"But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere - in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
Spiritual gifts are gifts from the Holy Spirit, but they are not the Fruit of the Spirit. If you want to read more on the Fruit of the Spirit, visit October-December 2012 on this blog and read Galatians 5:22-23. I just wanted to mention that in case there is any confusion. They are different, but they work together!
A few other things to remember about Spiritual Gifts (directly from the study guide):
*They are Biblical
*Given to everyone
*Essential to discipleship
*You cannot choose or trade the gifts you receive
*Exciting to discover
*Not about you
*They bring unity to the body of Christ, but not uniformity
Do you know what your Spiritual Gifts are? Are you wondering how you can find out what they are? In our study we took a "Spiritual Gifts Assessment", a series of questions that we answered on a scale of 0-4, '0' being "rarely true" and '4' being "consistently true" about ourselves. The numbers are tallied, added together in a specific way (with a final number from 1-12) and charted on a bar graph.
There are many assessments out there, but if you'd like to take this one visit http://www.womenoftheelca.org/filebin/pdf/resources/SpiritualGifts.pdf for a free copy.
Some things to keep in mind about Spiritual Gifts:
*One is not better than any other
*Many people can have the same Spiritual Gift, but it will look different for each person
*Spiritual Gifts are validated by others
*They are confirmed through prayer
Once you know what your Spiritual Gift is or have a picture of your Spiritual Gift cluster (a main gift surrounded & supported by other gifts) what will you to do with them?!
Hide them under a bush?
OH NO!
Jesus says to his disciples, and us, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20). That doesn't mean that teaching or preaching is more important, it means that whatever our gifts are, we are to use them to spread the Gospel.
So what might that look like? Well, you can be sure that it looks as unique as every person's fingerprint. Here's a for instance: if someone's gift is music they might do some of the obvious things like sing or play an instrument; but they might also be gifted in teaching which may lead them to volunteer to lead a Children's choir. Another person who is gifted in vocal music, hospitality, & evangelism might organize off site singing as an outreach. Those gifted in hospitality, mercy, or giving will probably find themselves naturally reaching out to others, organizing groups to help others, and always finding a way to give to those in need!
The assessment we took identified 20 Spiritual Gifts, though there is no official number. This assessment also utilizes Spiritual Gift Clusters, which puts your highest scored gift in the center, surrounded by gifts for which you rated '7' or above. Every assessment has it's scoring and grouping, but your gifts are your gifts. That shouldn't change no matter which assessment you use. However, if you took the assessment at different seasons in your life, you may see your gifts rating slightly higher or lower at different times in you life and certainly would discover different ways in which to use them.
I like to think of the assessment as a frame work on which to build a solid ministry, within the church and personally. While it points out those things in which we are gifted, it also helps us to see what areas where we are not so gifted, saving us from anxiety, frustration and failure. It's important to continue with follow up steps, including exploring your passion(s) and assessing where is the greatest need. Questions to ask are: "Do I have a gift that would fulfill a need in the congregation or the community? Is there a need that is not being met?" and "What am I passionate about?"
Exploring where the greatest needs are and our own personal passions in relation to our gifts is where the rubber really meets the road! It's one thing to discover Spiritual Gifts, but it's what we do with all this information that will produce spiritual growth, both within ourselves and within the body of Christ.
For example, I'm a passionate 'cheerleader'. Not the kind with pom-poms (ok, sometimes I have pom-poms), but I am that person who loves to see people succeed. Supporting & encouraging, in my own way, those who are following their call, their dream, or taking on a challenge. "You can do it!" & "Woo-Hoo!" are two of my favorite phrases! It's called "Exhortation" on the list of Spiritual Gifts. It showed up as a 7 on the assessment, but my passion for it would put it ahead of other gifts for which I scored higher. On the flip side, knowing our Spiritual Gifts can help us focus our energies where they will be most productive for everyone. Take me, for instance, if there was a need to help with VBS, many of my gifts would fit that ministry, my season of life adds experience, and I enjoy helping with young children. However, I scored VERY low in the Gift areas of Artistry and Skilled Craft, so it would not be a good fit to put me in charge of crafts or building something! I would be filled with anxiety, the craft would be pretty lame and it wouldn't be much fun for anyone. It would be best for the ministry to seek out someone who's Gifts & Passions make them especially qualified for that area of VBS!
It's not all about the numbers! It's discovering things about ourselves, that which God already knows. He created us, He equipped, He calls us to be a part of Him; to live in community, loving & supporting each other and sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus. He leads us to use our gifts, and trust me, sometimes that call can be uncomfortable. Knowing our gifts does not mean that God will allow us to sit back and only do those things with which we are agreeable. Being gifted in something doesn't mean it's easy or that we won't be pushed in an unfamiliar direction, just ask Jeremiah and Jonah!
So, when you feel like your gifts are taking you out of your safe-zone, take comfort in the words that God says to Jeremiah, for he says them to us too, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world." "...you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you. I, the Lord, have spoken!" (Jeremiah 1:5-8).
What a blessing to be loved by God, to be lead by God, and to be equipped by God to do His work.
Your Partner In Ministry,
Shelly Housel
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
Friday, September 20, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Gifts & Hospitality & Promises for You!
"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well." Romans 12: 4-6
Summer's scattered schedule leaves me feeling like I'm missing a part of me... You! I miss seeing you all regularly and am so happy I've been able to see some of you on the few occasions I've made it to church over the last few weeks. And thank you to those who've told me they've stayed in the Word over the summer months and have been encouraged by the blog posts. It is uplifting to hear the blog is helpful and encouraging to others, through the Grace of God. It is something I've felt called to do, even if I'm not doing daily or even regularly, and your kind words are a reinforcement that this is an area where God is leading me.
Do you hear God calling you to do something in particular? Do you feel His leadership in your life? Do you think people are hearing voices in their head when they say things like that?! (You can laugh here - it's so hard so add inflection in type!)
Way back at the beginning of my exploration of my faith journey, I don't think I actually believed that someone was being led by God to do one thing or another. I figured it was just their way of saying, "This is what I'm good at & what I want, so it must be what I am meant to do." Part of me didn't believe their faith and part of me was jealous that they were so convicted. As a young person I really didn't know what I wanted to do in life. I knew I was good at some things, but did not have a clear goal or path; nor did I feel like my gifts mattered or were important. A few years into my faith journey, I was given a Gifts Assessment. It was a part of a larger study our congregation was doing at the time, but it was the best thing I've ever done to personally assess my life. It was through this Gift Assessment, along with studying what God tells us about our Gifts, that I started to understand and believe what I first thought was unbelievable.
Fast forward a dozen years and I started attending Bible study regularly and eventually took a leadership role in a Mom's outreach group and eventually began leading Bible study! In all of these roles I used what I discovered in that Gift Assessment years earlier. And trust me, it was not a straight and obvious path! It isn't always easy, either. But, recognizing that God has asked me to do certain things has allowed me to say "yes" with confidence when asked. I also tend to focus on doing things that encompass my gifts rather than taking on projects for which I have no degree of competency! Saving me a lot of guilt and stress :)
In several of our Bible study meetings, talk has turned to our gifts. What are they? How can we use them? Several of us thought it would be a good idea and very good timing to take a Gifts Assessment. So, our first two weeks of Bible study will focus on a Gifts Assessment and Bible study found on the "Women of the ELCA" webpage. It is called 'Gifts for You' and you can download your own copy here http://www.womenoftheelca.org/filebin/pdf/resources/SpiritualGifts.pdf if you'd like to get started. I will have printed copies at the beginning of September, too. This study includes a survey, charts & graphs which I find much easier to view and evaluate on paper. I will make enough copies for everyone who attended in person in the past. If you are new - WELCOME! I am so glad you are here! Whether you will be doing the study on-line or in person, please let me know so I can print a copy for you! If you are a member or friend of Redeemer Lutheran Church, I will put it in your mailbox, if not, I can always mail it to you. This is a free resource from 'Women of the ELCA'.
I am so excited to announce that we will resume meeting live on Sept 20th! On October 4th we will be cooking for Faith Kitchen! Then beginning October 11th we will read A Confident Heart by Renee Swope, which will take us up to our Thanksgiving break (either the 15th or 22nd, depending on how things are going). You can find A Confident Heart at most on-line bookstores or on the 'Proverbs 31 Ministries' website. The cost of the book varies depending on where you purchase it, and used books can often be found for less on Amazon.com (use the portal on the church's website to support Youth Ministry). We will be doing 2 chapters a week, but if that's too much reading for you, you may want to buy the book soon and begin reading it to lighten your load during the six weeks we will be doing it together.
Your "assignment" for August is to fully enjoy this last month of summer! If you are still working through the book of Proverbs, stick with it so that you finish by mid-August. Check-in with your One Word. How is it working in your life? Did you check out their website? You can also follow My One Word's inspiring posts on Facebook and Twitter.
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly - honey
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
Summer's scattered schedule leaves me feeling like I'm missing a part of me... You! I miss seeing you all regularly and am so happy I've been able to see some of you on the few occasions I've made it to church over the last few weeks. And thank you to those who've told me they've stayed in the Word over the summer months and have been encouraged by the blog posts. It is uplifting to hear the blog is helpful and encouraging to others, through the Grace of God. It is something I've felt called to do, even if I'm not doing daily or even regularly, and your kind words are a reinforcement that this is an area where God is leading me.
Do you hear God calling you to do something in particular? Do you feel His leadership in your life? Do you think people are hearing voices in their head when they say things like that?! (You can laugh here - it's so hard so add inflection in type!)
Way back at the beginning of my exploration of my faith journey, I don't think I actually believed that someone was being led by God to do one thing or another. I figured it was just their way of saying, "This is what I'm good at & what I want, so it must be what I am meant to do." Part of me didn't believe their faith and part of me was jealous that they were so convicted. As a young person I really didn't know what I wanted to do in life. I knew I was good at some things, but did not have a clear goal or path; nor did I feel like my gifts mattered or were important. A few years into my faith journey, I was given a Gifts Assessment. It was a part of a larger study our congregation was doing at the time, but it was the best thing I've ever done to personally assess my life. It was through this Gift Assessment, along with studying what God tells us about our Gifts, that I started to understand and believe what I first thought was unbelievable.
Fast forward a dozen years and I started attending Bible study regularly and eventually took a leadership role in a Mom's outreach group and eventually began leading Bible study! In all of these roles I used what I discovered in that Gift Assessment years earlier. And trust me, it was not a straight and obvious path! It isn't always easy, either. But, recognizing that God has asked me to do certain things has allowed me to say "yes" with confidence when asked. I also tend to focus on doing things that encompass my gifts rather than taking on projects for which I have no degree of competency! Saving me a lot of guilt and stress :)
In several of our Bible study meetings, talk has turned to our gifts. What are they? How can we use them? Several of us thought it would be a good idea and very good timing to take a Gifts Assessment. So, our first two weeks of Bible study will focus on a Gifts Assessment and Bible study found on the "Women of the ELCA" webpage. It is called 'Gifts for You' and you can download your own copy here http://www.womenoftheelca.org/filebin/pdf/resources/SpiritualGifts.pdf if you'd like to get started. I will have printed copies at the beginning of September, too. This study includes a survey, charts & graphs which I find much easier to view and evaluate on paper. I will make enough copies for everyone who attended in person in the past. If you are new - WELCOME! I am so glad you are here! Whether you will be doing the study on-line or in person, please let me know so I can print a copy for you! If you are a member or friend of Redeemer Lutheran Church, I will put it in your mailbox, if not, I can always mail it to you. This is a free resource from 'Women of the ELCA'.
I am so excited to announce that we will resume meeting live on Sept 20th! On October 4th we will be cooking for Faith Kitchen! Then beginning October 11th we will read A Confident Heart by Renee Swope, which will take us up to our Thanksgiving break (either the 15th or 22nd, depending on how things are going). You can find A Confident Heart at most on-line bookstores or on the 'Proverbs 31 Ministries' website. The cost of the book varies depending on where you purchase it, and used books can often be found for less on Amazon.com (use the portal on the church's website to support Youth Ministry). We will be doing 2 chapters a week, but if that's too much reading for you, you may want to buy the book soon and begin reading it to lighten your load during the six weeks we will be doing it together.
Your "assignment" for August is to fully enjoy this last month of summer! If you are still working through the book of Proverbs, stick with it so that you finish by mid-August. Check-in with your One Word. How is it working in your life? Did you check out their website? You can also follow My One Word's inspiring posts on Facebook and Twitter.
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly - honey
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
Friday, July 19, 2013
Congratulations! Proverbs Read-Along Wrap Up
"There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" Proverbs 31:29
WOW! Go ahead, read that verse again, you deserve it. You have read all 31 chapters of Proverbs over the last month!
What did you think about the last few chapters that seem to repeat earlier sayings and ideas, but often in a slightly different way? Not much different than today's way of getting an important message or concept across to the general population. Repetition!!
For those that don't know, my oldest daughter plays softball. She's been a catcher for 12 years and has her sights set on being recruited to play in college. A lofty goal, I will admit (prayers welcomed), but the reason I digress is this: I talk a lot about sports and sport metaphors in my daily life. I'm not a sport person, I'm a book person, but when one is around something for 12 years, it starts to become a part of you. So, the other day I was with some dads during a practice. They were talking about hitting, different techniques, etc. and changing a girls' swing. At first she doesn't like it - it feels strange and awkward, but with repetition it will eventually become the new normal for her. The number 1500 was thrown out, in that it takes 1500 repetitions to change muscle memory. 1500 times of doing something new the same way to make it a natural part of what you do! Let that sink in...
Did you notice the repetition within Proverbs? I don't think any one thing was repeated 1500 times, but there is definitely repetition throughout the book. Without doubt King Solomon was not only a wise leader, but a skilled teacher as well. As we read through all 31 chapters, we read many of the same lessons over and over again. The more one reads, the better chance the lesson will become a natural way of life. And if a child is taught these from an early age, it IS his or her way of life.
Now, I'm not saying we should follow every word of Proverbs, but there is great wisdom within those pages, even for us in the 21st Century, or perhaps especially for us.
I don't want to forget to particularly mention Proverbs 31, "the sayings of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him." Proverbs 31:1. When I was young, I had the idea that the Proverbs 31 woman was a good wife who submitted to her husband, cooked, cleaned, and was a good mother. I did not want to be a Proverbs 31 wife. Clearly, I had not read the book at that point! The woman described in this chapter is a good wife, yes, but she is also a business woman, she's wise, talented, kind and strong physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But most importantly, the thing that sets her apart from others is that she is a "woman who fears the Lord" (P:31:30b), She is what we would consider a "modern" woman - she can 'bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan and never let her husband forget he's 'the man' (Am I showing my age?). While some speculate that this is not a single woman being described, I can imagine that she is! And what a role model! While I fall short on most of the qualities of a Proverbs 31 woman on any given day, I hope, that when I look back on my life, I can say that I came close to her example over my lifetime.
I hope you have enjoyed this quick read through the Book of Proverbs. When people say things like, "I need an instruction book for living" or "I wish babies came with instructions" I usually answer, "Read Proverbs!". It won't solve all the problems or answer all the questions, but it's a pretty good place to start.
Combine that wisdom with Jesus words, "The most important commandment is this: 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." Mark 12:29-31, and you're pretty well covered for life!
Being a Christian, I believe that Grace is what saves me, not living by any particular rules. But, life is about living in this world and doing what's right, making a living, and getting along with others; teaching our children and staying out of trouble ourselves. And I think that's the role of Proverbs: helping a Spiritual community make sense in the real world of temptations and short cuts and difficulties. Used as a tool to navigate our lives with the values that God has given us, Proverbs can help lead us down the right path.
Next week I'll post a little something about what's next for "Re: A Small Group Experience for Women" both in person and here on the blog.
Have a beautiful weekend and stay cool!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly - honey
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
WOW! Go ahead, read that verse again, you deserve it. You have read all 31 chapters of Proverbs over the last month!
What did you think about the last few chapters that seem to repeat earlier sayings and ideas, but often in a slightly different way? Not much different than today's way of getting an important message or concept across to the general population. Repetition!!
For those that don't know, my oldest daughter plays softball. She's been a catcher for 12 years and has her sights set on being recruited to play in college. A lofty goal, I will admit (prayers welcomed), but the reason I digress is this: I talk a lot about sports and sport metaphors in my daily life. I'm not a sport person, I'm a book person, but when one is around something for 12 years, it starts to become a part of you. So, the other day I was with some dads during a practice. They were talking about hitting, different techniques, etc. and changing a girls' swing. At first she doesn't like it - it feels strange and awkward, but with repetition it will eventually become the new normal for her. The number 1500 was thrown out, in that it takes 1500 repetitions to change muscle memory. 1500 times of doing something new the same way to make it a natural part of what you do! Let that sink in...
Did you notice the repetition within Proverbs? I don't think any one thing was repeated 1500 times, but there is definitely repetition throughout the book. Without doubt King Solomon was not only a wise leader, but a skilled teacher as well. As we read through all 31 chapters, we read many of the same lessons over and over again. The more one reads, the better chance the lesson will become a natural way of life. And if a child is taught these from an early age, it IS his or her way of life.
Now, I'm not saying we should follow every word of Proverbs, but there is great wisdom within those pages, even for us in the 21st Century, or perhaps especially for us.
I don't want to forget to particularly mention Proverbs 31, "the sayings of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him." Proverbs 31:1. When I was young, I had the idea that the Proverbs 31 woman was a good wife who submitted to her husband, cooked, cleaned, and was a good mother. I did not want to be a Proverbs 31 wife. Clearly, I had not read the book at that point! The woman described in this chapter is a good wife, yes, but she is also a business woman, she's wise, talented, kind and strong physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But most importantly, the thing that sets her apart from others is that she is a "woman who fears the Lord" (P:31:30b), She is what we would consider a "modern" woman - she can 'bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan and never let her husband forget he's 'the man' (Am I showing my age?). While some speculate that this is not a single woman being described, I can imagine that she is! And what a role model! While I fall short on most of the qualities of a Proverbs 31 woman on any given day, I hope, that when I look back on my life, I can say that I came close to her example over my lifetime.
I hope you have enjoyed this quick read through the Book of Proverbs. When people say things like, "I need an instruction book for living" or "I wish babies came with instructions" I usually answer, "Read Proverbs!". It won't solve all the problems or answer all the questions, but it's a pretty good place to start.
Combine that wisdom with Jesus words, "The most important commandment is this: 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." Mark 12:29-31, and you're pretty well covered for life!
Being a Christian, I believe that Grace is what saves me, not living by any particular rules. But, life is about living in this world and doing what's right, making a living, and getting along with others; teaching our children and staying out of trouble ourselves. And I think that's the role of Proverbs: helping a Spiritual community make sense in the real world of temptations and short cuts and difficulties. Used as a tool to navigate our lives with the values that God has given us, Proverbs can help lead us down the right path.
Next week I'll post a little something about what's next for "Re: A Small Group Experience for Women" both in person and here on the blog.
Have a beautiful weekend and stay cool!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly - honey
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Day 28 of Proverbs Read-Along
"As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person." Proverbs 27:19
The other day I wore my work out clothes all day! My intention when I woke up that day was to don these clothes to remind & encourage me to work out. Having been away for a week and then taking another week to recover the state of the house from leaving 2 kids and the husband "home alone", I realized that it had been two weeks since I stepped on the treadmill or practiced any yoga. Yikes! Far too long if I am to lose any weight or try to run that 5K with my son in October. However, as the day went on, I found myself busy with "other things" that seemed more important or I was distracted by e-mail, Facebook, and Pinterest - all in the name of keeping in touch with real people or researching something. As I got ready for bed that night, I was disappointed in myself. Even though I had every good intention of "running" (it's really just a short jog, to those who are actual runners) and even clothed myself for the task, I didn't follow through. I didn't listen to that inner voice that whispered throughout the day, "You have time - just do a mile or so. It won't take long." But it was much easier to push that voice away.
Have you had days like that -when your good intentions remain just that? Do you know someone who is full of good intentions but rarely follows through? Or someone who clothes themselves in something, only to discover they aren't that at all?
The other day reminded me of people who wear a cross around their neck or hang a Rosary on their rear view mirror for show. They clothe themselves in the symbols of the church, but aren't really "church people". I actually had someone tell me that one time, as she wore a large cross necklace (she wore it regularly) and enrolled her son in Catholic school. She said church was her husband's "thing". That struck me as odd and put a word of caution in my heart. But, I did not withhold my friendship or judge her. Perhaps she was clothing herself in the symbol of Christ with every good intention of making church "her thing." It was part of her life at some time in her past and maybe she hoped, like I did, that wearing the proper attire would spur the proper action. And when it did, we'd be ready!!
The next day I put on a fresh work-out outfit and jogged 2 miles! Boy, did it feel good! I found it was a similar feeling I get when I've been away from God's word or worship for too long and finally put myself back into His Presence.
When I'm away from God, forgetting to ask His blessing on my day & my family and not seeking His guidance before I do something, my heart is sluggish, my breathing labored and my efforts are like swimming against a current. But when I seek the Lord first, study His words, His teachings, and His wisdom my heart is light, my breathing is easy, and my efforts are buoyed up by His life-giving waters. It is GOOD!
That pretty much sums up my last two weeks! My troubles and worries have not disappeared, but they are eased! The evidence is in a text I received from my oldest daughter. She said, "There's hope!" It was a wonderful exclamation from a child who's hope of fulfilling her dreams has been dwindling over the last month and nearly plummeted over the last two weeks. Just when we were looking ahead to make plans for a 'worse-case-scenario" (Proverbs 27:12a), she was given a glimmer of hope to hang on and boost her spirits, (Proverbs 18:4 and 25:13).
I think this is part of what Proverbs provides for me: hope. Hope for those times when I feel like this world is working against me. When all that I know is right as a Christian seems to be wrong in society. It tells me that injustice is seen by God, that bribery doesn't really work, and that a life of lazy luxury will only lead to hunger and despair. It also shows me that these are not just modern day issues. Mankind has been swindling, ignoring their parents, looking for love in all the wrong places, and trying to get rich quick for a VERY LONG time! There is an odd comfort in knowing we are not the worse society ever to have existed, nor have we improved that much over thousands of years. Yet, there is hope! Hope in Christ!
The other thing Proverbs gives me is laughter! I actually laugh out loud at some of the verses. Sometimes it's out of absurdity, sometimes it's out of being able to relate, and other times it seems to perfectly describe people in my life. Do you find it funny at times or is it just me? I've been told I have a strange sense of humor!
What do you see or hear in Proverbs? Does it make you laugh, shudder, think deep thoughts, cry or all of the above? What does it stir up in you?
Congratulations on reading 28 chapters of Proverbs! I must admit, this is the farthest I've ever gotten. And since I have given you the challenge of reading all 31 chapters, I know I'll finish the book this time - I have to meet my own challenge. Only 3 more chapters to go!
Thank you for coming along on this journey. Taking on a challenge is so much more fun and meaningful when it's done in such good company.
May you have a beautiful week!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly - honey
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
The other day I wore my work out clothes all day! My intention when I woke up that day was to don these clothes to remind & encourage me to work out. Having been away for a week and then taking another week to recover the state of the house from leaving 2 kids and the husband "home alone", I realized that it had been two weeks since I stepped on the treadmill or practiced any yoga. Yikes! Far too long if I am to lose any weight or try to run that 5K with my son in October. However, as the day went on, I found myself busy with "other things" that seemed more important or I was distracted by e-mail, Facebook, and Pinterest - all in the name of keeping in touch with real people or researching something. As I got ready for bed that night, I was disappointed in myself. Even though I had every good intention of "running" (it's really just a short jog, to those who are actual runners) and even clothed myself for the task, I didn't follow through. I didn't listen to that inner voice that whispered throughout the day, "You have time - just do a mile or so. It won't take long." But it was much easier to push that voice away.
Have you had days like that -when your good intentions remain just that? Do you know someone who is full of good intentions but rarely follows through? Or someone who clothes themselves in something, only to discover they aren't that at all?
The other day reminded me of people who wear a cross around their neck or hang a Rosary on their rear view mirror for show. They clothe themselves in the symbols of the church, but aren't really "church people". I actually had someone tell me that one time, as she wore a large cross necklace (she wore it regularly) and enrolled her son in Catholic school. She said church was her husband's "thing". That struck me as odd and put a word of caution in my heart. But, I did not withhold my friendship or judge her. Perhaps she was clothing herself in the symbol of Christ with every good intention of making church "her thing." It was part of her life at some time in her past and maybe she hoped, like I did, that wearing the proper attire would spur the proper action. And when it did, we'd be ready!!
The next day I put on a fresh work-out outfit and jogged 2 miles! Boy, did it feel good! I found it was a similar feeling I get when I've been away from God's word or worship for too long and finally put myself back into His Presence.
When I'm away from God, forgetting to ask His blessing on my day & my family and not seeking His guidance before I do something, my heart is sluggish, my breathing labored and my efforts are like swimming against a current. But when I seek the Lord first, study His words, His teachings, and His wisdom my heart is light, my breathing is easy, and my efforts are buoyed up by His life-giving waters. It is GOOD!
That pretty much sums up my last two weeks! My troubles and worries have not disappeared, but they are eased! The evidence is in a text I received from my oldest daughter. She said, "There's hope!" It was a wonderful exclamation from a child who's hope of fulfilling her dreams has been dwindling over the last month and nearly plummeted over the last two weeks. Just when we were looking ahead to make plans for a 'worse-case-scenario" (Proverbs 27:12a), she was given a glimmer of hope to hang on and boost her spirits, (Proverbs 18:4 and 25:13).
I think this is part of what Proverbs provides for me: hope. Hope for those times when I feel like this world is working against me. When all that I know is right as a Christian seems to be wrong in society. It tells me that injustice is seen by God, that bribery doesn't really work, and that a life of lazy luxury will only lead to hunger and despair. It also shows me that these are not just modern day issues. Mankind has been swindling, ignoring their parents, looking for love in all the wrong places, and trying to get rich quick for a VERY LONG time! There is an odd comfort in knowing we are not the worse society ever to have existed, nor have we improved that much over thousands of years. Yet, there is hope! Hope in Christ!
The other thing Proverbs gives me is laughter! I actually laugh out loud at some of the verses. Sometimes it's out of absurdity, sometimes it's out of being able to relate, and other times it seems to perfectly describe people in my life. Do you find it funny at times or is it just me? I've been told I have a strange sense of humor!
What do you see or hear in Proverbs? Does it make you laugh, shudder, think deep thoughts, cry or all of the above? What does it stir up in you?
Congratulations on reading 28 chapters of Proverbs! I must admit, this is the farthest I've ever gotten. And since I have given you the challenge of reading all 31 chapters, I know I'll finish the book this time - I have to meet my own challenge. Only 3 more chapters to go!
Thank you for coming along on this journey. Taking on a challenge is so much more fun and meaningful when it's done in such good company.
May you have a beautiful week!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly - honey
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Day 13 of Proverbs Read-Along
"I (Wisdom) love all who love me. Those who search for me will surely find me. Unending riches, honor, wealth, and justice are mine to distribute. My gifts are better than the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver!" Proverbs 8:17-19
"Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding." Proverbs 9:10
Can anyone tell me where the last 13 days have gone?! With the end of school, 2 on the 20th and my youngest just this week on the 25th; a graduation; softball tournaments, games, practices & a video session; packing and planning for a week long tournament in Colorado; and getting meals, games, and organizing the house for the rest of the family while I'm gone, there just doesn't seem to be enough time & energy in a day to do everything! And that doesn't include all the extras that happened this week, like a shredded tire while driving 60 mph down Rt. 80, dogs with upset tummies = a lot of carpet cleaning, and kids cleaning out their rooms resulting in a mountain of laundry! And that's still not everything that went on this week!
Can you relate? If not this week, I'm sure you've had equally or more harrowing weeks than this. And yet, we survive, if not thrive through such craziness. How? We rely on God to carry us through. Just when we think we can't handle any more, that's when God steps in and says, "Thanks. I was hoping you'd ask for some help." If we've learned anything from our previous studies, it's that we need to recognize that God desires us to lean on Him every day, not just when we're at our wits end. When we rely on God, and not ourselves, we can handle even the most challenging circumstances and are often blessed in the process. "He will neither fail you nor forsake you." Deut. 31:6b
As we read along in Proverbs, we discover how we should live, what kind of person we should strive to be, and the reward we can expect. It speaks of Godly vs. wicked people, humility vs. pride, wise vs. foolish, honest people vs. treacherous people, hard workers vs. lazy people and those who accept advice vs. those who don't.
Personally, I cringe as I read, because I so often see myself and my actions on the wrong side of the "vs.". But Proverbs is a teaching tool and I'm grateful that I am a work in progress, that God does not expect perfection and that I am SAVED BY GRACE through Jesus Christ! And, as the verses at the beginning encourage, all who search for wisdom will find it and the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. So, begin with fear of the Lord and continue to search for wisdom to live a life of blessing and happiness.
Do you have any favorite verses in these first 13 chapters? I have too many to list, but let me begin by pointing out that my Bible breaks the book into three sections. Chapters 1-9 are "Wisdom for Young People", 10-24 are "Wisdom for All People" and 25-31 are "Wisdom for The Leaders". Did you notice the change between chapters 9 & 10? Chapter 10 seems to be written in "fortune cookie" form. Not to equate Solomon's wise advice with fortune cookies, but I often think these verses would be great to receive in a fortune cookie!
And I love the word pictures that are painted: turning off the flow of our words (10:19); disaster striking like a cyclone and whirling the wicked away (10:25); lazy people being like smoke in the eyes (10:26); Godly people being described as flourishing like leaves in spring (11:28) or trees that bear life-giving fruit (11:30). But one of my favorites is chapter 11, verse 22, "A woman who is beautiful but lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig's snout." Ouch! I can picture the satirical cartoon in today's newspaper or as a Facebook post! Yep, Solomon knows how to paint a picture.
Painting such vivid pictures and using a little humor (there's more, this was just one of my favorites) helps us to remember our lessons. Solomon was not only a wise leader, but a great teacher in substance and method. We can learn from what he says AND how he says it.
Finally, there are 2 verses in chapter 13 that I love to quote when it comes to parenting. I'm a mom, so I see these verses through the eyes of a parent, but they also remind me that I am a child, of my parents, but more importantly of God. While these verses are applicable to me as a parent parenting my children, I cannot forget that I am first a child of God and He is speaking to me as the child.
"A wise child accepts a parent's discipline; a young mocker refuses to listen." Proverbs 13:1 Overall, my kids are good, but there are days and seasons when they seem more like the 'young mocker' than the 'wise child'. I know God says this about me, too :)
My other favorite verse on parenting is #24 "If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don't love them; if you love your children, you will be prompt to discipline them." Keeping in mind that "discipline" here means nurture, guide, and correct. I think this should be printed on every piece of parenting material new parents receive! We all have our days when we just give-in, but it's sad to see a parent ruled by their 3 year-old, their 7 year-old or their 13 year-old. Children crave guidance and boundaries, which is why they test them. And why God's followers are also called children - we are always testing His boundaries and thankfully He lovingly teaches, guides, and corrects. For those of you who are also parents, find a style that works for you and your child (even children within the same family require different styles of parenting), pray for God's discipline for you, and parent on with grace, confidence, joy, and love knowing that you have the best parent role model and partner: God.
How are you doing with your One Word? I am still "waiting" for my word to take root deep within - to become and exude the sweet, translucent qualities of honey in my personality. I am challenged nearly every day in this area and fail 9 times out of 10! But it has inspired my time & efforts. It helped me put together teacher gift baskets as we said good bye to 3 years of preschool! It has fueled my desire to seek "natural" cleaners for my home and beauty products and "toys" for my youngest. It's my style to work from the outside in at a slow and steady pace, so that's what I'm going with. I'd love to hear from you! How has it inspired you? How has it challenged you? How is the Proverbs read-along enhancing what your One Word is doing in your life?
On Monday my oldest and I will travel to Colorado for a week long softball tournament! Can I ask for your prayers for safe travel and play, for us, her teammates & parents, and all the participants coming from all over the country and Canada to compete, watch, evaluate, teach, and officiate.
I don't know yet if I will take my computer, so I may not post next week. But I will be taking my reading, staying in the Word daily. Please come to the blog to post about what you are doing and how God is working in you. I will be able to read the posts in my phone, even if I am not able to write. I look forward to hearing from each of you!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly - honey
" Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
"Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding." Proverbs 9:10
Can anyone tell me where the last 13 days have gone?! With the end of school, 2 on the 20th and my youngest just this week on the 25th; a graduation; softball tournaments, games, practices & a video session; packing and planning for a week long tournament in Colorado; and getting meals, games, and organizing the house for the rest of the family while I'm gone, there just doesn't seem to be enough time & energy in a day to do everything! And that doesn't include all the extras that happened this week, like a shredded tire while driving 60 mph down Rt. 80, dogs with upset tummies = a lot of carpet cleaning, and kids cleaning out their rooms resulting in a mountain of laundry! And that's still not everything that went on this week!
Can you relate? If not this week, I'm sure you've had equally or more harrowing weeks than this. And yet, we survive, if not thrive through such craziness. How? We rely on God to carry us through. Just when we think we can't handle any more, that's when God steps in and says, "Thanks. I was hoping you'd ask for some help." If we've learned anything from our previous studies, it's that we need to recognize that God desires us to lean on Him every day, not just when we're at our wits end. When we rely on God, and not ourselves, we can handle even the most challenging circumstances and are often blessed in the process. "He will neither fail you nor forsake you." Deut. 31:6b
As we read along in Proverbs, we discover how we should live, what kind of person we should strive to be, and the reward we can expect. It speaks of Godly vs. wicked people, humility vs. pride, wise vs. foolish, honest people vs. treacherous people, hard workers vs. lazy people and those who accept advice vs. those who don't.
Personally, I cringe as I read, because I so often see myself and my actions on the wrong side of the "vs.". But Proverbs is a teaching tool and I'm grateful that I am a work in progress, that God does not expect perfection and that I am SAVED BY GRACE through Jesus Christ! And, as the verses at the beginning encourage, all who search for wisdom will find it and the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. So, begin with fear of the Lord and continue to search for wisdom to live a life of blessing and happiness.
Do you have any favorite verses in these first 13 chapters? I have too many to list, but let me begin by pointing out that my Bible breaks the book into three sections. Chapters 1-9 are "Wisdom for Young People", 10-24 are "Wisdom for All People" and 25-31 are "Wisdom for The Leaders". Did you notice the change between chapters 9 & 10? Chapter 10 seems to be written in "fortune cookie" form. Not to equate Solomon's wise advice with fortune cookies, but I often think these verses would be great to receive in a fortune cookie!
And I love the word pictures that are painted: turning off the flow of our words (10:19); disaster striking like a cyclone and whirling the wicked away (10:25); lazy people being like smoke in the eyes (10:26); Godly people being described as flourishing like leaves in spring (11:28) or trees that bear life-giving fruit (11:30). But one of my favorites is chapter 11, verse 22, "A woman who is beautiful but lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig's snout." Ouch! I can picture the satirical cartoon in today's newspaper or as a Facebook post! Yep, Solomon knows how to paint a picture.
Painting such vivid pictures and using a little humor (there's more, this was just one of my favorites) helps us to remember our lessons. Solomon was not only a wise leader, but a great teacher in substance and method. We can learn from what he says AND how he says it.
Finally, there are 2 verses in chapter 13 that I love to quote when it comes to parenting. I'm a mom, so I see these verses through the eyes of a parent, but they also remind me that I am a child, of my parents, but more importantly of God. While these verses are applicable to me as a parent parenting my children, I cannot forget that I am first a child of God and He is speaking to me as the child.
"A wise child accepts a parent's discipline; a young mocker refuses to listen." Proverbs 13:1 Overall, my kids are good, but there are days and seasons when they seem more like the 'young mocker' than the 'wise child'. I know God says this about me, too :)
My other favorite verse on parenting is #24 "If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don't love them; if you love your children, you will be prompt to discipline them." Keeping in mind that "discipline" here means nurture, guide, and correct. I think this should be printed on every piece of parenting material new parents receive! We all have our days when we just give-in, but it's sad to see a parent ruled by their 3 year-old, their 7 year-old or their 13 year-old. Children crave guidance and boundaries, which is why they test them. And why God's followers are also called children - we are always testing His boundaries and thankfully He lovingly teaches, guides, and corrects. For those of you who are also parents, find a style that works for you and your child (even children within the same family require different styles of parenting), pray for God's discipline for you, and parent on with grace, confidence, joy, and love knowing that you have the best parent role model and partner: God.
How are you doing with your One Word? I am still "waiting" for my word to take root deep within - to become and exude the sweet, translucent qualities of honey in my personality. I am challenged nearly every day in this area and fail 9 times out of 10! But it has inspired my time & efforts. It helped me put together teacher gift baskets as we said good bye to 3 years of preschool! It has fueled my desire to seek "natural" cleaners for my home and beauty products and "toys" for my youngest. It's my style to work from the outside in at a slow and steady pace, so that's what I'm going with. I'd love to hear from you! How has it inspired you? How has it challenged you? How is the Proverbs read-along enhancing what your One Word is doing in your life?
On Monday my oldest and I will travel to Colorado for a week long softball tournament! Can I ask for your prayers for safe travel and play, for us, her teammates & parents, and all the participants coming from all over the country and Canada to compete, watch, evaluate, teach, and officiate.
I don't know yet if I will take my computer, so I may not post next week. But I will be taking my reading, staying in the Word daily. Please come to the blog to post about what you are doing and how God is working in you. I will be able to read the posts in my phone, even if I am not able to write. I look forward to hearing from each of you!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly - honey
" Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Week 1 of Proverbs Summer Read-Aong
"My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart, for they will give you a long and satisfying life." Proverbs 3:1-2
Have you accepted the challenge of reading a chapter of Proverbs a day? I hope you have! These first few chapters are encouraging and generally easy to understand. (They can be a little confusing later.) Sometimes I find it hard to stop at just one chapter a day. If you find yourself wanting to read ahead, that's okay. There will probably be a day or two a week that are so busy, you forget, so it all works out in the end! Don't forget to use your hands as well as your eyes, when you sit down to read. Whether you prefer to highlight, underline and/or write in a journal, do it. You will gain even more wisdom when you spend time in the word, reading it, writing it, consuming it, and using it.
This week we will read chapters 1-7. These chapters are jam-packed with information and advice on living. Everything from our relationship with ourselves, our parents, & God to financial matters and avoiding immoral women (shouldn't that have been updated to say 'immoral people'?). I found it interesting that Solomon says, "listen to me" quite often. That makes me feel a little less frustrated with my own children, knowing that Solomon had to tell his readers to listen, over and over again! So, it's not just my kids - thank goodness! That's a parenting lesson right there - children need to be told repeatedly to listen to their parents. Don't fight it, just keep plugging away! It's not you - it's not them - it's human nature!
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." P4:23. With all the talk on Wisdom in these first few chapters, I was surprised to see this reference to 'the heart'. In this change from 'wisdom' to 'heart' Solomon recognizes that although we may pursue & acquire wisdom we will always find time to do the things we love, to follow our heart and our desires. My study Bible notes explain it well, "...making sure we concentrate on those desires that will keep us on the right path. Make sure your affections lead you in the right direction. Put boundaries on your desires. Don't go after everything you see....keep your eyes fixed on your goal, and don't get sidetracked on detours (that lead to sin.)" This can be applied to all aspects of our lives: from teaching young children to share, to advising teens to 'curb their enthusiasm' in many things, to our struggle of knowing I shouldn't eat the sticky bun sitting on the counter, but wanting to so badly I can hear it call my name! Putting boundaries on our desires can keep us out of all sorts of trouble!
As you read, don't forget about all the studies we've done prior to this. Everything is connected in some way. Do you recognize characteristics of any of the great women of the Bible we studied? Do any of them come to mind as you read? What divine truths are revealed through Proverbs? Maybe there are some truths that we talked about in It's No Secret and perhaps there are some new ones that you are discovering on your own. Write them down, write them on your heart, and share them (in your life & here on the blog). Finally, how does Your One Word fit into the book of Proverbs? How does one enhance the meaning & use of the other?
I know, you're probably saying, "These are a lot of questions! Can't I just read!? Do I have to think so much?!" Well, 'Yes' & 'No'. If you've taken notes or written in your books and your Bible, some of these ideas may already be right in front of you. Some of you have read this before and the connections are obvious. If all else fails, sit in silence and meditate on a passage or a word and see what comes to Light. It's amazing what God will reveal when we stop trying so hard - let go & let God!
Enjoy your reading this week!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly - honey
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
Have you accepted the challenge of reading a chapter of Proverbs a day? I hope you have! These first few chapters are encouraging and generally easy to understand. (They can be a little confusing later.) Sometimes I find it hard to stop at just one chapter a day. If you find yourself wanting to read ahead, that's okay. There will probably be a day or two a week that are so busy, you forget, so it all works out in the end! Don't forget to use your hands as well as your eyes, when you sit down to read. Whether you prefer to highlight, underline and/or write in a journal, do it. You will gain even more wisdom when you spend time in the word, reading it, writing it, consuming it, and using it.
This week we will read chapters 1-7. These chapters are jam-packed with information and advice on living. Everything from our relationship with ourselves, our parents, & God to financial matters and avoiding immoral women (shouldn't that have been updated to say 'immoral people'?). I found it interesting that Solomon says, "listen to me" quite often. That makes me feel a little less frustrated with my own children, knowing that Solomon had to tell his readers to listen, over and over again! So, it's not just my kids - thank goodness! That's a parenting lesson right there - children need to be told repeatedly to listen to their parents. Don't fight it, just keep plugging away! It's not you - it's not them - it's human nature!
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." P4:23. With all the talk on Wisdom in these first few chapters, I was surprised to see this reference to 'the heart'. In this change from 'wisdom' to 'heart' Solomon recognizes that although we may pursue & acquire wisdom we will always find time to do the things we love, to follow our heart and our desires. My study Bible notes explain it well, "...making sure we concentrate on those desires that will keep us on the right path. Make sure your affections lead you in the right direction. Put boundaries on your desires. Don't go after everything you see....keep your eyes fixed on your goal, and don't get sidetracked on detours (that lead to sin.)" This can be applied to all aspects of our lives: from teaching young children to share, to advising teens to 'curb their enthusiasm' in many things, to our struggle of knowing I shouldn't eat the sticky bun sitting on the counter, but wanting to so badly I can hear it call my name! Putting boundaries on our desires can keep us out of all sorts of trouble!
As you read, don't forget about all the studies we've done prior to this. Everything is connected in some way. Do you recognize characteristics of any of the great women of the Bible we studied? Do any of them come to mind as you read? What divine truths are revealed through Proverbs? Maybe there are some truths that we talked about in It's No Secret and perhaps there are some new ones that you are discovering on your own. Write them down, write them on your heart, and share them (in your life & here on the blog). Finally, how does Your One Word fit into the book of Proverbs? How does one enhance the meaning & use of the other?
I know, you're probably saying, "These are a lot of questions! Can't I just read!? Do I have to think so much?!" Well, 'Yes' & 'No'. If you've taken notes or written in your books and your Bible, some of these ideas may already be right in front of you. Some of you have read this before and the connections are obvious. If all else fails, sit in silence and meditate on a passage or a word and see what comes to Light. It's amazing what God will reveal when we stop trying so hard - let go & let God!
Enjoy your reading this week!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly - honey
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Ooops & Inspiration!
This is a follow up of yesterday's post...
I see that I wrote "July 14" when I actually wanted to write "June 14"! Whoops! Time goes by fast enough, I don't need to help it along with typos!
A few weeks ago, my dear friends gave me a beautiful book, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. I can't thank you enough for all the gifts, truly I love them all! But this book!!! It speaks to my soul every day. If you don't have it, treat yourself to it or put it at the top of your wish list.
Today's note (because that's what I think of them as, notes from God) ties in too perfectly with the post from yesterday that I have to share it with you. Please indulge the long quote...
Directly from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
"June 15
When you approach me in stillness and in trust, you are strengthened. You need a buffer zone of silence around you in order to focus on things that are unseen. Since I am invisible, you must not let your senses dominate your thinking. The curse of this age is over stimulation of the senses, which blocks out awareness of the unseen world.
The tangible world still reflects My Glory, to those who have eyes that see and ears that hear. Spending time alone with Me is the best way to develop seeing eyes and hearing ears. The goal is to be aware of unseen things even as you live out your life in the visible world.
2 Corinthians 4:18; Isaiah 6:3; Psalm 130:5"
I could go on & on about needing silence and over stimulation of the modern age! Just ask my kids - I actually like when we lose power for a few days because the only things that are affected in our house is anything that runs on electricity - we still have hot water, flushing toilets, heat (wood-burning fireplace) & food (gas stove). But the hum of electronics and the "call" of them on our time and energy are gone! I love the peace & quiet! Unfortunately, I am a slave to them and have to work on carving out time to spend in that buffer zone with the God of the Universe who cares about me. It sounds ridiculous that I would choose e-mail over time spent with my Lord, but I know I do it. Writing it out makes it more obvious!
Will you join me in praying that we each carve out time to spend with the Almighty? I'm going to get my journal today - you know, the one we were suppose to have started during My One Word?! Guilty - I haven't started mine yet. But holy cow, how can I not after reading the note from God today?!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly - honey
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
I see that I wrote "July 14" when I actually wanted to write "June 14"! Whoops! Time goes by fast enough, I don't need to help it along with typos!
A few weeks ago, my dear friends gave me a beautiful book, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. I can't thank you enough for all the gifts, truly I love them all! But this book!!! It speaks to my soul every day. If you don't have it, treat yourself to it or put it at the top of your wish list.
Today's note (because that's what I think of them as, notes from God) ties in too perfectly with the post from yesterday that I have to share it with you. Please indulge the long quote...
Directly from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
"June 15
When you approach me in stillness and in trust, you are strengthened. You need a buffer zone of silence around you in order to focus on things that are unseen. Since I am invisible, you must not let your senses dominate your thinking. The curse of this age is over stimulation of the senses, which blocks out awareness of the unseen world.
The tangible world still reflects My Glory, to those who have eyes that see and ears that hear. Spending time alone with Me is the best way to develop seeing eyes and hearing ears. The goal is to be aware of unseen things even as you live out your life in the visible world.
2 Corinthians 4:18; Isaiah 6:3; Psalm 130:5"
I could go on & on about needing silence and over stimulation of the modern age! Just ask my kids - I actually like when we lose power for a few days because the only things that are affected in our house is anything that runs on electricity - we still have hot water, flushing toilets, heat (wood-burning fireplace) & food (gas stove). But the hum of electronics and the "call" of them on our time and energy are gone! I love the peace & quiet! Unfortunately, I am a slave to them and have to work on carving out time to spend in that buffer zone with the God of the Universe who cares about me. It sounds ridiculous that I would choose e-mail over time spent with my Lord, but I know I do it. Writing it out makes it more obvious!
Will you join me in praying that we each carve out time to spend with the Almighty? I'm going to get my journal today - you know, the one we were suppose to have started during My One Word?! Guilty - I haven't started mine yet. But holy cow, how can I not after reading the note from God today?!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly - honey
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
Friday, June 14, 2013
July 14 - Summer Read-Along
"The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand wise sayings." Proverbs 1:2
How many times have you said "I wish there was an instruction book for... (fill in the blank)." For me it usually came up in the early years of raising children. But it also comes up in dealing with parents, friends, associates & acquaintances, finances, and big life decisions!
Good News! (Pun intended) There is an instruction book! The Bible. The Bible is filled with history, fantastical stories of the 'super natural' (miracles, angels, etc.), poetry, epic love stories, great battles, and The Greatest Story Ever Told. It also contains an entire book dedicated to wisdom! There are some who say religion and knowledge are opposites - that only fools and ignorant people take refuge in religion; that somehow seeking knowledge negates religion. This is a foolish argument!
While good advice can be found throughout the Bible, there is one book, 31 chapters long, wholly dedicated to teaching wisdom, discipline, and seeking knowledge. Did you know that ? or is this news to you? I "discovered" Proverbs a few years ago and fell in love with it last summer. I started reading it and writing down my favorite verses. And, although I didn't get through the entire book (still working on my discipline of daily reading), I have absorbed many proverbs into my life.
For the summer I'd like to offer the reading of the book of Proverbs as a Summer Read-Along! The chapters are very short! Reading one chapter a day, we can get through the book in 31 days. I know, it's a challenge in the summer, but I think we can do it! Our official start date will be Monday, June 17th, but you can start reading now, if you like.
In these first few chapters notice how many times the word 'wisdom' is used. Notice, too, the relationship between those who seek wisdom & knowledge and their relationship with God. It reminds me of musterion: a sacred hidden truth that is naturally unknown to human reason but is made known by revelation of God, the term Rachel Olsen talks about in It's No Secret. She goes on to say, "... drawing close to Him over time - develops our ability to recognize His still, small voice... enabling us to understand His meaning when that used to float right over our heads." (INS, 21).
Another theme in these chapters is how often we should seek knowledge & wisdom. What do you notice? In My One Word, Mike Ashcraft writes, "Yet God calls us to use our days to develop a heart of wisdom." Yep, I think he got that idea from reading Proverbs! While the MOW book suggests post-it notes and other creative ways of keeping your one word in front of you, Proverbs 3:3 suggests wearing "them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart." How are you keeping your one word as a daily reminder of who you are in Christ? I hope reading Proverbs every day will help you along the journey.
Your assignment, should you choose to accept it is:
1) Read one chapter a day in the Book of Proverbs.
2) As you read journal, underline, or highlight your favorite verses, verses that are confusing, connections and revelations.
3) Visit the blog and leave a comment about what you are reading! You can do this as many times during the week as you like. It can be anything from #2 or questions and general comments. I can't wait to read your thoughts on this! Hey, I'd love to know what your necklace from P3:3 looks like!
I miss meeting with you all in person, but knowing that you are reading along with me in Proverbs and seeing your comments on the blog will be a great substitute for the summer! Stay in the Word and stay connected.
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly (honey)
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
How many times have you said "I wish there was an instruction book for... (fill in the blank)." For me it usually came up in the early years of raising children. But it also comes up in dealing with parents, friends, associates & acquaintances, finances, and big life decisions!
Good News! (Pun intended) There is an instruction book! The Bible. The Bible is filled with history, fantastical stories of the 'super natural' (miracles, angels, etc.), poetry, epic love stories, great battles, and The Greatest Story Ever Told. It also contains an entire book dedicated to wisdom! There are some who say religion and knowledge are opposites - that only fools and ignorant people take refuge in religion; that somehow seeking knowledge negates religion. This is a foolish argument!
While good advice can be found throughout the Bible, there is one book, 31 chapters long, wholly dedicated to teaching wisdom, discipline, and seeking knowledge. Did you know that ? or is this news to you? I "discovered" Proverbs a few years ago and fell in love with it last summer. I started reading it and writing down my favorite verses. And, although I didn't get through the entire book (still working on my discipline of daily reading), I have absorbed many proverbs into my life.
For the summer I'd like to offer the reading of the book of Proverbs as a Summer Read-Along! The chapters are very short! Reading one chapter a day, we can get through the book in 31 days. I know, it's a challenge in the summer, but I think we can do it! Our official start date will be Monday, June 17th, but you can start reading now, if you like.
In these first few chapters notice how many times the word 'wisdom' is used. Notice, too, the relationship between those who seek wisdom & knowledge and their relationship with God. It reminds me of musterion: a sacred hidden truth that is naturally unknown to human reason but is made known by revelation of God, the term Rachel Olsen talks about in It's No Secret. She goes on to say, "... drawing close to Him over time - develops our ability to recognize His still, small voice... enabling us to understand His meaning when that used to float right over our heads." (INS, 21).
Another theme in these chapters is how often we should seek knowledge & wisdom. What do you notice? In My One Word, Mike Ashcraft writes, "Yet God calls us to use our days to develop a heart of wisdom." Yep, I think he got that idea from reading Proverbs! While the MOW book suggests post-it notes and other creative ways of keeping your one word in front of you, Proverbs 3:3 suggests wearing "them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart." How are you keeping your one word as a daily reminder of who you are in Christ? I hope reading Proverbs every day will help you along the journey.
Your assignment, should you choose to accept it is:
1) Read one chapter a day in the Book of Proverbs.
2) As you read journal, underline, or highlight your favorite verses, verses that are confusing, connections and revelations.
3) Visit the blog and leave a comment about what you are reading! You can do this as many times during the week as you like. It can be anything from #2 or questions and general comments. I can't wait to read your thoughts on this! Hey, I'd love to know what your necklace from P3:3 looks like!
I miss meeting with you all in person, but knowing that you are reading along with me in Proverbs and seeing your comments on the blog will be a great substitute for the summer! Stay in the Word and stay connected.
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly (honey)
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Week 3 "Called to Love as God Loves - Unconditionally!"
"Why are you trying to do all this alone?..."This is not good!" his father-in-law exclaimed. "You're going to wear yourself out-and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.... They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God directs you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace." Exodus 18: 14b, 17, 22b-23
Our final week in this series is called "Supporting one another". What a wonderful way to wrap up this study of learning to love as God loves.
Have you ever taken on a task, job, project, or life-stage alone? Take a minute to really recall that time and your mental, physical & emotional state during and afterwards. How did it work out for you?
In this lesson we look at how Moses was trying to be teacher, leader, jury & judge for all of the Israelites. I am often that for my three children and I find it tiring - I can't imagine doing it for an entire nation! He must have been exhausted and not had much time for his family or himself. Thank goodness God sent him some wise advice through his father-in-law, Jethro. Wise advice not only for Moses, but for all of us.
As you read 'empowering others' and 'biblical reflection' based on Exodus 18: 13-26 think about all the different areas of your life where Jethro's advice would be helpful. I'm sure you've heard the saying, "if you want something done right, do it yourself". I tried this and found it counter productive to the way I want to live my life - with some time to do something other than housework! And while things aren't always done 'my way', at least they are done and I can do something else. Don't get me wrong, there are some things that I insist on doing myself, like folding laundry even though my finger is jammed and in much pain! But, choosing a few things to 'do myself' is better than trying to do it ALL! There just aren't enough hours in the day!
We are called to live in community, and when we do this we need to offer support to each other. Creating an environment where we empower, rather than undercut, one another is part of loving our neighbor and ourselves (have you ever realized you sabotaged yourself? I have!). As you read the passages in 'for further reflection' you will find several people who were embraced in an empowering environment. Consider the varied ways this environment was created. We are all individuals and require different styles of encouragement & support. And offer it in our own unique way, too.
This final lesson offers lots of food for thought as we bring to a close our Spring Bible study session. Thank you for joining me over the last 5 months of growing closer to who we are in Christ. Supporting one another and loving as God loves brings together all we have revealed over this time together. Although this Friday is our last in-person meeting of the Spring, I will continue to post over the summer months. I hope you will engage in a conversation, in person and via this blog, to keep the community we have created alive & vibrant! I plan to revisit the two books we have read, "It's No Secret" and "My One Word", so keep them handy. Keep your One Word in front of you and share how you are doing with it. I am going to ask, you know! I can't wait to hear (read) how your word is having an impact on your life.
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly (honey)
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
Our final week in this series is called "Supporting one another". What a wonderful way to wrap up this study of learning to love as God loves.
Have you ever taken on a task, job, project, or life-stage alone? Take a minute to really recall that time and your mental, physical & emotional state during and afterwards. How did it work out for you?
In this lesson we look at how Moses was trying to be teacher, leader, jury & judge for all of the Israelites. I am often that for my three children and I find it tiring - I can't imagine doing it for an entire nation! He must have been exhausted and not had much time for his family or himself. Thank goodness God sent him some wise advice through his father-in-law, Jethro. Wise advice not only for Moses, but for all of us.
As you read 'empowering others' and 'biblical reflection' based on Exodus 18: 13-26 think about all the different areas of your life where Jethro's advice would be helpful. I'm sure you've heard the saying, "if you want something done right, do it yourself". I tried this and found it counter productive to the way I want to live my life - with some time to do something other than housework! And while things aren't always done 'my way', at least they are done and I can do something else. Don't get me wrong, there are some things that I insist on doing myself, like folding laundry even though my finger is jammed and in much pain! But, choosing a few things to 'do myself' is better than trying to do it ALL! There just aren't enough hours in the day!
We are called to live in community, and when we do this we need to offer support to each other. Creating an environment where we empower, rather than undercut, one another is part of loving our neighbor and ourselves (have you ever realized you sabotaged yourself? I have!). As you read the passages in 'for further reflection' you will find several people who were embraced in an empowering environment. Consider the varied ways this environment was created. We are all individuals and require different styles of encouragement & support. And offer it in our own unique way, too.
This final lesson offers lots of food for thought as we bring to a close our Spring Bible study session. Thank you for joining me over the last 5 months of growing closer to who we are in Christ. Supporting one another and loving as God loves brings together all we have revealed over this time together. Although this Friday is our last in-person meeting of the Spring, I will continue to post over the summer months. I hope you will engage in a conversation, in person and via this blog, to keep the community we have created alive & vibrant! I plan to revisit the two books we have read, "It's No Secret" and "My One Word", so keep them handy. Keep your One Word in front of you and share how you are doing with it. I am going to ask, you know! I can't wait to hear (read) how your word is having an impact on your life.
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly (honey)
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Week 2 of "Called to Love as God Loves"
"Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful." Colossians 3:12-15
This week's lesson is subtitled "Loving my Neighbor". If you ask a small child who her neighbor is, she'll probably tell you 'the people who live next door', she might include the family across the street, and maybe even those who live in her entire neighborhood. But rarely does it include 'the whole world' unless she's been specifically taught that idea.
As adults we recognize that "neighbor" includes anyone who is not considered family or close friend, though it includes them,too. And if we thought last week's message of loving ourselves was difficult (it is), loving our neighbor, may be just as tough. I'm not just talking about the "group" at church, the nice lady in the neighborhood who bakes delicious cookies, the hungry, the homeless, or the names on the Christmas Giving-tree. I'm also referring to the co-worker who gets on your nerves, that woman on the PTA who thinks she has all the best ideas, the guy in church who is always asking "how are we gonna pay for that?", and that kid down the street who plays his music WAY too loud. Yep, they are our neighbors, too. And Jesus commands us to, "love your neighbor as yourself".
Once again, the author approaches this by looking through the lens of spiritual gifts. Even if we don't know what our own spiritual gift is, we recognize that everyone has different gifts and uses them differently. It is this God-created diversity that we will discuss in the lesson.
Diversity can cause strife, but that is not what God intended. God created diversity for a reason. Spend time in the scripture exploring God's creation and then do your best to answer questions 1-3. Continue with all the questions, up to #10 and the summary statement. Question #9 refers to the passage quoted at the beginning of the blog. In it Paul is urging us to "clothe ourselves...", so I'm wondering, if you had to design clothing that reflected this passage, what would it look like? If you're not much into designing, what clothes would you buy or choose from your own closet? Share you thoughts in the Comment Section :) I can't wait to see what what you imagine it looks like!!
And while we are trying to understand & accept diversity and love our neighbor, don't forget that we must first love ourselves!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly (honey)
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
This week's lesson is subtitled "Loving my Neighbor". If you ask a small child who her neighbor is, she'll probably tell you 'the people who live next door', she might include the family across the street, and maybe even those who live in her entire neighborhood. But rarely does it include 'the whole world' unless she's been specifically taught that idea.
As adults we recognize that "neighbor" includes anyone who is not considered family or close friend, though it includes them,too. And if we thought last week's message of loving ourselves was difficult (it is), loving our neighbor, may be just as tough. I'm not just talking about the "group" at church, the nice lady in the neighborhood who bakes delicious cookies, the hungry, the homeless, or the names on the Christmas Giving-tree. I'm also referring to the co-worker who gets on your nerves, that woman on the PTA who thinks she has all the best ideas, the guy in church who is always asking "how are we gonna pay for that?", and that kid down the street who plays his music WAY too loud. Yep, they are our neighbors, too. And Jesus commands us to, "love your neighbor as yourself".
Once again, the author approaches this by looking through the lens of spiritual gifts. Even if we don't know what our own spiritual gift is, we recognize that everyone has different gifts and uses them differently. It is this God-created diversity that we will discuss in the lesson.
Diversity can cause strife, but that is not what God intended. God created diversity for a reason. Spend time in the scripture exploring God's creation and then do your best to answer questions 1-3. Continue with all the questions, up to #10 and the summary statement. Question #9 refers to the passage quoted at the beginning of the blog. In it Paul is urging us to "clothe ourselves...", so I'm wondering, if you had to design clothing that reflected this passage, what would it look like? If you're not much into designing, what clothes would you buy or choose from your own closet? Share you thoughts in the Comment Section :) I can't wait to see what what you imagine it looks like!!
And while we are trying to understand & accept diversity and love our neighbor, don't forget that we must first love ourselves!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly (honey)
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
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