
(All photos taken over the weekend at a Ladies retreat)
Some Lessons are learnt the hard way. Perhaps, sometimes, this is the only way. However, if you can avoid calamity, let me steer you in a better direction.
As I’m generally a mess without a plan, I sat down recently to write out my personal priorities. I was surprised to discover that this could be summed up in two main categories. This really simplifies things. 🙌 🙌
You may not, initially, agree that self-care is top priority. It sounds selfish on the surface. Nevertheless, it isn’t if the motivation behind it is right. There is also Scriptural truth to support making self-care top priority. The spirit may be very willing, but the flesh isn’t merely vulnerable to temptation; It’s also susceptible to exhaustion and burn-out. I personally think burn-out was part of my own passion killer. (Depression and anxiety also entered the mix.) Thus, it’s taking me a long journey to recover that fire inside.

Here’s what I wrote down:
1. SELF CARE: Self Love and Love for God
One could argue that the verse below (in context) is about sexual immorality, not self care. It is. However, this verse, combined with what Jesus says about how we should naturally want to cherish our bodies, reminds us that our bodies belong to God, Thus self-care should be top priority.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:19
For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.”
Ephesians 5:29 – 30
Speaking (er writing) from experience, in our eagerness and zeal to help others we can quickly sacrifice our own well being for their sake. We must first take care of ourselves so we have the strength to bare the weakness of others.

After the ladies retreat I have a whole different perspective on the quote above. To paraphrase our speaker (Leslie):
It’s not up to us to create that fire for God. He initiates it. 🔥
Preparation
The Apostle Paul went away for 3 years before his own ministry (Galatians 1:15-21). Likely to learn more about his new faith and strengthen himself for the journey ahead.
In 1 Kings we also see the need for self-care when Elijah runs off in fear to the wilderness. Here he prays to God for death and is advised to strengthen himself for the journey. When we become weak God always advises us to strengthen ourselves. I’ll go into greater detail on self-care in a future post.
…He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.
The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”
So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.
—1 Kings 19:4-8
She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
—Proverbs 31:17

2. THINK OF OTHERS
If you can, share your strengthening and healing journey (help yourself while helping others) Then, when you’re ready, find other ways you can contribute within healthy boundaries. Don’t put too much on your plate. If you’re served too much, share with a friend or family member. Let others help.
My Personal ‘Think of Others’ Goals
- Maintain a healthy home environment and relationship with spouse
- Be there for friends and family (Encourage others.)
- Blogging
- Volunteering?
- Church involvement?
- Employment (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

Priorities #1 and #2 can be summed up with one verse and command from the Lord:
When the Pharisees heard how he had bested the Sadducees, they gathered their forces for an assault. One of their religion scholars spoke for them, posing a question they hoped would show him up: “Teacher, which command in God’s Law is the most important?”
Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.”
Matthew 22:34-40
I have noticed that “self care” for the sake of self looks way different than “self care” for the sake of our relationship with others and God. What a difference motives make. I shouldn’t say much as I am terrible at self care.
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Well, when the journey leads towards depression and anxiety, learning to care for yourself a little becomes an absolute priority. A sinking ship won’t get us anywhere. We have to patch the holes and fuel up. 🙂
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This is excellent and much needed advice. I need to go back over and absorb this. I know the Lord is speaking to me, because I have read several things lately that have talked about rest and self care. Lovely pictures. Thank you for sharing! (By the way, I got this post in my email, but couldn’t find it in my reader. Not sure what that’s about. I will check again. Maybe it’s just me.)
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Thanks Bridget. Burn out is a real thing. We can certainly fail to rest and take care of ourselves.
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I am reminded of the instructions on a plane – to put your own oxygen mask on before attempting to help anyone else. We cannot serve and go the distance on an empty tank. Thank you for the reminder, Tina. x
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Yes, that so true, Dawn. 🙂
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That looks like such a beautiful location. Hopefully the Retreat was the start of some new avenues for you. A chance to strengthen the connection with God. ❤️
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Yes, I hope so. Thanks Gary! ❤
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Lovely photos, Tina! I like the idea of strengthening yourself for the journey – that is so easy to forget. I have been doing a lot of caregiving for others lately and can feel the burnout. God has been good to me with answered prayers. Making time for myself is a goal that I’ve been working on. 😊💗💐🌺
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Yes, it’s easy to forget to strengthen ourselves when we’re there for others. It can also be a challenge to carve that time out for ourselves. God gives strength, but it’s so important to physically let ourselves rest. I’m glad it’s a goal you’re working on Jeanne. I’m working on getting the right balance when life allows as well.
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Tina, thanks for sharing some of your journey. When we trust enough to accept God’s grace, we will discover His faithful example of love. This has been my starting point when life collides with a rocky shore. He teaches me again to extend love to myself.
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That was so beautifully worded, Richard. Thank you for the comment and visit to my blog. 🙂
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