Five Ways to Avoid Fights at Family Gatherings

Five Ways to Avoid Fights at Family Gatherings

by | Sep 8, 2021 | Uncategorized

Happy Labor Day weekend!

It's the last official weekend of the summer. Even though our country seems like it's in the midst of a national temper tantrum, I hope that you enjoy tension-free, argument-free time with friends and family.

I'm sharing five tools with you today so that YOU can enjoy yourself, no matter how anyone else behaves. These are tried-and-true strategies, all grounded in faith and practical wisdom.

 

1. PRAY

Before you open the door to guests or ring the doorbell of your host's home, invite the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart, mind and especially your mouth! Here are two verses that you can screenshot and use today or any other time:

"God, please give me kind words, a kind heart and a kind attitude toward this person that I'm about to talk to right now. In Jesus' name, Amen." (Inspired by Proverbs 16:24 NLT)

"God, You know that it's SO hard for me to keep quiet when ______________ starts in on ___________________ (controversial topic), so God, I pray that You help me to be QUICK to listen, SLOW to speak and SLOW to get angry. I can do this with Your help. Amen. (James 1:19 NLT)

2. Let Go of Expectations

Other people can't make you angry unless you let them. Most of what makes us angry is having unreasonable expectations of others or how things should go. You have to let go of expecting people to act a certain way, especially if they've proven otherwise. If you hold onto those expectations, then you're going to be miserable and you shouldn't blame them for it.

God, I need to let go of expecting _____________________ today so that I don't ruin my day.

Here's a helpful tool from my Surrendered Bible study that many of you already know: "I am not in control of others or outcomes".

Repeat it over and over again as needed.

3. "That's interesting. You may be right."

This reply validates someone's opinion without agreeing with or endorsing it. The keyword is "may be".

Use this response to avoid or end a potential argument. Don't ruin your day over a random conversation!

4. "I don't know how to answer that. Let me think about it and get back to you."

 Like the previous suggestion, this is a wise and wonderful way to short-circuit someone's attempt to bait you into an argument. Again, this is supposed to be a fun family gathering, not a presidential debate. Proverbs 26:4 warns us to avoid having conversations with people who are arguers. Why? Because their behavior drags us down to their level.

You are too valuable and precious to sling mud. Resist.

5. Pre-Set a "Bounce" Time

If every family gathering turns into a family temper tantrum, then perhaps, you need to arrange a pre-set "bounce" or departure time.

When people are full of food or feeling tipsy, it's easy for tongues to loosen. Years ago, a friend and her adult siblings instituted a two-hour rule at family gatherings. Family members only had to stay for two hours and then they could leave.

Over time, more family members showed up because there was less fighting. If a disagreement broke out, people could leave. The quality of their family time increased, even though the time that they spend together decreased. How cool is that?!
YOUR NEXT STEP: Which one of these five suggestions is most helpful for you? If you want some accountability, you can hit reply and email me what you believe that God wants you to focus on today. I'm praying for you and cheering for you! In Jesus' name, you can do this!

Happy Monday to you!

Love, Barb
5 Questions To Ask Before Going On A Missions Trip | Interview with Mekdes Haddis

5 Questions To Ask Before Going On A Missions Trip | Interview with Mekdes Haddis

by | Sep 6, 2021 | Uncategorized

It takes a lot of courage to go on an overseas mission trip. Barb has served on 10 trips to Central America over the past 15 years. Without a doubt, saying yes to an overseas mission trip can change your life and revolutionize your faith. However, it's important to show up with humility vs. expecting that another culture will look like our country.    Join Barb for an important conversation with speaker and missionologist, Mekdes Haddis. She is the author of the upcoming book, Just Missions, to help missionaries and ministry leaders engage in healthy conversation and discuss the harmful effects of western missions. Mekdes answers the 5 crucial questions that you need to ask before your next overseas mission trip. Ultimately, she equips us to show up and to show love in a way that honors God and respects others.    RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE Mekdes' Website: mekdeshaddis.com   ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST Mekdes was born and raised in Ethiopia and moved to the United States in 2003 to pursue her studies. She has her Masters' in Organizational Leadership and a forthcoming book with IVPress and currently lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, daughter, and son.   After 10+years of developing Discipleship and Outreach strategies in evangelical churches and non-profits, she grew impatient with the lack of mutuality and respect for leadership of those from global south. To break the cycle of harmful physical and spiritual impact of missions locally and globally and to elevate the voices of the unheard, Mekdes left her full time ministry role to start JUST MISSIONS.   JUST MISSIONS is a space that elevates diaspora voices and equips western allies to become mutual partners for the work of the gospel. It aims to forge the path of leaving a relational legacy surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. She is now the Executive Coach and actively developing strategies to train individuals and organizations with a fresh look at missions for global impact.   Her writing has been featured in Christianity Today! and Faithfully Magazine, as well as used by organizations like the American Bible Society and YWAM. ​ Check out this episode!
This Mama is Not in Control!

This Mama is Not in Control!

by | Aug 30, 2021 | Uncategorized

It’s celebration time in my home! In the near future, my youngest daughter will be moving out and into her own place (again). When her off-campus housing lease ended last August, she moved back home – and into my living room. This weekend, my mom and aunties drove across the state to give her a sweet “moving-BACK-out” shower! Not pictured: A lot more stuff that I couldn’t fit into this photo!

I live in a two-bedroom apartment and when I moved in three years ago after living in a five-bedroom home for over twenty years, we nicknamed the smaller bedroom, “The Postage Stamp.” One of the lessons that I learned during my long wilderness season was how to live simply and be content with less, so that tiny bedroom is just fine with me. The second larger bedroom is my office and since my daughter has been in nursing school and works overnight at the hospital, I didn’t think that she’d sleep well during the day while I’m doing my zoom calls.

So, the past year has been a surrender journey for the both of us. We couldn’t change the size of my apartment. We couldn’t control the that created the problem nor force the timing of when she could move out again.

I had to let go of what I couldn’t control. Since she was living in my living room and most of her stuff was in storage, I had to let go of any expectations of a well-organized area.

Some of you are muttering under your breathe, “But Barb, this is your house. She should have to follow your rules.” You aren’t wrong. But, there’s another question that I had to ask myself: “How important is it?”

If I nagged my sweet girt to meet my standards for cleanliness and organization in a space that wasn’t set up for success, then what would the likely result be? Maybe the space looked better, but my relationship with my daughter would be have worse. Nagging never leads to better relationships! Frankly, it would have been foolish for me to die on the hill of unfolded laundry.

Now, it’s your turn. Can I ask you three questions on this Monday morning what might be bugging you these days?

Are you trying to control a person or a situation?

How important is it?

Are you willing to let go for your own mental or emotional health?

When something important wiggles the wrong way that’s when we’re tempted to press the power button on relationship-damaging control-loving behaviors. Here are the SHINE control-loving behaviors that I discuss in my Surrendered Bible Study and Surrendered Devotional. If you’ve been using any of the following lately, then that is a sign that may need to let go and surrender that situation to God:

S – Stonewalling

H – Helicoptering

I – Interrupting

N – Nagging

E – Excessive Planning/Excessive Stockpiling

Now, there are some matters that rate a 9/10 or 10/10 in importance, but if you don’t have control over the situation or the person, then you need to let go for your own spiritual and mental health. As we talk about in the Surrendered Study, letting go isn’t giving up, nor is it giving in. Letting go is giving that situation, big or small, over to God and trusting that He can handle it and that you won’t try to control it.

TELL ME: Are there any control-loving behaviors that you’ve been struggling with lately? (You aren’t alone!) What situation do you need to give over to God today?

I’ve included a guided prayer exercise below for you, especially if you need to let go. As an added practical step, here’s how I’ve been coaching myself with Surrender Principle #1: “I am not in control of others or outcomes.” You can use this principle to coach yourself as well!

GUIDED PRAYER EXERCISE

Dear God, thank you for the start of this new week. There’s a lot going on and there is a lot on my heart and mind. God, I’ve been struggling with ___________________ (control-loving behavior) because ______________________ (problem) situation seems out of my control and I’m afraid that _______________________(outcome) will happen. But, I have to give ________________________ (situation/person) over to You and trust in Your power to handle it. Help me to remember to keep surrendering today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Nachos, Guac and Freedom in Christ

Nachos, Guac and Freedom in Christ

by | Aug 26, 2021 | Uncategorized

Today, I ate chips and guac for breakfast. Am I having a nervous breakdown or mid-life crisis? Nope. This is a picture of my freedom! For so much of my 20’s and 30’s, I lived by an EXHAUSTING list of rules that I thought would help me be happy, healthy and a good Christian. I had rules about breakfast foods, how the groceries should be unloaded at checkout or how the laundry should be sorted. I lived by religious rules like avoid the three M’s: malt liquor, booty-shaking music and most movies. Rather than freedom, those rules only increased fear in my life. What happened if I accidentally broke a rule? Would I mess up my life, my kids’ lived or would God punish me? Freedom came into my life once I realized this powerful principle:
🦋 God’s faithfulness to me is based on His promises not my performance. Once I began living from that truth, I stopped believing that I had to perform a certain way in order to gain God’s protection, favor or blessing.
Rather than performance, I could praise God – meaning, give thanks to Him for power, protection and provision.
This is what this precious gift of freedom looks like for me:
🦋 In my daily life, I listen for God’s voice of guidance with confidence that He will help me.
🦋 When I mess up, I turn back to God for restoration instead of running from God out of guilt.
🦋 As I navigate hard times, I trust that God is with me and for me, even if I’m having a bad day.
Here is today’s truth for you: God’s faithfulness to you is based on His promises and not your performance. You don’t have to earn God’s love. You can mess up God’s love. Take a deep breath and exhale out your fears! If you long for this type of freedom, check out my newest Breakthrough: Finding Freedom in Christ Bible study so that you can let go of religious rules and discover freedom in Christ!
How to Pray When You’re Not Sure What to Think or Say

How to Pray When You’re Not Sure What to Think or Say

by | Aug 16, 2021 | Uncategorized

Happy Monday to you.

 But, it doesn’t exactly feel like a Happy Monday given the devastating earthquake this weekend in Haiti and the Taliban takeover of Kabul.

Whenever bad news comes in, we tend to handle it in one of three ways. Which approach best describes you:

  1. You watch or read as much as you can in order to find out every little detail;
  2. You “see, sigh and scoot” - scanning the headlines, feel a deep pit of “ugh” and then get back to the stress of your day;
  3. Avoidance and guilty. You've got a mountain of your own problems and you can't handle anyone else's - and that makes you feel like a bad human.

How do we care about what’s happening in our world without becoming so overwhelmed?

Since I don’t own a television, I’m at least a B. I pray, but I don’t want to see all of the pictures and pain that will make me feel even more helpfulness. 

Earlier this week, well-known speaker and author, Jennie Allen, founder of the “If: Gathering” posted a meme that went viral. She said “We weren’t built to carry the problems of the whole wide world.”

She’s right. But while we weren’t built to carry the problems of the whole wide world, what should our response be right now? 

 If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I want to share three things that I’m focused on and there’s a prayer that goes along with it. If you’ve been wanting to pray and need words, keep reading.

  1. Remember that God is near, even if you don’t understand why God let it happen.

Many of us gets stuck on the question of why God allows bad things to happen in our world. I don’t have an answer as to “why,” but I do not that God isn’t the cause.

We live in a sinful and fallen world. This is not the world that God created. Tragically, billions of imperfect people have lived since the beginning of human history. We’ve committed all types of atrocities to each other. While we’re overwhelmed right now, God’s heart has been broken over our sin for thousands of years.

Right now, God’s heart is broken over the Haitian mothers and fathers weeping over the loss of their children. God weeps over the Afghani mothers and fathers living in terror right now over what will happen in the future.

Even in their devastation, God is near. 

God promises in his presence. I believe that God is at work in ways that we can’t see or know, but His power and provision is at work.

PRAYER: God, I pray for those in Haiti and Afghanistan as well as  those who are afraid and grieving. I pray that they would call upon Your name right now and that according to Your promises, You would answer them.

I pray for the believers who are in those areas. Supply their needs. Let them see Your supernatural peace, presence and power flow through and break down the walls of fear and hopelessness. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

    1. We must always put hope in God, not headlines or humans.

    Is what is happening in our world bad. Yes. It's breathingly awful. If our hearts are not torn by the scenes of humans clinging to plane because they fear for their lives, then we've lost our humanity.  I've received information those work with Afghan believers that those believers are being targeted and massacred. This is real.

    In light of the horror, we cannot lose hope. We can't, but God can. Never forget that! The news helps us to see what is happening, but the news cannot predict how God will show up in that situations that will never be covered by the news.

    Be informed. But do not shape your perspective on news headlines. We cannot limit our view of God based on what we see. I believe that God will be faithful to his people around the world as well. We pray in faith and we will pray God's promises for His people in Afghanistan and Haiti. Let us pray without ceasing for them!

    QUESTION: Is your view of the world or your hope shaped by your view of God or is your hope shaped by the headlines or how people behave?

    PRAYER: God, remind us to lift our eyes from the news headlines on  our mobile devices and TV screens and put them on you. Remind us that what we see happening in our world today isn’t a surprise to you. Open our eyes today and remind us of Your promises and Your faithfulness. Amen.

    1. Prayer should be our first response, not a last resort.*

    Prayer is powerful. Jesus prayed - and he knew all about the sinful world that we live in today. He still prayed because God still answers prayer.

    Don’t let feeling helpless trick you into believing otherwise. Prayer is how we align our hearts with God and when we receive His promptings.  

    Yesterday, I exchanged some messages with friends who’ve served in Afghanistan. They are devastated because they want to help their friends, who are like family, but are currently enabled to do so. They have provided helpful prayer requests.

    If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or feeling hopeless, prayer is the place where you can receive the supernatural guidance or inspiration that you may be looking for.

    PRAYER REQUESTS FOR AFGHANISTAN

    1. International forces need to keep airspace open and allow for commercial and evacuation rights.
    2. Countries to open borders for families trying to leave.

    PRAYER: Dear God, I pray for those who are living in fear and terror right now. While I may not understand what they are going through, You do. God, I don't know what to do, but I am willing to be Your light and love of Christ in the world. Show me how today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

    *This is borrowed from my church. Our motto is “Pray First.”

    Healthy, Holy Body Confidence: Barb’s Fitness and Eating Tips

    Healthy, Holy Body Confidence: Barb’s Fitness and Eating Tips

    by | Jul 1, 2021 | Uncategorized

    Just because we love Jesus, that doesn’t mean that we don’t struggle with what we see in the mirror.

    Join Barb and find out how she won her ugly struggle with beauty. She’ll provide Biblical wisdom and practical advice on how you can love your God-given body no matter your size, shape or style.

    Big Ideas from Today's Show

    1. What’s on the inside matters most, but it’s not the only thing that matters.

    God created both our insides and our outsides. When Jesus hung on the cross, it was His body that hung there for us. Barb gave us permission to stop ignoring our outward appearance and the impact that it has on our lives.

    2. Contrary to popular belief, beauty is a spiritual topic.

    We have allowed the world to hijack the definition of beauty, but God is the creator of beauty, not us. Beauty is not a worldly or secular topic. Take some time to read through Genesis 1 to see just how much God cares about beauty.

    3. You are beautiful because God created you.

    Genesis 1:26 shows us that we were intentionally created in God's very image. In verse 31, God then looked over everything He had made and saw that it was very good. Because humankind is part of God's creation, we can say with assurance that we are beautiful as well. When you look in the mirror, speak God's truth over you. I am beautiful because God created me.

    4. “You will not take care of a body that you do not love.”

    It is not wrong to take time to care for and steward our bodies. We as women tend to struggle with feelings of guilt for caring for our bodies, but it can be healthy to take the time to do nice things for ourselves such as finally getting that haircut or taking that time off.

    5. Smile in the mirror one minute each day.

    When we want to show appreciation to those we care about, we smile at them. Instead of picking yourself apart, take the time to smile at yourself.

    Links from today's episode:

    Barb's Better Together Moments Magazine

    Sign up here!

    Enough Already: Winning Your Ugly Struggle with Beauty

    Get your copy here.

    Better Together host Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author with a passion to help women live beautifully strong and courageous in Jesus' name. She's the author of multiple books and Bible studies, including Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus and Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle. Visit Barb's online home at barbroose.com.

    Three Years Ago Today

    Three Years Ago Today

    by | Jul 1, 2021 | Uncategorized

    Three years ago today that I backed up a 18’ U-Haul truck down a narrow alley behind a newly renovated apartment building.

    It was over 90 degrees that day, so I couldn’t really tell the difference between my sweat and my tears.

    When I took French in school, we learned the phrase “C’est la vie” which is translates “such is life.” This phrase is used when life doesn’t go as planned.

    Three years ago today was never in my plans. 

    The addiction that robbed our family of its wholeness and then came back and suffocated us until we had to leave wasn’t in my plans. 

    Leaving my home of over 20 years where I raised my kids was never in my plans. 

    The divorce, starting my life over at 45 alone, still attending family addiction recovery support meetings…none of that was never in my plans. 

    C’est la vie.

    No doubt, you’ve got a few days on the calendar in your life that didn’t go as planned. Maybe right now, you’re in a life-or-death grip, holding on to someone or something that you’re trying to keep together…but it’s tearing you apart.

    The best that you can give yourself in life’s “C’est la vie” moments is the Gift of Surrender.

    Surrender isn’t giving up.

    Surrender isn’t giving in.

    Surrender is a gift that we give ourselves.

    We surrender when we give over what we love or care about to God because we finally humbly accept that only He can handle it.

    Surrender is your only path to peace.

    Today, there is still grief and sadness in remembering, but in my living there is blessed shalom. Over the years, God has been abundantly faithful to His promise to give me the peace that truly does blows my mind.

    God's love held me together when I was falling apart.

    God has provided more than I could ask or imagine.

    He healed the heartache.

    He surrounded me with the support that I needed.

    God wants to do the same for you. Is there something that you’re trying to hold together, but it’s tearing you apart?

    What or who do you need to surrender today?

    If you need a simple prayer, you can use this: God, I can’t, but You can and I will let you. Amen.

    Stepmom Success Strategies with Cheryl Shumake

    Stepmom Success Strategies with Cheryl Shumake

    by | Jun 27, 2021 | Uncategorized

    Are you a stepmom who wants to win with her new hubby and kids?

    Join Barb for this week’s FB LIVE conversation with author Cheryl Shumake and learn her valuable insights and practical tips on how to protect your step-marriage, deal with difficult bio moms, and how to connect with hurting kids.

    Cheryl is the author of Waiting to be Wanted and she has some incredible resources for stepmoms available at https://www.stepmomsanity.com/.

     

    Big Ideas from Today's Show

    1. Stepmoms were built to withstand the turbulence of the lives they're living.

    Cheryl shared that as a stepmom, your role is to be a conduit of God's love and blessing to your bonus children and the husband that you are in covenant with. Although challenges will come and it may feel easiest to turn around and run, Cheryl encouraged us to lean on God who is able to both equip and empower us to live faithfully in our unique situations.

    2. God teaches us to love hurting children who are traumatized by divorce.

    Just like Jesus came to earth and loved us when we were broken and hurting children, traumatized by sin, Cheryl encouraged us to approach our hurting children who have been traumatized by divorce with humility and grace. Remember that even if there is conflict, these children are not your enemy. The devil wants to use offense to create division and destroy families, but Cheryl reminded us to not take the bait.

    3. Be strong and courageous. The fruit is out on the limb.

    Keep on going. Keep on investing. Keep on pressing in to your bonus children. Even if you can't see any light at the end of the tunnel, don't give up. The fruit is coming.

    And remember, whether or not your relationship with your bonus child(ren) turns out the way you hope it will, the true fruit you are reaching for is the Savior's "Well done".

    About Our Guest Cheryl Shumake

    Cheryl Shumake deeply loves her husband, Jonathan, and their four children. She is an adventuress who enjoys travelling and subjecting family to interesting culinary concoctions. She is also an ordained minister, Bible teacher, speaker, and conference host. Cheryl has authored several books and is a stepmom educator. She finds it a privilege to lead women to faith, freedom and fruitfulness in Jesus Christ. However, what she cherishes most about her life is that she is a worshipper, daughter and friend of the Most High God. Cheryl and her family make their home in southeast Michigan.

    Links from today's episode:

    Cheryl's Website

    stepmomsanity.com

    Waiting to be Wanted

    Get your copy here.

    Better Together host Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author with a passion to help women live beautifully strong and courageous in Jesus' name. She's the author of multiple books and Bible studies, including Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus and Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle. Visit Barb's online home at barbroose.com.

    How Knowing God Intimately Can Transform Your Life with Monica Allman

    How Knowing God Intimately Can Transform Your Life with Monica Allman

    by | Jun 10, 2021 | Uncategorized

    Join my fabulous producer, Tabitha Allman, as she hosts this all NEW episode of Better Together! In this episode, author and ministry leader, Monica Allman, will share 4 practical ways that we can know God better and how knowing God brought her through a tough season of her life.

    Connect with Monica at www.womenintentionallyseekinghim.com!

     

    4 Practical Ways To Develop An Intimate Relationship with God

    1. Prayer

    "Desperate times call for desperate prayers." When we are walking through tough circumstances, Monica encouraged us to run towards God in prayer, not away from Him. Even when we don't have the words to say, we can pray the Word of God back to Him!

    2. Spending time in the Word of God.

    God's Word reveals His character. By digging in we can see His faithfulness all throughout the pages and find true stories that speak directly to our circumstances. Some of the powerful Scriptures mentioned in today's episode were: Numbers 23:19, Psalm 56:3, Ephesians 3:20.

    3. Surrender

    To surrender is to yield to God. In her season of suffering, Monica realized that God was asking her to surrender her time and plans over to Him, because if she didn't, the weight of her circumstances would crush her. Oftentimes when we want to release our control, the enemy plants seeds of doubt and fear, leading us to wonder if God will automatically inflict us with pain and suffering. These fears can keep us from surrender, but we once again need to remember His character. Although at times He does allow suffering, He loves us and gives beauty for ashes.

    One practical way to exercise surrender in our everyday lives is to create a surrender journal. Write out the areas that you need to give over to God and pray over them each day. Monica also recommended writing about times that you surrendered in the past and how God worked on your behalf.

    4. Musical Worship

    There is power in worship! If you are in a hard season, turn on some music that reminds you of who God is and how He cares for You.

    About Our Guest Monica Allman

    Monica Allman is the co-founder of Women Intentionally Seeking Him, a wife, mom, and nana. Her passion is to see women enjoying God’s Word and growing in Christlike character. In 2019, Monica released her first devotional “Reflections” which is available on Amazon, and is in the process of writing her second book. She currently leads a weekly Bible Study group and serves as a Sunday School teacher at her home church.

    Links from today's episode:

    Monica's Website

    womenintentionallyseekinghim.com

    Reflections: Godly Encouragement to Light Our Way

    Get your copy here.

    Better Together host Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author with a passion to help women live beautifully strong and courageous in Jesus' name. She's the author of multiple books and Bible studies, including Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus and Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle. Visit Barb's online home at barbroose.com.

    5 Verses To Help You Find Freedom From Fear with Barb Roose

    5 Verses To Help You Find Freedom From Fear with Barb Roose

    by | May 7, 2021 | Uncategorized

    Do you long to break free from your fear?

    Join host, Barb Roose, as she teaches about finding freedom from fear: fear of the future, fear of not being enough, fear of death, and more.

     

    5 Verses To Help You Find Freedom From Fear

    1. Freedom from fear

    For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT

    2. Freedom from the fear that God will give up on you

    And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. - Philippians 1:6 NLT

    3. Freedom from the fear of death

    Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. -John 11:25 NLT

    4. Freedom from the fear of not being or having enough

    And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19 NLT

    5. Freedom from fear of the future

    This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9 NLT

    Links from today's episode:

    Breakthrough: Finding Freedom in Christ

    Get your copy here.

    Better Together host Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author with a passion to help women live beautifully strong and courageous in Jesus' name. She's the author of multiple books and Bible studies, including Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus and Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle. Visit Barb's online home at barbroose.com.

    Finding Common Ground With Women You Don’t Like with Amberly Neese

    Finding Common Ground With Women You Don’t Like with Amberly Neese

    by | May 6, 2021 | Uncategorized

    It’s no secret that women often struggle with other women. We compare ourselves, we compete against each other, but in our efforts to win the comparison game, we all come out as losers.

    Join host, Barb Roose, and one of her dear friends, author, Bible teacher and comedian Amberly Neese for a powerful conversation about how to love each other better as women.

     

    Big Ideas from Today's Show

    1. Focus on the character of who God is. 

    Amberly encouraged us to avoid getting caught up in the comparison trap and instead focus on the character of God. When we get stuck in the "if onlys" (if only I looked more like her, if only I had a bigger house, if only I had a flat tummy, etc.), it robs us of truly enjoying our lives and our relationships with other women. Instead we should focus our eyes on God who is good, who loves us, and who is the giver of amazing gifts. 

    2. Realize that we need each other.

    We were created by God for community. When we lock arms with one another despite our differences, we can accomplish amazing things for the kingdom. 

    3. Practice gratitude. 

    Amberly reminded us that when we practice gratitude and thankfulness to God for His provision, we start to see His presence all throughout our lives. 

     

    About Our Guest Amberly Neese

    Amberly Neese is a popular speaker/teacher, comedian, author, and all-around encourager dedicated to helping you become the joyful person you were created to be.

     She helps people like you and your group experience the freedom found in meaningful relationships with God and others. Her bible study, “The Belonging Project: Finding Your Tribe and Learning to Thrive” was released in May 2020 by Abingdon Press.  Her latest study, “Common Ground: Loving Others Despite Our Differences” and devotional “The Friendship Initiative: 31 Days of Loving and Connecting Like Jesus” are scheduled to release May 4, 2021.

     Amberly is a featured speaker for the Aspire Women’s Events and the main host and female comedian for Marriage Date Night, two popular Christian events that tour nationally.

     She and her husband have two teenagers and live in Prescott, Arizona, where they enjoy the great outdoors, the Food Network, and all things Star Wars.

    Links from today's episode:

    Amberly's Website

    amberlyneese.com

    The Friendship Initiative: 31 Days of Loving and Connecting Like Jesus

    Get your copy here.

    Common Ground Bible Study

    Get your copy here.

    Better Together host Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author with a passion to help women live beautifully strong and courageous in Jesus' name. She's the author of multiple books and Bible studies, including Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus and Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle. Visit Barb's online home at barbroose.com.

    7 Keys to Staying Soul Strong with Lucinda McDowell

    7 Keys to Staying Soul Strong with Lucinda McDowell

    by | May 5, 2021 | Uncategorized

    What does it mean to be a strong woman? How do you do it?

    Join host, Barb Roose, and speaker and author, Lucinda McDowell, as she talks us through the 7 keys that equip us to be soul strong in spite of our circumstances. If you need encouragement, feel lost in your life, or love to be inspired, this episode is for you!

     

    Big Ideas from Today's Show

    1. The 7 Keys

    Lucinda shared the 7 keys to staying soul strong and living a vibrant life. They were:

    1. Live Loved

    2. Be Authentic

    3. Dwell Deep

    4. Pray Always

    5. Overcome Pain

    6. Extend Kindness

    7. Share Stories

    2. When we call out to God, He strengthens our soul. 

    The inspiration verse for Lucinda's book, Soul Strong, was Psalm 138:3 which says, "On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased" (ESV). This verse shows us that we have the privilege of calling out on God in our times of difficulty with hope that He will hear and answer our earnest cries.

    3. True authenticity can truly transform our lives. 

    Lucinda taught us that being authentic means knowing who we are and who we are not. True authenticity helps us to realize and embrace our unique calling instead of comparing and competing with others who have gifts and strengths that differ from our own. When we stop comparing ourselves, we are freed up to genuinely celebrate one another.

     

    About Our Guest Lucinda Secrest McDowell

    Lucinda McDowellis a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell is the author of 15 books and contributing author to 30+ books. Her award-winning books include new releases Life-Giving Choices(2019) and Soul Strong (2020), as well as Dwelling Places, Ordinary Graces, Refresh, and Live These Words.  Lucinda, a member of the Redbud Writers Guild and AWSA, received Mt. Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and guest blogs for The Write Conversation, Blue Ridge Christian Writers Blog and (in)courage. Whether co-directing “reNEW ~ retreat for New England Writing & Speaking,” pouring into young mamas, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages. Lucinda’s favorites include creative words, tea parties, good books, laughing friends, ancient prayers, country music, cozy quilts, musical theatre, and especially her family scattered around the world doing amazing things.  Known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways, she writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and blogs regularly at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com

    Links from today's episode:

    Lucinda's Website

    lucindasecrestmcdowell.com

    Soul Strong - 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life

    Get your copy here.

    Better Together host Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author with a passion to help women live beautifully strong and courageous in Jesus' name. She's the author of multiple books and Bible studies, including Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus and Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle. Visit Barb's online home at barbroose.com.

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