Chapter 6:Created for Relationships

One of my favorite words is the word flourish, and I really believe that positive relationships in life are a huge key to flourishing in life. Debbie said it so well, that we need balance to have stability, and we need relationships to thrive. I talk about flourishing just about every Sunday from the pulpit when I welcome visitors to our church. Ps 92 says that those who are planted in the church family will flourish. And church family is all about relationships. Relationships really are the key to flourishing in life.

Connections are very important for believers. Who we connect with really can help determine our destiny. So as an encourager myself, I encourage you to seek out encouragers in your life! Be an encourager to someone else, but make sure you have people in your life who encourage you. The Bible even tells us there are times when we just have to encourage or stir ourselves up. That works too, but it really is vital to surround yourself with people who are positive and want you to not only survive, but to thrive and then flourish!

When it comes to the marriage relationship, take Debbie’s pastor’s advice and remember that the greenest grass is the grass that is watered. Encouragement feels like water on thirsty ground. Be generous with it in your marriage! Be an encourager when you feel like it, and when you don’t! “Marriage requires loving when you don’t feel like loving, talking when we don’t have anything to say and listening when all we want to do is get our own word in.” (Page 111) For any of you who are struggling in your marriage, I hope you were encouraged by Debbie’s testimony. God is the God of the turnaround, and turnaround is possible if we are willing to keep on trying, and to keep on growing and changing into the image of Jesus!

I hope you were inspired by the Breakfast Club. We have to be ones who develop a support system around us. Interestingly enough, those without support systems have greatly increased rates of suicide, drug and alcohol use, and depression. So build a strong system of support around you. Then find ways to celebrate together. Find time on a regular basis to meet together. Be there for each other through the positives and negatives of life. Be committed to one another, and grow together. You need a sounding board, and a sisterhood around you. Why not start your own Breakfast club, or coffee club, book club, or whatever club! Let someone be a support to you, and you be a support to someone else.

The Turkish proverb at the beginning of the chapter is what I will end with. “No road is long with good company.” God has designed relationships so that we don’t have to feel alone. God even puts the lonely in families as it says in Psalms 68:6. We all say that life is short, but it can be really long and lonely if you don’t surround yourself with dynamic relationships. Make time and space in your life to develop positive, healthy, lasting relationships, because that is what you were created for!

So true- Statement
“When you expect the very best in people, you will find the very best. It is so important to surround ourselves with positive people. If we are friends with people who dream big and believe in themselves, it will raise the level of our own thinking.” Page 106
Highlight Scripture
Matt 18:20 Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. (NIV)

Discussion Questions – Homework!
1. How about making your own list of thirty people you want to meet. Then do the second list that Debbie suggests, the one about the people God wants you to meet. You probably have already made some of those divine relationships on that list.
2. Who do you have to share your successes with? Remember the importance of knowing who you can or should share your promotion, good news or blessings with.
3. I know I suggested it earlier, but really make this your homework. Make your own support group! Find a way to meet regularly with a group of ladies you can build into, and have them do the same for you.
4. One thing I believe is so important is to always be learning from someone and then teaching someone else. I’ve called it having one hand up to learn, and one hand out to teach. Who are those people in your life? If you don’t have them, make a commitment to begin building those relationships this summer.

Knit Together Challenge
Why not plan this week to contact and connect with one or two of the people on your own God’s List of Thirty. Those relationships that you know are God ordained are too valuable to overlook or disregard. Why not pick up the phone, send a note, or even send an email and thank them for being a God friend in your life.

My Prayer for you:
Dear Father, we come to you in Jesus’ Name, thanking you for the relationship we have with You. I’m thankful that Your desire was that we have a relationship with You, and that You were committed to us, even before we chose to follow and serve You. Thank You for the relationships you have put in our lives. Help me be a blessing to the people who You have placed in my sphere of influence. Most of all I thank You that You are always with us, and we never have to fear, because You will never leave us. We love You with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!