We really enjoyed our time together at the annual Ornament Swap! 2020 has been a rough year, but Jesus still sits on His throne! And today we celebrated our Savior! There was fun, encouragement, laughter, and even a few tears. And boy, oh boy, were there beautiful ornaments all up for grabs! Thank you, ladies, for joining us. We hope you left today with joy in your heart and were encouraged in your faith. Now go share those special invitations with someone who needs to hear the real reason for the season!
Tag: building relationships
Relationships
Navigating relationships can be one of the most challenging things we do. But in building authentic relationships we lay aside brave faces and allow someone to see the real us. The following is from a devotion I kept and I go back and look at periodically. It really does speak volumes and thought you would enjoy the treasures within.
“When we allow our busy schedules, weary spirits, or the fear of being hurt to prevent us from pursuing authentic relationships, we create a tremendous void in our lives. Not only do we neglect our own God given need to be in community, but we forfeit opportunities to extend God’s love to others. Letting people see the real you can be terrifying! But the relationships worth building will value a genuine heart over a fake smile any day. This doesn’t mean you should bear your soul to everyone you meet.
The best relationships are those in which we love, encourage, and challenge each other without the need to impress one another.
The following are reminders to us about ourselves and we should be willing to extend to others.
*Patient-we don’t always get it right the first time. Be Patient
*Kind-no one wants to be treated poorly. We treat others as we want to be treated. Be kind.
*Humble-we are all flawed and we know it. We admit it, own our mistakes. Be humble.
*Forgiveness-restoration is about second chances. We’ve all be given one. Be forgiving.
*Selfless-fulfillment comes from putting the needs of others before our own. Be selfless.
*Respectful-we don’t always have to agree, but we are not disagreeable. Be respectful.
*Honest-we speak many languages but lying is not one of them. Be honest.
*Committed-we never, never, never give up. Be committed
We all need and desire to have individuals in our lives who are authentic. They see the good, the bad and the ugly and stand by us. Hold us accountable and challenge us! May we all be blessed of God to have such people in our lives and may we be that individual to someone else.
Open my eyes, LORD, so that I can see how You want to use me this day. Give me the ability to see the world through the lens of Your heart, to see others as you see them, to recognize Your divine appointments and to have the courage to say, “Yes.” In the Name of Jesus, Amen.”
(Taken from devotion by Chuck Swindoll, insight.org)
Blessings,
The WM Team
Red Bank Baptist Women's Ministry 