Category Archives: Christian Lifestyle

Scriptural-based messages that can be applied to everyday life.

Five Stages to Building Solid Relationships

Posted on by yolandaberry
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woman and man sitting on brown wooden bench

Our lives are based on relationships. We desire to develop and build satisfying relationships. We strive so hard to find someone who truly understands and relates to us. When we do find that special connection, we are considered very rare and special.

Social media has made communicating even more interactive to share and learn about others in detail. However, we should not forget how important it is to connect with one another in a social setting or individually.

There are five basic stages of building a relationship:

  1. Casual Conversation; also known as small talk; discussing things like the weather, sports, work, etc.
  2. Developing Trust; Sharing feelings, ideas, thoughts and opinions
  3. Deeper Trust; Sharing deeper issues such as dreams, mistakes, pain and frustrations
  4. Intimacy; sharing another’s quiet space and enjoying each other’s company without conversation.
  5. Union; sharing a bond of emotions, feelings, actions and communication as one.

There are many layers to a person’s personality and history. It is a process to learn someone and each stage should develop naturally and not be rushed.

When you develop a relationship in your personal, social and business settings, it will allow you to find the right mate, friend or business partner. It’s fine to have high standards and not settle for less than you deserve. Respect, honesty, trust and communication should be the basis of any relationship. It doesn’t just work one-sided. The key is finding someone who shares the same values and belief system that you do. “Do not be unequally yoked with non-believers. 2 Corinthians 6:14

Heartaches and several headaches can be avoided if only we apply the simple standards that God desires us to live. Prosperity, peace of mind, healing, joy and fulfillment are just some of the benefits that God has promised us.

We should also apply the same five stages in developing our relationship with Christ before we even try to develop relationships with others. Our main goal should be striving for a union with Christ. Through our relationship with Christ, we understand how to treat others and walk as an example for others to follow. Developing a union provides a secure foundation to build a strong, solid healthy relationship.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He that abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in e, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. B this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit so you will be my disciples. As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep my commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15: 5-12

References:  Elijahlist.com

In the Eye of the Storm

Posted on by yolandaberry
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“Be strong and of good courage: be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed for the Lord thy God is with thee wherever thou goes.” Joshua 1:9

 My heartfelt prayers goes out to all those who was affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma.

There are many storms in life that interrupts our plans, our dreams, our goals, our way of life. Without warning, we find ourselves in a situation or circumstance that is completely overwhelming. We may lose a job, a home or a loved one. Dealing with lose is never easy. We do not expect it nor do we deserve it. Life just dishes us unwarranted chaos and heartache. “If when evil comes upon us, to the sword, judgment or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house and in thy presence, for thy name is in this house; and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou will hear and help.” II Chronicles 20:9

When Jesus fell asleep on a boat in the middle of a horrific storm. The disciples panicked and awoke Him in fear that they would drown. Jesus calmly wiped the crust out of His eyes and said, “O ye of little faith.” Then he He rebuked the raging wind and He said, “Peace, be still.” And, the storm ceased. Luke 8:23-25

We may find ourselves in a similar storm in life. When the storms continue to rage and you don’t know what to do or which way to turn, remember the words of Jesus. It is possible to have peace in the midst of your storm. When you call on His name, the presence of God is always present. He always makes Himself known in the center of disaster. That’s when He can do His greatest work within us. “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts to give light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” II Corth 4:6-10

We may not understand why terrible things happen to us, but there is always a greater purpose. Love never fails and God always prevails rising above every storm. Be encouraged and take heart. “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:18-25

“And the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send us in my name, he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither be afraid. John 14:26-27

Healing in the Garden

Posted on by yolandaberry
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flower-garden-11291224875Iks“Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man sows, that he shall also reap. Gal 6:7

When you plant a seed in a garden, it takes care, patience and time for the fruit, vegetable, tree, plant or flower to grow. The roots must maintain proper moisture for nutrients to be absorbed. Too much water or sunlight can kill it, as well as extreme temperatures or weather patterns. While the sun provides Vitamin D which is essential for the growth process, the elements of the environment can either destroy, hinder or produce life.

We are also a product of our environment. From birth, we have been conditioned and influenced by our families, communities and our society. We may have grown up in a negative environment or developed negative habits along the way. Negative attitudes, habits or behavior is like a virus which is very hard to get rid of. However, we also have the ability to change. “Be transformed, by the renewing of the mind.” Rom 12:2

It takes time and effort and can also be very painful or scary to take a good look in the mirror and analyze yourself. It may not even be your own fault. Abuse, neglect and other painful experiences and memories can cause a blockage or magnify negative emotions. But once you decide to weed out the causes of the behavior and get to the root of the problem, you will eventually dismiss those negative behaviors and habits and begin to bloom and flourish. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It takes time just like a seed deeply buried in the soil. Growing and healing is like watering a garden. However, we should not exclude Christ in the process. “I can do all things in Christ which strengthens me.” Phil 4:13

Just like the seed that is planted, we are also motivators in our social circles. Let us be mindful of the words and actions that we sow into the lives of others. Let us walk with integrity and respect reflecting the love of Christ in our lives wherever we go. We have the capacity to produce a beautiful, luscious garden in our lives and in our environment. As Jesus stated, “I am the vine, ye are the branches, those who abide in me, abide much fruit, apart from me; you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5 

Jesus is our source and the one we can rely on; not only when life fails, but at all times. Many times we forget God when there is no pain or suffering but let us not forget that we can do nothing without Him.

“For us the earth brings forth her bud, and as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” Isaiah 61:11