Life has taken on a busy turn for me...I am working on getting chap 3 done, plus needing to finish chap 4!
I just completed chap 3 which is still going over chap. 2 of 1 Peter. I am enjoying digging in to small little pieces of each chapter. I can read through each verse, but never get it's full meaning until I sit down to do an in depth study.
Sue Edwards does not disappoint. WOW is all I can say.
But what I want to blog about is her ending of chapter 3 in the study guide. Page 34 to be more specific. Sue talks about being born into a family....being unwanted. And how the affected her as an adult. Thank God she had people enter into her life and help her heal from that.
Which brought me to thoughts of Hope Blooms, and where my passions come from to keep on keeping on. From being made to feel insignificant by lack of eye contact with important adults in my life. (not my parents) To having a lack of discipline in my life. To meeting the wrong guy in my high school years and everything that went with that. To moving out of my parents house for my senior year and living with my aunt...to get away from the "wrong" guy. Not only did I move out of my parents house, but I moved from Oklahoma to Minnesota....so I MOVED away.
Those were tough years. And not only did it take me along time to recognize how this all affects me, it took me a long time to work through it.
I had made positive changes from the beginning: being available to my children, attending church, Sunday school, being involved in their lives. Building a healthy marriage...but my self esteem was always lacking. My poor husband having to endure all of that....
And now, because of my past, God is doing something good....providing a way for me to help others facing these challenges...my passions for healthy children and healthy marriages!
Because as Peter states in chapter 2, we are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, called to share God's goodness and light.
Some day...I will meet Sue Edwards...
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
1 Peter Chap. 1 and 2
1 Peter Study by Sue Edwards....
January is ending with a bang here in Minnesota. We have had such a mild winter, that has lead to temps dipping far below zero....-16 to be exact...With this, we have had sporadic Internet for the past week and a half. We thought possibly the weather had something to do with that. But low and behold we need a new modem....currently we have had a good stretch of Internet for the past few hours! So praying I can get this posted for weeks 1 and 2.
I am an avid Beth Moore Bible Study fan. I have done many of her studies, and read even more of her books. She really lets you dig in and find things out about yourself that you didn't know you knew. So, to get another Bible Study, that isn't (gasp) Beth Moore! All kidding aside, I am thrilled to see what others have to offer.
Sue Edwards has not disappointed me. I soon was lost in diggin' through 1 Peter. In Fact, my Internet problems sort of reminded me how frustrating things in life can be. Persecution, wandering around the dessert, looking for the promised land. My family is learning how things can be difficult when we come to expect something so simple as Internet. Homework takes on a whole new meaning. Things need to be researched, and we suddenly find ourselves unplugging the modem a million times to catch just 10 minutes of Internet.
Where do we place our value? In the Internet? In what others think of us? In what our spouse thinks of us? Friends? Where is our true citizenship?
I have been on a journey of discovering who I really am...I have spent most of my life being who I am when I am with my husband. He was my security. He was who I did most everything with...I was a mom and wife. I am learning that my value comes from God, and God alone. The people i surround myself with are who help me to fulfill God's will, but that isn't where my value lies...
I think, given our current "winter" chill, (more like Arctic) I will enjoy Ms. Edwards study on learning to find encouragement through the troubles that come in my life. In fact, I will also recommend this study to my regular study with my friends.
(I received this study from Kregel Productions for free. I am not compensated in any way for my reviews.)
January is ending with a bang here in Minnesota. We have had such a mild winter, that has lead to temps dipping far below zero....-16 to be exact...With this, we have had sporadic Internet for the past week and a half. We thought possibly the weather had something to do with that. But low and behold we need a new modem....currently we have had a good stretch of Internet for the past few hours! So praying I can get this posted for weeks 1 and 2.
I am an avid Beth Moore Bible Study fan. I have done many of her studies, and read even more of her books. She really lets you dig in and find things out about yourself that you didn't know you knew. So, to get another Bible Study, that isn't (gasp) Beth Moore! All kidding aside, I am thrilled to see what others have to offer.
Sue Edwards has not disappointed me. I soon was lost in diggin' through 1 Peter. In Fact, my Internet problems sort of reminded me how frustrating things in life can be. Persecution, wandering around the dessert, looking for the promised land. My family is learning how things can be difficult when we come to expect something so simple as Internet. Homework takes on a whole new meaning. Things need to be researched, and we suddenly find ourselves unplugging the modem a million times to catch just 10 minutes of Internet.
Where do we place our value? In the Internet? In what others think of us? In what our spouse thinks of us? Friends? Where is our true citizenship?
I have been on a journey of discovering who I really am...I have spent most of my life being who I am when I am with my husband. He was my security. He was who I did most everything with...I was a mom and wife. I am learning that my value comes from God, and God alone. The people i surround myself with are who help me to fulfill God's will, but that isn't where my value lies...
I think, given our current "winter" chill, (more like Arctic) I will enjoy Ms. Edwards study on learning to find encouragement through the troubles that come in my life. In fact, I will also recommend this study to my regular study with my friends.
(I received this study from Kregel Productions for free. I am not compensated in any way for my reviews.)
Saturday, December 31, 2011
How does God speak?
There are many things that I continually pray for. Some are more earnest than others. Some are on my mind but I don't continually pray over them...but if they happen I would be ecstatic.
last night, I had the luxury of flipping through channels, as Wayne was at work. I stumbled upon 700 Club. If you are not familiar, it is a show that was playing on the Hallmark Channel. It has a Christian theme, and is more on the conservative side. they have a variety of things on the show...from authors, to music artist etc. I caught just the end, and they happened to be praying for specific things. I thought....goodness they are weird. But I was compelled to listen anyway. And suddenly the lady on there was praying for someone who had food allergies, and that God had healed them and that the person affected should just touch their throat and know that they can eat things they have not been able to eat. The weird thing is, I knew she was talking to me. But I quickly dismissed it and went to bed.
Well, today, we went out for lunch to Red Lobster before Wayne had to work. Ring in the new year a little early. I had a salad, for the first time in 20 years, it didn't affect my mouth or my throat...and it doesn't stop there. I had a banana today too....I am not kidding you when I say that it has been nearly 20 years. I am still amazed and not even convinced myself that it is true. With each of my 5 pregnancies, my food allergies have gotten worse. All fresh fruits and veggies have affected me in some way. There are no docs that can give me an explanation. I have met only one other person with the same reaction that I have.
So, can God answer prayer after so many years....yes I believe HE does. I am still amazed, and know people will think I am crazy...but I will just eat a banana and know what HE has truly done!
last night, I had the luxury of flipping through channels, as Wayne was at work. I stumbled upon 700 Club. If you are not familiar, it is a show that was playing on the Hallmark Channel. It has a Christian theme, and is more on the conservative side. they have a variety of things on the show...from authors, to music artist etc. I caught just the end, and they happened to be praying for specific things. I thought....goodness they are weird. But I was compelled to listen anyway. And suddenly the lady on there was praying for someone who had food allergies, and that God had healed them and that the person affected should just touch their throat and know that they can eat things they have not been able to eat. The weird thing is, I knew she was talking to me. But I quickly dismissed it and went to bed.
Well, today, we went out for lunch to Red Lobster before Wayne had to work. Ring in the new year a little early. I had a salad, for the first time in 20 years, it didn't affect my mouth or my throat...and it doesn't stop there. I had a banana today too....I am not kidding you when I say that it has been nearly 20 years. I am still amazed and not even convinced myself that it is true. With each of my 5 pregnancies, my food allergies have gotten worse. All fresh fruits and veggies have affected me in some way. There are no docs that can give me an explanation. I have met only one other person with the same reaction that I have.
So, can God answer prayer after so many years....yes I believe HE does. I am still amazed, and know people will think I am crazy...but I will just eat a banana and know what HE has truly done!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Healing is a Choice: Steve Arterburn
Steve Arterburn is a well known author, one I have admired for many years. He has quite a few titles under his belt, all with great Biblical advice.
I was thrilled to be able to get a copy of this book, which is revised and updated. It includes a workbook after each chapter.
the book is broken up into 10 chapters. It is an easy to manage chunk that you will be able to stay focused for the duration of that chapter. My favorite chapter is four. It includes that lie that "time heals all wounds". Arturburn states that "time changes all wounds" and looking back at chapter 2 which states " what is true of the physical pain and the body is true for emotional pain and the soul" Time will change your wounds, which is usually negative. You do need to spend some time healing those old wounds, and it is ok to go and ask for help with this. God is the ultimate healer, but He also uses people to help us, as well as us to help others. There is just so much good stuff in this book, that you do need to read it for yourself. We all come from junk...we all need to work through it.
The workbook section...while I didn't do everything, I did glance through it, and will take the time to finish it at a later time. There is room to journal, and also a prayer at the end.
This book is for you if you think you've dealt with stuff, need to deal with stuff, or think you don't have anything to deal with...
I received this book from Thomas Nelson for the purpose of writing what i thought. I receive no compensation for any of the reviews from Thomas Nelson.
I was thrilled to be able to get a copy of this book, which is revised and updated. It includes a workbook after each chapter.
the book is broken up into 10 chapters. It is an easy to manage chunk that you will be able to stay focused for the duration of that chapter. My favorite chapter is four. It includes that lie that "time heals all wounds". Arturburn states that "time changes all wounds" and looking back at chapter 2 which states " what is true of the physical pain and the body is true for emotional pain and the soul" Time will change your wounds, which is usually negative. You do need to spend some time healing those old wounds, and it is ok to go and ask for help with this. God is the ultimate healer, but He also uses people to help us, as well as us to help others. There is just so much good stuff in this book, that you do need to read it for yourself. We all come from junk...we all need to work through it.
The workbook section...while I didn't do everything, I did glance through it, and will take the time to finish it at a later time. There is room to journal, and also a prayer at the end.
This book is for you if you think you've dealt with stuff, need to deal with stuff, or think you don't have anything to deal with...
I received this book from Thomas Nelson for the purpose of writing what i thought. I receive no compensation for any of the reviews from Thomas Nelson.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Baby's Little Bible: Pink Addition
I have had the honor of reviewing quite a few books. Kregel Productions have quite a few worth reading titles. And this little Bible does not disappoint.
I have a little niece that will be getting this little book for Christmas this year. It will be perfect for her. My Cousin (like my sister) has been waiting for far to long for her daughter, and this will be perfect their bedtime routine. I only wish I could see her open it, and read even just one story for her.
The pictures are just the right amount of color, big enough for little ones to look well. Enough detail on their faces as they recognize facial expressions. With children from hard places who do not understand a mad, sad, happy face, this will also help them.
The stories are short and to the point, and will help children get a grasp on so many of the important Bible stories in our midst. You could easily read two at night before bed, with enough time to discuss what the stories mean, how we are like the characters, how we are different.
This is a must have book for those looking for a good Baby's Bible. A great keepsake Bible, that is pink for girls, blue for boys.
Enjoy!
I received this book from Kregel Productions...strictly for the purpose to review. I am not paid in any way for my review.
I have a little niece that will be getting this little book for Christmas this year. It will be perfect for her. My Cousin (like my sister) has been waiting for far to long for her daughter, and this will be perfect their bedtime routine. I only wish I could see her open it, and read even just one story for her.
The pictures are just the right amount of color, big enough for little ones to look well. Enough detail on their faces as they recognize facial expressions. With children from hard places who do not understand a mad, sad, happy face, this will also help them.
The stories are short and to the point, and will help children get a grasp on so many of the important Bible stories in our midst. You could easily read two at night before bed, with enough time to discuss what the stories mean, how we are like the characters, how we are different.
This is a must have book for those looking for a good Baby's Bible. A great keepsake Bible, that is pink for girls, blue for boys.
Enjoy!
I received this book from Kregel Productions...strictly for the purpose to review. I am not paid in any way for my review.
Apologies
Recently, I caught up with someone who acted out towards me due to their lack of planning. I had to create a boundary, which to this day I have stuck with. This person is going through some challenges no doubt. I can take a lot of stuff, but not blaming me for their lack of planning.
This person apologized for their bahavior....then said the words that nulled and voided their apology....BUT...
But should not be used in an apology...I have done it, my kids do it, my spouse does it.
A gentle reminder when you ask for forgiveness, don't say the nasty 3 letter word....you may as well pretend all is ok.
This person apologized for their bahavior....then said the words that nulled and voided their apology....BUT...
But should not be used in an apology...I have done it, my kids do it, my spouse does it.
A gentle reminder when you ask for forgiveness, don't say the nasty 3 letter word....you may as well pretend all is ok.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Waiting
Waiting...
Waiting until the last minute
Waiting until the sun shines
Waiting until it is warmer
Waiting until it snows
Waiting until I am less tired.....
Waiting until there is a crises.....
Crises....that is what a new friend is feeling over her adopted child from another country. She waited until a crises was at hand, then sought help....help in the form of permission to let go, let go of a boy that has a crises inside that he has not shared with anyone. To me this is unfair...she is very aware that she signed up for some tough stuff. Their family is hurting for sure. She is bitter. She is hurting. She has not recieved tools that will help her and her family out, and now she doesn't want the tools, she wants to put a boy through a disruption and more problems....
Don't wait until a crises happens. Call for help.....
Waiting until the last minute
Waiting until the sun shines
Waiting until it is warmer
Waiting until it snows
Waiting until I am less tired.....
Waiting until there is a crises.....
Crises....that is what a new friend is feeling over her adopted child from another country. She waited until a crises was at hand, then sought help....help in the form of permission to let go, let go of a boy that has a crises inside that he has not shared with anyone. To me this is unfair...she is very aware that she signed up for some tough stuff. Their family is hurting for sure. She is bitter. She is hurting. She has not recieved tools that will help her and her family out, and now she doesn't want the tools, she wants to put a boy through a disruption and more problems....
Don't wait until a crises happens. Call for help.....
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