tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84032711907470723332023-11-16T04:56:01.269-08:00Ministry in the Mix of Real LifeThoughts from a girl who's been in ministry for more than 20 years, still trying to figure out how God might want to use her, written in the midst of raising 3 kids and being a pastor's wife. Some days are hard, some days are rich!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-44634134616623908662015-04-04T10:45:00.000-07:002015-04-04T10:45:18.432-07:00April Meal Plans<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Several people asked me about my April meal plan so here are the links. Please, please, please don't expect it to be gourmet or remotely fancy! If it gives you some motivation or ideas, great! This meal plan included Easter, so it’s a bit more than usual. These meals feed 5, including 2 teenage boys. If they have friends over for dinner, I usually double the recipes. My goals are to save as much money as possible on our food budget, while providing lots of fruits and vegetables. I do not eat gluten or dairy, so when the rest of the family has bread I avoid it. I use gluten free pasta and snacks when possible. We also have a very busy schedule in the evenings with dance, choir rehearsals, instrument lessons, Justin’s job, and tons of homework...so I need to do easy EASY meals!! I repeat, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><u>n</u></i></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><u>othing fancy here</u></i></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">! I do most of my shopping at Aldi at the beginning of the month, but of course must go back weekly for little things like milk, bread, and fresh fruit/veggies. I honestly don't have time to coupon, but I use the Target Cartwheel app and my Target Red Card when shopping there. We certainly aren't poor but we choose to spend our money on music lessons and dance during this season, and having teens is just expensive anyway! We also choose to be consistent in giving to our church, our Compassion kids, and various community opportunities. Planning ahead just helps us afford what's important to us. </span></div>
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shopping list = http://bit.ly/1J5NdkR<br />
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spread sheet of meals = http://bit.ly/1P8fM5j<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-7578524658606296742015-04-03T07:29:00.001-07:002015-04-03T07:33:07.779-07:00Good Friday ThoughtsToday is, without a doubt, one of the most deeply meaningful days of the year to me! Don't get me wrong, Sunday will be joyful and full of celebration for me because the resurrection is proof of God's all encompassing, death defying power over sin...even my sin! However, today is proof of His willingness to do whatever it took to have a relationship with me, with humanity! Today is always dark to my soul, and I feel it. I am somber and sad and even somewhat embarrassed over what my sin caused. I need Good Friday to be like this because in my daily life sometimes I have the audacity to forget that it was my sin that required Jesus' heinous execution. <div><br></div><div>As one of the most meaningful hymns to me says:</div><div>"It was MY sin that held Him there until it was accomplished. His dying breath has brought me life..."</div><div><br></div><div>So today I will be sad. I woke up sad. The rain and hail seemed appropriate. </div><div><br></div><div>But I also found such sweet balm in a bit of reading that I often skip on Good Friday. I usually meditate on the gruesome verses about Jesus' beatings and executions, and believe me I will focus there much of today, but then I remembered a prayer of Jesus that He offered just prior to the arrest.</div><div><br></div><div>(Last year I had the opportunity to speak to a women's group in the KC area. They asked me to teach on John 15...you know the familiar vine and branches part? I discovered so much of what Jesus said and did RIGHT BEFORE the crucifixion while preparing for this teaching time, and I've been radically changed by it this year!)</div><div><br></div><div>Chapters 15,16, and 17 of John are Jesus' last words before the arrest, trial, beatings, and crucifixion all started. Tucked into those chapters is one long prayer! Guess who He prays for!</div><div><br></div><div>"Now I’m returning to you. I’m saying these things in the world’s hearing So my people can experience My joy completed in them. I gave them your word; The godless world hated them because of it, Because they didn’t join the world’s ways, Just as I didn’t join the world’s ways. I’m not asking that you take them out of the world But that you guard them from the Evil One. They are no more defined by the world Than I am defined by the world. Make them holy—consecrated—with the truth; Your word is consecrating truth. In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. I’m consecrating myself for their sakes So they’ll be truth-consecrated in their mission." (John 17:13-19 MSG)</div><div><br></div><div>Just before Jesus gave Himself over to the authorities, He prayed for me...and you. </div><div><br></div><div>Jesus prayed for His followers!! For me! For the very ones who would scatter and deny Him in just hours! I'm so struck by this that it will color my subdued spirit in a new way today! He prayed for my protection from the enemy. He prayed that I would be able to live in this sin laden world with His joy! That prayer is a game changer to me! </div><div><br></div><div>Today as I reflect on what my sin required of Jesus, I will also be freshly encouraged and amazed that, not only did He die for me, He first prayed for my joy and protection! What kind of God is so tender? </div><div><br></div><div>I'm awestruck. So today I will be sad, but I will also remember that He ask God to protect me from the evil one and fill me with HIS joy. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-41936480753394105932015-03-21T17:39:00.001-07:002015-03-21T17:44:28.895-07:00Bucket List<div>It's been a good Spring break, but I can tell it's time for school because I've had time to dream. Honestly that doesn't happen very often in the middle of raising 3 busy kids, so I guess it's a blessing. Honestly, years ago I assumed that I would have accomplished all my goals by this age, but somewhere along the way my goals must have changed! Here's the bucket list I developed tonight. Some things may seem so shallow but cut me some slack! 😜</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>1. Raise responsible and respectful kids who verbalize their gratitude, use manners, stand up for others, and use their talents to serve God. I'd really like to live to SEE these things!!!<div><br></div><div>2. Go to Hawaii.</div><div><br></div><div>3. Learn to sew.</div><div><br></div><div>4. Take a Master Gardener class.</div><div><br></div><div>5. Run the New York marathon.</div><div><br></div><div>6. Visit Paris.</div><div><br></div><div>7. Take Sarah to NYC!</div><div><br></div><div>8. Write an anonymous teen mom blog that's real and honest and helpful.</div><div><br></div><div>9. Go to seminary.</div><div><br></div><div>10. Have granite countertops.</div><div><br></div><div>11. Own a bridal consultant business...yes, I've watched too much "SYTTD" this week!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-79971741710095269682015-03-01T11:04:00.001-08:002015-03-01T14:40:26.268-08:00Isn't it ok to complain?<br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdhCL3H5koJsg4cjSiAuuroMiCnK5BB6pMDJogV4OVakdo7C6m3iv0jLSnDu034IkgMKTV4YRYNqtUHNiBUrWTwdbRycLnCReoAMyK3EqOTGqO7suQ8LTXkIFWNF287wOg4Go2XmdsGTq/s640/blogger-image-84383041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdhCL3H5koJsg4cjSiAuuroMiCnK5BB6pMDJogV4OVakdo7C6m3iv0jLSnDu034IkgMKTV4YRYNqtUHNiBUrWTwdbRycLnCReoAMyK3EqOTGqO7suQ8LTXkIFWNF287wOg4Go2XmdsGTq/s640/blogger-image-84383041.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div>If you're reading this then you likely have already seen me post these verses on other social media today. They happen to be some of my favorite verses to quote to my kids but some of the hardest to practice myself! So very hard!</div><div><br></div><div><i><b>Don't I have every stinkin' right to argue, grumble, and complain when life is hard? Won't you cut me some slack when life is just so hard that nothing is going as I planned and I am seriously trying to do and be the right mom/wife/teacher? Can I even help it if it just slips out? Everyone complains! Am I seriously supposed to do what these verses say?</b></i></div><div><br></div><div>We underestimate God's supernatural power and the indwelling Holy Spirit when we mistakingly think complaining, arguing, and grumbling are something we can't help doing! WE certainly can't be so selfless, but Christ always is. He wants to help us be like Him. We are His ambassadors, his representatives, the models of Him. Come to think of it, I can't remember a single story from The Gospels where Jesus complained about what His Father had sent Him to do. </div><div><br></div><div>Bottom line: when I argue and complain and bicker and second guess then I misrepresent Christ. He simply isn't like that. </div><div><br></div><div>Bottom line: sometimes you have to choose to overrule what you feel and behave differently. Sometimes you have to do the hard thing!</div><div><br></div><div>But why? </div><div><br></div><div>I think it's because our most grand calling is to be "living proof" of God's redemptive power. Even when nothing's going my way, even if I'm devastated, even when my kids aren't perfect, even when there's more month than money, even when I have more to do than time to do it, even when every hormone in my house is out of control, even when the other person did the wrong thing, even when...</div><div><br></div><div>God still readily and cheerfully redeems, and my life should be living proof. Oh how I want all of life to be worth something so holy...living proof of redemption!</div><div><br></div><div>So it's time to do the hard thing...do everything cheerfully and readily, no bickering or second guessing allowed. Be the breath of fresh air in the squalid and polluted world.</div><div><br></div><div>You have my permission to call me on this! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-3136903850584912682015-02-21T09:29:00.001-08:002015-02-21T13:04:21.020-08:00Conversation with a tiny dancer...Saturday's are awesome. Saturday mornings are my favorite thing in the world! I love sleeping late and spending an hour alone with some coffee and my bible. It refocuses me after a busy week and before a busy Sunday.<div><br></div><div>Saturday's are also awesome because Sarah gets to dance for 2 hours. During this season, Saturday's are for lyrical rehearsal. Nothing beats watching sweet little girls in black leotards, pink tights, and ballet buns! The only thing better is watching them float across the floor to princess music! It's precious! More precious than puppies and cupcakes!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AW7hOdiS6b-aNTsQSknJTin2b63wOxa0_Qwio6MMWbt9SD3jMU5yL1obZyaAWiHQ61IJsI-Xk1VkAUv8HqLL-7c8dcatf-38W2XjHEEGc6xsz7_miD3iPQ169Q-DIsT7kJYLzGWz2SSg/s640/blogger-image-2089325406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AW7hOdiS6b-aNTsQSknJTin2b63wOxa0_Qwio6MMWbt9SD3jMU5yL1obZyaAWiHQ61IJsI-Xk1VkAUv8HqLL-7c8dcatf-38W2XjHEEGc6xsz7_miD3iPQ169Q-DIsT7kJYLzGWz2SSg/s640/blogger-image-2089325406.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>But getting to dance on Saturdays is never my favorite part of the day simply because I try to eek out as much down time as I can before we kick it into get ready mode! I honestly usually wait until the last possible moment to get into the shower, leaving Sarah to be solely responsible for getting herself dressed.</div><div><br></div><div>Let me insert here that my mantra has always been "If you are old enough to ___________, then you are old enough to dress yourself and carry all your equipment to ____________".</div><div><br></div><div>Just ask the boys how many times Mom dressed them for baseball, soccer, lacrosse, etc. Ask them how I used to preach this mantra when, as every other mom and dad carried baseball bags at Oregon Park in Marietta, I made them carry their own bags. </div><div><br></div><div>I believe Sarah is more than capable of dressing herself for dance.</div><div><br></div><div>So as I'm rushing out the door pushing her to hurry so we aren't late, I notice she has not dressed herself correctly. Actually she has not taken off everything before putting on her tights and it's very obvious. We had to run back upstairs, take everything off and start over! This prompted quite the lecture on the way to dance about being responsible and thinking about what you are doing!</div><div><br></div><div>In addition to my "if you're old enough..." speech, I'm often giving the reminders about being disciplined these days. It goes something like this:</div><div><br></div><div>"Sarah, dancers are disciplined. That means they do the hard things even when they don't want to. They rehearse when they would rather watch TV. They smile even when they are nervous. They joyfully and willingly dance their very best in the back even when they wish they had the solo! Discipline makes us smarter and stronger. You need to do the hard thing and just get dressed when I tell you to instead of playing til the last minute! You are a dancer so you must learn discipline!"</div><div><br></div><div>Yep, then it hit me right between the eyes! Wherever did she learn her "wait til the last minute" distracted ways? All too often I'm trying to do too many things at once and doing nothing well. All too often I'm trying to do what I think is fun rather than the more uncomfortable task to which God is calling me. I intend to follow Him, but just not immediately.</div><div><br></div><div>Gayla, you are an adult, so maybe it's time to grow up. You are a servant of The Living God. You need to be disciplined. You need to do the hard thing even when you don't want to. You will be so much happier when you obey joyfully and immediately! You need to choose the discipline of joy no matter what. You need to willingly do the hard thing especially when it's behind the scenes. You need to dance wherever He places you!</div><div><br></div><div>Sometimes God teaches Sarah, but usually He's teaching me so much more! </div><div><br></div><div><i><b>"Help me to welcome whatever discipline You want to teach me, Lord. And thanks for giving me a tiny dancer as a teacher. Your merciful ways are always best! And also, thanks for Saturday's!"</b></i></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-9417752869600527932015-02-18T09:00:00.001-08:002015-02-18T10:05:18.390-08:00Help! 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Most Baptists don't practice Lent. I try to. </div>
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It probably started for me when I attended graduate school at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky- a fine Catholic school of which I'm quite proud! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrM3dbdU5bhfLVwcHpeobsRjnwt-z3OwDUOmEO1SlTMVsNUuB1wlJfe3qALHN_HowGA0SLwgKvRlZBARKjPaOqVQsmwGmpoCLqACX-YHJBD4xY0VkcquzO5MXcybkyafHCkHYHjkdYrj3z/s640/blogger-image-557489411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrM3dbdU5bhfLVwcHpeobsRjnwt-z3OwDUOmEO1SlTMVsNUuB1wlJfe3qALHN_HowGA0SLwgKvRlZBARKjPaOqVQsmwGmpoCLqACX-YHJBD4xY0VkcquzO5MXcybkyafHCkHYHjkdYrj3z/s640/blogger-image-557489411.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>
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(As newlyweds, away from our families for the first time ever, we lived on the campus of Southern Baptist Seminary where Blake was a student. I worked in the daycare at the Presbyterian seminary across the street and was an intern at Jewish Hospital in Louisville while attending the Catholic university. Talk about ecumenical! I'm not your typical Baptist to say the least. That's a blog all its own!)</div>
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Growing up Baptist in a small rural community in south Arkansas, one really isn't exposed much to Lent or Ash Wednesday. Now mind you, south Arkansas is close to Louisiana so I knew about Mardi Gras but thought it was all about beads and King Cake. And my mother preached vehemently against going to New Orleans even though I'm pretty sure my big sister did!</div>
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So one particularly cold and rainy Wednesday I had no idea why I was the only student who was early to class. As I wandered down the hall of the dietetics building at Spalding, the building that connected to the Chapel, I saw that EVERYONE was in some sort of prayer service. Even the nuns were there! Being Baptist, as previously mentioned, I passed by and went on to sharpen my pencil before returning to class to wait patiently for the other students...who, by the way, were ALL Catholic. (You see where this is going, don't you?)</div>
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Strangely they all entered together looking, to me, as if I'd been the only one not invited to the chimney sweep party.<br>
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You guessed it! I said, "Why do you all have black stuff on your foreheads?" That was my initiation into Lent and Ash Wednesday, and I've learned from it ever since. (I learned so many things from my peers during my time there, and I provided many other naively funny stories to them as well. A totally different post sometime...)<br>
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So now I attempt to incorporate Lent into my spiritual journey. It's traditionally about giving up something in order to remind yourself of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. I love how the She Reads Truth app defines Lent:<br>
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"Lent is the season of repentance leading up to Easter in which the Church draws near to the cross of Christ, resting in the shadow of His sacrifice, glory, and forgiveness."</div><div><br></div><div>Remembering the cross, and why it was required...MY SIN! That's why I participate in Lent.</div><div><br></div><div>This year Caleb has asked me to participate with him. He usually just jokes about giving up something like ice skating or liver and onions, but this year he has seriously asked to give up meat. </div><div><br></div><div>Yes, I said MEAT!</div><div><br></div><div>So I'm all in with him. Anytime my kids even attempt to learn more about Christ I'm in. I realize he/we will probably blow it at some point but even then we will learn more about grace.</div><div><br></div><div>Help! I need some vegetarian recipes that don't include gluten, dairy, or sugar! Thank God for hummus and quinoa and almonds!</div><div><br></div><div>Boy, will I be looking forward to the resurrection! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-81419140830824834322015-02-02T11:46:00.003-08:002015-02-03T08:25:30.552-08:00Daniel Plan Week 4Well here we are about half way into our Daniel Plan initiation and, if you're reading this, at least you are still somewhat interested. Let me congratulate you on taking the time to, at least, LEARN what it would take for you to feel better, be healthier, and honor God with the body He created for you. I hope, however, that you are DOing more than just reading. My very real prayer is that you are making some wiser decisions that include spending time in His Word and presence every day as well as eating fresher, more nutritious foods. Knowledge is not enough. Obedience is key to being able to serve Him with a healthy temple. Obedience is not easy, especially in the beginning, but it is worth it!<br>
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So I'm asking the hard question: Are you making changes? <br>
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And I'm asking an exciting question: Are you seeing a difference in how you feel? <br>
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If the answer to the first question is yes, then I'd almost guarantee that the second answer is also yes. If the answer to the first question is no, then why not? <br>
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How many of you are participating in the 10 day detox? <br>
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This week we begin reading about fitness. Fitness really is vital to becoming "Daniel strong"! Keep in mind that we aren't necessarily talking about becoming a marathon runner or a body builder when we talk about being strong like Daniel. I love this quote from the book:<br>
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<i><b>"Daniel possessed strength of faith, courage, obedience, devotion, dedication, endurance and discipline in body, mind, and spirit. "</b></i></div>
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Oh that God could say that of me!<br>
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I'll be totally honest with you about fitness from my perspective. I am not an athlete. I could talk about food all day long and thoroughly enjoy eating new things, but the fitness part has been very hard for me. It's not that I don't enjoy being active, but I have to work awfully hard to make the time to move. And again in all honesty, when I'm done with everything else that has to be done, falling into bed is much easier than lacing up my shoes and sweating. That's why I've come to understand that being active is actually one of those things that I MUST do before the day starts. If I wait until I'm completely done with everything else or until I feel the strong desire to exercise...well that just won't ever happen. So I don't wait, and I don't ask myself IF I'm going to do it. I schedule it early and do things I enjoy...then I relish in the way I feel after it's done.<br>
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It's also become apparent to me that I won't consisitently do something that I hate. The best exercise is the one you'll do! I LOVE running outside by myself...it clears my head and gives me time to work on scripture memory or listen to worship music. What do you love to do? What is fun for you? Spend some time this week trying to remember what you enjoyed playing as a child or what you think looks like fun! Work the fun stuff into your fitness routine!<br>
<br>This week's homework:<div>1. Begin reading the chapter on fitness. It will take us 2 weeks so don't rush through it!</div><div><br></div><div>2. Choose at least one fun way to move on a daily basis. Schedule ahead of time at least 30 minutes per day, then treat this like you would any other appointment. Don't ask yourself if you want to move, just move!</div><div><br></div><div>3. Particularly search for the part in the fitness chapter that talks about "sitting disease" and let that shock you! I'd love for you to comment on what this research motivates you to do.</div><div><br></div><div>4. Continue memorizing scripture and eating the DP way. </div><div><br></div><div>5. Tell us if you are seeing any results! Are you feeling better, taking less medicine, losing weight, moving more? Let's celebrate God's faithfulness to us!<br>
<br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-6396359414989377412015-01-26T11:51:00.001-08:002015-01-26T12:10:06.207-08:00Daniel Plan Week 3Please forgive me for being a day late posting this! I had the opportunity to visit old friends and run a 5k in Atlanta this past weekend. By the time I landed back in KC last night, I was one really tired gal who just couldn't make herself finish this post. Quite honestly, I was also feeling kind of yucky because I didn't exactly stick to the Daniel Plan most of the weekend. I am just going to admit that I lived by Nehemiah 8:10 which says,<br>
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"And Nehemiah continued, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."<br>
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Some reunions call for choice foods and sweet drinks (sweet tea that is!). My dearest friends and I celebrated with all our southern favorites and then we ran a 5K. Now, mind you, it was, and I'm not even making this up, the Hot Chocolate 5K. When you finish, instead of a medal, you receive a glorious gift of chocolate fondue and hot chocolate. I run for chocolate! Here's a photo of some of my friends getting ready to run!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5pTYAAs_7HMTjyaOnBa6EoW1Znz6W5r_0UMvMYVkklUkKB1TWR2IyJo4FIRxY0DKJoWSiY43kZS8_E8vzUV-E9d0osQQjb5mgV0K_Z4xPUaKElM_tewaOLb78gmU7ucr35GGUsZuc1kF/s640/blogger-image-2049383935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5pTYAAs_7HMTjyaOnBa6EoW1Znz6W5r_0UMvMYVkklUkKB1TWR2IyJo4FIRxY0DKJoWSiY43kZS8_E8vzUV-E9d0osQQjb5mgV0K_Z4xPUaKElM_tewaOLb78gmU7ucr35GGUsZuc1kF/s640/blogger-image-2049383935.jpg"></a></div><br>Can you see that chocolate?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDtHmhvge1sU9axa7GxEbyORRnVF5ky_PeUwiBQrQZ7VyYI5n6dIiMtGhbtCBT8D4x5ISAtcfLNgYw_iduldD8P96sufrENpwR70IupdkCvf-ssH4ecILUkqx_eszeslKlhn4L3IRQoHV/s640/blogger-image--1485171943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDtHmhvge1sU9axa7GxEbyORRnVF5ky_PeUwiBQrQZ7VyYI5n6dIiMtGhbtCBT8D4x5ISAtcfLNgYw_iduldD8P96sufrENpwR70IupdkCvf-ssH4ecILUkqx_eszeslKlhn4L3IRQoHV/s640/blogger-image--1485171943.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br>
Confession over. I'm claiming Romans 8:1 this week.<br>
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Hopefully you read a large portion of the chapter on food last week. I'd be shocked if you didn't learn something!! I'd love to get some comments of what stood out to you.<br>
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Hopefully you also worked on a memory verse. Again, I'd love to hear how His word is giving you strength.<br>
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This week:<br>
1. Finish the chapter on food.<br>
2. Begin incorporating it's principles. I challenge you to the 10 day detox! Do it...it's not that hard and you'll feel incredible! I'm starting 10 days of detox today after my weekend!</div><div>3. Watch this video and begin to read the labels on the foods in your pantry. What needs to be replaced? <a href="http://youtu.be/VqoWO0-RSAI">http://youtu.be/VqoWO0-RSAI</a></div><div>4. Share a new DP appropriate recipe with us!</div><div><br></div><div>Questions, comments?</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br>
<br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-39590479524954964032015-01-18T18:36:00.000-08:002015-01-18T18:36:12.280-08:00Daniel Plan Week 2In week one of our online Daniel Plan group I asked you to read the first three chapters, and especially focus on putting extra effort into meeting with God in His word every day. This is the most important thing you will ever do to become healthy, and even if you never change one thing about your eating and exercising this will change your life! My prayer this week has honestly been that my DP friends would fall freshly for Jesus! You can't spend time with Him without realizing that He's brilliant, eternally merciful, and worthy of any life change He's called us to make! It's especially important that you maintain this "healthy habit" as you begin this week's study.<br />
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I told my face to face group this week that being on this journey is a bit different from your average Bible study and especially different from a typical "diet". First of all, in a Bible study you usually have a week's worth of homework to do, but then you move on to something else. This Daniel Plan journey is unique in that we aren't exactly learning the "rules" all up front and then making the changes. At this early point in the journey, we are slowly learning some things that we will hopefully incorporate slowly but surely for a lifetime. (Actually that's really what a Bible study should be too, though!) We learn this way of life slowly because, honestly, it's so much information and we could easily become discouraged enough to just quit if we tried to digest it all immediately. It's not a typical "diet" because we are making changes in order to serve God and our families more effectively instead of just hoping to lose some weight. I believe it's also different because when we make these changes we will feel so much better that we won't want to go back to our old ways! <br />
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So now for week 2...<br />
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We will actually take two weeks to talk about food, not because it's more important that faith but because most of you probably already spend time daily with God but need extra time to relearn how to eat and cook. <br />
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Your job this week:<br />
1. Continue spending time with God in His Word each day. Choose a new memory verse and share it in the comments section. I mean it...share it! I also mean it...memorize! I used to think that you might give up if I expected too much so I would just casually suggest this part, but I believe it's so important that I'm seriously going to tell you memorizing is a MUST! You may say, "I'm not good at memorizing." I don't want to hear that...try! As legalistic and guilt-inducing as this sounds, quite honestly, if Jesus was willing to leave heaven and live in this world only to die and fight the demons in death for you, surely you can work on memorizing some scripture. (There, I said it.) You can do this and it's so important and helpful when you'd really rather just have oreos!<br />
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2. Begin reading chapter 4 on food. As I said before, we will do this one in 2 weeks because it's so much information that may be new or even confusing. As you read, highlight, highlight, highlight! In the beginning, especially pay attention to "The Daniel Plan Perfect Plate" on page 79 and the "Top 10 Choices in Each Food Group" on page 80. <br />
<img src="https://www.danielplan.com/site/provider/siteprovider/danielplan.com/templates/The%20Daniel%20Plan/danielplanplate-new.png" /><br />
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<img src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/c5/93/9f/c5939f9ca4fa824a9b3cd41efef757cf.jpg" /><br />
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3. Start incorporating these foods in your meals! Do not count calories, simply start using these foods.<br />
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4. Drink at least 64 ounces of water every day. <br />
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5. Begin trying to cut out sugar and sugary foods, and DO NOT use the usual sugar substitutes. If you need to sweeten use only raw honey, 100% natural maple syrup or whole leaf Stevia extract. This is a good one:<br />
<img src="http://www.vitacost.com/Images/Products/500/Wisdom-Natural/Wisdom-Natural-Sweet-Leaf-Whole-Leaf-Stevia-Concentrate-716123124812.jpg" /><br />
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5. Find and share with us one new Daniel Plan appropriate vegetable recipe!<br />
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That's enough for this week. You will have questions, complaints, frustrations, and doubts about whether or not you can do this. YOU CAN DO THIS! And I absolutely guarantee that when you do make these changes you will feel so much better. <br />
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Feel free to ask questions in the comments section. If you have a question, it's likely that someone else will wonder the same thing and can learn from your question as well. Also remember to check out danielplan.com for extra resources!<br />
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Happy week 2! I'm praying for you!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-73376374837542525402015-01-11T14:56:00.005-08:002015-01-11T15:04:22.383-08:00Starting The Daniel PlanThis time last year I was desperate for a change in my life. I have been following Christ since I was 6 years old and doing ministry for almost 25 years, but I had honestly never even contemplated that my physical body had anything to do with anything. I assumed that if I was reading my bible and serving people that I was doing all He asked. Last year I realized I was slowly becoming unable to do anything well because I was lazy and completely overweight. My health was affecting my ministry to my family, my church, everything! And I tried every Monday morning to do better. But it NEVER worked. About Tuesday night I would give in and eat something I thought was "bad" and then I'd give up,..only to try again but not until the following Monday. The cycle was pretty endless. And in it all I would say to myself, "Well at least I am a good person who loves Jesus and follows Him. I may be unhealthy but my heart is right." <br />
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Here's the problem, my heart wasn't right. I was NOT letting Him be Lord of my body. I wasn't taking care of the physical place where His Spirit lives. I honestly thought He didn't really care about my body. And just to make myself less depressed about how I felt and looked, I reasoned that people who did care were shallow and didn't care about their relationship with God.<br />
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Then my husband had the audacity to preach a sermon about surrendering your physical body to Christ. He even had the audacity to ask me to lead a follow up small group focusing on diet and exercise. <br />
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One year later I've lost 30 pounds and feel so much better. I recently ran a half marathon...last year I couldn't run for 13 minutes much less 13 miles. I have relationships with sweet friends at church that I would never have come to know because we journeyed together on this Daniel Plan ride, and they love me unconditionally but hold me accountable. <br />
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My life is very different because I obediently did some really hard things to practice letting Him control ALL of me. My life is so VERY far from perfect, but I can better handle the struggles that are inevitable in this world because I know that He is even more faithful than chocolate, ice cream, sugar, and every other earthly craving! <br />
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Do you want this? Do you want to be healthier? Do you want to be able to serve Him more effectively as you love your family, your friends and coworkers/clients, your church?<br />
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Let's do this together!<br />
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I'm leading a Daniel Plan (DP) group at our church, but many are unable to meet with us because of distance or time. We can do this online I think. I'd love to give it a try and see what happens! Now remember that you will do better with someone you can actually see and touch, so do your best to enlist a friend or family member who is also committed to it or at least committed to you!<br />
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For this first week take these steps:<br />
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1. Buy or borrow The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life. There are several items that go with it, but I think this one is the only one you need to start. Later you may want the cookbook. Our church group uses the DVDs, which are fairly inexpensive, and the study guide. You decide how much you want to spend, but definitely get the main trade book.<br />
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2. Read the first 3 chapters, focusing on the third chapter regarding faith. As you read, underline every bible verse that is quoted. Think about how faith affects the decesions you make about what to eat and when you are active.<br />
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3. Choose one verse to memorize this week. Write it on an index card, put in on your phone, make it visible and accessible all week. Memorize it. Yes, I said memorize it. Don't use the excuse that you can't memorize things because you can. And please don't make me every say this again, but if Christ can live and die for you, I believe the least you can do is memorize some of His works. In fact, for accountability, tell us in the comments below what verse you are memorizing.<br />
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4. Start doing one healthy thing. Maybe you want to commit to drinking 64 ounces of water every day. Maybe you want to cut out caffeine or added sugar. Maybe you want to do something active every day this week. It won't always be easy, but when you are tempted to not do it, repeat your memory very 5 times...or 50 times! God can give you His power to overcome! Do the hard thing to show that obedience to Him and taking care of His temple is important enough to deny yourself. With each small step, He will bless and empower you. Next week we will begin the chapter on food, and many of you will jump ahead because you want to see how to do this "diet". Feel free, but don't skip the faith part. It's the absolute most important thing you'll ever do!<br />
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5. Do one thing to take the next step in your relationship with Christ. If you don't already spend time in His Word, make a way to read it everyday. Maybe you need to start a devotion book, or join a bible study, or start reading a book of the bible. I have been doing those things, but I needed to begin memorizing scripture! Maybe that's you too. Do something that's one step more to your part of your relationship with Him. Yes, that takes time, but it's the most important thing you can do. What makes DP different is the faith factor, so we focus on it first. When we put Him first, it's amazing how much we come to trust that He really does know best and want the best for us. We are much more willing to say "NO" to some less than healthy habits and cravings. You'd be amazed at how much His power can equip you to do/eat the better thing.<br />
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6. Peruse the danielplan.com website. They have great videos and articles that help. Here are 2 great ones:<br />
http://www.danielplan.com/healthyhabits/change/<br />
http://www.danielplan.com/healthyhabits/bible/<br />
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That's it for week 1 and getting started. I think it is important to commit to this and let me know you're with us. Please comment below with your name and memory verse ASAP. If you have trouble commenting, feel free to FB message me or even email me at lpl.kc.gayla@gmail.com to let me know you are all in.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-58458502571168236612014-07-02T08:03:00.000-07:002014-07-02T08:11:31.902-07:00God is Able...week 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a6PvvUPVzHiL7OiE8ZyL8fw5800Gf7PTnSAUViHzJAtgU0hOMTS7vwtPFh05Htp0cjZJWzOoySzJkgLP1Xo2QDwVS1MGAosEU28HspCJO2_mF6qLycDHRk9_cAQCjzz0x1dN7zf1E_-3/s640/blogger-image-776522983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a6PvvUPVzHiL7OiE8ZyL8fw5800Gf7PTnSAUViHzJAtgU0hOMTS7vwtPFh05Htp0cjZJWzOoySzJkgLP1Xo2QDwVS1MGAosEU28HspCJO2_mF6qLycDHRk9_cAQCjzz0x1dN7zf1E_-3/s640/blogger-image-776522983.jpg"></div>Quite honestly, this week has totally gotten away from me. It would be so sinful for me to complain because He has granted me such memorable times with my family and some dear ministry friends recently, but I have to admit that I've been exhausted for the last 3 days. I'd read chapter 5 a week ago while on vacation in Chicago, but I often need to process it before blogging about it. In my "process time", I've been physically tired and overwhelmed by the details of the days. You know how it is...when you've been traveling so much there's always laundry and groceries and homework and responsibilities to catch up on. That's where I've lived for the last few days...between naps! <div><br></div><div>Here are some silly photos of our family trip and some sweet memories of my time serving on the event team for Living Proof Live in Biloxi with my LifeWay buddies!<br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNd4bMQoo0iWmINj9S6tRxVG4uHAZAUBu_LAKfE2BQprqVPEVUlTjLxXrxNhUbMtUK5jsfIx_lGD9xIE6L5l3Sbh6XeYR8jkc1g5fRQjcH7HYZAnFdNh6eCnrEzixfIDOpbf6Vb5nmWoOO/s640/blogger-image-1669651447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNd4bMQoo0iWmINj9S6tRxVG4uHAZAUBu_LAKfE2BQprqVPEVUlTjLxXrxNhUbMtUK5jsfIx_lGD9xIE6L5l3Sbh6XeYR8jkc1g5fRQjcH7HYZAnFdNh6eCnrEzixfIDOpbf6Vb5nmWoOO/s640/blogger-image-1669651447.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyF11DjMXlwL-Vx41va6hRvbVlocpmjeBTVIFliqVsFR_pidi98fzvKbLQK8R_EpXxWj2wBWlptnNk7o531M_WN6gmz57tWfoyPC6mqBS5iEDDPzVFvRvignzxmAc1QjGqKjTUzYL9KVlW/s640/blogger-image--1381259116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyF11DjMXlwL-Vx41va6hRvbVlocpmjeBTVIFliqVsFR_pidi98fzvKbLQK8R_EpXxWj2wBWlptnNk7o531M_WN6gmz57tWfoyPC6mqBS5iEDDPzVFvRvignzxmAc1QjGqKjTUzYL9KVlW/s640/blogger-image--1381259116.jpg"></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwiA2gg86cbXK0Y4801P02O4pCMLTRUqixbE6Ie4RRLkksiWzQsmpoRjTcv9FZ8VFd4ZNBKotIH081cNFh-jtyDuc0BZKpa8-hGSzp4nPtNhFnPsduWcbPylq4FLggI0JQapdL07zkTRG/s640/blogger-image--145168760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwiA2gg86cbXK0Y4801P02O4pCMLTRUqixbE6Ie4RRLkksiWzQsmpoRjTcv9FZ8VFd4ZNBKotIH081cNFh-jtyDuc0BZKpa8-hGSzp4nPtNhFnPsduWcbPylq4FLggI0JQapdL07zkTRG/s640/blogger-image--145168760.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyC2PJJ2yswopy3J91xs1zWlOuifjzuyK43eFrpOXBKbDTlLcwXKTjCfuzg2Wy8LdbmeXXfaLXwKY-aGE519uVgzgSHdQoQSE6TyHLMEer8dTH4RjY2dAFAdnZ8C8pvf6v_cPCH2Yjql2C/s640/blogger-image--758449355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyC2PJJ2yswopy3J91xs1zWlOuifjzuyK43eFrpOXBKbDTlLcwXKTjCfuzg2Wy8LdbmeXXfaLXwKY-aGE519uVgzgSHdQoQSE6TyHLMEer8dTH4RjY2dAFAdnZ8C8pvf6v_cPCH2Yjql2C/s640/blogger-image--758449355.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxICFv_zGMPUz_3NdUc36elp8IfkQKnLeOOnMIL7jIS_WqM6zf66JpM5gOa0xm02BoUgkQcq0kOw0PvYgwC4Wescdp1X8m33twtnmaV8p4GDqxuKS_L5AzXtwZZ_TdJ2uk4QlCodlGWQnw/s640/blogger-image-1850561022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxICFv_zGMPUz_3NdUc36elp8IfkQKnLeOOnMIL7jIS_WqM6zf66JpM5gOa0xm02BoUgkQcq0kOw0PvYgwC4Wescdp1X8m33twtnmaV8p4GDqxuKS_L5AzXtwZZ_TdJ2uk4QlCodlGWQnw/s640/blogger-image-1850561022.jpg"></a></div><br>
How ironic that much of chapter five is about how God cares about the routine everyday details as well as the supernatural big things! I've come back to this quote from chapter 5 so much in the last few days:<br>
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"So don't think the concerns that pop up in today's nitty-gritty are meant for you to bear alone, off grid, as if they're somehow exempt from His spiritual protections, not covered under your fire insurance policy. The same God who is saving you from hell is also willing and able to save what's left of your nerves and your workweek."<br>
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Lord, save my nerves!<br>
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Chapter 5 is all about totality! We are up to the part in Ephesian 3:20 that I often love the most! <br>
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<i>Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond <span style="font-weight: bold;">all that we ask or think...</span></i><br>
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That part is easy to love but hard to grasp. It includes it all! The little things, the huge things, and everything in between! <br>
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After reading chapter 5 and continuing to memorize Ephesians 3:20-21, consider these questions. I'd sure love for you to comment!<br>
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1. Don't you just love the stories of Priscilla losing things and asking God to help her find them? Does that seem shallow to you? How does Job 28:24 hit you in light of her stories or even your own experience? Have you ever lost something and know that God Himself showed it to you? Describe that feeling once the item has been found! Are you currently trying to find something? Could we pray with you about finding something? <br>
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<i>From Gayla: Every time we have to find our children's birth certificates I panic! I can't tell you how many times in our moves we've lost an adoption paper or a birth certificate or a social security card! Please don't judge or provide the obvious encouragement to have a special place for them...I know that! I'm not making excuses, I'm just saying it happens! And boy does my prayer life become rich every time! The feeling of relief when we find it (or when the new one we had to order comes in the mail) is a pretty sweet feeling!</i><br>
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2. Too often we limit our view of God! This part of Ephesians 3:20 is really a challenge not to limit Him! Priscilla writes (on page 103):<br>
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"...sometimes our problem is not that we won't believe Him for the supernatural and amazing but that we don't believe He cares about the routine and everyday."<br>
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Do you struggle with this? If so, how do you often limit God? How does Matthew 10:29-31 expand your vision of Him and His willingness and His ability?<br>
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3. On pages 105 and 106, we are reminded of many verses that speak of the totality of God's ability? Which of those speak volumes to you today?<br>
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<i>From Gayla: Matthew 6:33 is such a great reminder to me that when I seek Him first "<u style="font-weight: bold;">all</u> these things" are added! All means all! I spend so much time seeking all the things, but I'm supposed to be seeking Him, then He adds all these things. ALL!</i><br>
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4. Another way we often limit God is by assuming He works like people! Priscilla says:<br>
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"We often limit our expectations of Him to what we've experienced within our human interaction."<br>
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How does numbers 23:19 blow that limitation out of the water?<br>
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5. Toward the end of the chapter, Priscilla discusses the fact that God invites us to be involved with Him through prayer. In the last 4 years I've been overwhelmed by this blessing...that God involves us in His blessing as we pray. She writes:<br>
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"Asking of God doesn't make us pushy, not according to the Bible. Nor, of course, does it mean He'll give us whatever we want. But when we take Him up on His invitation to ask for what we need - both the big things and the small things - one of the greatest things He gives us is the opportunity to recognize exactly where our help is coming from. When we request and He answers, we are enabled to know beyond any doubt that He was the One working in our experience...By inviting us to ask, He is continually connecting His life with ours. Every blessing becomes another noticeable expression of His loving care..."<br>
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I've often said that prayer is like playing "I Spy" with God because when we are diligently praying for something, we will see Him working in ways that we would not have noticed otherwise. We also will then be ruined for anything less!<br>
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What are you diligently praying about? Where are you spying God at work? How is He working it out in a way that is beyond all you have asked or imagined?<br>
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<i><br></i></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-3180544519038664562014-06-24T07:58:00.001-07:002014-06-24T07:58:06.215-07:00God Is Able...week four<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDp5jSkqdwXWQdtNM0b_d5EDiLNtXM7n_rDHf7_iYRPOjs1ugmRUUJFcJuVIrjeoqQIDvixaO2MPvi48x32T35jplRZP_VC0mVUeWN5jvSMFEaK8kAIa-Q6HBOrZnxoYR5NYrFt9z1wFfa/s640/blogger-image--809095552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDp5jSkqdwXWQdtNM0b_d5EDiLNtXM7n_rDHf7_iYRPOjs1ugmRUUJFcJuVIrjeoqQIDvixaO2MPvi48x32T35jplRZP_VC0mVUeWN5jvSMFEaK8kAIa-Q6HBOrZnxoYR5NYrFt9z1wFfa/s640/blogger-image--809095552.jpg"></a></div>Exceedingly, abundantly, more than you could ask or imagine...beyond! <div><br></div><div>This post will be shorter than most simply because how can you expound on the fact that God is transcendent?! I love Priscilla's reminder on page 81 that God has always been trancendent:</div><div><br></div><div>"He's always been a God of abundance. Is there any reason other than God's beyondness that can explain why, when He decided to create water, He just went ahead and created whole oceans? Wasn't the intense heat and mass and spendor of a single star impressive enough all on it's own? Did He really need to go and create entire galaxies, raging with billions and billions of stars, most of which no human eye will ever see?"</div><div><br></div><div>I must admit that if never really thought about it like that!</div><div><br></div><div>Go ahead, name your deepest need, desire, aspiration, goal. I'm not asking you to write it down here, though this is a safe place to get it out into the open. But try to do more than naming it. Please offer it as a prayer to our exceedingly abundant, trancendent God. Then, if you dare, ask Him to do it...or even better! </div><div><br></div><div>We can trust His sovereign knowledge of what is best for us as well as His entire Kingdom. And here's why I believe I can trust Him to know best, because He is not only able to <b><i>Do </i></b>more, but His capacity to <b><i>LOVE </i></b>me is exceedingly, abundantly more than I can fathom! His entire being is exceedingly beyond our comprehension so therefore His love for us is as well. I would do what's best for my children no matter what because my love for them is so great. My parental love is a drop in the ocean compared to God's love for me. It's beyond anything! Beyond beyond! (Suddenly I'm remembering when the boys were little and loved Buzz Lightyear! "To infinitey and beyond!")</div><div><br></div><div>Here's my one challenge for you this week in addition to reading chapter 4. Search scripture for at least one instance where someone got way better than what they asked for or imagined. Share what you find in the comments so we can learn with you! We could all share how He has done exceedingly abundantly more in our lives, but I want us to see the proof and precedent in scripture. </div><div><br></div><div>Go!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-34347972387382549282014-06-16T06:54:00.001-07:002014-06-16T11:57:55.538-07:00God is Able week 3<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r8V9HL8tMEAGd0tBXGf4CxtG1uKTnox3jW0YhA7F1nv9ko3DeKPpUbfA2pW7GmDJClEUgzJzJHM2rGRd3lmvoAIL3Po23omvhHvMt_SLeveCerf2Qaqzy6IypF3cDFtJUy2EaiboosXd/s640/blogger-image--1259657104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r8V9HL8tMEAGd0tBXGf4CxtG1uKTnox3jW0YhA7F1nv9ko3DeKPpUbfA2pW7GmDJClEUgzJzJHM2rGRd3lmvoAIL3Po23omvhHvMt_SLeveCerf2Qaqzy6IypF3cDFtJUy2EaiboosXd/s640/blogger-image--1259657104.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Whoa! I needed chapter 3 this morning! It hit at just the right time as a reminder of the truth that God's dynamite power and His loving sovereignty are a perfect balance and an absolute reality...no matter how I <b style="font-style: italic;">feel! </b>How about you? You've got to read this chapter!<br>
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I've mentioned in a previous post that my "it" as well as my testimony pretty much is always my family...my kids to be exact. Just about twenty years ago I came up against something that taught me more about God than I had ever before realized I didn't know. After years of infertility treatment and loss I found myself wondering if God was really able to heal. And honestly, the worst part of it was that I found myself wondering more so if He was kind enough to heal. This chapter is about precisely those two questions!<br>
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Today I'm raising teenagers as well as a spunky 5 year old so the answers to me should be obvious, but honestly I find myself asking those same questions again sometimes. Is God able to woo my children enough to make them want to serve Him with their entire life? And if He's able, why aren't they as filled with His Holy Spirit as some of the other teenagers I see? Why aren't they living out their faith with passion? Is God loving enough to protect them and use them? Sometimes I wonder if He holds back His fire on them just to make me stay in His presence begging for their very souls and lives consistently. Parenting teens is the hardest thing I've ever done and it makes me question His ability and willingness more than anything else in my life right now!<br>
<br>Please don't feel the need to answer my questions or encourage me...I really know the answers but I needed the encouragement of chapter 3. Is there something in your "now" that makes you honestly wonder if God is able and if He is willing?<br>
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I can't remember how I even found the verse, but twenty years ago I came across Psalm 62:11-12a which has since been a promise I've come back to over and over again. <br>
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<i>"One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong and that you, O Lord, are loving."</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">This verse tells me that He is strong (more than able) and He is loving (willing to do whatever is best). The entirety of chapter three reminded me of this verse. I can trust His ability as well as His tender love.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">I mean it when I say that I'm praying for you as you dive into chapter 3 and the following questions.</div>
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1. Priscilla talks about change at the beginning of this chapter. Are you someone who finds change exhilarating and adventurous? Or does even the word "change" give you hives?</div>
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2. How does the fact that God never changes encourage you in your current reality?</div>
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3. On the bottom of page 62 and the top of page 63 Priscilla refers to several scriptures about God's ability as well as His love for us? Why don't you actually look in your bible at these passages, maybe even compare some different translations using biblegateway.com or YouVersion or an old fashioned parallel bible? Which of these passages speak to you in your current reality?</div>
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4. Be honest... do you find yourself wondering if He's able or if He's willing? What makes you ask? If you've come to grips with this, what circumstances did He use to solidify these attributes of God in your heart?</div>
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5. What is the Greek verb used in Ephesians 3 for "God is able"? (See page 66!) What is significant about this word and the absolute truth that He's able?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">6. What was one thing you underlined in this chapter, one idea that challenged you most? Here's my favorite quote!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UHd5A8DW0hdogfsKwRRvY2Sgde-E595kh2VA-izxboFRP3AFT29JuRdMaIeehN0KftjQdxDMVTQcBbL-fC7MjEUpem0TY_SKTxIHe10ZEH24Xla4OQzJiKioNho5VVKMP-E00177pl6O/s640/blogger-image--1975760894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UHd5A8DW0hdogfsKwRRvY2Sgde-E595kh2VA-izxboFRP3AFT29JuRdMaIeehN0KftjQdxDMVTQcBbL-fC7MjEUpem0TY_SKTxIHe10ZEH24Xla4OQzJiKioNho5VVKMP-E00177pl6O/s640/blogger-image--1975760894.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">6. Rewrite Ephesians 3:20-21 underlining and emphasizing <i style="font-weight: bold;">who is able to do</i> so that you might be constantly reminded of this explosive truth for you personally. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's your turn! Please please please please please comment if God is speaking to you!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
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<i><b><br></b></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-32851720261359074652014-06-09T13:23:00.002-07:002014-06-09T13:37:48.692-07:00God is Able, week 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfI7-ozGX7sZvhuYdZblCnwOkyD6HOp7nqm5DZb9JPGcKs_lXkmh2TIsENscWwQBWGUbmZk9J1eHAq1SAkO257HnLOHQFIgYtlSUYJdUyAOTcZ8zV0yks1lGDBChdAK9va4wmLTDnXLeJn/s640/blogger-image-1085882254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfI7-ozGX7sZvhuYdZblCnwOkyD6HOp7nqm5DZb9JPGcKs_lXkmh2TIsENscWwQBWGUbmZk9J1eHAq1SAkO257HnLOHQFIgYtlSUYJdUyAOTcZ8zV0yks1lGDBChdAK9va4wmLTDnXLeJn/s640/blogger-image-1085882254.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>I've prayed for each of you who might be participating in this little online reading of the book <b><i>God is Able</i></b>. I never consider myself much of a writer or full of biblical insight, but I do know that my prayers (as well as yours) matter in this crazy earthly experience. I've prayed for you to sense, in a way that is undeniable, that God is both able to work in your current reality and loving enough to help you know His best plan. I honestly hope you've sensed something like that this past week. I am certainly not aware of your day to day experiences with Him, but I do know He is and this study comes at precisely the time when you need it most. I bet I need it worse than anyone! <br>
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<i><b><u>Now</u></b> 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, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen!</i><br>
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The past week we've struggled to really grasp the "NOW" part of this verse! <b>Now</b> is the time He is able and <b>now</b> is when He wants us to acknowledge that. How have you seen Him sweep into your "NOW" this past week? My husband loves to ask the question like this: "Where have you seen God at work this past week?"<br>
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This week I pray you will read chapter 2, "Turning..." and answer these questions. It's just 16 pages, but it's a challenging reminder to focus on Christ in your current reality! Rewrite Ephesians 3:20 this week and underline "...to Him..." Keep this with you and meditate on the verse emphasizing these words this week.<br>
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1. I love this honest quote from Priscilla on page 43:<br>
"People often think of turning to Jesus as being a bit too impractical in terms of spiritual advice. Turning to Jesus. Looking to Jesus. What does that really mean?...Quit staring at your problems!"<br>
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What are some very practical ways you foster this turning to Jesus in your own life? Please offer practices that help you focus on Him in the midst of your day and your circumstances. Please share the practices and/or disciplines that help you quit staring at your problems. Of course there will be some "churchy" answers and that's ok, but I'd love for you to share some creative ways you've kept your mind fixed on Him.<br>
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2. Priscilla writes very astutely that we <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">sometimes </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">tend to turn to others before we turn to God. Who do you tend to turn to first when you are stressed or confused or seeking direction? How can you include that person in helping you remember to turn to God first and ultimately? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AgFPcXpH6Z3hWqpLb_eCXVKCZ6ivfQO400WOpOulv4qJd3wiDeNrwdiJDlB3_7ovOk7d4sTkr1wqKiAAGH3nRh_32gQeVOTe1WG1YvLlh7GJOe-s5cO_VZ425lXqcpShOVKEKXHBtChK/s640/blogger-image-178198170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AgFPcXpH6Z3hWqpLb_eCXVKCZ6ivfQO400WOpOulv4qJd3wiDeNrwdiJDlB3_7ovOk7d4sTkr1wqKiAAGH3nRh_32gQeVOTe1WG1YvLlh7GJOe-s5cO_VZ425lXqcpShOVKEKXHBtChK/s640/blogger-image-178198170.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div>
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3. Priscilla also points out that when we are experiencing circumstances that are hard, we often turn to ourselves rather than Jesus. She says on page 48, "Our enemy is the one who wants us focused on ourselves- on our humanity, frailty, and need." How has the enemy lied to you recently and made you think it's all about you? <br>
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4. Lastly, Priscilla reminds us that all to often we turn too easily to stuff or junk! "To numbing wastes of time, if not to shameful lacks of self-control." Are you prone to try to forget your problems or at least cope with them through anything like shopping, TV, exercise, eating, etc? Remember there is no condemnation in this little group...we are all sinners in need of the only One who can redeem our circumstances! I do find that it helps me to identify those things that compete for my focus! <br>
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5. Here's an extra point challenge this week! Read Numbers 13-14:35. What was different about Caleb's focus? Did he see a different sight than the others? What happened to those who grumbled as a consequence? What did Caleb experience because he chose to see things differently? How can we be more like Caleb in our current circumstances? What might we miss if we choose to grumble and be obsessed with the negatives?<br>
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May I suggest that we commit to memorizing Hebrews 12:1-3 this week? I know that's three whole verses, for heaven's sake...but scripture memory is one very practical way to turn our minds and hearts "to Him"! I'll be working on it from the English Standard Version! If you don't comment in any other way, I'd love for you to post these verses in your translation of choice! I'll post some of my answers to the other questions in a comment later this week!<div><br></div><div><i>Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (<b>H</b><b>ebrews 12:1, 2 ESV)</b></i><br>
<br>May you sense Him palpably as you turn to Him this week!<br>
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<br></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-82222103361240723492014-06-03T06:22:00.001-07:002014-06-03T06:27:32.594-07:00God is Able, week 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5uVEzCESo6LR14JTAm0DTii6GUkQgEgnB-NJZsJYa-agND1vlh-tYmWyKr5CkXliXpzTIq6BW9tg0s0SvvU4X0k9YrzH11-mz9qhS2dlIriT20qgp2kEoFjzvs8xp56VffCG1JofvD8w/s640/blogger-image-1719723735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5uVEzCESo6LR14JTAm0DTii6GUkQgEgnB-NJZsJYa-agND1vlh-tYmWyKr5CkXliXpzTIq6BW9tg0s0SvvU4X0k9YrzH11-mz9qhS2dlIriT20qgp2kEoFjzvs8xp56VffCG1JofvD8w/s640/blogger-image-1719723735.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Happy Summer! I am anxious to kick off this experience of reading Priscilla Shirer's book <i><u>God is Able</u></i>, and I'm anticipating seeing God work big changes in me through Ephesians 3:20-21! I hope you are coming along for what promises to be a crazy fun ride if we let His word shape us. I've loved reading Priscilla's writing since I first did her Bible study, <i><u>Discerning the Voice of God</u></i>. Having met her through my work with LifeWay, I can tell you that she's as real as it gets. Because she's a busy working mom like me, I feel a bit of a connection. However, as much as I enjoy her writing, my prayer really is that I/we will hear <b>God</b> speak as we read.<br>
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This book is really just about the words written by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 3:20-21. I can honestly say that these are my very favorite verses in all of scripture because I've seen their reality in my life and personal ministry. These words have shaped much of my ministry in the last 3 years and I could tell you story after story of how God has done far more than I ever thought to ask or imagine in terms of ministry. But I want to see them as reality in my family, in my personal life, and in my "secular" job. I was to see Him do immeasurable more in my children, in my finances, and in my own church. How about you? Do you long to have a fresh experience with His "above and beyond" power in your current reality? Do you need to be reminded that nothing is impossible with God? Let's believe it can happen together.<br>
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Hopefully you've obtained the book by now. If not, run out and get it so you can join us. I hope you will read the first section titled appropriately "First" as well as Chapter 1. I'll give you a few discussion questions each week and I pray you will actually answer them in a journal or maybe even in your book. I'd especially love it if you'd comment on this blog or on my Facebook page so that we can encourage each other as God speaks to us! I'll share with you some of my answers to these discussion questions in hopes of spurring some conversation between us.<br>
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<b>1.</b> <b>Here's the obvious question: What is that "it" in your life right now? Is there something in your life that has honestly made you wonder if God can do "this"?</b> I love this paragraph on page 2:<br>
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"You'd still like to think He can. And if you were to spout all your churchy rhetoric, it'd sure sound like you believe He can. But deep down - down where your soul pulses with doubt and uneasiness - you wonder about that circumstance, that life issue, that dilemma you're facing. God may be able to keep the stars in the sky, the earth tilted on its axis, and the heavens hung in glorious array. But can He do this?"<br>
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So what's that for you?<br>
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For me, it's my children. Specifically, it's my boys. I'm starting to wonder if they will ever be serious and passionate about their faith. I want so desperately for them to live out their daily lives exuding Christ and serious about sharing their faith. I want them to enjoy church and not just tolerate it because they have to. There, I said it! I want them to passionately serve God with their talents and abilities. <br>
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It's also college. Will we ever be able to afford it? Will my two guys get into good schools? Will they follow God's leading on where to go? Will they even really consider His plan and pray about it? Let's just be honest...will they actually graduate from high school without getting into so much trouble? <br>
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Finally, will I ever know EXACTLY what He's created me to do? How could I expect my kids to live out their calling when I'm never really sure if I'm living out mine? I do love my life, but there's always that goal out there that I've never quite attained. Is He able to do that, or is that just my goal and not His?<br>
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<b>2.</b> If we are going to openly admit that there is something in our lives making us doubt His ability, we really should also remind ourselves of times when He's undeniably shown His faithfulness. Priscilla shares story after story on pages 6-12 of times when God has outrightly displayed His ability and faithfulness. Those stories make me get excited about God's obvious ability! Dear Friend, God is not just able and faithful in Priscilla's world, He moves in those same ways for us! <b>So, here's the question, do you have a story?</b> You do, I'm sure of it! I love the way Priscilla puts it on page 6:<br>
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"Time and again, He has proven very plainly to me that He is not held down by what holds us. He has bowled me over with His capacity and inclination to do the unthinkable, both in my own life as well as in the lives of others. As surely as He's tested me, He has also given me a testimony. And it would be a grand cover-up on my part not to tell His part of the story in the same big bold colors."<br>
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What's your story of God's ability and faithfulness?<br>
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Mine, plain and simply, is my family. Those same boys that are my "it" are also my testimony. Fourteen and sixteen years ago God so very graciously allowed us to adopt Caleb and Justin! God is faithful and able and His plan is unbelievably spectacular! <br>
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<b>3.</b> Please find an index card or two and literally write Ephesians 3:20-21. Circle the first word: "Now..."<br>
I urge you to keep this card with you all day. Put it in your pocket, on your dashboard, over your sink, on your mirror, wherever you are. I'm making it the screen saver on my phone! I also urge you to set an alarm for 3:20pm (or 3:20am if you can't sleep!) to remind you to pray for God to infuse your current reality with His undeniable ability! Literally pray the verses back to Him. It doesn't have to be a long prayer, just a minute will refocus and remind you of His ability!<br>
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Read several translations of the verse. Most of you already know this, but a great free app to use for various translations is YouVersion or Bible Gateway. <b>Which translation of Ephesians 3:20-21 is the most fresh and meaningful for you right now?</b><br>
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<b>4.</b> On pages 30-31, Priscilla starts to unveil the setting of this letter Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus. <b>What was seemingly impossible about the situation they were in and how God had called them to live? </b><b>Does this realization of their reality offer any challenge or encouragement to you?</b><br>
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<b>5. Where was Paul when he wrote this letter? How does the term "prison doxology" encourage or challenge you?</b><br>
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<i>It's your turn! Come on! Please share with us what God is teaching you through this study! I'd love for you to connect with us by leaving a comment! Feel free to share this with someone who needs a Bible study group!</i><br>
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<i>I'm praying for each of us this week to make the choice to connect our "nows" with God's unfathomable ability and faithfulness! I'm praying you undeniably sense His presence and love even in your "its"!</i><div><i><br></i>
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<br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-550320386173774952014-05-27T17:10:00.001-07:002014-05-29T05:11:15.042-07:00Summer Book Study<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYFW39bu2EJroModF2BytTRny_Sdco3cCC_FbiuQefK92zKyC9YaPvRUHcOi_Itgmw4N6YPVyrVWfoJUqEKqmDN9VK0c2hH_WaKr2JuU_MvBTHZP4YqbcCYHjJoj57z6mb7KOFJ-CnqkF/s640/blogger-image--1044758553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYFW39bu2EJroModF2BytTRny_Sdco3cCC_FbiuQefK92zKyC9YaPvRUHcOi_Itgmw4N6YPVyrVWfoJUqEKqmDN9VK0c2hH_WaKr2JuU_MvBTHZP4YqbcCYHjJoj57z6mb7KOFJ-CnqkF/s640/blogger-image--1044758553.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Its 6 1/2 hours until summer vacation! Just hours left of the best job I've ever had with the sweetest little boy in the world! Back in January, when we were covered in snow, an opportunity fell into my lap that has changed life as I know it! I've had the delight to be a one on one para at Longview Farm Elementary, the adorable school 3 minutes from our home where Sarah has attended kindergarten. I've literally taken my sweet little girl to school with me now for 3 1/2 months, seen her in the halls, become good friends with her teachers, and loved on all her little class buddies. I've been responsible for primarily one little boy who is the hardest working, happiest child I've ever met. He has literally NEVER fussed about one thing since I met him. The job has allowed me to use my dietetics background as well as my education background. And I got paid for it!!! Talk about a dream job! But wait, it gets better! I get the summer off! Pure grace indeed! <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpJU1kSzuQLp4yaFPZED7Gnp2HavO-BT2xHjWGpHeotq2kTiH1VAztoF5c7SAnyhxBIoAel7aj9FL-iLVdz_y_Pvpqw4IZRyKqtfaC7yQEYoV5e2U8KuO86xcYUxa2j5kk8QQRMtgww-7/s640/blogger-image-1051247529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpJU1kSzuQLp4yaFPZED7Gnp2HavO-BT2xHjWGpHeotq2kTiH1VAztoF5c7SAnyhxBIoAel7aj9FL-iLVdz_y_Pvpqw4IZRyKqtfaC7yQEYoV5e2U8KuO86xcYUxa2j5kk8QQRMtgww-7/s640/blogger-image-1051247529.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div>So now I'm wondering how I will spend all this free time this summer. </div><div><br></div><div>Ha! Who am I kidding? I have three very busy kids so our summer is packed FULL! However, I want to lead a few Bible studies because, as most of you know, that is my love of all activities! I was unable to lead a true Bible study after going to work, and I missed the comradarie and accountability. I need that in my life more than anyone!</div><div><br></div><div>So here's the plan, and it's all Kristi Pinson's idea. (Kristi is my dear friend and role model in ministry who spends her summers doing mission work in national parks. This year she and her awesome husband,Vince, are in West Glacier, Montana! Kristi asked if I was doing an online study so I decided that even if only she and I were studying together it would be worth it! She will probably be mad that I shared this photo of her and Vince, but she can't reach me right now so I'm safe! She's also an amazing photographer. You should friend her on Facebook so you can pray for and follow their amazing ministry this summer...plus see some gorgeous photos of Glacier National Park!)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh308LJxVsXgGKhXTq7adYT6O6qgQfOA_nZwLfwRanfiRI45soeQVeT7V-_HWMsKzGc88csLm-bbJTpma4FoGEmq03wJARTZHNcdElAWALpghl9l1W50BMzS262bW9KkhWYQHUlrwZzl0uq/s640/blogger-image-1201641167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh308LJxVsXgGKhXTq7adYT6O6qgQfOA_nZwLfwRanfiRI45soeQVeT7V-_HWMsKzGc88csLm-bbJTpma4FoGEmq03wJARTZHNcdElAWALpghl9l1W50BMzS262bW9KkhWYQHUlrwZzl0uq/s640/blogger-image-1201641167.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I get to lead a daytime Bible study at my church. If you live anywhere near Lee's Summit I'd certainly LOVE for you to join me on Tuesdays at 10am for Beth Moore's "Sacred Secrets" in FBCLS' Fellowship Hall. This is a great video based study that has minimal homework and we meet only 7 times. It's a great local opportunity.</div><div><br></div><div>But...I have friends from around the world who can't come to "Sacred Secrets", so I'm offering an online option. I've been reading a book by Priscilla Shirer titled GOD IS ABLE. It is about my favorite verse in the Bible, Ephesians 3:20, which says,</div><div><br></div><div>"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 NIV)"</div><div><br></div><div>This verse has meant so much to me for several years! I have been reading Priscilla's book for almost a week and have already been encouraged and challenged by the insight God has given her. </div><div><br></div><div>So here's how this will work. Starting next week I'll post something on this blog about chapter one. I'll ask some discussion questions and pray that you share what God is showing you. It's a great way to be accountable to each other for staying grounded in God's Word throughout the summer. It's minimal commitment, minimal "homework", but leaves room for God to speak to us through His words, Priscilla's writing, and each other's input. </div><div><br></div><div>All you need to do is get the book and let me know you are on board. Feel free to invite a friend! I love it when I get to study with friends from every season of my life! Sometimes we complain about how horrible technology is and how many terrible things come from it, but this is certainly one way to use it to honor God and encourage one another! Please comment either on the blog or on FB or Twitter @gaylabeth to let me know you are with us! I'd love to see a photo of you with your book too! </div><div><br></div><div>Happy Summer, ya'll!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-34910878725624511152014-01-01T07:12:00.001-08:002014-01-01T07:17:52.383-08:00My goals for 2014I don't make New Year resolutions. I have before , but it's usually a whopping week before I lose interest and move on to something else. I probably have adult ADD, and I'm serious about that! There's just too much adventure ahead in a new year to make me want to focus on a few resolutions. (Most people in my life are appalled by my take on life and common sense organization! Oh well, it works for us and I have a ton of fun!) Anyway, I don't make New Year resolutions.<div><br></div><div>I do have some goals for 2014 though. (I actually have a ton of dreams for 2014! What I lack in common sense, down to earth consistency and balance I make up for in dreaming! Dreams and goals aren't always the same though, and most of my dreams would seem too far fetched to share with most people!) I'll share with you a few of my goals for 2014. You likely won't be surprised by these. </div><div><br></div><div>1. Read these books!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1m0j3o7f77jzpfTIHRK6GwghksIWj99KVdtAj3qPf3G0q7qi8r72mZREiqfzlVH6h0YZU5HQVCnybZZuo6Ltq7lvyXdkdaerml7Yf816nEVVm9wNAmgYeqzoLxy9Kf1pRl-3cRXyJr0I/s640/blogger-image-646994122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1m0j3o7f77jzpfTIHRK6GwghksIWj99KVdtAj3qPf3G0q7qi8r72mZREiqfzlVH6h0YZU5HQVCnybZZuo6Ltq7lvyXdkdaerml7Yf816nEVVm9wNAmgYeqzoLxy9Kf1pRl-3cRXyJr0I/s640/blogger-image-646994122.jpg"></a></div>Please notice I didn't say read more! This is "more" to me! </div><div><br></div><div>I'm currently reading The Book Thief on my Kindle. Blake gave it to me for my recent 44th birthday. I really want to see the movie, but we have a very strict rule around here that books must be read before movies are viewed. It might be on Netflix before I finish the book! </div><div><br></div><div>The other books were gifts as well, from sweet young women in my life! Mickey, Sophie, and Megan are all girls who are seeking God. They represent what I wish I'd been like in my teens and twenty's! I will think of them as I read. Again, it might be June before I'm done. ADD, ya know! SQUIRREL!!!</div><div><br></div><div>2. My other goal is to lose 30 pounds this year. I hate that it's gotten to this point but honestly it has. </div><div><br></div><div>3. Finally, I am planning to pray for my children and their schools daily. As I've done this throughout the fall of 2013, I've seen God constantly working! Oh He's always been working in them and in their public schools, but He's revealed so much to me that I would have missed had I not been praying! I'm ruined for less, so even with my ADD tendencies I'll attempt to maintain some focused praying in 2014!</div><div><br></div><div>Do you make resolutions?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-43312065174580474122013-12-24T07:59:00.001-08:002013-12-24T08:02:36.097-08:00The Women of Christmas...week 4It's Christmas Eve!! I know most of you won't read this today or tomorrow simply because you are inundated with family and festivities. That's okay! I do hope you will finish this little study though! Please make room for a little time reading about the events we have record of after Jesus' birth. If you're like me, the story fades in your mind about as soon as the decorations come down, only to be picked up next year around the Friday after Thanksgiving. I've contemplated some fresh ponderings this year though, and I'm not ready to put the story away yet. In fact, I'm full of new questions that just might take me all the way to Lent and Easter!<div><br></div><div>The assignment for the final week is simple. </div><div><br></div><div>1. Ask Him to give you time and a hunger for this part of the story, then read about the wise men in Matthew 2:1-12. Follow up by reading pages 141-145 in chapter seven of The Women of Christmas. </div><div>•Does this biblical account challenge anything you thought you already knew?</div><div>•What were the Magi's reactions to the star, Herod, and the baby?</div><div><br></div><div>2. Read Luke 2:21-40 and make note of any questions you have. </div><div><br></div><div>3. Only after you've read the scripture, finish chapters 7 and 8. </div><div>•What do we KNOW from scripture about Simeon? What do we KNOW about Anna?</div><div>•What does Simeon say about Jesus and about Mary? Do you think Mary completely understood his ominous "blessing" at this point? When do you think she may have remembered Simeon's words later in life?</div><div>•What does Anna do in this passage? Note the timing of her interaction with Mary. Don't you think she might have been an encouragement after Simeon's blessing?</div><div><br></div><div>4. Here's a last question to ponder and research. In every aspect of the story we've read, the Holy Spirit has played a part. Go back and make note of when the Holy Spirit was mentioned and the roll it played. So often we think about the Holy Spirit as having come only after Jesus' ascension, but clearly this member of the Trinity has always been at work! </div><div><br></div><div>Thank you to everyone who followed along with this little study! Whether you've actually done it or you've all just been a hope in my imagination, you've driven me to do it and I've been changed! I've contemplated and learned more about Christ's early human life than ever before. Christmas will forever mean far more to me from now on...and I pray the same is true for you!</div><div><br></div><div>I'd love to hear what you've learned!</div><div><br></div><div>Merry Christmas!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-6594227616149102012013-12-17T06:00:00.002-08:002013-12-17T06:00:37.713-08:00The Women of Christmas Week 3If you are at all like me, now is the time in this little Bible study journey that you are tempted to give up! We are one week away from Christmas so now is the time to finish shopping and wrapping and baking and cleaning and...now is crunch time!! Surely there is no time to sit quietly and read, to contemplate and meditate! We've got things to do, people to see, places to go, and expectations to fulfill! We can be still later, right?<br />
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But we won't. I won't. It's basically now or never, because if the enemy can't tempt us to totally forsake God then he will tempt us with "busy-ness". The enemy wants us to celebrate Christmas like crazy but never slow down enough to contemplate the Messiah. </div>
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Thank you for slowing down with me!</div>
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This week's assignment:</div>
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1. Pray for God to show you at least one fresh thing about the story of John's and Jesus' births this week. Document that request in writing right on a page in your book.</div>
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2. Read Luke 1:57-79 and Matthew 1:18-25. When was Zechariah allowed to speak? What does Zechariah say God has come to do? Were these words spoken before or after Christ's birth? Note all that Joseph says in the Matthew passage.</div>
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3. Read Chapter 5 of The Women of Christmas, highlighting anything that jumps out at you.</div>
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4. Read Luke 2:1-20. This is the passage we have heard all our lives at Christmas! Are you ever tempted to let it go "in one ear and out the other" because it's so familiar? What Christmas carols do we sing that accurately portray the scene? Do you ever visualize it based on carols or nativity scenes instead of what scripture recounts? I realize this comes across as shameless mom bragging, but here's one song that I base my nativity visualizations on sometimes...anyone with me? And by the way, this is my oldest son's public school chamber chorale group Una Voce! Yes, I said public school...I almost shouted "AMEN" at the end! <br />
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5. Read Chapter 6 of The Women of a Christmas, and please tell me you learned something! Did reading Liz's well researched commentary give you any new insights? Any new questions?</div>
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Enjoy this week in The Word! Please comment on the blog so that the rest of us can learn too!</div>
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And by the way, I'm praying that you can't get the story out of your mind this week...even amidst the "busy-ness"! Merry Christmas!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-35177009741010801202013-12-09T10:10:00.002-08:002013-12-09T10:10:32.648-08:00Week 2 of our study The Women of ChristmasIt was such fun to study with at least 30 of you last week as we contemplated the beginning of the story of Elizabeth, Zechariah, and baby John the Baptist! I've heard from about 30 friends and family, even friends' family, saying they were participating! I love picturing all of us together, bibles and books and pens in hand, sharing what God is highlighting afresh in this story! I know you all would love getting to know each other because I love you all! I wish we could meet at Starbucks...I'd buy all your favorite hot drinks and then tell stories about fun times I've shared with you!<br />
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And speaking of sharing, thank you to those who have shared so beautifully and honestly on the blog! I seriously received such encouragement and fresh insight from you! Several of you, like me, have walked or continue to walk the infertility road so I knew Elizabeth would stir us up. The truth is, we likely all have dreams we've yet to realize, so being reminded that there is no time limit on God's answers was hopefully encouragement. </div>
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This week we will begin to read about Mary. You may have noticed that we didn't finish the story of Elizabeth last week. The book, <b><i><u>The Women of Christmas</u></i></b>, basically covers the announcement of Elizabeth's pregnancy in chapters 1 and 2, then the announcement of Mary's pregnancy in chapters 3 and 4. I promise we'll get to the births of both the Messiah and His forerunner in chapters 5 and 6 before getting to the third "woman of a Christmas" in our last week together. And just in case you are behind where I am...PLEASE DO NOT QUIT!! This will be a blessing to you no matter when you do it, not because of anything I'm doing but because it's God's Word and Jesus' story! It says so right in the passage we are studying this week:</div>
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""For no word from God will ever fail.” (Luke 1:37 NIV)</div>
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So here's your assignment this week.</div>
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1. First pray! Pray before you read, asking Him to teach you, encourage you, remind you, and reveal something new to you! Write that prayer in your book or a journal so you will have a reminder when He does it!</div>
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2. Read God's words in Luke 1:26-38. Make a list of what Mary says and what Gabriel says. Does making this list give you any insight into Mary? What do we learn about Jesus from what the angel says? <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Do you wish you knew more about anything in this story?</span></div>
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3. Read Chapter 3, highlighting anything that jumps out at you. This just made me cry at the thought:</div>
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4. Read Luke 1:39-56. (Doesn't a lot happen in this one chapter?! Typically we just rush right into chapter 2 at our house on Christmas Eve or even in church, but oh the richness of the story even before Christ's actual birth!) Use your imagination a little and tell me what YOU think Mary and Elizabeth talked about for those months together!</div>
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5. Read chapter 4 of <b><i><u>The Women of Christmas</u></i></b> and highlight anything you found interesting or particularly encouraging.</div>
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6. Here's an extra challenge: write these verses on an index card and memorize them this week. </div>
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For no word from God will ever fail.” </div>
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And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, (Luke 1:37, 46, 47 NIV)</div>
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Now tell us on the blog what God's revealing to you! </div>
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Thank you for keeping me accountable! I am honestly, and I really mean this, praying for you to be blown away by Jesus this week as you study!</div>
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I love you!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-18810965697796203792013-12-06T20:08:00.000-08:002013-12-06T20:08:26.170-08:00Week 1 of The Women of Christmas...a personal connectionI've posted a little something personal. Please let it help you connect in your own way to Elizabeth's story. I'm no video wiz, nor am I particularly great on camera, but this is me just being honest!<br />
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Reading about Zechariah's angelic interaction in the temple made me want to know a little more about what he was doing and where he was in the temple. It seems that there were a lot of priests in that day...I read from <a href="tel:7000-8000" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">7000-8000</a> of them were walking around! Evidently they were organized into 24 divisions and assignments were made by casting lots, sort of like rolling dice. We know there was no "luck" or "coincidence" involved though because God arranged for Zechariah to be exactly where He wanted him to be to receive this announcement! And remember, no one had received a fresh revelation from God in about 400 years. God, for all human understanding, had been silent for 400 years! And Zechariah gets to hear from Him first! Wow, no wonder he was surprised at the least scared to death at the most! Yet Zechariah receives this news right there at the Altar of Incense...in front of the very curtain separating this altar from the Holy of Holies...in front of the very curtain that would be torn from top to bottom when Christ died! Right at the altar that symbolized their prayers being lifted to God just like the smoke and scent wafted heavenward. This is the exact place where the angel announces that Zechariah's prayer has been heard! </div>
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My friend Mandy said it well in her comment on the previous post when she wondered if he'd actually given up praying for a child since they had waited for so long. Let me assure you that Elizabeth had not stopped! Oh sure, she may have wearied of the request, but her deep deep longing was a child. Barrenness, at least for me, never is far from a woman's mind if she's afflicted with it. And even if she'd stopped actually asking God, her heart still ached, so God still knew her longing and cared!</div>
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Because I'm probably just a little odd, I would love to know what "signs" Zechariah made to the crowd! They expected him to pronounce the blessing probably found in a Numbers. 6:24-26. Oh please go read it!!! I find it so ironic that, though Zechariah could not literally pronounce the blessing, what he'd been told by the angel Gabriel was indeed ACTUALLY what God was about to do...turn His face -the face of Jesus who was the exact representation of God-toward them and bring them peace with God through this Jesus! No, Zechariah could not utter the verbal blessing, but he was about to parent the one (John the Baptist) who would pronounce that Jesus was that very face of God and instrument of peace.</div>
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I also noticed that verse 15 of Luke 1 says that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. Verse 41 says that Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit when Mary arrived and John jumped in her womb. And verse 67 says that Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit after he regained his voice. This has become a heartfelt prayer of mine, that my entire little family would be filled with the Holy Spirit and submit to serving Him!</div>
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I pray that you have read verses 39-80 of Luke 1. The time Mary visited Elizabeth is such a sweet story! If ever I've wished for a video gospel it's as I'm reading about these two women, years apart in age yet forever connected in divine ways. </div>
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I am a bit sad to read that Elizabeth and Zechariah probably died while John was young. I have to wonder if his diet and wardrobe would have been different had Elizabeth been around! However long she had with her boy, she must have taught him well because John pointed to Jesus as the Messiah whenever he got the chance. What an important roll Elizabeth played!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-31686874299666342822013-12-02T04:08:00.001-08:002013-12-04T07:13:08.027-08:00Online Bible Study Week One: Let's Get Started!Welcome to the Christmas season! It's my very favorite time of the year, and I have a feeling that this Bible study may turn out to be one of my most cherished parts of the celebration! Thank you for taking this journey with me! I mean it every time I say it, and I say it every time I begin any new study, but this really is a selfish act on my part. I desperately need to be in God's Word daily for any peace and sanity to rule in my mind, my actions, my words, and my reactions. Having you on this journey with me keeps me accountable! I need you, and I have a sense that God is okay with that. He made us with free will and a need for community so surely it honors Him whenever we exercise that will to study His Words together!<div><br></div><div>If you're just deciding to join us, you'll need your Bible, the book <i>The Women of Christmas </i>by Liz Curtis Higgs, and maybe a journal. Sometimes I use index cards when I study to help me remember specific verses as well. Honestly, the method you use and the specific tools you utilize aren't specifically important as long as you are reading scripture. We all probably have or will develop methods that work best for us.</div><div><br></div><div>Just briefly I want to say that I know several women who are taking this journey, and I'm so excited! Ladies I've known from every stage of my life are joining together to study this time! Typically I am blessed to be able to study with women from my church and community here in Kansas City, but this time I get to interact with friends from high school, my niece and niece-in-law in Texas, a sweet friend I once taught in Sunday School when she was in college, and my best friend from Atlanta! God is so creative and brilliant to baptize technology and use it to help us connect through His Word! </div><div><br></div><div>And oh how I'm praying specifically for you all! Prayer is sort of the main way I feel God uses me at this stage of my life. As a stay at home mom, I honestly spend so much time during my day praying for friends and family as I complete the necessary but sometimes mundane tasks of keeping a home together. So...please let me know if you're joining us so I can visualize you and pray specifically for you...by name! It's my sheer joy and gives me a sense of usefulness in His Kingdom.</div><div><br></div><div>Enough talk! Let's go! Here are my suggestions for what and how to study this week.</div><div><br></div><div>1. Pray first each time you sit down to study. I often even write brief prayers right in my book or journal like this...absolutely nothing fancy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xpTRLqxCScrW3FF5QFyDov7nzGfLsn4oc-LSCZx1L9N_7zEp-YCTE960bwDW3TXJ3CCaQzjXG7RwN4uJz8wMcqYuwWy2LahOuvMVFPbAHlRUcvYifDK3NcgiZMeIHBMpnNOcWlzWH2dZ/s640/blogger-image--2106307338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xpTRLqxCScrW3FF5QFyDov7nzGfLsn4oc-LSCZx1L9N_7zEp-YCTE960bwDW3TXJ3CCaQzjXG7RwN4uJz8wMcqYuwWy2LahOuvMVFPbAHlRUcvYifDK3NcgiZMeIHBMpnNOcWlzWH2dZ/s640/blogger-image--2106307338.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>2. This week we will study about Elizabeth. Before you read the book, please take time to read <i>The Book</i>! As much as I'm loving <i>The Women of Christmas</i>, I want us to study God's words. So read Luke 1:5-25 and write down any thoughts or questions you have as you read. I'd suggest reading the same passage everyday this week in different translations. I use the YouVersion app on my phone to read those translations I don't actually own in paper form.</div><div><br></div><div>3. Read chapters 1 and 2 of <i>the Women of Christmas </i>throughout the week. They actually are short, and you have 7 days to do it! Liz Curtis Higgs writes in a way that interacts with the scriptural text and helps me ask deep questions. Write in that book, underline, do whatever it takes to help you really engage in the text!</div><div><br></div><div>4. Interact with us! As you study, I really would love it if you would talk back on this blog. Comment on one or all of these questions. If, for some reason,you have trouble commenting please send me a Facebook message with your comments and I will post them to the blog with your permission. Of course you can always message me privately with anything meant for just me and you and I won't post it!</div><div><br></div><div>So answer these questions:</div><div><br></div><div>Was there anything in the biblical story you had never thought about before? Did God highlight any part of it afresh for you?</div><div><br></div><div>Can you relate to Elizabeth or Zechariah in any way? Is God encouraging or challenging you in any way through this story? Are these words reiterating anything God's already been trying to communicate to you?</div><div><br></div><div>What does this story tell you about the character of God or how He works?</div><div><br></div><div>5. Join me in memorizing this part of the passage this week from verses 24 and 25: "...Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” (NIV)</div><div><br></div><div>6. Make a list of the miraculous things The Lord has done and is doing for you!</div><div><br></div><div>I'm praying for God to reveal His constant presence to you this week and to make you desparate for His Word! I'm praying you get just a little seclusion with Him like Elizabeth had...and that you can joyfully say, "The Lord has done this for me" as you go through this week! </div><div><br></div><div>Feel free to invite a friend to join us! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-63591961641759671022013-11-28T18:38:00.001-08:002013-11-28T18:38:27.926-08:00Join me for Bible study this Advent!Happy Thanksgiving! If you are reading this then I'm definitely thankful for you!! Writing is my therapy and an act of worship for me, but it's a bonus if someone cares to read my words.<div><br></div><div>I don't want to miss Thanksgiving, but I do want to invite you to think about something "Christmassy" today. Many of you are friends I've studied with over the years. I'd like to invite you to an online Advent Bible study! Here's how it would work!</div><div><br></div><div>I need to stay in The Word throughout this typically busy season or I will be miserable and make everyone around me miserable. I've come across a wonderful little book that I want to use as a study guide for the 4 weeks of Advent.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdVRb89ql-XINdpeAJO3M6cdUlTWFm-0L33QWwbXOX8I-si3T0vL_CfBPW6UWkcnA_-PssK0CepaWxhTsCAmswcuAlZsiQJ50YbvuXt2t7gPAn4RNsUd28nOTeR2LKllkqWbpcHdz3PlL/s640/blogger-image-920781150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdVRb89ql-XINdpeAJO3M6cdUlTWFm-0L33QWwbXOX8I-si3T0vL_CfBPW6UWkcnA_-PssK0CepaWxhTsCAmswcuAlZsiQJ50YbvuXt2t7gPAn4RNsUd28nOTeR2LKllkqWbpcHdz3PlL/s640/blogger-image-920781150.jpg"></a></div>Liz Curtis Higgs recently wrote <i>The Women of Christmas.</i> Starting Monday December 2, I want to study these women of Christmas with you. Each Monday I'll post on this blog a reading assignment and some "discussion" questions. Jump on the comments and study with me. This is a great way to have some direction, interaction, and accountability without actually ever meeting together. We can meet together with longtime friends and make new ones. We can pray for each other! There are no videos to watch, but some weeks I might post something I'm learning. </div><div><br></div><div>You'll just need the book, your Bible, and maybe a journal. I bought my book at Mardel this week and even just saw a 40% off coupon in the paper today! I'm sure you could find it at other Christian bookstores or major retailers.</div><div><br></div><div>So who's in? Even if no one joins me, I'm going to do this, but it sure would be fun to have you joining me! Comment below if you're interested!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-83811370554402871322013-11-26T10:23:00.002-08:002013-11-26T12:17:37.033-08:00Thanksgiving away from home...and who's making the gravy?As Thanksgiving week gets into full swing, of course I have so much for which to be thankful. I am indeed thankful for my family's decision to follow God's leading to Lee's Summit four years ago. I love this place more than ever , and it's the perfect place for my children! The people here are hardworking, generous, compassionate, real, and anxious to have a vital relationship with God. They seem to love us and joyfully encourage Blake by letting him lead however he feels God is leading. What else could this pastor's wife want? We are blessed!<div><br></div><div>However, Thanksgiving can sometimes be a lonely holiday for families in ministry. Most ministry families who live away from their parents and grandparents must choose whether to "go home " for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Very rarely do staff members have enough vacation to travel both times. Since leaving Arkansas almost 12 years ago, we've never been "home" for Thanksgiving. </div><div><br></div><div>Honestly Blake and I don't mind so much, and our kids haven't really ever known what it's like to live near family. Truthfully, Blake and I have always been the family rebels. I figure it's part of the reason I have a degree in Home Economics, so I can pull together an entire Thanksgiving meal without a mom's help. (And truthfully, my own mother wasn't much of a cook. Now Blake's mom? That's totally different !! She will always be able to cook circles around me! All our family favorites are her recipes.) Even though I have no problem cooking, I do sort of miss the whole family vibe of Thanksgiving. </div><div><br></div><div>The closest thing to an extended family Thanksgiving my we've had was spending the day with our dear friends, the Carman's, during our time in Georgia. Now to be direct, not everyone wants the preacher's family for a holiday! We get that! Trust me, it's as stressful for us as it is for anyone who hosts us. We have a hard time being ourselves, always afraid we'll blow Blake's reputation. But the Carman's aren't church members as much as they are true, real friends! They always let us be ourselves, and they were themselves! Our boys enjoyed crazy fun before lunch and we all enjoyed dominoes afterward! There was the annual planning of Black Friday complete with newspapers , then watching football! And Lord have mercy, they can cook! Jim. (Aka Kermit) Carman's smoked ham just about kept me from following Blake to Lee's Summit! And to this day I cannot make gravy without texting Kermit and Andrea because we had the annual argument over how to do it. So when we think Thanksgiving, we are thinking about lunch with the Carman's!</div><div><br></div><div>We are thankfully within three hours of my sister these days so we can have time with family for the day. I'll be hosting her family on Thursday, and it will be a fun time with a house full of teenage boys. (I'll be cooking extra to feed said bottomless pits!) Sarah and Caleb help me cook so we have lots of fun preparing! My sister and I are making up for lost time because she was on her own and working in retail when I was growing up...never coming home for Thanksgiving. </div><div><br></div><div>I said all this to ask you to please think about the ministers at your church! I'm not saying you should include them with your family, but just an acknowledgement of them would be an encouragement. I often see young ministry families try to figure out how to have tradition for their young families without over stretching their budget at Thanksgiving. Whether it's plane tickets home or the cost of the entire traditional meal, it's tough to make that stereotypical Thanksgiving happen! Sometimes it's even tougher to host parents and grandparents because of limited space. It's one of the things we readily sign up for when we go into ministry, but it's still hard and melancholy at times. Just telling your younger ministers that you appreciate them makes a difference. </div><div><br></div><div>I'll be forever grateful for my friends Kermit, Andrea, and Jimmy as well as Andrea's sister and father who gave us a place to "go home to" for several years! As much as I miss being with family on Thanksgiving, I truly miss our Carman family too! I wish we could make gravy together again!</div><div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403271190747072333.post-8427107666299050102013-11-18T09:53:00.001-08:002013-12-03T07:36:58.988-08:00One "flu" over the cuckoo's nestSometimes you don't appreciate the blessings in life. Sometimes the loudness of my house just about makes me scream...which is ironic, huh! Not today though. Today I've been given the gift of health...and perspective.<br />
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One week ago I was writhing in anguish with the flu. That sounds a bit dramatic, and let's face it, my middle name is "dramatic", but it was horrible! At one point, and I'm not embellishing this, the thermometer said my fever was 105 degrees. I was sicker than I've been in a very long time. And my ears were totally clogged. The only sound I really heard most of last week was the ringing in my own ears. </div>
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This is not exactly me, but trust me when I say you wouldn't have wanted to see me anyway! I'd like to think I looked this good.</div>
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I've heard from friends around the country that also had the flu last week so I realize I was not alone in my misery. Honestly, at one point I was a little suspicious that bioterrorism might be amuck, because it would be a fairly successful evil plan to give every other mom in America the flu. Imagine the fallout!! Every kid would be eating takeout pizza and skipping homework and instrument practice! It would be the fall of our society I'm sure!</div>
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That, however, did not happen at the McKinney house, and I'm ever so grateful to Blake for holding it together. Somehow he managed to get everyone to school with lunches and homework, drive kids to multiple practices and rehearsals, work, and plan a marriage retreat we were previously scheduled to lead. The fact that he didn't leave us and become a monk is testimony to God's calling on his life. Here's what I did last week: lay in my bed, cough, moan, pop Motrin like it was sweet tarts, complain about my ears ringing, and cough some more. I might have also checked Facebook and Twitter periodically, but only to see who else was sick and pray for them. It was my only ministry last week! Did you know that Beth Moore had the flu too? </div>
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Thankfully the flu doesn't last forever, and today I joyfully hopped out of bed to enjoy being a part of the morning routine again. I'm not sure if the kids were thankful I was back or not because there was a bit more nagging involved, but I'm sure they will be thrilled when they get home and once again are reminded to practice their instruments and do their homework. Sometimes a little setback is all you need to appreciate all you have! I'm once again looking forward to hearing screeching violin and banging drums and tap shoes clicking on my kitchen tile.</div>
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And here's my advice to you: GO GET A FLU SHOT!!</div>
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