“Janice” has recently given her life to Jesus Christ.  Slowly, her life is beginning to change.  She’s so excited about this new relationship!  However, her cousin “Peter”, who was very passionate about Jesus, seems to have lost his desire for Him.  Now, “Peter” lives contrary to the biblical values he once embraced.  

In addition to this, she has heard from other believers that the Christian life can be rough and tough at times.  This has made her a bit fearful, but she’s determined to enjoy this new found relationship as much as possible.  

So she’s wondering what exactly she needs to be aware of concerning the strategies of the enemy?  In what ways can the enemy try to make her fall? Furthermore, how can she overcome so that she wouldn’t lose her passion for Christ like “Peter”.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV

Lessons from my deceased pastor

With his low baritone voice, my deceased and beloved pastor repeatedly taught the congregation about three common strategies used by our enemy to hamper an intimate and growing relationship with Jesus.  Therefore, it is crucial that you also understand them so that you can resist his plan for your demise. 

Here are three crafty strategies the enemy will use against you and how to overcome:

1) He will try to get you to backslide.

Our enemy, Satan, is not happy about your relationship with Jesus, so he will try his utmost best to cause you to revert into your former state of rebellion against God.  In his crafty ways, he will try to attack you exactly at your weakest points.

“For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life-is not from the Father but is from the world.  And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:16-17 ESV

Seven common tactics to get you to backslide:

Backslide Tactic 1

Weak point: Inability to accept God’s forgiveness and to forgive yourself.

Tactic: He wages accusations about your past.  

Result: You become so burdened with guilt about your past that you erroneously believe God will never accept and love you as you are.  Then, you throw in the towel and revert to your former way of living.

Backslide Tactic 2

Weak point: Desire for a man’s love and adoration.

Tactic: He connects you with an unbelieving guy with qualities that you admire or a Christian guy who prefers to remain a babe in Christ.

Result: You fall in love with him and begin to compromise in ways that you never thought possible.

Backslide Tactic 3

Weak point: Desire for wealth and prosperity.

Tactic: He opens doors for you with prospects for great wealth which requires that you either compromise and/or become extremely busy.

Result: You have no time for God or serving Him.  

Backslide Tactic 4

Weak point: A stronghold of lust.

Tactic: He exposes you to pornorgraphy in whichever form suits you most.

Result: You become enslaved by its power that you begin to hide from God and live a lie.

Backslide Tactic 5

Weak point: You think very highly of yourself (due to intelligence, talents, beauty, special skills, money, etc.)

Tactic: He makes you believe all your accomplishments have been achieved by your own doing.  Your success was not because of God or anyone else’s help.

Result: You become puffed up and refuse to acknowledge God’s provision, enablement and blessings.  In essence, you become ungrateful to God and filled with pride.

Backslide Tactic 6

Weak point: Easily offended and unforgiving.

Tactic: A fellow Christian brother or sister hurts you.

Result: You decide that you can no longer fellowship with believers because they are all a bunch of hypocrites.

Backslide Tactic 7

Weak point: A strong need for approval.

Tactic: In order to gain greater popularity or acceptance, you begin to compromise your values or allow abuse from others.

Result: You lose your Christian “voice” and even who you are.

You don’t have to fall prey to any of the above ‘revert tactics’ (or any others) that the enemy would devise against you. Instead, you need to ask the Holy Spirit to constantly show you what is in your heart and allow Him to bring freedom and growth in the areas which are likely to be your stumbling blocks.  We all have them.  The main thing is to be willing to grow, regardless of how painful that process may be.

2) His plan is to make you become neutral.

If the enemy is unsuccessful in getting you to backslide, he will try to get you to become neutral.  A neutral Christian, or worldly Christian, is someone who has lost her passion for Christ.

Some evidences of neutrality in your life are:

• A lack of a desire to spend time with God.
• Little or no desire to be among Spirit-filled Christians.
• Your closest friends are at the same minimum spiritual level or not even believers in Christ.
• You justify any disobedience to God in your life.
• You will not even consider sharing the gospel with others.
• Your prayer life is practically non-existent.
• Your life is centered around you, and not Christ.
• Spending time in God’s Word is a chore to undertake.
• It is difficult for you to trust God with your life, especially relationships with men.
• Your love for God and others is waning.

“But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.  I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?” 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 ESV

If you see that many of the above traits evident in your life, pray to God that he will restore you.  You need to be directed by God once again.  Check out “How you can be filled with the Holy Spirit.”  God can and is willing to refresh you and turn your life around.  

My story

At a young age (around 11), I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ.  However, I felt that Christianity was very boring.  In my heart, I said that I would live more for Jesus when I got older …. like over 60!  

Although I attended church every Sunday, it was difficult to participate.  I didn’t even open my mouth to sing!  Then, things began to change when two almost parallel events took place.  One, I started attending a small group Bible study conducted by a relative who is a pastor and secondly, I got involved in a Christian student group at university.  

In the students’ Christian group, it shattered my belief that Christianity was boring.  My life was never the same after a hike that I attended with the group.  A few years later, I was talking on Facebook to one of my highschool friends.  I told her that I was serving Jesus and she said she nearly fell off her chair on hearing it. Lol  I’ve come a long way!

3) He will try to discourage you.

Finally, his last major tactic is discouragement.  This one has caused many faithful believers to give up.  It is said that many start the race, but few end well.  How many Christians do you know have lost their zeal or have given up on God’s call on their lives?  

You may still be faithfully serving Christ, but you are weighed down by unfulfilled dreams; disappointed in your failures; shackled by the rejection of others; and stripped of your passion by life’s hardships.  It can be a sad state of affairs … but for God!  If this describes you, you need to cry out to God for his healing and refreshing.  More importantly, ask other Christians to pray for you.  Right now, you need to be surrounded by the care, encouragement and prayers of the Body of Christ so that God can restore you.  

The church and the world needs what you have.  Also, you will be better off fulfilling God’s call on your life.  Do you know anyone who is discouraged that you could adopt in prayer?

“When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.  The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.  Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:17-19 ESV

Related articles

Why Jesus is Better Than a Husband | 10 Epic Reasons

9 Powerful Prayers Every Single Woman Should Pray

Summary

God wants you to live for Him fully.  As John Piper says, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”  Although the enemy will come and try to “steal, kill and destroy”, remember that Jesus is the super victorious one so you don’t have to live in fear.  Instead, submit your life fully to Jesus and allow Him to bring beauty out of it.  He’s certainly able!

What strategy has the enemy used against you in the past?  What weak points do you need to work on in cooperation with His Holy Spirit?  Have you given up on what God has called you to do?  Who can you reach out to for prayer?  Please comment below and share with the Petals Bloom community.

During my lonnnnnnng years of singleness, I read lots of books that helped me to grow as a daughter of God and as a woman.  I have selected 36 of them and created “My Favorite Books for Single Christian Women” to share with you since some of these books might also help you.  Get your free “My Favorite Books for Single Christian Women” when you subscribe.  If you’re already a subscriber, you can access it also.  

When you subscribe, you will also receive weekly emails to help you in your journey as a single Christian woman.  God has given me the opportunity to mentor and coach over one hundred women throughout the years and I’d absolutely love to help you too.  See you on the inside (aka email)!  Thanks for stopping by!

#madeforlove

Like, share & subscribe!

Love,

Kimberly Garth 

The post 3 Crafty Strategies of The Enemy and How to Overcome appeared first on Petals Bloom.

Without a doubt, many of us are saddened by the loss of lives.  To further compound the matter, millions of people have lost their jobs or earning capacity. 

How can you have joy in the midst of this crisis?

While you may not be able to control the ravaging effects of covid-19, you can control the way in which you respond.  Yes, you can still have joy!

“Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” Proverbs 25:28 

“A person can endure anything that life throws at him if he understands that he has the freedom to choose what to feel about each situation he faces, no matter how strongly he is opposed by outside forces that he cannot control.” Viktor Frankl in ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’

Here are 8 tips on how to have joy in the midst of a crisis:

1) Count your blessings.

When a crisis occurs, you have two choices.  Are you going to fill your mind with all that is going wrong and might go wrong?  Or are you going to recall all your current blessings and opportunities that the crisis has brought?  

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 ESV

In order to follow Philippians 4:8, you have to intentionally train yourself to be grateful.  Firstly, you need to pay attention to your thought life.  When a less-than-desirable situation occurs, what is your natural tendency? (If you don’t know, ask a relative or friend.)

If you have developed a habit of negative thinking over the years, this is a good time to replace it with a positive mindset that is based on God’s Word.

Action steps:

• When you wake up, write down 10 things for which you are grateful.
• If a trying situation arises, think about 5 opportunities that you have because of it.
• Before you go to bed, recall 5 things for which you are grateful.

If you need a little help, get your free “100 Things to be Thankful for” list.

Also, check out “7 Great Opportunities from This Pandemic.”

Here are some blessings and opportunities from this crisis:

• Re-evaluate your life and priorities and make corrections.
• Spend more time with God.
• Experience God as your provider, protector, comforter, etc.
• Motivate you to study what the Bible says about the end times.
• Deepen relationships with family and friends.
• Provide an opportunity to have a much-needed change in career (especially if you’ve lost your job).

“Anything that makes us need God is a blessing.” Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth

2) Be a light and a voice of hope to others.

People are grieving, worried and panicking all over the world.  As such, they need hope.  The best hope you can give is the message of eternal life and peace that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Hence, if you know someone is having a particularly rough time, reach out to them.  Listen to them; share Jesus with them; and pray with them.  I don’t think anyone is refusing prayer these days!

3) Fill your life with God’s Word.

When you read God’s Word, it helps to put everything into the right perspective – death, suffering, healing, comfort and everything else under the sun. 

In the times ahead, life may become even more challenging.  Therefore, you need to prepare yourself by studying, meditating and memorizing God’s Word.  

Many Christians may read God’s Word, but not necessarily believe it.  This is the time for the Word of God to come alive in every believer’s life.

“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, …” Ephesians 6:16-17 ESV

4) Dedicate time to sing and dance.

In a recent conversation with a woman who lost her beloved husband five years ago, she said that praising God through song during that difficult period allowed her to cope well and experience God’s peace.  Hearing her speak, I detected no bitterness about her loss.  

During this crisis, set aside time daily to sing praises to God.  It will fill your heart with joy and help you to focus on who God is (and not on the effects of the virus).

“When we thank, praise & worship God, we prime our circuits for high intellectual function, & every cell in our body is positively affected.” Dr. Caroline Leaf

5) Talk with life-giving friends.

If you’re beginning to despair, contact a relative or friend with whom you will be able to speak and pray.  Undeniably, it’s normal to feel saddened by what is happening and that’s why we need to rely on one another.  

Also, don’t wait for someone to reach out to you and please resist having a no-one-cares-for-me pity party.  Remember that everyone is trying to adjust to this new normal and you may not be at the front of their minds.  Nevertheless, they will probably be happy to talk and pray for you. 

At the same time, you also need to encourage yourself in the Lord, so that you can give life-giving hope to others!

6) Do not worry but pray.

Whenever you feel like worrying, bow your head in prayer instead.  Worrying will solve nothing and only give you backache, a headache and diarrhea!  On the other hand, God has all the power and resources to work on your behalf.

“… do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

7) Correct poor theology about trials and suffering.

Why do some Christians believe that we will have no trials here on earth?  It is clearly stated in the Bible that in this world, trials are to be expected.  

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 ESV

However, God has a purpose for every trial He allows.  Essentially, trials are meant to mature us, and not destroy us.  The way you respond to trials show you what you truly believe about God.  Is He in control? Is He still good when you suffer?  Will you still trust in Him? Is His grace sufficient for you?

8) Limit news intake to once or twice a day.

If you listen to every news update, you’ll most likely feel increasingly burdened and depressed.  That will not help you to have joy. 

It is important that you know what is happening, but you don’t need to know every covid-19 statistic, heartbreaking stories of losing loved ones, exhausted health care facilities, lack of ventilators, country comparisons, death tolls, rates of infection, conspiracy theories and the list goes on.

You just need to know enough to pray and prepare.  Block out the rest!  

Related articles 

Summary

As a Christian, you can have joy regardless of the circumstances of your life.  More than having a positive attitude, it comes from having a deep intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.  This is my prayer for you:

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 ESV

What other tips are helping you to have joy right now?  What did you do in the past to keep your joy when you were faced with challenging situations? Please comment below.

Get your free “100 Things to be Thankful for” list today to help you be thankful to God.  He remains good!  

When you subscribe to “Petals Bloom”, you’ll receive helpful weekly email tips because I would love to help you grow in your relationships with God and others.  Feel free to email me to let me know how you are doing and in what ways I can pray for you.  

Also, join me on Facebook @PetalsBloomBlog for my weekly live events on Thursdays at 8pm (Atlantic Standard Time).  Thanks for stopping by!

#madeforlove

Like, share & subscribe!

With love,

Kimberly Garth

“Petals Bloom is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.”

Recommended Books:

“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl

“Think, Learn, Succeed: Understanding and Using Your Mind to Thrive at School, the Workplace and Life” by Dr. Caroline Leaf

The post How to Have Joy in the Midst of This Crisis | 8 Simple Tips appeared first on Petals Bloom.

Two months ago, none of us would have thought that our lives would be radically different today. Now, we are overwhelmed by the realities of schools closing, self-quarantine, losing loved ones, food shortages, job losses, businesses declining, mass histeria, shortages of medical supplies and the list goes on.

We don’t know if we will get the virus; if we will die; or if we will lose our loved ones.  We pray and hope, but ultimately our lives and destinies rest in the hands of the Almighty God.  

However, good can come out of this pandemic.  Therefore, let us life our lives with purpose and allow the love of God to flow through us to others.

Here are 7 great opportunities from COVID-19 pandemic:

1) Show love.

Category 1: Those who are very ill with the virus.

In the early church, the Christians were the ones to care for the sick when they were rejected by others.  Unless you’re in the medical fraternity, you may not have the opportunity to directly care for the severely ill, but you can serve in other ways.  

Take time everyday to pray for those who are fighting for their lives and lend support to their families by reaching out and helping to meet a need.

Category 2: Those who are not seriously ill, but are in self-quarantine.

It is certainly not wise (or loving) to be near someone who has the virus, but you can show support and care by finding out what are his/her needs.  When someone is ill, he/she might need prayer, medication and a good pot of soup.  You can be the person who can be God’s hands and feet during this time. 

But if you are dropping off items, maintain the distance and follow all precautions (and the law).  This is not a time for socializing!

Category 3: The elderly and people with compromised immune systems.

For the sake of God’s love, intentionally avoid crowds and any social/fellowship activities at this time.  Even if you’re healthy and you believe that God will preserve your life, it will be irresponsible and unloving if you were to be the one through whom the virus spreads, especially to our beloved elderly and to people who already have health challenges.

A pandemic is a great opportunity for the Body of Christ to show our love to the world.  

2) Forgive and reconcile.

A family member, friend or peer might have severely hurt you.  This is a good time to forgive them… for your benefit and for theirs.  Did you know that forgiveness is good for your mind, soul and body?  Right now, you need to be as healthy as possible to deal with this pandemic!

It would indeed be sad if they were to die (or you) and you didn’t have time to make peace.  

3) Share with others.

I saw a video circulating on social media with a man showing his stock of food items and supplies …. obviously proud of his treasure.  With the number of items in his house, he can very well open a mini supermarket. As a result of this type of panic buying and hoarding, there would be countless people who have been left without.  

As a people of God, we should be the ones to share during this pandemic.  Let us trust God to stretch and multiply what we have.  The same God who multiplied the fishes and bread in two accounts (Mark 8:1-9 & Luke 9:10-17) is alive and can do it again and again.  As a matter of fact, His abilities to provide will never be impaired by a pandemic or a world recession.  He is our great provider.

‘In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”’ Acts 20:35 ESV

4) Focus on what is eternally important.

When you come to the end of your life, what do you think will matter the most to you?  You’d probably say your key relationships … with God and your loved ones. 

Relationship with God.

Stressful times like these can draw us closer to God which is eternally beneficial. Take this great opportunity to spend more time nurturing your relationship with God.  Allow Him to fill your heart and mind with His peace. Experience the joy that only He can bring.

Relationships with family and close friends. 

Take this time to nurture your relationship with your loved ones. Reach out to family members with whom you have not spoken for months and years.  This is a good time to try to mend a struggling relationship. 

5) Share the good news with non-Christians using virtual methods.

When death is in the “air”, most people panic because they are unprepared for death.  As true followers of Jesus, we need to give to non-Christians the hope that we have in Jesus.  

It is very comforting to know that I will be with Jesus even if I die from the virus (or any other death).  If you have already sincerely repented of your sins and placed your trust in Jesus Christ to save you, then you have the same hope.

As such, we should not be in panic like the rest of the world, but share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ which promises eternity for those who put their trust in our Savior.

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 ESV

‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”’ Romans 1:16-17 ESV

If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior and you want to know more about this, email me at kimberly@petalsbloom.com.  I’ll be happy to share with you.

6) Retrain yourself.

For most of you, you will have more leisure time these days.  As a consequence, it is very tempting to spend all your free time watching every update of the virus on social media and news broadcasts.  Albeit, you need to be informed, but too much becomes overkill and an obsession.

Or you might choose to spend your time binging on movies, videos and series on Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime or some other entertainment medium.  Resist that temptation!  

This pandemic will change our immediate future. Here are are likely outcomes:

• Job losses due to businesses’ inability to pay workers or the closing of companies.
• Since many companies have been “forced” to operate remotely, certain jobs may become redundant when companies realize that they need less workers due to technological advancements.

Depending on your job, you may need new skills to remain marketable.

As a precautionary measure, use your time wisely to develop new skills or enhance the ones you currently possess. 

Also, explore other ways of having another income stream like writing a book; starting a blog or vlog to share a skill or knowledge; or teach a course on online platforms like Teachable and Udemy.  Do some research because there are numerous ways that you can explore.

7) Grow your own food.

This is a good time to start a little kitchen or backyard garden.  Regardless of your available space, you can gain some level of food independence.  If your friends and family members also start one, you can barter just like in the good old days.  

No one knows what the future may bring, but it is better to be prepared for the worst case scenario.  Besides, you can never go wrong with growing your own food.  Undoubtedly, you will always need food to eat. 

Related articles:

Doing This Changed My Life

10 Easy Tips to Start Journaling today 

Ladies, God is still alive and well, even in the midst of a pandemic. You need not worry about death, starvation or job losses.  He is quite able to take care of you.  Allow Him the opportunity to show You how good and great He is.  

Even if death should come, let us have the mindset like Paul in Philippians 1:21-24 (see below).

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.  I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” Philippians 1:21-24 ESV

What blessings can you see from this COVID-19 pandemic?  In what ways can you show kindness to others? Comment below and share with all the readers.  

If you would like help in developing your relationships with God and with others, subscribe and you will receive weekly email tips.  

With all the panic in the air, learning to memorize and meditate on God’s Word will help to keep you calm; help Your faith in God to grow; and empower you to live a victorious Christian life.  It will transform your life! When you subscribe, you will also receive “How to Memorize an Entire Book of the Bible” guide.

Additionally, click reply and let me know who you are and in what ways I can help you grow as a single woman.  I’d be only happy to help you as others have helped me. Thanks for stopping by!

#madetolove

Like, share & subscribe!

With love,

Kimberly Garth

Recommended books:

“When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight For Joy” by John Piper 

“You are Free: Be Who You Already Are” by Rebekah Lyons 

“Petals Bloom is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.”

The post 7 Great Opportunities From COVID-19 Pandemic appeared first on Petals Bloom.

What should you do? You don’t have to be bored to death with your life. In fact, the single years can be the most fun and exciting time of your life filled with purpose and adventure.

However, we need to be careful what kind of fun we have. God has given us free choice, but some choices will be unprofitable in the long run. They will leave you with a “whole heap” of headaches (literal and figurative).  

“Variety is the spice of life” (An old adage)

Here are 10 fun ideas to kill boredom:

1) Socializing.

My number one suggestion is hanging out with friends and/or family.  In Trinidad & Tobago, it is fondly referred to as ‘liming’… eating, talking, and laughing.  It might be good to gather a few single friends and form a hang-out ‘crew’.  There are so many options, but here are a few to consider:

Some ideas:

• Plan a picnic;
• Have a potluck feast where everyone brings a dish;
• Go to a restaurant (no cooking required).
• Visit friends.  
• Go to the movies, show, theatre, theme park, etc.
• Try a fun sport together;
• Organise a monthly games night (and while you’re at it, invite some single Christian guys! *smile*).
  

For example, my housemates and I started having themed “Games Nite” once per month. It became quite popular as a Friday night social event and people began attending from all over the country!

Choose people who you enjoy. It should be a time of enjoyment and not punishment:). Socializing can surely kill boredom.

2) Reading or listening to books.

For some of you, this might not sound like fun, but give it a try.  This is my personal favorite hobby. Are there books that you’ve been ‘dying’ to read but it just has not happening?  You can use your free time to just sit back, get your favorite beverage and read or listen to a book.  Here are a few suggested books:

Fiction

• “Blessed Child“ by Bill Bright and Ted Dekker
• “Chronicles of Narnia” (series) by C.S. Lewis
• “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austin
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

Biographies or Autobiographies

• ”Death of a Guru: A Remarkable True Story of One Man’s Search For Truth” by Rabí R. Maharaj
• “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom
• ”Harriet Tubman: The Moses of Her People” by Sarah H. Bradford, Jim Hodges, et. al.
• ”William Tyndale”

Relationship with God

• The Holy Bible
• The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
• The Incomparable Christ by J. Oswald Sanders
• More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell

Inspirational

• Strong Women, Soft Hearts by Paula Rhinehart
• Brokenness, Surrender and Holiness by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
• Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye by Carolyn McCulley
• The Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman by Anne Ortlund

Relationship with men

• Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
• 10 Things Every Woman Needs to Know About Men by Sabrina Alexis and Eric Charles
• Finding the Love of Your Life by Neil Clark Warren
• Building a Relationship That Lasts by Dick Purnell

Growth and Wholeness

• Changes that Heal by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
• Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald
• Victory Over the Darkness by Neil Anderson
• Margins by Richard Swenson

Sex-related

• The Bare Facts: 39 Questions Your Parents Hope You Never Ask About Sex by Josh McDowell
• Sex and the Soul of a Woman by Paula Rhinehart
• The Purity Principle by Randy Alcorn
• Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot

Money-related

• Five Wealth Secrets by Craig Hill
• The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
• The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
• Living Large: How to Live Well Even on a Little by J. Raymond Albrektson

Leadership

• Leadership Coaching by Tony Stoltzfus
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
• The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey
• The Performance Factor: Unlocking the Secrets of Teamwork by MacMillan

Passing your time with a good book will surely help to kill boredom.

3) A Weekend Get-Away.

This sounds like paradise!  You don’t necessarily have to leave the country, but try to leave your home. At least once a year, it’s healthy to set aside time to get away from all the busyness of life.  

You can use it to invest in your relationship with God and/or to de-stress. Also, you can also try a ‘Silence & Solitude’ retreat and unplug from all distractions.  If you’re like me and you don’t feel comfortable going to a strange place by yourself, then take along a friend or relative who has the same agenda of ‘getting away’.  

4) Enjoy nature.

How about taking a trip to the mountains or the beach or a river or a nature reserve?  Hike, bike or walk and enjoy God’s creation. Or just stay at home and enjoy what you have around you. I love to sit in our porch, look at the trees, listen to the birds, and just think.  It’s very refreshing!

5) Traveling.

I have travelled to over thirty countries within the last nine years and it has been fabulous! Nine out of ten times, I was alone.

You can travel to visit family or friends or simply go site seeing on your own. Solo travel seems to be becoming more popular and companies are beginning to offer packages to meet the needs of the growing number of singles traveling alone.

6) Get in touch with your creative side.

You can rediscover that childhood creative streak that has been buried for some years.  I used to love doing crafts when I was younger.  Maybe this year, I will find a craft project to re-energize that creative part of me.  What about you? Are there any activities that you haven’t done in a while that gives you life?

Some suggestions:

• Craft Project
• Baking
• Painting
• Writing a song
• Coloring
• Playing a musical instrument

7) Volunteer.

One thing that is always in short supply is a good labourer. The world is ripe with opportunities to serve children, the elderly, the homeless, or refugees.  Without a doubt, you have gifts that you can use to bless someone.

The need to alleviate human suffering is great globally. Gather a few friends and have an outreach or join someone else who is actively involved in bringing love, hope and cheer. You’ll definitely kill every ounce of boredom in your life!

8) Create a bucket list.

What are some things that you’d absolutely love to do before you leave this earth?  Would you like to travel the world, help with the refugee crisis or go skydiving?

While you’re single, this is the time to try to accomplish those things.  One of my desires was to visit Australia and I did that a few years ago. It was worth the longgggggg flights.

9) Babysit.

There is never a dull moment with children in your life. Kill boredom instantly! Invite your nephews and nieces (biological or not) to your home for a day or two.  Their parents might be super grateful for the help.

You can give the children a time of their lives that they will remember for years to come.  “Susan” was babysitting my friends’ two children.  I was passing by and to my surprise, she made hot chocolate, baked chicken wings, pineapple chow, pizza and some other goodies.  

Furthermore, a tent was erected in the living room furnished with a sleeping bag, pillows, a plant (haha) and a projector for watching Netflix.  They also had a list of fun activities for the night. I was blown away. “Susan” was having just as much fun as the children! Lol

Here are some ideas for entertaining children:

• Play board games.
• Read books to them.
• Watch a movie together.
• Bake or cook with them.
• Take them to a park or zoo.

10) Learn a new skill or begin a new hobby.

There are countless online courses now.  Check out Youtube, Udemy, Teachable, SkillsShare or LinkedIn to name a few to learn a new skill.  There might also be free or cheap courses offered in your country.

Do some research and you never know what you might discover.  Join an art class, dance lessons, cooking course or photography course. You’ll kill boredom and you never know who you might meet in the process! Hmmmm:)

Related articles:

5 Compelling Reasons Why Singleness is Beautiful 

5 Crazy Things People Say to Single Women

10 Fantastic Ideas When You Are Stuck At Home

Summary

I’m sure you can come up with other ideas yourself.  The key to enjoying your singleness to the max is to be intentional. What are some activities that have helped you to enjoy this season?  Please comment below. Your ideas just might interest someone else.

Remember to subscribe, like and follow.  Get your copy of the FREE ‘Know Yourself’ questionnaire.  As you wrestle with some of the questions, you might discover the gem that you are and also areas in your life that may require some attention. I’ve been getting a LOT of good feedback from the 21-day journal challenge. It’s not too late. You can join today! Thanks for stopping by!

#madeforlove

Like, share & subscribe!

With lots of love,

Kimberly Garth

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The post 10 Fun Ideas to Kill Boredom From Today! appeared first on Petals Bloom.

You just saw on social media that another one of your friends is getting married. Last week, you went to your younger cousin’s wedding.

Then you begin to think, ”Is something wrong with me?.”  You look in the mirror and you see an attractive, intelligent woman with an incredible sense of humor.  

Moreover, you’re a woman who loves God and is seeking to pursue him with all your being. But yet, you believe that God has withheld this one thing that you’ve longed for since you were a little bitty girl … a husband and a family.  Why Lord, why? And why me?

I have felt this way too.  There are no easy answers. Regardless of our unmet desires, God will always be loving, wise and good. In my own journey as a single woman, I’ve discovered why it can be beautiful.

Here are five compelling reasons why singleness is beautiful:

1) FOCUS.

Purpose

You can focus fully on your purpose without distractions.  From what I hear and observe from married couples, a wife’s focus moves toward her family.  Right now, your focus is primarily on “you”.

God

You can have uninterrupted time with God.  You can start praying from as early as 4am and no one may be inconvenienced by lights, praying out loud, singing, walking around or however you choose to spend this time.

Dreams

You can have focus on life-long dreams.  At times, a spouse may have to relinquish (partially, fully or temporarily) some dreams that may negatively affect the marriage.  Far too many persons run after their dreams to the detriment of their family life.

Self-development

You have to time to work on yourself.  I absolutely love to learn! Being single, you certainly have more time for self-development and hobbies.  You can study and pursue degrees and courses to your heart’s delight.

2) FREEDOM.

Easy to relocate

You have the freedom to live in another country for work, study.  You can simply decide to leave your job or take up a foreign assignment.  No discussion, no questions asked… buy your ticket, have a farewell party, pack your bags and fly out!  Living in another country for an extended time is something that I would recommend to all singles. I lived in Jamaica for over three years and it was fantastic!  The experience changes you for the better.

Less stress

The movies don’t tell you this, but successful enjoyable marriages require a lot of hard work.  I’ve heard it said that the number one enemy of a good marriage is selfishness. As a single, life is a piece of cake in comparison.  You can have a peaceful home with no arguments if you live alone. You kick off your shoes, eat some dinner and take it easy. You don’t have to participate in the hobbies of your spouse.  You don’t have to be concerned with pleasing your spouse by how you look. You can cook your food the way you like it.

More for you

You can have the entire bed to yourself.  You can sprawl your little or voluptuous body across the entire bed if you so choose.  As a matter of fact, if you’re small like me, just buy a small bed and save yourself some money! lol

Hobbies

You can indulge in your hobbies as much as you want.  If you love to read (like me), you can spend whole days reading and not be bothered by anyone. The sky’s the limit!  You can travel the world with little complications.

3) FLEXIBILITY.

Work

You can work overtime without guilt.  Single career women often find themselves working late.  (not that I’m suggesting this practice, but I am simply stating reality).  If you work a lot from home like me, you can find yourself working very long days late into the night.  Whenever you feel like stopping, then you stop. If you’re married and you wish to be happily married, you need to have a cut off time to give attention to the needs of your family.

Decision-making

You don’t have to discuss your plans with a spouse.  If you want to socialize with your colleagues after work, you simply do that.  You can spend visit friends and family for prolonged periods. You can go anywhere you want to.  No questions asked.

4) FEWER OBLIGATIONS

Sex

You don’t have to meet anyone’s sexual needs.  As a single Christian woman who embraces sexual purity, you wouldn’t have to be available for sex since you have no husband.

Less ‘mandatory’ chores

You don’t have to cook if you’re not in the mood.  There is no spouse or children to think about. Even cleaning is optional but I wouldn’t recommend that:)  I prefer a clean orderly home.

Money

You can spend money or save or invest your money as you see fit.  You can splurge on your favorite gadgets or clothes or be a miser.  You can cook smaller portions and save money. Also, your food might last longer!  

5) FRIENDSHIPS & FAMILY

Build strong friendships

You have more time to focus on friendships.  Cultivating strong friendships take time. My closest friends are married so it was easier for me to spend the night by them.  

Babysitting

I’ve spent countless days nights babysitting friends’ children.  If I were married, I do believe that would not have been possible.  You can spend more time with nephews and nieces. From my biased judgement and observation, we single ladies make the best aunties!  Why? Because we have time, energy and probably money to indulge the children…play games, cook, bake, take them out, etc.

Elderly

A lot of single women are the ones who take care of their elderly parents.  I have three older single second female cousins and they are the ones who care for my three great aunts.

“One great temptation of singleness is an unrelenting self-focus. We need to be reminded to look outside of our circumstances and ourselves.”  by Carolyn McCulley

Related articles:

Summary

Let’s be real.  Marriage is awesome but being single also has its advantages.  Life is simply less complicated. It affords focus, freedom, flexibility with fewer obligations and the greater opportunities to invest in family and friends.  

What are your reasons for being thankful as single Christian woman?  I’d love to hear your comments! Don’t forget to subscribe!:) You will also receive a FREE Know Yourself Questionnaire as an added bonus.

Bloom where you are planted!!! Thanks for stopping by!

#madeforlove

Like, share & subscribe!

With love,

Kimberly Garth

Recommended Books:

“Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye” by Carolyn Culley

“Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman” by Anne Ortlund

“Let Me be a Woman” by Elisabeth Elliot

“Strong Women Soft Hearts” by Paula Rhinehart

“Singled Out for Him” by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

The post 5 Compelling Reasons Why Singleness is Beautiful appeared first on Petals Bloom.