Coffee with the Savior - The Next Cup - Chapter 8

This is our last and final chapter of this bible study.  Our Monday night bible study group met and it was a time filled with learning, laughing, praying, and eating.  We always celebrate the final chapter of a bible study by sharing some of our favorite snacks!  Good fellowship is a blessing isn't it?  

Let's begin.

Our intentions, as we finish another bible study is that we will continue our focus on Christ, daily visits with our Father, and aspire to be what He leads us to be.  I, myself have found that on occasion I do not stick with the plan that is laid out.  I fall away from the course I am to continue on after a few weeks, days, or possibly hours.  I let the distractions of this worldly life keep me from spending time with my friend, my Savior.  Then another bible study starts up, or I actually stop and think about how many days it has been since I did a devotion or visited with Him.  

Guilt sets in.  Can anyone relate?

Aren't we lucky that we can start anew with each day, moment, hour, or minute!

In our last chapter, we find that Kristen Myers, the author leads us to the place, in the bible, where Moses was not perfect.  He had to be punished by his Father.  Moses chose not to follow God's instructions (Numbers 20: 2-13), and God punished him and Aaron out of his great love for them.  

He did this so others, the Israelites and us today could learn from the example.  Sin separates us from God and from the wonder we have been promised in heaven. 

"The example of Moses shows us that no matter how faithful or obedient  we are, we cannot achieve perfection on our own.  We cannot bridge the gap of separation from God with our own actions. We all need a Savior.  Without one, we have to face consequences of eternal separation from our heavenly Father." (Excerpt from Bible study book page 115)

We can bridge that gap and strengthen the relationship by partaking of the Sacraments, worshiping with others, and spending time daily praying and in the Word.

Our Father is a caring and loving God, but he also continues to discipline.  We all need both of these at times in our lives.  I am not sure about you, but I don't like being disciplined.  

But empowering ourselves with the Word, in either case, will bring forth understanding of why our Father is doing either.  We are sinful creatures but join with me, a sinner too, in building that empowerment.  

When we do not spend time in the Word, we tend to turn ourselves to the world and the things it offers.  We need the Word to keep us focused, build the relationship with Christ, and strengthen us for life here on earth.

Will you make the commitment to spend time with Him daily? Start small if you need to, 5 minutes and build from there.  Do you need a bible buddy?  Let's find you one then! Let me know if you need some help, I have friends I am sure would be happy to help!

Let's pray.

Dear God,
We come to you as ones that need disciplined at times, and we fall short daily at being the way you wish us to be.  We can also bask in your love as we partake of the Sacraments and delve deeper in your Word.  Please forgive us for the times we need discipline but may we open our hearts to understand why it is needed.  Thank you for providing us with friends in faith, and talented authors to write bible studies.  May our knowledge grow in the years to come, and may we become closer to you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen


Thank you for joining me on my first bible study blog series.  I greatly appreciate it.  You might want to check out my other blog if you would like to see more inspirational writings and faith studies.  I would really like you to let me know if there is any way I could have improved on this particular blog series.  It was my first bible study and I invite all information to help me grow.  Thank you. Julie

Coffee With the Savior - We'll Have to Do This Again - Chapter 7

"when you seek Me...." Jeremiah 29:13

Do you find yourself using email, text messaging, or Facebook to “connect” with your friends?  In our study, the author touches on how these relationship tools could cost us from nurturing our friendships. 

It made me stop and think.  Aren't these  better, easier, more frequent ways to “connect” with our friends and build those lasting relationships?  Part of me is in agreement and part of me is not.  It’s a battle within me. For I know sitting across from a friend having coffee and pie is way more fulfilling than sending her a smiling face or thumbs up! Yet what if we never make time for each other face to face?

I mean, how easy is it for us, or our friend, to ignore the text/email/Facebook message and never respond.  I'm sure I've done it and I know I've been the recipient of some of these, it certainly doesn’t strengthen the relationship!  But when that little notification shows up on my smartphone on Facebook or I hear the text “ding”, well I get alittle smile on my face!

How do you feel about social media, text messaging, emailing, twitter, and so forth?  Do you think it enables or disables relationships?  Ponder that, but let's take a moment to visit Moses once again.

See, Moses spent time face to face with our God.  He was lucky enough to sit for 40 days and 40 nights in God’s presence.  (Exodus 24:18)  When he came down from being with God, Moses face glowed!  I mean who wouldn’t want to glow? Someday, we too, as baptized children of God will get to sit with Him.  Until that time, let's move towards growing that relationship in the ways we can.

Although we can’t send God a text or email message or even a Facebook post on his timeline, we can visit him daily.  Since we are baptized children, we can choose anytime of day to sit with him.  To bask in his presence and take in what He is offering.  Through reading the bible, praying, completing devotions, or through song.

He is offering strength, comfort, endurance, peace, joy, and so much more!  Visiting with God can be as simple as “thank you for this bread for my toast” or “I need someone to hug me Lord, please send them today.”  The way we speak to him should always be respectful but it doesn’t have to be a script or spell-checked, just speak from your heart. 

We allow other things, me included, to distract us from our daily time with God.  If I spent as much time with Him as I do visiting Facebook or even surfing the web, it would be so much better for me.  So, we need to take the distractions, whatever they may be (TV, crafts, surfing the web, Facebook, Twitter, etc) and place them aside.  

Whether it's reading a few chapters of the bible daily during lunch, reading a devotion, getting up 15 minutes earlier to do so, or going to sleep with your trusty bible on your chest, let's do this! Let's open our hearts and minds to God's Word and delve into a deeper conversation with the Great I Am!

Because where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them. (Matthew 18:20)

And if it helps to have a friend to sit face to face and talk about the Word, be sure to order your favorite drink and dessert! You never know, you might both be glowing by the end of your face to face time together!

Let's pray.

Gracious Father,
Thank you for the opportunity to be led into Your word with this bible study and those who believe in Your ways.  May the distractions of this life be put aside and we make the commitment to try again today to grow.   We ask for your mighty forgiveness when we choose the distractions over you.  Having Your grace is one of the luckiest things, keep us from leaving it behind.   May we gather with those that strengthen us in Your ways.

In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.  



*NOTE: The last session, Chapter 8 will not be published until Friday, July 25th.  

Coffee with the Savior - Show Me Your Pictures - Chapter 6

"You will seek Me and find Me...." Jeremiah 29:13

"Only when they shared these verbal pictures would their children understand fully the character of the great I AM, the God whom they worshiped."

(Excerpt from page 86 of bible study book by Kristen Myers)

God requested of Moses to be sure to explain to the Isaelites how important it was for them to tell the stories to the next generation and the one after that and so on.  God knew that they would not really encompass what occurred unless they passed along the wonderous events He made possible!

They were stories for the children to pass on to their children.  Imagine  if you will, the children sitting around in the evening, listening to parents and grandparents tell of these life changing times! There were not picture books, digital tablets, or even crayons.  The children creating pictures in their mind!

The stories of walking between two walls of seawater, or how food was readily available each morning. Just enough for the day, just enough for them to survive.  Or how Moses used his staff to spring water from a dry rock!  God wants us to continue to tell the future generations of all the stories from the Bible.  These specific, beautiful, and encouraging stories can be found in Exodus 13-17. Wouldn't it be a great place to start?

The events were miraculous, God's hand was in all of them.

Can you think of a time, looking back, that you see how God played a hand in a particular event in your life?

I can.

In fact, recently I found myself standing in a card store, browsing the selection to find a card for a friend that was struggling.  He used a particular card to speak to me, but what was more evident was the fact that he also used a stranger. This person knew nothing of me, other than the few times I had shopped there before, she never made it a point to show me any products, just a friendly greeting like any good retail worker would do.  This day was different, this day, she came to me, pointed to a particular card, and the words she said to me made me stand there with my mouth hanging open, and shock running through my body. (In a good way I might add) It was basically God slapping me across the face and saying HELLO! YOU KNOW WHAT I WANT YOU TO DO! TRUST ME!

This study isn't about me, it's about God and  how He uses people and us to share his Word.  To be able to share it, we must be in it.

Daily. It's hard sometimes, I know. I fail in reading my Bible. I have learned a great deal just by participating in a weekly bible study, and I'm telling you, when we don't have them, I struggle!

There are many ways to be in the Word, reading the bible is best, but here are few ways to start with something, if you aren't currently delving into the Word of God!

• Find a bible buddy!  Challenge each other! Choose a book of the bible. Jot down questions you might have and things to discuss with one another over a smoothie or coffee or chocolate!
• Join a weekly bible study.
• Ask your Pastor to aide you.
• Audio!  Play cd's while you ride in the car! 
• Attend worship and Sunday school.  If you don't have a church home or need help, let me know, I will do what I can!
• Pray. Just talk to God. He will lead you. " Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." James 4:8
• Listen to Christian music.

If you feel discouraged or unsure, let someone help you.  Just remember, that friend, Pastor, bible study partner, spouse, mentor, or even a stranger could have been sent by God.  And one day, you may be the one helping another.

Let's pray.

Gracious God,

We come before you with our eyes open and  our hearts sometimes discouraged, may we look to you for continued encouragement.  We draw near to you, while in your Word, help us to thirst for the events that you taught so many and still are to this day.  Forgive us when we doubt You and Your ways.  May we remember to share your word not only with our children and families and friends, but others as well.  In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie

Coffee with the Savior - What's Going On...Really Going On? Chapter 5

"and I will hear you." Jeremiah 29:12

I find myself, and perhaps you do too, when I meet with a close friend the conversation starts out with just the average, every day sort of conversation.  There have even been times when I have told myself, prior to meeting with my friend, "don't share this or don't go into such and such."  Just let it be a casual easy going visit.  

Then what happens?  My friend knows me well and digs deeper into my glossed over thoughts and feelings.  She inquires with heartfelt questions and perhaps a gentle touch on my arm.  

Then I begin to flood her with my latest issue in life and pour out my heart as if I was on General Hospital or Days of our Lives!  She listens, she offers advice, and sometimes I feel better, sometimes I feel worse.  I am thankful for my friend and her instinctive ways of knowing to push further into the depths of my heart.  

But honestly, the only one that knows my heart, knows what I am truly experiencing, is my Lord.  I have found myself crying out to Him at times.  Literally - Crying Out!  As I am getting to know Moses' story it is reassuring to know that I am not the only one.  

Moses, in Exodus 5 endured many things, but the one thing he never stopped doing was crying out to God.  

(From page 76 of the bible study book)

" As Moses' experiences show, God does handle our true feelings, even during our most difficult times.  Whatever we do, feel, or believe when  we are at our worst, we can hold on to Him because He holds us secure in His grace."

The authors statement is so very good and true.  He will take us throughout the day in any form. Mismatched words, sullen hearts, and joyous abundance.  He will take us just as we are.  He continues to long and wait for the words to come, and if we can't actually say them, you are reassured to know that He will understand your groans, your cries, your humming, your laughter, and your tears.  

Friendships are an asset. I have often felt this, and I am blessed to say I have many.  But the one true friendship that needs nurturing, communication, openness, and strengthened daily is the one with our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Let's take a moment to reach out to our Lord and just say whatever you are feeling.  Open that line of communication, and then nurture it daily like a flower.  If you aren't sure what to pray, just pray that he gives you guidance on how to speak to Him.  

I leave you with this prayer and this song.  Thank you for joining us today.

Heavenly Father,

We rejoice that you are the one true God that has enabled us to have open communication with you.  We are thankful that you know our hearts better than anyone.  We sometimes take our friendship with you for granted and we pray for forgiveness for that.  Thank you for bringing others into our lives to help us and honor you before our eyes.  May we pray before we complain, and look to you as our ultimate resource, in both times of good and bad.  Gracious Father, we know that our lives will be better for the knowing you.   In Jesus Name, Amen

Coffee with the Savior - Sorry I Haven't Called More

"and pray to Me..... "  Jeremiah 29:12

I have found myself, more often than I like to admit, at the end of the day feeling guilty.  The guilt coming from missed opportunities to connect with special people in my life.  Friends that I should have returned calls to or emails to reply back to.  Those missed opportunities, if given more than one chance tend to build up, and the connection we once had is lost.  It's difficult to re-create the connection in a relationship once the time has passed.  Whether it be with a friend, spouse, child, or relative, it's crucial to continue connections in this busy life we all lead now.

Between the laundry and bill paying, children vying for our attention, church responsibilities, Facebook notifications, email dings on our phones, customers needing help,  grocery shopping to be done and so much more, it's easy to place those connections on the back burner of life.

Just as I sometimes put those relationships on the back burner, I do the same with God.  It's wrong, but I do it.   When I'm not in the Word often and nurturing that connection with Him, I tend to begin to think in a manner not becoming.

After reading about  Moses in Exodus 3:11-13 and how he was feeling and acting I didn't feel so alone.  Moses, after making his commitment to God, became unsure and doubtful about his own qualifications.  The wonderful thing about Moses is that he never stopped communicating with God during his "time of doubt". We have that opportunity as well, and we need to keep it at the forefront of our lives.

I encourage you to carve out a period of time each day bring this wonderful friend we have in Jesus at the forefront. But if you find yourself, at the end of the day, laying in bed, feeling guilt.  HE is there.  Ready and waiting to listen to you.  24 hours a day 7 days a week.  No appointment necessary.

I especially liked this paragraph on page 58 of the bible study.

"As we experience God's foregiveness, we also become aware of his unconditional love for us.  When we recognize that we daily live with these gifts, submitting to His plan for our lives becomes possible.  Just as God did with Moses, He reassures us that our relationship with Him is not about what we can do, but about what God does in and through us.  He does not want our doubts to keep us from Him.  God takes every part of us - our failures and our future uncertainties - and uses every part of our lives for good.  In doing so,  He grows our eternal friendship with Him (Philippians 1:6)."

How did that paragraph feel to you?  I found it to be moving, reassuring, and encouraging to say the least.  He allows us to apologize, ask for forgiveness, and move forward.  It allows us to know that no matter what God is with us, He forgives us, and He will continue to work good in us.

Although our connection with friends, spouses, children, and relatives is important, the relationship we build with our Lord is most important.  It makes the joys of life that much sweeter and the sadness of life easier to bear.

So no matter how you are feeling or how busy you are today, take some time to connect with the ultimate friendship.  Take the time to pour your heart out to our Lord and reap the benefits.  Even when you doubt, continue to communicate to Him. I plan to really try, how about you?

Dear Heavenly Father,

We take this time to open our hearts and minds to you, to allow you to use us at your will.  We praise you and thank you for all that is in our lives.  We apologize and ask for forgiveness for the times we have not called on you more.  May we be your clay and you the potter.  Gracious Father, we also ask that you be with those in the recent storm related circumtances and those in harvest mode.  We pray safety and grace to all.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Coffee with The Savior and Hymn

I was going to just throw this in on Friday's bible study blog post, 

but decided I wanted to share it seperately.

 This past Sunday, in worship services we sang the hymn, 

"Hark the Voice of Jesus Crying".  

These particular words stood out to me. 

And the master calls for you.  

Take the task he gives you gladly;

 Let his work your pleasure be. 

Answer quickly when he calls you,

"Here am I. Send me, send me!"

These words.  I so wish they were easier for me to say.

I'm better than I used to be but still so far to go.

At least my walk is not alone.

Thank you Jesus for your love.

In Your Name, Amen.

Coffee with the Savior - So Good to See You - Chapter 3

“and come…..”  Jeremiah 29:12

Friendships can begin in a variety of ways.  I have had friendships that began in any of these manners:

·         Introduction from another friend.

·         Out of fear (Freshman year, new large school, petrified face, someone took pity on me!)

·         Because I joined a group/club or served on a committee.

·         Came into my work and I waited on them.

Today, any of these friends, when I see them, it brings warmth and happiness to me.  When we meet we might complement one another on a haircut, new purse, or just how glad we are to be together.  Connecting with friends is something that is cherished.  Our best friends, we make sure to nurture and appreciate, so they continue to stay connected and grow.

Do we see our friendship with God in the same way? Do we give it the level of importance or excitement that we do our best friendships?  Do we compliment God the way we do our best friends? I find myself at this point unable to answer yes to all those questions.

Let us take a look at someone who is a wonderful example for us.  Moses.  You can read in depth here.  (Exodus 3)

God made himself aware to Moses through a burning bush.  Moses, although afraid and unsure made a bold statement.   “Here I am.”  This statement is simple, yet it offers great praise to God.

Honoring God comes from praising and worshiping him, you can find in Psalm 96:4 instruction that this is essential in our life with Him.

The author of our bible study instructs us that we can praise God for all He has done, is doing and will do. Here are a few examples for each of those.

Has Done

Creation

God left Heaven & came to earth as Jesus – for us to save us.

What He is doing

Continued creation.

Love of others.

Love from Him.

What He will do

The gift of one day no tears, no pain, taking all believers home to be with Jesus Christ.

Personally I had never really thought about complimenting God at the beginning of my prayers as we would a friend.  I like the idea, how do you feel about it? 

Praying to God can seem intimidating, (at least I used to feel that way a lot)  but you can start with conversation.  Just like with your friends.  If you have the personality that you like to have a guide, you can find a good one here.  My friend Heather  writes this blog and about half way down it talks about ACTS.

I want to share a prayer with you.  One I wrote the morning after our bible study class on Monday night.  I hope it inspires you to pray to God and give Him the praise He so deserves.  After writing it, my mood turned from being in a funk to feeling wonderful.  I pray the same happens to you when you try it!

Thanks for stopping by and we will see you next week!

Julie

Gracious Father, you are:

The giggle in my youngest daughter’s laugh.

The sweet scent of lilacs.

The first bite of brownies with pecans.

The long lasting hugs from my Father’s embrace.

The wind in my hair on the back of the Yamaha.

The strength seen in my Mother.

The camaraderie between my  two older daughters.

The take my breath away moments in the sunrises and sunsets.

The driven passion I see about harvest time.

The elderly one’s stories of days gone by.

The united feeling I feel on Sunday mornings with others of our part of the body of Christ.

The voice of my granddaughter saying Grandma Julie.

The coziness of my freshly made bed with clean linens.

The feeling in my chest when I witness the one I love farming.

The photographs (both real and in my mind) of grandchild and grandparent interacting.

The card or note in the mailbox.

The warmth quiet time in my bathtub.

The friends that listen even when I’m rambling or over thinking.

The joy in my heart as I create in my kitchen.

The text or call just to say hi from another.

The laughter of family and memories re-visited.

The moments I serve others.

The safe place I find in my spouse’s arms.

My Father, these things come directly from you and when I experience them I feel so content.  As if I am literally in your loving arms.  Thank you for creating me, creating this life for me, sending your Son to die for my sins, and tenderly loving me like no other. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

 

Coffee with the Savior - Let's Meet for Coffee

"Then you will call upon Me...... Jeremiah 29:12



There are many reasons that we call upon a friend to meet.  It could be to share a joy, catch up on life, obtain some support or give some.  Reaching out to the friend and making the initial contact is a stepping stone of sorts.  Upon each stone, the relationship is strengthening.  When you see one another, you probably hug or at least smile a broad smile.  Warmth is there and the friendship is growing.

Some people are lucky and have several people they call friends, I've mentioned it before that I feel I fall into this category.  But what if we didn't have any friends.  What if  the only one we had to turn to was God.  

Moses, the new leader of the Hebrew people, had no one to turn to except God.  He called upon Him for guidance and leadership. Moses repeatedly called upon the Lord.  Let's look at a few of the verses that reflect this story.

(Click each link and it will take to the ESV bible story)

Exodus 5: 19- 6: 1

Exodus 8: 10 -12

Exodus 10: 16-18

In each one of these Moses prayed to God.  Moses felt comfortable speaking to Him. He did several things.  Which included crying out to Him, questioning Him, and praying for others.  

The key note is that he turned to God first.   Who do you turn to first in your struggles or when you have a joy to share?  In our Monday night group we had a variety of answers. Our spouse, trying to take care of it oneself, best friend, and Mother.

When you meet with a friend, no matter the reason for the meeting, don't you usually walk away feeling rewarded?  That your time together was well spent and you are looking forward to the next time?  I know that is usually how I feel.  

Refreshed. Rejuvenated. Rewarded.

In seeking God to discuss the happenings of our lives, whether big or small, we can find this on a daily basis.  He cares about the little things just as much as the big things. Seeking Him takes practice and time.  No one expects us to be perfect or master the art of devotion in a short time.  Start simple.  Start small. 

One of our members of the bible study shared what she does.  It was like a light bulb came on instantly and I thought "that's so simple and so good!"

She says  to herself as a reminder:

Matthew 6:33

King James Version (KJV)

33  Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

"SEEK YE FIRST" instantly brings me to where I need to be.  In the prescense of the God!

God yearns for us to call upon Him.  Here are some verses to help us understand what He desires to do for us.

Psalm 116: 1-7           Offers grace, mercy, and to listen.

Jeremiah 22: 2-3     Wisdom, great things we do not know, He answers.

Romans 10: 11-13    To be saved.

Moses met face to face with God on Mount Sinai for forty days and forty nights.  He went here to obtain a second set of tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them.  Do you know what Moses had done with the first set?  Broke them in anger.  God forgave him and showed him mercy.  God looks at our hearts, not our outward appearances. 

When Moses came off that mountain, his face shone.  We too have the opportunity to shine God's love.  Let us not put any other Gods (or things)  before Him.  Let us shine with God's love and be a reflection of to others.

With each opportunity to seek God, our friendship with him will grow, our faces with shine, and others will seek Him as well.

Let us pray,

Dear Heavenly Father,  
We come to you today as broken people, and are grateful for your mercy upon our lives. May remember to join you in conversation.  Where we will find answers in your time and that the grace you so willingly give will be spread upon our lives.  May we be a reflection of your love for others to see, for others to inquire about, and may we find the courage to witness to them.  In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

Coffee with the Savior - He Wants to Have Coffee with Me?

“Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you.

 You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart.” 

Jeremiah 29: 12-13

As we begin this bible study together, the author suggests starting by asking God for the simple desire to respond to HIM - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Just start there, small and simple. That's what I ask too.


In childhood days we would perhaps ask, "will you be my friend?"  As an adult I don' t ever recall asking someone to be my friend.  Normally friendships are created by common interests, family life, occupations, etc.  They just happen.

Or do they?  Perhaps sometimes, but I like to think that God places those common denominators in our lives to help us grow closer to Him.  Perhaps some of these friendships are a struggle at times, perhaps they are joyous most of the time.  Either way, God created us to be in friendships.  

He also created us to have a friendship with Him.  On a daily basis He longs for us to gather with him and converse.   The friendship with God is a gift, to receive it you must accept God's grace and salvation.  

"For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

And just like growing an earthly friendship, it takes work.  It takes presence.  And yes, sometimes even the friendship with Him will seem difficult.  But only because we put a barrier there.  

You might be thinking, "Oh he wouldn't want to visit with me, I've yelled at my kids, don't go to church weekly, am jealous of my neighbor."  But you are wrong.  Let's take a look at Moses.

Moses was a Hebrew that shouldn't have lived much past birth.  At three months old, his Mother placed him in the river hoping the best for him.  Do you think that Mother did that on her own?  

God intervened. And he continued to intervene in Moses life.  Moses was a killer and He used him to complete difficult and wonderful things.  Moses lead people and shared the Ten Commandments.  You can start reading about Moses here.  (Exodus 1) 

My point is, sometimes we, and I'm guessing Moses as well, don't feel we deserve a friendship or love from God. No one and I mean no one loves us or longs for a friendship with us more than God.

It's a gift.  Truly it is.

You can visit Him throughout the day, designate a special time in the morning or lunch hour, you can be doing laundry, cooking dinner, or weeding your garden.  God doesn't care where we are, He just wants a growing friendship with us!

The hurts and disappointments of the past, we can't  use these to block our friendship with Him.  It's a choice and a sin.  It's time to lay them at His feet, grow in his Word, and develop the ultimate friendship that is offered to you.

How do you nurture your friendship with God?  I personally visit with him on and off throughout my day, I keep a bible on my desk at work, and my drives home are usually spent visiting with him as well.  I'm far from perfect, I am still a work in progress on time spent with him.  

Share your ideas, it might help someone else!  I am thankful you stopped by and I look forward to meeting with you each week!  

In God's Blessings,
Julie

Prayer to a Listening God

When I read this prayer this morning from the Lutheran Prayerbook, I instantly thought of my husband.  Perhaps because of the first line about the labor in the heat of the day.  I felt it was a beautiful prayer for everyone, whether you farm or not.  But today I am dedicating it to all the Farmers and Ranchers out there!



O God, we labor in the heat of the day. So often the labor feels hopeless, unproductive, useless.

An yet, you hear our silent cries.

You give us one another to speak that which we in our pain cannot speak.

You give us your Word that utters those things we cannot find the words to say.

Not only do you give us the words to speak, but you also turn your ear to us and hear us - even when all we have strength to whisper is  "Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer."

For you have promised to hear us.

You have promised to turn your face to shine upon us.

You have promised to be our shade when the heat of the day snaps our strength and the well of hope runs dry.

And you have promised even in the silence, to give us the sweet sound of peace.

By John McCullough Bade from "Will I Sing Again? Listening for the Melody of Grace in the Silence of Illness and Loss."

Weekly Post - Won't You Join Me?

Over here at In Between the Sunsets of Life I've decided to tackle a new type of post.  It's not totally foreign to me.  Yet it's a commitment which also includes I will be opening myself up for growth.  I will be posting every Friday.

You would probably like to know what the subject is, huh?

You have heard me mention how much I enjoy my Monday night bible study group.  Our weekly time together started back up again last night after a short break.  My weekly post will be based off our current bible study.

The bible study is Coffee with the Savior by Kristen Myers.  If you are interested, you can purchase a copy here.  It's only $10 and is an easy read I feel.  It's a good place for someone just starting out with bible studies or needs to grow

 further in their learning of God's word.

I look forward to this and your interaction in the times we get to spend together. 

Here's sneak peak at the bible verse for this week:

" Then you will call upon Me and pray to ME, and I will hear you.  You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart."  Jeremiah 29: 12-13

He Wants to Have Coffee with Me?

As always, thank you for stopping by. 

If you enjoy my posts and feel others could benefit, 

please share via email, Facebook, or Pinterest!

Julie

Time Management & A Pew

It's time to figure out some sort of time management for my life!  Since becoming an insurance agent, our schedules and my emotions have been on one crazy roller coaster ride! 
 I have decided now that corn planting is upon us, 
and the winter slowness of farming has come to a halt, 

I better get my act together!

0ur 6 row planter is small, but it gets the job done! 

You might remember this post about my 2014 word.  

That little gal, sits in the corner of my credenza 
in my office, where I can see her daily. 

 I have to admit, sometimes she has been intimidating!  

You know, that wild red hair, a flag that says BE BRAVE, 

when all I want to do is crawl under my desk!  

My grandaughter changed her dress 
the other day when she was in the office,

 so "BRAVE GIRL" has two occupations.  

Entertain small children and motivate grown woman!  

 I actually put her in the desk drawer the other day, 

it was one of those days!

But she's back out now!

I can put the doll in the drawer and try to hide.  But it won't last forever, eventually facing the decisions to be 

made and heading down a path of unknown!

 So I need to get organized, say no to somethings, set schedules, expect less perfection of myself, don't worry about what others think so much, help as many people as I can,
and become who God intended me to be.
Even if it isn't what I think is right for my life! 

First and foremost, my family deserves 

the best momma and wife I can be!

Which means that replenishing my soul is 

essential in daily and weekly living.  

Quality time and conversation with them is a must. 

Nourishing the talents I have been given, 
and caring for others is important.  

Gathering information and reaching others 
will enhance not only my life but theirs I hope.

More to be done as well but I won't 
go into full detail here!

But let me ask you, are you in the midst 
of re-organizing or changing some things in your life?  
Where do you gain perspective or information to aide you? 

One of my main sources is my spouse of course.  
My friends and even my Pastor aide 
me in my journey of decisions. 
 And on occasion a stranger or
 acquaintance will help me see the light!
I continue to try to make God the first to turn to in 
both joys and struggles.  
Prayer and in the word aides me, 
I need to work on that, to place it first and do it more.   

We are coming upon Holy week.  
Although it will be a week full of evening busyness most nights, I plan to remind myself that there was a 
much larger sacrifice given for me many years ago.  

I will find myself in the small blonde pew several times this week, I plan to forget the list of to do's and how hard it may be to get my 6 year old up the next morning.  
Small sacrifice, huge benefits, 
and remembering the meaning of the season.

Holy week only comes around once a year but the reminders of the events are relevant on a 
daily basis for my living all year long.

May grace be upon your life and may you find your way to a pew this Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, 
Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.  
(And many more times throughout the year!)

Thanks for stopping by!
Julie

A Perfectionist's Mindset

We were created to exist in relationships together. When I read this from my bible study devotion this morning, it created in me thoughts to  aide me in daily life.  I’ve begun a new avenue in the industry I work.  When beginning new things, I tend to feel anxious and nervous, due to being outside my comfort zone.  I think I’m getting alittle ahead of myself here, let me back up.

The belief I have in myself is growing with each day, with each appointment, with each challenge, accomplishment, and mistake.  I like it, I fear it, I dislike it, I love it, all at once.  This is called an emotional roller coaster ride by the way! :)

Being the perfectionist that I am, yes I am actually admitting it here, I have high expectations of my own abilities.  Recently, I have learned and been told that a perfectionist mindset can be both a strength and weakness for oneself.  I am glad I was told this, the weakness section brings me to the reality that dwelling on something too long can do more harm, when moving on and learning from it can enhance my life,/my abilities.  I’m glad God brought that individual into my life to explain and point this out.  (mental note, work in progress, won’t be overnight success in this area)

I’d like to go back to the relationships area of this post.  I realized in reading the words from “The God of All Comfort” by Donna Pyle, I have been given the opportunity to create relationships, in addition to protecting what is most important to people in my occupation.

Since making the decision to pursue this opportunity, I knew there was more in it for me.  I knew taking care of people is one of my strengths.  I have always liked to take care of people. What better way than to protect the things that matter so much to them.  I will not be just be selling insurance or out to make a buck. The seed that was within to spark this new journey has just grown some more by the way!

Donna Pyle says,

“by definition, comfort is something we do, while compassion is something we feel. When they work together, they have the power to transform lives.”

I love that.  Take a moment and read it once again, you might try it out loud.  Don’t just read the words, feel them!

I want to transform lives. I want to be the person that when they leave my office they think "she seems so compassionate and authentic."  Whether they become clients or not, I want to be an extension of many things, but I know compassion is essential in building relationships.  The goal is to build relationships.

My inabilities may be showing currently in my starting appointments, but I know this.  God placed each of these people in front of me, for some reason.  Whether they are Christian or not, I feel blessed by getting to share the knowledge I have with them to help them. I know that they will enhance my life by just being present, whether for the long haul or a short period. 

My hope is to bring them information they need with value, and if a time comes that they need comfort, I pray I am compassionate.

Be sure to build relationships in your life, it not only enhances your life, but brings you closer to the One True God. 

Thank you for allowing me to grow, to share on our blog, and for the support you have brought to our lives.
Julie