|
|
|
Greetings!
At times, life's journey brings us tests. We are put into situations where God is stretching our faith, asking us to grow in Him, in who we are, and into who He wants us to become.
This month, Best Life wants to encourage you to take your time as you're working your way through a test. God has a plan and is creating us to become our BEST.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Passing the TestBy: Founder & Executive Director
Kathy A. Weckwerth
Isaiah 41:13 (NIV Bible)
"For I am the Lord, Your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.'"
Life is funny, isn't it? So very often we are faced with the same things over and over. We just got through something that was difficult and we tried to maneuver our way through the journey, finding, perhaps, a few tripped up spots along the path. Maybe we didn't handle an issue so well, or perhaps we said something that was just plain stupid. Maybe we snapped back at someone and lacked patience. Or perhaps we took something the wrong way and ended up bitter or resentful.
Do you know what I call these times? I call them our tests. As the years have gone by, I have come to realize that God will present me with a task that He wants me to learn at a deeper level and desires that I embrace it tightly, all the while walking confidently by my side, assuring me that He will give me wisdom.
But we don't always walk with wisdom. At times I find myself running in front of God (and at quite a distance I might add!) thinking that I know what's best for me, for others and at times ... for my relationship with God. Ugh. That's all I can say is ... ugh.
Here's what happens ...God has a do over. He says, "Oh, I'm sorry, Kathy. That was a 75% and you'll need at least a 97% to pass this test and move on." And I wait. And I watch. And then I see the same elements coming back in my pathway, and I'm walking through the same kind of test again. And I wish....how I wish...I would have done it right the first time!
I've walked through tests of courage. Will I be afraid?
I've walked through tests of anger. Will I display self-control?
I've walked through tests of patience. Will I endure?
I've walked through tests of loss. Will I be patient?
I've walked through tests of betrayal. Will I be bitter?
Over the past two weeks, my household has been praying without ceasing for our youngest daughter, Jenessa, and our middle daughter, Chandra. They have both been taking difficult tests and boards for their degrees. Both of them suffer from test anxiety. They will call me in a panic and tell me, "If I don't pass, I have to take it over! And then I'll be behind and it will be the worst!!!"
Sometimes it really feels like it is the worst when you take a test, fail it, and then find yourself in front of it again. That test begins to feel larger than life.
But here's what I've found out about God and passing the tests of life:
- He's in it with you.
- He wants you to succeed.
- The tests always serve a purpose.
- Once you pass, you can help others pass their tests.
- The tests make us stronger. They are faith-stretching, mind-building, and maturity growing.
What kinds of tests are you up against this month? Whatever it is, God will walk through it with you. Trust Him. Lean into His power and might. You'll be a better person when you pass the test.
For more from Executive Director, Kathy Weckwerth, read her blog at
http://bestlifeministries.com/best-life-lifelines/
|
|
Confidence In Christ
When we start thinking that our value comes from our jobs, or our families, our finances, our friends, or people's opinions of us, that's when God comes in to remind us that this is not truth.
Sometimes, that reminder can take the form of changing jobs, losing our finances, failing health, or whatever it takes for God to remind us that our value comes from the center, the core of who HE is, not who WE are.
7 Key Verses to Help You With Your Confidence Level
1. I am a child of God! (Jn 1:12) "Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." NIV Bible
2. I have a new life! (Col 3:4) "Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life-event though invisible to spectators-is with Christ in God. He is your life." The Message Bible
3. I will not be afraid! (II Timothy 1:7) "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control. " ESV Bible
4. I am starting out new and fresh! Isaiah 43: 19 "I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." NRSV Bible
5. I am not broken, but am whole in Christ! Col 2:9-10 "God's whole nature is living in Christ in human form. Because you belong to Christ, you have everything you need. He is the ruler over every power and authority." RSV Bible
6. I am free from blame! Rom 8:1-2"With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death." The Message Bible
7. I am confident! Phil. 4:13 "I can do everything by the power of Christ. He gives me strength." NIRV Bible
|
|
Am I Suffering from the Winter Blues or is this Depression?
By: Jenny Reimann, MSW LICSW
 | | Jenny Reimann, Counselor |
This has certainly been a very long winter. In Minnesota, the first snowfall started in October, with the most recent being April 22. That means we have had winter weather for about 6 months. That is a long time to have snow on the ground. Though it is not actually the snow that can result in low moods, it is the lack of natural sunlight that really affects us.
As most of us know, the sunlight hours are at their peak in June with between 14 and 16 hours of daylight. As December 20 approaches, we have been reduced to only about 8 hours of daylight. For some, this lack of light has little effect on them, but for others by October, they are already feeling significant changes in mood, energy level, and overall emotional well being.
How do you know if you are experiencing the Winter Blues or Clinical Depression? The two share many of the same symptoms, though the treatment is often different. It is valuable to make the distinction.
What are the Winter Blues?
The clinical term for the Winter Blues is SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and occurs typically the same time each year and whose symptoms include:
Depressed/low mood
Low Energy
Social withdrawal/Lack of social interest
Loss of Interest in previously enjoyable activities
Weight Gain
Craving sweets and carbohydrates
Oversleeping
Anxiety
Since the symptoms for Clinical Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are quite similar, it is most helpful to distinguish between the two by asking yourself the following questions:
-Have I experienced this depressed mood and other symptoms for at least two consecutive years, during the same season every year?
-Have my periods of depressed mood been followed by periods without depression?
-Are there any other causes for my depressed mood (job loss, grief, etc)?
If all of these are answered yes, then you may meet the criteria for Seasonal Affective Disorder. More than 6 percent of the US population suffer from SAD, with those living in the northern climates suffering most. Though SAD is distinguishable from clinical depression, it is no less serious and should be treated by a professional.
Specific causes for SAD are still relatively unknown but the lack of sunlight is thought to contribute to a disruption of your internal clock (sleep/wake disruption), a drop in seratonin levels which effects mood, and disruption in melatonin levels, which further disrupts sleep. Further more, those at higher risk are women, living far from the equator, family history of SAD, and history of depression.
If you believe that you or someone you know has SAD, there are many options for treatment. The most common and effective ways to treat SAD are as follows:
Light Therapy
Psychotherapy
Increased exercise
Medication
Vitamins
Creating an overall sunnier/brighter everyday environment
Getting outside regularly
Participate in outside activities (snowmobiling, sledding, skiing)
Plan/leave for a vacation
Though there is no way to prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), it can be managed. Being aware of the symptoms, knowing your body, and being open to trying to experiences will have a positive impact on your mood throughout the winter months.
For More Information: http://reimanncounselingclinic.com
|
|
 | | Author, Dr. Mary Schulze Michener |
BLM's Speaker & Author
Dr. Mary Schulze Michener
An Interview With Mary about her upcoming book entitled, Clean Your Inner House
BLM: You have a new book coming out shortly entitled Clean Your Inner House. What is your book about?
Mary: My book uses Hebrews 12: 25-29, and delves into the concept of a thorough house cleaning, framing the experiences God took me through, so that we are clear and uncluttered just as He says in that scripture. It is with great joy that I am able to tell others that He can and will take away the slightest residue that we carry from all of life's burdens. Whether it's feeling dirty from abuse, or feeling shame from harsh words spoken over us, God is not an indifferent bystander. He will bring a thorough cleaning. To be honest, I didn't believe it until He did it for me. Now I know, if He would do it for me, He will do it for all of us.
The story allows the reader to see that with God, they too can be free. There is more than hope in these pages. It offers tangible tools and resources for further study. Most importantly, it leaves the reader brimming with worship for the One True God who loves them deeply and personally.
BLM: If you were to hope that women would take away one key point from your book, what would that be?
Mary: We all carry burdens that life has given us. The vision for this book is to allow the reader to see how great God's desire is to get rid of everything that puts a sense of emptiness, sadness, or shame into our hearts, and only then we can pursue wholeness.
BLM: How do you think this will encourage women who have not suffered from abuse?
Mary: We have all suffered wounds and brokenness in some way or another. Clean Your Inner House takes a personal story and delivers tools to strengthen your relationship with God, restore relationships within your life and create a sense of wholeness and purpose.
For More From Mary, log onto www.marymichener.com
|
|
Passing the Tests ... Learning the Lessons
Jeremiah 31:23-28
 | | Photo by: Kristi Bundy |
The NIV Worship Bible
"Thank You, Father, that You do not leave Your people without hope: When You discipline us, You do not abandon us. You watch over us through the hard times, rooting up and tearing down our sinfulness, making room for fruitfulness and restoration."
Dear Jesus, Help me to learn your lessons quickly. Help me to grow my faith in you, stretch my mind and heart towards Your will, and mature in my walk so that I may pass the tests You put in front of me. Amen. |
|
In the Kitchen With Chef Josh Garland
Spring Veggie Medley Salad!
 Spring is a time for fresh starts, new beginnings, and growth! This recipe is packed full of fresh ingredients, new flavors, and vegies that thrive in cool, crisp, spring air. This is not your average "salad bar special," yet it's simple and easy to make. Try enjoying a serving of this salad while sitting in the sunshine and enjoying God's gift of Spring. Be careful though, you might be tempted to go in for a second helping ... but who cares? After all, it's only salad! · Spring Veggie Medley Salad 6-8 cups fresh spinach 1/3 cup finely chopped celery 1/4 cup chopped green onions 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 16 roasted asparagus spears (directions below) 1/2 cup roasted chopped peppers (directions below/I used a combination of sweet red and yellow peppers) 1/3 cup roughly chopped candied nuts 1 tablespoon sugar 2 cups day old bread Extra virgin olive oil Salt and Pepper
Directions for Salad:
-Set oven to 400 degrees.
-Roughly chop cleaned asparagus into bite size pieces. Next, combine the chopped asparagus and chopped peppers in a bowl. Lightly coat the vegetable mixture with olive oil (about 2 teaspoons,) season with salt and pepper to taste, place on a baking sheet, and roast in the oven for 15 minutes. Stir the vegetable mixture after 15 minutes. Then, return the vegetables to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Once the vegetables have finished roasting, remove them from the oven. Chill them in the refrigerator while you make the rest of the salad.
-While the vegetable mixture is chilling, tear approximately 2 cups of day old bread into bite size crouton pieces. Place the bread pieces in a bowl. Coat the bread with 2 teaspoons of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Then, place the bread pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until crunchy (stir occasionally to prevent burning.) Cool croutons completely.
-While the roasted vegetable and croutons cool, place the chopped nuts in a small sauté pan along with 1 Tablespoon of white sugar. Toast the nuts on medium heat for a few minutes or until the sugar becomes golden and caramelizes (be careful not to cook them for too long. They burn fast!) Once the sugar is caramelized, remove the candied nuts from the pan and cool them on a heatproof surface.
-Combine spinach, celery, green onions, feta (reserve some feta for garnish on top,) roasted vegetables, and candied nuts in a large bowl. Then, toss the salad mixture with desired amount of homemade dressing, and top with toasted croutons. Garnish with remaining feta.
· Mustard Garlic Vinaigerette
1 tablespoon white sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, (finely minced or mashed into paste)
Whisk together sugar, salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard, olive oil and garlic. Pour onto salad. Enjoy! 
|
|
Emma's Movies and Music
 | |
BLM's Critic: Emma |
This month's Review: The Encounter (2010)
I turned the tv on the other night, looking for something great to watch. Flipping through the channels, it seemed like the choices were limitless, but nothing sounded good, until I saw the preview for the movie that would come on at 8:00 p.m. And then I realized it...WAIT!!!! It was the same actor that played Jesus in the Bible movie. It was Bruce Marchiano. And....wait for it....once again, he was playing Jesus.
The story is interesting. It's edgy. It's creative. There are moments that it drags, and moments that it flies. And there are moments when I cried. Yes, I cried.
Five strangers end up at a remote diner in the middle of nowhere. The chef, Jesus, cooks for them, feeds them, and chats with them about their life's choices and the direction they're headed.
Emma's Opinion : If you feel like you've got 85 minutes to be reminded that Jesus knows you, loves you, believes in you, and cares about every minute of your life ....it'll be worth it! I promise. |
|
BLM Delivering Our Conferences!
 | | Rachael Warner from Normandale Hylands United Methodist Church with Kathleen |
Upcoming Conference Dates:
May 11, 2013-Frank Lake Church in the Grove, Benson, MN
September 28, 2013, Bethany Reformed Church, Clara City, MN
For more information about either of these conferences, or to host a conference at your location, Please log onto our website@ www.bestlifeministries.com
 | | Mary Michener & Dr. Deb at New Joy Church, Rogers, MN |
|
 | |
BLM Worship Leader, Christy Freeman |
BLM Welcomes our new worship leader,
Christy Freeman
For More Information
|
 | | Happy Mother's Day!!! May 12th |
|
|
Remember, it's never too late to make changes. Start today. Start living your best life!
|
|
|
|
|
|
