Blog – Speaking the Truth in Love

Green Bananas and Lettuce Soup with Turnips & Corn… delightful…

by Life Coach Babs Charles

LoL 😂 Here’s a recipe I made up when I mistakenly purchased green bananas and they never “ripened” 😊👍🏾😘😍

8 c water
3 vegetable bullion cubes
6 small potatoes
6 small turnips
16 oz whole kernel corn
1 Tblsp vegetarian stir fry sauce
2 Tblsps toasted sesame oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp salt
2 c water
3 green bananas
4 c chopped iceberg lettuce
1 cup water
dash cayenne pepper

Add bullion cubes to 8 cups of water and bring to a boil to make the vegetable broth. Cut the potatoes and turnips into bite-size pieces and boil until most of the water has evaporated (approximately 30 minutes).

Wash the green bananas. Cut off the top, the bottom and core each banana. Add 1 tsp salt to 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add the green bananas and boil for fifteen minutes.

Heat a skillet over low heat. Pour 2 tbsps sesame oil in skillet and add 1 tbsp vegetarian stir fry sauce. Sauté lettuce and add 1 cup water to skillet.

Try it and let me know if you like it!👍🏾

God’s Consolations Cheer My Soul

by Life Coach Babs Charles

Life may bring many disappointments; such as the loss of a loved one, a failed marriage, a wayward child, a seemingly irreconcilable fallout with your spouse, unemployment, under-employment, etc.

“When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.”
~ Psalms 94:19 (ESV)

The list can go on and on and on, BUT GOD!

He is the only One who can bring great joy and fulfilling peace amid life’s dissatisfactions; the kind of peace which no one can comprehend!

Therefore, when the cares, concerns, conflicts, and calamities of life weigh us down and there seems to be no way out, remember Psalm 94:19 and know that God’s indescribable consolations cheer our soul!

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
~ Philippians 4:7 (ESV)

Life Coach Babs
bringing you God’s love, light,
and His peace & blessings!

How Does Self-Care Benefit Your Marriage or Relationship 

by Life Coach Babs Charles

Being intentional about self-care creates a healthy environment in a marriage or relationship.

The way we love ourselves is how we are to love others.

The Bible tells us “…Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” ~ Matthew 22:39 (KJV)

Having healthy eating habits, maintaining good hygiene, getting sufficient exercise, being well-rested, and focusing on your financial wellness is very beneficial to a marriage or relationship.

When we take control of our feelings, thoughts and emotions we position our relationships to move forward.

Self-care is not “selfish”, but can help to advance your marriage to one that is truly governed by God.

Photo by Madison Inouye on Pexels.com

I’m answering questions… ask me about: self-care in your marriage or relationship.

As always, Life Coach Babs, speaking the truth in love! 😍❤️😍

Oh no! What If They Think I Have COVID-19? 😷

by Life Coach Babs Charles

Have you noticed that it seems like a lot of people are very concerned with, “What if they think I have *COVID-19?”

First of all, who are“they”? And, why should what “they” think matter to you?

Secondly, having COVID-19 or having recovered (praise God) from it is not a stigma and no one should think that they will be ostracized from society because of having it.

It has gotten to the point where we are afraid to admit to having a slight headache or if we’re feeling a little “under the weather” so to speak, we don’t want to even mention that. And God forbid if we sneeze, cough, or get a chill… exactly how long do you think you can stifle those humanistic reactions?

In my humble opinion, COVID-19 is not quite the leprous situation we make it out to be.

Incidentally, Leprosy (which is known today as Hansen’s disease), was once feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease, but now we know it doesn’t spread easily and treatment is very effective. (taken from the CDC website)

According to WebMD, today, about 208,000 people worldwide are infected with leprosy.

I am not saying that Leprosy and COVID-19 are the same and should be treated as such; however, no one who has COVID-19 should ever feel as though they should be banished from society and most certainly should not be treated as a leprous outcast!

Although Jesus did touch the man with leprosy and the man was immediately cleansed (Matthew 8:3), we know that it is strongly recommended for anyone suffering from COVID-19 to seek medical attention and promptly quarantine.

The purpose of this post is to encourage… and that encouragement comes from God’s word!

I would like to encourage anyone who may be nervous, uncomfortable, excessively concerned, paranoid, or simply scared during this pandemic…

Whatever your situation, God will see you through. He will empower you and equip you for the task!

Do not be afraid, trust God, cast your burden on the LORD and He will sustain you (Psalm 55:22).

You can rest assured in knowing that GOD is in CONTROL!  He cares for you and gives you His peace and comfort.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

God also gave us another Comforter who will never leave us (John 14:16). Therefore, there is no need to quiver, quaver, or quake because “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (read entire Psalm 46)

And finally, as Christians, we do not even have the spirit of fear [timidity or cowardice]; it’s just not in us. You may ask the question, why do you say that? Because in Paul’s letter to young Timothy, he tells us, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Therefore, since God has not given us a spirit of fear [timidity or cowardice], then we simply don’t have it.

NOTE: For clarity, please know that the word “fear” referenced in Hebrews 5:7 was about Jesus’ deep reverence for God.

“Who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save Him from death, and was heard in that He feared”.

This fear was not terror, timidity, or cowardice, but reverent fear. Also, see Hebrews 11:28 for that type of reverent fear.

It is my prayer that you find solace in God’s word and His word will give you everlasting joy and peace!

You will no longer exclaim, “Oh no! They may think I have COVID-19” because you are more than a conqueror through Christ who loves you! (Romans 8:37)

Please do not take this post the wrong way… COVID-19 is REAL… Please take the necessary precautions: wear your mask, wash your hands often, practice social distancing, and most importantly, KEEP YOUR FAITH ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN CHRIST!

*If you are experiencing the symptoms, PLEASE GET TESTED and QUARANTINE!

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

If someone is showing any of these emergency warning signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Trouble breathing

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion

• Inability to wake or stay awake

• Bluish lips

I hope you enjoyed reading this Blog. Please LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT!

…and to God be all the Glory!

I’m here for you,

~Life Coach Babs

Certified Marriage and Relationship Life Coach

Certified Marriage and Relationship Life Coach

(All Scripture references are from the King James Version)

Where is Your Faith?

by Life Coach Babs Charles

“And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” ~ Matthew 6:28-30 (KJV)

Why are we so apprehensive about what to wear and what others may think of us?

Certainly, we care about our appearance and our character is of utmost importance.

However, we should never obsess about our attire or the opinion of others to the point of frustration. That particular type of behavior causes a distraction and takes our focus off the single attraction; which is Jesus Christ and Him alone.

Fix your gaze upon the magnificent Lilium candidum, which is naturally stunning in its spectacular array; without having to struggle or work to accomplish such a glorious appearance!

Photo of Lilium candidum at VanDusen Botanical Garden by Stan Shebs • CC BY-SA 3.0

Even King Solomon himself, in all his distinction, could not compete with the field lily’s decorative adornment!

If our Heavenly Father, adorns the flowers in the field; which is one day thriving and the next day tossed into the furnace (hence the adage, “here today, gone tomorrow”), then surely He shall supply all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (see Philippians 4:19 KJV)

Where is your faith?

Our faith is in Jehovah Jireh, our Great Provider!

…and to God be ALL the glory,

~ Life Coach Babs

Change is Inevitable

by Life Coach Babs Charles

There’s always a price to pay for change… there’s always going to be some sort of trade-off.

If you want to change a failing marriage, you must engage in innovative ways and ideas to nurture and nourish a flagging relationship.

If you would like to grow your business and change it into a dynamic thriving entity, you will have to sacrifice some of your most precious commodities, such as your time and your treasure.

When you are contemplating a change, here are a few simple questions to consider:

  • Is the change necessary?
  • Is the change beneficial?
  • Will the change accomplish my expected results?
  • Are you ready for a change?
  • Are you content to stand idly by and allow your situation and/or circumstances to remain the same?
  • Ultimately and most importantly, will the change bring glory to God, or is it simply self-serving?

If you are willing to go through the process and take the necessary steps for a change that will improve your marriage, your relationship, your business, and/or your career, then you must also be willing to pay the price.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” ~Phillipians 4:13 (KJV)

Let #LifeCoachBabsCharles partner with you to help you transition from where you are in your marriage or relationship to the ideal place you so desire.

Go to https://www.lifecoachbabscharles.com and schedule your no-cost “1-on-1” Twenty-Minute Breakthrough Clarity Call… you’ll be glad you did!

xoxo Life Coach Babs

Barbara “Babs” Charles is a faith-based Certified Marriage and Relationship Life Coach.

He brought Me Out of the Miry Clay

by Life Coach Babs Charles

miry [ mahyuh r-ee ]

When I was a child, I remember hearing the Elder Saints praying very long and deliberate prayers.

In their prayers, I would hear them say: “Lord, please break up the fallow ground”, “Stir up hearts, Lord”, and then they would offer praise to God by saying: “I thank God because He brought me out of the miry clay”…

In my youthful mind, I questioned, “what does it all mean?”

As a child, those prayers had no real meaning to me… I wondered, “who are they praying for and what are they talking about… with words like “fallow ground” and “stir up hearts” and “miry clay”…

At that stage of my life, those powerful prayers were puzzling to me; however, I was very attentive to those fascinating prayers…

Those powerful prayers lingered in my memory and resonated in my spirit throughout my adulthood…

…and now I know… the elder saints were praying for me and everyone else in need of SALVATION!

The elder saints were praying for the NATION.

They were praying for all of us who had uncultivated, idle, unproductive, hardened hearts that needed to be broken… in other words, “Lord, please break up the fallow ground”.

They were praying for those of us who did not know Him and also for those who knew Him so that they would come to know Him better. Nothing will change until God “stirs” our heart… in other words, “Stir up hearts, Lord”.

The elder saints were also praising God for bringing them and others out of a muddy, heavy, troublesome situation and for making a way out of no way… in other words, “He brought me out of the miry clay”.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.”

~Psalms 40:1-2 (KJV)

Thank God for the prayers of the elder saints and for the prayers of all born again Christians all over the world. 🌎

Those powerful prayers worked… they worked back then and they still work TODAY!

Maybe you’re in a situation that seems insurmountable… try prayer; it works.

Prayer changes people and prayer changes things.

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

~James 5:16 (KJV)

…and TGBTG!

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XO

Life Coach Babs

He Which Hath Begun a Good Work in You Will Perform it

by Life Coach Babs Charles

Hang on in there, Don’t give up, DO NOT QUIT…

God created us for greatness and He will finish what He started…

You must keep the Faith and Believe that:

✅ Your marriage or relationship will not fail

✅ Your dream marriage will become a reality

✅ You will get a BREAKTHROUGH

“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ”

Holy Bible, Philippians 1:6 (KJV)

…contact me, let’s chat, allow me to help you develop a plan that could change your life🙏🏾

https://lifecoachbabscharles.com

#LifeCoachBabs

20/20 Spiritual Vision in 2020; Henceforth and Forever

by Life Coach Babs Charles

I was once told by a man of God and also by my Pastor; respectively, on two separate occasions, that I should look at things in the Spirit and not in the natural.

Those instructions resonated with me for quite some time; because I didn’t quite understand how to do that: “to see things in the Spirit, not in the natural”. However, that feat was definitely something I desired to develop.

From that time on, I was intrigued and wanted to “learn” how to have Spiritual vision; which I soon discovered, was already present within me and only needed to be cultivated.

Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (KJV)

I will expand my Faith, with prayer and supplication and with God’s help continue to cultivate my ability to see in the Spirit that which I cannot see in the natural.

~Life Coach Babs Charles

Now, you too may be wondering about certain difficult situations: the ones which you may have been dealing with for several years with seemingly no resolution…

…that suffering illness that seems to have the doctors baffled…

…those household finances which seems to be insufficient…

… that ornery, disobedient child who seems to be unbearable

…that marriage which seems to be hopelessly over…

Those situations my SEEM to be insurmountable, but when you exercise your Faith and use your God-given 20/20 Spiritual Vision, you WILL see that they are SURPASSABLE and CONQUERABLE!

~Life Coach Babs Charles

Romans 8:7 – “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (ESV)

You may be asking the question: How can that be? Because nothing seems to have changed in the natural.

The answer: Because of our 20/20 Spiritual Vision, we can see things in the Spirit and not in the natural; because we have hope and faith in the One true invisible God; who is working in the invisible realm to make things visible to us by our faith in Him!

Hebrews 11:3 – “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” (KJV)

In conclusion, I would like to remind you of what my husband often reminds me of: We should see things and others though the eyes of Jesus and that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal…

2 Corinthians 10:4 – “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” (ESV)

Therefore, I challenge each of you, even as you are reading this blog post, exercise your faith and cultivate your 20/20 Spiritual Vision in 2020; henceforth and forever!

Let’s have 20/20 Spiritual Vision in 2020!

…and ALL the Glory belongs to God!

Life Coach Babs

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