Boasting and Blogging and Mouth Makeover!

I'm currently attending a weekly bible study.  The name of the study we are doing is "Bless These Lips" 40 days of Spiritual Renewal by Sharla Fritz.

It uses makeup essentials to help us relate to how we use our mouth.  It uses phrases such as  Belittling Berry, Cheering Cherry, Criticizing Cranberry, and so on .  A mouth makeover is definitely needed by me!  Does this sound interesting or needed in your life?

When we started this study, I found it good at the same time I felt a large amount of guilt.  Because the things that were pointed out, um.... ya .... definitely me at times.  So I guess it's a good thing I am in this study!

The reason I am writing about this particular subject is because last week's study was on boasting.  It got me to thinking during the study, "is my blog boasting?"  Do I come across as boastful?  Is that what we are doing, showing off our lives to others?  

I hope not.  I hope those of you that read our blog know that we do it out of educating about farm life, journal our family story, expressing the love of God we have, and sharing one of my passions of cooking.  But this is still on my mind and I will continue to ponder it!

The other thing that got me really thinking was how I sometimes interrupt people because I HAVE to tell something similar to what they spoke about! Or how about, are you ever visiting with a friend, and they are sharing some wonderful happy news about their lives.  Do you feel a pang of envy, a tad a jealousy?  Yea, me too, I've felt it.  I'm a big enough person to admit it.  Do you "one up" them?  You know, for example, " Oh! Johnny did that at six months or my Jenny she finished her test with a...... " .  You get the picture, right? 

The bible says we are to honor one another.  So in turn, when listening to a friend share about the happiness currently in her life or they post a fabulous picture facebook, twitter, or instagram, honor them.

We are not to interrupt when they are talking, even if you are BURSTING with a tidbit of something that similar occurred in your life, and don't keep from commenting or liking that photo because you are feeling that pang of envy.  Remove the envy and jealousy, I think I will be trying to remember this verse to assist me with this.

"Let the one who boast, boast in the Lord."  2 Corinthians 10:17

The significant verse that has aided me in my life during this study is below:

"But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in my weakness. " Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12: 9-10

The lines in red, those are the ones that hit me hard this past week.  See, I don't do weakness too well and recently that is exactly what I have been feeling. Weak. This opened up a new view in my mind of my life and how I need to be, live, and believe.  It isn't an overnight change, I'm struggling, but I feel comfort in knowing this.  Perhaps it will aide you too. Comfort in knowing our Father is here, His grace is ever present when we are in our weakest state.

Things I've already taken away from this study are:

• The people I am interacting with, when you have a mouth mishap or interrupt or don't respond - your hurting God, not only the individual!
• Self help tips on applying makeup and making your own lip balm!
• That in my weaknesses- God's power is made perfect!
• That praising God- using the ABC's does help you go back to sleep! (Thanks EK for this idea after using it!)
• That God is enough.
• Don't talk over and interrupt people, even if I want to share something at THAT moment about me, let them finish, ask questions about what they told you.  
• Ways to encourage your children.
• HONOR others. 
• Try active listening to your spouse, stop what you are doing, and pay attention.
• Checking off the Lipstick Lesson list wasn't so fun... but much needed... Nagging Nectarine, Interrupting Ivory, Boastful Burgundy..... and on and on.. 
• That friends in faith, can help hold you accountable and make you feel it's ok to not be perfect, thanks gals for always feeling comfortable to share your experiences with me present.

We are not completely through the study, we still have a few weeks.  I'm joyful I attended this time and am hoping I can retain all the ideas and lessons given to me in this study.  

This post was written because I wanted to share what I learned, not to boast of my faith or that I know more or act better.  I don't, I know this.  I hope you take something away from this post and pass the knowledge forward to a friend.

This study could  be done on your own or with a group, I highly recommend it.  One place to purchase the book is here.  

Hope I got you inspired, it helped me to blog it!  Thanks for stopping by!

Julie