In my neighborhood Bible Study, there are four of us who gather each week to study God’s word and reflect on His work in our lives. This past month, we watched a DVD segment from Rick Warren about maintaining our hearts - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I thought it had some simple insights to remind us all about caring for our hearts.

Three habits that refresh a loving heart physically - getting plenty of rest (Psalm 127:2), eating a balanced diet (Psalm 119:73) and getting regular exercise (1 Corinthians 6:20). It is important to set aside one day each week to rest, relax and refresh spiritually; for many of us, this comes on Sunday.

Three habits that recharge us emotionally are - solitude (Mark 6:31), recreation (Luke 7:34) and laughter (Proverbs 17:22). It is valuable to make time to be by ourselves. I think that is one reason I like running so much. It also replenishes me emotionally and spiritually while challenging me physically.

Lastly, there are three habits that renew us spiritually - daily quiet time, small group, and worship. These habits are essential for our spiritual growth to occur and for our souls to be cared for. Rick Warren made a comment that a Christian without a group is like an orphan. We need each other to hold one another accountable, to inspire each other, and encourage one another.

“The quality of your relationship to God determines the quality of every other relationship you have.” - Rick Warren

May you make efforts every day to maintain a healthy heart physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Maintaining a Healthy Heart

- from Rick Warren’s 40 Days of Love series

In my home, I try to surround myself with little reminders that God is present with me in every moment of my day.  A flip calendar by Joyce Meyer is by my kitchen sink.  This message caught my attention today, “Struggle Develops Strength”.  She writes:

“Before the caterpillar enters the cocoon, it has to crawl slowly along the ground.  But then it spins a cocoon and crawls into it for a while.  When it emerges from that cocoon, it has been totally changed.  It has become a butterfly, one of the freest of God’s creatures.  It can soar through the air on beautiful wings.  But to emerge from that cocoon is a struggle, one that is necessary for the butterfly’s full transformation and development.

I once read about a man who saw a butterfly struggling to emerge from a cocoon.  Moved by misplaced compassion, the man decided to help the poor creature, so he broke open the cocoon and pulled the developing butterfly out.  In just a matter of minutes the weakened creature curled up and died.
If we didn’t struggle through some things, we would never develop the strength and stamina we need to survive in this world.”

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, Who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10

May you be encouraged that our struggles are not in vain, but that they will develop our strength.

As I was running in Missouri this past week, training for the half marathon in September, I had a couple of huge hills on my route to climb. With the temps hovering around 90+ degrees, those hills felt like mountains. But instead of being intimidated or tempted to quit, I decided to slow my pace, dig deep, and focus on God’s strength. I viewed the few steps in front of me, not looking at the overwhelming challenge further up the road. I had to forget about all my other challenges in life, increase my mental toughness, and overcome this current physical battle. I chose to focus on each little step, build upon these positive movements and get up that hill, knowing that the other side would allow for some recouperation. Read more

During the early months after Erika’s death, we sought counseling for help in dealing with our grief.  We needed help in sorting through our thoughts, feelings and emotions.  In one session, our counselor told us about the manner in which people in other cultures grieve the loss of a loved one.    The grief is extremely intense for a certain period of time.  For some, it’s one week.  For others it’s one month, and perhaps a full year for others still.  They wear black and allow themselves to sink into the depths of despair.  Then, after their allotted time of grieving has passed, they are done; they move on with their lives.  Rich and I adopted this philosophy to a certain extent; however, we knew we would need more time than one year.  So, after 3 years of intense grief, I feel it is time to think about living again.  Read more

By Leslie Lopez of Queens, New York.

As a mother, I try to live each day with few regrets.  I don’t ever  want  to  regret  not   teaching my sons, not  showing  my  sons   how  wonderful  this  gift  of  life is.  I  don’t ever  want  to  live   a  single  day  differently than  what  God’s  will is   for them and  for  me.  Even thought I’m  not always certain  of  His will,  I know  it’s  purposeful,   as  He  has  fit  us  with so many  experiences.  Before  my  feet  touch the  floor in the morning, I pray  God  gives  me  the  ability  to  be  the  best  mother I  can  be.  I  know  this  is  my  work; this  is  what  He  has  chosen  for  me.  Why  else  would  God  allow   me  to have  this  tremendous  amount of  time   to  be  with  my  sons ,  nurturing  and  loving  them?  Read more