9/11/2009
Welcome!
It seems that I have finally found a personal and private space for our group study on the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. If you don't have the book, you can pick it up at any bookstore and probably really cheap on Amazon.com . We are set to start the study on Monday, September 21. Feel free to invite a friend that you think might benefit in knowing God's purpose and direction for their lives. The only thing you will need to do is get me an email address for them so that I can add them to our domain so they are allowed in as I have created a private blog that only we can respond to. Due to opportunity of no cost, our blogs are able to be viewed by others. It wasn't a choice, however, I can see how God might use our thoughts and comments to touch the lives of others. So, get ready ladies of the fellowship, we start our 40 day journey soon and I am thrilled to be on this adventure with all of you!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I've just sent out the invitations for those of you that I have spoken with about this study. There are 12 of us! I found a scripture in Romans that I think really speaks the heart of some of the things we have prayed for and discussed. It could be a powerful mission statement for what we are trying to do with this study and also in keeping our prayer group from last year active.
ReplyDeleteIts Romans 15:5-7 "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give us a spirt of unity among ourselves as we follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and one mouth we may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept each other then, just as Christ has accepted each one of us in order that we will bring praise to God in all we do!"
The study here will be simple. We will begin the 40 day journey through Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life" on Monday, September 21. Then after each of us completes that day's short reading, we will post our thoughts and inspirations to share with each other. So many of you have said that you've tried this study but lost interest. I have also and the author's warning is that it is most effective when done with another person....soooooo to those of you that choose, here we go!! This blog is open to all readers of the internet but only the twelve of us can comment. My prayer is that if anyone should choose to read our posts, they will be encouraged to love Jesus like we do~ WOW! what an opportunity to share the Good News! Call me or post(!) here if you have any other questions or ideas about how you would like this to go. I'm hoping that we are so encouraged by each other that after this study, there will be many more! I'm blessed to be sharing this with all of you~ Rocky
I am thrilled to have someone to take this journey with! God Bless each one of you!!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way, Theresa~ I just got done reading the introduction AGAIN (I've started this book several times and just never finished it - never really even got going with it). I also just signed the covenant page in th e front of the book and put your names on it, you that have at least visited this site once or more. There are 6 of us signed on and 2 more that I know want on but are having a hard time with the link. After reading the first day "it all starts with God", I realize that I know that truth and accept it eagerly, but then something happens that attacks my flesh and then I'm too easily distracted. In this 40 day quest with all of you my hope and dreams are these: 1-to grow deeper in God with a consistency that never leaves me. 2-To seek His word along with wisdom from all of you to be able to love my husband more sincerely. 3-To be an obedient handmaiden to any and all purposes that He reveals to me. I'm also hoping that as we share our lives before God,He will bind us together in fellowship for years to come. Friday, October 30, will be an interesting day of growth and purpose! Until tomorrow, God's best to you all!
ReplyDeleteI have just finished reading the first chapter, for about the tenth time, and I am a little bit afraid of what I will find out about my purpose in life. Not because I am afraid of God, but because I am afraid of change. Not the little things I have to change like library schedules or a new curriculum, but huge changes, like what I do for a living or where I live. The reason I say that is because I know that God has something planned for me, but I have been resistant to listen to Him. I do not know anything about it, but this journey is going to lead me to whatever God has planned for the purpose in my life. It is exciting to finally be on the way! I pray that we all find our purpose in life by finding more of who God is!
ReplyDeleteTheresa, I know how you feel. Why is it that we are so afraid of change or even submission? I don't tend to be a controlling person and most of you know me as person that just won't say "No" to any request from friend or family. But because of the circumstances of this past year, Lynn does all the driving now and I find that its very hard for me to allow another person to take that control in my life. He's a good driver, but sometimes I don't even feel safe, like I'm the only one that I can trust to drive me safely! It feels that way with God sometimes too. In my weakness, I'm afraid to think that maybe something I want is something that He's telling me "NO" too and then I have a choice to be obedient and sacrifice the thing I want of crucify my flesh and go without. One thing that I have learned is that if its NOT God (career, home, shopping, etc.) then I don't want anything to do with it, because I'm WAY too good at messing up my own life! The second day's reading is amazing also! It even makes the first day easier to swallow. My grandson was born out of wedlock and I've often wondered how he feel about that. He has an adopted father that adores him so conversation about his biological father is hushed. Well, its good for me to be reminded that the circumstances of his birth was in God's plan from even before creation! WOW! Our challenge question is good too! What do we have trouble accepting about ourselves? Oh my goodness, I have sooooo much that I struggle with, but I'm really looking forward to hearing about how all of you are dealing with your struggles. Theresa, you are so faithful!! Thanks so much for meeting me here and sharing the hard truths that we often want to hide. Have beatiful dreams filled with the Goodness of your Heavenly Daddy tonight my good friend!
ReplyDeleteRocky,
ReplyDeleteOh my! Everything that I had written was lost, so now I have to start over! God is amazing! I said that today's reading really was an awesome read. It makes you stop and think about what you are doing in life and wonder if what you are doing is part of God's plan. I'm trying to remember everything I had written the first time, so if I am going all over the place, please forgive me. My parents were married, but I was conceived out of wedlock, but I now see that I was God's plan, not my parents. Hopefully, your grandson will feel the same way someday, especially if Grandma has anything to say about it. I was also thinking about my stroke and everything I have had to deal with since my stroke, and I know that it is because of God's grace and love that I have been able to do it. Before my stroke, I was a very different (and not in the good way) person. I truly believe that God used the stroke to change the way I was into what I am becoming now. I say "becoming" because I am not changing yet. God is constantly molding me to become a better person. I was also thinking about what physical appearance I am struggling to accept. Just the way I look and move are very difficult for me to deal with. I have to accept them, because they are now who I am, but it is tough.
As far as what you said about Lynn doing all the driving, I'll put in my opinion. I feel that God has put you in this predicament so that you can self-reflect and learn how to trust someone else to drive as much as you trust your own ability to drive, along with a few other things. I can say this because I still go through the same feelings when I am a passenger with anyone!
Wow, I hope that is everything I said before I lost the first draft! God be with you as you sleep tonight! I will see you tomorrow! I will check the site again later to see what you wrote!
As we are learning about God having our destiny and purpose preplanned even BEFORE creation, I'm thinking right now about the fact that you and I are the only two that have followed through with the commitment to share our feelings on this blog so far. Monday night I admit, I felt somewhat disappointed, desiring input from some that I regard highly for their life experience and others for their wisdom in the things of God. But if I truly believe that even this fellowship was pre-ordained, then come-what-may as I learn and share together with you, Theresa!! You are definitely right about my needing to trust others (Lynn in this case) to do the things that I artificially imagine I can do best for myself! "Oh, Lord, help me to humble myself in your sight and submit to my husband!" That's really been my plea for quite some time. I wanted to mention something on day 1 but felt that my comment was already too long so here is something to think about. On page 17 of the book, one of the opening quotes was by an atheist, Bertrand Russell: "Unless you assume a God, the question of life's purpose is meaningless." WOW! Even a person that doesn't acknowledge God, knows that there is no purpose without Him. Getting on to day three makes me think of your comment about your biological conception. The main driving force in most people's lives, according to the book is guilt. Rick Warren makes a profound statement that most of us are products of our past, but that we don't have to be 'prisoners' of our past! Yippee!! God's promise to fill us with His peace that passes all human understanding is often the HOPE that carries me through most of my worldly battles. Praise God that His specialty is giving us a fresh and new start every day if only we will allow Him to. Rick Warren goes on to list the 5 most powerful forces that drive people's lives to day: 1-guilt, 2-anger/resentment, 3-fear, 4-materialism, 5-need for human approval. I really relate to the fifth one most. (I feel once again that I'm commenting too long! Thanks for your patience!) The thing I desire most is to know God's divine purpose for my life so I can bring Him pleasure and glory. I want to get to that place where I don't even think about how my existence meets the approval of anyone else. Think of the freedom to love others unconditionaly and without judgement because of our ability to not fear being judged! Oh, to be in that place! I'm excited to hear what will be posted here tomorrow!! Until then, peace to all of you! And especially to you, Theresa, don't ever fret about physical appearances or abilities because God has created a beauty in you that saturates people when they're near you, and I should know, my friend!!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Ch. 2, I have to admit that I am ashamed of myself! I've never been happy or at peace with my appearance. As a child, I was the tallest in my elementary school AND probably one of the heaviest. I was teased often - in fact, I can still remember the words used by some of my classmates. As I grew up, my height wasn't an issue, but I've always struggled with my weight. Then, in my early 20's, my hair started to get very thin. To make a long story short, I've always felt that people were staring at me because of how I look. This chapter struck "home" with me - God created me just the way He wanted. I need to be at peace with who and what I am - including how I look. I really enjoyed the poem by Russell Kelfer on pg. 25! I'm going to post it on my frig. I am really enjoying our "book club" - blessings to all of you! I'm sorry that I waited to post a comment - this is new technology for an old retiree, I'll try to do better!
ReplyDeleteThinking about the statement, "there is more to life than just here and now: I am reminded of a John Eggers column talking about the beautiful Garden we live in and yet there is to be an eternal home.
ReplyDeleteThe citing of Dr. Werner van Braun ( US space program pioneer) who notes he had "essentially scientific" reasons for believing in life after death. He explained: "Science has found that nothing can disappear without a trace. Nature does not know extinction. All it knows is transformation. If God applies the fundamental principle to the most minute and insignificant parts of the universe, doesn't it make sense to assume that he applies it to the masterpiece of his creation --the human soul"
On another note, Rocky, I can understand that you might wonder where we all went....I am reading your dialogue with Theresa, and am touched by your willingness to share so personally.
I have not shared because I have found myself arguing with Rick Warren and that may not be something for group consumption. I believe that we as women must strike a balance between passivity and expressing our strengths which are the gifts we are to use or losel
You are all in my prayers: I continue to pray for our community and our children...
Oh, my goodness!! I just found the comments from both Pams dated the 22nd and 23rd. God is sooo good forever and forever! May I please say without judgement or false flattery that you two Pams were the two people that I (selfishly) hoped would post because of the collective wisdom that the rest of us would experience life changing lessons from?! Pam C, I just want to say, that people DESIRE to be near you~ God has an amazing way of making that enemy (who will try to make us "feel" as undesireable as possible in MANY ways) bend his ugly knee to the TRUTH! I can hardly type as I am sitting here with tears running down my face at how we often fight such an ugly enemy! You are one of the most amazing and beautiful women that has ever touched my life and I thank God for you every day! Some people have thought that I might be what the world considers attractive but inside you can't imagine how the enemy takes situations is our past, like you, Theresa, and turns the truth around to make us feel defeated and unattractive. Proverbs says that outward beauty is vain and that inward beauty is everlasting and just keeps getting better!! But I really agree with you, PMO!! As women we do need to strike a balance with all of the gifts and talents that God has given us! Please, Pam O, even when you think its controversial, SHARE! We've still got quite a ways to go on this adventure through this book and I believe that God is desiring for us to explore whatever is in our hearts- together- so He can take over and reveal all the truths that will lead us to HIS divine purpose for each of us. We're so blessed to be a group that will not judge or condemn, I thinks because each of us has come to the point that whatever God reveals to us, Bring it on- I'm ready for the reality of making whatever changes -thought, word and deed, that I need to make, so I can KNOW once and for all, that I'm blessing my Father in the way He created me too! Besides,PMO, I can't think of a single time that you've EVER steered me wrong, and as you know, there has been plenty of times that I called on you for direction and insight! That's exactly why your're here and have taken the RISK to share! Let me tell you that I know of at least a few other people that are coming on to read and have not yet taken that same risk to comment. I have so much to say about Chapter 5 and our life metaphors but I keep thinking that I'm posting too long. Would anyone or all of you mention how you feel about how much time this daily commitment is taking and if you wish to have comments kept shorter? Personally, I'm excited to read all of what you ladies are posting and feel no time constraints. I want to give the same respect back. I feel like, because I'm home today, I might be back on a few extra times to share what I'm thinking. Have a remarkable weekend filled with purpose!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI just did what you did, Theresa. I was trying to hit 'all caps' and at the same time accidently hit the space bar and my comment just vanished! I'm not feeling like I want to write all of that again, but this Chapter has been the hardest for me to relate to so I really want to share what I've thought and then hear from all of you too! Here goes my second attempt~ "Life is a temporary assignment". Of course those of us that know God already realize this and even anticipate it at times, I can even think of worship songs that celebrate our passing from this world to our heavenly home, but I've never quite heard it as EXPLICITLY as Rick Warren has been able to put it in this chapter! Several years ago I attended a camp meeting where the preacher shared this acrostic:
ReplyDeleteHOLY
B-asic
I-nstructions
B-efore
L-eaving
E-arth
I thought it was a really neat concept and that someone had been very creative in thinking about the bible like that. I had no problem accepting it as truth then and often even look forward to the time that I get to actually leave this world and meet God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit face to face! But after reading this chapter, I'm finding it challenging to think about my daily habits and 'quirks' and how so much of my day is spent in busy things that most likely are not specific to God's purpose for me at all. This one is going to take some time for me. I've definitely got some sorting out to do with God's leading and help. I'm hopeful and eager to make that necessary changes, but at the same time feeling frustrated.I can't stand the thought of not being with my daughters and grandchildren for any length of time, but then His promises are that this life is just a fleeting moment anyway. Any ideas or comments?
On another note, I've also found that some of our posts on this site are being placed in different areas and just happened upon some accidently that I would have hated to miss. I went into the management system to try to figure out why and it seems that if you click on the last person that commented your reply will be posted into a whole different link that will allow that comment to be read ONLY if you click on that same original person's comment. Notice that on the right hand side of the opening page there is a Blog Archive section that shows a small pink Welcome!after the Sept. dates. If you click on that Welcome! and then scroll to the bottom of the page it takes you to, you will see the latest comments (and a box to add a comment if you wish to). If we all do this everytime we post, then all of the comments from everyone should appear on the same page everytime. I hope this helps anyone that might be confused. I'm like you, Pam C. Technologically challenged a bit! (hee!hee!)
Sweet dreams, wonderful ladies ~ I look forward to any insight that you might have to share on the difficulty of Chapter 6.
I feel that I am living my life on earth as a temporary assignment to some extent. I am not a person that has monetary goals, because I always think "what is the purpose of wanting that?" I m not going to take anything with me! I do like certain things and buy certain things to be more comfortable, but I truly feel that I have already realized that my time here on earth is temporary. It might be because it is Sunday, but I truly cannot imagine the awesome things that are waiting for all of us in heaven. Now, I just have to make sure that I get there.
ReplyDeleteI tell my mother quite often that she should not be so down because my grandma is gone, she should look forward to seeing her again in heaven. My mom does not take it very well. I justremember that everyone that goes to live with God is making my place ready for me when I go home to Him.
God bless you!
What an absolutely beautiful day we started with this morning! I slept in which is something I just never do. I woke up with a perfectly blue sky coming through my window above me and just laid there adoring God's creation. Church was extraordinary! I'm sure your's was too, because it seems that there has been a move of the Spirit again, just recently to really turn up the heat for us to listen more carefully to what God is saying to His people. You might have thought that my pastor was doing this bible study with us. He focused on what it really takes to live a life completely grounded in God. The whole sermon was excellent but the pastor's challenge to us as he was closing was this,"There are millions of people out there created by God for a time such as this, that have no idea what their real PURPOSE is for life. Most of them don't even know that they were created by God. I challenge you to share the treasures and secrets that God has given to you through salvation and His Son, Jesus. Don't be afraid to witness, just share with them the beauty of the God you serve and then let God do the rest."
ReplyDeleteWOW!! My frustrations from yesterday's reading have been turned to celebrations today!! Isn't it just like our heavenly 'Daddy' to take our silly fears that seem so big at the time and turn them into joy?!! Two very specific things I will take from today's reading:
1. (p53) The glory of God is the ESSENCE of His nature, the WEIGHT of His IMPORTANCE, the RADIANCE of His SPLENDOR, the DEMONSTRATION of His POWER, and the ATMOSPHERE of His PRESENCE!!
All of these express the intrinsic goodness of His eternal qualities!! HALLELUJAH!!!!!!
(Now that we know WHAT His glory is from number 1 above)
2.(p54) Now He invites us to RECOGNIZE His glory, HONOR His glory, DECLARE His glory, PRAISE His glory, REFLECT His glory and LIVE for His glory!! Because God says, "Everyone who is called by my name, they are my own people, and I created them to bring me glory!" Isah. 43:7
THIS IS OUR ULTIMATE PURPOSE!!!!!
Its a done deal for me more and more as I search this study in His Word. I am feeling like I won't be so challenged in giving up whatever needs to be sacrificed so that I can make sure I bring God glory and try to affect as many other people as I possibly can before my turn (time on earth) is done.
A scripture that I 'teethed' my first Bible learning on is found in Prov. 1:5-7
Let me write to you how the Amplified version interprets it.
"If we will receive God's instruction through HIs Word, we will hear and increase in learning, and the person of understanding will acquire skill and attain to sound counsels so that he may be able to steer his course (purpose) rightly. To understand my proverbs and figures of speech or an enigma with its interpretations, and the words of the wise and their dark sayings or riddles. THE REVERENT AND WORSHIPFUL FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING AND THE PRINCIPAL AND CHOICE PART OF KNOWLEDGE-THAT IS, ITS STARTING POINT AND ITS ESSENCE; BUT FOOOLS DESPISE SKILLFUL AND GODLY WISDOM, INSTRUCTION AND DISCIPLINES.
Oh me, Oh my!!
Get ready to be saturated with God's wisdom as we seek His Word and practice interpreting our ideas and thoughts together and for each other!
Till next time, Ladies, be blessed!
Oh my goodness! I believe life on earth is temporary, but I am not so sure that I am even attempting to do what chapter 7 says. I have always thought that doing devotions every day, praying several times a day, to worship God whenever the urge hit me, teaching Wednesday night classes, attending church, etc. were all great ways to show my love for God. They are just the beginning! I know that I am a sinner-we all are. After reading this chapter, I have to take accountability for all of the ungodly things that I do in every day life! That is scary! Maybe I watched the wrong type of movie or read the wrong type of book or said the wrong thing to Brian or whatever. I have miles and miles to go before I am honestly even attempting to live as God would like to see me live. It simply blows my mind! How can God love a person like me? I do not understand, but I will accept it because it is a gift from Him.
ReplyDeleteRocky, I am not sure what to say to your question about your girls and grandchildren. The only thing that I think that you try to remember is that in heaven, you will have eternity with them. I think that eternity sounds like just the right amount of time!
Theresa, we will NEVER understand how God can love us, but He DOES!! The bible says that even the angels wish to be like us because of the adoration God has for His people! WOW! Another thing you made me think of is this, when we accept communion, we are COVERED in His blood and when God looks at us, He sees THE BLOOD OF HIS SON!!! We are covered in the blood of the lamb and washed white as snow!!! I can't comprehend it, but I'm soooooo thankful that Jesus carried my yuck and ugliness to calvary so that I can be saved!!! Goodnight, sweetheart. Just think of God looking down and smiling on us as we sleep tonight thinking 'they're getting closer to my purpose for them! Kinda like how a teacher feels when the lightbulb finally goes off in the students' heads ~ Yippee!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Aniversary! We have been faithful to our commitment to each other and God in taking this journey for our very first week! (that's long enough to be an anniversary isn't it?) I never noticed this before but it seems that our book is divided into sections by the week. One section down, Four more to go. Today, Day 8, we start a new section learning about our No.#1 Purpose. And isn't it exciting to know (at least for me!) that the goofy distress I was feeling in the beginning about all my little 'extra curricular' things I love doing actually bring pleasure to God!?! pg.64 explains that God is a God of pleasure and He wired us with our 5 senses - IN HIS OWN IMAGE- to experience and enjoy pleasure here on earth also! The idea I am most impressed with is that as I walk, talk and think in my every day tasks, if I do it ALL to the glory of God it becomes sincere and natural worship! I also had many of the misconceptions about worship that were in this Chapter. I believed that worship was music and singing, but I also believed that it was a type of prayer. Not one where I was sharing my own feelings or mentioning others, but the kind where you are just in His presence and loving Him. Now I know that everything I do is worship to Him and that is my MAIN purpose in life!! As I try to look at this study supernaturally, It seems that God is giving us new knowledge (at least new to me) as a 'gift', so to speak. I had the idea that my purpose was going to be some kind of calling or specific work of ministry or a command to do something differently than I am doing now, but He seems to be making it more clear, that He just created us to LOVE Him DEEPER, with a TRUTH and LIVING SPIRIT that goes beyond what many humans would like to acknowledge. And then with this new knowledge, we are commissioned to share it with the world for His glory - WOW!! I know it isn't going to be easy, but so far I think its going to be fulfilling and worthwhile!! I hope to hear from all of you as to what God is putting in your hearts so far! Bundle up, stay warm and be filled with His glory! I love you guys~
ReplyDeleteRocky, you have taken my idea-that means I must be on the right path! I have decided that if I do my job with His glory first and foremost in mind, then that is what I need to do. I need to go to work each and every day with the thought that I am going to touch these children and teachers with the same compassion, caring, and love that God would and by doing that I will be worshiping Him every day in all I do.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that I told you this, but today was probably the worst day I have ever had at CLBES. I truly thought about quitting my job. After I read this chapter again, I realized that when I went to work, I forgot about God. Is that not terrible? If I had taken 30 seconds and said a quick prayer and praised Him for who He is, I would have had a much, much better day. Oh dear Father in heaven, help me to remember you each and every day, all of the time.
I also had the same thoughts of worship-that it was praise and music and prayer, but it is actually how we need to live our life. That also was an eye-opening realization for me. I really and truly feel that if I go through each day with God first and foremost in my mind, I will be on my way to finding His purpose in my life.
I love you! Until tomorrow-Good night and God Bless!
Theresa, thank you for being so candidly honest! When I spoke with you those few times that I did today, I want you to rest asssured that whatever you were battling, it wasn't reflected in the way you portrayed yourself. Please, please, please remember that when the enemy attacks we NEED each other! Never will I ever forget when the original prayer team of ladies met in my classroom just over a year ago and laid hands on me (being obedient to God's Word) and I have been completely clean of ALL cancer and illness since then. The word says if one can put a thousand to flight, then two can put 10,000 to flight! I would be honored and blessed to stand against the enemy with you in prayer when he attacks you like this. Just think, we will be in worship together as we take victory over our frustrations, because fighting our enemy brings glory to God!! See you tomorrow~
ReplyDeleteWhat makes God smile? I had never really thought about living my life to make God smile! My greatest deisre is to please God in all that I am and do! For most of my life, I have to honestly say that I basically did what I THOUGHT a good Christian should do - I believed in God, went to church every Sunday, gave to the church, taught Sunday School, etc. I had a very spiritual Dad - he was a man of God, a man of prayer, one who communed with God every minute of every day. Without realizing, I let my dad be my rock. Sure, I prayed, but I always knew that Dad would go to God continually for whatever was on my heart. My Dad died suddenly, without any warning, and I fell apart. Not only was my dad gone, whom I loved dearly, but my "rock" was gone, too. That was when I realized that I had to have my own relationship with God - HE wants to be my Rock! Since then, I have been experiencing a wonderful fellowship with God! During my teaching career,I raised a family and did all of the things we do as women. I wasn't a faithful reader of the Bible, I didn't make it a priority. Now that I'm retired, my mornings are dedicated to prayer, reading the bible and meditating. I love it!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful to know that God loves and enjoys us at every stage of our spiritual development? I am SO thankful!
Be blessed, my fiends!
Mrs. O - your message of affirmation brought me to tears! You continue to be my supporter and encourager - just as you were for so many years when we taught together. Thank you so very much!
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment." This is one of my favorite verses, and it a verse that I try to live on each and every day. I used to think the same as you, PamC. Going to church, praying etc. was good enough. Since I have married Brian, a true man of God, I too, have been getting closer to God, my rock.
ReplyDeleteI do not feel that I trust God completely, however. I often worry about certain things, certain people, and certain situations. I also pray consistently that God helps me to stop worrying and just pray. I have trouble, every once in a while, doing this. It is so much easier to worry than to pray sometimes. Does that mean that I don't trust God completely? I am going to continue to pray that this habit of worrying leaves me, with God's help.
Obeying Him completely is really difficult for me, also. I love God with everything that I am, but I know that I don't obey Him completely. For example,going to Africa on a missionary trip has been entering my thoughts for about 5 years. My church has often asked if anyone is interested in going over the summer. I never raise my hand because I am too afraid to go even though I want to go. I am praying about that also!
There is a statement that Rick Warren makes that really got me thinking. "There are no unspiritual gifts, just misused ones." Rocky, this made me think of what you wrote a few days ago. We don't have to give up what we love to do, we just have to do it for God's glory. Now, I have to rethink everything I rethought and see if it's godly or not and how to use it for God.
I think that I need some more work on trusting Him completely. I would like to think that I trust Him, but because of my worrying nature, I know that I have some more to do in that area.
I don't know about you, but I am feeling a little better about my relationship with God after each day of reading. I still have a long way to go, but at least I am on the right path.
Until tomorrow, sweet dreams!
I feel even better after reading chapter 10 tonight. I think that I do trust God because I have given my life fully to Him. I sometimes get a little bit afraid and step back, but then I give my life to Him all over again. I guess I am a work in progress and will be until the day that I enter into His kingdom and worry no more.
ReplyDeleteGod is in control of everything-we are not- even if we like to think that we are. It has taken me a very long time to accept that fact, but now that I have it is amazing to be free and know that everything in life will work to God's will.
Tonight I received a phone call telling me that my great-aunt died. She was very close to my grandma and close to my family. Because of this, I am going to cut this short. God Bless You!
I'm trying to work on the layout of the blog for a couple of reasons. At least two of you have lost a comment (flying around in cyberspace?!) I sure can't find them, even when I go deep into the administrative tools of the blog. Also, with nearing 30 comments, it would seem much more user friendly to not have to scroll down through all of them. I have changed the blog archive to update to weekly comments but as I check now, its not completely updated to this date. I'm thinking maybe daily (?). Then if a person has missed a day here and there, they can search those dates at their choosing. Let me know what you think and we can try either or all of those ways for awhile. Now back to my reading..............
ReplyDeleteI'm playing a little bit of 'catch-up' here as I missed posting last night. I've just finished reading day nine and understand more clearly what PamC and Theresa are talking about. First of all, to think that God smiles is really a new concept for me too!
ReplyDeleteI've never believed that God was a thunder and lightning bolt God that many people shared with me in my younger days. If you did this or that wrong then God would strike you with lightening! Or if some life battles or challenges came your way, then you must have really done something terrible for God to be punishing you so severely!
I'm fortunate in that one of the first verses I heard taught was that it rains on the just AND the unjust!
I'm overjoyed to imagine a Father that smiles down on His children! Just think, even when we're sleeping! I will be sleeping much more soundly from now on, how can you have better security than that?!!
I have to say that I'm blessed in that I've never had trouble trusting God, at least since I've known Him. Another of my very first early Bible teachings was that God's desire is to heal EVERYONE! I'm not here to judge or debate, because this is a very hard truth for many to accept. So I say, it MUST be between you and God personally. In my experience, I researched the Bible to find ANY verse that said 'maybe not this time' or 'only for some people' but its just not there-ANYWHERE. So when my Jessi was born with Pierre Robin syndrome and fading fast my doctor told me to get my family in to the hospital ASAP if I wanted them to see her alive. All I knew was that the Bible said "lay hands and the sick and they WILL recover." (Mark 16:18) So I went to her little incubator and put my hands through the portholes and prayed with no doubt that God didn't create this little one just to have her die and as she instantly begab to get better. The neonatologists in Duluth claimed the fact she healed and lived had to be a miracle because they couldn't find any medical evidence to support her healing! That's all the proof I needed and since then, I'm a living miracle myself as many of you know.
But I'm like you, Theresa, in that I am not always obedient to His voice. I've always used the excuse that I can't always be SURE it was God speaking to me. But now after reading about Noah and his WHOLEHEARTED obedience, well, there are just no more excuses that seem appropriate! Why do we struggle so, when life experience teaches us that to be disobedient and out of God's will can only end in distress and sorrow anyway? Well, I desperately want to fulfill the purpose that God created me for and if that means practicing wholehearted obedience -especially when it seems unpleasant- then bring it on! Let's pledge to support and encourage each other so that when those really tough times come (and we know they will) we can have the spiritual support from one another that gives God pleasure as He sees His 'girls' lifting each other up! Now on to chapter 10 so I can be caught up with the rest of you~ Goodnight!
The whole idea of complete surrender seems so appealing to me, especially after the trials and crisis of this past 18 months of my life. Through the cancer (4 different types now have tried to take my life!) and then the accident, caused by my own choice to drink alcohol, I can't imagine life without God! He has faithfully carried me through these extreme trials and so much more. I know personally and only too well, what a mess I can create by taking up my own life and trying to do things my way. I absolutely LOVE to coordinate and control certain activities and situations. Rick Warren's statement on pp83-4 about possibly needing to surrender my life 50x a day really fits! I'm up to the challenge right now, but I KNOW, as he said, the tests and trials will come so that we can have plenty of practice! I just couldn't sleep tonight! It"s Thursday, (actually Friday 1:13am) and I have work tomorrow. Saturday I get all three grandkids until Sunday night and I know I will exhausted. Yet because I was behind by a day, I laid in bed constantly thinking about getting caught up in this blog and my commitment to God to stay faithful in this reading - How fitting for chptr 11 to talk about being faithful in prayer and meditation! So often I have been caught up in the fact that I NEED at least an hour or so to make it through my prayer list, and I always started my prayer time with several minutes of what I thought was just worshiping God. As we have learned, our daily activities and thoughts are living worship before Him. I continue to feel more and more freed up as I go through this study. Some things confirm that I'm right on track and others minister the changes in habits and lifestyle that I can begin to practice. My desired outcome from this study was to go deeper with God and I've really got some good ideas to work on. Now for some sleep.......! You and your mother are in my prayers, Theresa, I'm sorry about the loss of your great aunt.
ReplyDeleteI saw Theresa yesterday at work and she was SICK! She won't even be able to attend her great aunt's funeral in Alexandria today, so let's keep her and her family in our prayers. We love you, Theresa!
ReplyDeleteThese past few days I've been practicing BEING with God (chpt 9 and 10). Something that I learned early on in studying God's Word is to live and BE in an attitude of prayer. This concept was not completely new to me, but I had never practiced developing a CONSTANT consciousness of having God's presence with me 24-7. And now that I'm trying, WOW, it really does take a focused and committed effort! God gave me His gift of tongues many-many years ago and I pray in the spirit daily. But one thing that I'm noticing now (as I'm practicing being in His presence 24-7) is that its easy for me to let my prayer language take over while my mind wanders all over the place!!(work, home, shopping, kids, etc!) I know that the closer we get to God, the more the enemy turns up the heat, but who knew something that seems so wonderful to me (my spiritual prayer language) would become a challenge as I try to dwell closer to God?!! This just feels goofy but it shows me my lack of discipline!
Chapter 12 goes on to say, all relationships must be built on honesty and disclosure of our feeling -good or bad. "Genuine friendship is built on disclosure." (p94) I was amazed at PamC's blatant honesty about letting her father be the lifeline between her and God.
PamO, you also were beautifully honest in telling us that you had "arguements" with the author. That's not an easy confession to make to a group that is studying and growing from those same words! Pg 95 goes on to tell us that we must have 'BOUTS WITH DOUBT". One thing God appreciates, (He knows them already) is that we express and candidly voice our doubts to Him!! "Expressing our doubt is sometimes the first step towards the next level of intimacy with God!"
Theresa, the disappointment and frustration you have because of your stroke! That has been a struggle with you since it happened and now you say, all you desire is to be closer to God! Think of the power of the intense passion you have for God to be able to say that now!!
God says, "all things work together for good for those that love the Lord."
Just knowing about each others spiritual battles helps strengthen our own hopes of victory!! And I don't think it matters what you share on this blog because our study goes on to reassure us that "what may seem like audacity to us, God views as authenticity." After all the Bible says,"He needed not that any should testify of man; for He knows what is in our heart before we even think it."
Last year when I was drinking and had my accident, I lived in spiritual and emotional defeat! Going through the court system (which is not over yet) has been the most traumatic crisis I hope to ever experience! In His grace, God gave me MANY scriptures and authentic friends to help pull me through but I'm most reminded of this one right now because I think it might apply to all of us in this phase of our study:
Is 43:25-26
"I, even I, am He Who blots out and cancels your transgressions for MY OWN SAKE, and I will not remember your sins.
Put Me in remembrance-remind Me of your merits; LET US PLEAD AND ARGUE TOGETHER. Set forth your case that you may be justified and proved in the right."
God invites us to plead and argue with Him-WOW!! Yes, He truly is a BEST FRIEND and with an open mind! Can't ask for much more than that!!
One more chapter to comment on and then I have a full weekend of grandkids!! Back to reading...
Hi girls! Yes, I am up and at 'em, for the most part. We received a phone call this morning that Brian's dad had a stroke yesterday. It was a mild one, and it sounds like he will recover with some physical and occupational therapy. Keep Vern in your prayers along with the rest of Brian's family.
ReplyDeleteChapter 11 was an excellent chapter because it answered one question that has really had me baffled for about 2 or 3 years. People at church were always telling me they "prayed without ceasing". I would ask them what that meant, and I always received a long answer that really did not explain it. Now, I realize that it is something I do! I am constantly saying one line prayers or prayers for specific people throughout the day.
One thing that I have to be more concientious about doing is meditating on the Word of God. Whether it be a verse, something Pastor spoke on, whatever it may be, I need to dwell it over in my mind and feel it in my heart. I am not very good at remembering Bible verses. I can paraphrase something from the Bible, but 9 times out of 10, I won't remember where it comes from. This is something I need to work on.
Chapter 12 made me realize that I am getting closer to God because that is where I want to be. "Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you." James 4:8 is quickly becoming a favorite verse of mine. I cannot tell you all of the tiny miracles that God has performed in my life. Brian's father is one of those miracles! It was a minor stroke, and hopefully, he will slow down now. God sometimes works in mysterious but effective ways. We have been worried about them moving for about a month, and Brian's dad has been very argumentative for the entire move. He needed to slow down, and this was God's way of getting that to happen. I fully believe that God is drawing closer to me because I have been drawing to closer to Him.
It is really a peaceful feeling to be calm and at peace even when we are facing certain difficulties because we know who God is and everything is in hands. I can still worship and praise Him even when we are concerned with Vern It is an incredible sense of peace.
I don't know if anything I have written pertains to what I read, but it is a blessing to share my feelings with people as wonderful as you. I am of to read chapters 13 and 14.
I have to share this comment with you. It was made to me by my paster's wife when I went to the Methodist church in Texas. I was concerned with the fact that I seemed to cry every Sunday at church. She told me "It is awesome that you cry while receiving God's word. That means it's real to you. When you stop crying, then be concerned."
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! The song Rick Warren includes at the end of chapter 13 is one of my favorites! When we sing that at chuch, I feel like God is right next to me. Another one of my favorite songs is "Friend in God". When I sing this song, I picture God sitting on His throne and me sitting at His feet just talking to each other. I am doing the talking and praising and He is smiling as He listens. Worship and praise time happens periodically throughout the day for me. I try to get "deep" into worshipping and praising God at least a few times a week, but I feel that I need to work on this area so that I do it daily the same way I pray without ceasing.
ReplyDeleteI feel that Rick Warren brings up a valid point when he states, "be specific" when you praise God. Don't just says "God, I praise You" but tell Him why you praise Him. What do You praise Him for? I know that I need to be more specific when praising God. You know, God has done sooo many wonderful things in my life, and I can honestly say that I have not specifically thanked Him for each one. That is a good place to start, isn't it?
Worshipping and praising God is awesome! I will write more when I read chapter 14. This is an exciting study, and I am so glad that I have you to do it with, Rocky and the 2 Pam's!
Chapter 14 answered some more relevant questions that I have been having. I am still a baby Christian, but now that I have some verification from Rick Warren, I know that I will not be considered a baby Christian for much longer in my own eyes. He says that God answers all of the little prayers of a young Christian so that they will believe in Him. I do believe in Him, so that is why I sometimes feel so far removed from Him, because He is testing my faith. For me, the Question to Consider, "How can I stay focused on God's presence, especially when He feels distant?" is so pertinent. I have to remember that "God will never leave me nor forsake me" because that is a promise He made. God keeps His promises. I also have to remember that everything is in God's hands. My step-daughter, my father-in-law, my mother-they are in God's hands. I will pray for them, but what happens in their lives and what they choose to do about it is between God and them. It is a comforting feeling to know that He is in control of everything. I keep telling myself that Moses led the Hebrews around the desert for 40 years but they got where they were going with God's guidance, so I can wait awhile and pray and these people will be led to Him, also.
ReplyDeleteI've been out of town for a few days, but I did read the chapters. I found that I really missed reading the comments and blogs from my "sisters" in the Lord! I look forward to reading your words of truth and encouragement!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read the chapter "When God Seems Distant" I received such great affirmation and instructions! I went through a period of time that I called being out "in the desert." I felt SO dry - it seemed my prayers bounced off the ceiling. I wondered what was the matter with me? How could I reach God? This chapter really helped me to understand what was happening - it said that this period was a time of testing and maturing of my friendship with God. At the time, I was frustrated, confused and even felt anger. God didn't give up on me or leave me in the "desert" - He graciously led me out on the other side, anchored deeper in His word and in His strength and love. I know without a doubt that God will never leave me, that he is always with me and I can depend on Him for everything! What an awesome God we serve!
When we go through tests and trials, it's often difficult to see the good that is being accomplished. When I look back at those times, I can truly see the hand of God in all of the trouble and pain, and I also see that all things DO work together for good for those that love the Lord! God has all things under His control - I need to rest in that and let Him lead the way. I just need to get better at following! (o:
Blessings and peace to all of my sisters!
Pam C. everything you said is so true! God is good, all the time!
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading the chapter titled "Formed for God's Family" and it brought back a sermon we had in church about 6 or 8 months ago. After that sermon, I realized, as I was reminded after reading this chapter, that even though my earthly father is not the best father, my heavenly Father is wonderful! I also realize the truth in what Rick Warren says about our spiritual family is even more important than our earthly family. Yes, I love my earthly family beyond all measure, but my spiritual family will be with me for all eternity. That was a little "scary" for me at first, but after I thought about it I realized that it is true.
I do need to pray for people right away when they tell me that something is wrong or even if something is right, instead of waiting until later, when I am alone. It is my fear of praying out loud that I still have to work on!
God Bless You, my sisters in Christ!
Chapter 14 ends with a pretty powerful question to consider: "How can I stay focused on God's presence, especially when He feels distant?" For me, good ladies, its mostly right here....knowing that there are sisters in the Lord that I have relationship and trust with. Most often this is what keeps me in His Light when things feel dark. When I purposely draw away from fellowship is when I struggle the most to keep my spirit fed.
ReplyDeleteIts so nice to have you back home, PamC! I hope your being gone was for wonderful reasons and that all went well.
Its also nice to know that you are on the mend, Theresa, and that things are as well as can be expected with your family.
PamO, I pray that all is going well with you and that you will soon be back blogging with us! I still don't know how your last blog was lost, but I'm anxious for more from you!
Tonight is our second anniversary as we start a new section of our study ~ our second greatest purpose in God...... Knowing that we are a family together with God as the HEAD of our HOUSE!! WOW~
With this chapter and also chapter 9, I'm learning to think differently about being obedient to our calling here on earth. The measure of our obedience has great influence on the type of and measure of responsibilities that we will be assigned in heaven. It makes me think of a new testament scripture that Jesus shared in one of His parables,
"He who is faithful with little, will be given little. He who is faithful with much will be trusted with much, and he who is not faithful, the little that he has will be taken away and given to the one that is faithful."
(paraphrased by me!)
I had always interpreted that as having to do with earthly blessings reaped from our faithfulness, but now I'm beginning to see it as our heavenly goal also.
Look at how God continues to reveal His deeper secrets and mysteries to us! He promises that if we will just continue to SEEK His Word, then we shall surely find those things He wants to show us!! I'm thrilled to learn more but until next time..
Good night and be fully blessed and Loved by God and me too~
I am very touched by the intimacy with which you women are able to share. It provides fertile ground in which the seeds of faith can grow.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts today are circling around the meaning of "membership"
and my responsibilities for contributing and supporting the groups in which I am a member. Our readings encourage us to express in the way we are led... to be ourselves and that can be a challenge. We all wear so many masks and present ourselves in different ways. It is refreshing to see you being so candid.
I am reading another book called Sacred Companions and it talks a lot about relationships as the vehicle for building the awareness of love and for expressing our faith... This author also talks about the times when we wonder if God really cares and is really present.
In one situation, the author and a person who felt abandoned prayed for "discernment" to be aware of the presence of God - even when things seemed bleak. I remember wondering how Mother Theresa kept so faithful when she experienced years of praying and not experiencing the engagement she did when she was initially called to mission the poor in India.
You all talk about following God's will for you. I'd be honored if you would talk about how you know the answer to that question...and how does God speak to your soul. I still ask myself if I interpret signs in a good way and I reflect on your question to me, Rocky, some years ago.."How do you know those are signs from God and not from darkness?" So how do the three of you process that question today? and how do you build intimate relationships beyond your core family?
Learning in love... and about love.... Pam
Chapter 16 is called "What Matters Most" and that is love. This truly was a powerful chapter to me because I know that living to love life and love others is the reason that I am still here. When I had my stroke, and I was in a coma, I remember someone coming to me and saying, "You aren't done here yet. It's not your time." I truly believe that it was God speaking to me. I completely changed the way I lived my life after my stroke. I mean that I became a totally new person. Before my stroke I was a workaholic, a partier, and a big-mouth. After I knew that I was going to survive, people became the most important thing in this world to me. I work hard while I am at work, but I don't stay late very often because I have people at home that I want to spend time with. I never know what is going to happen so I have to make each day count. I stopped partying and started going to church. I stopped being a big-mouth and started being a listener. I am definitely not perfect, but I am trying to live my life in a way that would please God. I make plenty of mistakes. I miss many opportunities by not doing what Jesus would do, but at least I am trying. I think that is what Rick Warren means by the title "What Matters Most". In my life it is definitely the people and relationships. My relationship with each of you ladies is extremely precious to me. My relationship with our students, colleagues, the people from my church, my family-these are the important things in life.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless You!
Yesterday, I pondered "what is God's will for me" and today's reading says that we should "make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." I can accept that if we make room for a rocky road to get to peace and mutual edification. Sometimes, we can step aside and not say or do what is necessary and our reason is to avoid conflict or confrontation. I remember Pastor Swanson telling me "back in the day" that there could be no resolution without confrontation.
ReplyDeleteHow do you women deal with this paradox? Somewhere in that enigma is the answer for me to what is God's will for me.
"Whoever has not found the Heaven - below- Will fail of it above-
For Angels rent the House next ours, Wherever we remove-"
I share the above poem by Emily Dickinson..It gives such import to the lives we live each day and the "little slices of heaven" we experience through one another on our way.
Theresa, God is the Master "potter" and we are a lump of clay in His hands, defines your life experience! As I've only known you since your stroke, I'm blown away to imagine you in your past. I also appreciate your insight as to how you balance your time and priorities - not knowing what tomorrow will bring. For many that is a gift!
ReplyDeleteI'm also intrigrued by your comments, PamO. In the gospels, Jesus was asked your same question "How do we discern God over the enemy?" Our enemy has been described as an 'angel of light' and a 'roaring lion' all in the same breath!
I can't speak for others but I can speak for me:
1. Can it be found in the Bible? (God promises that His word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our everyday path)
2. Does it bear witness to God's character?
3. Does it bring goodness to others?
4. What is my personal motivation in it?
There may be other priciples involved also, but these four are necessary for me to check out if I am truly desiring to follow God's lead. I want to say that I'm certainly not consistent with being in His will, either! I constantly deal with stubborness, selfishness, and (because we are being candid and all of you know this already) I am constanly challenged with loving my husband. Imagine how that makes God feel! I am currently involved in a personal study of Cynthia Heald's "Becoming a Woman Who Loves". What an amazing challenge this book has been!
Get this: "You love God only as much as the person you love the least." Read that over a few times and then think of that person. She didn't give reference to the Word but I HAD to dig, because I couldn't stand how thought provoking that statement was .........and how uncomfortable it made me feel!! (Especially, in my opinion, if that person didn't deserve to be loved!) Like I said earlier, if its not in the Word I don't take it very seriously. Yes, there it is in Matthew 25:40 "Whatsoever you do to the least of these, you do to me also."
I've also been developing the uncomfortable but necessary habit of asking the Holy Spirit to convict me of my ugliness. So when I think of those people that 'deserve' to be unloved by me, God just reminds me of my faults and how much He loves me in spite of them! You can imagine that's about all it takes to get my 'stinkin' thinkin' back on track~
Yes, these can be powerfully effective ways to help you know the will of God... ESPECIALLY when that bit of uncomfort comes with it, because our flesh really doesn't like what God's Spirit in us desires. I just now had the recall of the little devil on one shoulder and the little angel on the other competing for your discernment... you get the picture.
Most often in the past and still quite often today I find myself being unsure of God's leading and so I rely on the prayer James teaches in Js.1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to ALL people liberally, without reproach, and it WILL be given to him."
The next 2 verses are the real clinchers though. Vv6-7 say "But he must ask in faith without ANY doubt, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. Let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord."
(Now THAT'S a test of faith but ALSO a promise to be had if we only believe!)
The idea that Pastor Swanson shared with you, PamO, triggered a concept that I remember learning under the guidance of PamC as she supervised my student teaching. 'If students are not challenged just a little bit BEYOND their actual ability they will not grow'. This seems to parallell his idea about 'no resolution without confrontation' because the one depends on the other.
One last thought you mentioned, PamO, is a hard one for me also. How DO we love our Kingdom family as much or more than our earthly family?! And how can these relationships become spiritually and often emotionally intimate?
I am in constant anticipation of what the rest of you always have to share here!
Back to reading and looking forward to hearing from all of you tomorrow~
I am sitting here feeling so touched by your thoughtful response, Rocky. And that after reading today's chapter and thinking I had so much to say.
ReplyDeleteAt this point, I can only "Be still"
Just so you know, I copied your thoughts and put them in a file called Blog Inspirations.
The only thing missing is the opportunity to be together and raise prayers of thanksgiving.
Good afternoon, ladies! After reading your latest comments, I went to the garage to paint some trim boards. I spent the whole time pondering your thoughts and questions. This book study has been such a blessing to me in so many ways - one of these being our genuine fellowship together! I know I need and want other people in my life - beyond my family. I feel that our little group shares from the heart in honesty. If this were not true, we wouldn't feel the trust that we do and we wouldn't feel that we could share our thoughts as we do. Through our genuine fellowship in this study, we can express our fears, our weaknesses, our faults, our doubts, our mistakes - knowing that we are accepted for who we are, and no one is going to find fault because of our stumblings. What a privilege this is! When we remove our masks and speak in truth and honesty, we lay the foundation for an intimate relationship with each other.
ReplyDeletePam O., you asked how God speaks to each of us. When I read the Bible, I usually find a verse or passage that stands out and grabs me. This doesn't always happen, but when it does, I feel that God is speaking to me through his Word. Other times, people have spoken words to me that have touched me and remained with me - again I think those are words from God. Over the years, I have tried to be "in tune" with the prodding of the Holy Spirit. When I feel that I should do or say something, I have learned to move forward and do what is on my heart. I DO question sometimes - are those thoughts and words my own or are they from God - but most often I act on these prompts. Each day, I ask God to lead my feet, my heart, my mouth and my thoughts. I want to be obedient and do and say what He wants me to do and say.
A couple of years ago, I was struggling with the question of whether I should retire or keep teaching. I have always felt that I was supposed to be in Cass Lake - I looked at it as a mission field of sorts. Being a teacher was a huge part of who I was. I didn't know if I could leave the profession and be happy and at peace. One of my aunts shared a "fleece" that she had set before the Lord. When I heard her speak, I just knew in my heart that this was what I was supposed to do. Gideon was troubled and sought God (Judges 6:36 - 40)He received an answer from God. So.....I prayed and set out a fleece for God - if it was His will that I retire, I asked that I would have the opportunity to visit, in person, with a certain friend that I email, but haven't seen in a long time, as she lives far away. I chose something that could surely happen, but that wouldn't happen unless God orchestrated it. I didn't tell anyone what the fleece was - just my husband. I was tried and tempted like you wouldn't believe, to forget about my fleece and just go ahead and do what I wanted. I would love to say that I didn't falter, but that wouldn't be true. I would come home from school so often and tell my husband what had been said or done, and I would say, "What should I do?" and he would simply remind me that I had set my fleece with God and I needed to remain steadfast. George has been such an encourager, especially when I was faltering! Now for "the rest of the story"......I didn't see my fleece come to pass, so I sent in my letter of resignation. I felt at peace with the decision. Not long after I was officially retired, I received an invitation to a gathering hosted by the friend in my fleece -and in Bemidji, no less! It was then that I knew without a doubt, that God had honored my fleece and it was in His will that I was to retire. God is faithful and dependable!! I LOVE my retired life!
Until next time.....blessings to you, my friends!
I am so tired tonight that I did not finish the readings in my book, but I did read what you all had written. I was very touched by what each and everyone had to say, but I was truly moved by yours, Pam C. It brough me to tears! It made me realize, for about the umpteenth hundreth time since we've started this journey, just how REAL and Near God is to us all of the time! He is the almighty and I praise Him! Thank you for sharing! I will add my thoughts on the chapters I have been reading tomorrow. Until then, good night!
ReplyDeleteGood morning everyone! I need to apologize for my entry yesterday! I didn't relay the part about my fleece correctly! I realized this at 3:30 this morning - my eyes flew open and immediately I knew that I had made a mistake! I'm so sorry! Anyway, this is the way it SHOULD have read: When I didn't see my fleece come to pass, I then taught one more year. It truly was a year of blessings! I had a very loving but needy class - they will always be very special to me. I had the opportunity to teach with Rocky again, which was just awesome! By the end of my last year, my mind and heart were ready to move on to the next "season" of my life. God knew what I needed and He provided everything! Praise be to God!
ReplyDeleteI am caring for Emma (my granddaughter) today, so I probably won't be writing after my reading is done. We get pretty busy together - tea parties, play dough creations, baking, singing, etc - what joy she brings me!!
Take care, my friends, and be strengthened by His power and might.
Pam C. What a wonderful story to tell about God's timing. and it is just like you to wake up and fill in the details to make it perfectly honest. Your witness is a gift to us all.
ReplyDeletePS enjoy the time with Emma. It must make God very happy to see you expressing such joy together. I give you the word "enthusiasm", Pam. Long ago, one of my pastors explained that the root of enthusiasm was en theos or filled with God...1
Oh, there is so much to comment on, I don't know where to begin. I am overwhelmed with emotions after reading chapters 17-20. I also want to comment on everything that you wrote. It has become apparently clear that I do need to reconnect with my father even if he chooses not to accept. My father and I have never been close. I am noteven sure if he is close to anyone. According to what my mom has told me, my dad had a very harsh upbringing. It made him withdraw any feelings towards anyone. Every once in awhile my sister and I will see his true feelings start to shine through, but he pushes them away before they have had the chance to fully expose themselves. It has been over a year since I have communicated with my dad, and I realize now that I have to step out. We never had an argument, he just seems as if he wants to live his life free from everything and everyone-kind of like a hermit. Well, I am going to pray to God that my making a step towards him will help him to take a step towards God. He doesn't even acknowledge God, and I pray for him each and every day that he will accept the Holy Spirit that is within him and realize that he is loved by God. Please, pray for me and my dad (Dale).
ReplyDeleteOn a happier note, fellowship is something that I receive from members of my church and a few close friends. One person is you, Rocky. I feel that we have a true bond and if I feel that there is anything I need prayer about I can tell you or vice-versa. That is a fairly new realm for me to walk in, but over the past 5 years, I have come to feel confident that the people that I am comfortable to express my feelings with or to pray for specific needs that I or people that know have, will be kept in confidence and will be lifted up in prayer. I never trusted anyone as much as I trust these people. Pam C, I think that you should know that you are someone that I would truly like to fellowship with because you, my dear, are someone that I could trust. We never built that relationship at school but now we are. Pam O, you hired me and then you were gone! I would like to get to know you better as well. I know, in my heart, that you are also a prayer warrior.
Girls, I am truly exhausted from the very little bit I wrote. I have to step into my prayer closet and pray about my dad. Until next time, God Bless all of you!
Hello, beautiful friends! This may seem to be coming from my sister but its really me just staying at my sister's house......(I have already given her a hard time for not risking to comment~ hee!hee!)
ReplyDelete"While our relationship to God is personal, He never meant it to be private!"
Hello everyone, this is Rockys sister Sheryll. We had great day making wreaths. She just left to go home. We had a great time. It was cold out there tho. We sure didnt need this snow right now. I promise to get busy and catch up with all of you.
It sure is nice to be home~
ReplyDeleteMy sister owns a bough buying business in which she buys local boughs,creates wreaths and other items from balsam and fills contracts for some huge southern distributors. I just happen to be one of her wreath makers. I tried going on the blog at her house under her profile but we wouldn't stop working and visiting long enough for me to make any headway.
She's really in a desert place right now and has confessed that she can't seem to find the desire to find her way back to worship. I can say that I know how she feels - I've been there more than once. Please pray for her (Sheryll) as we pray for Theresa and her dad,Dale.
I continue to be astonished as God leads me into a deeper relationship with Him! A large part of that has been having fellowship with this group. Here is what I'm thinking right now:
* AUTHENTICITY
* MUTUALITY
* SYMPATHY
* MERCY
* HONESTY
* HUMILITY
* COURTESY
* CONFIDENTIALITY
* FREQUENCY
I eagerly challenge any of you that feel lead, to join me in creating a more permanent (small group) fellowship founded on these Biblical principles. Please think about what that might mean and look like beyond this purpose driven study. Then let's make a special date to meet and share our ideas.
As I delve deeper into Rick Warren's study, I see God's purpose so much more cleary in so many areas of life! One of the most unexpected clarities I've found is how God desires us to seek out and live out our own life purpose!
I'm hoping we can build that intimate small group fellowship that we've already established on many of the principles found on page 151.
I'm eagerly praying that we will enter into an even deeper convenant agreement with each other to carry us into eternity!!
At your service~
Rocky
How do I protect my church? That is something I have never thought about. As I read chapter 21 and the five pieces of advice that Rick Warren gives us, I started thinking which one of the those do I need the most work in. "Choose to encourage rather than critcize" is probably my weakest area. It's not that I criticize certain people to others, it jst that I often see something that I feel is being done incorrectly and I think to myself "What is wrong with them? Can't they see if they di this, that would go so much better?" or something to that effect. Who am I to think anything? At least they are trying! God, please break me from judging others. You will judge us all one day and I want to be accepted by You. The other pieces of advice, I feel that our church is strong in doing without even thinking about it. I feel very secure at our church, even when we go through a change. It is awesome to feel so good about a group of people that are so important to me. My spiritual family is important and I will do whatever I can to keep inviting people in and making the number grow!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless You!!
"Created to Be Like Christ" is an uunfathomable title. I have a long way to go before I even get close to trying to be like Christ. Rick Warren's statement "Becoming like Christ is a long, slow process of growth" hit me the hardest. "God is interested in building our character" is a line on page 177. I know that I need God in this area. I try to be a kind and caring person, but sometimes I get too busy or too caught up in what I am doing to really listen when someone talks to me. I hear them, but did I really listen? This is the first thing that I need to work on, but definitely not the last.
ReplyDeleteChapter 23 is called "How We Grow". It is fitting, because I know, as does Rick Warren, that I will be growing more like Christ until the day that I go to meet Him. I think that the question for this chapter was a very pivotal question for me, and I feel that I know the answer, at least part of it. I have to stop doing things like I am the pilot. I have to start stepping out in areas that are a little bit uncomfortable for me. An example is going out for coffee one day after work, Rocky, just to talk and see how things are going in your life. We do talk at school, we talk when we are out with our husbands, but I need to step out without Brian and just with the girls. You are my first priority. We are going out for coffee next week. I just need to step out and do some simple things on my own without Brian, and I need to step out more and be a better witness. God is calling me, I just have to listen and move in the direction He wants me to go. I will see how well this goes for me. I pray for God's grace.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for our date, Theresa! I will be looking for details as to the time and place with your next blog. I can't think of a better opportunity in fulfilling our second purpose on this earth in deepening our relationships with one another~
ReplyDeleteI'm captivated with the ideas and scriptures that the author shares about becoming more Christ Like! This has tons of powerful information for you, PamO, as you continue to strive to hear that "gentle whisper" of the Holy Spirit as He guides you in taking the risks that stepping out in faith requires.
I have found my body to be so chemically sensitive now since my bypass surgery and then the various cancers that I've desperately sought God as to how He would have me seek healing. You all know that I took a huge leap of faith and stopped all chemotherapy and now Mayo clinic consistently finds my body cancer free! HALLELUJAH!!!!! Just recently I've also decided that I'm not taking the flu vaccination. Much knowledge has come my way in the area of natural healing and faith so this is what I believe God is leading me to do. It's a beautiful and awesome thing to know how infinitely individual we all are and that God works His Spirit in just as many ways and more for each of us!!
Recipe for becoming more like Jesus:
Equal parts of each~
-Daily Dose of God's Word
-Daily Connection with God's Children
-Daily Trust for God's Guidance
Mix all together with faith, love and hope!
Enjoy with no limitation and in the company of many believers........Remember to prepare extra to take to work and share with friends!
(pg176 paraphrased Rocky version)
Still catching up with one chapter. Tomorrow is our last work day of this week. The four days off are already full for me as I'm sure you too! (Yet flexible enough to fit your date in , Theresa!)
Be blessed with full purpose, Ladies~
The first way to assimilate the truth, receive it, can be my stumbling block. There are many mornings when I am reading the Bible and I think about everything but what I am reading! I knew that this wasn't a good sign, but after reading it, I know it isn't a good sign. I have to be humble and realize that there is nothing more important in my life than receiving God's word with a focused mind.
ReplyDeleteRocky, be thinking about Monday or Tuesday as our day for coffee.
I am going off to think about chapter 24 and how I can become a focused receiver of God's word instead of thinking about work when I read the Bible in the morning. Good night!
I have dozens of thoughts and ideas that are filling my mind! God's essence is creativity, that's how He can speak and things BECOME! My prayer is that the Holy Spirit helps me to organize and purge those thoughts that have no God designed purpose and that I will focus more intensely - purposefully - on those that will worship and bring Him glory!
ReplyDeleteHere is what is on my heart after the last few readings:
God's Word~
*Generates Life
*Creates/Increases Faith
*Produces Change
*Scares the Devil!
*Causes Miracles
*Heals Everything That Needs Healing
*Builds Character
*Transforms
*Imparts Joy!
*Overcomes
*Defeats Temptation
*Infuses HOPE!
*Releases Supernatural Power To Us
*Cleans Our Minds
*Manifests Our Desires
*GAURANTEES our future FOREVER!
I've made a committment and written a plan to help me ABIDE consistently in His Word because I NEED all of those promises listed above that He said we could have if we abide in His word.
I've been a student of God's word for over 30 years. But that has been off-and-on and not ever with unfailing consistency.
3 things necessary to ABIDE in God's word successfully-
1. Accept it as unquestionable authority (this is easy for me to accept, but unfortunately its not always so easy for me to obey.)
2. Assimilate it's truth!
~RECIEVE IT
~READ IT
~RESEARCH IT
~REMEMBER IT
~REFLECT ON IT
Praise God that these are easy for me to do and when I am obedient, I study His Word with these strategies.
3. Apply it's priciples
As I continue to work my plan for consistency, I'm anticipating that application will become more habitual and then hopefully, my seasons of 'wandering' from the Word will be overcome!
It's only taken me 26 days of study with sisters in the Lord like all of you, to relearn and apply the lessons that God has been giving to us! Can you beleive that we have only 2 weeks left of a 40-day journey?
I had one of our silent members ask me yesterday if she could still come on and comment. You don't even have to guess what I said! She's been sharing with me almost daily about something that she's so extremely worried about that she just can't think about anything else. This makes me think of you too, Theresa, because several blogs back you shared with us how you tend to worry so horribly about things.
In chpt. 11 and also in chpt. 24(pg190) Rick Warren taught me something profound I hope to never forget and this is for you, Theresa, and the other friend that is reading...
If you know how to worry, then you are already proficient at meditating! Worry is focused thinking on something that's negative (and something you can't change anyway!)
Meditating on God's Word is the same energy only focused on Him and on His Truth (which are the ONLY things that can change the problem ~ if you let Him!)
WOW! I can't wait to meet you and speak about these things over coffee, Theresa! How about Tues after school? There is a coffee house near the old Marketplace building that has comfortable couches and chairs placed in front of a fireplace. Let me know what you think about that setting. I'm excited to share ideas that I have about continuing this fellowship!
Until next time ~ God's best to you all, Ladies.
This week was very distracting for me. I know that others have been struggling with a number of different trials also.
ReplyDeleteIt feels good to be back....
Chapter 27 has really set me free about a lifelong struggle with tempations and not really understanding how to overcome.
REFOCUS
REVEAL
RESIST
REALIZE
I can honestly say that I feel many of your prayers because as I have confessed (revealed) my struggles to purely love my husband God has done a mighty work, and continues every morning, to lead me in prayer that invites the Holy Spirit to INVADE my heart, thoughts and deeds with agape love for Lynn. Thanks to all of you so much for your prayer support! Yes, revealing the struggles we have might make some feel weak, but the Bible says that its in our weakness that He is made strong!! Beleive me, I desire more than anything that God remains strong in my life!
I miss all of you. As I continue to read with less than one week left, I hope you return to the fellowship......
Until then~