love

Healthy Relationships: 10 Tips To Encourage Thriving Relationships

Healthy Relationships: 10 Tips To Encourage Thriving Relationships

Improve Your Chances of Healthy, Thriving Relationships!

Healthy RelationshipsHealthy relationships

permit us to connect and

share time with the people

that we care about

in a positive, fulfilling way.

Positive relationships give us

strength and purpose in our

day-to-day lives.

They also bring happiness, joy and love.

“Be tender loving one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.”
— Romans 12:10

It is no secret that close relationships are the cause of great pleasure in our lives, but they are also the cause of great pain. When relationships start falling apart it can be very traumatic and emotional.

Do you ever wonder how you can have such a deep connection with a person one day and the next day feel like you don’t even know who that person is? How do we bridge that gap and avoid the disconnect in the first place? How do we begin to heal broken relationships and keep them healthy?

10 Tips To Encourage Thriving Relationships:

1. Communication

Communication is one the most important things in a relationship. There is an art to communication and it can continually improve. Humans are not mind readers, so they need to have an ongoing exchange of feelings, problems, needs and desires; while always striving to improve listening and speaking skills. Mastering communication will help avoid misunderstandings and frustration by transforming arguments into effective communication.

2. Honesty

Honesty in relationships is about honorable intentions and actions. Honest people are frank but they act in love. Thriving relationships include people that are honest with each other; their intentions are good and are only meant to help the other person and the relationship. Honesty helps create an atmosphere of peace.

3. Trust

Trust creates strong connections in relationships because people have to rely on each other. When there is trust in a relationship, there is confidence that another person will do what they said they will do and what they are responsible to do. Trust eliminates fear and replaces it with a confident expectation and hope.

4. Empathy

Empathy helps identify the thoughts and feelings experienced by each other, and in turn supports a healthy relationship. To empathize with another person requires taking the time to see and feel things from their perspective and get a heartfelt understanding of where they are coming from, what they have been through, and why they think and act the way they do. 

5. Optimism

An optimistic, positive mindset expects positive interactions and relationships. The optimistic person does not get so shaken up when they hit bumps in the road, but they look for positive solutions and anticipate positive results. Optimism leaves no room for negativity.

6. Genuine

Genuine people are confident in who they are and feel free to be themselves. They have moved past the notion that they must be “perfect” and give themselves and others the permission to make mistakes without beating themselves up. Genuine relationships are real, without false pretense, and mess ups are faced with love and forgiveness; allowing for a healthy, thriving relationship.

7. Loyalty

Loyalty builds faithful relationships. Loyal individuals commit to remaining faithful through the good times and bad. They can be trusted to keep their word and be there when you need them. Loyalty is a core key needed in long lasting, thriving relationships.

8. Respect

Respectful individuals admire and esteem others. People that practice respect are courteous and allow others the right to their own personal space. Relationships with individuals who keep respect active, and purpose to esteem others and value them worthy, are relationships that are healthy and thriving.

9. Reminisce

Reminisce about the past. Remember times shared together; including the good times and the bad. Reminiscing about the challenges and hard times that have been experienced and overcome, strengthens the bond in the relationship. And reminiscing about the good times with a smile and a laugh, keeps the heart and relationship merry. 🙂

10. Love

Love is the bond that holds relationships together. God is love and love should be present in all our relationships. Love chooses to be loving even when the passion and emotion of love is not present. Their are times in relationships when disagreements arise and individuals may not even like each other, but they choose to love each other.

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
— John 13:34

What’s your relationship standard? If you are willing to start with yourself, and open your heart and mind to make some positive changes, you can greatly improve your chances of having long lasting, healthy, thriving relationships.

May your relationships thrive and your life be full of growing prosperity!

Soar higher,
Brenda

 

Share
Continue Reading

Remind Me Who I Am by Jason Gray – Christian Music Video

“Remind Me Who I Am” by Jason Gray – Christian Music Video

“Remind Me Who I Am” by Jason Gray

“Remind Me Who I Am” by Jason Gray

from the album A Way To See In The Dark

A Way To See In The Dark by Jason Gray

 

 

 

 

Jason Gray sings “Remind Me Who I Am” from the album A Way To See In The Dark in this music video.

“Remind Me Who I Am” Song Lyrics:

When I lose my way,
And I forget my name
Remind me who I am
In the mirror all I see
Is who I don’t wanna be
Remind me who I am

In the loneliest places
When I can’t remember what grace is

(Chorus)
Tell me, once again who I am to You, who I am to You
Tell me, lest I forget Who I am to You, that I belong to You, to You

When my heart is like a stone,
And I’m running far from home
Remind me who I am
When I can’t receive Your love
Afraid I’ll never be enough
Remind me who I am

If I’m Your beloved
Can You help me believe it

Chorus

I’m the one You love
I’m the one You love
That will be enough
I’m the one You love

Chorus (times 2)

 

“I have loved thee with an everlasting love.”
— Jeremiah 31:3

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”
— 1 John 4:9

“We love Him, because He first loved us.”
— 1 John 4:19

Remember: As a Christian Believer, is it NOT about how you feel, how you see yourself, or what you’ve done – It is about Who You Are IN CHRIST!

Enjoy this song and music video and have a blessed day!

Cheers & God bless you,
Brenda

 

Share
Continue Reading

Hold Me by Jamie Grace – Christian Music Video

Hold Me by Jamie Grace – Christian Music Video

“Hold Me” by Jamie Grace

“Hold Me” by Jamie Grace & Featuring TobyMac

from the album One Song At A Time

 

Jamie Grace Album on Amazon

 

 

 

 

Jamie Grace sings “Hold Me” featuring TobyMac, from her album One Song At A Time in this music video.

“Hold Me” Song Lyrics:

(I love, I love, I love, I love the way you hold me)

I’ve had a long day I just wanna relax
Don’t have time for my friends, no time to chit-chat
Problems at my job, wonderin’ what to do
I know I should be working but I’m thinking of You and
Just when I feel this crazy world is gonna bring me down
That’s when Your smile comes around

Oo, I love the way You hold me, by my side You’ll always be
You take each and everyday, make it special in some way
I love the way you hold me, in Your arms I’ll always be
You take each and everyday, make it special in some way
I love You more than the words in my brain can express
I can’t imagine even loving You less
Lord, I love the way You hold me
Whoa whoa
Oh whoa, I love the way You hold me
Whoa whoa

Well Ya, took my day and You flipped it around
Calmed the tidal wave and put my feet on the ground
Forever in my heart, always on my mind
It’s crazy how I think about You all of the time
And just when I think I’m bout to figure You out
You make me wanna sing and shout

Oo, I love the way You hold me, by my side You’ll always be
You take each and everyday, make it special in some way
I love the way You hold me, in Your arms i’ll always be
You take each and everyday, make it special in some way
I love You more than the words in my brain can express
I can’t imagine even loving You less
Lord, I love the way You hold me
Whoa whoa
Oh whoa, I love the way You hold me
Whoa whoa

I’m so grateful and thankful for all You’ve done
Wish I could tell You in a short story or poem
But, all I have is my voice and this guitar
And You have my heart

Oo, I love the way You hold me, by my side You’ll always be
You take each and everyday, make it special in some way
Oh, I love the way You hold me, in Your arms i’ll always be
You take each and everyday…

Oo, I love the way You hold me, by my side You’ll always be
You make each and everyday, oh so special
Oh, I love the way You hold me, in Your arms I’ll always be
You take each and everyday, make it special in some way
I love You more than the words in my brain can express
I can’t imagine even loving You less
Lord, I love the way You hold me
Whoa whoa
Oh whoa, I love the way You hold me
Whoa whoa
Oh, I love

(I love, I love, I love, I love the way You hold me)

“I love You, Lord. You give me strength. Lord I will praise You among the nations. I will sing praises to You.”
— Psalm 18:1,49

Enjoy this song and music video and have a blessed day!

Cheers,
Brenda

 

Share
Continue Reading

Spirituality: Stop Destructive Gossip and Live at a Higher Spiritual Level!

Spirituality: Stop Destructive Gossip and Live at a Higher Spiritual Level!

Use Words to Encourage and Stop the Gossip

Stop Destructive GossipGossip can zap the power out of

one’s spirit quickly.

Gossip is negative, mean spirited,

and destructive.

It is an addictive, bad habit for the gossiper.

Gossip will pull the gossiper, and those

around him or her, down to the lowest spiritual level.

If all that isn’t bad enough, God considers gossip a serious sin in the same league as murder, God hating, and other wickedness. (Romans 1:28-32) Gossipers are not in right fellowship with God.

“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.”
— Proverbs 20:19 NIV

Harmless Good Fun Or Destructive Gossip?

I’m sure you will agree that gossip is something we should not take lightly. What is truly unfortunate, is the fact that most Christians do not consider gossip a sin or wrong! At most, they consider it an insignificant bad habit.

Gossip is a key factor hindering growing prosperity in many people’s lives. And unfortunately, it is rarely recognized. Almost instantly, without thinking twice, gossipers will let rumors, bad-mouthing, confidential information, and idle, malicious talk fly out of their mouths.

If only they knew the damage they are causing! The Bible tells us that a Christian who’s mouth is out of control, deceives his own heart and his religion is worthless. (James 1:26)

Let’s face it: Gossip is not harmless, good fun. It carries a negative tone of abuse that is often demeaning, critical, judgmental, harmful, and hurtful. This is why God has much to say about it and warns us of it’s destructiveness.

Dealing With Gossip

Everywhere from family, work, school to church settings, gossip has become a common destructive factor. It is clearly evident that busybodies are everywhere these days. But the question to ask ourselves is: “Am I guilty of gossip?”

Gossip is often disguised as concern for others or as asking for prayer. However, whenever there is talk about others in an unfavorable way, there is gossip.

Keep in mind: Gossip is a sin that separates us from God and hinders our prosperity. God does not bless sin. Gossipers often deal with unexplainable troubles and rarely get their prayers answered. (Psalm 66:18, John 9:31)

“He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.”
— Proverbs 13:3 NIV

Tips to Deal With Gossip:

  • AWARENESS. We all have tendency to gossip from time to time. To overcome this tendency and have a more spirit-filled, gossip-free life requires awareness when it happens.
  • PRAYER. It doesn’t matter if you are struggling with a gossip addiction or if you are a victim of gossip, turning to God in prayer is a must. As a gossiper, repent and ask for forgiveness and pray that God help you take control of your words and make them words of encouragement. As a victim, pray that God bless the other person and help them become free as He helps you maintain a forgiving, loving heart.
  • AVOID. Stay out of other people’s business and avoid association with those who gossip. Refuse to engage in gossip.
  • CHOOSE. Decide to speak words of encouragement, hope, and love. Steer conversations in a positive direction. Choose to be silent if only destructive words of gossip are on your lips.
  • LOVE. Walk in love and address gossipers directly and privately in attempting to resolve your issues with them. If confronted for gossiping, be humble and in love be willing to work out your issues.

Believe me: Gossip can spread quickly like a deadly infection. Do not be ignorant of the destruction it carries. You can put a stop to the negative spirit of gossip and choose to walk in love and a higher spiritual level in life.

May your mouth always speak words of encouragement and may your life be full of growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing!

Soar higher in Him,
Brenda

 

Share
Continue Reading

Alive Again by Matt Maher – Live Music Video on K-Love Radio

“Alive Again” by Matt Maher – Live Music Video on K-Love Radio

“Alive Again” by Matt Maher

from the album “Alive Again.”

Matt Maher performs his song “Alive Again” live on K-LOVE with his favorite guitar.

“Alive Again” Song Lyrics:

I woke up in darkness
Surrounded by silence
Oh where, oh where have I gone?
I woke to reality losing its grip on me

Oh where, where have I gone?
‘Cause I can see the light
Before I see the sunrise
You called and You shouted

Broke through my deafness
Now I’m breathing in and breathing out
I’m alive again
You shattered my darkness

Washed away my blindness
Now I’m breathing in and breathing out
I’m alive again
Late have I loved You
You waited for me, I searched for You

What took me so long?
I was looking outside
As if Love would ever want to hide
I’m finding I was wrong

‘Cause I feel the wind
Before it hits my skin
‘Cause I want You,
Yes I want You I need You, and I’ll do

Whatever I have to just to get through
‘Cause I love You,
Yeah I love You

“For in Him we live and move and have our being.”
— Acts 17:28

Enjoy this song by Matt Maher and have a great day!

God bless you,
Brenda

Share
Continue Reading

Children of God Christian Music Video by Third Day

“Children of God” by Third Day – Christian Music Video

from the album “Move”

This is the music video for Third Day’s new song “Children of God.”

“Children of God” Song Lyrics:

Praise to the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ
Our God and our King, to Him we will sing
In His great mercy, He has given us life
Now we can be called the children of God

Great is the Love that the Father has given us
He has delivered us
He has delivered us

Children of God, sing your song and rejoice
For the love that He has given us all
Children of God, by the blood of His Son
We have been redeemed and we can be called
Children of God
Children of God

A mystery is revealed to the universe
The Father above has proven His love
Now we are free from the judgment that we deserve
And so we are called the children of God

We are the saints
We are the children
We’ve been redeemed
We’ve been forgiven
We are the sons and the daughters of our God

“I will receive you, and will be a Father to you,
and you shall be my sons and daughters, said the LORD Almighty.”
— 2 Corinthians 6:17-18

“For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”
— Galatians 3:26

“Having predestined us to the adoption of children by
Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure
of His will.”
— Ephesians 1:5

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to
be sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.”
— John 1:12

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us,
that we should be called the sons of God.”
— 1 John 1:2

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear;
but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”
— Romans 8:14-16

Enjoy this song and video and God bless you always!

Cheers,
Brenda

Share
Continue Reading

What Are Words by Chris Medina – Music Video

“What Are Words” by Chris Medina – Music Video

“What Are Words” by Chris Medina

released as the single “What Are Words”

Chris Medina sings “What are Words” in this music video. 2011 American Idol castoff, Chris touched everyone’s hearts with his heartbreaking love story about his girlfriend who currently suffers from brain injury due to a car accident. Two months before his wedding, his beloved fiance was involved in a terrible accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury.

Chris continues to stand by her side, hopeful for a miracle.

“What Are Words” Song Lyrics:

Anywhere you are, I am near
Anywhere you go, I’ll be there
Anytime you whisper my name, you’ll see
How every single promise I keep
Cuz what kind of guy would I be
If I was to leave when you need me most

What are words
If you really don’t mean them
When you say them
What are words
If they’re only for good times
Then they don’t

When it’s love
Yeah, you say them out loud
Those words, They never go away
They live on, even when we’re gone

And I know an angel was sent just for me
And I know I’m meant to be where I am
And I’m gonna be
Standing right beside her tonight
And I’m gonna be by your side
I would never leave when she needs me most

What are words
If you really don’t mean them
When you say them
What are words
If they’re only for good times
Then they don’t

When it’s love
Yeah, you say them out loud
Those words, They never go away
They live on, even when we’re gone

Anywhere you are, I am near
Anywhere you go, I’ll be there
And I’m gonna be here forever more
Every single promise I keep
Cuz what kind of guy would I be
If I was to leave when you need me most

I’m forever keeping my angel close

“LORD, I cry unto you: make haste unto me;
give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto You.
Let my prayer be set forth before you as incense;
and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice…
My eyes are unto You, O GOD the LORD:
in You is my trust.”
— Psalm 141:1-2,8

Enjoy this beautiful, heartfelt song and be sure and take time to pray for a miracle for this young lady.

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

Share
Continue Reading

You Are by Jason Castro – Live on K-Love Radio

“You Are” by Jason Castro – Live on K-Love Radio – Christian Music Video

“You Are” by Jason Castro

from the album “Who I Am”

Jason Castro plays “You Are” live on K-Love Radio station.

“You Are” Song Lyrics:

Looking for meaning
Looking for love
Looking for something to never give up
You are the One
You are the One

Looking for purpose in all of the pain
Looking for someone to hold in the rain
You are the One
You are the One

CHORUS
You are life more beautiful
You are love more powerful
You are the light that always shines
You are the One

You came in my darkness
You came in my night
You came without warning
You came to my side
You are the One
You are the One

There’s no before You
There’s no too late
There’s no without You
There’s only today
You are the One
You are the One

CHORUS
You are life more beautiful
You are love more powerful
You are the light that always shines
You are the One

You are the song I want to sing
You are here
You are everything
You are the light that always shines
You are the One

And I will never move on from You
Oh oh
I will never move on from You

CHORUS
You are life more beautiful
You are love more powerful
You are the light that always shines
You are the One

You are the song I gotta sing
You are here
You are everything
You are the light that always shines
You are the One
You are the One
You are the One
You are the light that always shines
You are the One

And I will never move on from You
I will never move on from You

“God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with Him,
and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son
cleanses us from all sin.”
— 1 John 1:5-7

Enjoy this beautiful song and may you walk in God’s light always!

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

Share
Continue Reading