Whispers of Truth: 10 Years+

No matter where we find ourselves, it is often difficult to stick with it and finish to the end.  Especially when times get tough!  When living overseas, the challenging temptation to not finish, is often much greater.  Here are some tips I learned and/or was reminded about in considering longevity and success in life from some amazing, wise women older than myself!  Let us NEVER stop seeking the counsel of our elders!

1.  Life on Earth is full of cycles or what we find in the Word as seasons.  Seasons are found in nature that we see, realms we cannot reach, as well as within our lives.  Some seasons are just more difficult than others.  Living overseas, we need to be able to identify what season we find ourselves in and, if a stressful one, assess why it is such.  We too often are quick to blame the "difficult" culture in which we live rather than the fact that, regardless of where we live, the season of LIFE is just stressful.  Examples? A pregnant mommy of a 1 year old who just moved into a new house.  3 seasons of stress.  Perhaps NOT culture!

2.  Identify what you CAN control in your life and DO IT!

• If you can avoid something than say "No!"  
• You can control your home and schedule.  And make your home a HAVEN that you like to be in! 
• Learn from your experiences so that you don't repeat them and add more stress to your life. 
• Plan!  
• Deal with relationships before everything blows out of control.

3.  Perfectionism 

• Life needs stress.  We get things done because of it.  So stress is not a sign of imperfection.
• When we feel like we have succeeded in all the "How To's" in life, we become farther from Him.

4.  Credits

• Do something weekly that has nothing to do with work, ministry, family, etc...  Something that adds to your life that makes you feel good and relaxed!
• Important for ALL members of the family to have these.

5.  Alone Time

• Sabbath Day where the family doesn't plan anything!
• Once a month, give you and your spouse a day where you get to spend it however you choose!!

6.  All the Stares from the People

• Use it to your advantage as a possible way to share
• Discern where your children are in how it affects them.  Each child may be different.
• Ask people to give your kids space and don't worry about offending them.  Chances are, they will understand.  If they don't, remember where your priorities lie.  Kids come before them.
• Ignore it!!!

7.  Remember the very reason you are HERE is why it is so HARD to live here!
8.  Valleys in life can be deep and very dark.  But keep everything in perspective.  It's seasonal.  1 year from now, you may not even remember the hardship.
9..  For 1st century believers, suffering was the rule rather than the exception! 
     In the present, we can overcome in Him.  In the future, we will become.
10.  Specifically for those living in South Asia:

• 6 months during the year it is hot, Hot, HOT!!!  Then it cools a bit and rains, Rains, RAINS!!!  Everything is disturbed and accept that things don't get done as fast.  During those months, know you may only get 1/2 done and that's okay.  If you get 1 thing done a day...GREAT!
• The other 6 months, PLAN!!!  You will get MUCH done, won't sweat, and will enjoy the weather.

11.  This is not a performance.  All is to be authentic so press into HIM!  Do not compare yourself to what others are doing.  AND, don't compare your hardship to the much harder times that others in the past have gone through.  For example:  In the 1800's, when people left on a journey, it was "good-bye" and see you next time in paradise!  Why should we complain when it's a 15 hour plane ride?  But the truth is that WE were born NOW!!  NOW has just as many difficulties and challenges as then; only different.  Don't cut yourself short.  Hardship is hardship!