Thought I'd post on prayer requests and create a respectable receptacle (ha ha ha, couldn't resist) for us to post our prayer requests for the week. I guess you can either comment to this post, so they are all in one place, or do your own post. Whatever you fancy ...
Also, Tiff, thanks for the thought-provoking questions. I too feel like I need to summarize all the stuff we've been discussing.
My prayer request: that I will be aware of the things God is trying to teach me/tweak in me through this rock-star-awesome study. That my heart will be softened and ready for it and that I will look at each day (or hour, or minute) as a new opportunity to radiate Him. Even if I didn't radiate Him in the last minute.
Love you Noggies.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
LOVE YOU GUYS
Just wanted to have a shout out of love (and mental hugging! ;))
I am so thankful for each of you and the candid reality we share...an "excellent forum for discussion" is how I like to describe our study nights to some of my gals at work that I talk to about the book, etc...
So I just wanted to say thank you to each of you for being yourself and for keeping it real and for warming my heart each time we are together! It is a pleasure!
So to end this little post a wise thought from Flip (my daily calendar)....
There is hope for us because God has promised never to leave us or to forsake us. There is hope because we are not alone--we have each other!
We do have God and we have each other...
Have a FANTABULOUS day! Lots of mental hugging coming all of your ways today! ;)
Bri
I am so thankful for each of you and the candid reality we share...an "excellent forum for discussion" is how I like to describe our study nights to some of my gals at work that I talk to about the book, etc...
So I just wanted to say thank you to each of you for being yourself and for keeping it real and for warming my heart each time we are together! It is a pleasure!
So to end this little post a wise thought from Flip (my daily calendar)....
There is hope for us because God has promised never to leave us or to forsake us. There is hope because we are not alone--we have each other!
We do have God and we have each other...
Have a FANTABULOUS day! Lots of mental hugging coming all of your ways today! ;)
Bri
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
i'm lovin' it
Yeah, I do love me some Micky D's, but that's not what I'm talking about here. As I was thinking of our group earlier today, especially after Rochelle asked if anyone else was pumped about things, I remembered that Beth Moore shared that God has blessed her with a real, deep love for the women she serves, even though she meets very few of them face to face. She can bump into some woman she's never met before in a Starbucks and, after sharing their God-stories, leave them with a hug and an "I love you" and truly mean it. And that's the way I feel about you guys! I am already sad that this will study will end and we're only halfway through. I'm lovin' it... all of it. The study, the sharing, the food, the e-mails, the blog, the spiritual tweaking, and each of you.
Now, I must add the disclaimer that I am not a "hugger" by nature, so if I do run into you in Starbucks (or Wal-mart, which is more likely for me!) and I don't hug you, it's nothing personal. You are NOT the one person in the group that I don't care about enough to hug. I am probably just hugging you mentally. (I know. It's something I need to work on.)
Many of you will be flipping the next page on your flip calendars soon and therefore have some new "morsels" for us to mentally chew on. And I'm sure this week's lessons will hold much thought-provoking material, as well. But in the meantime, here are a few of the main growth questions I have swimming about in my mind from past conversations, lessons, or posts that may keep your wheels turning, too:
What "envelopes" do I fail to let go of and await the reply? Am I praying with faith and expectancy?
Who (or what role, activity, etc.) am I allowing to be my god by asking them/it to tell me who I am--to define me?
Where in my life am I double-minded and unstable--claiming God is my God while serving false gods?
What (or whom) am I convinced would make me happy if I could obtain it?
Where am I settling, out of desperation and lack of faith, for "crumbs" when the Lord has fullness to offer?
What am I filling my internal vacuum with other than God--the Ultimate Thing?
Maybe none of those resonate with you, because like Kelly said, the Word will speak to each of us individually. But I trust that God is stirring up something good in each of us through this study and fellowship.
I, too, love Brianne's honest prayer: may I always allow the tweaking... So where is God tweaking you most right now?
Now, I must add the disclaimer that I am not a "hugger" by nature, so if I do run into you in Starbucks (or Wal-mart, which is more likely for me!) and I don't hug you, it's nothing personal. You are NOT the one person in the group that I don't care about enough to hug. I am probably just hugging you mentally. (I know. It's something I need to work on.)
Many of you will be flipping the next page on your flip calendars soon and therefore have some new "morsels" for us to mentally chew on. And I'm sure this week's lessons will hold much thought-provoking material, as well. But in the meantime, here are a few of the main growth questions I have swimming about in my mind from past conversations, lessons, or posts that may keep your wheels turning, too:
What "envelopes" do I fail to let go of and await the reply? Am I praying with faith and expectancy?
Who (or what role, activity, etc.) am I allowing to be my god by asking them/it to tell me who I am--to define me?
Where in my life am I double-minded and unstable--claiming God is my God while serving false gods?
What (or whom) am I convinced would make me happy if I could obtain it?
Where am I settling, out of desperation and lack of faith, for "crumbs" when the Lord has fullness to offer?
What am I filling my internal vacuum with other than God--the Ultimate Thing?
Maybe none of those resonate with you, because like Kelly said, the Word will speak to each of us individually. But I trust that God is stirring up something good in each of us through this study and fellowship.
I, too, love Brianne's honest prayer: may I always allow the tweaking... So where is God tweaking you most right now?
Neurological Highways
So I've debated since Sunday morning about sharing this and trying to explain it in writing and avoid pages and pages of words trying.
So here's my best shot. We've been talking about our thought life and how important it is to have it God centered. It was also brought up in an earlier post (sorry, don't remember which one with all that i read just now!) about our thoughts not ever being neutral but either "pro-God" or "against God."
Our study group Sunday morning was talking about how our brains create little "highways" with our thoughts and the more that same "highway" is traveled, the easier that path is to follow. "Yes", you might be saying "of course...kind of the power of positive thinking concept." For some reason though, it struck me at how important it is for me to fill my head with truth as often as possible so my brain creates paths of truth rather than paths of lies like satan is hoping. And the more I practice it, the easier it will be. That's encouraging to me! It also reaffirms the importance of memorizing scripture (gulp). That's not my strong suit...and I've been telling myself that for years. That path in my head is deep and very easy to follow ...much to Satan's liking. (oh drat!).
One more interesting piece to this is I watched a TV news show a while back about people with a single recurring nightmare. Psychiatrists' remedy for them to fix the problem is to have them replay the dream over and over in their head with a different ending during the daytime. Eventually at night, their brain will follow their newly rehearsed dream instead of the old one. So even while I'm sleeping, I feel vulnerable to satan's attacks. (profound..I know)
So I'm feeling a bit discouraged about this now wondering if my heart is really the issue when it comes to memorizing scripture. Sure, it would be great to know scripture, but have I really wanted to put in the time and effort? It shouldn't be hard, right? Lies, lies, lies!
Looking forward to this evening. And next week we need to spread these out a bit! I've been anxiously awaiting posts and didn't see any for several days. I was like a kid waiting for a letter at the mailbox....looking disappointed every time I opened (the blog) and found no new comments!
Happy afternoon, nogarina's!
Nancy
So here's my best shot. We've been talking about our thought life and how important it is to have it God centered. It was also brought up in an earlier post (sorry, don't remember which one with all that i read just now!) about our thoughts not ever being neutral but either "pro-God" or "against God."
Our study group Sunday morning was talking about how our brains create little "highways" with our thoughts and the more that same "highway" is traveled, the easier that path is to follow. "Yes", you might be saying "of course...kind of the power of positive thinking concept." For some reason though, it struck me at how important it is for me to fill my head with truth as often as possible so my brain creates paths of truth rather than paths of lies like satan is hoping. And the more I practice it, the easier it will be. That's encouraging to me! It also reaffirms the importance of memorizing scripture (gulp). That's not my strong suit...and I've been telling myself that for years. That path in my head is deep and very easy to follow ...much to Satan's liking. (oh drat!).
One more interesting piece to this is I watched a TV news show a while back about people with a single recurring nightmare. Psychiatrists' remedy for them to fix the problem is to have them replay the dream over and over in their head with a different ending during the daytime. Eventually at night, their brain will follow their newly rehearsed dream instead of the old one. So even while I'm sleeping, I feel vulnerable to satan's attacks. (profound..I know)
So I'm feeling a bit discouraged about this now wondering if my heart is really the issue when it comes to memorizing scripture. Sure, it would be great to know scripture, but have I really wanted to put in the time and effort? It shouldn't be hard, right? Lies, lies, lies!
Looking forward to this evening. And next week we need to spread these out a bit! I've been anxiously awaiting posts and didn't see any for several days. I was like a kid waiting for a letter at the mailbox....looking disappointed every time I opened (the blog) and found no new comments!
Happy afternoon, nogarina's!
Nancy
Food Provision Schedule
I would really like to take time to write a comment on Rochelle's post, but it just had way too much good stuff in it for me to take time for that right now. I really need to read it a few more times to take it all in. You are likely more than satisfied with the volume of text I've placed on this blog already, anyway! I have not done very well at limiting my internet time once again this week--having our own blog hasn't helped me in that area (but I love it anyway!) Any suggestions you have for keeping myself accountable here would be welcomed! It probably just boils down to self-discipline or turning off the computer, so you may be able to do little more than pray for growth in that area for me!Anyway...
I thought I would post the official "Food Provision Schedule" here so it's easily accessible to all without digging through past e-mails. Notice, we have dubbed it "food provision" so there is no pressure to actually prepare the food yourself! Feel free to trade or do whatever you need to make the schedule work well for you:
July 29 (tonight) – Sheila and Teresa
Aug. 5 – Nancy and Tiff
Aug. 12 – Beth and Stacey
Aug. 19 – Brianne and Rochelle
Aug. 26 – Amy and Nancy (or we can do a special celebration for the final week)
Can't wait to see all of you tonight! (Are we having a night of "perfect attendance" tonight?! I hope so!)
I thought I would post the official "Food Provision Schedule" here so it's easily accessible to all without digging through past e-mails. Notice, we have dubbed it "food provision" so there is no pressure to actually prepare the food yourself! Feel free to trade or do whatever you need to make the schedule work well for you:
July 29 (tonight) – Sheila and Teresa
Aug. 5 – Nancy and Tiff
Aug. 12 – Beth and Stacey
Aug. 19 – Brianne and Rochelle
Aug. 26 – Amy and Nancy (or we can do a special celebration for the final week)
Can't wait to see all of you tonight! (Are we having a night of "perfect attendance" tonight?! I hope so!)
Monday, July 28, 2008
More Flip Calendar Wisdom
So, Brianne and I must be related ... I too felt compelled to share as I caught up on a week's worth of flippage from the calendar that sits on my desk. It is based on John Ortberg's book, God Is Closer Than You Think.
Each thought we have carries with it a little spiritual power, a tug toward or away from God. No thought is purely neutral. Every thought is either enabling and strengthening you to be able to cope with reality to live a kingdom kind of life, or robbing you of that life.
Every thought is - at least to a small extent - God-breathed or God-avoidant; leading to death or leading to life.
The kind of thoughts that come from God are those in line with the fruit of the Spirit; they move us toward love and joy and peace and patience. And we will learn that there are other thoughts that are not likely to be God speaking. For instance, nowhere in the Bible does it say, "And then God worried." So I can be quite confident that thoughts that move me toward a paralyzed anxiety are not from God.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
God is gracious to communicate to us even at the point of our immaturity in a way that we can understand. John Calvin has a beautiful metaphor for this: "For who is so devoid of intellect as not to understand that God, in so speaking, lisps with us as nurses are wont to do with little children?... In doing so, he must, of course, stoop far below his proper height. God stoops. God lisps."
Our job is to be ruthless about saying yes when we believe God is speaking to us. Every time we do, we will get a little more sensitive to hearing him the next time. Our mind becomes a little more receptive, a little more tuned in to God's channel. On the other hand, when we say "no, ..." we make ourselves a little less likely to hear him in the future. (YIKES!)
The natural tendency of my mind apart from God is toward death, not life (SO TRUE) ... When people are alone, undistracted by noise or activity, their minds naturally drift toward an awareness of discontentment, a sense of inadequacy, anxiety about the future, and a chronic sense of self-preoccupation ... This is why people generally flee from solitude ... But God never desires that our minds be filled with despair or tormented by unsatisfied longings. God's desire is for us to have a mind permeated by life-giving thoughts.
Colossians 3:1-3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Wow. Kind of overwhelming when I think about how private and comforting my thoughts are. That is my place to really express how I feel ... most of the time ... sometimes I don't want to face some of my fears, or the truth about the lies I've been believing, or the bitterness or hurt I've been holding on to ... but it is also the place where I can really let it all hang out, so to speak. Think about things that I wouldn't verbalize or share. But John O is saying that the seemingly insignifcant thoughts will either be for God or against God. Powerful.
I skipped (or flipped) ahead to the tomorrow and this is what I read, which gave me some relief (because I was going to pull on my boxing gloves and work my thought-life out all by myself again ...)
Paul wrote to the church at Rome for people to "be transformed by the renewing of your minds" (Romans 12:2). He doesn't say "transform yourselves by renewing your minds." Only God can change a mind. This explains why Paul wrote to Timothy that God has "not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). When God is present in a mind, it begins to flow with a new kind of thought.
I keep flipping ahead to see exactly how to make sure God is present in my mind, b/c I need a how-to book on these things. God's Presence for Dummies, or something. I couldn't find an equation or a step-by-step list, so I'm just praying that He is more present in my mind than He was 15 minutes ago.
See you Tuesday night!
Each thought we have carries with it a little spiritual power, a tug toward or away from God. No thought is purely neutral. Every thought is either enabling and strengthening you to be able to cope with reality to live a kingdom kind of life, or robbing you of that life.
Every thought is - at least to a small extent - God-breathed or God-avoidant; leading to death or leading to life.
The kind of thoughts that come from God are those in line with the fruit of the Spirit; they move us toward love and joy and peace and patience. And we will learn that there are other thoughts that are not likely to be God speaking. For instance, nowhere in the Bible does it say, "And then God worried." So I can be quite confident that thoughts that move me toward a paralyzed anxiety are not from God.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
God is gracious to communicate to us even at the point of our immaturity in a way that we can understand. John Calvin has a beautiful metaphor for this: "For who is so devoid of intellect as not to understand that God, in so speaking, lisps with us as nurses are wont to do with little children?... In doing so, he must, of course, stoop far below his proper height. God stoops. God lisps."
Our job is to be ruthless about saying yes when we believe God is speaking to us. Every time we do, we will get a little more sensitive to hearing him the next time. Our mind becomes a little more receptive, a little more tuned in to God's channel. On the other hand, when we say "no, ..." we make ourselves a little less likely to hear him in the future. (YIKES!)
The natural tendency of my mind apart from God is toward death, not life (SO TRUE) ... When people are alone, undistracted by noise or activity, their minds naturally drift toward an awareness of discontentment, a sense of inadequacy, anxiety about the future, and a chronic sense of self-preoccupation ... This is why people generally flee from solitude ... But God never desires that our minds be filled with despair or tormented by unsatisfied longings. God's desire is for us to have a mind permeated by life-giving thoughts.
Colossians 3:1-3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Wow. Kind of overwhelming when I think about how private and comforting my thoughts are. That is my place to really express how I feel ... most of the time ... sometimes I don't want to face some of my fears, or the truth about the lies I've been believing, or the bitterness or hurt I've been holding on to ... but it is also the place where I can really let it all hang out, so to speak. Think about things that I wouldn't verbalize or share. But John O is saying that the seemingly insignifcant thoughts will either be for God or against God. Powerful.
I skipped (or flipped) ahead to the tomorrow and this is what I read, which gave me some relief (because I was going to pull on my boxing gloves and work my thought-life out all by myself again ...)
Paul wrote to the church at Rome for people to "be transformed by the renewing of your minds" (Romans 12:2). He doesn't say "transform yourselves by renewing your minds." Only God can change a mind. This explains why Paul wrote to Timothy that God has "not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). When God is present in a mind, it begins to flow with a new kind of thought.
I keep flipping ahead to see exactly how to make sure God is present in my mind, b/c I need a how-to book on these things. God's Presence for Dummies, or something. I couldn't find an equation or a step-by-step list, so I'm just praying that He is more present in my mind than He was 15 minutes ago.
See you Tuesday night!
The god of people-pleasing
So, wouldn't you know it, several articles in my latest Today's Christian Woman magazine connect to discussions we've had together, one addressing my god in particular: the approval of others. I thought I would share a few quotes from the article that put things in perspective for me, which hopefully means another step on the journey toward freedom. After all, "it is for freedom that Christ has set us free" (Gal. 5). I completely echo Brianne's desire to have the ability to stay in it and permanently know this truth in my heart and mind! I still really like the brain removal option...but probably not a good idea considering how dingy and forgetful I can be with my brain fully connected and intact!
Here are the quotes from author Kim Gaines Eckert:
When we aren't honest with others about who we really are, and instead present an image of who we think we should be in order to gain their acceptance, we're people pleasing.
When you look to others for affirmation, you ask them to reflect your feelings and thoughts back to you with perfect accuracy and insight. When my husband is unable to do so, I get frustrated. Your husband, children and friends may love you as best they can, affirm your strengths, and help you see how God designed you. But when you ask someone to tell you who you are, you're really asking that person to be your god. And human beings are destined to disappoint you. God alone is your true "mirror." Only he can fully, perfectly know and love you (I Cor. 13:12).
In seeking Christ's favor, you can stop trying to prove to others you're a good wife, mother or church member.... You are worthy. And that worth lies not in what you do for others, but in the work Christ has already done for--and in--you. When you rest in his unfailing love, you can serve others in true freedom.
The article also gave six questions to ask yourself to help assess your struggle with people pleasing:
1) Do you feel comfortable expressing your opinions to others?
2) Can you say "no" to a request you don't have time to fulfill?
3) Do you say you agree with others' ideas only when you truly do?
4) Are you willing to send back a restaurant dish you don't like?
5) Can you tell a close friend or family member that she has hurt you?
6) Are you comfortable making independent choices?
While my answers to these questions still reveal much need for progress, I also know Christ is doing a work in me because I'm further on the way than I was a year ago. That is hope giving to me. Instant and permanent results would be better, but, you know, I'll take what I can get! :)
In the auditorium service yesterday, Andrew talked about having the ability to stand and trust that God is at work, even when the evidence around us seems to say otherwise. That is a word I need to hear often. I know there are so many good resources and spiritual things to do, but if that interests you, you can listen to the message online at www.trcpella.com. It may not be there yet, but it will be in the next day or two.
Praying that we'll look to our gods less and our Great GOD more today than yesterday!
Beth
Here are the quotes from author Kim Gaines Eckert:
When we aren't honest with others about who we really are, and instead present an image of who we think we should be in order to gain their acceptance, we're people pleasing.
When you look to others for affirmation, you ask them to reflect your feelings and thoughts back to you with perfect accuracy and insight. When my husband is unable to do so, I get frustrated. Your husband, children and friends may love you as best they can, affirm your strengths, and help you see how God designed you. But when you ask someone to tell you who you are, you're really asking that person to be your god. And human beings are destined to disappoint you. God alone is your true "mirror." Only he can fully, perfectly know and love you (I Cor. 13:12).
In seeking Christ's favor, you can stop trying to prove to others you're a good wife, mother or church member.... You are worthy. And that worth lies not in what you do for others, but in the work Christ has already done for--and in--you. When you rest in his unfailing love, you can serve others in true freedom.
The article also gave six questions to ask yourself to help assess your struggle with people pleasing:
1) Do you feel comfortable expressing your opinions to others?
2) Can you say "no" to a request you don't have time to fulfill?
3) Do you say you agree with others' ideas only when you truly do?
4) Are you willing to send back a restaurant dish you don't like?
5) Can you tell a close friend or family member that she has hurt you?
6) Are you comfortable making independent choices?
While my answers to these questions still reveal much need for progress, I also know Christ is doing a work in me because I'm further on the way than I was a year ago. That is hope giving to me. Instant and permanent results would be better, but, you know, I'll take what I can get! :)
In the auditorium service yesterday, Andrew talked about having the ability to stand and trust that God is at work, even when the evidence around us seems to say otherwise. That is a word I need to hear often. I know there are so many good resources and spiritual things to do, but if that interests you, you can listen to the message online at www.trcpella.com. It may not be there yet, but it will be in the next day or two.
Praying that we'll look to our gods less and our Great GOD more today than yesterday!
Beth
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