Total 3 episodes

12/08/2022Faith Matters Podcast

Why Am I Irritable? A short time into my new marriage, I found myself irritated by something my husband had done “incorrectly.” At least in my opinion. I may have even rolled my eyes. I was irritated. My husband responded “Wow! After 28 years, I am so glad that you finally told me that I was doing it wrong.” I was humiliated at my behavior. There is more than one way to cut the apple. I was easily irritated by behaviors of others that did not match up to my expectations. What small thinking that the world revolved around my opinion of what was “right” and how it SHOULD be done. What arrogance! What do people do that makes you feel irritated? How about bad drivers or rude people? Does your response cause you to feel offended as well as irritated? How could you think differently to help you feel differently? Could you extend mercy wrapped in patience? Have you ever been rude? If I am offended or irritated, that is my chosen response, and that is on me. The behavior of others can’t be responsible for my reaction. What you feel and how you respond is based on what you think!!!! After being completely irritated by the behavior of my teenagers, my husband asked, “If they are always irritating you then why are you so irritable?” I was stunned by this question. I felt so immature. They were sucking me into their issues and I was buying it. When we complain about the behavior of others, it reveals our offendable heart. If I had chosen to focus on all that was praiseworthy about my children, about the blessings that they are, then just maybe I would be able to navigate those years a bit differently. They were hormonal and certainly needed some grace. My constant irritation with them gave me pause to consider my behavior and responses. I double-timed my prayers for grace, patience and understanding. An oyster takes what was at first an irritation and intrusion…a grain of sand, and uses it to enrich its value. With time, a beautiful pearl is formed. How can we reframe the irritants of life to allow growth, harvest beauty, and gain wisdom? We have to be willing to open our eyes and our hearts to see the opportunity for growth presented with every irritation. Can my irritant really be my blessing to a greater personal maturity and positivity? Since testing produces strength and perseverance (James 1:2-4), let the transforming work begin. Ask God to give you new eyes to see and a new strength to become the great pearl resulting from life’s irritations. And remember, “your life is too short and your calling too great to spend time offended.” Forgive, let go and move on to the greater glory at hand. Ponder: Am I easily irritated by others? Am I quick to give grace and forgiveness? What does it say about me when I am so easily irritated? Prayer: Lord, forgive me for being quick to judge another. Help my love to be longsuffering, patience and kind and full of grace. Final Note: Roxanne's passion is to speak life-giving truths into the hearts of others. She loves to speak at retreats and conventions. She hosts her own DEEPER Intensive and RISE UP coaching workshops and works with clients nationwide as a personal life coach. You can buy her new book and get more information at RoxanneParks.com

# Faith and PrayerThe role of faith and prayer in seeking strength, patience, and understanding is highlighted as part of the process of dealing with irritations.

# Personal Growth # Mindset Shift # Irritability # Grace and Forgiveness

26/05/2022Faith Matters Podcast

#559 - Hope Still Lives Here; Day 4

Wear hope-coloured glasses In the fullness of life it is easy to forget that people matter most. They matter more than our goals and our dreams. While we exist for God’s pleasure, our purpose in this life is for the benefit of others. The question is, how do we keep people as the priority amidst so many distractions? The answer is in our connection to Jesus. The relationship you cultivate and experience with Jesus becomes the lens through which you face the world each morning. When you keep your ‘love tank’ brimming with Jesus, and all the colour He adds to your heart, you will find your perspective towards people is renewed. People are no longer an inconvenience, rather, they become walking miracles. This perspective of hope is different to rose-coloured glasses. Searching for the good in people isn’t being blind to their sin, it is simply viewing their destiny through the lens of what God can do in and through their life. Sharing your faith requires a keen interest in people coupled with a perspective of hope. This perspective is built on knowing God’s heart to restore people’s lives to His intent. The offer of reconciliation that brings genuine hope in a world of empty promises is a rare offer. This makes hope contagious. Your hope in God’s plan for others may well be the thing that helps them find true hope themselves, Jesus. Who is God directing your attention to right now? Can you imagine how a relationship with God would transform their life? Why not pray for them today?

# Faith and PrayerThe act of trusting in God and communicating with Him, often for guidance or assistance in the lives of others.

# Hope # Restoration # Relationship with Jesus # People-centric view

09/03/2022Faith Matters Podcast

#448 - Courageous Kindness; Day 3 of 5

Several years ago I watched from afar as a dear friend from college battled breast cancer. When Alyssa was diagnosed, she had a toddler the same age as one of my sons and was expecting baby number two. Even though I hadn’t seen Alyssa in years, I cried when I saw photos of her bald head and pregnant belly. I chipped in with friends to send a care package. And I prayed. I often shared Alyssa’s Facebook posts and invited others to pray with me when she was having surgery, starting another round of chemo, or delivering her baby. In this way, several friends who had never met Alyssa became invested in her story too. So when the news came that Alyssa was cancer-free, my friends rejoiced with me! And then when the cancer came back—widespread and aggressive—many in my community mourned too. Less than five months after her second diagnosis, Alyssa left the pain of this world and entered the arms of Jesus. In the midst of overwhelming grief, I also had the overwhelming desire to go to Alyssa’s memorial service—to bear witness to the world’s profound loss and celebrate the light Alyssa shined. It wasn’t easy finding a way to go out of town and leave three littles during my husband’s busiest work and travel season. But eventually I lined up a couple different people to help. Then, two days before I was set to leave, one of my helpers got the stomach flu. I had no backup childcare. No one else who could step in. I was devastated. The next day I was at church when my friend Shannon asked how I was doing and if I was going to the funeral. Shannon didn’t know Alyssa but had been following along through Facebook and regularly prayed for my sweet friend and her young family. I told Shannon how I had really hoped to go but my childcare plans fell through. I couldn’t hold back the tears. Shannon handed me a tissue from her purse and without skipping a beat said, “Maybe I can watch the boys for you. I’ll have to double-check if I can move a couple things around, but I should be able to do it.” Shannon had never watched my kids before. We honestly weren’t super close at the time. Yet here she was, rearranging her schedule to help. I couldn’t believe someone would do that for me. As I traveled the long stretch of California highway to Alyssa’s funeral, a steady stream of tears coursed down my cheeks. Yes, I grieved my beautiful friend’s passing, but I also cried for another beautiful friend’s outpouring of compassion. A kindness I will never forget. Prayer for today: Jesus, thank You for having compassion on the hungry crowd and on me. Help me focus less on my predicaments and more on what You’ve already provided; less on my own plans and more on Your power. And give me opportunities this week to tangibly love others. Thank You for laying down Your life for me. Prepare me to do the same for my friends. Amen.

# Faith and PrayerElements that emphasize the role of spiritual beliefs in providing strength, comfort, and a sense of purpose during difficult times.

# Community Support # Grief and Loss # Courageous Kindness # Personal Narrative

# faith-and-prayerRelated Episodes

# faith-and-prayerRelated Episodes

# Faith and PrayerThe role of faith and prayer in seeking strength, patience, and understanding is highlighted as part of the process of dealing with irritations.

# Faith and PrayerThe act of trusting in God and communicating with Him, often for guidance or assistance in the lives of others.

# Faith and PrayerElements that emphasize the role of spiritual beliefs in providing strength, comfort, and a sense of purpose during difficult times.