Midlife Dimensions
www.midlife.com
|
We hope you've found our website to be helpful and encouraging. You can play a big part in the lives of others by supporting the upkeep of midlife.com, and our chat room, with a tax-deductible donation of any amount, big or small. Thank you for being a part of our team! |
Encouragement from Bill Farrel
Bill's devotionals are sure to encourage and inspire you to spend time with God.
Sign-up to receive notifications of new posts by Bill in your email.
Six Steps to Forgiveness
| 
Forgiveness is a private decision between an individual and God. It is a decision in our hearts to not allow the actions of anyone else, other than God, to determine our well-being. For this reason, we truly can forgive anyone for anything. The reason we forgive is to combat bitterness. Once bitterness takes over, it will continue to grow until it has completely destroyed the heart of the one who is holding onto it. This is why Paul stated in Colossian 3:13, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” The simplest way I know of to make forgiveness real is to say the following six statements out loud when I need to forgive an individual:
1. I forgive (name the person) for (name the offense).
2. I admit that what happened was wrong.
3. I do not expect this person to make up for what he or she has done.
4. I will not use the offense to define who this person is.
5. I will not manipulate this person with this offense.
6. I will not allow what has happened to stop my personal growth
If you can say all six sincerely, you have forgiven. If you can’t, then ask God to prepare your heart and try again tomorrow.
Although this protects your heart from bitterness, it does not address the relationship. In order to restore the relationship, there must be repentance on the part of the one who caused the offense.
Farrel Articles ~ Reprint by permission only, ©2012
Midlife Dimensions ~ www.Midlife.com
The Farrels are international speakers and popular authors.
Midlife Dimensions is a ministry founded by the Conways and continued by the Farrels.
"Consistency Is Key"
|
Having balance, or consistency in life, during a separation or divorce, is to be who you want to be instead of living in reaction to the person who is out of control.
Keep asking yourself:
* How do I want to live?
* Do I want to be a person who has healthy boundaries?
* Do I want to be someone who can communicate effectively?
* Do I want to be someone who can confront in a constructive manner?
When you are being true to who you want to be, you tend to be less reactive to the other person and more responsive to what God is trying to do in your life. Certainly not easy but I have seen it to be effective.
Hang in there...
| It can be very devastating when your spouse is going through a midlife crisis. It creates a traffic accident in your life that threatens to derail everything you have worked for. It is vital that you keep growing when you don't feel like it, stay productive when you want to lay around, and stay connected when you want to isolate. You have already suffered a loss but you don't want to continue losing by stifling your own progress. Hang in there.
My Love Remains
| 
For some of you, Valentine's Day is a time of expectation and good memories. You are glad to be with the love of your life and you are grateful that things are going well. If that is you, enjoy the day and enjoy the connection you have with your life partner.
Some of you, however, are not looking forward to this day at all. It is a reminder of painful rejection, forced personal growth, and the agony of learning to live "alone." I know this can be an agonizing time but may I remind you that Jesus' greatest accomplishment took place on one of His most agonizing days. He knew the crucifixion was coming. He knew it would be incredibly painful. He knew He would be deserted by the people He cared about the most. In the midst of the pain, however, He secured salvation for all of us. It is a reminder to all of us how committed He is to redeeming everything in life that is broken.In becoming our Savior, Jesus committed Himself unconditionally to our well-being. To remind you of God's power to redeem, and His desire for you, check out this letter that could be written from Jesus to you.
Hello my child. I am writing from my heart to yours to remind you that I love you because you have chosen to honor me in your life. This love started before you were born and it will continue forever. (Psalm 103:17) You are safe with me because I have forgiven all your sins and I will heal all your diseases. I am committed to redeem your life from the pit and I will put a crown of love and compassion on your head. I am working right now to satisfy your desires with good things and to renew your strength like an eagle. (Psalm 103:3-5) You are secure with me because I am compassionate and gracious; slow to anger and abounding in love for you. (Psalm 103:8; Psalm 34:6; Psalm 86:5, 15) I know you struggle with weaknesses but I love you without end on your good days and on your worst days. (Psalm 103:14-17) My love for you stands firm and will never end. (Psalm 89:2)
I will protect you in the midst of trouble by causing my light to shine on you and placing my joy in your heart. (Psalm 97:10-11) I am a strong tower for you that is safe from all attacks. (Proverbs 18:10) With my help, you can be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid for I am taking every step of this journey with you and I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 3:16; Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5) When you can't see your way, I will lead you. When you don't know what to do, I will guide you. I will turn the darkness into light and make the rough places of your life smooth. (Isaiah 42:16) I know exactly what you are going through and I am willing to help you at every step. I am always here and you can approach me confidently without hesitation to find mercy and grace to help when you need it the most. (Hebrews 4:15-16)
For you, Forever, My Love Remains,
Jesus
Farrel Articles ~ Reprint by permission only, ©2012
Midlife Dimensions ~ www.Midlife.com
The Farrels are international speakers and popular authors.
Midlife Dimensions is a ministry founded by the Conways and continued by the Farrels.
"Confrontation in Relationships"
| When it comes to relationships, I have seen that we are afraid to confront our spouses because we all want to avoid loneliness. Adam joined Eve's decision so he wouldn't have to be alone. Spouses put up with a lot of bad behavior so we can avoid being alone, it is one of life's most powerful influences. The best way I know to combat this is with personal consistency. Keep asking yourself:
· How do I want to live?
· Do I want to be a person who has healthy boundaries?
· Do I want to be someone who can communicate effectively?
· Do I want to be someone who can confront in a constructive manner?
When you are being true to who you want to be, you tend to be less reactive to the other person and more responsive to what God is trying to do in your life. Certainly not easy but I have seen it to be effective.