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We all go through hard times. My goal is to use some of the situations I’ve gone through myself or with loved ones to give you encouragement when going through those hard times. The situations may differ, but the process is very similar. I pray you receive some hope as you read through this…
GO BACK TO BASICS
I wish I could say that along the way I’ve followed my own advice but unfortunately, I made a lot of mistakes along the way. Maybe I can share some things I’ve learned to spare you at least some of the pain. God tells us in John 16:33 that in this world we will have trouble but to take heart because He has overcome the world.
So, let’s start by going back to the basics and eliminate everything in our lives that is not from God. This is SOOO hard because you’re probably lonely, not trusting, scared, tired or all of the above! At this point I should say find a good church but these days it’s hard to know what constitutes a “good, biblical church”. Until you find that church, here are 3 church’s websites that offer online and recorded sermons and a couple also have podcasts and/or you tube channel. I know at least one of these will help you find some peace and hope:
CHURCH OF THE HIGHLANDS
HEARTLAND FREE CHURCH
THE GATHERING PLACE
Church of the Highlands has many locations as well so there may be one near you. Listening or watching a service online is certainly beneficial but connecting with a solid church family especially when life gets hard is crucial. Just pray that God sends you to the right place.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
I really do not like the phrase “me time”. Maybe it’s because I’ve used it with my family when I’m frustrated. Now that I put it in writing I’m feeling a little convicted so I probably won’t do that anymore! In my opinion, it sounds a little selfish and it tells them they aren’t important.
HOWEVER, I do believe that the only way you can take care of others is to make sure you take care of yourself. This is a constant struggle for me trying to keep all the balls in the air but it’s something I strive for. When I figure it out, I’ll write about it! Feel free to Subscribe so you’ll be notified as soon as I do. In the meantime, I’ll just be reaching out to other bloggers and resources for tips and tricks on exercise, nutrition and destressing techniques.
LAUGH OUT LOUD!
Laughter may not be the BEST medicine but it sure does help. There are many health benefits including increased oxygen intake, giving your organs a little workout, stress relief and just a distraction from focusing on the problem you’re going through. Check out this article from the Mayo Clinic.
A great way to get some laughter in your life is to hang around people that are funny! I’m a pretty serious person most of the time. My family likes to kid me that I’m just not that funny, so I intentionally seek out people who are. I’m on a group text with my siblings and one of our brothers sends us jokes. He stopped for a while, so I actually reached out to him to ask if something was wrong. I had come to really like those jokes, even though some were at my expense. Brothers!
Some other tips are to seek out friends that will make you laugh. Get together just to catch up and make each other have a giggle or two! Leah also got me listening to a podcast called Laugh Again with Phil Callaway that helps me start my day out with a little chuckle.
FINDING A PURPOSE
As I mentioned above, sometimes we need to be distracted from what we’re dealing with, so we don’t go into a downward spiral. It’s important to take care of matters as they arise but not to live in it 24/7. Another positive way to distract yourself is to find a purpose.
Take a look at Setting Goals That Last and How to Choose a Hobby. Does anything strike you that you may be good at and interested in? Good old hard work is a great distraction! Do you need to go out and find a job or find ways to grow in the current job you’re in? Do you have children? Are you looking at homeschooling them? If so, go check out Explore Homeschooling and maybe join a co-op. Or, look for a way to contribute in ways that helps others!
REACHING OUT FOR SUPPORT
Sometimes all the above just isn’t enough. When it isn’t, it’s ok to reach out for help. Just like finding the right church, it’s also hard to know when people are qualified to be able to give you the help you need. I haven’t been to a counselor in a while but I’ve heard great things about Better Help. I listen to the John Delony show on podcast. He’s a well-known and wonderful mental health specialist through Ramsey Solutions. He also has a book called Own Your Past, Change Your Future.
I also listen to Focus on the Family podcast. Both endorse Better Help.
Whatever you’re struggling with, never forget that Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor. Reach out to Him in prayer and read God’s Word. Hebrews 13:5 tells us “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave your or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed”.
Be encouraged,
Stacia