I know that Kelly named week 2's study "Lies", but as I am looking back at my notes and answers to questions I am realizing that for me the tricky part is not the straight up lies, but instead the deception. On day 2, Kelly asks us to share what we think is the difference between lies and deception. For me, I think the main difference is the planning. In my opinion, it takes a lot more careful planning and intelligence to deceive someone. Lying is easy, but deceiving takes skill. This is why, for me, deception is more dangerous. Deception usually entangles truth and lies to make a recipe where the lies are hard to detect and therefore, easier to believe. On the same day (Day 2), Kelly asks us to identify a situation in which we have been sucked into the deception. I would love to hear what you girls put here. Maybe in knowing each others' struggles we can hold each other accountable and be more deliberate about speaking the truth to each other in these situations.
For me, I am aware that there are characteristics in me that do not reflect God's heart for His people. The two that I feel like God is targeting in this specific season in my life are selfishness and pride, but Satan is equally aware of these weaknesses in my life, and he often prevails in mixing this truth with the lie that these things can't be changed...that this is how I grew up and now it is too late to change the way that I am. I know this is not true, but Satan has such a sneaky way of getting me to believe it when I am not even aware that I am doing it. Please pray for this deception in my life, and let us know where yours are so that we can all pray for and encourage each other!
Love you all!
PS....where are you all in the study?
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Week 2: Why?
This week was extremely potent for me.
Why? It is a question we ask all the time. Why is this happening? Why did I do that? Why are they doing this or that? When we were little we constantly questioned our parents, why? Eat your vegetables. Why? They are good for you. Why? They have vitamins that will help you grow big. Why? You get the picture.
So, Kelly addressed the question of why do we have idols. Pain, to fill a void, being unaware, and fear. I think these are the the biggest reason for some of my idols. When we hurt or feel empty we want to replace those feelings with something good. I think this is an understandable desire. We don't what to have the negative feelings so we find positive things to overshadow them. This makes us feel better, or does it?
I like Kelly's reference to addicts. I had an uncle that was an alcoholic. He would hide bottles in his garage and would secretly drink. He could not hold down a job because of the drinking, it cost him his marriage, and eventually his life. He drank to fill a void or because he was in pain. In his fuzzy, happy drunk state he was not addressing the true problem only covering it up. If he and we would reach deep into our hearts and lay the emptiness or the pain at the foot of the cross, then the one who can really do something about it, will. How AWESOME and PEACEFUL is that?
Look at the examples of Sarah and Hannah. Kelly brings this up in the study, but it makes so much sense to me. Both woman had the same problem, could not bare children. One took matters into her own hands, Sarah, and the other trusted and waited on God, Hannah. Both women got what they desired, but at what cost did Sarah receive it? We need to learn to be more like Hannah when it comes to the trials and desires of our lives. We need to lay our pain, emptiness, burdens, desires, prayers, and praises at God's feet. We need to trust that he will take care of it. Easier said then done, but doing this will release us from the hold they have on us and they will not become our idols.
The other thing that rally struck me this week was day 5 on fear. All that Kelly said about how the object of our fear can be an idol makes so much sense to me. We are scared to be alone and therefore make finding a mate an idol. We are scared to be without a job and therefore make work an idol. But this question came to me and I wanted to know your thoughts.... if the object of our fear can turn out to be an idol, then why does God call us to be to God fearing? Are we supposed to make him an idol? Are we supposed to be scared of him? What does it really mean to be God fearing? The proverbs 31 woman is said to fear God. And she is the woman we strive to be like.
Wow!!! The thoughts and questions God lays on us. I am so blessed to be able to study and grow with you all. Thank you for making time to do this. You all are a blessing to me.
I have a prayer requests. One of my summer co-workers, Justin, lost his dad on father's day morning. He has been sick and had several serous surgeries. Please, pray for healing for Justin, his brothers, and mother. The family was Catholic, so he regularly attended church. The service is tomorrow. Thank you.
This week was extremely potent for me.
Why? It is a question we ask all the time. Why is this happening? Why did I do that? Why are they doing this or that? When we were little we constantly questioned our parents, why? Eat your vegetables. Why? They are good for you. Why? They have vitamins that will help you grow big. Why? You get the picture.
So, Kelly addressed the question of why do we have idols. Pain, to fill a void, being unaware, and fear. I think these are the the biggest reason for some of my idols. When we hurt or feel empty we want to replace those feelings with something good. I think this is an understandable desire. We don't what to have the negative feelings so we find positive things to overshadow them. This makes us feel better, or does it?
I like Kelly's reference to addicts. I had an uncle that was an alcoholic. He would hide bottles in his garage and would secretly drink. He could not hold down a job because of the drinking, it cost him his marriage, and eventually his life. He drank to fill a void or because he was in pain. In his fuzzy, happy drunk state he was not addressing the true problem only covering it up. If he and we would reach deep into our hearts and lay the emptiness or the pain at the foot of the cross, then the one who can really do something about it, will. How AWESOME and PEACEFUL is that?
Look at the examples of Sarah and Hannah. Kelly brings this up in the study, but it makes so much sense to me. Both woman had the same problem, could not bare children. One took matters into her own hands, Sarah, and the other trusted and waited on God, Hannah. Both women got what they desired, but at what cost did Sarah receive it? We need to learn to be more like Hannah when it comes to the trials and desires of our lives. We need to lay our pain, emptiness, burdens, desires, prayers, and praises at God's feet. We need to trust that he will take care of it. Easier said then done, but doing this will release us from the hold they have on us and they will not become our idols.
The other thing that rally struck me this week was day 5 on fear. All that Kelly said about how the object of our fear can be an idol makes so much sense to me. We are scared to be alone and therefore make finding a mate an idol. We are scared to be without a job and therefore make work an idol. But this question came to me and I wanted to know your thoughts.... if the object of our fear can turn out to be an idol, then why does God call us to be to God fearing? Are we supposed to make him an idol? Are we supposed to be scared of him? What does it really mean to be God fearing? The proverbs 31 woman is said to fear God. And she is the woman we strive to be like.
Wow!!! The thoughts and questions God lays on us. I am so blessed to be able to study and grow with you all. Thank you for making time to do this. You all are a blessing to me.
I have a prayer requests. One of my summer co-workers, Justin, lost his dad on father's day morning. He has been sick and had several serous surgeries. Please, pray for healing for Justin, his brothers, and mother. The family was Catholic, so he regularly attended church. The service is tomorrow. Thank you.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Week 1: Day 5 Verse Creative Reflection
Hola chicas! I am (Finally!) sitting down to write my first post on our blog! As with the other Kelly Minter studies I've done; I am loving this one as well! To say it's been convicting would be an understatement! This study is extremely welcomed, and it's timing couldn't be more perfect, as I find myself in a place where a real-life "pharaoh" could easily, and at time does, steal my heart from Jesus~ where my heart truly longs to be.
I have read several of your posts, but at this moment, I don't have the time to respond (Cary Beth, I couldn't agree with you more about the peace of life's distractions in Costa Rica... How do we find that here at home????), but I promise to return and do so ASAP!
In Week 1, Day 5, Kelly Minter gave us three verses to reflect upon and summarize. They were, Matthew 6:21, Isaiah 44:9, and 2 Kings 17:15. I would love to hear which verse caught each of your heart's attention and why! I'll go first...
I was drawn to Matthew 6:21. Matthew 6:21 says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." As I reflected on this verse, I heard, "We fill our hearts with the things we treasure." For me, I believe I have been designed by God with a loving heart. There are many things I am passionate about and there are even MORE people that I love to spend time with. I desire to share my time with Cooper, my family (immediate and extended), my friends (All of you!), my students, my church family, and I'm really excited about pouring out love on my future husband someday... The fact that I have so many people I want to love and feel loved by is a tremendous blessing, but it becomes somewhat of a pharaoh as well.
I hear God reminding me that my heart should be filled with Him. What I heard God tell me as I reflected on this verse, is that my love is so imperfect and limited compared to His love. When I try to love everyone on my own ability, I am inadequate. If I fill my heart with God, as He pours His perfect love into me, I will then be able to love more adequately because I pour out what He first gave to me. In 1 John 4:19 the Bible reads, "we love because He first loved us." That's what God is showing me. I can only truly love the people in my life the way they need to be loved, when I remember to love God first, just as He loves me first. Therefore, God has to be the sole treasure in my heart. When He is, the outpouring of His love I experience is showered upon the people God has placed in my life for me to share His love with.
I hope that makes sense, and I look forward to hearing what verse was most meaningful to you all!
I have read several of your posts, but at this moment, I don't have the time to respond (Cary Beth, I couldn't agree with you more about the peace of life's distractions in Costa Rica... How do we find that here at home????), but I promise to return and do so ASAP!
In Week 1, Day 5, Kelly Minter gave us three verses to reflect upon and summarize. They were, Matthew 6:21, Isaiah 44:9, and 2 Kings 17:15. I would love to hear which verse caught each of your heart's attention and why! I'll go first...
I was drawn to Matthew 6:21. Matthew 6:21 says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." As I reflected on this verse, I heard, "We fill our hearts with the things we treasure." For me, I believe I have been designed by God with a loving heart. There are many things I am passionate about and there are even MORE people that I love to spend time with. I desire to share my time with Cooper, my family (immediate and extended), my friends (All of you!), my students, my church family, and I'm really excited about pouring out love on my future husband someday... The fact that I have so many people I want to love and feel loved by is a tremendous blessing, but it becomes somewhat of a pharaoh as well.
I hear God reminding me that my heart should be filled with Him. What I heard God tell me as I reflected on this verse, is that my love is so imperfect and limited compared to His love. When I try to love everyone on my own ability, I am inadequate. If I fill my heart with God, as He pours His perfect love into me, I will then be able to love more adequately because I pour out what He first gave to me. In 1 John 4:19 the Bible reads, "we love because He first loved us." That's what God is showing me. I can only truly love the people in my life the way they need to be loved, when I remember to love God first, just as He loves me first. Therefore, God has to be the sole treasure in my heart. When He is, the outpouring of His love I experience is showered upon the people God has placed in my life for me to share His love with.
I hope that makes sense, and I look forward to hearing what verse was most meaningful to you all!
Week 1 thoughts and reflections
Thanks for getting the blog up and running Sandy and being the first to contribute Taylor! I am loving this book so far and starting to feel some powerful convictions. I also love the way Kelly Minter approaches these loaded topics with a shared humility that keeps me from feeling too guilty. I can't exactly put my finger on how she accomplishes this but I love how Kelly writes in a simple but motivating way.
I'm rapidly losing my "over-achieving" status because while I finished week 1 in Costa Rica, I haven't done any of the study since coming back on Monday. I wanted to point out something I learned in Costa Rica being with my 2 priceless and lovely sisters-in-Christ, Taylor and Kristy:
~It can be really powerful to sit and talk about a small part of scripture or bible study (ie, Day 1) for an extended period. We had several impromptu moments of "hey, let's chat about the study" which often led to deep conversations and realizations. Perhaps because the pressure of "life" seemed so far away for me, I was disconnected from my phone, my family, my to-do list, I was able to focus in a way I never did during the Ruth study. A few days into our trip, I remember saying to Taylor how I felt like we were on a retreat of sorts where we were bonding over shared scripture and experiences. Needless to say, and for lack of a better word, it was POWERFUL. Is it possible that God is closer to me in Costa Rica?!? I want to figure out how to feel that connected to him in my own little apartment but so many other things tug at me constantly. Hence why I haven't sat down to do any Bible stuff in 5 days. I urge you all to try to push away the distractions and get face to face with someone else participating in this study at some point and have a deep and honest conversation about your realizations- I hope it can be as moving for you as it was for me.
That being said, since I have a date with my bikini and pool in 20- another distraction, albeit welcome, I'm resorting to a bulleted list of deep-ish realizations. Sorry...
I'm rapidly losing my "over-achieving" status because while I finished week 1 in Costa Rica, I haven't done any of the study since coming back on Monday. I wanted to point out something I learned in Costa Rica being with my 2 priceless and lovely sisters-in-Christ, Taylor and Kristy:
~It can be really powerful to sit and talk about a small part of scripture or bible study (ie, Day 1) for an extended period. We had several impromptu moments of "hey, let's chat about the study" which often led to deep conversations and realizations. Perhaps because the pressure of "life" seemed so far away for me, I was disconnected from my phone, my family, my to-do list, I was able to focus in a way I never did during the Ruth study. A few days into our trip, I remember saying to Taylor how I felt like we were on a retreat of sorts where we were bonding over shared scripture and experiences. Needless to say, and for lack of a better word, it was POWERFUL. Is it possible that God is closer to me in Costa Rica?!? I want to figure out how to feel that connected to him in my own little apartment but so many other things tug at me constantly. Hence why I haven't sat down to do any Bible stuff in 5 days. I urge you all to try to push away the distractions and get face to face with someone else participating in this study at some point and have a deep and honest conversation about your realizations- I hope it can be as moving for you as it was for me.
That being said, since I have a date with my bikini and pool in 20- another distraction, albeit welcome, I'm resorting to a bulleted list of deep-ish realizations. Sorry...
- I want to be Kelly Minter's friend. Where does she live and how can I stalk her?
- Kings 2:15 is a piece of important scripture to remember, "They worshiped idols so they became worthless themselves" OUCH!
- Idols are more relevant in today's world than I ever imagined so I need to watch it
- Functional gods are often a necessary part of life which I think can make them super tricky to monitor. I see it like food- you need to eat it to survive but it is so easy to overindulge. It would be so much easier if our idols were things we could cut out completely but no mas
- Here are my functional idols that I gleaned from this week because they occupy my time and mind and I put my relationship with God after these things (often unconsciously.
- Looking nice/having nice things
- pleasing bosses at work/pleasing parents at work/etc.
- having a boyfriend
- My job in a lot of ways has been my idol- it is what I am good at and where I use my resources. I need to remember that God is the one that gave me the gift of teaching. So often I think God gives us a gift and we insolently take it and believe WE are responsible for our gift. I suspect that he also gave me the opportunity to change from Pre-K to 5th grade so I will be "forced" to rely on Him more than myself next year. I'm already bracing myself for this process...
- GUARD YOUR HEART ABOVE ALL ELSE- Proverbs 4:23
- Serving idols out of fear will only result in displeasing the Lord, instead of fear, rejoice in fAiTh :)
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Hosanna
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna in the highest
I see the King of glory
Coming down the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes, the whole earth shakes
I see His love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing, the people sing
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
I see a generation
Rising up to take the place
With selfless faith, selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees, we're on our knees
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna in the highest
I see the King of glory
Coming down the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes, the whole earth shakes
I see His love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing, the people sing
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
I see a generation
Rising up to take the place
With selfless faith, selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees, we're on our knees
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna in the highest
Monday, June 10, 2013
Welcome
Hey ladies! I hope that everyone is finding time to relax this summer in the midst of all of the to do lists, new homes and summer jobs! I know that we are all at different places in the book right now, but in order to get the most out of this on-line approach for the study I thought maybe it would be best to go ahead and start posting....so whether you haven't started or you have already finished week 1 (Kristy and Cary Beth...our overachievers!) I thought now would be as good of a time as any to talk about what we are expecting and what we think so far.
I have only read days 1 - 3, but I am really loving this study so far. Kelly Minter has a way of opening the door to revelation of things in my life that are just not the way that God intended them to be, but she does it in such a real and humble way that doesn't make me feel guilty about it...it just makes me want to change it.
In the first 3 days, I have named a couple of "Pharaohs" in my life...things that have a power over me that shouldn't. I know that a blog is not necessarily the easiest place to "lay out all your dirty laundry", but I do think it is important to confess our sins to each other so that we can hold each other accountable and love each other in our imperfection, so if you don't feel comfortable, please find someone in the group that you can meet with face to face to discuss what God is teaching you and showing you.
For me, the main "functional god" that I have identified I am having trouble putting into words. It is more of a thought and feeling than anything, and I am sure you all understand when I say that sometimes our feelings and thoughts are difficult to express with words...especially in this form.
With that being said...here is my attempt: this week God has truly humbled me in a way that I haven't been humbled in a long time. He has been revealing many selfish and prideful areas of my life that I truly am embarrassed to admit. He has revealed the desire in my heart to reflect my perfection (which doesn't exist) instead of His, and, through this study and life events and circumstances, He has clearly pointed out how these attitudes not only hurt me, but they also hurt the people I love.
I always try to do the right thing and try to make decisions taking into account the feelings and needs of others, but God has been revealing that often my intentions are not pure. I want recognition. I want people to see what I am doing and be impressed! This couldn't be any further from what God really wants. God wants our motives to be pure and holy. HE wants to be our motive, and if my motive is anything other than to bring glory to Him I need to reevaluate.
What about you? What do you all think? Who or what are your "pharaohs"? Any realizations that you have had since starting "no other gods" that you want to talk about? Or maybe you just want to chime in or give advice for what I posted....
I hope you girls are learning as much as I am and that you feel free to share in this setting! Love you ladies!
Taylor
I have only read days 1 - 3, but I am really loving this study so far. Kelly Minter has a way of opening the door to revelation of things in my life that are just not the way that God intended them to be, but she does it in such a real and humble way that doesn't make me feel guilty about it...it just makes me want to change it.
In the first 3 days, I have named a couple of "Pharaohs" in my life...things that have a power over me that shouldn't. I know that a blog is not necessarily the easiest place to "lay out all your dirty laundry", but I do think it is important to confess our sins to each other so that we can hold each other accountable and love each other in our imperfection, so if you don't feel comfortable, please find someone in the group that you can meet with face to face to discuss what God is teaching you and showing you.
For me, the main "functional god" that I have identified I am having trouble putting into words. It is more of a thought and feeling than anything, and I am sure you all understand when I say that sometimes our feelings and thoughts are difficult to express with words...especially in this form.
With that being said...here is my attempt: this week God has truly humbled me in a way that I haven't been humbled in a long time. He has been revealing many selfish and prideful areas of my life that I truly am embarrassed to admit. He has revealed the desire in my heart to reflect my perfection (which doesn't exist) instead of His, and, through this study and life events and circumstances, He has clearly pointed out how these attitudes not only hurt me, but they also hurt the people I love.
I always try to do the right thing and try to make decisions taking into account the feelings and needs of others, but God has been revealing that often my intentions are not pure. I want recognition. I want people to see what I am doing and be impressed! This couldn't be any further from what God really wants. God wants our motives to be pure and holy. HE wants to be our motive, and if my motive is anything other than to bring glory to Him I need to reevaluate.
What about you? What do you all think? Who or what are your "pharaohs"? Any realizations that you have had since starting "no other gods" that you want to talk about? Or maybe you just want to chime in or give advice for what I posted....
I hope you girls are learning as much as I am and that you feel free to share in this setting! Love you ladies!
Taylor
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