Just thought that I'd continue the discussion. I know that my own personal relationship with Christ is of upmost importance. Prayer & staying in the Word goes without saying. Just looking for any practical ideas? I know that I'm not the only one that gets discouraged occasionally.
The biggest help for me during times of trials has been having a friend or two who I can be open and honest with down to the very core. Having them throw cold water in my face so to speak to snap me out of it helps. Having them speak truth, give me their perspective of the situation helps a lot. It is so easy for us to "isolate" ourselves to protect our hearts and family, we must have someone we can go to outside our churches. Oh I believe we can have those same relationships with someone in our churches as well but I truly believe we need to have that one or two people outside the church to help us stay focused. Someone told me once, when hit with trials that affect your ministry...sit down and write out your vision again and compare it to that vision, and ask this question "Is this situation affecting me from reaching this vision/goal? If it is what can I do about it and what can I believe God can do about it? If it is not and its a distraction, you need to find scripture that is a promise (stands against) that which is the root of the problem.
Yes absolutelycrackedopen4Him, I do the same thing - I have a few friends I tell everything to, and they are air tight with it. The only people I have that I can tell 100% to are fellow PW's. I do have friends in the chuch -- even very, very close friends, but someone I can tell the totality of what I'm dealing with at home - church -work - life, only another PW can safeguard that.
Some other things I do to stay focused:
Take my day off (Friday)
Stay in the Word and other things that encourage - I read a lot of Oswald Chambers, also "Come Away My Beloved" by Frances J. Roberts
Spa Music - it's my true relaxation love. I take a few minutes a day to lay down, put some of this on (even on my phone - Pandora) and just BREATHE. If I start to think stressful thoughts while I'm laying there I start praying prayers like, "God just let your peace come over me right now..." or, "God, I need your comforting presence right now..." Sometimes I just say the name of Jesus while I'm laying there listening...
Reading this reminds me that I do truly miss my best PW friend. We shared so much. Now that I have moved, we just don't see each other very often. She is one person that totally understands.
I haven't met many PW's around here, but the ones that I have met are older and shall we say "more traditional." Please pray that I can find some local PW's to connect with.
I am also thankful for this board. You ladies are truly amazing. Love you all!
