tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36898688152579653732024-03-25T16:30:18.088-04:00His Ways...are not our ways"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-15480606244359140272010-04-06T12:04:00.007-04:002010-04-09T08:37:26.952-04:00Restoration by Another Name<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrz39QEo5Z7BcV8epxtWDPjuG66rFPzU9Bn0DOGWjBXPWPwtWxXTKqk6efvmAnfe45cY-3t-ozf6xphRoDV-VxP-MTgAqXAd5u6R9mKpKyWC3EoKjiXQOZkZjqkpdc9STJ1wWInVB34hv/s1600/Rhododendron+4-5-10.JPG"><span style="color:#993399;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457056753149383762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrz39QEo5Z7BcV8epxtWDPjuG66rFPzU9Bn0DOGWjBXPWPwtWxXTKqk6efvmAnfe45cY-3t-ozf6xphRoDV-VxP-MTgAqXAd5u6R9mKpKyWC3EoKjiXQOZkZjqkpdc9STJ1wWInVB34hv/s200/Rhododendron+4-5-10.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#993399;">Restoration</span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">...something I've been talking about </span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">...something I've been desiring for me and His glory</span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">...something I've been asking from God</span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">...something I've been believing of God</span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">...something I've been proclaiming</span><br /><span style="color:#cc66cc;"><span style="color:#993399;">...something I've been feeling conviction</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#cc66cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Something...for almost three years. Three long years. To be exact, 2.8 years. </span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">I knew the package in which it would be. I knew what it would look like. I knew what it would feel like. I knew the glory the King would receive. I knew the Power it would take to accomplish. I knew who would be restored. I knew; I just knew. </span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">...or so I thought. I thought restoration was of my marriage. I thought God was going to restore beloved and me in our marriage. Restoration but any other means? What's that? Isn't there only one definition? Isn't there only one means and one package for it? </span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">No. God has restored my soul and my heart. God has restored my heart to be full and to be full to the capacity He created in me. </span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">He restored my soul to His during the three years. He restored my heart to full peace and joy that only He could provide. He has restored my hope in something greater than I thought He had already provided with <span style="color:#006600;"><em>Ephesians 3:20</em></span>. He has restored my belief that I can find true happiness. He has restored my faith in love, pure and simple love. </span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">It is possible. Love for a lifetime. Yes, just as He destined for man and woman. Love: an action verb, not an adjective or feeling. For a lifetime: that's forever, until death do us part (or Christ returns). It is possible. It is likely. </span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Restoration: viewed with His lenses and not my finite, restricted lenses. My driver's license says: restricted. For you see, I am restricted from driving without glasses or contacts. I had been viewing God's plan, His desire, His definition of restoration as though I was driving without my contacts. And as easy as it is to pop in my contacts, God literally popped into my heart and my eyes His view of restoration and what it looks like from His position. </span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Wow. Have you ever had vision problems and once those new glasses go on...boom. The world is opened to such a vibrant, crisp, colorful view. I remember when I was in sixth grade and my dad was insistent on taking me and my brother to the eye doctor. My dad being a lifetime military man, he took us to Ft. Knox, KY. Boy, that was a long trip. On the way down there, my dad kept quizzing us if we could read this sign or that sign. In my stubbornness I kept saying "yes!" (Imagine that with a 12-year old snotty know-it-all attitude.) We had our long wait, as expected on a military base, and finally had our exams. Yep, I needed glasses. However much time passed and then back to school for the first day. I usually sat somewhat in the back and I literally without a doubt believed that was "normal" sight. I mean, God didn't create us to see the chalk board in the back of the class room. It was normal. NOT. I put on the royal blue speckled glasses and boom. I could see the numbers in Geometry. For real? How is that possible. I had no idea that is how it is suppose to be. You mean my dad was right? My dad had more insight and intuition in what I needed. Yes. And though I 'saw' that I did need glasses and I could read the board from great distances, that was still not going to stop me from taking off my glasses between classes. No, I couldn't wear my glasses in the hall way where everyone would see me. Because, only those who turned around in class would see my glasses. And of courses, the teachers. </span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">My dad knew better and insisted we get an eye exam. My Father knew better and showed me His way. My Father knew better and began to prepare and heal me. My Father knew better and opened my eyes literally at the fork in the road. So close to take a different road and He put my bff's words very heavy and seriously in my heart. <em>In</em> my heart, to transform it and <em>on</em> my heart, to show me the way. </span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">I still sit in awe of what He has done and the way He's done this marvelous plan of His. Wow. I am so unworthy of His forgiveness, grace, and wisdom. But He's granted it anyway. He is worthy of my praise and worship. He is worthy of my gratitude. He is worthy of my indebtedness forever. He is worthy of me holding His gift so preciously in my hand and tending to the heart He has given me as though it is my very own heart. </span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><em>Lord Jesus, You are so worthy. So worthy. Lord, thank You for this path. Thank You for Your infinite wisdom in knowing exactly</em> what <em>I needed and exactly</em> when <em>I needed it. You, Lord, are the Creator of awesomeness. I will live the rest of my life showing praise to You for the gift<strong>S</strong> You have given me. I will treasure the heart You have placed in my hands. Lord, You have exciting and awesome things in store, don't You?! You truly are the Father of impossibles and the Father of Ephesians 3:20...more than once. There is no limit, Lord, to how many times you can knock our socks off. No, no limit to Your power and grace. I'm so unworthy of Your redeeming love. You, Lord, have restored me and redeemed me.</em> </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Being Restored By Him,</span><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.</span><br /><span style="color:#666666;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666666;">Picture is of my Azalea yesterday.</span>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-18987015749988472482010-02-02T00:00:00.011-05:002010-02-02T08:44:43.136-05:00His: Fully and Completely, Forever<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimet9KJl1qBrHFrYe62X1rQ2_MLhb3uhwR9UxUzoghqQdQ-WCXFTacFS5w_6j4WeXGxCBISjDEyd6dG8dBa9UdDUceWrP-cbOekrEjBup2lugALbknN9zsIKuo3MBR2eEwgTAKJ4Og6SGx/s1600-h/flowers+red+one.jpg"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433372229823551106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimet9KJl1qBrHFrYe62X1rQ2_MLhb3uhwR9UxUzoghqQdQ-WCXFTacFS5w_6j4WeXGxCBISjDEyd6dG8dBa9UdDUceWrP-cbOekrEjBup2lugALbknN9zsIKuo3MBR2eEwgTAKJ4Og6SGx/s200/flowers+red+one.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#cc0000;">Welcome to <em>Yes to God Tuesdays</em> for the <strong>last time</strong> as I temporarily host for sweet </span><a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lelia</span></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"> the online study of </span><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lysa</span></a><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;"> Terkeurst's</span></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"> wonderful book, <em>Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl</em>.<br /></span><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Chapter 18: Forever </span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">I cannot believe that I've been reading Lysa's awesome book for eighteen weeks. Eighteen. That's 1-8. Four and a half months. Wow. It's been a blessing for sure. Thanks to Lysa for her willingness to be real, open, and honest. But mostly, thanks to her for being obedient to God in writing this book. Fortunately, I won't be saying goodbye to Lysa nor this topic. I will be leading my ladies' small group in the Bible study that accompanies this book. We begin next week and I've been anticipating and excited since November when I found out she was writing a study. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Lysa's first sentence in this last chapter struck me. <span style="color:#000099;">"It was one of the most beautiful marriage ceremonies I'd ever attended."</span> In my heart of hearts, I thought, <em>just like mine.</em> Many people said mine was so beautiful and meaningful. I was told that there wasn't a dry eye in the church. We created our own ceremony and it was filled with God everywhere. We were both asked if we had committed our lives to Jesus Christ and then also had words of committed to Jesus throughout our marriage. That may sound very hypocritical considering the state of our union now: still united in God's eyes but not everything as God would desire at this point. My life as it is now, I can't focus on being a bride to a man but rather for this time I'm a bride to my Bridegroom Jesus alone.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">I love what Lysa says here: <span style="color:#000099;">"We were made for the greatest love story of them all. We were made to fall in love with Jesus."</span> Those to me are such sweet words. We were <strong>made</strong> to fall in love with Jesus. And praise the Lord that I've done that. If I've done nothing else right in my life, I'm thankful that He led me to Himself. That He wooed me with His love. That He captivated my heart.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Stay with me as I process this. But Lysa touches on something that Beth Moore has been saying in her study, <em>Esther.</em> I'm going to try to formulate and process it as I write these words. Lysa shares how she had regrets and had not saved herself for her wedding day. She's not alone in that one, I'm positive. However, she's made peace with her past and realizes we cannot go back and change things. Oh how I'd love to change some of my past. To make right my wrongs. <span style="color:#000099;">"My journey through life helped me grow a heart totally and purely devoted to Him." </span>Beth says <span style="color:#666666;">"we cannot amputate our history and fulfill our destiny."</span> She is saying we can't be all that God wants us to be without our past, without our history, without our mistakes and regrets. I can hear Beth's sweet southern drawl (from her CDs) on this emphasis as she repeatedly says <span style="color:#666666;">"are you hearin' me ladies? Are you gettin' this ladies?"</span> Do we? Do we get what both of these ladies are saying? We can't be the person God is preparing us to be without the journey, without the history. We aren't going to be the person destined to be without journeying through life with our experiences, good and bad, in tote.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Now let's get back to this business of falling in love. Just like with any one and any relationship, love doesn't just happen. We don't just wake up saying "I love you" without putting action behind it. Relationships take time being invested, spent, and shared together. Jesus wants the same. <span style="color:#000099;">"We will only fall in love when we draw close, deepened our understanding of Him, and seek to do life with Him."</span> Seek to <strong>do</strong> life <strong>with</strong> Him.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Lysa momentarily touches on the imperfect heroes of faith. My mind immediately thought of David. I did the study, <em>A Man After God's Heart,</em> this past summer. I'm awed, yet blown away, yet fascinated that a man who could do such terrible things could also have this "title" placed upon him. A man who slept with another man's wife. A man who killed. A man who was deceptive. Yet. Yet, he was a man after God's own heart. To me there is <em>no greater honor</em> than to be called a man or woman after God's own heart. But David was a sinner. He had a past, a terrible past. He had ugliness in his history. That doesn't matter. Just like our pasts. They are what they are. We cannot dwell there but rather live today. Live today with Jesus. Life with Jesus.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">The next subtitle Lysa has is <em>Abandon.</em> Oh how I don't like that word. It brings pain to my heart. It brings memories of the worst time in my heart. Is there anything more heartbreaking than to be abandoned. Whether it is from a parent, a friend, a spouse. I've experienced the latter two of those and I'd not wish that on anyone. Abandonment is worse than death. Worse than being separated by death is to be separated by abandonment. It is defined as <em>"to leave completely, to forsake."</em> Just that word makes my toes curl. To forsake someone. On the flip side, I know that no matter who else may forsake me in this life, Jesus will NEVER forsake me.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">If we look at all sides of the word abandon, Lysa says it also plays a crucial role in every love story. Love? How can we associate such a negative word with such a joyous experience? Because it shows up in most all wedding vows. <em>In sickness and in health, and <strong>forsaking all others</strong>, be faithful as long as you both shall live.</em> <span style="color:#000099;">"This forsaking all others is vital to a successful marriage...Leaving behind anything that would hinder the commitment."</span> Wow. Those are very tough words to hear as I long for my failed marriage to be restored to a successful one, where all else is forsaken. If only these truths would have been made known and clear...<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color:#000099;">"Everything I have. Everything I own. Everything I hope for. Everything I fear. Everything I love. Everything I dream. It's all Yours, Jesus. I trust You in complete and utter abandon."<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">I abandon it all for the sake of the call.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Let's never be like the rich young ruler in Luke 18. <span style="color:#000099;">"Instead of forsaking the trappings of this world, he chose to forsake the love his soul was made for."<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Utterly surrendered to God's plans. That is exactly what I want to be. I want to do what causes God to pause: <em>complete abandon to my will and utterly surrendered to Yours, God</em>. Utterly surrendered. Utterly. Surrendered.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">I can sometimes be goal oriented. Or at least I can set goals and set desires to complete certain things but I may not complete them as quickly as I'd desire. That gush of motivation gets beat down by life, laziness, and lack of motivation. Goals are all fine and well as long as they are kept in the right perspective and priority. <span style="color:#000099;">"But when having a goal takes your focus off God and His daily intentions for you, it can cause trouble."</span> Basically, when we are too busy focused on the future and on the things we've just got to complete, then we don't focus on today, the moment right now, or this second. <em>Lord, may I always be open to your unfolding invitations.</em><br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><em><span style="color:#006600;">Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21</span></em></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color:#000099;">"Becoming more than a good Bible study girl means that we desire God's revelations in our life more than we desire our own carefully constructed plans."<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color:#000099;"></div></span></span><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Striving to say and be...Yours God. </span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Fully and Completely. Forever. </span><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"></a></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /> </span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">If you have more to share on your blog, please use MckLinky below to hook up. I would greatly welcome any comments even if you are not doing the study. You don't have to be reading this book to share your wisdom and insight to this post. I love comments.</span></div><div><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span></div><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=16476" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" height="39" border="0" /></a>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-24713204288026913602010-01-26T00:00:00.001-05:002010-01-26T00:00:02.851-05:00Are Your Prayers Dangerous?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKihcQtfSwBi9Q3o4YLDfecZKW9zt7jOlrGoc6R8i7jedMoE2Vyr4CNgj-mOF-cqBVwm2BjTnxJ6mcH1XDs01Kx4bu-4ZzqzHgq7OKVj9H0pQRBOEc9AUNdN3vsxP_jwCLKjBI0Yv77wJl/s1600-h/228.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430809559769301122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKihcQtfSwBi9Q3o4YLDfecZKW9zt7jOlrGoc6R8i7jedMoE2Vyr4CNgj-mOF-cqBVwm2BjTnxJ6mcH1XDs01Kx4bu-4ZzqzHgq7OKVj9H0pQRBOEc9AUNdN3vsxP_jwCLKjBI0Yv77wJl/s200/228.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#330000;">Rain. Hairspray. Bangs. Rain. Spiritual vision speech. Frizz. Forgotten notes. More rain. Where was the Lord? He showed up in the umbrella He provided after Lysa got <span style="color:#000099;">"wet, frustrated, and come face-to-face with something pretty ugly in my heart." </span></span><br /><span style="color:#330000;"><span style="color:#000099;"><br /></span>Welcome to <em>Yes to God Tuesdays</em> as I temporarily host for sweet </span><a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lelia</span></a><span style="color:#330000;"> the online study of </span><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lysa</span></a><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#330000;"> </span><span style="color:#000099;">Terkeurst's</span></a><span style="color:#330000;"> wonderful book, <em>Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl</em>. </span><br /><span style="color:#330000;"><br />Ch 17 Praying the Dangerous Prayers<br /><br />God is so much more concerned with our heart and our character, than He ever is with our circumstances. So if there's something ugly brewing in there, He's gonna do what it takes for us to address it.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">"I realized that most times it's not the big things along my spiritual journey that tempt me to get off track. It's a culmination of small daily aggravations I know God <strong>could</strong> fix but doesn't." </span>[my emphasis] That's a point of contention for me also. Big and small, the things God <strong>can</strong> fix but chooses <strong>not</strong> to fix. Even the things that are godly and would bring Him glory. Sometimes that's very, very hard when it's a big thing very close to our hearts...at least for me. And I've felt satan using that against me. Trying to make me focus on God not fixing things instead of focusing on what God does for me and Who God is to me.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">"But what if instead of seeing these aggravations as inconveniences, I saw them as reminders to draw near to God?"</span> What a wonderful perspective and outlook of these seemingly purposeless aggravations.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#999999;">Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8</span></em><br /><br />And when we draw near to God, He'll speak to us. He'll wave over our minds that we'd never consider without Him during these times of drawing close to God. Sometimes when we draw near to God though, it's more about us being heard and not God being heard as we listen. It's so easy to center our prayers on ways we want God to bless us. Safety, health, ministry, home, finances, kids, food. Those are not bad prayers but maybe slightly flawed. <span style="color:#000099;">"They set my expectations of God to be what I want without taking into consideration the possibility of God's bigger plan."</span> Oh the things He can do when we have poor health, unsafe surroundings, lack of food, troubled kids, miserable finances. He can do things far greater than if we already had an A+ in all those areas. If we have all those things, then why would we need Him. From where would we draw our strength and wisdom?<br /><br />I'm so terribly guilty of this and of not focusing on His bigger picture. In our small-perspective minds we can't fathom God's big plans; we can't envision the vastness of His plans. So we settle to what we can see and what we want. <span style="color:#000099;">"I make God into One who stunts my growth with convenience and comfort rather than One who grows me into a woman of character, perseverance, and maturity."</span> Did you get that? With our perspective <strong>WE</strong> make God to be One who stunts our growth. Yes, by having such a small vision, we stunt our own growth of what we can be if we just get out of our box and our comfort zone. And...take God out of the box we can put Him in.<br /><br />"<span style="color:#000099;">We want the promises but...not the dirt under our fingernails. </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">We want comfortable circumstances but...not transformation changes. </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">We want the gifts but...do we want the Giver more?"</span><br /><br />We don't even come close to touching the promises of Jesus.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#999999;">Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7</span></em><br /><br />Lysa quotes Nancy Guthrie from her article, "Prayers That Move the Heart of God." <span style="color:#000099;">"There's so much to want--healed bodies, restored relationships, changed circumstances. But asking, seeking, and knocking aren't secret formulas for getting what we want from God; they're ways to get more of God. As I listen to God speak to me through His Word, He gives me more of Himself in fuller, newer ways. Then if healing doesn't come, if the relationship remains broken, or if the pressures increase, I have the opportunity to discover for myself He is enough. His presence is enough. His purpose is enough."</span><br /><br />Wow. That's hard. That convicts me because I'm not satisfied with relationships not being restored. I must need a lot more growing because my heart hasn't seen the "opportunity" in this yet. Have I seen some benefits and growth? Yes. But full benefit to view it as an opportunity by remaining unrestored? No.<br /><br />Nancy changed her prayers to be more about getting to know God rather than getting what she wants from God. Then, she began experiencing God in deeper ways than ever.<br /><br />Lysa suggests we go deeper by praying dangerous prayers. <span style="color:#000099;">"Why do we pray? To get things, or get God?"</span> Which is the focus of our prayers?<br /><br />Lysa is focusing on three things:<br /><span style="color:#000099;">♥ aligning my heart with God's heart; </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">♥ escaping from my own selfish perspective of life;</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">♥ and listening, really listening, to God.</span><br /><br />Like Lysa, I too, want my prayers to be more about hearing God than talking to God. I want God to be the One whispering to me. <span style="color:#000099;">"Power enters our prayers...by listening for even the slightest whisper from the One who is all-powerful."</span><br /><br />The beauty of dangerous prayers is <span style="color:#000099;">"inviting the divine presence into otherwise mundane moments. They are dangerous [prayers] because they will not leave us unchanged--and most of us consider change right down frightening."</span><br /><br />Lysa's dangerous prayers:<br /><span style="color:#000099;">♥ God inconvenience me to be constantly reminded to draw near to You.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">♥ Interrupt me, Lord.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">♥ Shake things up in me, Lord.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">♥ Reveal what's in me that's not of You, Lord.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">♥ And, Lord more than anything, I want more of You.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">"You may hear nothing at first. The silence may be deafening, frustrating, slightly disappointing. But don't stop sitting with God. <strong>At some point when God is the deepest desire of your heart, you will hear Him."</strong> </span>[my emphasis]<br /><br />Lord, Draw my heart out of the chaos and into the sweet stillness of Your presence.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#999999;">"Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." Jeremiah 29:12-14</span></em><br /><br />Oh how I love to see those verses quoted, especially 12-13. Those that I call living in the shadow of the well-known Jeremiah 29:11. He will be found. He is not hiding from us. He is listening. He is not turning a deaf ear to us. Come, come to Me. With all your heart. All your heart. </span><br /><span style="color:#330000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330000;">Live more expectantly of experiencing God. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#330000;">If you have more to share on your blog, please use MckLinky below to hook up. I would greatly welcome any comments even if you are not doing the study. You don't have to be reading this book to share your wisdom and insight to this post. I love comments.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#330000;">Wanting to Experience God More,</span><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#330000;">Picture is of my wall decal in my chocolatey living room. </span><br /><span style="color:#330000;">Are you craving chocolate now? I bet you are.<br /></span><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=15745" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-26728045570590354802010-01-19T00:00:00.000-05:002010-01-19T00:00:05.987-05:00Looking For and Finding God<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNorDGTssa2x1Hvl4THlaJzZFhR8vDY6qy52wDIVoQgVF6Bopg9QGqq7tIiipxoZMCE0y93m-sc4EJ30FYyuBSlPgc1yTkbF-QdUCEK6S8TSPmgwNLqAF038Z7MuHKeNdWKthDwzBoTb7T/s1600-h/cflowers3240.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428199656536528418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 129px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 109px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNorDGTssa2x1Hvl4THlaJzZFhR8vDY6qy52wDIVoQgVF6Bopg9QGqq7tIiipxoZMCE0y93m-sc4EJ30FYyuBSlPgc1yTkbF-QdUCEK6S8TSPmgwNLqAF038Z7MuHKeNdWKthDwzBoTb7T/s200/cflowers3240.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#3333ff;">Welcome to <em>Yes to God Tuesdays</em> as I temporarily host for sweet </span><a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#333399;">Lelia</span></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"> the online study of </span><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#333399;">Lysa</span></a><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#333399;"> Terkeurst's</span></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"> wonderful book, <em>Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl. </em></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Ch 16 Finding God in Unlikely Places </span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Lysa entices us at the beginning of the chapter with a story about clippity-clap shoes, publishers, and chocolate-covered strawberries. Again, just showing how real, down-to-earth, and authentic she is. </span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I just turned to the third page only to stop and stare at the heading <span style="color:#333399;">"Seeing the Good in Hard Things."</span> Seeing the good. That means there <strong>is</strong> good in the hard things but do we see it. Honestly, for me the pain and difficulty can easily cover and diminish the good. It's there; we/I just have to intently and purposefully look for it and choose to see it. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em><span style="color:#009900;">In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. Romans 8:26-28</span></em> </span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">He doesn't work things for our happiness or our timing but for our good. It's really a matter of trust. Do we trust the good He chooses? If we trust Him, then the happiness and timing should be of no concern. We know He works for our good. We must trust Him and we'll trust the good He has planned. </span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Hindsight is 20/20. We can see "now" why we had to go through the pain, rejection, and difficulty. We see the purpose in the pain. Many times we can interpret delays as punishment or discipline from God as though we were undeserving of the calling earlier. Rather, it is <span style="color:#333399;">"His way of preparing [us] for it." </span><em><span style="color:#009900;">Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10</span></em> <span style="color:#333399;"></span></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="color:#333399;"></span></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="color:#333399;">"God used that preparation time to teach me how to be passionate about following only His plans."<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#333399;">"Becoming more than a good Bible study girl means waiting for God's timing, waiting for the good He is working in us. And when we're ready to move forward, becoming a good Bible study girl means remembering to help those coming along just behind us. This ensures that our calling is not just about us."<br /></span><br />Lysa shares how she discovered a conference notebook left in the bathroom stall at a convention. She wrote in the notebook before turning it into 'lost and found'. The owner of the notebook, Tracey, was blown away that of 1500 women and hundreds of bathroom stalls, both her and Lysa's paths crossed in divine ways. The entire encounter was solely supernatural by God. Lysa's comment in the notebook was the confirmation Tracey needed with a concern heavy on her for several months.<br /><br /><span style="color:#333399;">"The more we follow Jesus, the more we fall in love with Him, want to obey Him, experience life with Him, and become a beacon of light to others through Him."<br /></span><br />Like Lysa says, I am one of those many people thinking God's plan will come in one lump assignment, one that is so obvious to me. But she believes <span style="color:#333399;">"that discovering our purpose will unfold slowly like a seed planted deep in the ground." </span>Just like the seed, our purpose <span style="color:#333399;">"is revealed through embracing each and every circumstance God brought its way." </span>Read that again. Embracing. Each. Every. God. Brought. Our way. He's allowed it; let's embrace it. It's a tough request but one we must do to completely fulfill His plan.<br /><br />We shouldn't settle for less than what God has for us. And if we are truly trusting God, we will accept and desire His way, knowing it's the best.<br /><br />Obedient to His Word.<br />In tune to His Voice.<br /><br />God doesn't ask us to do great things but just to be greatly devoted to Him. </span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><br />If you have more to share on your blog, please use MckLinky below to hook up. I would greatly welcome any comments even if you are not doing the study. You don't have to be reading this book to share your wisdom and insight to this post.<br /><br />Looking,<br /></span><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=15167" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-65126489105408917472010-01-12T00:00:00.001-05:002010-01-12T00:00:00.405-05:00Sensing Him; Seeing Him<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcUbbVXQLoQxFH1UF6JsNTokGx5BpgUUPIF0mgmzz5u9_H6oQz_W_4oi_j935LwRqVoNxSVLbKxr9wsrG-GAGJWvEYIjFSeNFdQ__x2JkRymr5b5kNp6ZveI1xZCSLgEyXD4FEvGl0n4D/s1600-h/flowers+two+yellow+daisies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425625760075030802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcUbbVXQLoQxFH1UF6JsNTokGx5BpgUUPIF0mgmzz5u9_H6oQz_W_4oi_j935LwRqVoNxSVLbKxr9wsrG-GAGJWvEYIjFSeNFdQ__x2JkRymr5b5kNp6ZveI1xZCSLgEyXD4FEvGl0n4D/s200/flowers+two+yellow+daisies.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#666666;">Welcome to <em>Yes to God Tuesdays</em> as I temporarily host for sweet </span><a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lelia</span></a><span style="color:#666666;"> the online study of </span><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lysa</span></a><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;"> Terkeurst's</span></a><span style="color:#666666;"> wonderful book, <em>Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl. </em></span><span style="color:#666666;"><em><div><br /></em>Chapter 15 A Glorious Sense of Possibility<br /><br />Lysa begins by sharing an experience of delays in her flight to a speaking engagement. Upon several encounters the finally made another flight. Helped by a stranger. Void of any more delays. Many things that to the human eye can appear as coincidence or good luck. But Lysa saw much more.</div><div><br />For me personally, I don’t see anything as coincidence but rather Godincidences. A word I thought I created a couple years ago until I saw it used by someone a few months ago.<br /><br />The word <em>seek</em> can be found numerous times in the Word. One of my favorites is one usually overlooked by its close neighbor, Jeremiah 29:11. <span style="color:#006600;"><em>You will seek Me and find me when you seek Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13</em></span> <span style="color:#000099;">“To see God means to actively look for Him and <strong>anticipate</strong> His activity in everything.” [my emphasis]</span> To anticipate means to expect, believe, know that God is working in all areas of our lives.<br /><br />If Lysa could give every woman only one gift it would be<span style="color:#000099;"> “to glimpse God throughout their days—the miraculous mixed with the mundane. This would radically change the way we think, the way we process, and certainly the degree to which we trust God.”</span> The possibility of seeing God. The evidence of His activity. Knowing God without any evidence is an awesome gift. But to see evidence of His activity in our lives is superb. It is the whip cream and cherry on our delicious hot fudge sundae.<br /><br />A fellow speaker of Proverbs 31 and friend of Lysa’s, <a href="http://whitneycapps.blogspot.com/">Whitney Capps</a>, had a forty foot pole-climb experience that went much further than a physical exertion. As she stopped just 12 inches from the top and tempted to give up, she determined to continue. She did but then fell. Whitney learned that she has little spiritual stamina and stops short of a full-on devotion to God. How many times do we all do that? We set out with a new devotional reading plan, a new Bible study, a new routine with God, and a few weeks into it something happens. The discipline is broken and we fall back into a disrupted devotion.<br /><br />Whitney goes on to say <span style="color:#000099;">“I’m not disappointed that I fell in the last second. I’m glad that I didn’t believe the lies that ‘close was close enough.’ The difference between emotion and devotion may only be a few inches, but the view is dramatically different. Emotion can get you near the top, but that’s about it. Only devotion lets you experience a view so grand it takes your breath away.”</span> Lysa questions why we aren’t more <span style="color:#000099;">“compelled, convinced, and concerned with pursuing God more wholeheartedly.”</span> That word always perks my ears as I’ve been asking for several months for a wholehearted devotion and an undivided heart.<br /><br />Has God’s commands-->Obeys them­-->Love Jesus-->Loved by God-->Loved by Jesus-->Sees Jesus.<br />Our personal road map. Atlas. Mapquest. McNally.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;">Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. John 14:21<br /></span></em><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><em>Whoever</em></span> = everybody. Regardless of church attendance. Regardless of Bible knowledge. Regardless of past actions. </div><div><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;">Has my commands and obeys them.</span></em> His commands are in His Word. The greatest command being to love God with all we have. Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength. The second being to love others. <span style="color:#006600;">(Mark 12:30-31)</span> If we have a wholehearted devotion to God, filled with loving Him and others, it’s hard to lie, steal, cheat, hurt, etc.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;">He is the one who loves me.</span></em> Who is he? Who is this person? The one who has God’s commands and obeys them. There is a direct relationship between our obedience and love. Our obedience is an act that shows our love for God. God wants to be loved. The One who is love. The One who loves. Yet, He still wants to be loved. He desires our love. He desires my love.<br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><em>He who loves me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him.</em></span> This is not a possibility but reality. It doesn’t say I might love you and I might show Myself. There’s no possible in it. I <strong>will</strong> love you and show Myself to you. If we obey Him, it will show our love for Him. If we love Him, we will obey Him. It’s not out of obligation but out of desire. Yes, a desire to obey God unlike a child obeying a parent out of obligation or even fear. Our love for God will compel us to obey Him.<br /><br />Do you <span style="color:#000099;">“dare to believe that Jesus would <strong>love</strong> to show Himself to you? Wouldn’t it make your soul come alive like never before to <strong>see evidence</strong> of His presence constantly and consistently all around you?”</span> [my emphasis]<br /><br />Lysa says <span style="color:#000099;">“I can hardly go through anything in life without seeing God’s hand in it.”</span> My mind is meditating on that. I know God’s hand is on my life and every area. However, I struggle with seeing His hand in certain situations. I can’t see what He’s doing in that conversation, in that relationship, in that emotional low. Yet I <strong>know</strong> He is, though I don’t see the details of His work. Maybe that’s it. Maybe me being such a detail-oriented person I’m looking for details and He doesn’t want me to focus that small? But then the supposed ‘happenstances’ and the ‘coincidences’--the Godincidences--of life are detailed. TMI…too much information on my complex mind for my precious readers.<br /><br />Lysa hits the nail on the head with <span style="color:#000099;">“what if an experience I attribute to God isn’t from Him at all?”</span> That is so me. Sometimes it can be so gray in discerning His hand, satan’s scheme, or my flesh.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;">However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.1 Corinthians 2:9-10<br /></span></em><br /><span style="color:#000099;">“If only you will open up your heart to the possibilities for Him to use everyday things to change you, grow you, strengthen you, and remind you of His amazing love…You will start to see Him. You will start to hear Him. You will get to know Him more deeply. And you will want to follow Him more boldly. And what a glorious sense of possibility that is!”</span><br /><br />If you have more to share on your blog, please use MckLinky below to hook up. I would greatly welcome any comments even if you are not doing the study. You don't have to be reading this book to share your wisdom and insight to this post. </div><div><br />Sensing Possibilities,<br /></span></div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=14537" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-68207458729214727622010-01-05T00:00:00.000-05:002010-01-05T00:00:03.148-05:00"I Like Me"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnaWwIZ2Y250XM-U212KZkvR8tKrSkCHLTct16xJFETJvtyY998-tBa57ofWkP0AMiXWpJ02rIy0pCgL17wwtUD4cqr2Yt-aP7jBBoM7sSH7qYM1kSrJbj3Hc2qzVK1b8TntL9JDO7mP6/s1600-h/flower+pink.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422992558138040434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnaWwIZ2Y250XM-U212KZkvR8tKrSkCHLTct16xJFETJvtyY998-tBa57ofWkP0AMiXWpJ02rIy0pCgL17wwtUD4cqr2Yt-aP7jBBoM7sSH7qYM1kSrJbj3Hc2qzVK1b8TntL9JDO7mP6/s200/flower+pink.png" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Welcome to <em>Yes to God Tuesdays</em> as I temporarily host for sweet </span><a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Lelia</span></a><span style="color:#cc33cc;"> the online study of </span><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Lysa</span></a><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#3333ff;"> Terkeurst's</span></a><span style="color:#cc33cc;"> wonderful book, <em>Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl</em>. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><br />Chapter 14 Learning to Simply Like Me<br /><br />As I read that title I thought 'Oh no! Yeah right!' Let's say I don't have a surplus of self-esteem and liking myself. But I do have more self-esteem than I've probably ever had in 35 years.<br /><br />Lysa spoke of the unique spelling of her name and what comes with that. My niece's name is Maya so we know too well how hard it is to find things with that spelling. Lysa is such a hoot; one of the reasons I adore her so much. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"I had a bubble lettered homemade sign on my knock-off Huffy. Nothing speaks cool like an index card surrounded by duct tap flapping in the breeze as you blaze the trails of childhood."</span> I know about homemade, hand-me-down, make-it-your-own, kind of childhood. We weren't living in plenty either.<br /><br />I dido exactly what Lysa says here: <span style="color:#3333ff;">"I have had to learn to appreciate my own uniqueness and, over time, have grown to like myself." </span>Faults and flaws...God can make them florish.<br /><br />Lysa shares the counter sides of <span style="color:#33cc00;">Matthew 22:39</span> and <span style="color:#33cc00;">Matthew 16:24-26.</span> The debate of whether we should love ourselves. Instead we should learn <span style="color:#3333ff;">"how to make peace with who we are so that feelings of insecurity don't become a distraction to living our faith out loud."</span> A distraction. Not liking who we are can actually distract us from the main thing: living the Gospel and spreading the Gospel.<br /><br />Have you ever gotten a necklace tangled up so bad it takes forever to fix? That's exactly what the self-distracting thoughts do to our hearts: Entangle. Entanglements of self-distracting thoughts.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Hebrews 12:1<br /></span></em><br />That means we are to throw off the thoughts of ourselves that distract, hinder, and entangle. How? <em><span style="color:#33cc00;">Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:2<br /></span></em><br />Our eyes can't be fixed on ourselves and Jesus both. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"Many of us spend years trying to hide or fix what we <strong>perceive </strong>as personal flaws."</span> [my emphasis] Ahem. Perceive. Oh, how much of me I have perceived as flaws of mine. I still do. Super sensitive. Inquisitive. Very Curious. Just a few that come to mind.<br /><br />Lysa tells us to think of things less appealing in us and how Jesus can use those for our good. I'm still baffled how He can use my curiosity and inquisitiveness. Yes, I gain knowledge (assuming my questions get answered) but how much does it bother those on whom I impose questions? Do others see it as me being interested or as a bother? I'm just talking this out but I know that I don't need to know how He will use my less appealing qualities but just know He will.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Jesus would love for us to see ourselves as a package deal of unique qualities that He saw as necessary for the life He's calling us to live." <span style="color:#cc33cc;">A package deal you say? Necessary. My flaws and less appealing qualities are necessary for His calling on my life. Really? Hmm...seems I'd be better off without my irritating, damaging, inflicting flaws. But God knows best. He works it <strong>all</strong> out for our good and His glory. <span style="color:#33cc00;">(Romans 8:28)</span> </span><br /></span><br />In addition to our self-distracting thoughts, we need to avoid past distractions. That is, those hurts, struggles, and trials from our past that distract, entangle, and hinder us.<br /><br />Lysa's abortion early in life was one such thing for her. This statement is rolling around my mind regarding my own life mess ups. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"Up until that point [abortion], the things that brought hurt in my life were caused by others. But the abortion was a choice I made myself."</span> There is such a sense of guilt when we inflict pain by our choices, even those we don't even realize we are making. Revisiting the past pain, guilt, and regret is like continually banging our head on the wall. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"We can't move forward with God when our past keeps pulling us down."<br /></span><br />I leave you with the closing remarks of this chapter in full because it's so good. It's like an equation in my analytical, logical, mathematical mind.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"The more we see our life's purpose unfold,<br />the more we'll be secure in the person God created us to be.<br /><br />The more we become secure in the person God has created us to be,<br />the more we'll be able to make peace with liking who we are.<br /><br />The more we make peace with liking who we are,<br />the more we will be able to untangle self-distracting thoughts.<br /><br />The less entangled we are,<br />the more effective we'll be for Christ.<br /><br />And we'll start to see how we are<br />becoming more than just a good Bible study girl."<br /></span><br />If you have more to share on your blog, please use MckLinky below to hook up. I would greatly welcome any comments even if you are not doing the study. You don't have to be reading this book to share your wisdom and insight to this post.<br /><br />Trying to Simply Like Me,</span><br /><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=13915" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-51781773571607513942009-12-29T00:00:00.002-05:002009-12-29T10:06:49.704-05:00What To Do<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNWc-RFJFmRMXS45JiETn0cXGlMbLdJVU7MDwmH6rEP5yUOlnHdxoBBW337C3vHNKqcyDWT1A3Bis2yA-toOUp8UTqbz_Ur_5WNoCcYfoA65iswKdGbCgPaNbmFuGxbqYjc4TT_KNoFiI/s1600-h/pink+iris.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420419283017287106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNWc-RFJFmRMXS45JiETn0cXGlMbLdJVU7MDwmH6rEP5yUOlnHdxoBBW337C3vHNKqcyDWT1A3Bis2yA-toOUp8UTqbz_Ur_5WNoCcYfoA65iswKdGbCgPaNbmFuGxbqYjc4TT_KNoFiI/s200/pink+iris.bmp" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#666600;">Welcome to<em> Yes to God Tuesdays</em> as I temporarily host for sweet </span><a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lelia</span></a><span style="color:#666600;"> the online study of </span><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lysa</span></a><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;"> Terkeurst's</span></a><span style="color:#666600;"> wonderful book, <em>Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl. </em></span><em><div><br /></em></div><span style="color:#666600;">Chapter 13 What Do I Do When I Don't Feel God? </span><span style="color:#ff99ff;"><div></div><div><span style="color:#000099;">"Alone, misguided thoughts seem benign. But piled on top of one another, they clog up everything...I need to let God peel away the layers of untrue thoughts...move past wishful thinking for a deeper walk with God to the real thing."</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#666600;">What does the word "chosen" bring to mind? Years ago, school years and adult years, it would have reminded me how I'm never chosen, never picked for the gym activity, never picked as the friend, never picked for the recognition, never picked for the job, never picked to be the girlfriend. </span></div><div><span style="color:#666600;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#666600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#666600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#666600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#666600;">Now, I think of God and His chosen ones. I think of how I am one of those chosen. It's not instant nor come natural to believe: He gives individual attention; He pauses to spend time with me; He sees me as unique. But in this journey of faith, I can stand tall knowing and saying confidently I <strong>AM</strong> chosen by God Almighty. Though I don't really know why...going back to that not-chosen, not-picked mentality, that says there's nothing worthy of choosing. </span></div><div><span style="color:#666600;"></span> </div><div></div><div></div><div><em><span style="color:#006600;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="color:#006600;">Therefore, as God's <strong>chosen</strong> people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12</span></em> <span style="color:#666600;">I find it no coincidence that this was also the verse of the day on air1.com for Monday, the day I typed this.</span> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><em><span style="color:#006600;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="color:#006600;">If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have <strong>chosen </strong>you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. John 15:19</span></em></div><div><em><span style="color:#006600;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="color:#006600;">In Him we were also <strong>chosen</strong>, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the <strong>purpose</strong> of His will. Ephesians 1:11</span></em></div><div><em><span style="color:#006600;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="color:#006600;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="color:#006600;"></span></em></div><div><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#666600;">Chosen. Picked. Specifically. Purposefully. </span></div><div><span style="color:#666600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#666600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#666600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#666600;">Since love is not a feeling, we don't have to feel love to love someone. Therefore, love exists regardless of our feelings.</span> <span style="color:#000099;">"God never meant for us to feel our way to Him."</span> <span style="color:#666600;">We are to <em>love</em> our way to Him. </span></div><div><span style="color:#666600;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#666600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#666600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#666600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#666600;">I would guess that everyone in their Christian walk would say they felt God distant or not there at least once, if not more, in their walk. The key to that fallible thought is feel, feeling</span>. <span style="color:#000099;">"When I process life through my feelings, I am left deceived and disillusioned. When I process life through God's truth, I am divinely comforted by His love and made confident in His calling on my life."</span><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#666600;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#666600;">How many times have we also said we don't feel close to God? Again, God is always close to us, as close as a whisper, as close as a breath. Lysa says instead</span> <span style="color:#000099;">"God is close, and if I choose to be close back, He'll rearrange my feelings."<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><em>Rearrange me, Lord. Rearrange my feelings, Lord.<br /></em><br />I've read many books on the subject of love and the resounding truth is this: we must choose to love and the feelings will follow. Upon God's disclosure of this truth, I can no longer accept the excuse from others or from myself that "I don't love him; He doesn't love her." We <strong>DO</strong> love and <strong>then</strong> we <strong>feel</strong> love. Period. It's a command to love. There is no choice. We can't say I don't have love feelings for her. I don't feel love for her. We just do it. This applies to our relationship with God also. We must purposefully choose to love God and be close to Him and the heart will follow with the feelings of love and closeness.<br /><br />Make a choice despite the feelings.<br /><br />Lysa shares her journey of how she began running little bits at a time until it developed into a desire and habit. But running is still a choice she has to make every day even when the desire to stay in bed is strong. Her friend chuckled upon hearing this because she thought it had become effortless. Though some days are easier than others, none are effortless. The same is true for our relationship with Christ (and other humans for that matter). Some days are easier than others to make the time to spend with God. But every day takes effort and an intentional choice to make time amongst the busyness.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><em>One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple. Psalm 27:4</em></span> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#666600;">Pause. Wait. Dwell. Seek.<br /><br />No time with God should ever be counted as loss.</span> <span style="color:#000099;">"If we make the choice to ask for God's revelation and help, He will not leave us empty-handed or empty-hearted."</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><em>Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk inYour truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name. Psalm 86:11</em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#666600;">Since finishing Beth Moore's study, <em>A Heart Like His</em>, several weeks ago, I have been praying for an undivided heart and a wholehearted devotion.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">"It's making the choice to recognize God is close."<br /></span><br /></span></div><span style="color:#666600;">If you have more to share on your blog, please use MckLinky below to hook up. I would greatly welcome any comments even if you are not doing the study. You don't have to be reading this book to share your wisdom and insight to this post.<br /><br />Making the Choice,</span><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span></div><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=13439" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-80840376018182132282009-12-22T00:00:00.000-05:002009-12-22T00:00:00.329-05:00Admitting: He Can Hurt My Feelings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46OLkvnBZjYDBtIx4HuEofKuPpWtg5Y6OhPFhTROL-hIOcmnJUvaJHkwcLjQIct8VrM5ZuiuQzyJc3HLUclwRodEZVGm8jqhe2-XFs0DopQ90EmV8T3cp9oBMzCHVSAP6wrEnrVHM0ArA/s1600-h/duskycoralpea.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417766738560038098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46OLkvnBZjYDBtIx4HuEofKuPpWtg5Y6OhPFhTROL-hIOcmnJUvaJHkwcLjQIct8VrM5ZuiuQzyJc3HLUclwRodEZVGm8jqhe2-XFs0DopQ90EmV8T3cp9oBMzCHVSAP6wrEnrVHM0ArA/s200/duskycoralpea.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#990000;">Welcome to <em>Yes to God Tuesdays</em> as I temporarily host for sweet</span> <a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/">Lelia</a> <span style="color:#990000;">the online study of</span> <a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/">Lysa</a><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"> Terkeurst's</a> <span style="color:#990000;">wonderful book, <em>Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl.</em> </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;">Chapter 12: When God Hurts My Feelings<br /><br />Hmmm...was my first thought upon reading this chapter's title. Because one of my flaws is being super sensitive...a curse and a blessing. Lysa says it best. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"I don't know another way to say this, so I'll just shoot straight. Sometimes God hurts my feelings. Now, hear me out. I don't mean this in an irreverent way. I very much know my place, and I very much have a holy reverence for God. But tiptoeing around my gut reactions and pretending to be just fine-fine-fine with everything that comes my way doesn't pave an authentic connection between my heart and God's." </span>God already knows our thoughts so He already know our feelings are hurt...hurt by Him. Admitting it begins healing and freedom.<br /><br />I'm very bold in nature. Again, a blessing and a hurdle. Sometimes I am too bold and it takes discernment when to hold back and just zip it. Zip it shut and nip it. Nip it in the bud. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"</span><span style="color:#3333ff;">It's just that the bolder I am with pouring out my heart to Him, the bolder He is with His responses to me."</span> So, I don't have to hold back my boldness with God. Like Lysa, I want God to be bold to help me discern between His voice speaking to me and my own. Much of my turmoil is not knowing when He is speaking and when it's simply me, especially in those desires that can be godly. God's boldness can enable us to look at things from His point of view.<br /><br />When the painful situation of rejection and disappointment from losing a project turned into full-blown bitterness, Lysa went to God with her anger in boldness and she received the same in return. Not anger, but boldness.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Misperceptions. Sin-clouded views. Stubborn refusal.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"He addressed my misperceptions about the situation by helping me to see it from another perspective."</span> It is so easy to do and we must remember God makes good out of bad. We never know when He is doing a work in the other person and not just us. He can make up for any loss.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"He helped me to see how sin clouded my view and that I was refusing to acknowledge my part."</span> Sin...anger, bitterness, self-absorption. Often our view is clouded by what we think we deserve and what we think is "ours" whether it be opportunities or rights. The "mine" mentality.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"He showed me my stubbornness and my refusal to extend grace in my effort to prove I was right."</span> Ouch. We want to be right. We want to see justice and fairness. Our flesh has this nasty temptation to want those who've hurt us to feel the same hurt. Maybe it's really a cry for our hurt to be acknowledged and understood by the "offender" inflicting the pain. But it's not our place to judge and withhold forgiveness or grace. What if God withheld forgiveness? Oh wait, He does if we withhold forgiveness. <em><span style="color:#006600;">But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, <strong>so that</strong> your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Mark 11:25 [my emphasis]<br /></span></em><br />Hurting people hurt people. </span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><br />Every hurt is an opportunity to grow. A lesson to be learned. A step to be strengthened. Our character to be shaped in Christ's likeness. Sometimes <span style="color:#3333ff;">"the hurt comes in the form of a loss that cuts into your heart so viciously it forever redefines who you are and how you think."</span> Lysa calls it deep grief <span style="color:#3333ff;">"that strains against everything you've believed. So much so you wonder how the promises that seemed so real on those thin Bible pages yesterday could ever possibly stand up under the weight of your enormous sadness today."</span> I couldn't have said it better. The weight does seem so enormous, too enormous even for our Mighty God to lift. Lysa later says <span style="color:#3333ff;">"It's understandable, really. We are told from an early age that God can do anything, and we've read the stories about Jesus helping people. But how do we process such beliefs in the face of loss?...the loss of any kind hurts."<br /></span><br />Processing this really is supernatural and takes the power of the Holy Spirit within us. There's no other way to wrap our minds around a God who can do anything but not save our loss. As Lysa says, it really is a matter of not focusing on the why. It is a natural reaction of our heart and mind to ask why. The danger is letting those questions manifest anger in us and push us away from God.<span style="color:#3333ff;"> "Trying to come to grips with the fact that God could have prevented this grief but didn't is a bit like trying to catch the wind and turn it into something visible."<br /></span><br />I never thought about it but listen to what Lysa says here. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"</span><span style="color:#3333ff;">If God gave us His reason why, we would judge Him. And His reasons, from our limited perspective, would always fall short. That's because our flat human perceptions simply can't process God's multidimensional, eternal reasons."</span> Isn't that true? He could give us a reason but would that satisfy us or would it just cause us to ask "but why?" <em>Can't You, Lord, fulfill Your plan in another?</em> Yes, His reasons would fall short because we would always find a reason to do it differently or another way He could fulfill it.<br /><br />I find it no coincidence that after discussing deep grief, inability to understand, and questions of why, that Lysa quotes the verse of my blog. The verse I try to claim, as in try to focus on my life being in His hands and being done in His ways and not mine. I do not have the mind of God nor the understanding of God. But I must trust His ways to truly be so much better than what my small, lateral mind can fathom. Trust me, it's a daily reminder because I can see my plan working well and bringing God glory. <em><span style="color:#006600;">For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9<br /></span></em><br />His scope is wider. His thoughts are more complete. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"He is more capable of accurately discerning what is best in every circumstance."</span> I need to tape that to my forehead. It's not at all that I don't believe it but rather I know He doesn't infringe upon our free will. So, is His best occurring in my life if He's not able to have free reign and able to give me His best because He won't infringe upon the free will of others? His character won't invade free will.<br /><br />Asking why to our deep grief can still make us feel God had made an awful mistake. So Lysa suggests we instead ask what. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"Now that this has happened, <strong>what </strong>am I supposed to do with it?" [my emphasis]<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Good can come from any loss if we make the choice not to resist the birthing process required to bring this good to life."</span> <em><span style="color:#006600;">And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28<br /></span></em><br />Every loss takes time. Time to see the good, even if only morsels at first. "<span style="color:#3333ff;">It takes being caught off guard when you catch yourself smiling, only to realize it's okay."</span> It's easy for me to make funnies because it's who I am and I desire to make others laugh (including myself). But when that laugh comes from deep inside and brings a sense of peace and joy, even for <em>that</em> moment, that is what catches me off guard. In addition to time, it takes prayer and "<span style="color:#3333ff;">making the decision to stop asking for answers and start asking for perspective."</span> Hmmm.<br /><br />This chapter has really hit me in some good places...in some places of pondering. It's reinforced and shown me to:<br />♥ always trust God's plan<br />♥ be on guard for unforgiveness<br />♥ be bold in my pain to God<br /><br />If you have more to share on your blog, please use MckLinky below to hook up. I would greatly welcome any comments even if you are not doing the study. You don't have to be reading this book to share your wisdom and insight to this post.</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">Seeking the Good, Releasing the Hurt,<br /></span><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=13143" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-73453121592472380182009-12-15T10:00:00.006-05:002009-12-15T10:18:19.906-05:00Get Your Groove On<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizS0LhkffN40fIJjC-BnCU8uL_dNA9NrMkIjorbTGLE4zJLbyEzUHq7jQv0r3K_dlY1CkhDC52ZatI41mxEkoGDjOJwVlwG8IFKhyphenhyphenV15EXSahA5tN9NyWFQyPuQFXrKqr0xIzx_MKrab4T/s1600-h/bleeding-heart-11.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415478968602176578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizS0LhkffN40fIJjC-BnCU8uL_dNA9NrMkIjorbTGLE4zJLbyEzUHq7jQv0r3K_dlY1CkhDC52ZatI41mxEkoGDjOJwVlwG8IFKhyphenhyphenV15EXSahA5tN9NyWFQyPuQFXrKqr0xIzx_MKrab4T/s200/bleeding-heart-11.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#999900;">Welcome to Yes to God Tuesdays as I temporarily host for sweet </span><a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Lelia</span></a><span style="color:#999900;"> the online study of </span><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Lysa Terkeurst's</span></a><span style="color:#999900;"> wonderful book, <em>Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl</em>.<br /><br />Chapter 11: How Jesus Helps Me Get My Groove Back<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"It's ironic that when we set out to help others, we are often the ones who receive the greatest gift."</span> I can't help but to think it's no coincidence nor ironic but rather how God designed it. If you will, the 'reward' for giving is to be blessed in return. </span><br /><span style="color:#999900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#999900;">That is exactly what happened to Lysa when she and other Proverbs 31 gals went to Ecuador. She visited a woman who has five children with her husband living in a dark cavern called home with a kitchen, bedroom, dirt floors, rock walls, fire pit, two cots, and cardboard box-repaired-ceilings. When Lysa asked how to pray for her, she said for her husband to know Jesus, him to find work, and her to have strength to care for her family. She did not ask for her circumstance to be changed but rather<span style="color:#3333ff;"> "simply for God's provision in the midst of her circumstances."</span> Like Lysa, when we set out to give, we get.<br /><br />There's nothing more likely to humble us over our petty complaining than such a visit and encounter. However, life happens and the effect of the experience fades. Lysa entered an emotional funk, asking <span style="color:#3333ff;">"God to please interrupt my feelings with His truth."</span> That's genius. I love that request. <em>Interrupt my feelings, Lord and shed Your truth on me</em>. And God did just that for Lysa with a one-word answer: thanksgiving. Lysa began listing the things that brought thanks <span style="color:#3333ff;">"and the more I verbalized what I was thankful for, the less cloudy my heart felt."</span> The most basic things, for which we should be so grateful, are the very things we so easily take for granted. Running water. Electricity. Laundry. Car for easy transport. Money for groceries. Refrigerator to store food. Messes. Constant Interruptions. The very basic let alone the luxuries. Cell phones. Computers. Televisions. Abundance of clothes. To mention only a few. And at the end of it we should always find: thanksgiving.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Thanksgiving is the very way Jesus helps us get our groove back."</span><br /><br />Praising will defeat our uglies and thanking will defeat our bad attitudes. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"The uglies cause us to lash out; an attitude funk causes us to shut down."</span> As if that weren't enough... <span style="color:#3333ff;">"Bad attitudes breed bad attitudes. Grumpy hearts breed more grumpy hearts. Ungratefulness breeds ungratefulness."</span> The opposite can be true also. Good things will breed more good. So praising God breeds more praising. The more we praise the more we find for which to give God praise. The more we thank God the more we recognize to be thankful. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"And a person who daily practices both praising and thanking has a rare joy that very few people posses."<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"A person whose life is characterized by constant praise and thanksgiving despite their circumstances will shift from just verbalizing their praise and thanksgiving to living it out loud through their courageous stance for Christ."<br /></span><br />When reading that quote, I think of Paul who lived contently in prison or Job who had everything taken. But it is also an illustration of the lives of Peter and John. In the book of Acts, they healed the crippled beggar, who went to the temple daily begging for help. Pleading. He wasn't given a second look or thought by passersby. Upon seeing Peter and John, he asked them for money. They looked straight at him and Peter said <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">"Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Acts 3:6</span></em> And indeed he did walk. He <strong>jumped</strong> to his feet. Can you imagine? I admit if I saw this today, I'd be filled with doubt. My analytical, logical mind would want it explained. Furthermore, if the person to tell me that it was by the power of Jesus, I'd about even more. Not that I doubt Jesus' power but the world today is filled with many prophesying to have such power like B*nny H*nn. Why can't I believe He heals by men today yet I have no doubt that Peter and John healed in Jesus' name. The onlookers at this time were shocked, astonished, and surprised. Peter and John clearly stated it was not by their own power that this man walked.<br /><br />Isn't it amazing that despite the strong opposition and subsequent jailing, many believed . 5000 many. God was still sitting in His glory. He was not defeated by the nay-sayers and doubters. <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">"When they [rulers and elders] saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were <strong>astonished</strong> and they took <strong>note</strong> that these men had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13</span></em> [emphasis added]<br /><br />Wow. It was so apparent to others, to doubters, that they had been with Jesus. Can others tell I've been with Jesus? Is Jesus overflowing out of me so others can see Him and feel Him during my ordinary day? <span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>"We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:20</em></span> They could not help but share Jesus. Is that my attitude or am I concerned with the fear? With being frustrated and grumpy? With my own daily routine?<br /><br />I believe the Lord to be One filled with much grace, understanding an attitude of thanksgiving and praise is not born over night. Remember, where Peter was at one time...he denied knowing Christ. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"They were inconvenienced and threatened in ways I can't even fathom. And yet their response was to boldly proclaim from their praise-filled, thankful hearts...It was the overflow of their lives and it became the routine of their lives."</span> [emphasis added]<br /><br />That routine overflow is how Jesus helps us get our groove back. Groove is defined as 'a fixed routine.'<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"What is the fixed routine or natural inclination of our heart? Is it thanksgiving and praise as we see and count the blessings of our life? Or is it grumbling and complaining because we see our blessings as constant burdens to bear?"<br /></span><br />I very much dido what Lysa says. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"How I long to be like the apostles who were so <strong>consumed</strong> with thanksgiving that people took <strong>note</strong> they'd been with Jesus."</span> [my emphasis]<br /><br />♥ Overflowing evidence<br />♥ Intentionally verbalize<br />♥ Practice thanksgiving<br />♥ Live it out loud<br />♥ Breeds more thanksgiving<br />♥ Natural groove of our heart<br /><br />If you have more to share on your blog, please use MckLinky below to hook up. I would greatly welcome any comments even if you are not doing the study. You don't have to be reading this book to share your wisdom and insight to this post.<br /><br />Getting My Groove On,<br /></span><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=12720" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-14495492598639389882009-12-08T00:01:00.006-05:002009-12-08T09:05:52.829-05:00Power of Praise in the Uglies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8TlYsUK2zWk_F3SSKdg99S1iGqaCkePukWma5W5t-L5d4qx3y80ZsuE2jZOlsHQtxoppA8FoQTcSHa_tcvPoKR_q4UhZSwgdxoEvosUAOUUtDGd-_Dz6DJqmYu_hGOwQT0qL9mvZvQfB/s1600-h/petunia-maroon-dark.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412654106880857922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 167px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8TlYsUK2zWk_F3SSKdg99S1iGqaCkePukWma5W5t-L5d4qx3y80ZsuE2jZOlsHQtxoppA8FoQTcSHa_tcvPoKR_q4UhZSwgdxoEvosUAOUUtDGd-_Dz6DJqmYu_hGOwQT0qL9mvZvQfB/s200/petunia-maroon-dark.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#cc0000;">Welcome to <em>Yes to God Tuesdays</em> as I temporarily host for sweet </span><a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#333399;">Lelia</span></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"> the online study of </span><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#333399;">Lysa Terkeurst's</span></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"> wonderful book, <em>Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl</em>. </span><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330099;"><span style="color:#333399;">Chapter 10 When My Ugly Comes Out</span> </span></div><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Lysa is all about everyday struggles. She is so real and experiences the same basic daily struggles as us. What happens to you when you discover every piece of laundry has red splotches from lipstick? Lysa admits what happens to her...tenderly referenced as her uglies.</span><span style="color:#333399;"> "Suddenly you'd never know I have been to church the past five Sundays in a row. My flesh just rises up, ushers my good Bible study self right out of the laundry room, and strips from my mind ever verse on patience I've ever memorized. I default to acting like a crazy woman. Crazy, I tell you. It's the kind of crazy that makes me awake at night and vow to do better. But then it happens again, and the shame, guilt, and feelings of yuck make me pull back from God and deem myself a failure."<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#333399;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">When life gets messy, <em>real</em> messy, too messy, we can get ugly. Lysa is woman enough to admit it. So after life got messy, inconvenient, ill-timed and ill-tempered, Lysa turned to the real help she wanted. Jesus. And prayed. <span style="color:#333399;">"Block me from acting how I feel like acting, and show me how to diffuse my frustration and anger."</span> I love this because I so needed this in past times of extreme frustration and anger that caused the ugliest of uglies to be revealed, regrettably revealed.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">After her prayer, Lysa received an email asking for prayer for the family of a fellow author and blogger who lost her battle with cancer. This stirred many thoughts in Lysa as it would all of us as we recognize the fragility of life and the importance of what transpires between the dashes (birth and death).<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Lysa was blessed in making the connection between her spoken prayer and God's direct answer to it. <span style="color:#333399;">"I suddenly realized that God is always present, always aware, always available, and always actively participating in our lives if only we'll make the choice to see Him--really see Him."</span> That is awesome. I love that statement, don't you?!<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">An excellent example to follow in our ugly moments is from <em><span style="color:#999999;">Psalm 103:1-5. </span><span style="color:#999999;"><span style="color:#999999;">Praise</span> the Lord as He: Forgives us. Heals us. Redeems us. Loves us. Satisfies us. Strengthens us.</span></em><br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">God probably couldn't feel further away from all of us than when our ugly appears. However, it's not that He left us at all but rather we've left Him; we've left His commands. Even in that, we are still not left without His grace. <em><span style="color:#999999;">Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16</span></em> We should run after Him, seeking and receiving His mercy and grace to aid us and our uglies. We don't run to Him after we've corrected our ugly moment but rather in that moment so He can correct us, cleanse us, help us, and love us.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Lysa says it best, and sweetly. <span style="color:#333399;">"Grace is the sugar that helps the bitter pills of confession and repentance go down without choking."</span> Bitter and BIG pills. Though repentance is freeing it is still very bitter and big. It's very difficult to realize not that we've <em>just</em> done wrong but that we've done wrong against God Almighty.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">If I've heard it once, I've heard it a hundred times: praise, praise, praise. There is power, purpose, and presence in praise. His power is released in praise. His presence is clear in praise. His purpose is revealed in praise. </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">Lysa shares three life-changing words: <span style="color:#333399;">"Praise the Lord"</span> or in the world of texting and abbreviations that would be PTL. <span style="color:#333399;">"Praise is the key that releases God's character back into even the ugliest of attitudes and darkest of situations."<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Praise --> His Presence --> Fruit of His character.<br /><em><span style="color:#999999;">God inhabits the praises of His people. (paraphrased from Psalm 22:3 KJV)</span><br /></em><br />Lysa points out the obvious, we don't <em>feel</em> like or even want to praise God in our ugly moments. But just as we don't feel like saying no to that double-chocolate-fudgy-nut-caramel-cake, we have to make a conscious effort to resist it. We must also make a choice to praise.<br /><br />Gratitude and praise are not the same. We need not be grateful for the bad circumstances but rather praise God for being in the midst of them. Despite the cancer, the financial troubles, the job loss, or the deteriorating home, we praise God for His sovereignty, His control, His provision.<br /><br />I admit I operate much in my feelings and emotions. I am an extremely sensitive person, too sensitive unfortunately. It's like a double-edged sword or better yet a rose bush with thorns. There is good and bad to being a sensitive soul. Like Lysa says, <span style="color:#333399;">"</span><span style="color:#333399;">when we choose to operate in the sovereignty of God, we are choosing to operate in the power and authority of God."</span> There is no greater place to be. NONE! We will never live with more power and authority than when we live in His sovereignty. No position, no amount of money, no status, will ever give us this kind of power and authority.<br /><br />We must make praise a discipline, practicing it over and over, forming it into a natural habit.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Lysa suggest five areas which can make us susceptible to ugly situations and the uglies just spewing out of us. Not enough sleep, not enough time, not enough boundaries, too much sin, not enough fun events.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#333399;">We should ask:<br />Am I overly tired?<br />Am I overly committed?<br />Have I compromised some of my healthy boundaries lately?<br />Is there sin in my life I'm avoiding?<br />Do I have things on my calendar to look forward to?</span></div><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">If you have more to share on your blog, please sign up using MckLinky below.<br /></span><br /><div></div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Praising Through the Uglies,</span><br /><div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span></div><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=12054" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-74655641387590320142009-12-01T00:00:00.002-05:002009-12-01T00:00:05.688-05:00Words: Life or Death<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWXZhB4YFrliesmx4EntGxaLtH2QUM_9S0IXoWhM7vF56MzTNodz9VoMeRp5DS35IydXuvqN2jGW2w6SnsGZpwkcrZUynawBcd_PDL75jnD7CAD5e9cX9cCOLTp40TN-aKnYlQVyfeJ9K/s1600/white.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409951380168966786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 192px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWXZhB4YFrliesmx4EntGxaLtH2QUM_9S0IXoWhM7vF56MzTNodz9VoMeRp5DS35IydXuvqN2jGW2w6SnsGZpwkcrZUynawBcd_PDL75jnD7CAD5e9cX9cCOLTp40TN-aKnYlQVyfeJ9K/s200/white.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#666600;">Welcome to Yes to God Tuesdays as I temporarily host for sweet </span><a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lelia</span></a><span style="color:#666600;"><span style="color:#000099;"> </span>the online study of </span><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lysa Terkeurst's</span></a><span style="color:#666600;"> wonderful book, <em>Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl</em>. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#666600;">Chapter Nine "Corss My Heart and Close My Mouth" </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#666600;">Lysa shares that during the last few steps of childhood she had a secret. One she desperately wanted to share with Sally. Yet, she wondered if it would come back to bite her in the butt more or less. Sally proved faithful and trustworthy as she never shared Lysa's secret of her crush on...a...boy. </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">I've learned to be very cautious in what I share because I do fear that my words would be used against me as they have in the past. </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">"A friend who guards her words is a gift."</span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">Trust. Loyalty. Secrets kept. Secret not shared. </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">Words. Spoken by a friend.</span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">Lift up. Encouraged to achieve.</span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">Tear down. Rendered powerless. </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">Lysa admits this to be one of the most challenging issues when becoming more than a good Bible study girl. It is this exact topic that is such an important lesson Jesus teaches us. <em><span style="color:#cc9933;">A new command I give you: love one another. As I loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35 </span></em></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">No choice. No option. A command. Not a little. Not some. Not when I want. Love as <strong><em><span style="color:#cc9933;">I</span></em></strong> have loved. And He loved to the Cross. </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><span style="color:#000099;">"For others to meet the reality of Jesus in our lives, we must be women of carefully chosen words. What comes out of our mouths is a tell tale sign of who we are, who we serve, and what we truly believe."</span> Wow...that makes me really consider my every word, every gesture, every action. </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">So what does this mean? What does it require of us? A conviction in our heart and a denial of temptation in our teeth. Lysa shares it requires us to: </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">♥ Refuse to gossip</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">♥ Choose not to judge</span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><span style="color:#000099;">♥ Be secure in our unique calling</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">REFUSE TO GOSSIP </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">Lysa wrote of how her friend, Holly, gave her a priceless gift. <span style="color:#000099;">"She committed to me that she would never say anything dishonoring about me. It was more than just a commitment to me; it was a covenant promise she'd made with God." </span>This verbalized commitment led the way to build a <span style="color:#000099;">"beautiful trust rare between women."</span> And if you have this trust with any female friends, hang onto it with dear life never letting it go. </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">"Gossip. Hurtful. Careless. Alluring. Easy to slip into. Hard to walk away from." </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><span style="color:#000099;">"If we just assume we won't be tempted to gossip, we are fooling ourselves and potentially setting ourselves up for trouble."</span> The Bible teaches us many things about our words. James speaks a lot about our words including the infamous passage about our tongues in <span style="color:#cc9933;">James 3.</span> </span><span style="color:#666600;">Lysa says three crucial rules taught in the Bible are put to action when we <span style="color:#000099;">"verbalize to a friend that she can trust we will never betray her."</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><span style="color:#000099;">1~ Guard your tongue to keep out of trouble.</span> (Proverbs 21:23)</span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><span style="color:#000099;">2~ Limit your words to be wise.</span> (Proverbs 10:19)</span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><span style="color:#000099;">3~ Use your words to validate your relationship with the Lord, not negate it.</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><span style="color:#000099;">"I've found that the fewer the words I speak, the more intentional I can be with the words I do say."</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><span style="color:#cc9933;"><em>If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. James 1:26</em></span> </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><em><span style="color:#000099;">"If we don't keep a keen watch on our words, we appear like hypocrites whose Jesus does not work."</span></em> Ouch is right. </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">Uncontrolled thoughtless conversation. I feel like there is a sense of lack of control because my brain doesn't have time to fully process before speaking. I believe this is why I am such a better written communicator. The time it takes to write/type is enough for me to process. I'm not one that has to proof, re-read, and change. (I rarely do.) I don't mean to portray that my words and conversations are careless, negative, or destructive. Rather, just rambling and not as tight a ship as my perfectionist mind would like. </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">CHOOSE NOT TO JUDGE</span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><span style="color:#000099;">"We can say nothing but still harbor a judgmental spirit, and being judgmental is often what fuels gossip in the first place."</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">Melanie Chitwood of Proverbs 31 Ministries wrote this: <span style="color:#000099;">"I've been thinking lately about how easy it is to judge others or to think I have the answers for them...In a nutshell, I can be self-righteous, just like the Pharisees. God is challenging me to examine my spoken and unspoken judgments of others. He wants us to come alongside others and help carry their burdens, rather than add to them with our criticism." </span></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">While looking for a verse I had in mind (<span style="color:#cc9933;">Galatians 2</span>), I found this one, poignantly relating to Melanie's references of the Pharisees. <span style="color:#cc9933;"><em>Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them. Luke 11:26 </em></span></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">It is so very easy to judge and not even realize it's a judgment: an assumption that what another person is doing is wrong. It is the 'should' statements. She should do that. She should not allow that. She should be this. It is what we think is right or wrong. We have to choose to not judge. We have to <span style="color:#000099;">"refuse to be judgmental and rain down love instead."</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">Though the Pharisees adherence to God's law is admirable, with that obeying they judged harshly and loved little. Judging is sinning. The Pharisees did it. We do it. <span style="color:#cc9933;"><em>Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of saw dust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:1-3</em></span> </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">We can judge in our hearts without it ever being spoken or shared. That infraction is no different and causes the same end result from God. Lysa shares how we can try to disguise judgment as just being boldly honest with someone. Yet, we have to earn that privilege to be boldy honest and have a level of friendship that can handle it. Lysa says it best about her friendship with Renee Swope.<span style="color:#000099;"> "We've made so many positive deposits in each other's lives that we have room for constructive criticism without the threat of bankrupting our friendship." </span></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><span style="color:#000099;"></span></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><span style="color:#000099;">"When we are truly humble, we are less likely to be judgmental." </span></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">BE SECURE IN YOUR UNIQUE CALLING</span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">Lysa shares how an encounter with a friend at the grocery store began hurtful but resulted in security of her calling. Lysa told the friend she needed to help her child with a project because she'd be away at a conference. The friend's tone changed and she said "I don't know how you can possibly be okay with leaving your kids like that." Twist knife, jab harder, and pull out. I recall Lysa sharing this on her blog and how I hurt with her. To be judged and condemned for what God has called and equipped one to do. </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">I'm so very thankful such comments never deterred Lysa. Rather, such comments gave her yet another real life story to share with us and help us to grow. She is such a huge, huge blessing to so many. Listen to what Jesus says and revealed to Lysa that day. <em><span style="color:#cc9933;">I tell you the truth no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much. Luke 18-29-30. </span></em></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">Though Lysa may have wanted to blast "grocery-store judgment" woman and call her "meanie head" (in her heart only, of course), she chooses to call her "sister". </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><span style="color:#000099;">"As long as you are in the place God has called you and He's using you, then rest secure in that and let other's criticisms roll of your back...hard to do...but...freeing."</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;">I'm so trying to do that and have God be my confidence and not seek it from anyone else. Though, my flesh does enjoy a little encouragement and signs of confirmation that I've understood His calling correctly. </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><span style="color:#000099;">"Be the kind of friend you desperately want. God will eventually honor your desire."</span> Liz commented on my </span><a href="http://hisways-isaiah558.blogspot.com/2009/11/he-loves-me-does-she-like-me.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000099;">this</span></a><span style="color:#666600;"> post, <em>"All I can do is be the best friend I know how to be and let God take care of the rest."</em> </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><em><span style="color:#cc9933;">Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29</span></em> This verse has been on my list to memorize. Maybe the inclusion of it in this chapter will be the light to my fire to do it.</span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"><span style="color:#000099;">"We are uniquely designed to be drawn to certain people in friendship."</span> I need to remember this as I struggle wondering if 'she' likes me and why we aren't as close friends as she is with 'her'. We aren't all designed to be bffs to each other. We aren't all designed to be great friends with every Sally, Joan, and Mary. </span><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">"A landmark UCLA study suggests friendships between women are special. They shape who we are and who we are yet to be. They soothe our tumultuous inner world, fill the emotional gaps in our marriage, and help us remember who we really are." </span><br /><p><span style="color:#666600;">I would be so encouraged to hear your thoughts and read your comments. If you have more to say on this please use MckLinky and add your site.</span></p><p><span style="color:#666600;">This post is much longer than my normally long posts. However, there was so much good stuff in this chapter that I could not selfishly keep it to myself. (I even chose to cut out a few paragraphs.)</span></p><p><span style="color:#666600;">Cross my heart, close my mouth, I promise to love and honor you,</span></p><p><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=11383" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a> </p>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-84772295102026830142009-11-24T00:00:00.009-05:002009-11-30T12:32:12.548-05:00I'm Not Equipped for Hers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbMFBWz9BCxLEm1uBgRhlOfWxrlYcYJmpaxauSlTeinL_JnAJumA0VswsypUO9OT-BjdrP4FYOl-VNwbo0YFUX4V7ewevm2evraD1cp1LYbnAXBMg62BOIFHMMLBUQN6EQvzozExq48y8/s1600/fall+leaves.bmp"><span style="color:#cc6600;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407407629608713794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 138px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbMFBWz9BCxLEm1uBgRhlOfWxrlYcYJmpaxauSlTeinL_JnAJumA0VswsypUO9OT-BjdrP4FYOl-VNwbo0YFUX4V7ewevm2evraD1cp1LYbnAXBMg62BOIFHMMLBUQN6EQvzozExq48y8/s200/fall+leaves.bmp" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#cc6600;">Welcome to <em>Yes to God Tuesdays</em> as I temporarily host for sweet </span><a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lelia</span></a><span style="color:#cc6600;"> the online study of </span><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lysa Terkeurst's</span></a><span style="color:#cc6600;"> wonderful book, <em>Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl</em>. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Chapter Eight "But I Want What She Has" </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Lysa begins this chapter with a pure and grateful attitude she recalled as a child, a poor child. From her reflection she was content with a Barbie doll shoebox house instead of the pink plastic house, the neighborhood ditch instead of a metal swing set, one day at the beach instead of a week. The storebought pink plastic house was too confining when she had split levels in her shoe boxes. The ditch served as a Grand Canyon for leaping, a palace for high tea, or a swimming pool of water and mud. And, a day at the beach was enough time to get burned; any longer and they'd be overcooked. But then, Lysa's family moved into their own house and Lysa thought she'd died and gone to Heaven <span style="color:#666600;">"until the day I realized we were poor."</span> Wow. The beauty and gift of not knowing one is poor. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Lysa didn't realize this until the governor's daughter started attending her school. Lysa never dreamed they would have anything in common let alone ever be friends. Upon being invited to play at the governor's house, Lysa's mind whirled on the luxuries: gated, fenced, huge house, security, marbled floors, fancy artwork, and things named beyond her vocabulary. Interesting enough those didn't tug on Lysa's contented heart. <span style="color:#666600;">"It was my friend's ability to get what she wanted when she wanted it that lured my heart away from feeling like the lucky girl I'd always been."</span> Always been. What a bubble that should never be burst. I've had my discontentment, or rather wavering contentment, crushed by jealousy or envy of another let alone full contentment stolen. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Lysa began to notice things to which she had been oblivious: sheets, clothes, toys. She began to feel poor as she held herself and her life to that of another. Comparing ourselves gets us in so much trouble. I usually think I'm a nice dresser for work until one co-worker comes to campus every so often. Dressed to kill. Not necessarily fancy but always well put together. A natural style of classy. I hate feeling less than equal, less than classy, less than "in style". </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#666600;">"I</span><span style="color:#666600;"> did what too many people do when they build themselves up against another person and walk away feeling deprived: I started resenting my life. I stopped looking for the good in my situation or appreciating what I did have."</span> I am so guilty of that. I don't appreciate enough my life and what God has done for me. <span style="color:#666600;">"I'm blinded to what I do have in the face of what I lack."</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Desiring something other than what I have leads to a discontented and ungrateful heart. I don't want to desire for more or anything other than what I have, but the flesh is strong. His Spirit is stronger though. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#666600;">"Whenever I get an overly idyllic view of someone else's circumstances, I often remind myself out loud 'I am not equipped to handle what they have--both good and bad.' "</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Wow. In the last 2 1/2 years I have so often looked at every married woman, and even mothers, and wanted what they had: a husband. Just to have a life partner, true love, and soul mate. Yet, I've often done what Lysa says. I speak out loud acknowledging that any of those wives could have a terrible husband and maybe even a hateful one. That wife may be living a life of compromise. And not in a good way but rather, a compromise of herself, her value, her faith. There are worse things than being single. There are worse things than waiting for a marriage to be restored. I ask myself 'are you sure about the last one, Paula?' Yes, it is a very painful phase of limbo. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#666600;">"When I want the good things someone has, I must realize that I'm also asking for the bad that comes along with it."</span> A package deal. The good, the bad, the ugly. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Good for them doesn't mean good for me. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">We aren't all equipped to handle the same good nor the same bad. We don't have the same spirit and soul. We are all equipped differently to endure the good and bad of our own circumstances but not equipped for what "they" have. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Are your thoughts controlled? <em><span style="color:#000000;">2 Timothy 1:7 tells us: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. NIV. For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and <strong>self-control</strong>. ESV</span></em> </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">I usually think of self-control in relation to actions, words, and emotions. Controlling our anger. Controlling our tongue. But where does our anger and tongue (words) start? It starts in our thought life before evolving to words verbalized. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Lysa is so right when she says <span style="color:#666600;">"</span><span style="color:#666600;">Too many of us live with an uncontrolled thought life."</span> Thoughts are a choice. We can choose to combat negative, destructive thoughts and redirect them to positive, encouraging, and godly thoughts. Here's a great exercise from Lysa. <span style="color:#666600;">"Think of something you want that someone else has. Have you ever been lured into thinking, 'If only I had ____________ like that person, my life would be great!' "</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Well, yeah, I've thought that. I think that. More times than I care to admit especially when it comes to marriage and husbands. Oh, and an occasional physical body image thought. I'm nothing if I'm not honest. So now redirect those thoughts by saying: </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#666600;">"I am not equipped for her good. </span></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#666600;">I am not equipped for her bad. </span></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#666600;">I am not equipped to carry the weight of her victories.</span></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#666600;">I am not equipped to shoulder her burdens.</span></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#666600;">I am not equipped to be her in any way.</span></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#666600;">I am, however, perfectly equipped to be me. </span></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#666600;">Therefore, thank You, God for only entrusting me with what I have and who I am."</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Did you catch that third line? Yes, victories have weight. Hmm. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.</em> <em>Matthew 11:28-30</em><br /></span><br />I find it no coincidence this scripture was preached on Sunday. So much rest is needed. A lighter burden desired. A yoke easier to bear.<br /><br /><em>Her</em> burden is manageable because it's <em>her</em> burden for which she is equipped. <em>Her</em> burden placed on me could be detrimental, unbearable, and excruciating for me.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Please leave a comment and if you have more to say on your blog, please enter your name using MckLinky.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><br />Equipped for Mine Only,<br /></span><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=11382" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" height="39" border="0" /></a>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-50184743893555477842009-11-17T08:00:00.009-05:002009-11-19T16:53:02.219-05:00He Loves Me: Does She Like Me?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdz5z9UMIhTmo9y-dS8BDtIr_ZBB7HeDHjoyUtjJzictMgpPuGg0FVydFbdyDDqaXIvodPwmaEEqzNa_Sz0yCQyKksUgYChpyUNH44lu3yq6DXneC3hVLujWWAugOfBnu6OjSLOg1Qw4AQ/s1600-h/139.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404425979009168658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdz5z9UMIhTmo9y-dS8BDtIr_ZBB7HeDHjoyUtjJzictMgpPuGg0FVydFbdyDDqaXIvodPwmaEEqzNa_Sz0yCQyKksUgYChpyUNH44lu3yq6DXneC3hVLujWWAugOfBnu6OjSLOg1Qw4AQ/s200/139.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#330099;"><span style="color:#330099;"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>UPDATE</strong>: I will be guest hosting the <em>Yes to God Tuesdays</em> online Bible studies as my sweet friend, <a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000066;">Lelia</span></a>, is unable at this time. I have participated in all but one of her studies over the last 18 months.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#330099;"><span style="color:#330099;">We've all done the pull-the-daisy petals: he likes me, he likes me not. We expect that to work. And, if it ends on he like me not, well there are do-overs. We do it over hoping for the opposite. As women don't we also do this with females? Am I the only one who wonders if</span> a woman likes me and values my friendship? I've often felt my friendships were lopsided. That is, that I put more value, desire, and energy into the friendship than the other person. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#330099;">Take a guess at the title of chapter seven in <em>Becoming More</em>. That's right..."She Likes Me, She Likes Me Not". </span><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#993399;">Lysa</span></a><span style="color:#330099;"> shared her childhood dreams of pappagallo flats and madras shorts, changing her name to Buffy, and grosgrain hair ribbons. It all boiled down to <span style="color:#3333ff;">"I just wanted to be accepted. By someone."<br /></span><br />I wouldn't go back to grade school or high school for anything. Too much drama of not feeling accepted, girl "fights", and wanting to fit in.<br /><br />When Lysa blogged on this topic, she received numerous comments from ladies feeling this way as an adult. Many women thought they were alone in their feelings, insecurities, and wanting to be accepted and liked. We are not alone! Women are creatures specifically created for relationships, female relationships, and girl friends.<br /><br />I had not thought of this but Lysa says maybe we can never be totally rid of our insecurities. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"If they press us to draw closer to God, the only secure thing, then healthy doses of insecurities might not be so bad."</span> Though, those insecurities that distract and paralyze need to be addressed.<br />Lysa shares that to make peace with our feelings of inadequacy, we "<span style="color:#3333ff;">must operate <em>in </em>God's love and operate <em>with</em> God's love."<br /></span><br /><strong>*Operating IN God's Love*</strong> </span><br /><span style="color:#330099;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Operating <em>in</em> God's love means understanding how His love can redefine my natural thought processes."</span> How? With God's Word. Meditating and soaking in His Word will transform our thoughts to align with His truth about us...depleting satan's lies. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"I have retrained my brain so God's truths interrupt my negative thought patterns."<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Stop looking to others for validation."</span> Does that hit others in the heart like it does me? I look to my supervisors to validate my value as an employee. I look to my readers to validate my ability to write. I look to my friends to validate my 'likeability'. I need to veer to God's Word in front of the negative thoughts to cut them off before they start. Kind of like cutting people off when I drive. Just joking!!<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#663300;">Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken. Isaiah 4:10</span></em> </span><br /><span style="color:#330099;"><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"This comforting reality helps me to not shy away from hard things but to press into God's strength and operate with more courage."<br /></span><br />Though we may not be accepted, nor liked, nor validated, we never escape the unfailing love of the Almighty One. A 10.0 earthquake won't shake His love for us.<br /><br />Infallible. Stable. Reliable. Able despite us, what we do or don't do.<br /><br />Meditation. Repetition. Of God's word, His thoughts, His truth.<br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Until the truth seeps in and I can leave the petal-pulling behind."</span><br /><br /><strong>*Operating WITH God's Love*</strong></span><span style="color:#330099;"><strong> </strong><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Operating <em>with</em> God's love allows me to rest in a security beyond myself. It's okay that I'm insecure if it prompts me to rely on God more fully."</span> God can show us the way to use our insecurities for our advantage. How? Insecurities can create sensitivity and discernment in us for others with insecurities. Through a hug, an encouraging word, a comment (ON THIS BLOG...wink wink), an email, or a card (remember those from way back in the postal days?)<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Robert McGee, from <em>The Search for Significance</em>, says: "Loneliness is one of the most dangerous and widespread problems in America...Ninety-two percent of Christians attending a recent Bible conference admitted...feelings of loneliness were a major problem...sense of despair at feeling unloved...fear of being unwanted or unaccepted."<br /></span><br /><em><span style="color:#663333;">By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35</span></em><br /><br />Allow God to use our insecurities and prompt us to love others more. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"Really think about the simplicity of simply loving others and yet the absolute profound impact that it could make."</span> Profound impact.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"One of satan's greatest tools to hold us back from telling the world about Christ is to get us to put our sense of security in the wrong place."<br /></span><br />Look for the good. Judge less. Overlook rude actions. Be sensitive to those overlooked.<br /><br />Insecurity is <span style="color:#3333ff;">"a gift that should lead me to operate <em>in </em>God's love and <em>with</em> God's love."</span><br /><br />Maybe we all need to join Lysa in replacing <em>The Official Preppy Handbook</em> with <em>The Official Holy Bible.<br /></em><br />I know that petal pushers (capris) are in style but let's not be petal pullers. Let's not focus on whether he or she likes us but that the Almighty One loves us.<br /><br />Leave a comment and if you have more to say on your blog, please enter your name using MckLinky.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#330099;">Letting God Rid Me of Petal-Pulling,<br /></span><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#333399;">Picture is of the Ohio River.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#333399;">To see more pictures visit my FB page. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=10663" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-79927966464734170242009-11-10T15:23:00.005-05:002009-11-10T16:03:00.569-05:00Lessons & Pineapples<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGt4YVZ3t54_o5d8icj5W1hqIEXjDQTcjdfqaZIhOD5vQfiFG2dlpRB06A0ppLAspY2AboF-xoSwhOn-5noF59x-jJKZ7RsD-oLc5i_XjaJR_HD3QvUxkeOdUPphJ4lpY9eioKWkfQc76I/s1600-h/flowers_blue%5B1%5D.JPG"><span style="color:#33ccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402578008657112802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 145px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 108px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGt4YVZ3t54_o5d8icj5W1hqIEXjDQTcjdfqaZIhOD5vQfiFG2dlpRB06A0ppLAspY2AboF-xoSwhOn-5noF59x-jJKZ7RsD-oLc5i_XjaJR_HD3QvUxkeOdUPphJ4lpY9eioKWkfQc76I/s200/flowers_blue%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#33ccff;"><span style="color:#33ccff;">After reading the first two pages of chapter six, the title is very fitting and makes perfect sense...<em>Unlikely Lessons From a Pineapple</em>. Probably like many people, <a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/">Lysa</a> feared the unknown of cutting a fresh pineapple to the extent that she would just not buy one.</span> Until...until she watched a friend cut one. Then her world opened up, never to be the same again.<br /><br />As a child I remember pineapples being a delicacy in our home because they were so expensive. I loved fresh pineapple but we didn't have the extra money for that. Then one day my mom bought me (us) one. I took a picture of it sitting in a chair, which I still have. I was one happy teenager.<br /><br />Lysa didn't know how to cut a pineapple so she just never bought one. She uses this as a great analogy for how she first looked at studying the Bible...from afar. Choosing canned pineapple over fresh. Choosing to read books about the Bible over studying the Bible.<br /><br />I would guess many of us find reading someone's experiences and thoughts on the Word to be easier than studying and learning straight from the Bible. It can be an intimidating Book but a Book which without we can't live. We should breath it.<br /><br />Learning facts versus learning life applications. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"Becoming more than a good Bible study girl means pursuing God's truth so passionately that it actually becomes part of our nature."<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;"><em>Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22</em> </span><span style="color:#33ccff;">Make a habit of applying God's Word.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Knowing God's Word and doing what it says not only saves us from heartbreak and trouble, it also brings more satisfaction to our souls more than anything else ever could."</span><br /><br />Security and satisfaction.<br /><br />It's not just reading but applying God's Word. Actually, dare I say that reading becomes null and void if it's not applied? We can buy a fresh pineapple but if we don't crack it open, it becomes rotten and inedible. If we don't fully eat the Word, we are not filled with it.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"If people ever say Jesus and His biblical truths don't work, I am quick to ask how consistently they've applied what they've read. People fail; truth never does."<br /></span><br />Lysa shares and reflects on the story of David and Goliath. I just finished <em>A Heart Like His</em> by Beth Moore so the life of David is still very fresh in my heart.<br /><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;"><em>But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7<br /></em></span><br />Convicting for sure.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Allowing the traits of biblical characters to cause us to do some introspective thinking will deepen our study and make what we're learning more applicable to our lives."</span> And applying Scripture to our lives is what it is all about. Applying not just reading. It's hard, I know.<br /><br />And we know our heart, and thus our character, is top priority to God. I've often asked God, if there is more He needs to do in my heart and character while I wait on Him and my desire of restoration, then please do so. I know that He has work to do on both parties before He can restore.<br /><br />Lysa shares how any time something seems out of order in Scripture that we should stop and look deeper, asking why? Why was David overlooked? Why was he not even considered by his father when Samuel came searching for a king?<br /><br />David didn't look like a king. He didn't smell like a king. He wasn't positioned for a king. But David had the <span style="color:#cc0000;">heart</span> God was seeking. A heart like His. Is there anything greater to be called?<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Overlooked by everyone, but handpicked by God."</span> Wow! One pivotal fact about David but one we can also apply to our lives and thus change the outlook on our own lives. Others may reject me. Others may step over me for the task. Others may overlook me when choosing love. Others may put me last on their list of friends. But, God will always choose me. God has chosen me. God has handpicked me with His Almighty Hands.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthian 12:10 </span></em></span><br /><span style="color:#33ccff;"><em><span style="color:#33cc00;"><br /></span></em>Often when we are rejected and overlooked it is because God has chosen and handpicked us. When I am weak (or rather feel weak), <strong>He</strong> makes me strong. <strong>He</strong> makes me capable!<br /><br />After being chosen as king, David was sent right back from where he came--tending his sheep. Why? To wait. A tough place for sure. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"Waiting can sometimes consume a person with questions, wants, and worries."</span> Amen, sister. I thought I was alone in asking, wanting, and worrying while I wait. I can't help but to think at least David knew he would be king one day while he waited. That had to make the wait better, didn't it? Unfortunately, I've not heard such a clear and strong call on my heart. I can only go with what I feel my convictions to be...but no clear promise as with David's anointing. What I wouldn't give to hear His call and assurance while I'm waiting. Even more than that, David wasn't ever bothered by the wait. I guess I can somewhat understand that. If I knew something was going to happen, as David did with his kingship, I think I could wait more patiently.<br /><br />David didn't wonder, resist, or doubt. David rested knowing this was <span style="color:#3333ff;">"the right place for right now."</span> I believe that for myself...that is God must have a purpose and therefore this has to be the right place for right now, but only for now. I believe in His purpose of my waiting and my unfulfilled desires deep within my heart. But it doesn't seem to sooth the ache any more.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">He makes me lie down in green pastures <span style="color:#3333ff;">[rest]</span><br />He leads me beside quiet waters <span style="color:#3333ff;">[reflection]<br /></span>He restores my soul <span style="color:#3333ff;">[restoration]</span><br />He guides me in paths of righteousness <span style="color:#3333ff;">[right choices]</span><br />for His name's sake <span style="color:#3333ff;">[it is all about God, not about David]</span><br />Psalm 23:2-3<br /></span></em><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"David chose to resist the temptation of discontentment by seeing the greater good of this waiting period."<br /></span><br />When David finally faces Goliath, it is the training in his every day life that prepares him to fight and defeat Goliath. <span style="color:#3333ff;">"God can use the tasks of my everyday life to deliver my character to the point that it matches my calling."<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Never again settle for the canned version of anything."<br /></span>Ain't that the truth, especially for this fresh-fruit-lovin gal.<br /></span><br />Trying to Learn His Lessons,<br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-22111837290498337862009-11-03T15:14:00.010-05:002009-11-12T16:32:51.672-05:00Time With God: A Privilege<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rmwpT6o1m2cnyn-9EbTs1xXW6F1B4MBDHr7ZD30zYn6lLkW5PQyrM0Dkfi83YKyYjviCSqr9OMrZQKQeBV_uETSizps56ZN9u-Ok5wzbhfPFEtZXnMxV_f5J4_ALH8THb6Pb8a1dGYMH/s1600-h/132.JPG"><span style="color:#993300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401806298761137074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rmwpT6o1m2cnyn-9EbTs1xXW6F1B4MBDHr7ZD30zYn6lLkW5PQyrM0Dkfi83YKyYjviCSqr9OMrZQKQeBV_uETSizps56ZN9u-Ok5wzbhfPFEtZXnMxV_f5J4_ALH8THb6Pb8a1dGYMH/s200/132.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#993300;">In </span><em><span style="color:#993300;">Becoming</span><span style="color:#993300;"> More</em></span>, <a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lysa</span></a><span style="color:#993300;"> opens chapter five, "Devotion Time Blues", by telling us of the stressful preparation for her sister's visit. High on that list of stress was discovering a mattress floating in her pond, visible for all to see.<br /><br />It's no secret that if we run ourselves ragged, we will be physically drained. We run on empty when we've depleted all our physical energies. We give more than we have. The same is true for our spiritual life. If we don't revive our spiritual tank by spending time with God, we will be running on empty. To be spiritually depleted is worse than being physically depleted.<br /><br />Lysa points out something very interesting. Each time Jesus proclaimed peace, whether to His disciples or to Thomas or to whomever, the writer ends it with an exclamation point. "Peace be with you<span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">!</span>" Jesus was intentional and emphatic with urgency. So why peace? Why was Jesus so emphatic to give us peace? Lysa points out that the world can give false joy, false hope, and false love. But it <em>cannot</em> give false peace. Peaceful moments, maybe. Only Christ is the author, provider, and giver of peace. I believe peace to be the number one thing most all people desire in their lives. You think maybe Jesus knows that?!!<br /><br />How does He give peace then? One way is through the time spent with Him. He prepares for the day ahead so we can act and react with peace at our center. I love how Lysa reminds us that <span style="color:#006600;">"He knows things and see things for which I need to be prepared."</span> I can forget that at 7am God <em>already</em> knows what I will incur at 12pm, 5pm, 8pm. Seeking God will fill me with more of Him and prepare me with what I need to handle that day. He has shown me that when I forgo our time together, I forgo my preparedness and enter chaos.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;">O LORD, you have <strong>searched</strong> me and you <strong>know</strong> me. You know <strong>when</strong> I sit and <strong>when</strong> I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You <strong>discern</strong> my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with <strong>all my ways</strong>. <strong>Before</strong> a word is on my tongue you <strong>know</strong> it completely, O Lord. Psalm 139:1-4</span></em></span><span style="color:#333333;"> [my emphasis]</span><br /><span style="color:#993300;"><br /><span style="color:#006600;">"He loves us enough to desire to protect us from our natural-flesh responses."</span> Oh yes Lord, how I need Your protection from my own fleshly responses, from my flesh period.<br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">"If my heart has been prepared to receive God's most perfect help, I am able to receive it right when I need it and I'm much more likely to apply it immediately."<br /></span><br />As Lysa says it seems so elementary to say we need to read the Bible every day and spend time with Jesus. Isn't this what we first discovered as a babe in Christ? Isn't it evident that it makes life easier to endure? Isn't this told to us all the time in sermons, devotionals, studies, etc.?<br /><br />So why do we fail? Why is it hard to do? Why do we struggle with being faithful in these?<br /><br />Before we explore struggling with quiet time, I want to share a couple paragraphs that I feel shows just how real Lysa is. She's been there. Done that. She shares this with such honesty and humor. How can we not: 1) shake our hands in agreement and 2) laugh at how ridiculous but true it is.<br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">"Have you ever been at a church service when the teacher asked everyone to turn to a particular book of the Bible and you couldn't for the life of you remember where in the Bible that book is located? And for Pete's sake, have you noticed how loud Bible pages are? You start to sweat...you feel every eye...on you. Heaven forbid you actually turn to the table of contents. The reality is, some of those who so easily turned to that scripture are just sitting there with their Bibles cracked open to the wrong place pretending to follow along."<br /></span><br />You gotta love that Lysa!<br /><br />I remember when she did the survey about devotion times on her blog and found that many people struggle with their devotion time. We are not alone.<br /><br />Ill-equipped. Intimidated. Mundane habit. (Those described the feelings women confessed.) One commenter, Kelli, described the struggles as <span style="color:#006600;">"the duty of devotion rather than the desire."</span> Instead of our time with God being out of habit and an ordinary ritual, it should be <span style="color:#006600;">"a way that God will speak to them, help them, and equip them for a more meaningful life."</span> I can I can sure use a dose of "meaningful."<br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">"We underestimate the power made available to us when we spend time with God. Our earthly eyes are limited. Start embracing the incredible privilege to meet with Jesus every day."<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">"Devotions don't have to be perfect to be powerful and effective."</span> This reminds me of what James tells us. <em><span style="color:#333333;">The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16<br /></span></em><br />A righteous soul just willing to be with God in prayer and devotion. He'll do the rest, directing the time we give to Him.<br /><br />If I've heard it advised once, I've heard it a hundred times. Start devotion time with prayer. Pray every time before reading His Word. Do I? No, I admit it. I'm guilty of not doing this and that's a shame because I'm not allowing His full power to be released in me and my time with Him. I go in phases--sometimes I've been faithful to pray before entering His presence but unfortunately I'm not in that phase right now, <strong>yet</strong>. I try to say to myself that He knows my heart's desire when I come to Him; He know I want Him to speak to me through His Word. But He still wants us to verbalize our feelings. Asking Him into our time gives Him full permission to govern it. It should be <span style="color:#006600;">"preparation for the great adventure God and I are about to head off on together in the hours ahead."</span> That just puts a totally different perspective on it.<br /><br />Okay. Stop the bus. Hold the traffic. Lysa shares this scripture. <span style="color:#333333;"><em>Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11</em></span> Yeah, okay, great verse you say. But even greater is that I <em>just</em> finished a study with Beth Moore on David ("A Heart Like His"). One of the last days was about having an <em>undivided heart</em> and a wholehearted devotion.<br /><br />I digressed.<br /><br />I love how Lysa's friend asked her if she had considered putting the whole mattress incidence in her book. Her answer was so precious and priceless: <span style="color:#006600;">"No, there might be too many chapters that started off with some kind of everyday life antic that put me on the edge of a breakdown only to have Jesus talk me off the coffee table and teach me something new in the process." Her friend said "Lysa isn't that where most of us live? And isn't that sort of the point of your book?"</span> Amen. And, I'm so glad Lysa is real and shows us not only the errors of her ways but the lessons from the Lord.<br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">"Remember we aren't after perfectly accomplishing our quiet time routine...[but] about seeing our time with God as the most precious and valuable minutes of our day."<br /></span><br />What a refreshing and reviving perspective that this heart of mine needed. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993300;">To see what others have to say, visit <a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lelia</span></a>.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#993300;">Embracing Time With God,</span><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;">Picture is of my Live Forever.</span>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-84862579502635907542009-10-27T10:54:00.006-04:002009-10-27T11:13:43.877-04:00Going Beyond<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0DnCJ6gzocSHzYrOdED8-PbGiPWIqvoAquW2rnOEe77W8cQ3YttsHkfYTWmnIq94UNP5Bhxbc__g6wbDF-iyLgXecmuKt2GnVLQWBBqiDGaHnshhsV_KjPFrz0GDxgDCNhTfl50xhVVN/s1600-h/flower+pink.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397294425069310418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0DnCJ6gzocSHzYrOdED8-PbGiPWIqvoAquW2rnOEe77W8cQ3YttsHkfYTWmnIq94UNP5Bhxbc__g6wbDF-iyLgXecmuKt2GnVLQWBBqiDGaHnshhsV_KjPFrz0GDxgDCNhTfl50xhVVN/s200/flower+pink.png" border="0" /></a> <div><span style="color:#33cc00;">Chapter four of <em>Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl</em> is appropriately named, "Beyond Sunday Morning". I agree with <a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lysa</span></a> when she says regardless of the length of our walk with God <span style="color:#ff6666;">"we would all do well to desire more of Him."</span> I'm so very thankful that our gracious God "<span style="color:#ff6666;">honors the honest prayers of people desiring a richer connection with Him."<br /></span><br />We can learn much from children. Lysa hoped the preacher man would listen and take heed to her young child thoughts. When she was a child, she expressed her desire to have children's church like she had experienced elsewhere. She desired to have someone preach to kids in a way they could understand and apply as they read the Bible. Why? On the lighter side <span style="color:#ff6666;">"because, really, it's a shame to wear a scratchy dress for half a weekend day and sit on a hard pew only to draw pictures, fall asleep, and count spit droplets."</span> At such a young age, not yet discovering Jesus, she desired more than a Sunday routine. <span style="color:#ff6666;">"What I really loved was the way my friend's church made me want to go home and open the Bible for myself."</span> [As I said, we can learn much from children.]<br /><br />Five words that we all need to take to heart: open the Bible for myself. Too many times we seek the church for spiritual growth and learning when we need to be self-feeders. Bill Hybels says it best. <span style="color:#ff6666;">"When people became Christians, we should have started teaching them that they have to take responsibility to become 'self-feeders'. We should have taught people how to read their Bible between services and how to practice spiritual disciplines much more aggressively on their own!"<br /></span><br />Discipline. Spiritual discipline. Practice spiritual discipline. Aggressively practice. That's a big order to chew but we're called to chew it so we will have the best nutrients, the best spiritual walk with God. For a mother is there any greater milestone than her child feeding oneself? (Okay there are many.) There is freedom for the mother like the freedom of becoming a self-feeder of God. There's nothing better than a Christian becoming a self-feeder and not relying on another person to feed us.<br /><br />Oh how I wish I would've known to feed myself at a young age of 21 and a babe in Christ. If I would've known what I know now...If I would've known to seek for myself in God's Word...If I would've been lead to the trough, maybe I would've drank for myself. Instead, I made a vast "mistake"...a life-changing decision. Yes, a growing experience but something I'd rather not have on my life's "resume".<br /><br />Instead of seeking the church and the ministry to feed us and fulfill our needs, we must seek to make a difference in the body of Christ. Kind of like: don't ask what your country can do for you but ask what you can do for your country. Just replace country with church and we have what God desires for us.<span style="color:#ff6666;"> "Where can I become a woman who applies her knowledge of the Bible? Where can I live out the message of Jesus by serving, loving, and giving?"</span> </span></div><div><span style="color:#33cc00;"> </div></span><div><span style="color:#33cc00;">Studying the Bible does not come easy. It takes time and determination. Yes, we have to study the Bible to know the Bible. We are not going to gain all God desires for us by listening to a sermon preached or a lesson taught. We have to go deeper and study on our own.<span style="color:#ff6666;"> "We'll never grow to our full potential unless we jump in and get <strong>serious </strong>about studying scripture."</span> Lysa suggests three things to do when we determine to tackling the intimidation and study the Word alone: <span style="color:#ff6666;">pray, discover the context, and read the passage phrase by phrase.</span><br /><br />We will be on our way to become a self-feeder by doing those. Of course it is always good to pray before reading His Word, asking God each time to teach us and show us His Truths for our lives. We call upon God to open our eyes and prepare our hearts for the riches we are about to receive. Approaching His Word is like approaching a bountiful feast...a feast for our souls.<br /><br />Many times we can assume that simply reading the text will enlighten us. There is so much more to reading the Bible than say a fictional book or any book for that matter...a leisure read without stops of meditation. There is so much in a study Bible to aid us. Like Lysa, I also like to read the intro or info section of each book. It gives the time, author, place, and theme. Knowing the background gives more understanding while reading the Word. It's almost like a light bulb going off: 'Oh that's why it says that. Oh that's who that is. Oh that's the circumstance surrounding the passage.'<br /><br />Dissecting is also helpful when reading the Bible. It takes time but if I'm seeking to truly understand a passage, I also read the commentary notes with each verse. Though the commentary is simply one man's thoughts, it can give understanding where there is none.<br /><br />Lysa suggests reading the passage phrase by phrase and writing down the verse and then group the word or words that "go" together.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;">I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. Ephesians 1:17</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;">I keep asking...<br /></span></em><span style="color:#ff6666;">"constant prayer. daily dependence. discipline and perseverance and determination."</span><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;">the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father...</span></em><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">"go to God personally. completely enjoyable."<br /></span><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;">may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation...<br /></span></em><span style="color:#ff6666;">"Having wisdom and revelation might help them [Ephesians] make a good choice or two, but Paul wants them to have the <strong>Spirit</strong> of wisdom and revelation so that their every word, every attitude, every action and reaction, every thought is infused with the wisdom of God and reined in by His revelation." </span></span></div><div><span style="color:#33cc00;"><span style="color:#ff6666;"> </div></span></span><div><span style="color:#33cc00;">That's deep. That's a huge eye-opener. Such a vast difference between wisdom/revelation and the Spirit of wisdom/revelation.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;">so that you may know Him better...<br /></span></em><span style="color:#ff6666;">"So that reveals the intentions of the heart. Having the Spirit of wisdom and revelation is purely 'so that' I can know God better. Really know Him."</span><br /><br />Oh to know God better. Is there anything greater?</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><span style="color:#33cc00;">Wanting to Go Beyond,</span><br /><div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span></div>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-45631538554267566482009-10-20T11:03:00.005-04:002009-10-20T11:21:13.693-04:00Measuring Gone All Wrong<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2Yu4zAUONr4353YZEwJre74eTW35J9gl47oZix1F626r2ZWfpec0-c-hyBOy_WgoytwB7bkOP2ApesQ7sjM3HlCd8lkq2Hhj_uBcAr0tYJAdXvtyRXM9ODeNoPL1PCQXTOJIqlvH4x_d/s1600-h/fall+leaves+natural.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394698287924811842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2Yu4zAUONr4353YZEwJre74eTW35J9gl47oZix1F626r2ZWfpec0-c-hyBOy_WgoytwB7bkOP2ApesQ7sjM3HlCd8lkq2Hhj_uBcAr0tYJAdXvtyRXM9ODeNoPL1PCQXTOJIqlvH4x_d/s200/fall+leaves+natural.bmp" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff6600;">Chapter three of </span><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lysa's</span></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"> book is called "When I Feel Like I Don't Measure Up". Shall I just end my post here and now? Is there really anything else left to say? I am far from a bettin' woman but I'd bet we all struggle with this, even to some degree, if not deeper.<br /><br />Lysa shares her dream of receiving the Really Good Mommy Award by making 100 individually wrapped brownies for a school fundraiser. That is, homemade from a box and no less the caramel turtle kind, not just the plain ones. Nope, plain ones would not be deserving of this fabulous award. Moments before loading the brownies into her unused, still price-tagged basket and heading to school, it happened. Lysa realized the homemade deliciousness had nuts in them. Yes, nuts. Nutted brownies for a nut-free school. Yes, a nut-free school. No nuts allowed. (I guess I wouldn't be allowed in the school then.☺) Needless (or nut-less) to say, Lysa received no award that day. But rather, I'm guessing a learning lesson she received. <span style="color:#996633;">"The more I let my mind free-fall into the pit of negativity and shame, the more disabled I felt."<br /></span><br />Oh how very true. Nothing comes from being in that pit of negativity and shame, except more guilt. More guilt and shame only disable us further. They do not enable us to conquer and achieve, but rather bind us in captivity and inadequacy. It is satan who wants us to stay right there, feeling inadequate. <span style="color:#996633;">"He wants us to go to Bible study, learn deep truths of God, leave all encouraged, and then come home and have a complete meltdown over ninety-seven brownies that didn't make the bake sale cut."</span> Oh how my past is filled with so much of that. Meltdowns. Major meltdowns. It didn't just melt down but melt away. My sanity. My clarity. My mercy. My reasoning. Melted.<br /><br />In the middle of the inadequate feelings is satan causing us to then doubt God. Question God. Lose faith in God. Distance God. Like Lysa said, we ask why Jesus doesn't step in and tell us <span style="color:#996633;">"no nuts"</span> in the brownies. He is <em>more</em> than capable of that simple thing. He heals the sick. He raises the dead. He parts the sea. He moves mountains we can't even see. What a conniving scheme of satan's. <span style="color:#996633;">"If satan can get us asking these kinds of questions, then we can easily justify distancing ourselves from God, once more reducing our relationship with Him to items on a checklist."</span> As Lysa says, we need not ask the question <span style="color:#996633;">"Why doesn't Jesus work for me?"</span> when things don't happen as we think or ask. <em><span style="color:#ff6600;">When</span></em> we fall short we need to ask <span style="color:#996633;">"How can I see Jesus even in this?" </span>We do this by <span style="color:#996633;">"pull[ing] back from whatever situation I'm facing and separate my circumstance from my identity."</span> So often we erroneously identify with our circumstances. We place our identity <strong>in</strong> our circumstances.<br /><br />I failed at baking cookies, so I am a terrible mom. I missed a deadline, so I'm a terrible employee. I overstepped my words, so I'm a terrible friend. I missed a moment to respect, so I'm a terrible wife. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="color:#996633;">"Becoming more than a good Bible study girl means I separate my shortcomings from my identity and let Jesus be the only measure of my worth."</span> Doing this <span style="color:#996633;">"allows me to see the circumstance for what it is - a mistake."</span> Oh how hard that is. It takes <em>purposeful effort</em> to distinguish between a circumstance as a mistake and my identity as a failure. I can't help but to think that forgiveness is the bridge to properly connecting circumstances and identity. Could it be that forgiving one's self can give proper perspective of mistakes and failures? Would a dose of grace allow us to make mistakes without automatically equating that to a detriment of our identity?<br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em>For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity. Proverbs 24:16</em><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#996633;">"I feel bad for him. He had seven bake sale debacles. That comes out to 700 individually wrapped, homemade-from-the-box turtle brownies. Okay, I readily admit that maybe that wasn't his exact circumstance. I bet he made full-out peanut butter cookies."</span><br /><br />Why in the world do I share that? Of all things to quote from this fabulous author and person who has so much wonderful knowledge to share? Well, there's no huge bang. No huge ah ha moment. No spectacular voa-la. Just to share her amazing and witty humor that I truly adore and enjoy tremendously.<br /><br />I digress so let's carry on...The Proverbs man fell seven times and he rose seven times. He was not defeated. He did not give up or rather give in to satan's lies and tactics. He remained true to his identity by not allowing his mistakes to identify him.<br /><br />Falling down--failing--should not cause us to stay down and defeated but it should call us to action, to change. Each failure is an opportunity to learn and grown. Each fall allows for a lesson, or two, or three.<br /><br /><span style="color:#996633;">"The reason failure hurts is because we are trying so stinkin' hard to measure up. But the way people measure each other can change frequently, based on feelings, performance, and often unrealistic expectations."</span> And if I may add: mood. Mood can change how people measure each other. If our motive or purpose is to prove our worth, get compliments, or earn approval, we are bound to be disappointed.<br /><br /><span style="color:#996633;">"God never intended for us to rely on others for our sense of well-being. Only He is equipped to provide that."<br /></span><br /><em><span style="color:#990000;">As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:9-11</span></em> </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"><br />Remember His love.<br />Remain in His love.<br />Obey His commands.<br />His joy in me.<br />Joy complete.<br /><br /><span style="color:#996633;">"Instead of resting my heart in the unrealistic hope that others will make my joy complete, I have to rest my heart with Jesus only."</span><br /><br />To see what others are saying about this fabulous book and chapter, go to </span><a href="hhttp://leliachealey.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lelia's</span></a><span style="color:#ff6600;">.<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><span style="color:#ff6600;">Measured By Him Alone,</span><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-52329580248075259932009-10-16T12:04:00.014-04:002009-11-08T19:10:07.114-05:00It's Not About Seeing<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401889362471251634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZImwb0Q4t8dqQODePCeJajT4oIt7megyBNfdbDngCeALfAtOupHCPo0KUTPod8_hfF1-7DGZISphm2zrV2ADpXJdl0izInf4iwOvxQ295u2u-6dE5ng6gPD7XzosgLe9Qn1D2DFhHYByo/s200/223.JPG" border="0" /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">I was catching up on visiting bloggy friends this past Wednesday. I was at a site (which I can't recall for the life of me) and I saw a comment from </span><a href="http://hkudlaontheroad.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Heather</span></a><span style="color:#cc33cc;"> whom I hadn't communicated with in some time. I clicked on her blog, </span><a href="http://hkudlaontheroad.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">On the Road</span></a><span style="color:#cc33cc;">. A scripture on her side bar caught my eye and I read it quickly. Hebrews 11:1. That's good. I've heard that one. I'm familiar with that one. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Literally the very next stop was </span><a href="http://www.freespirithaven.com/2009/10/going-back-to-old-way-of-living.html"><span style="color:#000099;">this post</span></a><span style="color:#cc33cc;"> at </span><a href="http://www.freespirithaven.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Angie's Free Spirit Haven</span></a><span style="color:#cc33cc;">. Toward's the bottom of her post she had Hebrews 11:1 in a graphic image. I read through it and after finishing, I realized, "This is the second time in minutes I've read this verse. Wait. Read that again. Maybe this is God." </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span style="color:#009900;"><em>Now faith is being <strong>sure</strong> of what we <strong>hope for</strong> and certain of what we <strong>do not see</strong>. Hebrews 11:1 [my emphasis]</em></span> </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>Are You, Lord, telling me to be sure of what I hope for? To be sure of restoration? I see no evidence of that, yet You want me to be certain of it...certain of what I do not see? Hopeful of what I do not see? Sure of what I hope for? How Lord?</em> Don't worry with the how, sweet child, just be sure. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Let me retract and vaguely enlighten why this verse on this day would mean so much. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Wednesday morning I had the dream of dreams...my heart's desire fulfilled, beloved returned. Two were literally united as one again. It weighed so heavily on my heart all day Wednesday. My heart was hurting so bad...still hurting. I wanted the vividness of the dream to go away. You know what I mean about vividness...the feelings of it being and feeling SO real. I can't bear the dream without the reality. God help me. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Then, He tells me through two blogs that His Word says faith is being sure of what I hope for. He knows what I hope for. He knows I've not seen any evidence of it. It's what I hope but not what I see. <em>Thank You, Lord. May I not forget You speaking to me through this verse. </em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">So that day I...</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Begged for return. Asked for healing. Feared no restoration.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Pleaded. Begged. Asked. Feared. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">I'm writing this verse on my heart. I'm writing about this encounter so I won't soon forget God speaking to me, assuring me, and re-assuring me. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">And if that's not enough. There's been a song on the radio for the last several weeks. Here's a few lines that always encourage me. My additions in brackets. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>What Faith Can Do</em> by Kutless</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">I’ve seen dreams that <strong>move the mountains</strong> [that seem impossible]</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Hope that doesn’t ever end</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Even</strong> when the sky is falling [and resting on my heart]</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">And I’ve seen miracles <strong>just happen</strong> [better known as my suddenly]</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Silent prayers get answered [amen!]</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Broken hearts become brand new [can't wait]</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>That’s</strong> what faith can do</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard [or what you are told]</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Impossible is not a word [not in God's dictionary]</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">It’s <strong>just</strong> a reason for someone not to try</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Everybody’s scared to death [it is scary to follow blindly]</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">When they decide to take that step.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Out on the water</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Life is so much more</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Than what your <strong>eyes are seeing</strong> [oh yes!!!]</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">You will find your way</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>If</strong> you <strong>keep believing</strong> [that's faith, right?]</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Overcome the odds [big odds, but not impossible odds]</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">You do have a chance</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">That’s what faith can do </span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">When the world says you can’t [or says it can't happen]</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">It’ll tell you that you can! [it can happen]</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><br /><div><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Believing While Not Seeing,<br /></span><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span></div><br /><span style="color:#666666;">Picture is of my pink spirea</span></div></div>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-8476844847043589022009-10-12T15:19:00.010-04:002009-10-16T12:07:22.833-04:00Hollow to Whole<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cnktNaayDfU/StOBx61TdxI/AAAAAAAAAuE/bJN_VB16cbo/s1600-h/Sunflowers_4.jpg"><span style="color:#cc6600;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391795873499019026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cnktNaayDfU/StOBx61TdxI/AAAAAAAAAuE/bJN_VB16cbo/s200/Sunflowers_4.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#cc6600;">Can I be honest with you all? When I read the title of chapter two, "Flitting To and Fro", I didn't have a clue what flitting meant. I have honestly never heard that word. In case any of you want to stand with me in ignorance and admit it, I'll share its definition: <em>to pass quickly or abruptly from one place or condition to another, to move in an erratic fluttering manner.</em> </span><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl.</span></em><br /><br /><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lysa</span></a><span style="color:#cc6600;"> begins by sharing how she felt as though she couldn't quite land and figure out what she had to offer after she said yes to God. Oh, are we suppose to figure that out? I still haven't figured out what I have to offer. I said yes to God years ago and am just finally beginning to be where I should've been all those years ago. <span style="color:#666600;">"Even though I knew in my head that only God could fill my soul, I still found myself wanting my husband and kids to do the job. It just seemed easier trying to get these things from those I could see and touch."</span> Did Lysa just jump into my head and steal my thoughts? </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#666600;">"No person, possession, profession, or position ever fills the cup of a wounded, empty heart."</span> If I might add, none of those fills any heart even a heart not enduring heartache or emptiness. Those things will never bring what our heart truly wants and needs. We ask those things to fill us up. We get that education. Still empty. We get that job. Still empty. We get that job. Empty. We get married. Empty. We have 2.5 children and a dog. Still empty. We get that house. Empty. We add the picket fence. Empty. Car. Pool. Boat. It's a never-ending pit. It's a bucket with a hole, never to be filled completely but always will a slow leak. <em>God is the only One who can plug the hole and fill the bucket.</em> </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Then we play the torturous 'if only' game. If only I had this, that, or the other. Lysa shared an example of this and I'll shed my skin and share mine. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">I could be really happy and fulfilled if only I had:</span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">♥ a skinnier body ♥ a healed complexion ♥ a husband to return ♥ a more outgoing personality </span><span style="color:#cc6600;">♥ a higher confidence ♥ a sense of clear purpose ♥ an un-empty home ♥ a big ministry of speaking, teaching, writing </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#666600;">"Becoming more than a good Bible study girl means realizing that apart from a thriving relationship with God, even if you get everything on your list, there would still be a hollow gap in your soul."</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Lysa suggest we replace our 'if only' statements <span style="color:#666600;">"with something that draws your heart into God's truth." </span>His Truth from scripture will never leave us empty. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Instead of "if only I had a clear purpose..."</span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><em><span style="color:#996633;">And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28</span></em> </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Instead of "if only I had a better physical image..."</span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><em><span style="color:#996633;">So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him. Genesis 1:27</span></em><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Instead of "if only I had a husband to return..."</span><br /><em><span style="color:#996633;">All things are possible with God. Mark 10:27b</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#996633;">Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 </span></em><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><em><span style="color:#996633;">And that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:26</span></em> </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Instead of "if only I had a more outgoing personality and more confidence..."</span><br /><em><span style="color:#996633;">For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 </span></em><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><em><span style="color:#996633;">Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 2 Corinthians 3:4-5</span></em> </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Instead of "if only I had an un-empty home..." </span><br /><em><span style="color:#996633;">Jesus replied, 'If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make Our home with him.'</span></em><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">John 14:23 Instead of "if only I had a big ministry..."<br /></span><span style="color:#996633;"><em>He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant. 2 Corinthians 3:6a</em></span><br /><em><span style="color:#996633;">Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you. Jeremiah 30:2 </span></em><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><em><span style="color:#996633;">I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. Romans 15:14</span></em> </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#666600;">"When God's Word gets inside of us, it becomes the new way we process life. It rearranges our thoughts, our motives, our needs, and our desires."</span> God fills every crack in our soul and makes us whole, filled, and complete. God fits our soul like a glove. He fully covers us with His love and truth. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#666600;">"Living in the moment with God, defined by His truth, and with no unrealistic expectations for others or things to fill me up. Not reaching back for what was lost in my yesterdays. And not reaching for what I hope will be my tomorrow. But living fully with what is right in front of me. And truly seeing the gift of this moment."<br /></span><br />Oh, Lysa, you got into my heart and head. I so need and want to do this.<br /><br />No unrealistic expectations.<br />Not reaching back to yesterday.<br />Not reaching forward to tomorrow.<br />Living fully in front of me.<br />Seeing the gift of this moment.<br /><br />Shall I say anymore? No, so see what others are saying at </span><a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">Lelia's</span></a><span style="color:#cc6600;"> place.<br /><br />Seeking to Fill My Hollow with Him,<br /></span><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-82422184250737039472009-10-05T13:39:00.009-04:002009-10-05T15:51:51.296-04:00Enough is Never Enough<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzidlFp_NgiSatWauxfd5s0N8UppWINAYNAhuDAJhZgpyYjSXPm6cMylfrbFgkO76DMKquGgVTX0akN6Spq1GP751BRAJzDrx0bWnaym48a1cGC-Cs7fSgCFaQQWci08vrYnnpF39DrS_y/s1600-h/LysaBookCover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389172901473970290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzidlFp_NgiSatWauxfd5s0N8UppWINAYNAhuDAJhZgpyYjSXPm6cMylfrbFgkO76DMKquGgVTX0akN6Spq1GP751BRAJzDrx0bWnaym48a1cGC-Cs7fSgCFaQQWci08vrYnnpF39DrS_y/s200/LysaBookCover.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#339999;">It's been a long time since I did an online study and posted it. Can I still do it? Sure. Am I up to it? Hope so. I've lacked structure and discipline over the summer. I'm ready to have that restored. Even more, I so want a life-changing experience with God through this study. I don't even know that I am a "good Bible study girl" but I want much more than that. I want to go deeper with God. Don't we all want that? It's a matter if we are ready to put forth the effort, to allow our minds to be transformed, and to have our hearts freed. </span><div><div><br /><div><span style="color:#339999;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#339999;">When <a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Lelia</span></a> said she was hosting a study on </span><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Lysa Terkeurst's </span></a><span style="color:#339999;">new book, </span><a href="http://shopp31.com/lysaterkeurstsresources.aspx"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl</span></a><span style="color:#339999;">, I was tempted. Tempted to do it; tempted to cop out, wimp out, be lazy. To be honest, fear might have been my driving factor to do it. Fear? Yes, fear of what I might miss by not 1) reading this book and 2) processing my thoughts by composing a post. So, here I am. <em>Here I am, Lord. Asking You to change my heart, transform my mind and renew my spirit all to go deeper...deeper with You, Lord.<br /></em><br />If the title to chapter one doesn't say <em>enough</em> (no pun intended), then what does? <em>"Trying to Be Good Enough"</em> is the chapter title. I have to admit I was surprised to hear how this feeling resonated in Lysa. It's hard to imagine a woman like her feeling she was not good enough nor acceptable. I've only known of her for over a year but I can't express how much I think of her, respect her, and admire her.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">"The heart of a woman is not only deep and wondrous but tender and vulnerable."</span><br /><br />Lysa shares how we define ourselves with labels. This is true and I believe the problem lies in the crutch we create with the label. What happens when the label fails? Then where are we? Then <em>who</em> are we? <span style="color:#000000;">"I was someone's girlfriend, but then we would break up. I was a good student, but then I'd made a bad grade. I was responsible, but then pulled a stupid stunt an wrecked my car."<br /></span><br />Clutching to any identity, outside of God's child, will always lead to failure, disappointment, and unmet expectations.<br /><br />Even with labeling God, we encounter pitfalls. Lysa shares her early view of religion being a good addition to life as <span style="color:#000000;">"I was keeping up my end of the bargain with God, and He was keeping His."</span> With the loss of her baby sister, anger erupted, her view of God changed, and now her identity did also. She'd no longer be <span style="color:#000000;">"Lysa, the good girl."</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">"My flawed ideas of God would only let me love Him when He did good things."<br /></span><br />Wow...have we ever fallen into that pit? The pit of judging God or treating God according to what He <strong>does</strong> instead of <strong>who</strong> He is? I admit I have. I may not say it outright to Him but He knows when I view Him differently and get my heart hurt over things He did or rather did not do for me. We must be careful to always view God through the lens of <strong>who</strong> He is and nothing else.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">"The thought that I wasn't good enough was more than just a feeling. It had become the filter through which I processed life."</span> If we filter everything through not feeling good enough, we will never see victory. I guess I've never really realized the feeling of 'not being good enough' does filter everything in my life. It's like looking through rose colored glasses. No matter what we look at, everything will be a shade of rose. The green trees will be green but with a shade of rose. The blue sky will be blue with a shade of rose. So, if we look at everything through 'not good enough' lenses, there's no way we'll ever measure up. We'll never see full victory as it will be victory shaded with a little "not good enough".<br /><br />Having a false perception of ourselves and God will inevitably cause us to run into a brick wall, unable to deny or avoid God and truth.<br /><br />When Lysa found God with Jeremiah 29:11, she realized her <span style="color:#000000;">"flawed perception of being identified by my circumstances."</span><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#666666;">For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11</span></em><br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#339999;">I'm specifically separating verses 12-13 from 11. I think too many times verse 11 gets all the fame and attention and verses 12-13 get left in the dust. Don't get me wrong as 29:11 is one of my life verses but the following two are so precious, not deserving of being overlooked.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#666666;">Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with <strong>all</strong> your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13</span></em> </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#339999;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#339999;">He tells us we will seek Him <strong>BUT</strong> we will find Him <strong>when</strong> we seek Him with <strong>ALL</strong> our heart. What value is it to seek Him if we don't find Him? So isn't it worth the effort to not just seek Him but to seek Him with all our heart, with our whole heart, with every breath, with every ounce of energy, with everything that exists in our soul?<br /><br />As Lysa says, it <span style="color:#000000;">"requires more than just the routine Christian good girl checklist: pray, read the Bible, do a Bible study, go to church, be nice, don't hold a grudge against boys who didn't ask you to couple skate in fifth grade."<br /><br /></span>Okay, her last one doesn't apply to all of us, just 832 of us.<br /><br />Gotta love that Lysa and her sense of humor...a woman after my own heart with my own corny sense of humor (that if I must say so myself, brings me much joy to be corny in humor.)<br /><br />Of these three sentences, one is so powerful to me. <span style="color:#000000;">"I want my life with Jesus to be fulfilling. I want my beliefs to work no matter what life throws at me. I want to be so certain of God's presence that I never feel like I have to face anything in my own strength or rely on my own perspectives."<br /></span><br />I do very much want fulfillment. I want certainty of God's presence. But my mind and heart kept reading and gravitating to the second: my beliefs to work...what life throws at me. As I type this, literally the first line grabs my heart <em>more</em> now. I so want my life with Jesus to be fulfilling. Odd how one sentenced grabbed me so tight last night and another is grabbing me today.<br /><br />Wanting Jesus. But wanting "wanting Jesus" to be enough. Does anyone feel this? Does anyone struggle with this? Jesus <strong>is</strong> enough but "wanting Jesus" to be enough for me.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">"How might our lives look if we were so filled with God's truth's we could let go of the pain of our past, not get tripped up by the troubles of today, or consumed by worries about tomorrow?"</span> Woah...to be so filled that the pain escapes my heart and sets my mind free.<br /><br />If you listen to Christian radio, you know Matthew West tells us about going through the motions. Lysa adds that just these good Bible study girl things <span style="color:#000000;">"will not fill our souls. They must be done with <strong>great expectation</strong> and <strong>heart cry</strong> for God to lead us into a deeper and more life-changing connection with Him." [my emphasis]<br /></span><br />We can't pray, study the Bible, and go to church for name sake. We can't do those things because we know we are suppose to or fearful if we don't. We must do them with a <strong>deep cry</strong> from our heart to God's heart to change us and draw us deeper.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">"True fulfillment is never found in seeking to do enough, be enough, have enough, know enough, or accomplish enough."</span> <strong>Enough is never enough.</strong> Enough is a pitfall...a never-ending pitfall. Striving to be enough of anything will never fulfill us. I've tried and I do believe I'm tired.<br /><br />Lysa's prayer (and now mine too).<br /><em><span style="color:#000000;">"God, I want to see You.<br /> God, I want to hear You.<br /> God, I want to know You.<br /> So That I can follow hard after You every day."<br /></span></em><br />I'm <strong>so</strong> glad I said yes to God and decided to read this book. To see what others have to say about this wonderful book and exciting adventure, go to </span><a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Lelia's</span></a><span style="color:#339999;">.<br /><br />Seeking Him for my "enough",</span></div><div><span style="color:#339999;"></span></div><div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span> </div></div></div>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-34795618046892819832009-09-24T08:46:00.009-04:002009-10-05T14:33:13.557-04:00Sowing and Doing for God<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlq462sWo7rbTG5i-bd6Tz7WH2B2lcDVa-aZV8uBwRVGkcKL17gCMJYDXbytJGDs6bTenON1fYyr2kNb1l3GN5HTp9eJgd19fAtsZXVdweEMdcyOhgHQK0kUhfEHrpqWZOA0QC8k3g4QV-/s1600-h/petunias.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385014713883564386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlq462sWo7rbTG5i-bd6Tz7WH2B2lcDVa-aZV8uBwRVGkcKL17gCMJYDXbytJGDs6bTenON1fYyr2kNb1l3GN5HTp9eJgd19fAtsZXVdweEMdcyOhgHQK0kUhfEHrpqWZOA0QC8k3g4QV-/s200/petunias.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#6600cc;">Where to begin? As I was reading a </span><a href="http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/2009/09/divine-appointment.html"><span style="color:#6600cc;">devotional</span></a><span style="color:#6600cc;"> this morning that moved me to pieces, I felt the Lord saying "you have to tell your story". I had every intention of sharing this story with my small group. However, I felt a tug saying "No, share it with more. Write about it; write about Me." <em>Oh, Lord in Heaven, what honor and privilege to write about YOU.</em> Fighting back the tears, I am now writing, literally without a clue as to how this will be formulated. </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness. Isaiah 30:8 </span></em><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Then they said to Jeremiah, "May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the LORD your God sends you to tell us. Jeremiah 42:5</span></em></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">I've been involved in a small group from church for almost two years. I began sharing the responsibility of leading the study with our group leader last spring, knowing that she was leaving the group and I would take the reigns with another lady as co-leaders. In August I found out I would be leading solo. Whoa. Leading, coordinating host homes, organizing, solo. <em>Whoa, Lord. I didn't sign up for <strong>that</strong>. I didn't sign on the dotted line for <strong>that</strong>. Surely my name was forged. Are You sure, Lord? Do you remember whom You are asking, here? Remember, me little ol' Paula. Did You maybe get my 'file' mixed up with someone else's? </em>I was hoping to be able to sit back and listen without the responsibility of leading and preparing every other week. I was looking forward to the flexibility of not taking my turn on a week I didn't feel well. I wasn't looking for <strong>this</strong> responsibility and pressure. <em><strong>But</strong>, I trust You, Lord. You had to deal this card this way for a reason and I need to play it, for You.</em> I think I need this accountability. I don't need an "escape clause". I need the discipline and to be held responsibility...to be moved out of my comfort zone and for God to transform my discomfort into a passionate desire. </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">I digress. So, last week at group we started a new study. It was our first meeting in three months since we broke for the summer. It was "my" group...it was God's group placed in "my" hands and "my" care. It was the first of many firsts. We had a small attendance of five and had the flexibility to get off track a little. The author was questioning herself and one of the things she was questioning was when was the last time she had led someone to Christ. In this list of questions she was proposing to herself, she asked if we could relate to any of them. There were about six or so and I could relate to a few of them, including this one. I admitted to the group, and now to the world, that I don't know that I've ever led anyone to Christ. Correct that...I said I've never led anyone in the sinner's prayer or shared the Roman's road. They piped in and said "oh no, you are a witness by how you live." I said, yes, I hope I am but that I feel guilty for never walking that Roman's road with someone and seeing him/her encounter and accept Jesus Christ. </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">We shared how we can plant many seeds just by our conversations with others and we are not to be the one that does it all: plant it, water it, tend it, and grow it. I confessed guilt over not planting more seeds in a more <strong>direct</strong> way pointing to God in my conversations. <span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8 </em></span></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">There is one lady I had on my mind that evening. Someone I enjoy very much and think of very highly. I expressed how she's been going through some stress at work and I wanted to share my faith in one of those plantings of seeds. Something as simple as praying for her <strong>and</strong> telling her so. </span><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">When you sow, you do not plant the body <strong>that will be</strong>, but <strong>just a seed</strong>, perhaps of wheat or of something else. 1 Corinthians 15:37</span></em> </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">Monday afternoon I emailed her expressing my heart and allowing God to do with my expression whatever He chooses. </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em>"I have been praying for you. I’ve been asking God to cover you with peace and assurance and that you will have whatever you personally need to get through this glowing. I know you have been on edge and nervous about this. I have been praying all your nerves will be settled and you sail through this calm at heart."</em> </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">On Tuesday afternoon, she said "I printed your email." With the stress, drama, and chaos of the day, I wasn't following what she meant and which email she meant as we exchange them regularly. The light bulb went off and I exclaimed "oh." She said she had it laying on the table with her the whole time. The expression on my face must've been 'deer in the headlights' because I couldn't believe it. I think I said, "really?" She continued to say she glanced at it and read it several times during the situation. She said it was very encouraging and she felt herself calm. It seemed to have meant a lot to her...more than I ever dreamed. </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">Are you serious? Get out of here? I couldn't have made that kind of impact with that small gesture. I'm still in 'shock' and surprised by it. It was just my heart. I had been praying for her. I did care for her state of mind and the calmness of her heart. Like I said, she is one great person and awesome at what she does. </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">What if I had not done that? What if I had not sent that email? What if that small act, that small seed didn't come to mind during group? Would it really have made a big difference to not do it? I think so. I may never know what that seed will form. [1 Cor. 15:37 above] But, I do know I followed what I believe to be God's quiet (very quiet) voice and His gentle nudging. I only pray He continues to keep my mind sharp and bright, open to more opportunities for some seed plantin'. Show me Lord where to sow Your seeds. Show me to sow. </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know <strong>which</strong> will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well. Ecclesiastes 11:6. </span></em></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6</span></em> </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">Yes, Lord, let us sow generously not for the goal of reaping generously for ourselves but that we would reap generously with eternal matters. </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough. Galatians 5:9</span></em> </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">A little faith. A little seed. A little sowing. </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">Do you have some seeds that need released? Do you have some sowing that needs to be done? </span><br /><div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span> </div><div>Picture is of my gorgeous petunias; one of the few annuals I buy. </div>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-26816656974093245712009-09-17T10:42:00.008-04:002009-09-17T11:08:31.562-04:00The Dead Will Rise<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRp6f-RoDZrVFaCVVqrvtP7KHDzS1mklKvPyWx6z_DnExk-ipOG10EgFH4Gnu7iuzP9ZmIF6HF8TTFiGDOFXkzpxnqQNNGqtYVj_fAikktj14iTyCmGf27e9dAEokc2qKeT40gV8-cFNal/s1600-h/159%5B1%5D.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382452875102355442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRp6f-RoDZrVFaCVVqrvtP7KHDzS1mklKvPyWx6z_DnExk-ipOG10EgFH4Gnu7iuzP9ZmIF6HF8TTFiGDOFXkzpxnqQNNGqtYVj_fAikktj14iTyCmGf27e9dAEokc2qKeT40gV8-cFNal/s200/159%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#663300;">About a month ago I took my 117th trip to Lowe's since April (due to my new home). Granted Lowe's calls my name more due to the yard than the actual home. I've re-done every flower bed with new mulch and with every bed being edged with stones. Many trips to buy only manageable amounts loaded into my small SUV.<br /></span><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">If you are like me, every trip to Lowe's means just a quick peak to peruse the garden center's flowers. Just a peak to see if there's anything new. Are ya with me? Is anyone hearing me on this? </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">Well on this 117th trip I was legitimately in the garden center getting more stones and mulch. I passed a clearance cart. Coreopsis. What? Why are those on sale? They look great, still green, and the buds hadn't bloomed yet. Being a perennial they were $4.98 instead of $6.98. I already had one and love it as it continually blooms with small brilliant yellow flowers. [They are still yellow in my front bed.] </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">So I purchased two. I planted one in the back where there was already a hole waiting to be filled. The other one resided on the front porch temporarily. I knew where I wanted it in the front bed, viewable from the street. I am really not sure why I moved so slowly to plant it. I was faithful to remember to water it on the porch in its original container. I was faithful. Until...we had many days of heat and no rain. And, I was busy pulling crabgrass (a weed) from the back yard, and planting grass seed. That required attention and water. Yet, my sweet little cory sat alone and unattended. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">Opening the front door to finally water it, I found it crying to me "why did you let me die?" I stewed over it for awhile, mad at myself for letting it go. I thought that's five dollars. I just wasted five dollars. Five dollars, I tell ya. Yet, I'll use a coupon to get a dollar off an item. Oh well, lesson learned...don't buy until ready to plant. I was over it and accepted my waste. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">Being that this week is compost (yard waste) pick up, I went to the front porch to retrieve my dead coreopsis. It was time to accept that cory had to go to the its new home and be recycled into compost. I was going to dump the whole thing, minus the container, into my yard bag. Imagine my surprise when I see little new sprouts at the base. Wow. I was awed. I was going to cut the tops so baby cory had room to grow and flourish. Wait. I have to photo this. Wait. I have to write about this. What? Bore my precious peeps with this? Yes, stay with me. You know I always have a point, even if long-winded</span></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnYzjV5EEzqv2dtwEwR5LoJwKMzp_y_bih0zbEEJGDKwOoSCx0WSlFiHT9jR_BGDKZdT8dagI8cEkcpaog1EFjeZzH9cTm4XKbRqLDBbhZgDPXCYPxZHeUz9s1KlP3kxSqgTJxx1k-pgP/s1600-h/158%5B1%5D.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382449013463466786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 113px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnYzjV5EEzqv2dtwEwR5LoJwKMzp_y_bih0zbEEJGDKwOoSCx0WSlFiHT9jR_BGDKZdT8dagI8cEkcpaog1EFjeZzH9cTm4XKbRqLDBbhZgDPXCYPxZHeUz9s1KlP3kxSqgTJxx1k-pgP/s200/158%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#663300;">I had been working in the yard prior to this and I was searching for something to write--opening my mind to let God show me. I had something and began formulating it in my head. Soon after is when I found the dead rising. My original topic had escaped my memory. </span></div><span style="color:#663300;"><div><br />As soon as I saw my plant I said (to myself, quietly) "and the dead will rise." This plant is much like our lives and our salvation experience. We die to our self, our old life, and then we rise in new life and new birth in Christ. <em><span style="color:#006600;">Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:33 </span></em></div><div></div><br /><div>When this title came to me, I thought of what God can do with <strong>anything</strong> dead or dying. Immediately to mind was Christ raising Lazarus from the dead. I've referenced this miraculous event of Jesus' many times over the last two years. Jesus made it very apparent that He did not want to heal a sick man but wanted to raise a dead man. We know Christ had the power to do so and to also get to Lazarus sooner than four days. <em><span style="color:#666600;"><span style="color:#006600;">So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." John 11:14-15</span> </span></em></div><div></div><br /><div>Many things that are dead, or dying, He can raise and breathe life into:</div><div>♥ dead homes (families)</div><div>♥ dead relationships</div><div>♥ dead spirits</div><div>♥ dead ministries</div><div>♥ dead bodies</div><div>♥ dead opportunities</div><div>♥ dead jobs</div><div>♥ dead marriages</div><div>♥ dead hearts</div><div>♥ dead faith </div><br /><div></div><div>He can resurrect the dead and bring life <em>unimagined</em>. <em><span style="color:#006600;">Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or <strong>imagine</strong>, according to His power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20<br /></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;">Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" John 11:40<br /></span></em><br />Do you think that maybe the power, mentioned in Ephesians 3:20, is partly our believing, mentioned in John 11:40? There is much to be said about our believing or doubting. There <strong>is</strong> power in believing. There are many accounts of where those 'dying' with ailments rise with health and life because of faith and believing. For a refresher on some of those, read </span></div><a href="http://hisways-isaiah558.blogspot.com/2008/07/masters-touch-our-faith.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Master's Touch, Our Faith</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">.<br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><em>Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." Luke 17:19 </em></span></span><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;"><span style="color:#006600;"><em></em></span></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"><span style="color:#006600;"><em>All things are possible with God. Mark 10:27</em></span> </span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">That includes <strong>all</strong> resurrections being possible. </span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">Nothing is truly dead with His power of life around the corner, is it?!<br /></span><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span></div><div><div><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Picture is of the dead Coreopsis rising. </span></div></div>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-66072239296063451592009-08-28T20:34:00.004-04:002009-09-04T14:57:08.305-04:00Spilt Glow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHPzORCShA2_jF19XJVn4lFIBRZD0Xcz4BrAj2GgxQxbmH8kNnQfchrbwEkB8B2FJ3vRUjKNdH03i_JIxbWIuRwDn2C_s6jM2GoLviPC-7X2f9fKm6u01oFaNzfXduaUFQHWhC4tBF5fi/s1600-h/IMG_1002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375177717505665618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHPzORCShA2_jF19XJVn4lFIBRZD0Xcz4BrAj2GgxQxbmH8kNnQfchrbwEkB8B2FJ3vRUjKNdH03i_JIxbWIuRwDn2C_s6jM2GoLviPC-7X2f9fKm6u01oFaNzfXduaUFQHWhC4tBF5fi/s200/IMG_1002.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff6600;">We've all heard of split milk. Well, what about spilt glow. That is, Orange Glow the cleaner. A couple weeks ago, I walked out of my house via the laundry room and into the garage. I heard a bang when I closed the door but thought nothing of it. I assumed something had fallen from the laundry shelf onto the washer or dryer. As I returned, I saw it was not just nothing. A bottle of Orange Glow cleaner had fallen but it landed in just the right spot as to break the neck. (Much like our fragile bodies landing just in the wrong place causing fatalities.) So, I picked it up. The solution had not yet run out of the bottle, too much. I disposed of the sprayer top and neck and placed the bottle on the dryer. When I got time, I'd just buy an empty squirt bottle and transfer the solution. Great idea, huh? </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Fast forward a few days and I'm doing laundry and somehow, some way, at some time the bottle tips over and splashes all over the dryer. Great. Lovely. I "just happened" to have a hand towel on the dryer. What better thing to use to clean it up. Next thing I know, I'm wiping down the both the washer and dryer. You know how that dust likes to collect. How often do we clean the control panel of our clothing machines? But, mine now sure looks good. I took this towel with the good smelling orange glow on it and proceeded to the master bathroom. I wiped down my gunky countertop. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">I pondered on this. Many times (too many times, right?) our milk gets spilt, life happens, disasters come, pain infuses. God tells us we <strong>will</strong> incur trials and to be prepared. <span style="color:#33cc00;"><em>Consider it pure joy, my brothers, <strong>whenever</strong> you face trials of <strong>many</strong> kinds. James 1:2</em> [emphasis mine]</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Did you catch that? It says <em>whenever</em>, not <em>if</em> you face trials. And, it does not say when we face that one isolated trial over the span of our 80 years. No, it will be many trials and of different kinds. Financial, emotional, relational, physical. Game's on. Door's open. If we are breathing, we would be wise to expect trials and try as we might to embrace them. (Preaching to myself too.) </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">So, what do we do when our milk spills and we now have a mess? We scoop the milk into the cat's bowl. What do we do when our Orange Glow spills and we have a mess? We wipe down the washer and dryer and anything in sight dirty. What do we do when our life is a mess, our heart is breaking, and trials persist at every turn? We take heart...</span><span style="color:#ff6600;"><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">I</span></em><em><span style="color:#33cc00;"> have</span><span style="color:#33cc00;"> told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you <strong>will</strong> have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33</em> [emphasis mine]</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">We make the best of our spilt milk or spilt glow. We use what we can of the spilt and make the mess somehow, some way worth while. Use the spilt milk, use the spilt glow, use the time waiting, use the pain, use the trials. Stretch, grow, glow. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Spilling that orange glow and then just instantly beginning to clean the washer and dryer, seemed so logical and natural to me. I thought how I wished it was that easy in my waiting, my pain, my trials, my life. I wish I could pick up the pieces more eloquently, more gracefully, more gratefully. I wish I seemed more useful, effective, and purposeful with my time and life while on this path. Living with intent....hmmm. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">I'm trying with all my might. I think. I hope...God only knows that. There's a hole in my heart and my human flesh and spirit want and try to fill that hole. Yet at the same time, I try to enhance and focus on the areas surrounding the hole. Making use of my life and the orange glow and milk that did <em>not</em> spill and escape the container. Inevitably with every spill of milk, or orange glow, there should be some liquid remaining in the container. There is still life in my life. There is still purpose in my life. There is still reason in my life. There is still opportunity to grow for Him, in Him, and with Him. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">Thank You, Lord, for my spilling my Orange Glow. Thank You for showing me the need and necessity to use it all...what's left in the container and what's spilt on the dryer. You are using my whole life, my whole heart. You are the one to fill my hole and use my hole. Keep me focused on You and the life still remaining in my bottle.</span> </em></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">I don't know what those reading this rambling of my heart are experiencing. May you gleam from my spilt glow. May you recognize the glow and milk <em>still</em> in your bottle. May God grant you the ability, power, and desire to use the split glow in your life. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Trying to Glow and Grow from my Spills,</span><br /><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Enjoy the picture of stolen day lillies. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">(Mine didn't look as good so I snapped a picture of my neighobor's...just a few feet from me.)</span>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-58408361969909013192009-08-06T19:32:00.011-04:002009-08-06T20:13:04.327-04:00He Removed the Stump<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-lygteiIo951jRiyCpivyVa2qyQuTufiIv1FSrjTyQiwJ-No8v8NNPn7YMxkRQPkyTeCIPogDY93CW52a5YGf89bJgktZVTI3atLHK2G4z-wJpFngcQlTMWONY3mMV6nqrwM5v7-dOqL/s1600-h/IMG_1036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367001181113541234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-lygteiIo951jRiyCpivyVa2qyQuTufiIv1FSrjTyQiwJ-No8v8NNPn7YMxkRQPkyTeCIPogDY93CW52a5YGf89bJgktZVTI3atLHK2G4z-wJpFngcQlTMWONY3mMV6nqrwM5v7-dOqL/s200/IMG_1036.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLH0byFkuR_d0hP5r3Ho2FTzS5RTH59GRF3PiKJwp6Nyb9O9pn0hx39AAcuKWz0BYRXq7yEQJBC3t74xAH84GfUyaQoGjc989W2MZAEKUor-CO3rXPygS6FWK4QtOIlPVS2ECcVNDvOChS/s1600-h/IMG_1035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367000490315793554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLH0byFkuR_d0hP5r3Ho2FTzS5RTH59GRF3PiKJwp6Nyb9O9pn0hx39AAcuKWz0BYRXq7yEQJBC3t74xAH84GfUyaQoGjc989W2MZAEKUor-CO3rXPygS6FWK4QtOIlPVS2ECcVNDvOChS/s200/IMG_1035.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#660000;">One of my biggest landscaping pet peeves is to have large bushes or trees in front of windows. Hate it! My realtor can vouch that the first thing out of my mouth upon seeing my house was "if I buy this house, those bushes are gone!" A flowering bush in front of a burning bush in front of one of only two windows. Not happening with this chic.<br /><br />After snipping on the bushes for a couple weeks in April, I could take it no more. I cut the flowering bush to the ground. (The mini flowering balls stuck like pee. Eek!)<br /><br />With so many landscaping projects, removing that stump was last on my list. Plus, I paid $17.94 for 'stump remover' and that was going to solve that problem. Consider that project checked off. Fast forward several months to July. A couple times over the last month, I would use my shovel to see what I could do in removing this horrid thing. No luck. What to do? What a wonderful time to have a strong and able man around the house. But this is not the case for now. This last Friday I wanted to finish my front flower bed by laying mulch. The kicker: I really wanted that stump removed before laying mulch.<br /><br />With my shovel in tow, I began. Shove, push, jump, jab, stab. Okay. This isn't going so well. I get out my hand clippers and might as well get the limb clippers too. Oh, get the hand shovel while I'm at it--I never know when it's sharp point and scooping ability will come in handy. I was trying to be systematic so as to accomplish my goal. Remove dirt, clip a root. Remove more dirt, cut another root. Shovel, push, jab. Sweat. The sweat rolled down my face and into my eyes burning. Oh, this seems so hard. What am I going to do? It's too late to call a pro as I want it done <strong>now</strong>. I'm determined to do this and have it finished. It's so hot and I retreat for a quick break. A big sip of water and a moment on the porch step. I must continue. I have to follow through. I have to get this done. I began again cutting each root that I could see, knowing with each detached root I was one step closer to being stump-free.<br /><br />But, this was just not working. I switched gears. I had to step it up. With ALL (and I mean all) my might, I jabbed the shovel hard into the hole around the edge of the stump. I continued this while taking two or three more breaks between gushes of energy. I knew I could not fully stop. I allowed myself breaks which gave much needed rejuvenation. Yet, I knew stopping for the day would deplete all my desire to finish. I felt this approach was working with the intermittent breaks but I was running out of strength and energy. On the last water break, low and behold, I asked God to "help me get this done." What a revelation, asking God. Yes! I returned to jab that shovel with my all. Jab. Jab. Jab. Jab. And I felt it. I felt it was loose. Attached by only one root. The end was near. The end was within my sight. It still took time to maneuver the shovel and get to the very bottom of the stump to clip that last root. Aha! It's done! The stump is free. My goal is complete. My desire is fulfilled. <em>Thank You, Lord, thank You, thank You, thank You!</em><br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">As I thought about this experience and considered penning it to praise God, I reflected on this being much like my feelings for my true heart's desire: marriage restoration. What a very difficult, painful, and extremely draining journey. Only a handful of friends have traveled this road ahead of me and with me. I can so easily see the correlation between the stump experience and my journey. Simply reading over my words, I could easily see how my words and feelings about my stump aligned with the journey of my heart's desire. The fatigue...the determination...the weariness...the doubts at times...the need for rest and rejuvenation. This is what I felt with my stump and feel with the call on my heart.<br /><br />The stump:</span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">1. I didn't want to give up.</span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">2. I was weary and tired, exhausted.</span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">3. I saw no results.</span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">4. I wanted a plan.</span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">5. The sweat and pain felt good in an odd way. </span><span style="color:#ff6600;">*</span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">6. I didn't want to do this alone. </span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">7. I knew the benefit of "following through". </span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">8. I was intermittently encouraged.</span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">* </span>There is nothing better than being soaked with sweat, jumping into the shower, getting clean, and putting on fresh jammies<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">My heart's desire:</span></div></span><div><span style="color:#660000;">1. I don't want to give up or stop believing.</span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">2. I am weary, tired, and exhausted from this journey.</span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">3. I see no evidence of my desire being fulfilled.</span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">4. I want to know HIS plan.</span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">5. Knowing He has a plan and is growing me feels good.</span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">6. I don't want be on this path alone nor live life alone.</span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">7. I know there is great reward to following Him and believing this call.</span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">8. I am encouraged by those who walk this path with me or have gone before me.<br /><br />What does God say about this?</span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">1. Don't give up.</span></div><div><span style="color:#999999;"><em>You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. Hebrews 10:36 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial. James 1:12</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">2. I will give you rest. </span></div><div><span style="color:#999999;"><em>Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">3. Keep believing without seeing.</span></div><div><span style="color:#999999;"><em>Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. John 20:29</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">4. I have a plan for you. </span></div><div><span style="color:#999999;"><em>In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 </em></span></div><div><span style="color:#999999;"><em>For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">5. Trust Me in the pain. </span></div><div><span style="color:#999999;"><em>No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">6. You are not alone. </span></div><div><span style="color:#999999;"><em>I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">7. I will reward your faith. </span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;"><em><span style="color:#999999;">And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 </span></em></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">8. Be encouraged</span><span style="color:#999999;"><span style="color:#660000;"><em>.</em><span style="color:#999999;"><em> "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. <strong>But take heart!</strong> I have overcome the world.". John 16:33<br /><br /></em></span><span style="color:#663300;">Two scriptures that caught my attention while searching biblegateway.com.</span></div></span></span><div><span style="color:#660000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#999999;"><em>Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again. Psalm 71:20 </em></span></div><div><span style="color:#999999;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;"><em><span style="color:#999999;">Then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. Deuteronomy 30:3</span><br /></em><div><em><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /></em><span style="color:#666666;"><em>© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</em></div><br /><p><em>Picture is of <strong>the</strong> stump. </em></span></span></p></div><br /><span style="color:#999999;"><span style="color:#660000;"></span></span>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689868815257965373.post-82452942684950260162009-07-27T15:27:00.002-04:002009-07-27T15:29:40.326-04:00I Remember<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRjYRKDEOA7a6MiquTdMIlkelClEhmtt96VJikA82HkWirYyqdbA_lXcP8nbzZ_RJ9TlVXH3ZYbptN_U1-LRtTEC4HPcnNMSaIdkb3UEEtaS61tETIRyCEEhaT5blIuszQtltke4e8JHf/s1600-h/IMG_1010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363210575290070450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRjYRKDEOA7a6MiquTdMIlkelClEhmtt96VJikA82HkWirYyqdbA_lXcP8nbzZ_RJ9TlVXH3ZYbptN_U1-LRtTEC4HPcnNMSaIdkb3UEEtaS61tETIRyCEEhaT5blIuszQtltke4e8JHf/s200/IMG_1010.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#6600cc;"><br />I remember the smiles.</span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">I remember the happiness.<br />I remember the awe.<br />I remember the elation.<br />I remember the overwhelming elation.<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">I remember the deep joy.<br />I remember the shared joy.</span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">I remember the tears of joy.<br />I remember the joyful tears of ours.<br />I remember the joyful tears of others.<br /><br />I remember the beauty.<br />I remember the love.<br />I remember the uniqueness.<br />I remember the oneness.<br />I remember the rarity. </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><br />I remember the divine intervention.<br />I remember presence of the Holy One.<br />I remember the holy union of three.<br />I remember the Lord's blessing.<br />I remember the impossible becoming possible.<br /><br />I remember the unity.<br />I remember the united spirits.<br />I remember the unbreakable bond.<br />I remember the solid union.<br />I remember two joined as one.<br />I remember the Father's provision.<br /><br />This was penned from my heart on <strong>April 16th</strong> in remembrance not only of one holy wedding day but also in remembrance of a path set in motion by the Almighty this day, <strong>July 27th</strong>, five years ago, when eyes met and souls joined unbeknownst fully to us. A divine appointment we called it. These words were written about the day of April 16th but also about the relationship between two children of God divinely united by Him. These words still describe the relationship, now broken.<br /><br />For the relationship is still divinely joined by God. It is still characterized by its rarity, uniqueness, and beauty, of what it was and even more, <em>what it could be</em>. There is still extreme awe and elation over what God created in joining us and what He desires to still do. There is still hope for unity, love, and an unbreakable bond to be restored by the One who joined us in the beginning and designed us as one.<br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#6600cc;">It is still...</span><br /></span>two joined as one<br />the Lord's blessing<br />a union of two waiting for three<br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#6600cc;">There is still...</span><br /></span>the presence of the Holy One<br />divine intervention<br />the Father's provision<br />awe of Him<br /><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">There is still...<br />tears<br /><br />There is still...</span><span style="color:#006600;"><br /></span>the impossible becoming possible.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;">Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20<br /></span></em><br />I remember when we found this scripture preparing for that special day. It was an ah-ha moment knowing this is exactly what God had done in bringing us together and then joining us in a covenant that still stands. It was as if He wrote that verse just for us. And now, I still claim that verse for all areas of my life.<br /><br />Please pray for me and beloved. We both desperately need it for different reasons.<br /><br />Clinging to Him through it all,<br /><div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85696/ppowell/1e965e82d53da58ef6b25be7fc630753.png" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.</span></div><div><span style="color:#666666;"></span></div><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Enjoy the unique breed of hosta from my new yard. </span></span>Paula Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.com15