Living Your Best Life!

So often in our trials we cry out to God for help and expect Him to answer. But what if we began to cry out to God in the good and the bad.

This month, Best Life Ministries wants to encourage you that God wants a daily relationship with each one of us and provides that through His Son, Jesus.

Welcome Spring ... as we clean out the closets of our hearts and minds and take on new, fresh attitudes towards reading God's Word, prayer, and being energized!

APRIL 2014

Photo by: Wendy Ebert

A Deeper Relationship

By: Kathy A. Weckwerth, Exec. Director

Listening to God and His Word becomes harder and harder to do as He competes in the noise of our world.

Every day, the alarm buzzes and begins the whirl of sounds and things that compete for our attention. As we race to prepare for our next adventure, we breeze past the one thing that will be our life jacket ... God and His Word!

When I was a little girl, I remember every Wednesday so very clearly in my mind. I would get home from school, Mom would have two parker house rolls slathered with peanut butter, and a tall glass of cold milk, and I'd spend some time working on my homework.

After I'd finish my homework, usually taking place at the big green table in our dining room, I'd clear my spot and set the table for a light and quick meal with my parents.

Once we cleared the dishes, my mother would send me to the living room to add any additional chairs and make sure everything was in tip top shape for the company.

Our company consisted of a wonderful man named Scotty and his wife, Big Brenda with her daughter little Brenda, another couple with two small children, a couple of widows, and my parents.

I cleared off a spot in the kitchen and taught the young children, while Mom and Dad opened their Bibles and my father led the Wednesday night prayer study. We always closed our evening in prayer and yummy treats!

Wednesdays made me realize the value of God's Word, and how critical it is to be implementing its values, morals, and teachings into our everyday walk. Every Thursday, I felt a little stronger, problems seemed a little lighter.

This year, our Best Life conference is about being overwhelmed and how to combat that problem. We talk about the fact that we need to put on the life jacket of a relationship with Jesus each morning, and zip up that jacket with the Word of God and the power of prayer. We need a more meaningful relationship with God and we need His Son Jesus to help us through each day.

When we're wearing the life jacket on our Lake of Life, we will be able to remain steadfast with Jesus and not be overwhelemed in the water as Peter was in Matthew 14.

The value of Wednesday night prayer meeting taught me something that has carried through my entire life, and that is: meeting with God, meeting with Him (can be so much fun while including your study with others) in prayer and Bible study is the crux of life. We must do this or we will not be our best, we will have a shallow waters relationship with God.

Grab your Bible and start reading. Start with small passages. Start with the Psalms or Matthew.

Next, begin timing out prayers throughout your day, including one in the morning, one at lunch, and one at night.

And finally, call your friends and meet on Wednesday (or any day) for coffee and prayer. It's time to start living a deeper life ... a richer life with God. Time is short. Let's get our life jackets on!

For more from Executive Director,

Kathy A. Weckwerth,

you can find her blog, "Lifelines" at

http://bestlifeministries.com/best-life-lifelines/,

or you can follow her at kathyweckwerth.com

Wooed By The Word

By: Tiffany Felty

When I walk outside, two things thrill my senses: birdsong and caressing breezes. I thrill to birdsong because it reminds me that all creation is alive to God, responding to His good provision with songs of praise.

I thrill to the breeze because it reminds me of God's Spirit, blowing where it will to renew the face of the earth.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Cor. 3:17). When the wind caresses my face, I feel God gently loving on me. At the center of a vibrant relationship with God is this belief that He is always pursuing us. Some of us may feel like time alone with God is empty, dry, and silent... We feel disconnected and don't hear Him. We need a paradigm shift in our thinking.

Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God, says that connecting with God is not about duty but about love: "People who struggle to spend time with God don't have a scheduling problem; they have a love problem... I keep my time alone with God not in order to have a relationship but because I have a relationship." When we become convinced that God is love, that He is a pursuer, that His desire is to woo us, win us, and wed us to Himself forever, our relationship with Him ignites!

The Jews get this. In a few days, they'll celebrate Shavuot (the Feast of Firstfruits or Ingathering). Shavuot occurs 50 days after Passover. To prepare, Jews decorate their homes as if for a wedding. They hang garlands of flowers, offer the best grain and fruit from their crops, and prepare oodles of dairy treats (like cheesecake and baklava) to remember how God brought them to a land flowing with milk and honey. The men spend 24 hours together reading from Torah. They celebrate God's Word, because on Pentecost, 50 days after their deliverance from slavery, God's people arrived at Mount Sinai and received the 10 Commandments. The Jews treat this Feast like a wedding because they believe God wed them to Himself through the Word. It was on Pentecost, 50 days after the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, that His followers were filled with the Holy Spirit and transformed from the inside out.

Let us approach Bible Study with this one thought: God is crazy about me and wants to woo me with His Word! Remember, Bible Study is not so much about scheduling as it is about a love relationship.

Use the word "D.A.T.E." as a helpful acronym:

Desperate Prayer. Be honest with God and yourself. Use the Psalms to give voice to your emotions.

Active Obedience: Read the Word and do it. When a verse jumps at you, wait for God to reveal what He wants you to stop doing, start doing, or do differently. Obedience grows faith and pleases God.

Treasured Promises: Every promise is "yes" and "amen" in Jesus. When a verse resonates with your heart, memorize it.

Engaged Senses: God wants all of you. Cultivate an awe of Him through your senses.

tree and field

Thrill at the design and intricacy in creation. Lift up hands, shout, jump

and dance in active worship of God. The more you release to Him, the more access you give His Spirit. God wants us to be so full of Him that His love spills out in blessing upon the lives of those around us! Joyful pursuing and wondrous wooing!

Photo by: Alexis Iskierka

Matthew 5:8

"Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God."

Dear Jesus, today, I pray that you will clean the corners of my heart. I pray that you will dust off the cobwebs of laziness, brush out the debris of unforgiveness, and polish up the windows of your love so I might shine before others. Help me to be free of sin. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Justin Hildebrand

10 Power Foods for Men or Your Man!

by: Dr. Justin Hildebrand, DC

Men's Health recently printed an article discussing power foods for men. These foods are considered power foods because they benefit at least 2 health categories of the following: building muscle, heart health, metabolism, and immunity. Let's discuss these foods and what they actually provide for the body.

1. Bison or Buffalo for muscle and metabolism- Bison is a very

lean meat so it still has the protein and B Vitamins, but packs around half the fat as beef. As does beef, bison contains zinc (great for immunity) and selenium (an antioxidant and helps DNA reproduction). Bison and all red meats are healthiest when grass fed and grass finished, as well as being antibiotic and hormone free.

2. Kefir for heart and immunity- Kefir is a fermented milk product packed full of protein and prebiotics/probiotics. Kefir may be full of vitamins and good gut bacteria, but the jury is still out if you ask me. The benefits may sound great, but Kefir is also full of lactase, yeast and grains, which are three common food sensitivities.

3. Kamut for heart and metabolism-Kamut is an old world grain which can be used instead of wheat. Kamut contains more protein and fiber than traditional flours, and many nutrients that make it a sufficient antioxidant. This grain contains more gluten than wheat so should not be consumed by celiac or gluten sensitive individuals. However, Kamut is non-GMO (non-genetically modified organism), cannot be crossbred with another plant, and is always organic.

4. Cauliflower for metabolism and immunity-Cauliflower contains many of the same nutrients as broccoli but can be prepared in many pleasing ways, such as mashing and rice. Cauliflower's benefits help repair DNA and thwart cancer (especially prostate cancer).

5. Sauerkraut for metabolism and immunity- Another fermented food filled with good bacteria and also contains documented anticancer compounds. It is also low in calories and high in calcium and magnesium. Additionally, it is a very good source of dietary fiber, folate, iron, potassium, copper and manganese.

6. Sprouted Grains for heart and metabolism- These grains have triple the fiber, four times the niacin, and twice of the B6 as traditional grains. Most interestingly, these grains have properties that help control blood sugar. Sprouted grains can be wheat, spelt, buckwheat, etc.

7. Prunes for heart and metabolism- Prunes have been a home remedy for digestive issues for centuries, but prunes offer many more benefits. The high fiber content helps with blood sugar and studies have shown that prunes can reduce the LDL (or bad cholesterol) in the blood stream.

8. Mussels for muscle and metabolism- Mussels are a protein rich food that is low in fat. Mussels have a combination of nutrients that help with recovery from exercise. They are also a good source of zinc and folate.

9. Macadamia Nuts for heart and metabolism- These nuts are very high in monounsaturated fats, which are the heart healthiest of the fats. Macadamia nuts contain Omega-7 fatty acids, which are believed to be beneficial for skin health and preventing/counteracting insulin resistance.

10. Chard for heart and metabolism- Chard is considered one of the healthiest vegetables available. Chard contains high amounts of Vitamin K which is known to slow arterial calcification and is also high in Vitamin A. These leafy green are a well rounded, nutrient rich food.

Yours in health,

Dr. Justin Hildebrand, DC

Encouraging Scripture About God's Word

Psalms 119:105, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

John 17:17 , "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

Ephesians 6:17, "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Romans 10:17, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Hebrews 4:12, " For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

II Timothy 3:16-17, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

April Morning Muffins

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup unbleached flour, sifted

1 teaspoon cinnamon

� teaspoon allspice

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup vegetable oil

1 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

3 eggs

1/4 cup molasses

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup shredded carrots

� cup golden raisins

3/4 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine flour, cinnamon, allspice, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. In another bowl, combine oil, sugar, eggs, molasses and vanilla with an electric mixer. Add shredded carrot and mix. Add raisins and pecans and mix well by hand.

Pour flour mixture into the other ingredients and stir until combined. Pour batter into two ungreased 8-inch loaf pans. Bake for 60 minutes, or until done.

April Favorite Singles

Lift Me Up - The Afters

Me Without You - Toby Mac

Spring Clean Up: Porch & Patio Area

After the long winter months (especially here in Minnesota!), we are ready to head outdoors and enjoy Spring. Our porches and patio areas are places that have become storage spots for old chairs, broken umbrellas, and the kid's muddy boots, along with mud and sand that is ground in to our tiles and cement. It's time to work through your space and once again make it a haven for relaxation.

Clear Clutter: Gather all garbage pieces and dispose of properly, recycling any old magazines, newspapers or empty bottles and debris.

Clear Area Completely: Remove all furniture from porch area or patio and set aside. Get rid of anything damaged or broken.

Sweep Clean: Take a hard bristled brush and attack all cobwebs, and window screens. Next, take a sturdy broom to sweep all dirt and grime. If working on your patio area, take a garden hose with attachment and spray down all brick, cement, stone, as well as patio furniture. Try the Proline Push-broom Bristle Floor Brush for $$31.99 at Overstock.com

Make Windows Shine: Use ammonia based window cleaner such as Windex Outdoor All-in-One or make your own with 7 pints of cool water poured into a bucket. Add � c. of sudsing household ammonia & 1 pt household rubbing alcohol. Tint with 2 drops of blue food coloring. Stir mixture with gloved hand. To dry windows without streaks, use crumpled newspaper.

Dry Area Thoroughly: While the area is drying, sort through any pieces that you do not need for your area. The porch and patio should display simplistic pieces that make your relaxing times feel fabulous.

Focus on What's Important: What do you use when you're on the porch or patio? Do you need a small table to set snacks and drinks? Check out the cast aluminum outdoor bistro table and chairs from overstock.com for $141.99. Or perhaps you would like some extra planters with flowers to brighten the area. Check out Adam's Deluxe Garden Planter for $31.98 or Mayne 5865-W16x16 Planter White for $99.97 at walmart.com.

Utilize Storage Bins: For your porch or patio area, you should have at least two storage containers. 1. Store-outdoor equipment for games, such as baseball mitts and balls, volleyballs and nets etc. 2. Store-Barbequing utensils, charcoal, lighter fluid etc. If you like to keep your outdoor area really organized, check out the Suncast outdoor hose handler for $40.48 at wayfair.com.

Birdhouses, Birdfeeders, Fire pits, and Outdoor lighting: are some of the great things that make outdoors an enjoyable visit with nature. Find simple birdhouses (even at Goodwill!) and hang up to entice birds to visit.

Help Floors & Patio Stay Clean: By purchasing a heavy outdoor rug. Martha Stewart offers a variety of heavy duty and appealing rugs at Home Depot ranging from $49-249.00.

Take 10 Minutes a day to keep clean and enjoy the great outdoors!

Introducing,

Founder & Executive Director of Best Life Ministries,

Kathy A. Weckwerth's

latest book ...

be.attitudes

a 10 Week Women's Bible Study

be.attitudes is a 10 week Bible study of Jesus' beatitudes found in Matthew chapter 5. When Jesus taught His disciples and followers on the mountainside, He delivered the attitudes of the heart that every Christ-follower should embrace and apply into their daily walk.

Using personal real-life stories, along with Biblical truths, Kathy will help you to discover the values behind each of the beatitudes, develop a deeper trust in Jesus, and implement heart-attitudes that can make the difference between a problematic life, and one that is blessed.

To pre-order your books for $9.99, and use for your personal devotions or group studies, email kathy@bestlifeministries.com

What's Happening at the Grove?

Weekly Bible Studies on

Tuesdays at 5:45 p.m. and

Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m.

Saturday, May 3, 2014~ BLM Women's Sink, Swim, or Set Sail! Conference

(free will offering & lunch provided)

Monthly events are planned from June-December so be sure to check on our site.

Saturday, September 13, 2014~Training Day for men & women 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Coming Your Way!

April 5, 2014

Friendship

Church

Shakopee, MN

April 13, 2014

Cross of Glory Church Hopkins, MN

May 3, 2014

Church in the Grove, Benson, MN

There's still room in our schedule for a conference this spring at your location!

For more information, log onto www.bestlifeministries.com

Best Life Ministries offers a

great selection of

purses, shirts, and jewelry online!

For sale at our store on our site at http://bestlife.storenvy.com

You can find out more about Best Life Ministries by visiting our website at www.bestlifeministries.com

Remember, it's never too late to make changes. Start today. Start living your best life!

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