Developing Healthy Boundaries

How do I help others and still stay healthy in my own life?
 
Developing and maintaining boundaries in your ministry is not easy, but it will definitely prove beneficial, especially from your family's perspective. We'd like to recommend just few ideas on developing boundaries in ministry (although the list could be pages long).

It would be wise to ask yourself several questions as you perform the various aspects of your ministry, whether it be mentoring, spending extra time with a hurting friend, or going to yet another church activity.

1. Is there someone else who could do a better job of completing the task I am working on right now?
2. Am I trying to be too many things to too many people? Remember that there was only one Messiah and He died and rose again 2,000 years ago. You are not Him.
3. When is the last time I spent quality time with my spouse and/or children? Am I maintaining a dating relationship with my spouse? Am I involved in my kids' lives? Am I having fun with them? Do they enjoy the fact that I am their dad or mom?
4. How is my walk with the Lord? Am I staying open to Him? Spending time with Him on a regular basis? Maintaining a vibrant prayer life?
5. Is my life a total outflow? We should all be immersed in ministry, but even Jesus took regular breaks to rest and reflect.
6. When was the last time I took some vacation time? A weekend off? Am I making time to have regular exercise? Am I taking care of myself physically? Take a walk. Play a round of frisbee golf. Make a healthy habit of doing things that help you relax and unwind.
7. Am I learning how to say 'no'? We cannot do everything asked of us. We need to stay close to the Lord so that we can discern how He wants us to most effectively spend each of our days.

Who Am I?

"Over time, You've healed so much in me and I am living proof 
That although my darkest hour had come, 
Your light could still shine through, 
And though at times it's just enough to cast a shadow on the wall 
Well, I am grateful that You shined Your light on me at all.
 Who am I? That You would love me so gently? Who am I?
…That You would recognize my name?

 Lord, who am I? …that You would speak to me so softly? 

Conversation with the Love most high,
Who am I?"              -Nathan and Christy Nockels


You might be wondering, why would God want to use me? Why would he want to use someone as messed up and imperfect..what in the world could I offer to someone who is hurting and in need of a mentor?
Well... there are a hundred reasons why! It is in our imperfections that God sees beauty - that wonderful place where He can begin to work inside of us and when that happens - and you know what that feels like, because I know He has begun that mighty work in you - and He twists and turns our mind and drive to do something for him. You know what I mean?

Think about where you have come from. All of us have a story, a veritable novel that He is writing on the pages of our life. You have a LOT to share and to pass along. Someone is waiting for you to share your story and to walk beside them. Welcome to TVC Mentors - the Journey begins!