.
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Ask Dr. Deb:
Help! I'm Tired All the Time
Question: Hi, Dr. Deb, I seem to be tired all the time! With kids, work, and after school activities...I'm exhausted. I'm getting about 6 hours of sleep a night. Is that enough? How many should my kids be getting?
Answer: Most adults need somewhere between six and eight hours of sleep per night in order to stay healthy and feel their best.
We live at such a hectic pace that many of us have a sleep deficit of several hours per week. It is difficult to make the deficit up, with just 1-2 extra hours of sleep on the weekend.
If you ARE getting enough hours of sleep and are still tired, I would recommend discussing your fatigue with your doctor. It may be that your fatigue has a different cause such as sleep apnea or depression.
Stress and no time for "self" can also add to fatigue. It is important to allow yourself time for recharging your batteries with activities that give you time to relax. Spending time with God reading, journaling, and praying can be very restorative.
Your kids need at least 8-9 hours of sleep nightly. If they do not get enough rest, they may have problems with irritability, poor attention span, and mood swings just like adults do.
Be kind to both yourself and your family by making it a priority to get enough rest every night!!
Yours in Health and in Him,
Dr. Deb
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Becoming a Door Buster
Isaiah 43:16-21, Phillipians 3:13-14 The NIV Worship Bible
"Lord, please open my eyes of faith. Help me to see the new things You are doing. Help me to let go of my past successes as well as my failures. Please do not allow me to lean on my own strength, or to use my weakness as an excuse: but help me to be fully dependent on You for this day, this hour, this moment.
You can make a way through the overwhelming floods, and You can make a way through the desolate places as well."
I come to you now, Lord, as I stand at this new door, asking You to help me have faith.
Let my heart desire the strength to not only open the door, but bust through whatever it represents.
Help me become a door buster. Amen.
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Chandra Jean's BESTS
 | | Chandra |
· Best Anthem
When Shania Twain's "That Don't Impress Me Much" plays on my iPod shuffle, I can't help but smiling. It's such a fun tune that reminds me of when my mother and I would dance around the house as we baked cookies or cleaned.
· Best Night Out
I was in Disneyworld with my family, when Magic Kingdom was closing. They traditionally have their fireworks show as they play "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes." As I saw the fireworks popping in bursts of iridescent colors, tears came to my eyes because I thought of the adversities my mother, sisters, and I had experienced together. Recalling the lyrics Cinderella sings, "No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish that will come true." I knew that it was a new beginning for us, and that our dreams would soon come true, because though we had grieved many days, we never lost our faith.
· Best Mood Booster
The best mood boosters are those I learned from my mother. I usually put on some good music wherever I am and get a latte or a little treat of sorts. I also love to call my 3 year old nephew, Jonah, and hear the cute things he has to say. He makes it hard not to smile.
· Best Surprise Gift
I was 5 years old when I descended the stairs early on Christmas morning. Much to my surprise, a completely assembled Barbie Townhouse was near the tree. It has been my favorite gift and memory over the years.
· Best Advice
Throughout my journey, I have collected pieces of advice from so many people that have carried me through hard times, or helped me navigate through life. One favorite saying is, "Rejection is God's protection!" It hurts to be rejected or have our plans rejected, but He always knows what's best for us. Another saying I hold onto, is when I get overwhelmed with 8 exams in a week and my Grandma will tell me, "Take it one day at a time and the Lord will see you through it!" That always helps me reign in my anxiety.
For More Fun "Bests" from Chandra Jean, watch for her upcoming article in the next YOUR BEST summer issue! |
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Set your table with FUN ideas, fresh flowers, Grandma's blue Ball jars, and colorful napkins!
The BEST Summer Picnics...Ever
Making Family Time Extra Special
We liked the idea of taking an old door, painting it, using stencils with fun descriptive words like "picnic, summer days, and family", attaching it to 2 sawhorses, and getting ready to enjoy summer time together! We loved the idea of finding 4 old chairs at a thrift store, or garage sale, painting them red, white, or navy blue, and using them with the picnic table!
To make outdoor times extra special, plan the menu, invite the friends and head outside!
Our BEST Menu for Your Summer Picnics
Cold Fried Chicken
The BEST Potato Salad ****recipe below
Lays Potato Chips
Pickles, Olives, and Celery Sticks
Pink Lemondae
Picnic Fudgy Brownies ****recipe below
The BEST Potato Salad....Ever 
8 medium red potatoes, cooked & diced
1 ½ cup Hellmann's Mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 Tablespoon French's Yellow Mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
2 celery ribs, sliced into small pieces
½ cup yellow onion chopped finely
5 hard boil eggs, peeled and chopped into small chunks
Paprika
Parsley
Boil the red potatoes until tender. Cool and dice with skins on, into small chunks. In separate mixing bowl, mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, garlic powder, pepper with a wire whisk until thoroughly mixed. Into separate large mixing bowl, stir together red potatoes, celery, and onion. Gently add in the mayonnaise mixture, without over stirring. Gently fold in eggs to mixture. Top with sprinkle of paprika and sprig of parsley.
Chill. (note..best if chilled overnight, stored in tightly sealed container).
Remember: Always keep your potato salad out of the sun, and completely chilled on ice until the moment you're ready to eat. Enjoy!
Picnic Fudgy Brownies
4 eggs
2 cups white sugar
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 squares chocolate (melted)
2 sticks butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts
Cream the eggs and sugar until smooth. Melt chocolate and butter together on stove top. Cool and add to sugar mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add to the egg, sugar and chocolate mixture. Add vanilla. Pour into greased and floured 11x15 pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes. Do not over bake. Let cool.
Frosting for Brownies
¼ cup butter
¼ cup cocoa
¼ cup milk
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
Combine all ingredients on medium heat, except vanilla, and bring to a rolling boil. Boil for one minute. Add vanilla and beat with a wooden spoon until gloss starts to disappear. Spread on cooled brownies. Cut and enjoy!
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Host a Conference at Your Location!
There is still time for a fall conference and we have openings in Sept & October!
We are also beginning to book confernces for Spring 2013 with our topic:
Closed Doors, Open Windows: God Possibilities
For more information, log onto www.bestlifeministries.com
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(Is. 58:12) "Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings." |
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 Headquarters for BLM Celebrate the Goodness of God!!!
Over the past two years, I have felt a calling from God, deep within my spirit. A calling to stretch, grow and expand our ministry, but with just one of me out here working on the things that make conferences happen, it seemed like an overwhelming task for God to say,
"Think bigger, Kathy!"
As I prayed and sought God, He provided several older neighbors who came along side of me and said God was speaking to them (none of them knew what He was saying to the others) that we should look at purchasing a church.
A church? How could that be possible? Dean and I discussed it, but where was there a church we could possibly afford?
The very next morning, the same neighbors who spoke to me the night before, suggesting the church idea, called to say they saw it on the front page of the local paper.... a church was for sale on Craigslist for $1.00. That church was located 20 miles from our home.
What joy and excitement arose in our hearts as we walked into this church, built in 1900, only to discover the overwhelming presence and pleasure of God!
The verse that God had given to me to deliver to the team several months earlier, was etched on my heart, but He had given the same scripture, in a different translation to Kathleen, a staff member, as she had been praying and seeking God for us about the future. That scripture was one of many pieces that affirmed what God said about raising up the ancient foundations. We would move the church.
For those of you who didn't know, God put us on, what I like to call, "The Moving Sidewalk Syndrome." We could try to get off the moving sidewalk, but why? When He's got you going at a fast pace and it's what He wants, why fight Him? We decided to watch God, lean into faith, and give Him glory.
This summer, the old church will be moved into the grove on our farm in Benson. The grove has trees encircling it, but nothing will grow inside. As Dean measured out where the church will go, it is not a surprise to us, or to the neighbors, or to the zoning commissioner, that God had bigger plans for the grove, than growing trees. Trees would not grow there because He is growing ministry there instead.
Since the news has come out in the paper, 3 tv shows have connected with us to follow the journey of the move. Radio stations and papers are excited and writing about it! Even the Chicago Tribune picked up the story last month. We GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY....for He alone opens and closes doors for us. He puts the right people in your path, when You seek Him, and we give Him honor for His amazing help.
Join us in prayer, and spread the word that we will be seeking people to help us with the work that will need to be accomplished to further God's work through our ministry. Shingles, a bathroom, a foundation, the actual move etc, we're looking for people who know their craft, and want to volunteer!! Remember, if you want to donate to the ministry of Best Life, to assist in bringing conferences to smaller churches who can't afford it, log onto our site and DONATE today!
We're giving God the glory. This is about Him, about an old church that sat vacant for 32 years, and just happened to become available 15 hours after our neighbors said, "God's pressing into my heart that you should look for a church," and about a ministry that is growing and wants to build up from a FIRM foundation. Not just a building's foundation, but God's foundation...and I believe that we at Best Life will not only have the foundation of the ancient ruins that have gone before us, but of all the dear souls who prayed, worshiped, and served God within the walls.
To say that we're praising God is an understatement.
To say that I stand in the grove and sing "I Stand in Awe of You" is this musician's statement.
As Grandma would say.....Our hearts are filled and overflowing.
Glory to God.
 
Tin ceilings, colored glass windows, oak pews, oak floors, a crazy old organ & an old upright piano adorn this 1900's Frank Lake Covenant Church that Best Life has purchased for its headquarters.
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 Welcome New Conference Coordinator/Assistant, Mary Weckwerth
My friend, my sister-in-law, my neighbor, and a supporter to Best Life Ministries, Mary Weckwerth
has graciously accepted the position as the
Conference Coordinator.
Mary served this past Spring at several of our conferences, and we realized that her help was invaluable!
I am so thankful to have Mary as part of the team! Please remember to welcome her @ mary@bestlifeministries.com
As we work on obtaining confernces, if you know of a church or location that is interested in booking our conference for fall 2012, or our new conference " Closed Doors/Open Windows: A Conference of God's Possibilities, please connect with us at kathy@bestlifeministries.com
or 320-444-6082. |
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Remember, it's never too late to make changes. Start today. Start living your best life!
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