Beth Beutler's Blog, page 40
July 7, 2014
Coffee Break Bible Study: Romans 13-16; 1 Corinthians 1 #bgbg2
The 2014 Coffee Break Bible studies are designed to help you travel through the entire New Testament in one year. You are currently about half-way through already! I hope they have been a blessing to you!
Read Romans 14.
How should we behave toward another brother or sister in Christ that may be having doubts about “disputable matters?”
Write out verse 19. How can you live that out today?
Read Romans 16.
What do you learn about Paul based on his personal greetings?
What does Paul “urge” in verse 17?
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July 3, 2014
You are Halfway Through 2014: How’s It Going?
July 2 was the mid-point of 2014 already. How time passes! How are you doing on your new year’s resolutions? Overall, I’m keeping up with mine mainly because I made a one-page goal sheet for 2014 listing goals for several areas of my life and keep it with my (near) daily quiet time area. That way I can regularly review. I had selected a word for the year…this one being “HOPE” and with that, I’m not sure I’m doing so well.
Below is a post I wrote that first appeared here several weeks ago. As I look back over this, I realize I still have room for improvement. For example, under “engagement” just today I got myself embroiled into a negative conversation that ended up not being very fruitful (God still can redeem it.) Should I have even entered into the conversation in the first place? Not sure. Could I have approached it differently? Perhaps.
Now, on to the post.
Word of the Year: HOPE
The word HOPE has been part of my life for quite a few years now. Since 2005, I have had a small business called H.O.P.E. Unlimited, with HOPE standing for Helping Other People Excel. I’ve collected items with the word HOPE on them since then, and feel that the word hope is a pleasant word. It reminds us of a promising future and is a picture of what we have in Christ.
I chose to focus on the word HOPE this year, making it my “one word” for two reasons. One, I wanted to have a more settled, joyful approach to life. I found myself having difficultly with that in 2013 and have seen improvements in 2014. Second, I am using the letters of the word HOPE to give me four areas of focus.
You are 1/2 way through 2014. How's it going?
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H – habits
Good habits are the foundation of a less-stressed, more productive life. For example, in mid-2013, my husband and I began a journey of learning to eat in a more healthy way. Over time, some of this lifestyle has become a habit. Other habits I’m cultivating deal with my quiet times, task/time management, home management, and goal setting.
O – opinions
I’m quite active with social media, and am giving thought to how often I should or should not share my opinion, or more importantly, base my decisions on the opinions of others. As a person who craves the approval of others, it is important that I concentrate more on what God is telling me to do and not be so influenced by the desire to be liked.
P – perspective
I want my perspective this year to be informed by my relationship with God. I am trying to slow down and not worry about the future while still making sensible and reasonable plans. I’m currently in a wilderness season regarding one area of my life, but God has been doing some good work in me during it, using the time to reshape my perspective. I also want to think differently than society on some things, and encourage people to step back and re-think their perspective from time to time as well.
E – engagement
I’m focusing more on my relationships, taking steps to become more intentional with some of them and also thinking through healthy boundaries. This doesn’t just refer to “in real life” relationships–I’m having to consider the “why” and “how much” of social media as well.
So far, this year has been one of more hope, not only in the above areas, but in some meaningful experiences. God has gifted me with some unique opportunities so far this year despite the wilderness portion of our lives right now. He is teaching me that hope comes in lots of little gifts and that He is using me to bring hope to others as well.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. [biblegateway passage="Romans 15:13"] NIV
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June 30, 2014
Coffee Break Bible Study: Romans 8-12 #bgbg2
Coffee Break Bible Studies are provided to help busy people pause for time in God’s Word. I provide links to the Scriptures available on Bible Gateway. I hope this makes it even more convenient for you.
Read Romans 9.
According to verse 16, on what does salvation depend?
Who is verse 33 referring to?
Read Romans 11.
What does this chapter teach you about being part of God’s family?
At the end of the chapter, how is God glorified and praised?
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June 26, 2014
Results of the Reader Survey
Several weeks ago, I provided a reader survey and I thought it might be interesting for you to know the results. The video goes into more detail and is less than eight minutes long, but if you are like me, you sometimes just want a summary. So I’m providing both a video and a post for you.
First of all, thank you to those who took the time to complete the survey and for the uplifting comments several of you shared. I’m glad this blog and my resources are an encouragement to you!
There were ten questions on the survey so I’ll break it down question by question (percentages are rounded).
1. An overwhelming 95% receive my posts through email.
2. Everyone who responded felt that my products and services offered were clear.
3. About half of the respondents confirmed that they receive both the weekly blog posts and the monthly “5 on the 15th” newsletter. About one-third wouldn’t mind receiving additional items, and about 30% would like further choice in deciding which blog posts to receive.
4. For about 85% of the respondents, it doesn’t really matter whether they would have to “click more” to read the rest of the article.
5. Respondents seem fairly united in the perception that my main readership is female, over 40, and works at least part-time outside the home, with faith being an important part of their lives.
6. Question six dealt with details that would show me the actual demographic of my readers. There were several definitions respondents could choose, so I’ll share the top three. Readers are 40+, female, and their values are very important to them. Additionally, over 70% like to share good content with others.
7. This question revealed the importance of the Coffee Break Bible Studies. About 77% feel these are either the main reason for subscribing or would miss them if they were not included.
8. I love the responses to readers summing up my blog. Here are three, among several others, that were encouraging:
A Jesus break for the busy
A blog designed to empower others to excel in their faith, ministry, family and career
Helping people (mostly women, I think) to develop both professionally and spiritually according to Christian values.
9. The primary reasons readers want to stay in touch are that they have read one or more of my books (around half), they used to be part of my former membership site, or they have used a product or service in the past. Additionally, about one-quarter were introduced to me by a friend.
10. The last question gave opportunity to share a personal message and I thank you for the encouragement.
What I learned from the survey:
I share in more detail in the video, but here are some main conclusions and assumptions based on the data and my experience blogging. Some of these may surprise you.
I rarely hear directly from readers, and my web visits and email list numbers remain pretty static.
My readers appreciate the faith-flavored but practical posts
My audience is primarily women over 40 who are working outside the home and whose faith/values are important to them.
Readers enjoy also reading my book(s). I continue to publish books, and greatly appreciate your support and loyalty.
What you should know:
I make part of my living through blogging, speaking, book sales and virtual assistance/consulting. Since I have several interests, you may assume my calendar is extremely full, however I will admit to you that I could use more business.
Here are seven ways you can benefit from my services and also say thank you if you enjoy the ongoing support and encouragement:
Purchase my books and encourage others to do so.
Book me for a speaking engagement.
Recommend me as a virtual assistant or consultant for organizations that may need extra help. Much can be done online now.
Visit my new store at this link.
Share my posts with others.
When shopping at Amazon, always go through my site first (use the Amazon search box.) I receive a portion of anything you buy while the price doesn’t change for you!
Give me a tip. At the bottom of this and future blog posts there will be a button that makes it easy for you to do so. For example (this one works):
One last point…I remain active on social media and would be happy to connect with you. Here’s the current strategy I generally follow:
Instagram: general life photos, and an occasional visual productivity tip/thought
Facebook: posting about life, thought provoking questions, observations, fun stuff, etc.
Twitter: near daily tips (these also go to my Facebook business page)
Pinterest: items from blog posts, and thoughts and quotes from my books
Linked In: business related tip/information/thought, usually once per weekday
Google+: inspiration, thoughts and questions about the intersection of life, work and faith, posted at least once a week and randomly more often as I feel like it.
so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:17 NIV '+msg+'';
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June 23, 2014
Coffee Break Bible Study: Romans 3-7 #bgbg2
Coffee Break Bible studies are provided to give people with a full schedule an opportunity to pause with God’s word. Being in God’s word regularly helps you solidify your principles and values and apply them to your life and work. I hope these are a blessing to you!
Read Romans 4.
How was Abraham justified?
What does verse 16 mean to you?
Read Romans 6.
Should we go on sinning, knowing God will forgive us?
Who or what are we slaves to now?
Read '+msg+'';
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June 19, 2014
Questions a Visit to Cabela’s Brought to Mind
Cabela’s recently opened in our neck of the woods (pun intended) so one Saturday morning I went with my outdoorsy husband and father-in-law to check it out and purchase a needed item.
I’ll have to say I was very impressed.
Cabela’s is a cool store to visit and provides a certain kind of feel that could be described a bit like Americana. We arrived just a few minutes before opening, and there was a line wrapping around the fence. But this wasn’t a line of impatient people. They were happy, kind, in good moods, not invading personal space, and didn’t run each other over when the doors opened.
Even within the store where certain things were popular, people weren’t rude getting what they came for. Lots of employees were there to help and they had clearly marked areas in place to handle the possibility of lines getting long. People were waiting patiently to see the guest actor who was there, I assume, to generate buzz. They were not pushing and shoving–just waiting with seemingly no stress.
I observed a kid with a face of joy as he stood by a fake campfire. Other children were having a ball with the “pop” sound of a toy gun. A lady relaxed in the comfy chairs by the fireplace, using her computer. I assumed she was waiting on others shopping. She appeared to be in no rush for them to get done.
Visiting the store was more than an errand. It is an experience, created by the beautifully decorated environment, the special treats like fudge (which I was there too early to enjoy–next time!) and the availability of clothing and equipment that calls out to the organic and long-time, passed down pastimes of many Americans such as hunting, fishing, and camping.
My guess is that people who enjoy stores like Cabelas are the kinds of people who can spend hours in a tree stand, on a boat with a fishing pole, or by a fire with a cup of coffee or some s’mores. They’ve learned that rushing is not all it’s cracked up to be, and there’s not need to do so when you are shopping, either.
Quite refreshing, actually.
So now to ask myself…
1) How am I creating a refreshing environment for the people I interact with?
2) Do people feel hurried or rushed when they are around me?
3) Do people feel they are the center of my attention during the moments I am spending with them?
4) What can I learn if I slow down and enjoy God’s creation more often?
5) Am I serving others with the same type of attention I want to receive as a customer?
June 16, 2014
Coffee Break Bible Study: Acts 26-28; Romans 1-2 #bgbg2
Coffee Break Bible studies are provided to help you pause with God’s Word in the midst of your busy days. Starting with this CBBS, I’ll be linking the chapter with Bible Gateway so you can read the passage directly from the screen if you like. (If you receive these by email, you’ll need to return to the site itself.)
Read Acts 27.
What scary event happens in this chapter?
What was the outcome of the storm? (v. 44) How can you trust God through the scary things in life?
Read Romans 1.
Who is the author of Romans and what do you know about him so far?
Write out verse 16. Is there anyone you hesitate to share the Gospel with?
June 12, 2014
Make-Ahead Seven Layer Smoothies
One of the key lifestyle changes I have made that is helping me stick with a “less processed” eating plan is the regular use of smoothies as an “initial breakfast” in the morning. A smoothie is now a go-to breakfast for me about six days a week (Sundays through Fridays. On Saturday I tend to have a “regular” breakfast.) It’s especially easy to stick with this habit when the smoothie is already made and good-to-go in the refrigerator, and I thought it might help you to learn a way to build a super healthy breakfast that you can grab and down pretty quickly!
There are so many smoothie recipes out there, that it can be overwhelming to select and keep track of recipes to use, and make sure I have all the needed ingredients. So I’ve found that rather than try a bunch of different recipes, it’s easier for me to make three smoothies at a time, using the “Seven Layer” method.
I fill my blender with seven layers of healthy ingredients, blend, and save in pint size jars in the fridge. (I have a special cap that I can put on when I take the jar out in the morning. It has an opening for a straw.) This means I must make smoothies about two times a week. I may do this in the morning, drinking one right away and saving the other two, or in an evening, getting them ready for the next three mornings.
Here are the seven layers that guide me in the process, and at least three suggested ingredients for each. I use what I have on hand, so the smoothies can taste different each time. I haven’t found that to be a problem.
Layer 1: Fruit
I include fresh and frozen fruit, and often use berries because they are so full of goodness. I grab a handful or two of frozen fruit (a full cup for those who like measurements) and throw that in first. This allows the hardest items to be closest to the blade, and begin to defrost as you gather the other items. I top this off with a piece of fresh fruit like a banana, an apple, or an orange…whatever may be on hand.
Suggestions: berries, banana, apple, dates or figs (for sweetness—use sparingly), pineapple, mangos
Layer 2: Vegetables
I’m trying to incorporate two vegetables, one of which is always some sort of greens. I grab a handful of whatever greens I have available, which can include spinach, mixed greens, and/or kale. Then I may add another vegetable such as cut herbs from my herb garden, or even tomatoes or leftover vegetables such as squash. (You can add just about any vegetable you want, just be aware that some have stronger tastes like kale, broccoli, or onion.)
Suggestions: mixed greens, spinach, shredded carrot, sliced or chopped tomatoes, herbs, avocado, leftover cooked squash or sweet potato or exotic veggies like kombu or seaweed, if you are brave!
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.”
June 9, 2014
Coffee Break Bible Study: Acts 21-25 #bgbg2
Coffee Break Bible studies are provided to give people with a full schedule an opportunity to pause with God’s word. Being in God’s word regularly helps you solidify your principles and values and apply them to your life and work. I hope these are a blessing to you!
Read Acts 22.
What blesses you from Paul’s testimony?
How can your testimony bless others?
Read Acts 24.
How did Paul answer his accusers?
How did Felix respond to Paul?
June 5, 2014
21 Comments Nice Folks Would Like to Make on Social Media…But Don’t (Well, Not Often)
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One of my favorite Instagram accounts is Satiregram. Whoever is behind it does a great job simply describing cliche photos that often appear. For example, around Thanksgiving, he/she will write on a plain piece of brown paper: “Photo of a turkey.” It brings a chuckle because whoever it is points out (albeit anonymously) the types of things that many of us get peeved at when it comes to social media.
I’ve been tempted to start an anonymous account where I could put comments I feel like saying sometimes, but don’t because I try to be a nice, relatively agreeable person. However for fun (because “laugh” is one of HOPE’s core values) here are some comments I think some folks would like to make on social media sometimes, but tend to refrain from writing. This reveals the very human side of us, but I figured it’s not a bad idea to be honest with ourselves.
Disclaimer: I have lots of connections on social media and thus have seen it used in many ways over the years. The following comments in no way imply that the people on social media aren’t wonderful, worthwhile to know people. As a matter of fact, I’m guilty of posting things that would prompt some of these comments myself! So let’s all enjoy this in the SPIRIT OF FUN, and if you feel pricked that maybe you should adjust some of what you share, then fine. I’m also not implying that if you actually do respond like this occasionally, that you aren’t a nice person overall. I have no intention of starting a debate or have bad feelings with any of you! And you can feel free to disagree in the comments.
Most of these could use the invisible “sarcasm font”:
Yes, you have (delightful, gorgeous, smart, etc) children. So do 1 million other parents.
Wow…your child did (a typical thing many children do)…I’ve never seen that before!
You’re going on another cruise/trip to Disney World/visit to the beach house. How nice.
Are you sure that story is true? (for the news items that aren’t really accurate news items)
Did you realize this came from a satire site?
You spent 30 seconds with a famous person. Aren’t you special?! (Guilty!)
You eat dinner with your friends…how unique!
That saying sounds good, but is it really? (for all the “meaningful” quotes that go around, some of which aren’t actually very wise or biblical.)
Yes. You look good. You’re gorgeous. Always. Every day. Okay?
Shall I call the waaah-bu-lance for you?
Get over it/yourself, (whichever applies.)
Oh, you have something to sell? No kidding. I wouldn’t have known.
No, not everybody “knows/believes/would do/wouldn’t do” that.
Not everyone thinks pets are worthy of worship.
Oh, you’re out of the country and your home is empty? Or you are on your trip and your wife and kids are home alone? Good idea to share that.
Do the parents of those children know you are sharing photos of their kids?
That picture of (feet/heart hands/insert other cliche shot here) is the most unique shot I’ve ever seen. Very creative.
Your kid disappointed you? I’m sure knowing you shared this on social media will strengthen your relationship with him/her.
That food looks delicious, but does that cooperate with your stated fitness goals?
So do you really mean that in all of your life, this was the best. day. ever?
I bet the owner of that car appreciates that you’ve shared their license plate number publicly.
Sometimes, it’s not the status updates or photos themselves you want to comment on, it’s the comments from others that cause you to roll your eyes. Here are a few more examples, all based on comments I have seen people make.
No, you don’t really wish to “have their life.” They have problems too.
No, she is not perfect (or, no, that _______ is not “perfection.”)
Yes, her kids are cute/precious/smart but this not an uncommon thing with kids. Stop making it sound like it’s so unusual.
No, they are not the best family/parents you have ever seen. They are good. But they are human.
If you “wish you could be her/him/them” go make some changes to your own life!
Anything tagged: “That _____ though!”
Are you laughing yet? Are you saying (like me, for some of these) GUILTY!?
On a serious note, many of these posts and comments, including the original ones and the responses, display a spirit of discontentment (yes, even the satirical responses.) Social media is a great environment for many things, but can also be a dangerous one for developing attitudes of anger and dissatisfaction. If you’ve shared posts like the above (I have) or wished to make comments like the above (I have) use it as an opportunity to examine your own heart and ask yourself some questions.
But godliness with contentment is great gain… 1 Timothy 6:6 ESV
Question: are there social media comments and statuses that drive you crazy? Share in the comments/via reply email/on social media (just be reasonably nice!)
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