During the seminar I am my husband’s secretary. When people write down their prayer requests and put them in the large prayer request basket, I am the one who types them up. We always have a prayer team that prays over each of them. But while I am typing them up, I am also praying for that person’s prayer request.
I have said this many times before, but I need to keep reminding myself: people have a lot of real issues going on in their life, many are hanging just by a thread and when I am starting to feel down, I remind myself how blessed I am. I know Christ, enjoy a great marriage, have a home I can afford, a good savings account, a retirement plan, a healthy family, and a lot of family time. I don’t need to grumble about anything. Really, I don’t. God has been so good to me.
So if you are struggling today, here are seven tips I have learned a long the way:
1. Budget your money. Look at what you are spending your money on. CUT BACK on anything you can, CUT OUT what you don’t need.
2. Call your creditors. Try to set up a new payment plan. Get financial help if necessary.
3. Get a second job if you need it and are able to. Some more money is better than no money. Bag groceries, deliver newspapers, or flip burgers.
4. Choose healthy foods. Foods that are full of great nutrition can really make you feel better. It is amazing what a healthy diet can do for your body and brain.
5. Exercise. (This is the one I am creatively trying to incorporate.) Just like food this one is good for your body and brain. You don’t have to pay money to exercise. Walk, jog, bike ride, play games with the kids outside, use cans or water bottles – get creative too!
6. Prioritize your time. Where is your time going? Are you spending enough quality time with your spouse or significant other? Do you spend time with your kids, reading, playing, cleaning and doing puzzles? In the end, it is the time you spend together that counts.
7. Pray, meditate, read, Spend that time you need to recharge with God. He is always there – a faithful friend, who is ready to listen and help. Don’t skip this. It is vital.
