beyond small talk Archives

3 Signs of a Toxic Relationship and How to Break Free

Posted on February 25, 2022 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

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

Posted on February 9, 2022 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

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!

Keys to a Successful Marriage

Posted on February 4, 2022 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

Some Filipino husbands have an amusing and endearing way of calling their wives Kumander. It suggests that the wife is the head of the household. They are the boss. They call the shots.

While the term could be an innocent endearment, it somehow reflects how modern couples have adapted the culture’s practice and structure for marriage.

Yes, husbands and wives are equal partners in the marriage. However, it’s also important to know that God has established an order and roles within the relationship.

Here’s the key to a successful and long-lasting relationship: Both of you should fulfill your role according to what the Word of God says.

Do you know your role as a husband or as a wife?

Beyond Small Talk hosts Peter Kairuz and his wife, Christine, are here to help you discover your role in your marriage:

Husband’s role #1: Leader of the house

God has assigned the role of leadership in the home to the husband, just as Christ is the head of the church.

However, take note that “Husbands are not dictators. They should not demand. They should not rule over their wives,” according to All About God in their article Role of Husband in the Bible.

As the head of the wife and of the household, Peter reminds that husbands have the responsibility to provide for the needs of the family and to protect your home. They are called to lead and influence the family with biblical values.

Wife’s role #1: Administrator

Running the household is no piece of cake. Thankfully, God has equipped wives with gifts that can help them manage the home.

“All the talents, gifts, abilities, and disposition that were placed into me by the Lord helps me become a Godly and skillful administrator in the home,” Christine said.

Husband’s role #2: Lover and reassurer

Besides being a lover, you need to often reassure your wife that she is loved, valued, and secured. The husband’s love should mirror the love of God.

Wife’s role #2: Helper

From the Hebrew word Ezer in the Bible, helper means “helpmeet.” Ezer is a military word which means assistant to the commander. You are called to help and submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:22 NKJV)

As Christine puts it, “God is our commander-in-chief. The husband is the commander, and the wife is the assistant to the commander.”

Husband’s role #3: Reflection of God’s sovereignty at home

The husbands should be the one to set the boundaries and rules at home. Setting dos and don’ts at home is part of leadership, and husbands must be firm in implementing them.

“The husband is like a judge. When it is sin, it is sin. There’s no gray area. You should set rules at home, that’s part of leadership,” Peter said.

Wife’s role #3: Lover and companion

Another God-given role of the wife is to be her husband’s lover and companion. Wives are called to be always ready for their husband.

“The wife’s mindset should be: she’s there for her husband. As a wife, you should always be ready for what your husband needs,” Christine said.

Wife’s role #4: Reflection of God’s love and forgiveness.

As husbands reflect God’s sovereignty at home, wives are to reflect God’s love and forgiveness.

“I have to have a heart that’s so loving and forgiving. We need to teach that to our children. Show them that we know how to forgive,” Christine shared.

Husbands and wives, God designed marriage to be this way that you must work—not as enemies—but as a team united with Him to carry out what He has called you to do.

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 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. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:21-25 NIV)

Do you want more tips about marriage and relationships?

Catch Beyond Small Talk every Saturday, 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

Posted on January 25, 2022 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

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

Posted on January 14, 2022 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

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

Posted on January 7, 2022 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

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!

Wondering How to Beat Holiday Blues and Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions?

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

The most wonderful time of the year is here!

And while many people are busy with the festivities, there are some who deal with stress, grief, and even depression.

There is a lot to unpack from a not-so-great 2021, and the pandemic is first on the list. Everyone has gone through something this year that made them feel down and blue. You, too, might be feeling that the holidays amplified the losses and grief you experienced during the pandemic.

If you are struggling with holiday blues, you are not alone.

The holiday blues are real and have affected many Filipinos, but you can overcome!

Join Registered Psychologist, Psychometrician, and Beyond Small Talk host Dr. Ali Ng Gui as she talks about holiday blues and how you can properly deal with grief and losses during the holiday season. Catch this webisode on December 25, 2021. (Xanax Bars)

Stay tuned because on January 1, 2022 webisode, Dr. Ng Gui will give tips on how to make your New Year’s Resolutions work and build habits that can make a positive change in your life in 2022!

Learn how you can make the most out of your Christmas and New Year!

Watch Beyond Small Talk and join the online discussion this Saturday, December 25, 2021 and on January 1, 2022, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

Meanwhile, if you are struggling with holiday blues and don’t know how to handle it, we want to pray for you. Just call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or send a message through our Facebook page.

7 Common Triggers for Holiday Blues

Posted on December 17, 2021 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

Feeling anxious, sad, or stressed this Christmas?

You are not alone. While many people are excited and filled with joy this time of year, the holidays bring negative feelings for others.

If you are feeling down and blue, perhaps you are wondering what causes those feelings so you can start addressing it.

Beyond Small Talk is here to help you figure that out!

Singer-songwriter Trisha Denise, Counselor at Amara Counseling and Training Center Archie Dela Cruz, and The 700 Club Asia host Peter Kairuz share 7 common triggers for holiday blues.

1. Early and long Christmas in the Philippines and the tendency to compare with other people.

To say that the Pinoys love Christmas is an understatement. As soon as “BER months” arrive, the holiday countdown begins!

And as lights and sounds fill the streets and malls, some people feel pressured into putting up decors or buying gifts. People tend to compare their holiday preparations with others, which might trigger the holiday blues.

2. Pressures on finances

December is a budget crunch time for many Filipinos. People are feeling the pressure of trying to make this year ‘extra special’ for their loved ones. And the pressure is amplified by the ongoing pandemic.

3. The pressure to lose weight and exercise

With Noche Buena, Media Noche, and a couple of holiday parties in between, staying in shape seem to be a challenging task for some.

Counselor Archie shares that people become more conscious of their bodies during the holidays, which adds to the pressure and holiday blues they feel.

4. Stress caused by heavy traffic

Now that the government has lifted lockdowns, more and more people are going out and meeting their loved ones face-to-face. This means that heavy traffic resumes, too! Traffic congestion and noise pollution are legit sources of stress, leading to holiday blues.

5. Lack of love life or romance

Known as a season of togetherness and love, some people feel lonely—and even pressured—that they don’t have a romantic partner to share the holidays with. Trisha observes this trend, too.

“As a songwriter, I am always asked to write about hugot Christmas songs during this time. I think some girls and guys of my age treat Christmas season as Valentine’s season too. They ask why they don’t have a significant other this Christmas,” she said.

6. When people go through a period of transition

It’s totally overwhelming to find yourself grieving or experiencing life changes during the holiday season.

“As a counselor, I’ve seen, witnessed, and heard people who go through mourning during the holidays, because apart from losing a loved one, transitions are always difficult and challenging,” Archie shares.

If you are going through difficult or major life changes, Peter has an encouragement for you: You can make it through.

“Every time we go through transitions or we enter a new season, there’s going to be changes and it’s going to be challenging. But if we apply ourselves properly, we’re going to come out of that situation as champions.”

7. Unnecessary or unwanted breakups

The holiday season is never a great time to have relational problems, but it happens. Breakups and tensions in relationships as Christmas and New Year arrive also adds to experiencing holiday blues.

What about you, what triggers your holiday blues?

Comment below so we can pray for you. You may also call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and our trained prayer counselors will reach out to you.

If you need help in managing those negative emotions, catch the next webisode of Beyond Small talk to learn tips on how you can cope with holiday blues—streaming this Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

Experiencing Pandemic Stress? Here are 5 Tips to Cope

Posted on December 10, 2021 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

Imposed quarantines from time to time, news about the rise and fall of COVID-19 cases here and there, plus health and safety reminders everywhere. Can you believe that the world has been battling this pandemic for over a year and a half now?

How are you holding up?

If these unsettling scenarios stress and fill you with anxiety, know that God wants you to be free from all worries (Psalm 34:4).

God gives you the power to break free from stress!

You can manage your pandemic stress! Here are essential tips from inspirational speaker and Beyond Small Talk guest, Carl Pascua.

Tip #1: Slow down and rest

Did you find yourself feeling extra stressed when the pandemic started? You are not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during the pandemic.

Perhaps, uncertainty becomes the gasoline that fuels your stress fire.

Don’t worry. You don’t need to force yourself to be okay all the time. Carl suggests that you process your emotions. Take time to figure out where the sadness or stress comes from and take a much-needed rest.

Tip #2: Exercise and stay healthy

Science has long proven that your mind and body are strongly linked.

“Remember, a healthy body can result into a healthy mind and a good emotional condition,” Carl reminds.

The American Psychological Association support’s Carl’s assertion and states that as your mental health declines, your physical health can worsen, and if your physical health declines, you can feel mentally “down.”

So, get off the couch and start a simple exercise routine. Also, be extra mindful of what you eat!

Tip #3: Talk about your problems

Whether it’s with a family member, a trusted friend, or a mentor, sharing your thoughts and concerns with other people can help relieve stress.

Likewise, you can help others feel that they’re not alone, too!

Like you, each person you know could be fighting a battle you don’t know about. So don’t hesitate to reach out. Encourage each other and build each other up! (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT)

Tip #4: Let go of the idea about control

Who would’ve thought that by 2020, going to malls, restaurants – or even work – could be a health risk? Who would’ve thought that by the summer of 2021, you would still be cooped up in your home and praying for a pandemic to end?

No one.

But it happened. This goes to show that no matter what your plans are, you cannot control everything. Ease your pandemic stress by letting go of your need to control things, and trusting in Someone greater who is always in control – Jesus Christ.

As Proverbs 19:21 ESV puts it, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

Tip #5: Put your faith in Him

If anything, the pandemic proved the famous saying, “Everything changes, except the word change.”

If you put your happiness and trust in things that change – like your career, health, or even relationships – you might feel stressed when things don’t work out the way you had hoped they would. It’s high time to put your joy and faith in a God who never changes.

“Other people may not understand everything that is going on in your life, but God knows. That means you can go to Him, cry to Him, and you can seek help from Him. Problems can be big, but our God is bigger, our God is stronger!” Carl concluded.

No matter what you’re going through, keep going! You can always find comfort and overcome through the help of your merciful God!

“In the multitudes of anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19 NKJV)

Do you feel overwhelmed or stressed?

We are here for you. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and we will pray for you.

Mark your calendars and catch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, December 11, 2021, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube channel!

3 Keys to Remain Hopeful Amid Challenging Season

Posted on November 17, 2021 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

Are you losing the reasons to keep going in your life?

Are you weary and feeling defeated from the seemingly never-ending series of challenges during the pandemic?

You are not alone.

Here are three tips to remain hopeful amid challenging times from Beyond Small Talk guest, Ruther Urquia who has also gone through rough patches in his own life this pandemic.

1. Trust God

Your situation today is not your final destination.

Keep on believing that God is using these challenges to lead you to the best destination. The roadblocks you are facing today are part of your journey towards a purpose-driven life.

“You should not measure your life with just a single episode. God is using all these events in your life to create His plan,” Ruther explained.

More than that, believe that these circumstances will eventually be part of a beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness in the future.

2. Choose to thank God

“You can’t choose to be happy,” Ruther remarked.

And probably, you are in this season of your life when happiness is not in the offering, but there is always room for gratitude.

You can always choose to thank God for your life today regardless of your situation.

It may not be the breakthrough that you are expecting, but choose to thank God for the blessing of life and daily provision that He continuously provides for you.

3. Remain grateful to God

Amid the challenging season of your life, keep a grateful heart.

Remaining grateful to God every day will keep you grounded and hopeful that our all-knowing God can turn things around in His perfect time.

God will never abandon you even in this season of your life.

“Whatever you’re going through, God is with you,” Ruther encouraged.

So, the next time you will feel defeated, frustrated, and dismayed in your life, remember to fix your eyes on the Lord. You will receive the unshakable hope from Him even during your challenging season.

Have you been experiencing a tough time in your life lately?

Begin with your steps to peace today!

And if you need someone to talk to about these challenges in your life, let us pray for you. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or send your prayer requests to our Facebook page.

Stay tuned for the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

Happy watching!

What It Takes To Believe in God

His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3you with unfailing kindness.

The Fearless Life | God’s Word Today

His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3