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Author: Robyne

  • When a Friend Hurts You

    If you’ve ever been hurt by a close friend, you know how tough it can be. It’s confusing and painful, and you might be wondering, “What do I do now?” Here’s some good news: you don’t have to go through this alone. Jesus totally gets it and understands your pain.

    1. Jesus Was Betrayed Too
      Did you know Jesus went through betrayal himself? One of His closest friends, Judas, turned against Him (Luke 22:47-48). If anyone knows what you’re going through, it’s Him! Take comfort in knowing that Jesus sees your pain and really understands.
    2. Forgiveness is a Must
      It can be tempting to hold onto bitterness, but Ephesians 4:32 reminds us to “forgive one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.” Forgiveness doesn’t mean you forget what happened; it’s about letting go of the control betrayal has over you. Pray for the strength to forgive, even when it seems impossible.
    3. Trust God with Your Healing
      Healing from betrayal takes time, and that’s totally okay! Bring your hurt to God, who “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). Let Him guide you through this healing process. Trust Him to restore your peace and joy.

    With God’s grace, you can move forward with hope, even after the pain of betrayal. You’re not alone, and better days are ahead!

    With Joy,

  • Setting Boundaries: Loving Others Without Losing Yourself

    Let’s talk about something super important to me: setting boundaries. It can be tough, especially when you want to be there for everyone. But guess what? Healthy boundaries are a gift from God! They help us love others—and ourselves—better.

    1. Jesus Set Boundaries
      Take a cue from Jesus. He was the ultimate example of love, right? But even He knew when to say no. Jesus often took time to pray and recharge (Luke 5:16). He made time for Himself, even when people were vying for His attention. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s crucial for being fully present where God wants you to be!
    2. Learn to Say No
      Saying no can be hard. I get it! But Matthew 5:37 reminds us that our “yes” should be yes, and our “no” should be no. When you overcommit, you risk feeling stressed and drained. That’s not good for anyone! Be prayerful about where God wants you to invest your time and energy.
    3. Guard Your Heart
      Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts. Setting boundaries isn’t just about managing time; it’s also about protecting your peace. This might mean distancing yourself from toxic relationships or limiting time on social media. Boundaries help you stay spiritually healthy.

    With clear boundaries, you can show up for others while staying true to God’s awesome plan for your life! You’ve got this!Replace selected block text

    With Joy,

  • Shining for Jesus Every Day

    Hey there, friend! Have you ever pondered what it means to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world”? Jesus calls us to this in Matthew 5:13-16, and it’s simpler than you might think!

    1. Sprinkle Some Salt
      Think about salt for a moment. It adds flavor and preserves food. Similarly, we’re called to bring goodness and truth into our world. This can be as straightforward as:
    • Sharing a kind word with a stranger.
    • Encouraging a friend who’s having a tough day.
    • Standing up for what’s right when you see injustice.

    These small actions might seem insignificant, but they make a big impact! When you sprinkle a little love, you’re sharing Christ’s heart with everyone around you.

    1. Shine Your Light
      Now, consider light. It’s not meant to be hidden away! Jesus encourages us to let our light shine brightly. This involves:
    • Living authentically.
    • Sharing your faith when the opportunity arises.
    • Showing love and kindness in everyday moments.

    When you let God’s joy shine through you, people will notice! Your light points others to Jesus.

    So, let’s go out there and be that salt and light! Show the world the goodness of God in everything you do. You’ve got this!

    With Joy,

  • Show A Little Kindness: Heartfelt Hospitality

    Hospitality is heartfelt and all about making people feel welcomed, valued, and comfortable—whether they’re in your home or you’re out and about. It’s more than just hosting; it’s a fun, generous mindset you can practice anywhere!

    1. Be Warm and Welcoming
      Greet people with a smile and make them feel at ease. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or someone you just met, showing genuine warmth makes everything more comfortable. Ask them how they’re doing and actually listen—it makes a huge difference!
    2. Create a Cozy Space
      If you’re hosting at home, don’t stress about making everything perfect. Tidy up, offer some snacks or drinks, and let your guests feel like they can kick back and relax. It’s all about the vibe, not perfection!
    3. Think Ahead
      Anticipate what your guests might need—a comfy seat, something to drink, or even just a good chat. Being thoughtful shows you care and makes people feel super appreciated.
    4. Give Generously
      Hospitality is all about giving—whether it’s your time, attention, or even just a little something to brighten someone’s day. Offer what you can, whether it’s a meal, a hand with something, or simply being present.
    5. Spread Kindness Everywhere
      You don’t need to be at home to show hospitality! Bring that welcoming attitude to work, in your community, or even during quick encounters. Being kind, patient, and gracious goes a long way.

    At the end of the day, hospitality is about being kind. It is an opportunity to show love and care; making sure the people around you feel valued and welcomed in your world!

    With Joy,

  • A Little Old-Fashioned Hospitality

    Hospitality is such a big deal in the Christian faith—it’s all about reflecting God’s love and generosity. The Bible makes it pretty clear that we’re called to serve others and build community through hospitality. Romans 12:13 says it best: “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” But it’s not just about inviting people into our homes; it’s about opening our hearts to care for them in real, meaningful ways.

    Jesus was the ultimate example of hospitality—He constantly welcomed people in, shared meals, and made time for those who were often overlooked. So, when we practice hospitality, we’re actually reflecting Christ’s love and kindness. It’s more than just a checklist of duties—it’s about creating a space where people feel truly seen and valued.

    Christian hospitality means seeing others the way Jesus does, with dignity and worth. It’s about making sure people feel welcome, loved, and accepted—whether you’re offering a meal, a place to stay, or just being there to listen. These small acts of kindness can make a big impact and show God’s love in a practical, hands-on way.

    At the heart of it, hospitality is about making room for others in our busy lives, showing God’s love in everyday moments, and inviting people to experience community and grace. It’s the simple things that really bring people together!

    With Joy,

  • Welcoming Guests During the Holidays

    Hosting guests during the holidays can be fun and stress-free with a little prep! Here are some easy tips to help you get ready:

    1. Start Early
      Don’t wait until the last minute! Make a to-do list for things like cleaning, shopping, and cooking, and spread it out over a few days. That way, you won’t feel overwhelmed.
    2. Clean and Declutter
      Give your home a quick spruce-up, especially guest rooms and common areas. Clear off any clutter so your guests have space to relax and settle in. A tidy space instantly feels more welcoming!
    3. Prep the Guest Room
      If you’ve got overnight guests, make the room cozy with fresh sheets, towels, and some basic toiletries. Throw in a little something extra, like a water carafe, a good book, or a welcome note—it’s the small details that make guests feel special.
    4. Plan Meals Ahead
      Decide on a simple menu and make sure to consider any dietary preferences your guests might have. Prepping meals ahead of time means less kitchen chaos and more time spent enjoying your company.
    5. Set the Mood
      Add some festive flair! Think twinkly lights, candles, and music to create that warm holiday atmosphere. Keep it cozy and relaxed, so everyone feels at home.
    6. Stay Flexible and Chill
      Things don’t always go according to plan, and that’s totally okay. Focus on creating a fun and inviting space where everyone feels cared for—and enjoy the time together!

    With a bit of prep and a laid-back attitude, hosting this holiday season will be a breeze!

    With Joy,

  • A Simple Guide to Prayer

    Prayer is one of the most personal and powerful ways to connect with God, and guess what? It doesn’t need to be fancy or perfect—just genuine. Here’s how to approach it in a meaningful and fun way:

    1. Start with Gratitude
      Kick things off by thanking God for who He is and for the little (or big!) blessings in your life. Focusing on gratitude not only lifts your spirits but also helps shift your heart into a positive, humble place as you pray.
    2. Be Honest
      God isn’t looking for polished words—He wants the real you! Whether you’re celebrating something amazing or feeling completely overwhelmed, be open with Him. He knows your heart better than anyone, so no need to hold back.
    3. Ask for Guidance
      Prayer isn’t just a wish list. It’s also about seeking direction. Ask God for wisdom in your decisions, clarity when you’re confused, or strength when life feels tough. And remember, His timing is always spot on, even when it doesn’t feel that way.
    4. Pray for Others
      Take a moment to lift up friends, family, or even people you don’t know personally. Praying for others not only makes a difference in their lives but also grows your own compassion and love.
    5. Listen
      Prayer is a two-way conversation, so don’t forget to pause and listen. Whether through scripture, a sense of peace, or a quiet nudge, God has a way of speaking when we give Him the space to do so.

    Prayer is like inviting God into the moments of your life—good, bad, and everything in between. So, keep it real, stay open, and trust that through it, you’re welcoming His grace, wisdom, and peace.

    With Joy,

  • What Jesus Said About Prayer

    In the Gospels, Jesus keeps it real when it comes to prayer—He’s all about sincerity, humility, and building a personal connection with God. One of His most famous lessons on prayer is in Matthew 6:5-13, where He basically says, “Don’t pray just to look good in front of others.” Instead, Jesus encourages us to have genuine, private conversations with God, because our Father knows and sees what’s in our hearts.

    And to make it even easier, Jesus gives us a model prayer—The Lord’s Prayer—which breaks down how we can talk to God:

    • Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.”
      Start by acknowledging God’s greatness and holiness. It sets the tone for everything else.
    • Surrender: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.”
      This is the moment to trust God’s plan for your life, even when things don’t make sense. It’s all about letting go and saying, “Your way, not mine.”
    • Provision: “Give us today our daily bread.”
      Ask for what you need, whether it’s food, wisdom, strength—spiritual or physical, God’s got you.
    • Forgiveness: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
      Admit where you’ve messed up and seek God’s forgiveness. And don’t forget to extend that same grace to others.
    • Protection: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
      Ask God for strength when things get tough and for protection from the things that might pull you away from Him.

    Jesus’ teaching on prayer is all about keeping it real—being humble, honest, and trusting God with everything. It’s not about saying the perfect words but about approaching Him with a heart that’s open and sincere, knowing He’s got everything under control.

    With Joy,

  • Bible Study Tips for Newbies

    Starting Bible study doesn’t have to be intimidating! With a few fun and easy tips, you can build a practice that’s both meaningful and enjoyable:

    “Book Bible” by Aaron Burden/ CC0 1.0
    1. Start with Prayer
      Kick things off by asking God for clarity and guidance. A quick prayer opens your heart to what He wants to show you.
    2. Pick a Simple Plan
      Don’t overthink it—start with a specific book like one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) or try a beginner-friendly study plan. This gives you direction and helps you stay focused.
    3. Use a Study Bible
      A study Bible is like having a little tour guide with you! It’s packed with footnotes, maps, and explanations to help make sense of tricky passages and give you the bigger picture.
    4. Take Notes
      Grab a journal and jot down verses that jump out at you, questions that pop up, or any aha! moments you have. Writing things down helps you remember what you’ve learned.
    5. Be Consistent
      Find a time that works for you—whether it’s daily or weekly—and stick to it. The more consistent you are, the more you’ll grow in your faith.
    6. Join a Group
      Bible study doesn’t have to be a solo adventure! Joining a group adds a fun, social aspect and gives you a chance to share insights and get support from others on the same journey.

    With these simple tips, you’ll be off to a great start on your Bible study adventure! Enjoy the journey!

    With Joy,

  • Bible Marking: A Simple Color Code

    Using a color code to mark your Bible is a helpful way to enhance your study and make key themes stand out. It allows you to easily find important passages and see patterns in scripture at a glance. Here’s how to get started:

    “Reading Bible” by NappyStock/ CC0 1.0
    1. Choose Your Colors
      Start by assigning different colors to various themes or topics. For example, you might use:
    • Yellow for promises of God
    • Green for spiritual growth or discipleship
    • Blue for prayer and worship
    • Red for key verses about Jesus or salvation
    • Orange for instructions
    • Purple for God’s attributes or commands
    • Brown for sin, disobedience, and evil
      Make sure to use highlighters that won’t bleed through the pages.
    1. Create a Key
      Write a key in the front or back of your Bible or on a card for easy reference. This way, you’ll always remember what each color represents.
    2. Start Highlighting
      As you read, highlight verses according to your color code. This helps organize your thoughts and makes it easier to return to specific topics later.
    3. Keep It Consistent
      Consistency is key. Stick with your color scheme across the entire Bible to build a cohesive system that will serve you well in the long run.

    Color coding your Bible makes studying more interactive, allowing God’s Word to come alive in new and meaningful ways.

    With Joy,