Ecclesiastes 3 is full of seasonal proclamations. There is even a song by ‘The Byrds’ with some lyrics from these scriptures. (Sorry if you can’t get that song out of your head now)😆.
Ecclesiastes 3:5 in this chapter says “there is a time to cast stones and a time to gather them”.
This is a contrast- you are either casting, or you are gathering.
You don’t need them… or you do.
Jesus was called the ‘Chief Cornerstone’- Acts 4:11; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6-7
Over the last 3 years, we have been in a season of casting stones, throwing out the things we know aren’t useful for our mission. It’s been a looooong and somewhat painful process.
And now, friends, we are entering a season of gathering stones. We have went back to the beginning- to our Cornerstone, Jesus. And it’s time to rebuild.
It’s time to gather stones.
Don’t worry about how long it will take to build, or where you will find your stones. God directs your path and will lead you to each stone- one at a time. 

There are a multitude of 'sacred cows' that subliminally creep into our lives- trends, socials, relationships, ministries, etc..  

If we do not recognize these cows, this can often result in compassion fatigue.  You are not alone. We have all experienced this. We want to help expose just a few of those things that might be keeping you in bondage and causing you exhaustion.  

Sometimes, we need to dial down or retreat. Sometimes, we may need to leave the situation, entirely. Whatever the case may be, you are the one who can determine what is healthy or becoming toxic. We encourage you to pray and ask God to help you (or lead you) in the place that fulfills your purpose.  

Change isn't easy- it hardly ever is.  One thing is for certain... change amplified in 2020 and is on a 'snowballing' speed that hasn't slowed down. When a change or a move is needed, you might feel some shock (or it may cause those around you to feel some shock), but it's imperative that we start to consider self care, and even consider finding our place in new communities, because God is working everything for the good and He (more than anyone) wants you in your purpose.  

We love you and we hope that this video encourages you today!  

The link (below) that was mentioned in the podcast regarding 'Church Hurt' has been eye opening to me. Being in ministry, I have been in so many circles of this conversation- and this (in my opinion) has been the most clear understanding in what the response needs to be, as well as, helpful in how to heal: 

https://youtu.be/6-r9XNqSLHU 

Subscribe to (and share) this podcast if you have felt encouraged!   

#trends #socialmedia #compassionfatigue #burnout #churchhurt #ministry #joy #peace #purpose #fullfilment #change #killingsacredcows #godspromise #Jesus #selfcare #Jesusheals #forgiveness

Realistic Resolutions: Let's make sure our goals and plans for 2023 are geared to bring us hope and excitement! (while making sure they don't set us up for failure) 🤦‍♀️

The move: Transition is the theme that made it's debut in 2020. People moved and we haven't seen the end of this yet...  

Has the church left the building? Elvis has😆. What is the church, and what should we expect from it?  

We truly hope and pray that your heart will feel refreshed, your mind will be renewed, and your joy will be restored in 2023.   Let's kick off the New Year being hopeful with our expectations, but always leaving our steps up to the One Who loves to lead us... right into our purpose!  

With much love for you, 

Rhonda and Pam

'Tis the season to be... fill in the blank.  

While everything around us narrates the Christmas season, what season of your life are you encountering?   

Are you struggling with something, or feeling accomplished? 

Are you financially challenged, or financially stable? 

Are you dealing with a sickness, or in good health? 

Are you feeling a season of anxiety or peace?  

Let's talk about it.  Journey with us as we share how we walk through seasons- taking one day at a time and seeking joy- when it seems un-seekable.   

Our hope is that you feel loved, heard, and encouraged through each and every season!

The beauty of hope is that it never originated with us.  

It originated in Heaven before the Universe was ever created, and therefore holds a greater promise than we could ever receive from this Earthly realm.  

Hope continues down the timeline and remains a promise for you and me.  Join me in the Garden of Eden, the crowded street where a woman was healed, and a cave. All three places show us the hope we can grab for ourselves today.  

Remember, you are loved. ❤️

What people (or things) influence you? Are they your family? friends? co-workers? entertainers? social media platforms? 

In this episode we talk about what kind of influence brings us joy and what kind brings us stress. We share our challenges and the changes we have made to make our lives more peaceful- ESPECIALLY this time of year.

Join the joy and be encouraged that change isn't bad... sometimes it's necessary. Our mental health depends on it. 

Be hopeful, encouraged, and JOYFUL! 

We are promised hope and joy in this life AND in eternity. 

In this episode, we cover the biblical truths about Heaven. We have an inheritance that our mind cannot even imagine.

Can we be joyful about Heaven? Absolutely!

Tune in and grab some of these promises. Pam will also be sharing just a bit of how she made it through some difficult times with her health. 

We pray you are encouraged, hopeful, and joyful!

Thank you for tuning in to our first episode of Join the Joy! with Rhonda and Pam.

We know life can be tough, but we don't have to lose our laughter.

In this episode, we share what this podcast is all about- Finding joy again!

We also cover some topics in this episode that include generational differences and how we can help each other.

Grab your beverage and take a seat. We believe you will be encouraged- and catch some laughs along the way.

How many times have we heard that living and walking in humility will build our character? While this is definitely true, it also has its benefits. God tells us in His word that those who are humble shall be exalted. What exactly does that mean? I think it means something different to each of us. In this episode, we see a teachable moment where Jesus shows Peter that just because He has authority to skip something doesn't always mean it's the right thing to do. Sometimes, we are called to move in humility in order to avoid offending someone or causing a misunderstanding. The Kingdom of Heaven notices this, my friend! Jesus knows it's hard to take the high road, but He promises to bless you for your Christ-like reaction. The blessing or the reward of exaltation will come in different forms because He reserves the right to make it unique to your needs and your purpose. In this episode, Jesus performs a miracle while calling Peter to do something he is really good at- FISHING! Come to Capernaum with me and step into this story of provision and be encouraged. Whenever you take the high road, Heaven is watching. The provision and increase is near. Exaltation is on the horizon.