Week 10 Memory Verse

Jeremiah 17:7-8

But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.

He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when the heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.

Faith in "The Blessed Controller"

I like how Dillow calls God "the Blessed Controller". Reminds me that yes He is in control of all things and I can rest in Him and His goodness.

This 9th chapter is about Faith. Dillow talks about how we can have faith in God because of who He is, because of His character. Hebrews 10:23 talks about how trustworthy God is; the old testament gives us many accounts of His work in peoples' lives that illustrates His faithfulness and trustworthiness.

Dillow asks the reader to write a prayer that tells God that the reader wanst to focus on God's character, wants to live a life based on faith vrs the reader's feelings in response to a specific situation in the reader's life right now.

This directive is perfect for me right now, today. Last night my 21yr old son emailed me to tell me that he'd asked Ginger to marry him. I knew it was coming, Devon had told me, even shown me the ring he was buying. But somehow, it actually being DONE....it really hit me. They are so young, they are both so busy being in their last year at West Point, how can they have time to learn about what marriage really means (neither of them had good family backgrounds). But God is in control and I can trust Him with this:

Oh Father, I thank You that You are indeed the Blessed Controller of all. I praise You that You are True; that in this world I can always count on You. I praise You for Your trustworthiness! I thank You that You love Devon and Ginger and that You have good plans for their lives. Father, my feelings are all over the place right now; but I want my life to be based on faith in You, not on my feelings. May You empower me through Your Holy Spirit to live that way. Thank You Father.

Week 8 memory verse

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Life Pupose Statement

I think I'm making this too difficult.

I've already got my life purpose statement.

I want to live my life whole heartedly for God with Him in the driver's seat. I want my life to be consumed with loving God and loving people in ways that are real each and every day.

Basically I just try to be alert each day to opportunities. Lately I've also decided to periodically take some time out and away from the daily; time with God. Time to review my life and see if there are any things getting in the way of my loving God and people. Time to seek how God wants me to respond to any barriers.

Oh Father, I continue to pray for guidance in the area of ministry. Thank You for showing me that my sons and husband are my first ministry and showing me ways to love - be patient and kind toward them, on a daily basis. Show me any other things You want from me. May my life be completely Yours.

Working on my Life Purpose Statement

I want to live my life whole heartedly for God with Him in the driver's seat. I want my life to be consumed with loving God and loving people in ways that are real each and every day.

So how do I do that?

I'm just going to brainstorm here:

• Every morning start my day with God. Spend time praising Him, loving on Him.
• Throughout the day keep my eyes open for blessings in my life and appreciate all the blessings and thank God for them.
• Throughout each day keep my eyes open for practical ways I can extend love to others. It can be super little things like letting the guy behind me who just has a couple of items go ahead in front of me when shopping at the grocery store. The main thing is just keeping my eyes open for opportunities so I won't miss them.
• Keep in focus the why of the tasks of daily life. This includes things like cooking great food for my sons, keeping the house clean and a pleasant atmosphere, laundry, etc. The main thing here is perspective - it's not just dull, routine tasks, it's with the purpose of loving God via obedience to do my best where I am at in life and loving my husband & children in very practical ways.

I would love to find a "ministry" that exemplifies this. I know Sheila wants me to do women's ministries but I'm not so sure if that would not just be busy vrs helping/loving people.

Oh heavenly father, show me what You want me to do. I want to help hurting people and give them love. Yet here I am in this idyllic little mountain town (but I know there are hurting people everywhere). Just show me what to do. I feel like my life is so much about my comfort and pleasure right now; which is great and I appreciate it. But I want to make the most of my time and do not believe that I'm doing that right now. You knew before all time that I would be out of work right now - what do You want me to do? Please help me hear Your voice and know it is You and be obedient. Thank You Father.

Week 7 memory verse

Ephesians 5:15-17
Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Here's the reason for wanting to put together a life purpose statement.

Life purpose statement - starting the process

Chapter 7 is about living our lives with focus. Dillow talks about having a life statement of purpose. God's timing is, as always, so good. Lately the pastor has been speaking on what do you want to do with you life, talking about how if we do not know where we are going we can not know when we arrive. Dillow gives 4 women and their life purpose statements as examples; I really like it because they are each very different from one another in their approach. The main similairty is that each of these women want to totally all out live for God; but each of them have a unique angle on it.

But each of them has one or more verses connected with their purpose so I want to start there. I have always said that the passage in Matthew 22:37-40 is what I want my life to be all about. Here's that passage in NLT:

³⁷ Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Oh Father thank You for being involved in my life. Thank You for saving me and bringing me to Yourself. Thank You for Your grace and mercy that You don't give up on me. Help me to life wholeheartedly, every day for You. May my life be totally Yours. Help me to love You and Love people every day in ways that are real. Help me find a way that will be useful to this end to write out a life purpose statement.

Prayer during week 6

Oh Father, like the Psalmist says in Psalm 139:23-24; Search me, and know my heart. Test me, cross examine me and know my thoughts, point out if there is anything wrong in me and lead me along Your paths. I especially pray this with regard to my money. I'm so grateful that You let me grow up learning the evils of debt and to be financially responsible. I thank You for all the blessings this has brought me. But now I'm asking You - show me if I should be giving more. Show me if there is a pattern or specific instance where You want me to give money (or more money). Show me if I own something that You want me to give away. Show me if there is a specific way you want me to utilize my time. Oh Father, I want my life to be Your way. Yet I know the greed and sin lurking in my heart; so please help that part of me that does not want Your way all the way. May my life please You. Thank You for Your goodness to me.

Constant battle

I keep realizing as I'm doing this experiment in gratitude that I have a tendancy toward the negative and to complain.

I never would have thought of myself as a complainer. I would have described myself as a positive person. But, since the experiement calls for me to not gripe, grumble or complain for a week it's made me more conscious of how naturally I do these things. There are so many day to day events which can bring this out - or I can consciously choose to refrain and to use my words to praise God or encourage others.

Oh Heavenly Father, I'm so sorry for how negative I've been. Thank You so much for Your grace and forgiveness. Holy Spirit, please rise up big in me and empower me to do what I can not do on my own. May I refrain from negative speech and consistently become a person who uses my words to bring priase to You and encouragement to others. Help me see and choose wisely Lord. Thank You for working in my life.

Week 6 memory verses

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."



Psalm 119:14
I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.

Experiment in Gratitude

As I am reading through the 6th chapter I come upon a sub section where Linda Dillow suggests that the reader conduct an experiment. It really struck me so I'm going to do it.

Her challenge is for 1 week make a conscious effort to be thankful; really work on practicing Philippians 4:8 and ask God to develop in me an attitude of gratitude. Then keep a notebook (which I'll do here) and write down what happens during the week. During this week determine not to ask for anything, not to gripe, grumble or complain about what I wish I had. During this week share with the people in my home why I'm thankful for them as well as others in my life.

Dillow ends the section with a good point:

"Remember, if you're upset by what you don't have, you waste what you do have."

Week 5 prayer to remember what God has taught me

Father, thank You for Your love and forgiveness. Thank You that you want my good.

Please help me to live in forgiveness. Help me be quick to forgive and continue to choose where my mind will remain when thoughts come my way. May I choose to think of your goodness and pray for others and not let any little root of bitterness spring up.

Oh Father help me come to love others more. Help me to choose to think good of and want good for other people.

Thank you Father.

What I learned about God in week 5

God is way more interested in my well being (as well as the rest of humanity) than Himself. Examples of this would be His words about those who were crucifying Him (Luke 23:34), how he acted toward Judas (Matt. 26:49-53) and with Peter (Mark 16:6-7). God always wants our good.

God wants me to be like Him and always be out for the good of others.

What I learned about myself in week 5

I was encouraged that I don't have anyone I have not forgiven.

I was also encouraged that forgiveness is a process and that it's normal when I know I have chosen to forgive someone and when sad/bad thoughts come up. When that happens I can choose to not think on those thoughts, speak the truth (i.e. I choose to live in forgiveness toward _____ ) and pray.

Again I was convicted with my selfishness. I so frequently care about my good more than that of those around me. I want to care just as much for them as for myself.

Choosing faith

Over and over it comes down to the choice I make on a daily basis - do I do what scripture says or just do what comes naturally.

Recently I was flipping channels on TV and stopped to see who was on PTL. It was bishop somebody out of Georgia and his words pierced my heart. He referred to the principles in Romans 4:17 and Colossains 1:16 and said that America's women need to stop speaking and telling their husbands all about what they are doing wrong. He challenged women to speak words of faith for their husbands; to speak forth what you want to see. To believe something better; to have God give you a vision of what He wants your husband to become.

So I prayed and emailed John (he was in Yosemite) a faith statement. It was amusing because he wrote me back telling me how much my respect means to him.

I plan to keep speaking and praying and believing those words over him. Rather than focusing on the irritating things about John (Everyone has annoying things about them. This truth is illustrated by a comedian I heard recently say that getting married comes down to the choice of if you want to be lonely or be irritated.) I will choose to speak in faith.

Unpacking week 5 memory verse

This week's memory verse from Colossians 3:12-14 is one of those that contains a list and, in my experience, lists are easy to gloss over. To make it more relevant for myself, I want to unpack the verse some.

I'll start by looking at what the words in the list mean.

Compassion
I liked Wiki's definition most: "Compassion is a profound human emotion prompted by the pain of others. More vigorous than empathy, the feeling commonly gives rise to an active desire to alleviate another's suffering. It is often, though not inevitably, the key component in what manifests in the social context as altruism."
So compassion means an awareness of another's suffering at an intense level that leads to action on their behalf.

Kindness
Wordnet defines it this way: " *the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic. * forgiveness: tendency to be kind and forgiving."
In kindness there's a general quality of being considerate and a lifestyle of forgiveness.

Humility
I liked what both Wiki and Godnet had to say. Wicki: "Humility, or being humble, is the defining characteristic of an unpretentious and modest person, someone who does not think that he or she is better or more important than others."
Godnet: "The attitude of the Christian that suggest one should not"...think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment..." (Rom. 12:3). It is knowing our true position before God. It is not self-abasement or demeaning one's self. ..."
I guess being humble has to do with knowing one's place in the universe as well as how that impacts our treatment of others causing us to be respectful of them.

Gentleness
Robcom200 put it this way: "The quality or state of being gentle, especially in mildness of manners or disposition. Tamed, domesticated, quiet, tractable and docile. Benignly gracious or kind in manner. Not harsh or stern. Mild, considerate& and tender. Honorable, noble, distinguished."
Gracious verses harsh or stern; tender. It's interesting because this word is not one we hear nowadays, it's not a part of our culture.

Patience
Wicki: "Patience (ˈpā-shənz) is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances. This can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. ..."
Interesting that patience is not just seen as a passive state but as persevering.

There is so much in the five things this week's bible memory verse tells me to do as a follower of God. I'm going to need to spend some time thinking on these verbs and let God's Spirit show me how to make these actions real in my life.

Week 5 memory verse

Colossians 3:12-14

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindess, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

God's Word is so relevant in my life

Through all these oh so hurtful and tough times these past few weeks; with actually being fired from a company for whom I have worked the past 10 years - God's Word has been a rock.

These memory verses, and the scriptures passages that we've been studying, have been a source of strength. To know that Psalm 139:16 tells me that every day of my life was recorded in God's book before I was ever born is such a relief. The day I was fired I was in shock and hurt but I clung to that verse; the knowledge that this event didn't surprise God. To know that He knew it was coming and that He has already promised in Romans 8:28 that He will work everything to my good was a truth I could hang on to. Those thoughts gave me strength and hope.

Through the following days Philippians 4:8 has been a guide for my mind. To not focus on what happened or how I was wronged but to make a conscious choice to focus on whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - to have my mind dwell on those things.

Living this way allows me to experience contentment in the midst of hurtful life events.

Week 4 prayer to remember what God has taught me

Oh heavenly Father, I love You. I praise You and adore You. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for creating me to be who I am and having a plan for my life. Thank You for Your Word, for Your guidance and instruction. Thank You Holy Spirit for living in me and giving me hope, encouragement, conviction and power.

Oh Father, may I remain in Your Word. May I memorize it and hide it in my heart and the deep recesses of my mind. May my life be all about You. Thank You for Your many blessings; may I never cease to notice all the good You give me every day. May my heart be constantly overflowing with gratitude. May I remain present and be constantly available and listening to Your Spirit within me. May I hear Your direction and constantly be reaching out to others in the ways you lead me.

I love You and Thank You. You are such a good God!

What I learned about me in week 4

Repeatedly in life I realize how selfish I am.

If I do not specifically take actions to prevent it, my life will be all about me. I need to stay in touch with God's word and in prayer though out the day. I need to practice being grateful and constantly looking to see all God has blessed me with and keep my focus there. I need to remain present and constantly sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading so that I notice the people around me and am able to hear God's voice and how He leads me to bless others.

What I learned about God in week 4

I was renewed in my knowledge that God's Word is true and relevant. That I can apply His Word to every situation and that as I memorize his Word it becomes more easy to apply to my life; it's right there in my heart and mind.

Week 4 memory verse

Matthew 20:28

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give give his life as a ransom for many.

Week 3 Prayer to Remember what God has taught me

Oh heavenly Father, thank You that You were involved in my life before I was even born and that You continue to be involved with me. Thank You that all my sin hasn't caused You to walk away from me. Thank You for Your faithfulness! Thank You Jesus for dying on the cross for me, that Your blood makes me clean before God. Thank you so much!

Oh Father please seal within me these truths that You've taught me this week.

May I never stop being aware that every circumstance that occurs in my life is one that You knew before I was born would happen; that I can always rest in the fact that You want the best for me. May I always turn to You for guidance and be obedient to how You want me to conduct myself.

May I learn how to better rule myself. May I rule my attitude and appetites daily by the power of Your Holy Spirit within me.

Please help me do those things that You've shown me to do to empower me in this area of Attitude. May I start each day with a short, positive-focused devotion time with You, spend at least one time in Your word studying each week, choose to see situations that are challenging and come up with faith statements to speak out in those situations.

Please help me rule my own appetite. May I start with those things I feel You're leading me to right now and build on them so that I can bring this body back into the health You created me to experience. May I drink at least 8 cups of water each day, may I do some kind of exercise each day, may I refrain from eating after dinner each day, may I refrain from second helpings on a regular basis.

Thank You so much for your help, guidance and love. I can never thank You enough. Praise and Glory be to Your name!

What I learned about me in week 3

That God's plan is for me to rule, subdue and produce.

I've read Genesis 1:28 many times but as I was reading through the book by Dillow this week I came into a new understanding. That it's up to me to rule myself. It's up to me to control my attitude and my appetite and my health where weight and exercise and eating are concerned. I've copped out by saying I have weight and eating issues - OK, so I do. But it's up to me to do something about it.

What I learned about God in week 3

God knew each of my days before I was ever born.

That's what really stood out to me this week as I read through Psalm 139:13-16. Some huge and painful difficulties have transpired this past week at work. But I thought on how God knew those things were going to happen when I was still being formed in my mother's womb. I just need to look to Him, be obedient and don't need to stress it. He's got it all in control. Although I may not find the process fun, or even the immediate outcome to be what I want, I can rest in the fact that He uses all things to create in me who He wants me to be.

Week 3 bible memory vers

Psalms 139:14

I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Attitude Adjustment

Last night during a bible study with Cindy & Kathy on the 4th chapter of Philippians I was challenged. I mentioned a hard time I was having at work with a regional consultant, Jeri, who seems to just not like me. Jeri has never liked me and undermines me whenever there is a chance. This has both hurt and frusterated me in times past since her position should be one of support and assistance instead of problems. I mentioned that I was praying for her but they both encouraged me to pray for myself. They both shared about problem people they had known in the past and how God had changed their own hearts toward those people.

So I've started doing that.

I've also been praying and praying about my attitude toward my work. It's been so hard lately. I've prayed that I would do a good job and be positive.

I find that God is changing my attitude. My work hasn't changed, the challenges are still there, but I don't feel as underneath it all. I'm choosing to focus on the positive aspects and just deal with the negative. I'm choosing to see and enjoy the humor that's always around. I'm experiencing more joy each day in my work.

What I learned about God in week 2

God wants me to do my part and then He'll do His.

He requires that I come to Him in petition and thanksgiving before He'll give me His peace.

What I learned about myself in week 2

I learned that I CAN experience God's peace but that it's going to take some work.

I need to practice.

I need to choose to tell God my concerns while choosing to thank Him and wait on His supernatural peace to invade my heart.

Week 2 memory verse

Be anxious for nothing
Instead, by prayer and petition and thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which is beyond all Comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7-8 (NASV)

Prayer to remember what God has taught me in week 1

Oh Heavenly Father

You are indeed great and above all thing on earth and in the universe and beyond. Thank You that You, the great one, will have anything to do with me. Thank You Jesus that your death on the cross and your blood makes it so that I can approach God. Thank You Jesus, I can never thank You enough!

Oh Father, may your Spirit within me seal this truth into me, may my soul be saturated with the truth that You are in control and I neither need to worry nor complain.

I choose to give up my desires to have everything my way. Holy Spirit, please empower me to submit wholey to God and His plan. Please let your peace come on me like a blanket and help me to stay under your covering of peace.

Help me today and in the days ahead at my job. Please give me wisdom on how to lead so that I would be effective and bring glory to You by my performance. But help me not to stress all the time about the details - all details are in Your hands.

What I learned about God in week 1

Greater attention to the fact that

God is sovereign. He is the highest authroity and in charge of everything in the universe and beyond.

Given this truth, then I can always trust and count on that everything that happens in my life, He is allowing. So why do I complain if my life is His and He allows certain things to occur? Why do I stress if He's in control?

What I learned about myself in week 1

I am a complainer.

In the first chapter Linda Dillow tells about a woman named Ella who was a missonary with her husband to the pygmies in Africa for 52 years. Her daughter Mimi wondered how her mother had lived such a life of contentment given the circumstances. When Mimi found an old diary of her mother's she found a prescription for contentment in it.

The main thought of one of the 5 staements that made up Ella's prescription for contentment is to never allow yourself to complain about anything.

This is my current goal

Week 1 Memory Verse

Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT)

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned to get along happily wheather I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, wheather it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.