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How do we overcome dullness? We overcome dullness by praying Praying alone Praying together With our spouse With our kids With strangers even We overcome dullness by practicing simple Christianity Joy  The joy of the Lord is your strength The fruit of the Spirit is joy Contentment I have learned to be content I have everything I really need I can survive on little if need be I can serve with a lot if God blesses me that way Gratitude In everything give thanks

This is an episode from our first season.  Dave and Bethlie get asked this question often. We thought you'd find this discussion helpful. Share it with a friend if you think it would be helpfu! 1) Birth control is it right or wrong? 2) Is there ever a time it's ok? 3) How does it apply in a Christian family?

As we conclude the series on Overcoming Anxiety, Dave and Bethlie finish with steps four and five.   4. Focus on immediate problems - that is concrete reality What is the problem/my problem? What does God want me to do about it? The answer to this is found in the BIBLE If no answer is found in the Bible, the answer is found in Wisdom Ask God for it Ask Counsel of Godly elders When should I begin doing something about it? Where should I begin to do something about it? Get training Change my outlook Read books that help address the issue How should I begin to solve the problem/my problem? 5. Plan for future accomplishment Set goals  Financial ones Physical ones Walking is a wonderful exercise that is a gift from God Work is a gift from God too Emotional ones Learn to laugh A merry heart does good like a medicine Embrace gratitude In everything give thanks Practice prayer I sought the Lord and He heard me Pray over today and tomorrow Trust God for all of it Matthew 25  Servant worried and did nothing Servant became lazy and did nothing Servant lost Financially Emotionally Spiritually Eternally  

Dave and Bethlie continue their Overcoming Series with part 3 of overcoming anxiety. Do you know someone who struggles with anxiety? Be a blessing to them and send them this series. Reach out and let us know how it has been a blessing in your life and others around you. Decide it is wrong (based on the teaching of Jesus) It is wrong because the past is over and gone Healing is available for everything we face Forgiveness is essential for our wrongs It is wrong because the future is not here yet Nothing can ever be done about the future Only God knows about the future Jesus is teaching that it is wrong to allow tomorrow's problems to tear you apart today It is wrong because only God knows the future It is wrong because it damages today      Today is a gift from God We should handle our emotions wisely so we can fully live for Him today Know the difference between worry and planning Planning is preparing for the future while simultaneously leaving it all in God's hands and trusting God's goodness. Worry does not plan. Anxiety assumes the worst Anxiety presumes to know outcomes Anxiety gives into our feelings rather than make an attempt to overcome them. Anxiety accepts our feelings as the norm of our life. Redirect your concerns Emotions are not wrong They are right when they are used properly according to the commands and principles of God's Word Move into Psalms They show us that emotions are real They show us that life is hard They also show us that truth trumps it all Emotional concern is the God-given ability to mobilize the forces of our bodies and minds to focus upon a problem and solve it. Anxious concern is when we focus on our problems and hang onto them. Literally all the energy is released but has it has nowhere to go  This energy can even eat away at the lining of the stomach This energy leaves us feeling hopeless and helpless This energy often leads us into other issues Depression Social withdrawal  Loss of sexual desire  

Part 2 of this Overcoming Anxiety series begins with answering the question, what is anxiety?   From Jesus' teaching Matthew 6:31 Anxiety is concern over things future It is concern over something you can do nothing about It is concern over something we cannot ever be sure about It is also concern over something that is in the past From Banner Health Someone with an anxiety disorder experiences more than just occasional worry. They often feel afraid, tense or uneasy about something with an uncertain outcome.  "Symptoms of anxiety can make sleeping, focusing or completing everyday tasks difficult," Dr.  Brenner Freeman (MD, Psychiatrist) said. "Some people may notice racing thoughts that make it hard to concentrate, while others feel tension in their muscles, rapid heartbeat or stomach problems." What anxiety might look like in: Children: Trouble with transitions, clinginess or tantrums  Teens: Avoiding school, withdrawing socially and excessive worry about fitting in Adults: Irritability, difficulty concentrating or pulling back from work and relationships Aside:  This seems to be rather normal for almost every child, teen, and adult.  Which leads to the question - What do we do about it as Christians?  

Grab your Bible and turn to Matthew 6:25 and join Dave and Bethlie as they discuss Overcoming Anxiety.    Understanding anxiety Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the U.S., affecting over 40 million adults (19.1%) annually, with roughly 31% of adults experiencing an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Females are more likely to be affected (23.4%) compared to males (14.3%)   Key Anxiety Statistics  Prevalence: Nearly 1 in 3 adolescents (ages 13-18) will experience an anxiety disorder. Adult Prevalence: Around 19.1% of U.S. adults aged 18+ have an anxiety disorder, with 22.8% of those cases classified as serious impairment. Types: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Affects 6.8 million U.S. adults (2.7% prevalence). Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Affects 15 million adults, typically beginning at age 13. Panic Disorder: Affects 6 million adults. Gender Differences: Women are twice as likely to be affected by anxiety disorders than men. Treatment: Only 43.2% of people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder receive treatment. Impact: Approximately 70% of adults feel anxious about the state of the world, including economy, personal health, and new technologies.  The effects of anxiety Ulcers Loss of joy Inability to cope Failure to trust God (sometimes is a cause; other times is an effect) Failure to overcome  Often rooted in the belief that this is just the way I am  Or the believe that I can't overcome it The greek word that is used "Merimnao" To divide, part, rip, tear apart   Jesus taught about anxiety it is often a part of our lives it should not be a part of our lives it should be put away it should be overcome    

Dave and Bethlie continue their series in identifying biblical steps for climbing out of the darkness that depression can bring. From confessing sin and getting right with God, to listing your responsibilities, avoiding pity parties, and anchoring yourself in the truth of Scripture, we know God's Word is powerful enough to help you overcome. Just as David continually brought himself back to the truth of who God is in the midst of his own pain, so can you. If God is real and His Word is true — and it is — you can overcome depression!   You can recognize a failing solution when the depression become cyclical Discouragement is normal to live Depression occurs when I handle discouragements and failures in a wrong way Stay focused on duties If discouragement separates us from our duties, it will always lead to depression You MUST continue to perform your duties and meet your obligations Around and around in depression Cf. 2 Corinthians 4:8 Recognize the truth about what is happening Understand the difference in discouragement and depression Steps to take: Confess sin List responsibilities Pity parties Gripe sessions complaining Your family Your home Your job Avoid all the negatives Get to work doing them

Some truths about depression: Some things are necessary in overcoming depression: You have to know God personally and intimately You have to desire to please God by doing what He says You have to obey God regardless of how you feel Some are more susceptible to depression It is especially a problem for those who are responsible to set and keep their own schedule It is especially a problem for those who don't have a schedule Those who have a schedule (from a boss or workplace) have less of an issue with depression Self-control is strengthened by their schedule Self-discipline is set for them already Some things naturally lead towards depression A setback Sickness Disappointment Failure Guilt A tendency to follow feelings rather than to pursue obligations  A willingness to participate in pit-parties or to continually focus on self Nothing but obedience to God and His Word can overcome depression Ignoring it won't work Anti-depressants won't work Substance abuse won't work

Is your marriage struggling? In Part 2 of this series Overcoming A Bad Marriage, Dave and Bethlie share biblical steps for overcoming a bad marriage and restoring what God intended for your relationship.   Learn to love again Define it Love and feelings are not the same thing Love is about pleasing God Love is being willing to give another whatever it is that they need because you know it is what God commands you to do. Biblicize it Ephesians 5:25 Husbands love your wives as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her Older women teach the younger women to love their husbands Love your neighbor  Your spouse is your closest neighbor so you have to love them Matthew 5:44. Love your enemy The lowest level of love Determine to please God Get very close to Him James 4:8 The closer you are to God the healthier you will be The closer you are to God the stronger you will be Honor God in the decisions you make and your marriage will be amazing Take steps to love Learn to give.  John 3:16 Gal 2:20 Proverbs 25:21 Learn to forgive Forgiveness promises not to use another's wrongdoings against them in the future Forgiveness promises not to talk to other people about another's wrongdoings Forgiveness promises not to dwell on the other's wrongdoings Learn to meet each other's needs

Join Dave and Bethlie as they continue this overcoming series with this first in a two part series about Ovecoming A Bad Marriage. Part 1 What is a bad marriage? Typically marriages don't start badly We meet We talk We spend time together We "fall in love" We propose We make plans We get married.   Marriage can become bad It happens in a process of time We don't love each other anymore We aren't compatible We are miserable  We allow hurt feelings to become BIG problems We allow little things to become bigger things What do you do about it? Remember your vows For better or for worse A verbal commitment to honor God and His Word  Divorce is only permitted in a few select cases Divorce is rarely the best option Divorce opens the door to more divorce Repent at the thought of ending it

Happy Valentine's week! Join Dave and Bethlie as they discuss how love overcomes!  

Every marriage faces misunderstandings, but it's how we handle them that determines whether our relationship thrives or struggles. In this episode of Keeping It Young, Dave and Bethlie share practical, biblical wisdom on overcoming misunderstandings in marriage before they grow into bigger problems. Learn how to approach difficult conversations with humility and kindness, share your needs in ways your spouse can receive them, and present issues without tearing down your spouse. Dave and Bethlie discuss the difference between minor miscommunications and deeper misunderstandings that need addressing. Whether you're newlyweds or have been married for decades, this episode provides actionable application for maintaining intimacy, avoiding resentment, and growing together as co-laborers in Christ. What You'll Learn: The difference between simple miscommunications and destructive misunderstandings How to approach issues with humility, kindness, and grace Why making demands always leads to failure in marriage How to share needs in a way your spouse can process Practical communication strategies for husbands and wives The spiritual foundation for overcoming relational challenges Episode Notes: What do we mean by misunderstandings? Desires that aren't met Issues that won't go away Failure to meet each others needs How do you overcome them? Approach issues in a right way Recognize the value of humility and kindness allows us to be vulnerable allows us to develop intimacy (even if it is small) Recognize that making demands equal failure These usually are accusations that are selfish They build walls rather than intimacy Share your needs in the way that your spouse processes Have a right motivation That your spouse will grow spiritually and have God's blessings Use a  right presentation Don't belittle Be honest but build A husband especially needs this: I know you are better than this For a wife - don't process everything with him  plan how to be kind and to the point For a husband Be kind and loving in your words Ask her to pray about the matter Share it with her and ask her to consider it and talk about it later Don't be frustrated by her processing Determine to grow (prefereably together) Know you you are in Christ Know who your spouse is in Christ Know that your are co-laborers for Christ You are in this together Pray for and help each other

Dave and Bethlie wrap up this first section of the Overcoming series focused on the subject of anger.  We're also celebrating and praising the Lord for our 300th episode!   What do you do with a child who has a tendency to anger Correct them Punishment - Every time anger has to be confronted with a negative consequence We recommend a spanking - every time Teach them keep it simple This is wrong This is how you should respond Disciple them Your child will need the power of God's Word and God's Spirit Your child will need to walk with God Model for them You must do right first You must learn to have peace in your heart  You have to model right responses to irritations and issues and life itself

Dave and Bethlie continue their series on overcoming with this part 2 of Overcoming Anger. How do you overcome anger in your marriage and family Start with confession Eph 4:30. Confess it as sin Control your anger - better - confess your anger Jesus got angry - you aren't Jesus Meditate on Scripture Proverbs 15:1-3 A soft/gentle answer turns away wrath Recognize that you are most vulnerable to sin when you are sinned against the tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright Recognize that your words evidence your heart the eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good Recognize that God is always present and always holding us accountable  Proverbs 17:19 Ecclesiastes 9:17 Start with some growth/spiritual steps If you have an anger issue this is the answer You have to grow Confess it as sin Pray about it every day Ask forgiveness Secure accountability Respond immediately to any failure You have to sow As you sow the right seeds, you will begin to see fruit You have to love and honor Your wife matters Your husband matters If you are married to someone with an anger problem, this is the answer. You have to grow too In order to confront your spouses anger, you have to put your spiritual house in order essential to have the strength, courage, perspective, and ability to help your spouse Pray about how to respond in a right way Practice how to respond in a right way That was a very angry way to say that, can you say it differently so I don't feel so defensive You have to allow time for fruit Anger is usually a learned behavior that is habitual When you respond to your spouse with gentleness and a request for a different response, allow your spouse to process that It makes them aware It give the Spirit time to work Separate as a last resort. I can't (with a clear conscience) believe that anger is a grounds for divorce Separation however, may be needed if a man's anger is making him abusive

In this first episode of our Overcoming series, Dave and Bethlie discuss the topic of Anger.   Overcoming Anger Quote:  We are a society addicted to outrage. Martin Wickens In the social media world, outrage generates more "clicks" and ad revenue than anything else What does the Bible say about anger? Various words are used Anger Angry Wrath Be ye angry and sin not, let not the sun go down on your wrath Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice A soft answer turns away wrath Fathers provoke not your children to anger   What does anger look like? an outward explosion a simmering resentment harsh words Rage An angry person is churlish, mean, unkind Illustration of Nabal churlish - difficult, fierce, intense Evil - bad, disagreeable, giving pain, unhappiness, or misery) An angry person is difficult to get along with Anger leads to bitterness and poisons an individual as well as everyone close to them - especially one's spouse and kids    What do we know about anger?  Some things to understand: If you are single, know this:  an anger issue always gets worse after marriage. "with a furious man you shall not go . . ." It is impossible to live with an angry man without making him angry Same is true for an angry woman The target of anger is not the cause You are not to carry the responsibility for a spouses anger or a parents anger  It is not your fault if your spouse is angry It is not your fault if your parents are angry Regarding men: anger is fueled by testosterone and is different than a woman's anger Anger is physical often before it is processed (think of punching a wall) Crying is a woman's response to feeling unloved; anger is a man's response to feeling disrespected Talking things out will not make things better A man has to process his anger before he can talk Talking about it in the moment will only increase his anger  give him time to golf, piddle in the garage, or whatever  This is how he processes his emotions Very few men process their emotions by talking Regarding women:   Anger is fueled by emotions and wounds Anger is often a result of unresolved conflicts  Anger is sometimes the result of unmet expectations