What to Do When the Unexpected Becomes Unbearable

Christmas is past, and New Year’s is swiftly approaching. In this strange, in-between time, it’s tradition to pause and reflect on the past year and the one to come; on the good, the bad, and the hoped-for. 

 As Gen-Xers, our personal life involves aging parents, so our 2021 held a series of medical surprises, including heart surgery, COVID-19 complications, and hospitalizations. These unexpected twists and turns took a severe mental and emotional toll on our parents (as they walked through it) and us (as we helped to care for them). So, something we’ve wrestled with in this season is the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 11:28-30, 

 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you… for my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” 

 As we reflected on 2021, we came to realize that something must be awry in our lives because the burden hasn’t felt easy or the yoke light. In the face of uncertainty, we tried to do too much on our own – carrying our parents and the ministry of iWork4Him on our backs until we were worn out, stressed, and exhausted. 

 There had to be another way. 

 In the face of difficulty, hardship, the unknown, and the unexpected – how do we trade in our burdens and find rest? How do we carry on WELL both as people and as leaders?  

 I think the answer is in the above verse. The imagery of Matthew 11 is a yoke, and a yoke only works if there are two oxen in it. Perhaps what Jesus was saying is, “let’s put the yoke on together.” Him and us. And the “us” is more than just the TWO of us (Jim and Martha) … because God created us to be in community.  

 Even a 1,000lbs can be manageable if enough people are helping to lift it. So too, can our burdens be made light when we share the load with Christ and with the community of believers. 

 In 2022, there will undoubtedly be more surprises and more unexpected twists and turns. But our hope is that we will experience the rest and ease that comes from Christ in us and us in the community of believers. 

 What about you? Are you tired of living in stress, exhaustion, and anxiety? Remember, you were never meant to carry the burden alone! To hear how each member of the iWork4Him team has experienced Christ in us in the community of believers in 2021, tune in to last week’s Podcast.

Would you consider the words of Jesus and pursue his light burden and his easy yoke? That’s what we’re going to do. We hope you Join us

-       Jim and Martha

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

The Four Gifts of Advent: Peace

Here we are in the season of Advent. For those unfamiliar with this term, it comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning "arrival," and it is used to refer to the four weeks leading up to Christmas. During Advent, we reflect and prepare for the celebration of Christ's birth - the ultimate gift.

 So, in the spirit of Advent, we're talking about the four greatest gifts that we, as Christ-followers, can give to those around us. And no, I'm not talking about season tickets to your favorite sports game; I'm talking about the kind of gifts that leave a lasting impact on others. 

 With Christmas just a few days away, the holidays' chaos, busyness, and stress are at peak intensity. Between finishing up work, decorating, cooking, cleaning, traveling, shopping, and family… most people feel burnt out and exhausted before they even reach December 25th!

 But isn't it interesting that when the heavenly hosts announced Jesus' birth to the shepherds, they said, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests"? So you see, Jesus' birth brought the gift of supernatural peace. 

 The last three weeks, we've talked about giving the gifts of presence, prayer, and partnership; and today, we are talking about the gift the shepherds received while tending their flocks on that first Christmas…  the gift of PEACE. 

 To be honest with you, this is a gift that I more often receive than give. Most people (myself included) seek peace out, but I'd venture a guess that very few of us project peace. In fact, most of us live lives that are the opposite of peace; most of us live lives that spread disorder, angst, and, frankly, UNpeace. 

 Yet, that is not the life that Christ wants us to live! In John 14:27, Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…" Like the shepherds, Jesus has given us the gift of peace that surpasses all understanding, and as his ambassadors, it is our job to pass that gift on to others! 

 So, what does it look like to give the gift of peace? 

It might look like sitting still or taking a moment to slow down and read a book out loud to your kids. It may be listening to a friend without interrupting or spending time just BEING with family members rather than cleaning or prepping meals. Giving the gift of peace in the workplace might look like helping to solve a conflict between coworkers or not getting stressed out and crabby when there is a looming deadline. It could look like a lot of things! But remember that by slowing down and displaying peace over chaos, you spread it because peace is contagious. 

Are you prepared to give your peace instead of just receiving others' peace this year? How about giving the gift of peace this Christmas!

Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

The Four Gifts of Advent: Partnership

Here we are in the season of Advent. For those unfamiliar with this term, it comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “arrival,” and it is used to refer to the four weeks leading up to Christmas. During Advent, we reflect and prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth - the ultimate gift.

So, in the spirit of Advent, we’re talking about the four greatest gifts that we, as Christ-followers, can give to those around us. And no, I’m not talking about a new puppy with a red bow tied around its collar; I’m talking about the kind of gifts that leave a lasting impact on others. 

If Jesus is the ultimate gift, it makes sense to look closer at His life for clues about ways that we can also be a gift to others! As I’ve been reading through the gospels, one of the themes that has stood out to me is how Jesus constantly partnered with others. And that is the gift I want to talk about today: PARTNERSHIP. 

Matthew 1:23 says, “…they shall call his name Immanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” I love this name for Jesus because it encapsulates the idea that God (GOD!) came down and became one of us. He chose to partner with humanity, to become a part of it, in order to bring about the salvation of the world. Similarly, throughout Jesus’ life, we see examples of him serving others and inviting others to serve with him. His life was characterized by relationship and care, and ours should be too! 

In today’s world, especially post-pandemic, so many people live their lives alone. But this should not be! We were created to be in relationship! Now – more than ever – people need the gift of partnership. They need someone to extend a hand and open the door to community. 

So, what does this look like practically? 

Well, when a neighbor needs to go pick up some lumber at the lumberyard, offer to help load and unload it. If you see an unmet need at your church, volunteer to help fill it. Partner with a coworker to get a work project done faster so that you can all go home on time today. 

The gift of partnership is the gift of simply caring for those around you in tangible ways. How can you give the gift of partnership this Christmas season? 

For more ideas around caring for and partnering with your coworkers, check out the iWork4Him Nation Covenant! One of the four tenants is “CARE,” and its essentially partnership lived out. To find out more, simply CLICK HERE or go to: iwork4him.com/jointhenation 

Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

The Four Gifts of Advent: Prayer

Here we are in the season of Advent. For those unfamiliar with this term, it comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “arrival,” and it is used to refer to the four weeks leading up to Christmas. During Advent, we reflect and prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth - the ultimate gift.

So, in the spirit of Advent, we’re talking about the four greatest gifts that we, as Christ-followers, can give to those around us. And no, I’m not talking about a vacation in a warm part of the world during winter; I’m talking about the kind of gifts that leave a lasting impact on others. 

The gift we are focusing on today is one that I have been giving away for about 15 years. That’s right. We’re talking about the gift of PRAYER. 

So why is prayer a gift, and why is it so special to give? 

One of the main reasons is because prayer gives to God, others, AND ourselves. Three birds, one stone - talk about a gift that keeps giving! 

Prayer is a direct line of communication with God, an open invitation to come to Him whenever we would like. When we pray, it honors God first and foremost – because we invite God to speak and move in us and through us. Prayer is a form of praise as much as it is a petition. 

Prayer also gives to us because usually, when we pray for someone, it doesn’t change them; it changes US, the intercessor. It changes our hearts and how we see “the other.” When we pray for someone long enough, we start to see them how God sees them, and we begin to look a bit more like Jesus does. 

Then, as our hearts begin to be transformed, so do our attitudes and way of interacting with those we pray for. We begin to not only SEE them how Jesus does but also ACT towards them how Jesus would! And it is in this transformation of our attitudes, words, and behaviors that the person you are praying for will truly be impacted and blessed by the gift of prayer.  

Won’t you give the gift of prayer this Christmas season? Of course, you should pray for your family and friends, but I would also like to challenge you to pray for the people you work alongside each and every day by name. That’s a great start!

If you’re interested in giving the gift of prayer all year round, I encourage you to join the iWork4Him Nation Covenant! To find out more, simply CLICK HERE or go to: iwork4him.com/jointhenation 

Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

The Four Gifts of Advent: Presence, Not Presents

Here we are in the season of Advent. For those unfamiliar with this term, it comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “arrival,” and it is used to refer to the four weeks leading up to Christmas. During Advent, we reflect and prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth - the ultimate gift.

So, in the spirit of Advent, I want to spend the next four weeks reflecting on the best gifts that we, as Christ-followers, can give to those around us. And no, I’m not talking about a car, or a new house, or a necklace from Kay Jewelers; I’m talking about the kind of gifts that leave a lasting legacy. 

So, if you’ve ever struggled to find the perfect present for someone, this series is for you! And in the first week of Advent, I’m sharing the secret gift that can be given to every single person in your life, including your spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, neighbors, and coworkers… any guesses? 

That’s right! It’s YOU.

 Physical objects will break, be forgotten, neglected, outgrown, or thrown away… but love, time, and attention are an eternal investment. Yet, so often, we aren’t actually PRESENT with the people that we hang out with. Sure, we may physically be there, but are we emotionally there? Mentally there? Spiritually there? 

How can you give the gift of PRESENCE this year? 

Maybe it’s putting your phone away or turning it on silent when you are with other people. Perhaps it’s asking how your coworker is doing and then genuinely listening to their answer. Maybe it’s calling up a friend just to say hello or asking someone from work over for dinner who doesn’t have family around during the holidays. 

And here is the crazy thing – when you give the gift of your presence, you also appreciate someone else’s. By slowing down and being intentional with the relationships in your life, you convey that the other person is worthy, loved, seen, and cherished – not only by you but also by God! I challenge you to try wrapping this one up for someone this Christmas season; I promise it will be worth it! 

If you would like some additional ideas on how to give the gift of presence at work, check out our FREE guide to 21 ways to care for your coworkers! Simply CLICK HERE or go to: iwork4him.com/21-ways-to-care-for-your-coworkers

Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude

Today is Thanksgiving - the one day a year we all celebrate being grateful. But the truth is that gratefulness shouldn't be a one-day thing… it should be a lifestyle. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Think about that for a second – Christ's will for us is that we might be characterized by thankfulness in ALL circumstances. Not just on holidays. Not just when you receive something unexpectedly good. But in all circumstances. 

Easier said than done, am I right? 

 It can be hard to be thankful when it seems like there are so many challenging things going on in the world today. Perhaps you were negatively impacted by COVID-19 either in your health or your bank account. Maybe you are missing a loved one this holiday season, or you are frustrated with your family, or simply exhausted by the holiday bustle. The Bible doesn't tell us that we have to be thankful FOR difficult circumstances, just amid them. But how do we do this? 

One way is by changing our attitudes from one of expectation to one of gratitude. Instead of focusing on the difficulties in your life and feeling as if there is nothing to be thankful for this year, pay attention to the little things you take for granted each day. For example: when was the last time you thanked God for your job and a paycheck? Or for your house? Or for that feast of food on your table today? 

 When I'm struggling with loneliness, anxiety, frustration, fear, and disappointment, going through everyday things that I am grateful for helps me reset. Because when I practice giving thanks, true thankfulness seeps in. 

 As you read this blog and contemplate Thanksgiving week, I challenge you to bring an attitude of thankfulness and gratitude to work this week and see what kind of a difference it makes.

 Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

In EVERYthing Give THANKS

This is a week of BUSY!

Most traveled day of the Year – Thanksgiving Day

Black Friday shopping, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday

Throw in Friendsgiving and it’s crazy how 1 day, set aside to stop and give THANKS has turned into a WEEK of ___________. (what is it for you? You fill in the blank: blessing, milestones, obligations, headaches, chaos, food, spending, football, family and friends…)

What will you focus on this year?

A new recipe to serve

A Pinterest worthy tablescape

The best deal on a new TV

Supporting your local store

Finding online bargains

Counting your blessings

Or generosity?

God is reminding me of Romans 12:2 once again -

“Don’t copy the behaviors and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think”

We invite you 1st in this season to PAUSE and PRAY. Be thankful, rejoice, celebrate, confess, interceded for others, and listen to the still small voice of God. Pray for God to guide your thinking, and not the world.

Today is BLACK FRIDAY but TUESDAY’s coming!

If you feel led to join us on #givingTuesday – see our Facebook page or website for details. And remember, in everything give THANKS!

We are THANKful for YOU.

Love, Jim and Martha

Bible, Bacon, Berries in Bridgetown

This past Sunday Morning I found myself reading my Bible, cooking bacon, eating berries and enjoying the beauty of our new neighborhood called Bridgetown!

This is a sneak peek into my life.

My Bible reading time has to come first every day or it just doesn’t happen. Bacon is my favorite food mixed with so many other great things like chocolate. We are so blessed to be able to eat Bacon, and I like berries because they offer the ANTI to my Bacon.

I often get distracted by the everyday and forget to be thankful. I am thankful for the Word of God: 66 books, by 40+ Authors in 3 different countries over a period of 1500 years. It is not one book but a collection of completely unified writings from people in relationship with our Heavenly Father. I am often amazed at the freshness of the scriptures each morning. I have been reading and re-reading 1 Corinthians in the past month. So much to encourage me. I love Paul. He and I have similar personalities, because we both just say it like it is. Truth is truth. Without Truth we are lost. 1 Cor 15:12-20. The Word of God is living and breathing and active. Just pop it open and read - you will find it feeding your soul, like it does mine. So if I start my day with God’s word, it just makes the Bacon and Berries and living in Bridgetown all that much better.

Are you thankful for God’s Word?

Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!