In this episode, Dave and Bethlie launch a new mini-series on overcoming the challenging events of life. Whether it's the death of a loved one, a church split, a battle with cancer, or the pain of divorce we all encoutner challenging events. Part 1 of this mini series focuses on the importance of maintaining daily rhythms and staying connected both spiritually, and relationally, and through honest conversation. Even when everything in you wants to shut down.

• What do we mean by challenging events of life?
• A death
• A church split
• A cancer
• A divorce or betrayal
• Pastor Bill Prater call it How to get through what you can't get over

So how do you overcome all of this?

We can make these suggestions:

1. Keep going
   1. Practically
      1. Remember to eat
      2. Remember to sleep
      3. Try to exercise
      4. Maintain responsibilities
         1. Work
         2. Chores
         3. Family
   2. Spiritually
      1. Stay in church
      2. Play psalms hymns and spiritual songs
   3. Relationally
      1. Keep talking
      2. Stay connected
      3. Seek counsel
   4. Illustration of Joseph in the OT
      1. Called by God to be a leader
      2. Sold into slavery by his brothers
         1. Leads Potiphar's household
         2. Winds up in prison unjustly
         3. Leads the prison (is there for 12-13 years)

1. Keep talking
   1. Talk to God

1. Be honest
2. Be real
3. Stay in the Psalms a lot
   1. They are raw
   2. They are honest
   3. They always point to truth

1. Talk to each other

1. God designed us to talk to each other
2. Sharing our emotions with a trusted friend can help bring cleansing
   1. It allows our brain to process the emotions - especially if you are a man
   2. It cleanses our brain - especially if you are a woman
3. Sharing our emotions with a counselor can allow them to point us to truth