We have been following the blogs this past week, and we have noticed how many of us are wondering and questioning when to talk, when to be silent, and how our words and attitudes can affect others.
Joan would love to say the following is something that she lives by, but alas, it is actually Jim who really tries faithfully to live this as a way of life.... and Joan is trying harder. We find when we put God in control, it really does becomes easier to speak and act as Jesus would. A careless word may kindle strife A cruel word may wreck a life A timely word may level stress A loving word may heal and bless. Doesn't this just seem like the way to try and live our lives... Jim and Joan Hello friends :) How are you on this bright & sunny, but chilly Tuesday?
ME...Well, Tuesday mornings I go to a women's bible study with a group of friends and I will have to say that Tuesdays are generally my best day of the week. So...why the title INSECURITY? Well, that is the subject that we are discussing in our bible study right now and something that I have been thinking about a lot. What is an insecurity? Do men have insecurities? How about women? What are your insecurities? (good journal questions-hint , hint :) I am sure there are some of you that would say, without hesitation, that you have insecurities, while some of you would disagree, but let me tell you that whether you know it or not, I bet most of you have at least one insecurity. In the book, "So Long Insecurity-you've been a bad friend to us,"by Beth Moore, she quotes one specialists definintion of insecurity as... "Insecurity refers to a profound sense of self-doubt--a deep feeling of uncertainty about our basic worth and our place in the world....The insecure man or woman, lives in constant fear of rejection and a deep uncertainty about whether his or her own feelings and desires are legitimate." Unfortunately we ALL HAVE INSECURITIES. How can we not when we are bombarded in our world with all the mass media that tells us that...we need to be, we should be or we would be truly happy if... We are told we need to be skinnier, more beautiful, have more money, a bigger house, a nicer car, a really good paying job, the list goes on and on. We are almost expected to "keep up with the Jones." We become obsessed with striving to look like everyone else and attain lots of stuff, thinking that we will be secure if we have it all and when it doesn't meet up to our expectations, we become unhappy, stressed, depressed and feel totally lost. And in some extreme cases, sometimes feel life is not worth living. How unfortunate and sad that we sometimes put our "faith" in people and posessions? Guess what... we have totally missed it! What kind of world would it be if we could remember that Christ Jesus IS our security! Too many times we push him off in a corner and forget that He is the one that gives us all we need. Now I'll be the first to admit that I have insecurities and unfortunately more than one. Some insecurities have been with me from little on, while others have developed through the years. Getting over these is not going to be easy, but it is up to me to make the changes necessary to become a more secure person. Beth reminds us that we will not walk securely in this culture accidentally. It is something that we will have to be intentional about. My prayer for you this week is that with God's help you will be intentional in trying to defeat those insecurities that you have. It is only with prayer and God's help, that we can truly begin to be the beautiful, confident, secure people that God has created us to be :) May God bless you abundantly this week-JENN :) This has been on my heart for a while now. A few weeks ago I went to confession and confessed a sharp tounge and was told that meant I had a good wit. I'm not so sure of that , this week the minister focused on what we say.
Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool who keep silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. Hum...I don't think I've ever been able to stay quiet enough to be "deemed intelligent" Proberbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. 2Timothy 2:14-15 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but oly ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. The focus of this was, is the fact that we need to use our words to help others on their walk with God. My grandma's had a prayer in her Bible that I often say "Lord, keep your hand on my shoulder, and the other hand over my mouth." But now I'd like to pray that God helps me to quiet when needed, so that I will be deemed intellgent and I pray that God gives me the words to speak so that no one is left behind because of something I didn't say. I pray that my words and actions lead others to walk with God. Amen Letting God make the Beans...
Julia: Good evening everyone on this rainy Saturday night. This is our first time doing a blog, and we are excited to be doing this as a husband and wife team. I'm not sure why we chose to do it this way other then it sounded pretty good. So I'm Julia and that guy sitting next to me is Doug. Doug: Blogging is something new and honestly kind of intimidating so we have decided at least for today to blog in a conversation format, so please bear with us. Julia: This morning we were talking about letting God have control. It feels like whenever there are things that aren't too large, I ask God to assist me. But when something seems really insurmountable, I try to take that on myself. That sounds nuts but let me give you an example. If I want a certain parking space at Target, I just say, "God, please, please get me a little closer to the door so I don't get my hair wet." Now, whether or not my request is granted (I'm not sure God even would consider granting such a "prayer") really isn't of grave concern to me. I just think it might help me out a bit. Now, back to the example from our conversation this morning with Doug…I have struggled for years with keeping my mouth shut. Not in terms of talking too much, but in terms of eating too much. I'm addicted to dieting and borderline obsessive about it (little background on me). Well, a couple days ago, I was listening to Fr. John Karopi and heard him talking about releasing his woes to God. He spoke of praying over and over again that our trust be placed with the Father. That sounded really good. Now, why didn't I think of that? Why in the world do I spend my days mulling over calories eaten vs. burned, Atkins or Weight Watchers, treadmill or ellyptical….you get the point. Why don’t' I just turn that over to God. What is it that stops me from turning to Him when I need help with the "big ticket items" but I'll ask him for little piddly things like a parking spot. What is that about??? What about you, Doug. Doug: I think your right, we frequently find ourselves praying for silly things or prayers of "request" like please God let the St. Louis Rams make it to "The Big Game" this year. After talking to you about Fr. Karopi I realized several things. I don’t pray enough and I allow myself to pray about those "piddly" things. Julia: I'm not even sure there's hope for turning it over to God. I've spent so long trying to control my own life that it would require a lot of faith to just simply let go. Doug: Ahh but you married me which was a HUGE leap of faith! Julia: Totally. Julia: You know, I pray the Our Father…."Thy will be done" but have been wondering if I really mean it. If I were more sincere, wouldn't I have handed this whole diet business over to Him a long time ago? In discussing it, I almost think it's about me trying to control things. I forget that God has my best interest at heart and fail to recognize. Such a sad thing to forget that He wants so much more for me that I can comprehend. His gift has been free will and I've certainly taken it. Doug: I think we need to be opening our hearts and minds to Gods will and letting his will be done. Julia: Well, here's what has been my mantra this week. When I feel myself trying to control my "dieting dilemma" on my own, I've been saying in my head (or out loud for times when Satan's Snickers bars challenge my will), "Father, I place my trust in you," or "Immaculate heart of Mary, I place my trust in your intervention." It has helped me to remember to turn it over…to chase away the feelings of wanting to control my life without his aid. I'm in a happier place when I allow him to work his wonders. And I'm so grateful for His love that he understands my ignorance enough to forgive me for taking it upon myself over and over again. So this week, I'll continue to pray that I open my heart to His love and desire to take my burdens away. Psalm 25:2 O my God , I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Now, looks like I just need to remember it. Maybe that's the next problem in my life that I need to fix….my memory. Heavenly Father, help us to rely upon you for all our needs, whatever they may be. Help us to let you guide our paths so we might not stray, to hear you voice when you are gently leading us out of a problem area we've gotten ourselves into, being the humans that we are. May we ever listen to the unction of your Spirit and be delivered from unneeded stress in our lives. We will ever give you the praise, honor, and glory due your precious name. Amen. By Barbra Sanders Doug: Well I think that gives us plenty to think about for now. We look forward to next week. Now say good night Julia. Julia: Good night Julia. How is the journaling going? Me, well, I have been doing this in my bible study, but today I have a journal that I bought and today is the day I start journaling with you:)
I wanted to expand a bit more on the idea of Life's purpose or our purpose in life. Again, I want to quote Mattew Kelly from his book, " The Rhythm of Life...". I would like to share these few thoughts with you. (FYI---These would be great questions and thoughts to journal on) "What we do in the span of our lives may bring us financial rewards, status, fame, power, and unimaginable possessions, but lasting happiness and fulfillment are not the by-products of doing and having. The truth is a startling contrast to the present culture's credo. Who you become is infinately more important than what you do or what you have. The meaning and purpose of life is for you to become the-best-version-of yourself....What is God's dream for you? Do you ever wonder? Let me tell you. God wants you to become the-best-version-of-yourself." So...Challenge yourselves this week to take some time to think about how you would answer the questions above. Then read and reflect on the three I have given you below. Try to make some time to write your answers in your journal. You might surprise yourself. 1. Have I become the-best-version-of-myself? 2. If so, what did I do to get to that point? 3. If not, what do I need to do to become the-best-version-of - myself? "There is purpose and meaning to life. You were born to become the-best-version-of yourself....Embrace this one solitary truth...and it will change your life more than anything you have ever learned." Good luck with your reflection and journaling this week. God's Love & Peace --JENN SPRING......
EASTER.... TULIPS.... GREEN GRASS.... PEOPLE OUT WALKING.... SPRING HOUSECLEANING... These are all signs of new beginnings. Doing out with the old, and bringing in the new....There is hope in all this, we are seeing that things are changing, and we are excited. Maybe we should look at our own life... the relationships with have with our family and friends., How are we trying to make changes for the positive? More importantly, how about our relationship with God? Are we ready to really look at what it is we are doing....what is keeping us from having a closer relationship with God? So maybe we should think about these words.... PRAYER... CREATION... SERVICE TO OTHERS... MENDING RELATIONSHIPS... LOVING THE UNLOVEABLE... SPIRITUAL HOUSECLEANING... God be with you this week! Jim and Joan Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Some days it seems like I am forever waiting on God. What is it you have in store for me today God? Where are we going, what are we doing today? In my waiting though God has promised me a renewal of strength, some days I really need that, how about you? I have so many favorite verses and this is one of the first I would have chosen, but when I was younger it was my favorite because of the Eagles, I have always loved to watch an Eagle soar across the sky. When I was younger Eagles were not around as much so to see one was a treat, a blessing from God. Still now, to the frustration of anyone who is with me I could stop the car and watch an Eagle at any time. When I see one perched in a tree I want to just watch it. Today this is my favorite verse because it promises to renew us so that we have strength to finish our spiritual journey. And other strengths also, help me Lord to make it through each day and help me along the way to be a blessing to someone. God Bless all this week! Amen! We have ventured to Chicago this weekend. We are excited to experience downtown Chicago. Since we are not familiar with the public transportation in this area, we are a little apprehensive. We are not as worried about getting there, but the return trip has cast a bit of fear in us. We don't want to be stranded downtown late at night. This fear and anxiety is causing some difficulty in our decision making.
How do you react to fear??? Does it cloud your judgement?? Does it paralyze you??? Does it keep you from positive experiences and personal growth? In the book "Living Above Worry and Stress", forewarded by Thelma Wells, it states "When we find ourselves hindered by our fears we are in good company. Many of the men and women in the bible had to be calmed by the words "Fear Not". Lay out your secret dread before your loving Lord. He already knows what you already hide in your heart and he longs to take away your fears. Pray this week that God will give you the grace to trust Him, no matter what turns your life may take." After reading this passage and a bit of reflection, we are going to trust in the Lord and take a little journey knowing that He will be with us and protect us always. Blessings to you this weekend from Chicago!! Tanya, Jenn and Jeanne I am excited to be sharing thoughts with you on Thursdays, So bear with me as I learn to manuever around the site!! This is just something to think about,..... Joan Steger
The Lord is my Shepherd – That’s Relationship! I shall not want – That’s Supply! He makes me to lie down in green pastures –That’s Rest! He leads me beside the still waters – That’s Refreshment! He restores my soul – That’s Healing! He leads me in the paths of righteousness – That's Guidance! For His name sake – That’s Purpose! Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death –That’s Testing! I will fear no evil – That’s Protection! For You art with me – That’s Faithfulness! Your rod and Your staff they comfort me – That’s Discipline! You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies –That’s Hope! You annoint my head with oil –That’s Consecration! My cup runs over –That’s Abundance! Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life –That’s Blessing! And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord – That’s Security! Forever – That’s Eternity! AMEN |
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