RELATIONSHIPS:17-21

the continuation of

How to Pursue Relational Health

This is just a reminder because I added it to the end of previous blog post. I generally try to define/explain terms so I would like to do so for Relational Health:

 

"Relational Health refers to the capacity to develop and sustain safe, stable and nurturing relationships, which in turn prevent the extreme or prolonged activation of the body's stress response systems" Garner 2021

DAYS 17 - 21

Day 17: Stop Living for People's Love and Love Them Instead - 2 Cor. 5:14-15

Day 18: Live Hidden in Plain Sight - Col. 3:3; 2 Corinthians 2:14

Day 19: Practice Joy, Prayer, and Thankfulness - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Day 20: Set Your Heart on Heaven - Hebrews 12:1-2

Day 21: Anchor Your Hope in Jesus - 1 Peter 1:3-4. 13

I will continue to pursue Relational Health in my life.

"... To set our hearts on heaven, we must live now in light of where we are ultimately going. ... by "looking to" being fixed on) Jesus (Heb. 12:1), who is enthroned in heaven (Col. 3:1-3). This biblical truth has helped me so much in my RELATIONAL struggles."

Day 20 (quote above) ends with a prayer in ACT to consider praying:

"Lord, I confess that I think so much more about this life and what I see, feel, and hear. Help me fix my eyes on Jesus and warm my heart with love for Him. Give me a desire to be sober minded and alert to the enemy's schemes to hijack my focus off of You and onto this life. Most of all, Lord, deepen my understanding to set my hope fully on You."

Then on Day 21, we "Anchor ... Hope in Jesus" because we have a living Hope through our RELATIONSHIP with Jesus ... because "when we seek our living hope in an earthly RELATIONSHIP, we unanchor ourselves from Christ's promises, setting ourselves adrift in an unpredictable sea. A person's love, words of affection, need, and praise of us can never be "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading"; they don't have the power! We undo healthy hope we've placed on people by honestly expressing to God our pain, sin, and fears; renewing our thinking; practicing prayerful thankfulness; living through Christ's life and love...". I know what it is like to be 'unachored' and adrift in an unpredictable sea until I was tossed and turned enough to be awakened by Jesus - and the Truth. Thank You Lord Jesus, my Anchor, firm and secure is set in You, amid any tossing of waves that has crashed or may crash; my future hope is anchored upon the grace, love, mercy and peace of You, Jesus - our Lord.   

Our Living Hope has a Name, His name is Jesus!

<><><>

It's taken me years to understand and become aware of dysfunctional behaviors,
which is long overdue.
I am far beyond thankful that I have been saved & in a wonderful 
RELATIONSHIP
with
JESUS
as I'm
TAKING REFUGE IN CHRIST
<><><>
A dear sister and friend began a YV plan (20 day plan) on 10/17 and by mistake it appeared publicly when it was suppose to be with a group privately, but for me - it's a God-incidence and blessing, because it goes so well with this topic of Relational Health. It was provided from a Church in NZ and they started this series on October 17th with their first Message of a 7 week series until November 27th: Wellbeing: An invitation to a flourishing life . I recommend it and I will be doing it also along with the Church and YV plan. If you go to the website linked, you will find out more and they also offer a short "wellbeing self- assessment"  free, through another church. Perfect timing for me (in the middle of this 31 day journey) to discover a continuation of seeking to 'live a flourishing life' (which for me, just means healthy, the way God desires me to in all my relationships and the rest of my life) so I will continue this journey through the different areas of well-being from physical {ouch}, emotional, and spiritual to relational, financial and  even vocational well-being - since I'm retired, I have plenty of time to address and focus on these and perhaps I don't need vocational as much but God still may have a vocational purpose for me (beyond what I do or have done). We're not finished until God says we are 😉

RELATIONSHIPS: 13-16

How to Pursue Relational Health

There's a beautiful prayer that begins this section seeking "to grow to rest in the truth that the Lord is our True Refuge. Asking our Lord to change us and help us walk forward, one step at a time - in obedience to Him as we work on developing deep, caring RELATIONSHIPS without being bound to our fear and insecurity based on how people need or want us. Not wanting to use people or be used but learning how to love them because the Lord loves us & we can be secure in Him.

DAYS 13 through 16

 

Day 13: Ask God to Reveal Your Heart's Pain & Sin - Ps. 139:23-24

Day 14: Admit Your True Fears - Ps. 142:1-4

Day 15: Connect with Spiritual Family - 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

Day 16: Renew Your Thinking about Relationships and Love - Romans 12:2

I have divided days 13-21 for this section into 2 different blog posts: this one will cover just these days (13-16) and my next blog post will cover days 17-21 - all these days are about "How to Pursue *Relational Health". 

For me personally, I believe that this is the most important part and where I need the most work and/or change. So I am hoping that by lessening the amount of days, I will spend more time unpacking the verses and understanding what God reveals and honestly deal with myself and my RELATIONSHIPS. 

 

Day 16 "... How do we renew our minds?"..."First, we commit to reading and meditating on God's Word so that it has a home in us (Col. 3:16) ...  2nd "... We resist and flee influences that corrupt our thought life. We toss out anything that soils our minds with selfishness, lust, fear, anger, or unbelief; we cut off paths to ungodly supply sources that keep our sinful thoughts nourished. The more we're washed in the Word of God, the easier it becomes to recognize when pollution has entered in. ... " "Act: What steps do you need to take to have God's Word dwell in you more deeply?"

I find it's helpful to define terms (and this is not from the devotional book):

* “Relational health refers to the capacity to develop and sustain safe, stable and nurturing relationships, which in turn prevent the extreme. or prolonged activation of the body's stress response systems.” Garner. 2021. 

... and Why it's important?

"Relational health focuses on establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships with self, other individuals, groups and communities and develops from our interactions and connections with others. Having a network, grounded in supportive relationships, can help create feelings of satisfaction and security." (Resource)

A Special Day Plan of a Trip, Prayer & Thanks

TRIP PLAN: Jazz Fall Cruise on the St. Croix

As I begin this day of celebration of the 68th year of my life on a glorious autumn SONday (hoping for some warm sun here in Minnesota, which has steadily been dropping in temperatures this past week and the chill is on)… I believe that the author of this Birthday Prayer, when she shared this on her birthday, gave us permission to share with others too. I wanted to wait and add to some very special people's birthday cards first, as she suggested but since my birthday fell on a Sunday, I just couldn't wait and had to pray today to my Precious Lord -

PRAYER

October 9, 2022 "Lord, I love You, and I bless Your name. Thank You God that You love me with an everlasting love, and that You know the number of hairs on my head. You know everything about me, Lord. You know when I stand up and sit down. Thank You, Lord, for loving me and forgiving me. Thank You for the finished work of the cross. Thank You for the blood of Christ which was shed for me. Lord, I commit this year to You. I pray that You will order my steps, grant me divine opportunities, divine introductions, and divine relationships. Be in it all. Please go ahead of me and prepare the way, and that You will be my rear guard. Oh Father, You are so kind and so good, and I’m so grateful for that. Please give me grace to glorify You and enjoy You in whatever You ordain for me today and this coming year. Help me to grow in all the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, meekness, and self-control. Help me, Lord, to be obedient to You. Help me to know You more. Stir in my soul a desire to read Your Word, to know You and to pray. Create in me a deep hunger and an abiding desire to read Your Word so that I can know You, the Author of salvation. Help me not to grow weary in well doing. When I get a bad attitude help me to snap out of quickly. Help me not to dwell on negative or critical thoughts, Father, but remind myself that there is another way to look at things, and that my mind is renewed and transformed as I read Your Word. Thank You that I am not the same person I was…I am a new creature, a new creation, and I can think with a renewed mind, because I have the mind of Christ. Bless me today and this year, and make me a blessing to those around me. I pray Your covering and protection over me Lord God. May no weapon formed against me prosper or succeed. May every tongue that rises up against be shown to be in the wrong. Thank You Lord that I have peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition as my heritage as a servant of the Lord. As Your Word says in Psalm 139, You chart the path ahead of me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. Your strength supports me. Thank You God for blessing me. I am grateful for You. I pray this year You will enable me to rest in the finished work of the Cross and to rest in Your love and all that You have accomplished for me. Help me to be not just a hearer of Your Word but a doer of Your Word. So even as I rest, help me to do the works You have for me to do, but let it come from a place of abiding rest and a deep love and gratitude to You. Never acts of works, because I can never earn Your love; You love me with an everlasting love. I pray Your blessing on me this year. Thank You Father for Your faithfulness and Your kindness. You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness. Lord You are so good. Thank You for all You’ve done for me, for all You are for me, and thank You for blessing me today on my birthday. In the strong name of Jesus, amen." (from Julie Gillies, author, "A Birthday Prayer")

THANKS

I also add a very special THANKS to God for a sweet sister (in Christ & of the heart)💚 who never forgets me; even sent this on my "birthday eve" -

 a tradition she started in her own family

 

 ...and also two more sisters: one - my biological sister; & the other - another sister in Christ here in MN. The ripple keeps growing of special birthday friends, sisters in Christ and loved ones, who add blessings to my life on this day. 

Yet the sweet sis 💚 I give thanks for - in the very beginning, never forgot me, even in Mexico, when I needed someone the most, she was there! She is one of the kindest and the Best sister ever! My words, thoughts and prayers are hardly enough to express my gratitude to God for this truly remarkable gift that keeps giving, just like Jesus! 

And thanks to Julie G. also for her gift of this prayer and many other prayers she shares in her books (and in other social media sites). I am blessed by her writing and prayers as an author and she doesn't even know me.

Since I have shared parts of the JESUS LISTENS prayers on this blog this year, I also want to share the Prayer given on this day from another book that I have been reading all this year, The Divine Romance (by Brian Simmons and Gretchen Rodriguez) on the Song of Songs, The Passion Translation(TPT). On this day in the 365 days of meditating, I am reading in the Song of Songs - chapter 6: verse 11 in TPT the last devotion of 3 on that verse, which is "Maturing Love" {I gladly receive this}. I am just sharing the Prayer that follows this beautiful devotion:

Extra PRAYER

"... Lord, fill me with Your desire. Stir my heart for those who have never stirred my heart before {or still have not come to accept You as their Savior & King}. Ignite me with zeal to see others grow in their {spiritual} identity. Release Your insights for those I encounter, so I can be a blessing to them and see them blossom in their *RELATIONSHIP with You.

I add this to the above Birthday Prayer to my Lord, Savior & King(the parts in {...} are my own addition, of course I add much more)* my 2022 One Word

May Your Love Mature more in me in the years that You, Lord still give me; and when those years end here on earth, may others acceptYour Ultimate Love and I pray receive Eternal Life.I give You all glory, thanks & praisethat I do receive You & Your Giftof Eternal Salvationin Jesus Christforevermine
💗💗💗

Forever Yours
💙 Peggy 💙

RELATIONSHIPS: 8-12

The Foundation of Toxic Relationships

" The soul ... craves fulfillment from things outside itself and will embrace earthly joys for satisfaction when it cannot reach spiritual ones. The believer is in spiritual danger...{beginning of quote that starts this section from John Flavel, "Method of Grace"}

[clearly there is much more to this quote both in the book and from John Flavel, a Puritan author, in his writing]
DAYS 8 - 12

Day 8: People Idolatry - James 1:17; Ex.20:3

Day 9: Suffering - Luke 13:10-11

Day 10: Disordered Desires - Deut. 13:6,8

Day 11: Misplaced Hope - Psalms 63:3,5;  Romans 15:13

Day 12: Unbelief - Hebrews 11:6; Prov. 3:5-6

At the end of each day, there is a portion added at the end specifically for the content of that devotional with ACT (something to do) and REFLECT (something to think about and hopefully be able to answer). 

 Day 12's REFLECT is a good one, since we are nearly half-way through this:

" ... what have you learned about wrong beliefs you've held regarding God and RELATIONSHIPS with people?"

I'll be pondering about this and possibly share some of that Reflection
however, since I'm still learning about Toxic Relationships, 
the links I gave prior to beginning this 31 day journey HERE in this blog post
might be more helpful; and of course this devotional book for

TAKING REFUGE IN CHRIST

RELATIONSHIPS: 2-7

I have already decided to group these daily readings into one blog post each week or so, to lessen your mailbox (if you subscribe) unless I have much to say (write) about any one day. There are actually 4 sections in the book - the last one is the largest of 10 days (so I will probably break that into 2 blogs). 

Here are the groups of days & when I plan to publish them: 

Days 2-7 is this one, which I moved up to tonight October 1st so it will be in time for Day 2 (and in plenty of time for the rest of this first section)

Days 8-12 publishes on October 7th, for the second section: The Foundation of Toxic Relationships 

Days 13-16 will publish on October 12th for the first part of the third section and

Days 17-21 on October 16th for the last days of this third part: How to Pursue Relational Health

Days 22-31 are the 4th part divided into two blog posts on October 21st for Days 22- 26th and October 26th for Days 27-31: Jesus is the Loving Refuge …

<><><>

The first section I started yesterday, October 1 with Day 1:

God is Our Most Trustworthy Refuge

Today's blog post covers
Days 2 -7

Day 2: Our Heart Healer - Psalm 34:18 & Psalm 147:3

Day 3: The One who Saves Us - Colossians 1:13-14

Day 4: Our Merciful and Comforting Father -2 Cor. 1:3-4

Day 5: Our Helpful Counselor - John 14:15-17

Day 6: Our Loving Lord and Creator - Colossians 1:16-17

Day 7: Our Eternal Source of Spousal Love - Hosea 2:19-20

I may be back to share after I read and do each day or if one strikes me

like this:

"...Toxic RELATIONSHIPS can wound and break our hearts."... "A healed heart grows by looking to God more - and to people less - for comfort and affirmation." ... (day 2)

Truthfully, I'm looking to God more for EVERYTHING and first!
I do realize that only sharing this much from this 31 day devotional book does not really give you much to go on or help you if you find yourself dealing with a RELATIONSHIP that is unhealthy or toxic but perhaps you are in a healthy one too yet I believe God’s Word & God can reveal more to you & I know that a good RELATIONSHIP with Jesus will. Always stay close to God and He will guide you or give you a way; or someone to show you as He does through His Word, daily interaction with Him, listening & obeying as You trust God.  But if I have anything else that these daily readings spark, I'll add more below as I read:

"... God's plan to pursue an eternal marriage relationship with His people. In Hosea, we hear God's desire to be more than just friends, more than a king with servants, even more than a Father with His children: He pursues us, loves us, and offers us eternal marriage, with Himself." ... Day 7 "... Married to God? Yes! His spousal love is different from human marriage but no less intimate. We have an eternally secure, forever-together relationship bought for us by the blood of Jesus, Our Bridegroom (see John 3:28-29)"

I am so grateful I became aware of this beautiful concept of being married to Christ as I grew more and more in this understanding and what it means in the Christian marriage, with the Lord as our Spouse; I grew closer to Him, He & I deepened our relationship, I acknowledged my own sin and truly renewed my life in Jesus with a fresh intimacy. It was at this time I found out more clearly than ever that my spouse not only didn't believe in church-going;(just another institution/organization to him) but he did not believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. So all his charitable and humane efforts in community action was humanitarian and not Christian as I had thought.  This also helped me realize that my vows of marriage were not just made in front of God but to God, a covenant between us - sadly broken in areas, but for me redeemed by Christ; it was that triangle of God (with Christ) at the center and top ^ and my spouse and myself on the base _ formed my marital image. I even purchased a gold triangle with the Cross in the center to serve as a reminder. He is Faithful & True! And I needed to learn to be. Just like the story of Hosea, but Jesus became my Hosea and redeems me. I worship Him only! No human should be idolized - that belongs to Christ alone. I've spent much of my life focus on treasuring our RELATIONSHIP!

DAY 7

Writing these keeps me accountable as I read each day. 

RELATIONSHIPS 1 of 31 October Days

TAKING REFUGE IN CHRIST

"My God is my Rock in whom I take Refuge, my Shield and the Horn of my Salvation." 

Psalm 18:2

After 10 months focusing on RELATIONSHIP, I should be able to put together my own 31 days, but most often I look to see if one is already available that fits my theme, which this year happens to be RELATIONSHIPS - the One Word that God put in my heart and mind for 2022. I do have an excellent book for all 365 days of devotions that I've mentioned often already. However, today - for this month of October, I found another book, already done and done well, so it will serve as my guide, although I can't share its contents (copyright), I will be sharing each day's contents through a scripture given. 

By now, if you know me or have read any of my blog posts, you are aware that I need work in my earthly RELATIONSHIPS, my main ones have not been healthy ... in fact, some are toxic. Many are and have been dysfunctional in my life.

[Not sure as I'm writing this blog post if I have written a previous blog post about unhealthy relationships or toxic ones, but I did intend to write one and share.]I did so it’s now linked.

That is how I came across the book which is the basis for these 31 days. I can never write as well as the author of this book, so I will just recommend on the last day this book. I purchased the Kindle version (of course) the moment I read the Introduction and page 16 prayer to:

God is Our Most Trustworthy Refuge

"Lord, I struggle to believe that You really can be a safe place for me in the midst of what I’m facing. I am tormented right now as I battle to believe I can truly be free of the mess in my relational world, and specifically my relationship with ________. I am hurting, angry, lonely, and anxious and ask You to open my heart to see wonderful things in Your Word. Help me to believe Your words, Lord, and please cause them to soak into my heart, mind, and life. I need You and want to grow in trusting You to lead me, day by day, step by step, to become healthy and holy in my relationships, even as I struggle to know what that looks like. Thank You that I can offer these cries for help through Jesus, the one I belong to and who calls me friend. Amen."

... and at the same time the scripture verse given for day 1 (below) was one that I just had in Jesus Listens on August 27 & in my You Version reading plan (verse image made) so I knew God was confirming this for October ... 

 Day 1 

"Our Refuge Now and Forever"

Psalms 18:1-2 I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,   my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. ESV

For now I will just post the daily scripture on my blog (maybe a verse image) and perhaps I may or may not share ... as I'm 

TAKING REFUGE IN CHRIST

{not in order, but these are a few of my highlights in day1}  ..."When we forget who we are and who God is, it's easy to rush after earthly RELATIONSHIPS that seem to promise escape from all pain and disappointments." ... "... the most foundational and beautiful truth of my identity - I'm loved and known by God." ... "... Through Christ, God delivers us from unhelpful (and unholy) patterns in our RELATIONSHIPS and strengthens us to trust Him."

<><><>
Each blog post is set to publish the day before the Days given from the book.
I may repost them if I add anything in the box at the end or my own Reflection.
I posted them ahead of reading so I am reading this daily and have not read ahead.

NOTE:

I forgot that I was doing this plan for the 31 days of October and then I signed up for Revive Our Hearts "Cry Out" Challenge, but since I have done "Cry Out" in previous years, I will be praying but not sharing the ROH Challenge because they will be sending me their daily emails and our nation and this world really needs us to be praying & seeking God & God's will, not our own. Too many of us have our own agenda. We need to LISTEN to God and FOLLOW Jesus only & His Word.  

 

RELATIONSHIP Help - Healthy or Unhealthy?

Because of my FULL MONTH plan for October, I needed to squeeze this blog post in as a Prelude, so that you might understand why RELATIONSHIP is my 2022 Word & even though I have only a few months left, I am not even close to digging into the complexities of my RELATIONSHIP(S) - mostly those earthly ones that need so much work, or I do. But any way you look at this, my RELATIONSHIPs have not been healthy, I think that I have admitted and indicated having unhealthy ones; and now I am exploring this possibility - that at least one is a Toxic Relationship. I'm just learning about this. I noticed some of the signs in the relationship of another person (dear to me) and then realized that it might also be in mine. So that is the topic of this blog post as I search and learn. Also since I am just learning something new to me, I advise you to seek the facts and truths yourselves, realizing that this is my disclaimer to any comments I make or you may read in the articles I link. Perhaps you may feel that I should wait until I know more, but right now I need to acknowledge this and hope it helps. 

As usual for me, I need to start out with defining a "toxic relationship". I read this in various places but sharing this one. Most of the links I share will lead you to other similar definitions and much more information. 

"A toxic relationship is one that makes you feel unsupported, misunderstood, demeaned, or attacked. On a basic level, any relationship that makes you feel worse rather than better can become toxic over time. Toxic relationships can exist in just about any context, from the playground to the boardroom to the bedroom " Very Well Mind "A relationship is toxic when your well-being is threatened in some way - emotionally, psychologically, and even physically."

I have found various articles or sites that share Signs of Toxic Relationships from 5 to 7, up to 21. I chose depicting some of the Signs with this image:

[image credit: RamsMedia]

  However I found this article of 21 Signs to be the most thorough and professional (in other words - trustworthy) - "21 Signs of Toxic Relationships" but "24 Signs You're in a Toxic Relationship and Need to Let Go" from Women's Health speaks volumes to me (and my past) - where was this back then? I skipped the intro and just skimmed the bold face 24 signs and clearly know that I indeed needed this back in my 20s and 30s for sure. 

[This is 1 of 3 Infographics shared by "Choosing Therapy" author of 21 Signs above]

Further reading showed me the Impacts of Toxic Relationships and How to Fix ... in the above article of 21 Signs ... as you continue reading, but as so often people have to be willing - willing to admit and wanting to find a remedy or change; which most often, is only one sided. Toxic relationships have long-lasting, life-changing impacts according to Psychology Today. My own experiences show me.

"Some of the physical side effects of a toxic relationship are disrupted sleep, poor nutrition, digestive issues, muscle tightness, fatigue/ feeling constantly worn down, and immunity issues (getting ill more often)." Source

The more I look (and read), the more I find and discover how much I needed this a long time ago; along with my 365 Daily Devotions ... book by Karla Downing and her excellent website and You Tube Channel - which is very helpful and it's not just for RELATIONSHIPS that are toxic. "Change My Relationship..." is continually changing me or causing me to see what I should have changed long ago in my life (but now, seemingly a little late - although I've been encouraged to hope - it's never too late (at least until you leave this earthly home). 

There's no way that I can conclude this blog post, because it's part of my on-going life process ... even though I am in the last season of my life, I am still learning and I hope changing myself and my RELATIONSHIPS - the difficult and the ones that I so appreciate that have blessed me, tolerated me and hopefully prayed for me. So I add this image as an alternative for an ending and perhaps in November & December, I can come back and summarize some progress with my 2022 Word: RELATIONSHIP - from Unhealthy to Healthy. I truly need work & God is so patient and helpful in showing me. 

[image credit]

Oh and one more thing - there are various Quizzes available to find out if you're in a Toxic Relationship or Who's the Toxic One... Are You in a Toxic Relationship?  These were just a few and not necessarily endorsed by me; search for your own that you feel comfortable with and beware of some. Check the source (lol).

The Last of my RELATIONSHIP search from JESUS LISTENS - Part 3

This is my third and final post of my search in JESUS LISTENS for My 2022 One Word - RELATIONSHIP. The last one covered August through September 29th. The first one was quite lengthy covering the entire first half of the year up until July 17th. This one will cover what's left from October - December in JESUS LISTENS, which is just a few.
 

"... My identity as a child of God gives my life meaning and purpose. My RELATIONSHIPS with other people improve as I relate to them with the love and forgiveness You've given me."~ October 23, Jesus Listens, page 310

" ... *this wastes a lot of time and energy; even worse, it distracts me from my RELATIONSHIP with You. Whenever this happens, please open my eyes so I can find You in the midst of my circumstances." ~ November 4, Jesus Listens, page 322

{I realize that *"this" does not make much sense out of the context of the full prayer}

"... Sometimes I get so focused on other things - difficulties and distractions in my life - that I *neglect my RELATIONSHIP with You. Help me to remember to put You first in my life, relating to You continually as my First Love. ..." ~ December 5, Jesus Listens, p. 355

*{I do not think I am "neglecting" my Relationship with my King, but I'm sure there were times in my life when I did, but not in the last 30 + years}

"... I am filled with Your fullness - flooded with You Yourself! (AMPC) (Ephesians 3:19) This is deeper, richer union than I can find in any human RELATIONSHIP. You know everything about me ..." ~p. 376, December 26, Jesus Listens

My intention of doing a search for my One Word RELATIONSHIP in my daily devotional book "Jesus Listens" of prayers & scriptures for this year was to take note and focus of the times that RELATIONSHIP is mentioned or comes up, even in a book, not specifically on RELATIONSHIPS but on the most important One in my life! Speaking with Him (through Prayer) but more importantly LISTENing to Jesus, through His Word ... has impacted me and deepened that RELATIONSHIP and made me more aware of our daily interaction (intermittently throughout the day and night) makes our RELATIONSHIP stronger. I hope that it helps me with the earthly ones and their RELATIONSHIP with Jesus (having one) and also with my other devotional for the full year to "Change My RELATIONSHIP" (that one is to basically work on earthly difficulties in RELATIONSHIPS - so I'm sure that there are many uses of the word RELATIONSHIP in that one (over 400) - on all kinds of RELATIONSHIPS (God & not so godly). The main aim of that book is to help me become healthy in my RELATIONSHIPS. It is filled with many concepts and ideas never learned or practiced in my life. It really is about a great deal of "change" needed. It starts with me. 

[I am posting this blog on a significant day with one of my family RELATIONSHIPs, that is no longer with us, this side of heaven, but I still celebrate his birthday. Our RELATIONSHIP needed work while he was here, because his role in my life affected my understanding of my Heavenly Father for many years besides the impact on our own earthly RELATIONSHIP yet he did the best he could by me & for me. Although our RELATIONSHIP was dysfunctional, he taught me many lessons and was very hard working. We were similar and yet very different in our perspectives. Some say I was his favorite, but all my life I never felt that I was, nor that I lived up to his expectations, nor that he was pleased with me. But he forgave me, in a final letter he wrote for our family, and that meant the world to me. Happy Birthday Dad! I love you.]

More RELATIONSHIP Words from Jesus Listens - Part 2

Part 1 - Back on August 1st, I shared a search from one of my favorite devotionals for 2022, "Jesus Listens" but only gave 13 of the 27 and even that was a bit over-whelming. Those were from January to July in the book (thus Mid Year review). Even though I compiled them for my August 1st post as a 'review', I had actually done this back in July. So today's Part 2, although I am working on this post only 10 days after I posted the first one, it's been a bit longer for me, since I did that post & search actually in July and I don't want to lose the rest of the 27 (which is not really 27, a few are used in one devo). {I realize I won't really lose them because I can search for RELATIONSHIP again - this seems to be the story of my life (lol)}

My real reason is to keep these before me as I continue my 2022 One Word focus on RELATIONSHIP. It's another one of those WORDs that you start but you know it just will continue, like STRENGTH from 2021 (and honestly most of my One Words still do since 2012). 

 

As I reread that first post and those 13, I found it to be a little overwhelming. I guess that's why reading one of "Jesus Listens" devotional each day is such a blessing, but doing the full book would be too much. I appreciate having a prayer with the scriptures and the pace for each day! I thought about doing each one on the actual day but then I might have to reflect and write more on each one (and I may) but for now, I am putting them all together here. I hope it might encourage you to get your own copy of "Jesus Listens" ... you won't be disappointed. In case you need to recall from that 1st post, these are only a quote from the prayer, with the word RELATIONSHIP, so reading it in full context will help you better. Continuing after July 17th with August 2nd:

"...This delightful discipline {*of praise and thanks} nurtures my soul and enhances my RELATIONSHIP with You  - providing an easy way for me to draw near You."~August 2, Jesus Listens, page 225.

* this concept of discipline is given in the part of the prayer prior to this part.

"...It's essential for me to remember that my problems are temporary but You are eternal-and so is my RELATIONSHIP with You."~August 16, Jesus Listens, 239

  

"... As I keep focusing on You and enjoying the rich RELATIONSHIP You offer, my fear gradually subsides. I will trust and not be afraid, for You are my strength and my song." (Isaiah 12:2; I Samuel 30:6; Psalm 33:5) August 18, p.241

"...This practice of voicing my trust in You keeps me close to You..."September 6, Jesus Listens, page 261

"...This rich communication with You brings me real relief. It also strengthens my RELATIONSHIP with You and helps me find the way forward..."September 13, Jesus Listens, p.268

"Lord, please lead me beside quiet waters and restore my soul. Just as lovers can communicate deeply with very few words, so it is in my RELATIONSHIP with You-the Lover of my soul." September 27, Jesus Listens. page 282

I thought this would be a good prayer point to end this post, however, there is only one more RELATIONSHIP left for September ... and then only a few more from October - December (but I will wait until then for those few). The last one in September is even a better place to end. 

"... Gratitude enables me to perceive You more clearly and to rejoice in our Love- RELATIONSHIP. ..." September 29, Jesus Listens, page 284

Almost every one of these prayer parts are at or near the end of the prayer, except for this last one. In my mind, it's because Praise and Gratitude should always come first. In fact, a little praise, encouragement, good words and thankful hearts would help us in our earthly RELATIONSHIPS. It's just that the greatest praise and thanks goes to our Heavenly One first and always, no matter the circumstance, He is in control; He cares for you; He cares about your RELATIONSHIPS; He wants us to prepare our hearts and lives to look for the best in each other and do our best with all He has given us and does for us, including the RELATIONSHIPS that are most difficult (or when they are) so we can be Jesus to them or as most like Him as we are able and ask for His help, when we can't. 

Note: I will have to have one more of these blog posts later for the last ones from October - December. I have another book that I am reading day by day on my One Word "Change My RELATIONSHIP" that has 400 results in that search, which makes sense since it's a book on RELATIONSHIP - mostly our difficult human ones. I pray each of your RELATIONSHIPS is being changed and made better each day

Pastor Rick Warren & his Awesome Relationship is suppose to be ending today. I have some other RELATIONSHIP reading plans with You Version. 

(My) Best RELATIONSHIP is with God!

Last week (August 4-5, 2022), Pastor Rick began "Becoming Best Friends with God" on the Daily Hope Radio (podcast) broadcast and his devotionals. Because my very life, friendship and RELATIONSHIP with God are the most important, I have spent most of this year focused on that RELATIONSHIP. I'm pretty sure that when my One Word for 2022, became RELATIONSHIPS that God was suggesting (strongly) that I need much work on my earthly, human RELATIONSHIPS but He does not (at all) mind me deepening the RELATIONSHIP I have with Him so that He can help me with the others; guiding and showing me the areas and the people He hopes I work on. 

Trust me, I enjoy much more my Best Friend Jesus and spending more and better time with Him. Yet the fruit needs to show around the people He has placed strategically in my life to grow me, sharpen me and refine me for His Kingdom purposes. I could write at great length about God & Me, however, I just want to highlight in this blog post Pastor Rick's teachings to LISTEN or READ (in case you missed them) because I think you'll enjoy them as much as I do. It is the most AWESOME RELATIONSHIP - the one you have or begin with*God/Jesus/Holy Spirit:

Becoming Best Friends with God – Part 1 August 4, 2022  Becoming Best Friends with God – Part 2 August 5, 2022 Becoming Best Friends with God – Part 3  August 8, 2022

I'm pretty sure there's a Part 4 tomorrow (August 9) because Pastor Rick finishes on August 11th with this series.UPDATE: It is actually

What Destroys Relationships and What Builds Them – Part 1 and Part 2 tomorrow

Pastor Rick wrote the following excellent devotionals about our RELATIONSHIP with God (August 5th - August 8th, 2022):

 

Daily Hope Devotional  Becoming Best Friends with God: God’s Love Frees You to Love Fearlessly Knowing God Is What Matters Most                               Give God Your Best Time               To Be God’s Friend, Value What He Values

[and Pastor Rick ends with the opportunity to trust Jesus with your life]

I really enjoy the "Talk It Over" parts of these devotionals. So, I'm sharing the one from August 8 "... Value what He Values":

• What gets in the way of you being a friend of God? What adjustments could you make in your thoughts or behavior to remove those barriers?
• What’s more important to you than knowing God? Why do you value it more?
• Describe the relationship you have with your best friend. How does it compare to the relationship you have with God?
• What are some things that you know God values? How important are those things to you?

Perhaps, I should take the time to pause and think about my own answers truthfully - I pray that each day I live more in sync with God's values and living them out; caring about what God cares about ... if I were to answer any of these, it would be a complete blog post. If you'd like , you may share one in the comments and remain anonymous (lol). If you have a good human RELATIONSHIP, it may be a good topic of discussion. I will be talking them over with God, Himself. These "Talk It Overs" are excellent questions and thoughts, for small group discussions. Be encouraged that the God of the universe cares enough about YOU - to want to be your Friend; Love YOU freely and fearlessly; He cares about what matters to YOU and matters the most; God deserves your BEST time of each and every day; He values YOU and wants YOU to value Him and all He shares in His Word (Philippians 4:8).

 I really appreciate this article "12 Things Jesus Valued that We Must Value"  - just in case you need a prompt to respond to the question above. [Jesus and God - are the same] In fact above I placed an * because I wanted you, as a reader to know, it's important to deepen your RELATIONSHIP with the Triune God as Jesus, Father God, and the Holy Spirit. And yes, RELATE to all 3 as 1! Jesus told us that there is no way to the Father (God, the Father) except through Him. (John 14:6) and (John 10:30). Yes, Lord - Life, Peace, Love, Truth, Faith,  Service, Sacrifice, Gratitude, Prayer (which is communication with God)and Fasting; SOULS ... RELATIONSHIPS! I do value all these and hope that You continue to show me clearly all You value and how I need to value the importance of each to a hurting world.

Thank you, Reader for reading (and if you choose to share (wink, wink) 😉 in the comments any of the "Talk It Over" or whatever. God values YOU! God's best!