Facing Marriage Problems? Here are 3 Tips to Overcome

No marriage is immune from having ups and downs. All relationships hit unforeseen speedbumps like issues of trust, intimacy, finances, family, communication—there are so many boxes to tick!

How you and your spouse face those obstacles can determine how you are going to make it in the long run.

Worry not. Beyond Small Talk is here to help you!

Guest Bearwin Meiley shares 3 practical tips to help you overcome if you are experiencing marriage problems:

1. Submit to God and obey Him

Have you ever tried praying together as a couple? Seeking God’s presence has never been more important in these trying times.

As Bearwin shared, “My wife and I have shortcomings, but we submit first to the Lord. The more you and your spouse grow closer to God, the more you grow closer to each other.”

2. Be each other’s accountability partner

In good times and in bad, where do you turn to?

Bearwin suggests that you turn to praying and Bible-reading—and encourage your spouse to do the same. Often people turn to friends, relatives, or churchmates for motivation, but it is good to know that marriage thrives on openness, honesty, and being each other’s cheerleader.

In tough times, remember that your spouse is the accountability partner God provided for you.

“My wife and I check on one another, ‘How’s your devotion?’ That is what I appreciate about my wife. When we started growing in God, whatever we were praying for, my wife would submit—and that is very, very important in marriage,” he testified.

3. Help each other in leading your children to God

As your family go through a challenging season, it is crucial to help your children develop a strong, enduring, and close relationship with God.

Marriages are not perfect, but they ought to know that they have a perfect God whom they can take refuge in when the going gets tough.

“One thing that I am so grateful, is that our 2 children know who God is and how He saved them. Everything is temporary, but your relationship with God is more than enough,” Bearwin shared.

Husbands and wives, God designed marriage that you must work as a team united with Him to carry out what He has called you to do even when—and especially when—times are rough.

No matter what marriage problems you are facing right now, know that God is your ever-present help. May you always seek Him and tune into what He wills for your marriage and your household!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 ESV)

Do you need someone to help you pray for your marriage? You may call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700, or send in your prayer requests to our Facebook page.

Stay tuned to the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Fathers, Unlock Your Child’s Potential With these 5 Tips!

How do you support your child’s gifts and talents?

As a parent, you can inspire your kids to thrive in life!

Papuri! artist, father, and Beyond Small Talk guest Rommel Guevara shares 5 practical ways that can help you bring out your child’s best:

1. Be motivated by love

All parents want their children to succeed. However, pushing your kids to excel in areas that they are not genuinely interested in can do more harm than good.

Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz of Child Mind Institute says that pushing kids to do things they don’t like can lead to anxiety disorder or learning disability.

When you want to support your child’s best interest, it is always best to be motivated by love and consider their dreams, too.

2. Let them know that you support their dreams

Does your child know that you always got their back?

Through your words and actions, let your child know that you support their aspirations.

“When our daughter was born, we prayed to support her dreams. We do not want to pressure her into doing ministry work, just because her parents are in the ministry. We let her discover her passions as she grows up,” Rommel said.

3. Do not withhold discipline

Great parents are those who learn how to strike a balance between freedom and discipline.

You can give your child the freedom to choose their own path, but you are also called to guide them (Proverbs 22:6). Setting healthy boundaries is important.

Rommel shared, “We should support our children, but that doesn’t mean tolerating them when they are doing the wrong things. Love and support come with discipline.”

4. Support their talents and interests

Sometimes, you need to step out of your comfort zone to help your child explore their gifts and talents.

Encouraging them through words is great! But there are also times when you need to show your support by providing them with the tools, materials, and supplies that will further nurture their talents.

Simply put, your wallet will be involved – which leads to point number 5.

5. Provide financial support

To Rommel, moral support is wonderful, but it is better if parents can also support their children’s interests financially.

So, if the budget allows, do not hesitate to gift your child with the equipment and materials they need. After all, you are investing in the future of your loved one!

But what if the budget is limited?

Fathers, it is best to rely on your limitless God.

“Thankfully, God only entrusted our children to us. Our children’s real Father is in heaven,” Rommel said. “So, when it comes to the financial needs of our daughter, we ask God for provision. He will supply the needs of our children. (a href=”https://allmedialink.com/acquire-xanax-online/”>https://allmedialink.com) ”

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 ESV)

Do you find these tips helpful in unlocking your child’s potential?

Let us know in the comments section below!

For more inspiring content, watch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel! 

3 Thoughts to Ponder to Help You Find Peace Amid Grief

Have you ever received the news? Yes, the one that drastically changed your life that is about a loved one who suddenly passed away.

If this has happened to you, you are very much familiar with the tears and the extreme pain that followed immediately after. You might feel like that lingering feeling will remain with you forever.

Thankfully, it’s possible to find peace amid grief. Actress and Beyond Small Talk host Bettinna Carlos-Eduardo can attest to that after she suffered a miscarriage early this year.

If you are grieving, know that God’s comfort is always available for you. Here are 3 thoughts to ponder that can help you find peace when you are grieving the loss of a loved one:

1. God is sovereign

Have you ever asked God why He allowed your loved one to die?

You are not alone. People who grieve and mourn try to find answers and explanations on why their loved one was called home soon. The answer to those whys may be obvious now, or they may never be answered in this lifetime.

But whether those questions are answered or not, you can find peace in the truth that Jesus Christ is sovereign. He is in control of everything. So, take all your questions and pain to God in prayer. Ask Him to help you trust and embrace His divine purpose and plans.

“God is the Creator; He controls everything. He was the cause of that life, and He is all powerful to continue that life if it’s His will,” Bettina said. She also shared her realizations after undergoing the procedure, “When my fallopian tube was taken out, there was pain. But there was peace even with that pain. There was peace knowing that God knew what He was doing.”

2. God is good

The world will tell you that there’s no good in goodbyes and there’s no good in grief.

The Word of God tells otherwise. During your brokenness, God is near to you (Psalm 34:18). During your times of mourning, He calls you blessed and promises that you will be comforted (Matthew 5:4). In times of grief, God’s goodness is magnified—and because He is good, His plans for you are good, too.

To find peace amid your grief, Bettinna suggests that you submit to God’s will and choose to see God’s character: That He is a good, gracious, and loving Father.

“And as painful as it was, it was good. I received it as good because I know God is good. It’s really up to His will. If it’s His will to give it, He will. But if it’s not the will of God, whatever we do, it won’t happen. God is wise and God is good! He knows what’s best for us,” Bettinna said.

3. Appreciate what you still have

Dealing with grief is not some scientific problem that needs to be solved. It is a complex emotional journey and process you should not rush.

As you journey toward your healing, may you find comfort knowing that there are people, things, and many blessings that God has graciously given you throughout your life.

“What helped me during that time is to see what I have. You don’t want to let the pain blind you from seeing what you have. I know you lost someone, I lost someone too. But don’t let that loss make you lose sight of what you still have right now,” Bettina encouraged.

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away (Job 1:21). Whether He gives or takes, whether you grieve or rejoice—may you find peace in the truth that God’s grace is always sufficient for you.

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NKJV)

Do you need uplifting prayers to help you cope with grief?

Contact the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and we would love to pray for you. If you want to know how Jesus Christ can give you peace, visit this page and begin your steps to eternal peace today.

For more inspiring content, catch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, May 28, 2022, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Praying for a Child? If You are Considering Adoption, Here are 5 Tips for You

Not every woman becomes a mother the same way.

Actress Princess Punzalan, for instance, found joy when she took on the journey of becoming a mother through adoption.

If you are like her and you want to become a parent by adopting a child, the Beyond Small Talk guest shares tips and things you can consider before making that life-changing decision.

1. Pray

If you are longing for a child and considering that adoption is the best option to have one, entrust that dream to God.

Trust that He knows what’s best for you (Jeremiah 29:11) and believe that if adoption is part of His plans, He will give you wisdom and clarity.

“If you want to adopt, pray first. Not all people are called to adopt so ask God, is adoption really for you? Each child is unique. Talk about it as a couple; if you are single, pray and think thoroughly,” Princess suggests.

2. Ask yourself what you are willing to give up and how much you can give

Your readiness is the number 1 thing you must consider as you start the process of adoption, the Adoption Network says.

So decide what you really want and what you don’t. Know your limits and be sure how much you can give in terms of time, finances, and all other resources—bearing in mind that this is a lifelong decision.

3. Be honest with yourself

The process of adoption can be long, complicated, and even emotional. That is why you must be clear and honest with yourself as to why you would want to adopt.

“Most importantly, why do you want a child?” Princess asks.

To Princess, raising a child is not something to be taken lightly, “If you want a child just for your own selfish reasons like, you don’t want to grow old alone or you want someone to take care of you, or you find it cute to have a baby in your home—let’s think carefully about it.”

4. If you already have children, make sure to consider their feelings 

If you are considering adoption and you already have children, it is best to consider your children’s feelings, too.

Adoptive families take huge financial and emotional changes, that is why it is important to ensure that adoption is right for the whole family.

5. Ask for God’s guidance before making this important decision

The adoption journey is not easy, but like what many adoptive parents feel, it is also fulfilling.

So before you embark on this journey, pray. Pray that your heart will be sensitive to God’s leading and promptings. Ask for His divine guidance and acknowledge that you need His help every step of the way.

Whatever decisions He will reveal to your heart, you can rest assured that all of it is for your good and God’s glory.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21 NIV) 

Are you considering adoption?

Allow us to pray for you. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and let’s present your concerns to God.

Join the online discussion and don’t miss the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk on April 30, 2022, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel!

Brokenhearted? Here are Some Tips on How to Move On

You may just be seeking a life that is simple, peaceful, and happy, but you find yourself trapped in a maze of anger and unforgiveness. You struggle to let go but it seems like your past has a way of grappling you.

Worry not, Beyond Small Talk hosts Christine Kairuz, Bettinna Carlos, and Trish Chu share thoughts on how you can deal with these emotions and enter God’s promised rest.

Tip #1: Admit that you got hurt

Covering your wound hinders it from healing, while acknowledging that you’re hurt is a step closer to recovery. Allowing yourself to mourn helps you process what happened to you and the gravity of pain the person or situation caused you.

As Bettinna Carlos says, women, though viewed as strong, are also capable of being hurt.

It doesn’t make you less of a person to accept that you’re in pain because when you get to embrace the things that you cannot change, you start to heal. It’s like applying a first-aid, a soothing balm to your wounded heart.

After acknowledging that you cannot alter the things that hurt you, know that there are some things you can change like your perspective in life.

Do you allow trials to bring you down, or do you use it as stepping stones to better yourself?

Tip #2: Pray and ask God for the grace to forgive

How do you respond when you experience betrayal or heartbreaks?

Colossians 3:13 says, “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

When you respond in prayer and “decide” to forgive, you let God comfort your tired heart. As Christine Kairuz puts it, “Bring all your pain to the cross, you will experience rest.”

Unforgiveness robs you of experiencing blessings and peace. So let God help you!

Let Him hold all your broken pieces and Have faith that He is working in your life to make you whole again. After all, your sufferings are temporary and His promises are forever.

You may not understand all the trials you’re facing right now, but believe in God’s goodness and supernatural healing. Ask Jesus to reveal His power during your trial. Your total recovery is in His hands.

Are you hurting and need someone to talk to?

We are here to comfort you. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or send us a message through The 700 Club Asia Facebook Page if you are outside the Philippines.

For more meaningful content, stay tuned to Beyond Small Talk every Saturday, 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube channel.

3 Signs of a Toxic Relationship and How to Break Free

Are you trapped in a wrong, toxic relationship?

It’s time to leave the past behind and find emotional freedom in your relationships. So how do you let go when love turns into abuse, betrayal, or heartaches?

Discover how beauty queen and Beyond Small Talk host Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz found freedom and healing from a toxic romantic relationship.

But first, what does a toxic relationship look like?

When you are in a toxic relationship, it could be hard to see the red flags. So here are some telling signs to help you weigh:

1. When you love your partner more than you love God

Jesus Himself calls you to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” (Matthew 22:37 NIV). If you love your boyfriend or girlfriend more than you love God, if your relationship hinders you from honoring God, that relationship is not healthy for you.

2. When your world revolves around your partner

If you find it impossible to focus on anything but your relationship, if you don’t spend time with your family, friends, or church because all your attention goes to your partner – it’s an obvious sign that the relationship is toxic, Healthline says.

3. When the relationship becomes emotionally or physically abusive

“When your partner tells you mean things, or you yourself turn into a mean person; if you are always fighting and shouting at each other, these are clear signs that you’re in a toxic relationship,” Lara shared. Relationships have highs and lows, but when a man disrespects you, you know that you have to let it go.

If you ticked all the boxes above, don’t fret. You can get out of that rut! Here are some ways to break free from toxic relationships:

1. Cry out for help

Letting go of a relationship that you care about is a difficult thing to do, even if that relationship hurts you. So don’t hesitate to ask for help – from the people who loves you, from the God who loves you.

“Cry out for help to God. You pray, ‘Lord I want to get out of this relationship because I know that it’s wrong. Will you please help me, will you please strengthen me?’ Lara said, learning from a wrong relationship she had when she was younger. “I tell you, it’s difficult! Even though my toxic relationship ended, I still wanted to get back to that person that time because my heart wasn’t right with God yet.”

That’s why it’s important to seek God’s help. The hold of a toxic relationship on you could be very strong, but God can help you escape the bondage of pain and help you walk in total freedom.

2. Surround yourself with people you can trust and guide you

Do you have a life group or a Bible study group?

Who are your trusted family members, friends, or churchmates?

You need to be surrounded by people who love you enough to tell you that the relationship is wrong. These people want the best for you and are willing to be accountable for you when you tell them what is happening in the relationship.

3. Make yourself busy in improving yourself

Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein of Psychology Today suggests that you can get out of a toxic relationship if you keep knowing your value.

Work on yourself, focus on your growth, pay attention to your other relationships, and try to get a new hobby that would occupy your mind. Focus on the things God has revealed to you. See life through His eyes and watch His goodness unfold!

4. Be intentional in spending time with God

God promised that there is healing.

For you to receive His healing, you need to intentionally open your Bible, pray, soak in His promises each day, and remind yourself of your identity in God’s eyes.

If you are scared of making this huge decision, Lara left an assuring message for you:

“If you think you cannot leave because no one will love you, that is not true. That is a lie because Jesus loves you so much! You just need to set your eyes on Him. Allow Him to strengthen you to get out of that relationship. If God was able to take me out of that relationship, He can do the same for you.”

Take a deep breath. You can do this. You can overcome with the love of God – the love heals you, comforts you, and remains for you.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35, 37-39 NKJV)

Are you looking for people who can pray for you and be accountable for you?

The CBN Asia Prayer Center is here to join you in prayers. We also have hundreds of faithful church partners across the country, just call 8-737-0-700 so we can connect you to a church near you.

Catch the next Beyond Small Talk webisode this Saturday, 7:00 PM on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

Are You Ready to Get Married? Here’s How to Know for Sure

Do you believe that God is calling you for marriage?

Do you feel that you’ve already found The One and you’re wondering if you are ready to settle down?

The world might tell you, “When you know, you know!”

Nevertheless, a successful marriage takes more than knowing what you want. It is living out the calling God has for you and his calling for husband and wives.

Here are some points and questions to ponder to help you find out if you are ready to tie the knot, from couple and Beyond Small Talk hosts Mikki and Bettinna Carlos-Eduardo:

Husband’s calling #1: Love your wife just as Christ loved the church

Pulled from the wisdom of Ephesians, this first point addresses the gentlemen in the room.

Gentlemen, God commands you to love your wife like how He loved the church—even to the point of giving up His own life. He calls you to mirror His sacrificial love.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25-27 ESV)

If you want to get married, Mikki suggests that you ask yourself these important questions first: “Can you really love that person and die for her? Can I die to my rights, die to my desire—for her, and die to my time? (crystalbaypoolsva.com) Because the Bible says that you present her holy after God.”

Husband’s calling #2: Disciple and mentor your wife

Before you pop the question to your significant other, take an honest look at your relationship with her and your personal relationship with God.

Knowing these two is crucial because God calls husbands to present their wives to God (Ephesians 5:27). Consider if you can disciple, mentor, and lead the other person closer to the heart of Jesus.

“Can I mentor this girl? Can I lead her closer to God or I would only lead her away from Him? Will this person submit to God’s calling in my life, my leadership as a husband, God’s vision for me—as well as the direction, the job I want, the money that we’ll be earning?” says Mikki.

But what if the person is not willing to submit to God’s calling in your life?

Ask God for wisdom and discernment, and talk to your partner about these crucial things.

Perhaps, she has a different plan or calling. When you two have different callings, it could be challenging for her to submit to yours.

You will have to respect each other’s calling or as Mikki emphasized, maybe it’s time to be apart first until you are both aligned – or God call you to be aligned with someone else.

Bettinna agrees and reminded women to put all faith and trust in God, “Marrying my husband doesn’t shift my idea and my trust in provision from God to the husband. That still belongs to God. God is ultimately the one providing and will provide for our family.”

Wife’s calling #1: Submit to your husband

For women who are asking themselves if they are ready to get married, Bettinna brought valuable questions to the table to help you confirm.

“The Bible calls us to submit to our husbands. So if I were to submit, can I submit to this person? Do I trust this person? Do I trust this person’s wisdom? Can I submit to this person who submits to the same Bible? Does he trust the Lord’s wisdom? If it’s all yes, then you’re ready to submit.”

Before you say “I do,” determine what’s important to you and know exactly what kind of husband you need. Someone who will meet you in the middle, respect you, and mirror God’s everlasting love for you.

As for Bettinna, “I was looking for a spiritual leader, co-parent, someone who is worthy of my respect and submission. Because if you can’t trust and respect your man, don’t think that you can submit to him.”

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.” (Ephesians 5:22-33 NIV)

Don’t miss out on more inspiring content!

Stay tune for the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, February 12, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube channel!

3 Tips to Create Healthy Financial Boundaries and Save Money this 2022

Are you wondering how you can establish healthy financial boundaries with family and friends? Or perhaps, you are looking for ways to save money despite limited income?

If you are, then you’ve come to the right place.

You can set healthy financial boundaries but first, you need to establish those boundaries within yourself. You can save money but first, you need to be focused and disciplined in handling your finances.

Start your journey toward financial freedom!

Entrepreneur, investor, and Beyond Small Talk guest Marvin Germo shares 3 practical tips to create healthy financial boundaries and save money this new year:

Tip #1: Learn to budget your income

Simply put, financial boundaries are rules and limits you set for your money and between others or yourself.

And while Filipinos are known for their generosity and love for their families, we are not much known for setting financial boundaries. In the Filipino culture, it’s just normal for the highest earner in the family—also known as the breadwinner, to support the whole household.

However, this habit could create unjust burden and unhealthy financial dependency.

Setting financial boundaries does not make you a bad person. You are called to give, but you are also called to give wisely. Marvin emphasized the importance of budgeting your income and being firm on how much you would allot for your needs, your savings, and the needs of others.

“We are not required to give all that we have then we’d end up borrowing money to buy food or being buried in debt during emergencies. Whatever is in your heart that you decide to give, that’s very amazing already!” Marvin shared.

He adds, “No one will work hard for your dream more than you. No one will save for you. No one will invest for you. So, if you don’t set boundaries, you cannot accomplish your financial goals.”

Tip #2: Identify your needs and wants

The financial expert has a plain and simple tip for you: separate needs from wants in your budget.

How do you know if an expense is a need or want?

According to The Balance, it depends on how and why you use it. Do you use your Internet connection because you work from home? That’s a need. Do you use it for playing games or browsing social media? Then it’s a want.

Separating what you need and what you want takes a whole lot of self-honesty, discipline, and patience.

“If you really want to save money, remove your wants. I am not saying that you should not enjoy your earnings. What I am saying is, at this season of your life—if you think you need to fix your finances and the only way is to remove your wants—do it,” Marvin said.

Tip #3: Find extra sources of income

Do you feel like you’ve already removed all your wants, don’t spend too much, yet you’re still short of money and there’s nothing left to save?

Marvin explains that sometimes, the issue is not how much you save. Saving money on a tight budget is possible, but if you’re running out of money all the time, consider finding an extra source of income.

“Use your extra time after your job to find another source of income. We’re sitting on one of the greatest times to be alive because there’s many opportunities that can be found on the Internet. Find something that you can do online where you can make money,” Marvin suggests.

Are you experiencing financial problems this new year?

Allow us to pray for you. Feel free to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or send in your prayer requests to our Facebook page.

We have more financial tips for you!

Catch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 7:00 PM on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel!

 

5 Tips to Stay Healthy during the Pandemic

Active COVID-19 cases in the country reached an all-time high last Wednesday, according to the Department of Health.

With the sudden surge of cases, you might be wondering what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting infected.

Beyond Small Talk is here to help you!

Learn some holistic tips on how to support your health and well-being, from The 700 Club Asia host and COVID-19 survivor, Joyce Burton-Titular.

Tip #1: Make good use of your time

Some areas have started rolling out movement restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19.

For many people, this means more time to stay at home. How do you make good use of your time at home?

It’s a tough season for everyone, but you have a choice. Don’t allow anxious thoughts about the pandemic to pester your mind. Fill your head with useful learnings and new memories.

There are loads of opportunities, like starting a hobby! To Joyce, starting a new hobby is healthy as it helps occupy your mind. Whether it’s painting, journaling, or vlogging, adding these simple yet productive activities to your daily routine is helpful to your mental health.

Tip #2: Eat mindfully 

It is not a secret that what you eat has a profound impact on your overall health.

That is why as a COVID-19 survivor, Joyce suggests that you become more mindful of what you eat each day, “You have to have your mind and heart into what you eat. There are many diet books out there that talk about good diets.”

Tip #3: Exercise 

Even when you’re stuck at home, you can boost your cardio fitness by doing simple exercise routines. Some people accomplish this through brisk walking in their yard, doing jumping jacks, or even dancing.

“Move. Move that body! My husband and I exercise on our patio where there is sunlight. I go on YouTube and look for exercise videos, and we exercise together,” Joyce said.

Tip #4: Practice breathing exercises 

Proper breathing exercises don’t just strengthen your lungs – they also ease pandemic stress and anxiety. Experts from VeryWell Mind suggests some breathing exercises to try. So out with the old, stale air and in with new fresh air!

Joyce shares, “Now with COVID going around, breathing is one of the biggest problems. People only breathe shallow; we only breathe through our upper chest. But people who exercise breathe to the bottom of their lungs.”

Tip #5: Get enough sleep 

If you’re having a hard time getting a good night’s sleep these days, you may be experiencing COVIDsomnia – a heightened sleep disturbance linked to pandemic stress.

But when you don’t sleep well, your body won’t have the strength and highly functioning immune system to fight off viruses.

That’s why you need to be more proactive in getting that full night’s sleep! Your body needs sleep to stay healthy and strong. Likewise, sleep is a gift – God wants you to rest so you can experience His peace and healing.

As Joyce puts it, “When we sleep, we tap into the miracle healing of God.”

Although it requires efforts to stay healthy and safe from COVID-19, know that God is your ultimate protector and healer. So if you or someone you know is battling the virus right now, Joyce has a prayer for you.

“I pray that you put your trust in God, 100%. Ask for His presence, ask for Him to be with you. It’s the best thing that you can have in the middle of the worst storm of your life.”

Do you find it hard to stay safe and sane during the pandemic?

We are here to pray for you! Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or send in your prayer requests to our Facebook page.

For more tips about coping with the pandemic, catch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, January 15, 2022, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube channel!

3 Practical Tips to Stick to Your New Year Plans

The new year is here!

Which means it’s time to set brand new goals, plans, and visions.

If you just recently listed down your New Year’s resolutions or Faith Goals, here are some practical tips from Licensed Psychologist and Beyond Small Talk guest Dr. Lilian Ng Gui to help you make doable goals and achieve them:

Tip #1: Be intentional about your goals

Being intentional is about committing to achieve your goals and taking action to get actual results.

“Just like our faith, we have to intentionally believe in something we cannot see because we know we have the faith in us. So, when you do your new year’s resolutions, please be intentional with it and come up with some doable plans,” Dr. Lilian suggests.

Tip #2: Come up with doable plans

Have you set some health and fitness goals this year?

Dr. Lilian suggests that you stick with achievable and practical steps to achieve them. For example, instead of saying “I will exercise regularly” or “I will go to the gym” to lose weight, you can set doable plans like taking the stairs or walking around the house.

She added, “Sometimes we want something that is impossible, of course we can’t achieve that. And what happens when you get bored? Why don’t you start with baby steps?”

Tip #3: Start by taking baby steps

You don’t need to force yourself to go all in at once. Start small. Start with little effort to make changes possible and doable. These small steps toward self-improvement will encourage you to do more. Also, remember to celebrate your daily wins.

And as you commit to your plans, ask God to help you achieve them and for wisdom to help you align them to His will for your life.

“We have to believe in God and in His power, greatness and plans for us. We shouldn’t be afraid to plan, we should plan our lives with God. Pray: ‘God, please be with me as I plan my life. Guide me to the right path and lead me to righteousness,’” Dr. Lilian ended.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)

It would be our joy to pray for you this new year! Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or send your prayer requests to our Facebook page.

Mark your calendars and catch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube channel!