Monday's Blessing
2 Corinthians 6:14

"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness
with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? "

There are great laws in the Bible that specifically speak of the certainty of setting boundaries.  And, yes, boundaries need to be set especially for people who "suck the life out of us".   I know this sounds unchristian at first, but I truly believe God protects us from individuals such as these by the verification of today's verse.  This is
not be confused with the Biblical verse, "turn the other cheek".  Each verse is a lesson in its own respect, such as the latter, that prompts us not to become violent or used by uncaring individuals.  "Do not be unequally yoked," is a powerful verse.  God tells us not to become part of a relationship that is not our equal.  We don't see eye to eye, and God knows this. It makes perfect sense since people that are not in our own realm have alternate ideas that often drag us down, make us confused, and just shake our whole being.  Do you know of someone who always sees the cup half full?  Always desperate for attention?  Always in need?  A good partnership is two-way street.  A solid partnership has the same likes and dislikes that bonds the persons together.  Partners often enjoy the same entertainment.  They listen to each other, and offer solid
advice.  There is trust and compassion evident in the relationship. Do not surround yourself with people that drag you down.  Yes, do be a Christian when someone is in need, but you don't have to inundate your time helping this individual that may never see the light.

"What partnership as righteousness without lawlessness?" Partnerships can be with your spouse, partner, children, friends, or others who are close in your life. Even though we are surrounded by those we love, it is important to set your own personal boundaries to ensure you do not smother, nor do they smother you. It is often especially hard for woman to set boundaries as we are generally nurturing in spirit. But, nonetheless, it is important to set boundaries to keep your relationships healthy. Actually, there are several points that are important to keep your own sanity. 

What setting boundaries means:


Setting boundaries means you are taking responsibility and standing by your personal code of ethics and values.

Setting boundaries reflect your right to say NO to things that are not right for you.

Setting boundaries means you are learning the importance of self-care, self respect, and self love.

Setting boundaries emerge when we learn to go within, listen to our authentic selves, value our own decisions and trust ourselves.

Setting boundaries emerge from knowing what you believe, dislike, or like is important and relevant.

Setting boundaries emerge from deep introspection and the realization of what you
deserve and do not deserve.

Daily Guidance

1. How do you create a boundary?


1. Decide what you will and not accept. If you find someone is crossing your boundaries, describe the behavior you find unacceptable.

2. Describe what action steps you will take if your boundary is violated.

3. Enforce your boundaries if necessary.

4. Be sure to plan your consequence BEFORE addressing that individual who has over stepped your boundary.  Be direct and concise of what you will tolerate.  Don't waver should the boundary be crossed again.  There is no sense in setting up boundaries if
you can't follow through with a consequence.  

5. Never aplogize to an individual for setting a boundary. Why should you?  After all most boundaries are simply common sense.  You will send mixed signals.  you must be firm and direct.  Otherwise, that person will find an alternate avenue that will not
conform to your expectations.
 
4. Above all, pray.  Pray, pray, pray.  God will direct you on how to handle this.  You are a child of God, and deserve to be loved and respected!

Monday's Blessing
Matthew 11:28 


"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Daily burdens at times can be suffocating. We take on this responsibility, not only for our own issues, but for those we love. We are the sounding board for family members when we're needed most. On these days it's difficult to nurture your inner child, and you may feel resentful and out of touch. Nonetheless, you continue this frustrating juggling act, which leads to depression, fatigue, frustration, and the inability to complete the tasks at hand.

How often do we need to be reminded of Matthew's words? Why do we continue in this circus? This juggling act to test our faith? These are the days to hand everything over to God! "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." God promises to give us peace if we just ask. We were never asked to control individual outcomes in the first place. We are mere stepping stones in attaining God's plan for those he loves. God knows our needs; he is watching over everyone. He has everything under control.

Daily Guidance 

1. Do you think of your daily household chores as a burden or a blessing? Maybe you need an online companion such as: The Fly Lady . This website offers FREE daily emails that will help organize you, and instill the importance of looking at at these chores as a blessing to those you love rather than a daily hardship.

2. Remember, during the worst of times, God sends angels. Today I was on the phone with the IRS. I spent a moment praying for rest, as Matthew stated, before I dialed the phone. On the other end I met an angel. Who would have thought it could happen with the IRS? She was kind, compassionate and added more attention to my request than other agents I've encountered. I was granted an extension, and my soul felt peace! These days solidify that I am not the only angel being called on for times of need! God remembers each of us and will send an angel- all I have to do is ask!

Take an image from Google's Angels . Use it on your desktop or in a folder to remind you to call on God's hand when you need him most!

Most of us have one family member that seems to be drifting further away from what our ideal expectations of true Christianity are.  They seem to have taken on a candid personal materialistic  gain rather than allowing the guiding light of Christ.  These individuals seem to be chained with money, power, illicit drugs, poor relationships, or mental illness that leaves them unable to reach out to those who love them.

Sadly, we spend countless hours in frustration or tears wondering what would be the correct massive shaking session that could center his brain again.  We know these bright, potentially capable beings are able to be shining stars again if they would just put their vices down and move forward.

Oh, but what pain we gather from watching them!  We pray endlessly hoping God will close the gap enabling us to be family members again.  We pray we are able to unite with these people to share worries and milestones once more. We want to embrace them and close that family circle of protection so that nothing will tempt them again.

But, God wants us to open ourselves to our lost loved one's choices.  We do this by honoring the choices he has made.  The Bible says, "If an unbelieving partner separates let it be so.  In such cases your brother or sister is not enslaved.  God has called you to peace." 

But we want to help them Lord!  One of the hardest things we can do is to watch a loved one fall.  But, we must remember that the same God who fulfills all our needs is the same God who is helping that lost brethren.

Emilie Cady once said, from Lessons in Truth, "God knows what he needs, and the minute he opens himself to receive it, he will.  YOUR job is to pray for his opening and watch for the signs; even the smallest signs that the opening has taken place, the healing is the beginning.  Honor him enough to know the truth about him.  The truth is, God is in the midst of him doing a mighty work."

So the issue is, do you want them to get it together for your sake or their sake?  An easy way to find out is to make two columns.

Taking stock of the two categories makes it perceivable that you could be crying for yourself instead.  Crying for your own fear and anger!  Crying for your own shame and guilt!  After all, God has him in his plans the whole time.  So now what can you do?

Love your brother as you love yourself. Honor him by honoring his choices.

Daily Guidance

Praise him and see the good in him no matter what your eyes behold.  See him as a spirit, not as a body.  Praise him silently in your heart for being a child of God. Praise him openly because you love him.  When he comes to you for help, help him in ways that bring you joy.  When you cannot help him, tell the truth.  Do not say you do not have when you do.  That does not honor what God has given you.  Do not say you cannot do, say you will not do.  Honor yourself for the right to choose; in this way you honor him for the choices he makes. Only through the truth can the light and power of God remove darkness.  Only when you honor your brother not as your brother but as a perfect creation  of God can you honor the God within yourself.
-Iyanla Vanzant