tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6224701216185928052024-03-05T03:27:05.902-08:00Living Out God's DesignShelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-7503100722069724742018-09-15T15:20:00.000-07:002018-09-15T15:20:04.547-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow! It's been a while since I posted on here!! Going to work on getting back to it!<br />
We have married off another daughter and gained a grandbaby since I was last here! We also have another one on the way(grandbaby that is)! And...another wedding coming up in December!! Life has been crazy wonderful!<br />
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Also, this past January, I started a new adventure! After years of being anti-direct marketing, I jumped into a side business that has completely changed my mindset! I found a company that not only has amazing products, a CRAZY good comp plan, but also a foundation of gratitude that sets it apart from others. And I have done my research!<br />
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The company is Monat. It is a hair care company that specializes in restoring the scalp and the hair by removing build up, waxes and silicones penetrating through all three layers of the hair shaft. And they go to great lengths to have only natural, botanically based, essential oil infused ingredients with no added fragrances. The result is amazing smelling shampoos, conditioners, masques, and styling products that are actually healing for your hair and scalp. The Rejuvenique oil is the foundational product that is in almost every one of the products. <br />
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Over the next few weeks I will be introducing you to these products and showing how we have everything you need to have amazing hair--specifically formulated for your hair type! One of the things I love most about these products is that it has given so many people their confidence back! Whether from thinning and balding all the way to Alopecia and after-chemo regrowth.<br />
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As an introduction to these products I am giving away a travel set/cosmetic bag gift set! The set includes:<br />
Smoothing Shampoo<br />
Smoothing Deep Conditioner<br />
Blow Out Heat Protectant Cream<br />
Rejuvenique Oil<br />
And of course the cute bag!<br />
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To enter:<br />
Go follow @SunnyStrands on Instagram, like the post talking about the giveaway and tag at least one person.<br />
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I will be picking a winner on Monday night 9/17 at 9:00 PM EST<br />
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Can't wait to tell you more about these products that have changed the quality of my thick, dry and brittle hair to soft, healthy and manageable!Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-48596670443087623892016-09-13T17:33:00.001-07:002016-09-13T19:38:02.523-07:00Spinning plates, Taco Tuesday and Titus 2? Yeah...well...Go on Pinterest or Facebook these days and you are bound to be bombarded with cooking tips, health advice, and videos of some new yummy concoction! Google healthy eating and soon you will know everything you need to know about paleo, vegan, ketogenic, and the like! There is a great health craze going on...and that is a good thing! Unlike the past, the trendy thing now seems to be eating healthier and cleaner, rather than restricting your food or only eating one thing! (Remember the cabbage soup diet?) Now we are more concerned about what is going on our plate and, therefore, in our bodies. And that has to be making us healthier. Physically.<br />
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But it really got me thinking the other day. We think so much about food. Pretty much my day is planned around my meals and what I am going to feed my family. Anyone else live for Taco Tuesday?!?<br />
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But how much time, thought and planning do we give to what is going on our daily activity plate? Or our mental plate?<br />
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I actually follow an eating plan that has helped me so much. Not only with weight loss, but overall better health and relief from inflammation due to rheumatoid arthritis. Much of the emphasis is cutting out the things that are not whole and natural (you know like "you shouldn't eat it if you can't even pronounce it"). But there is also an emphasis on the time frame of eating. It takes about 2 1/2-3 hours for your body to digest and metabolize what you have eaten. They suggest waiting that long between meals or snacks IF you are going to change fuel type. If your meal is heavier on carbs, wait the 3 hours before you eat a meal or snack that is high in fat. And they suggest breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, and maybe even another snack! Small meals, with a rest period in between.<br />
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When looking at our "plate" of life, do you have just one? Few of us ever do! Goodness! I spin a few: wife, mom, homemaker, pastor's wife, bible study leader, homeschool teacher, worship leader! Not to mention sometimes nurse, college application filler-outer, blogger, question-answerer, discipler, taxi, bill payer..." You get the idea! And I am sure you are in the same boat! And I rarely rest between going from one plate to the next. It actually is like spinning so many plates at once! But we would never sit at a table with 5, 6, or 10 plates at a time eating off of them all in succession. Right? I know I need to stop and re-evaluate often. I need to do that now.<br />
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We all need to ask ourselves: Is our activity plate healthy? Are we putting things on, or spinning plates that God never intended us to? Do we have our hands in too many plates at once? Do we load down the plates He has specifically given us with things that are not supposed to be on them? <br />
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Like....additives that have names we can't even pronounce? <br />
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When we do that, inevitably some plate is going to come crashing down! Which one will it be? Our relationship with God? Our marriage? Will our relationship with our kids grow cold? We have to ask first: What HAS God called us to?<br />
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Well, as women, He actually has called us to some very specific things! You know I'm heading to Titus 2, right? Don't blah, blah, blah me here. Let's take a fresh look at it regarding what really should be on our plates. And don't get defensive...snacks are perfectly acceptable!<br />
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<i>"Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to too much wine. They are to teach what is good and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self controlled, pure, working at home, kind and submissive to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be reviled." Titus 2:3-5</i></div>
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Of course, all of the scripture is a tool for men and women to learn how to love, obey and glorify God, but sometimes a specific word is given specifically to women, men, children, etc. Titus 2 is a great place to start in figuring out what some of the basic things are that should be on our plate in order to have a well-rounded appetite for the things of God in His design for womanhood.</div>
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This is a blog, not a bible study(and of course we could go much, much deeper)....but I pray as we list a few of the things here, it will cause us to take a second look at our plates. That we will put as much, actually more, emphasis on our spiritual plates as we do our meal plates. That we will begin to prioritize by seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.</div>
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Older women are to teach younger women, and so all Christian women are called to these plates: </div>
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<li>Reverent in behavior (not foolish, not a gossip or a slanderer, but filled with the Spirit rather than too much wine).</li>
<li>Know what is good so they can teach it! Devotion life, prayer life, bible study are key to be a qualified teacher of what is good!</li>
<li>Training other women! Discipleship! Investing in the lives of other women in church, in your or their home, serving other women. Exhibiting genuine Christ-likeness so you can say, "Follow me as I follow Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1)</li>
<li>Love your husband. Fulfill the role of wife that is designed by God. (What a great study that would be...hint, hint). On down in the verse it also says, "kind and submissive to their own husbands." Oh what wisdom and joy there is in doing just those two things!</li>
<li>Love your children. Care for them, nurture them, teach them as you sit in the house and as you walk by the way. That is true love.</li>
<li>Be self-controlled and pure. Walking in the Spirit day by day, resisting the temptations of the flesh</li>
<li>Work at home. Hold on now...don't get crazy on me! No one says you can't have a job outside the home and I know some of you are single and are the only provider. I get that. The mandate here is to make your home a haven, a peaceful refuge for your husband and children.</li>
<li>That the Word of God would not be reviled. That's the big plate, the main course and the dessert all rolled up in to one. Our purpose on this earth is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. All of our plates should be pointing to that one purpose: to glorify God! How we will then enjoy Him! That was Jesus' main goal as well: "My meat is to do the will of the one who sent me." John 4:34 And the Psalmist echos our heart cry, "How sweet are your words to my taste, yes sweeter than the honey to my mouth." Psalm 119:103. Not only that, but Job who had much trial reminds us of this truth:<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> "<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." Job 23:12</span></span></li>
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Are you feeling over-burdened, burned out, stretched too thin? Sweet sister, take a look at the plates you are spinning! And be reminded that what HE calls you to, HE equips you for! The plates He designed for you are healing, nourishing, and energizing! </div>
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Are some of the plates you are spinning keeping you from what He has called you to? </div>
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May be time to put a few plates back on the shelf for now. </div>
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Once we are grounded in His calling for us, we can add some things on: some will be out of necessity, and some, after much prayer, an added blessing! A snack! Let's just be careful not to replace the necessary nutritional things, for the over-processed and false fillers.</div>
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<br />Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-85935027358693834272016-05-14T06:33:00.001-07:002016-05-14T09:18:52.860-07:00Tune my heart to sing Thy grace<br />
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I have been meditating on this line in the song <i>Come Thou Fount</i>...(which I LOVE). <br />
Usually I am drawn to the phrase "prone to wander, Lord I feel it". You too?<br />
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But this week, after sitting with a friend, rejoicing over the trials He has been bringing her through, this line has caught my attention.<br />
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I remember years ago when we had someone come and tune our piano. He was a wonderful older gentleman who immediately saw the opportunity to engage my sweet homeschooling kids. He asked me if I would like him to give the kids a lesson and count it as a homeschool "field trip" while he showed them the ins and outs of the piano and the method of tuning. It was so interesting and the kids were immediately intrigued. He spent time explaining how the piano works, some history about the instrument, and the specific method of large tuning and fine tuning. He was obviously very skilled and uniquely qualified as a master of the workings of a piano. That method of tuning really stood out to me as God began showing me the relation between the time and commitment it takes to tune a piano just right to get the most beautiful sound, and how He works in our lives to mold and make us into the image of Christ. Sometimes large tuning...and a lot of fine tuning!<br />
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He is always tuning us. I know how easily it is for me to get out of tune. The author of the hymn Come Thou Fount evidently had the same sentiment. He knew He needed the Master, the One who made these instruments for His glory, to constantly tune his heart so the melodies of God's grace would come forth in praise. Rightly. In tune.<br />
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So I started asking myself a few things:<br />
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How do we get out of tune?<br />
How did we become an instrument in the first place?<br />
Why do we need to be constantly tuned?<br />
What does it take to tune us?<br />
How does it benefit us?<br />
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Do you ever feel out of tune? Does your praise seem dry and off key? Are you praising at all? Oh don't you want to be tuned by the Master? Don't you want to be used for His glory?<br />
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I'm going to be doing a summer series on this topic regarding being tuned by the Master. Won't you join me? We will be looking at 1 Peter, Psalm 51, Psalm 84 and many other scriptures in the journey of being instruments of His grace! I hope you will join me!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise!"</span>Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-65947822019029257832016-02-24T10:11:00.000-08:002016-02-24T10:11:27.721-08:00Book Review: The Gentle Art of Discipling Women<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<br />From the back cover:<div>
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<i>"Does Jesus' call to 'Go and make disciples' seem a little intimidating? You're not alone! Let seasoned discipler Dana Yeakley mentor you on this incredible journey of discipleship. Dana knows that discipling women can be overwhelming- but she's seen how our amazing God works and knows the He has uniquely designed you to disciple other women."</i><br />
I was excited to review this book on the topic of discipleship as it is something very close to my heart...not only as a pastor's wife, but as a woman of God desiring to obey what God has commanded me to do.<br />
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Most Christians have a tender heart toward missions and the gospel, but often we forget the foundational call in both of those areas: discipleship! In Matthew 28, where Jesus gave the disciples (and us) the great commission, it was to go and make disciples! <br />
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<i><b><span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24211X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24211X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Go therefore and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24211Y" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24211Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>make disciples of <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24211Z" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24211Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>all nations, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24211AA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24211AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>baptizing them <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24211AB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24211AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>in <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24211AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24211AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-ESV-24212" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>teaching them <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24212AD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24212AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>to observe all that <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24212AE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24212AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I have commanded you. And behold, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24212AF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24212AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I am with you always, to <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24212AG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24212AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the end of the age.</span></span></b></i><br />
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When God does that miraculous work of drawing us to Himself through the Holy Spirit by the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, we become His disciples...His followers. We dig into the Word, we learn all we can about God and His character, we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and He shows us how to become conformed to the image of Christ! And as we grow in the Word, prayerfully, there will be those more mature in the faith, to lead us by example of how to walk as exiles upon this earth. How to be in the world and not of the world. Those who will say, with Paul, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ." (1 Cor. 11:1)<br />
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Sadly, there is a lack of discipleship in many of our churches. Discipleship, meaning, being one who authentically follows Christ and is building, investing into someone else's life.<br />
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There are various ways for discipleship, but all should center around the Word of God. And it should be more than just a bible study, but an apprenticeship or teacher/student relationship. A one on one intimate relationship formed around the Word. We have a beautiful model of this as we see that Jesus taught many, had 12 disciples, and was very close to three. Who better to learn this from than from Christ Himself! It was a model of multiplication and reproduction...and one we see carried out in the early church.<br />
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In this book, Dana Yeakley, lays out as a guide, how to begin discipling for those who are unsure where to start. But, she also explains the why's and the how's. The first half of the book is about being His disciple yourself...an important step in determining if it is your season to disciple or be discipled. The second half is how to make disciples. Each chapter allows you to go deeper with study questions and though-provoking questions. The book is flexible for those who really want to dig in and study the topic and also for those who need a quick refresher and reminder of the call.<br />
<br />
I appreciate the author's emphasis on the importance of the Word, prayer, while also reminding us that discipleship is also an act of walking alongside each other for real life application.<br />
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I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to be a disciple, or one who is looking to obey the call to disciple other women. My recommendation, though, would come with the advice to study the Word and be in prayer primarily, and use this book as only an addition to that. God's Word to us is the greatest manual for learning how to "go and make disciples."<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I was give a free copy of this book by Tyndale for an honest review</span><br />
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-43666228842816256392016-01-06T06:19:00.000-08:002016-01-06T06:19:31.956-08:00Who, what, when, where, why and how!<b><br /></b>
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<b>30-Day Revive our Hearts Reading Challenge</b><br />
<b>Day 2: Hey, That’s Mine! </b><br />
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“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the
division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and
intentions of the heart.” —Hebrews 4:12 ESV<br />
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It’s fun to check emails—to see if friends have written us or if a special message has arrived—
but imagine if someone else read your messages all the time and then just passed along parts
of them to you. After a while, you’d likely say, “Hey! I want to read those messages myself,
thank you!”<br />
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It’s the same with Scripture reading. Perhaps you’ve heard lots of sermons or read
books about the Bible. That’s great, but it’s not the same as reading the Bible yourself. It is
God’s love letter to you; it’s meant to be personal.<br />
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When you read a letter, you notice who wrote it, but also what they said, when they wrote it,
perhaps where they were when they wrote, and even why they wrote. Follow that same
observation technique as you read the Bible. Ask the questions, “Who, what, when, where,
why, and how?” Look for the people involved. Look for the subject, event, or action. Try to
determine when and where the verses were written. Determine why God wanted you to hear
this message.<br />
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Finally, ask questions for application, like: “How does this apply to my life?” “How can I change
my thinking or behavior so it lines up with biblical truth?” “How does God want me to respond?”
Ask the Holy Spirit to be your teacher and give you insight and wisdom. In this way, you’re not
just getting into the Word; the Word is getting into you!
The Word of God is alive and powerful (Heb. 4:12), and God will use it to transform your life.<br />
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Keep on reading; keep on listening; keep on growing!<br />
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<b>Action Step:</b> As you read the Bible today, ask yourself application questions like the ones
above.<br />
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© Used with permission. http://www.ReviveOurHearts.com
Info@ReviveOurHearts.comShelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-45194727795468035362016-01-05T08:05:00.000-08:002016-01-05T08:05:14.593-08:00Resolved 2016I'm a little late on the New Year Resolutions thing...and this isn't a blog about keeping or not keeping them!<br />
But the number one question I get from ladies of all ages has something to do with what bible study plan I use or if I can recommend a good plan for reading through the Bible.<br />
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I'm not big on New Year's Resolutions either, but the beginning of a new year does seem a good time to a spiritual check-up. Here is a great start for that:<a href="https://soundcloud.com/revive-our-hearts/a-spiritual-checkup?utm_content=buffer6a506&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer">https://soundcloud.com/revive-our-hearts/a-spiritual-checkup?utm_content=buffer6a506&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer</a><br />
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Usually, during those times of seeking God to show us areas we have slacked on, a big one is our time in the Word. As His children, we know the importance of spending time with Him. And He is faithful to lovingly draw us back through the conviction of the Holy Spirit when our world has gotten caught up in misplaced priorities.<br />
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I wanted to provide you all with a list of great resources for Bible reading this year. This list has something for everyone. And even if you are already a seasoned woman of the Word, we all need encouragement to dig in and grow and not to get complacent.<br />
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I also will be following Revive Our Hearts 30- Day Bible Reading Challenge. You can join me here on the blog or on my Facebook page Living Out God's Design.<br />
With this challenge, you will use whatever Bible Reading system you have in place or are looking to implement. The challenge will encourage you each day to dig deeper in the Word with some practical applications regarding your reading for the day.<br />
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I pray this is the year we all grow more and more in love with God and His letter to us. That we will know and understand better who He is and consequently, then, grow<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Peter 3:18</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You can go here for the best resource of bible reading plans I have found: <a href="http://www.ligonier.org/blog/bible-reading-plans/">Bible Reading Plans</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">And here is Day 1 of the Revive Our Hearts Bible Reading Challenge:</span><br />
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Day 1: What You’ll Find Between the Covers<br />
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We’re so glad you have taken the challenge to read the Bible daily for the next thirty days. It’s
going to be a true challenge, because it won’t always be easy. But as with most worthwhile
choices in life, you won’t regret it. God will use Scripture to help you know Him better and to
discover His wonderful plan for all mankind—His plan for YOU! As you get into His Word, you’ll
begin to see how all of it fits together, with the wonderful story of God’s redemption woven
through each and every book.<br />
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As you read, verse by verse and chapter by chapter, you’ll begin to sense God speaking to
your heart. He may give you some marching instructions for your day or awaken you to a truth
you’ve never seen before or show you an area of your heart or mind that He wants to
transform so He can make you more like Jesus.<br />
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So let’s get started.<br />
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“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” —Proverbs
30:5 ESV<br />
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We hope you’re enjoying your time reading the Scriptures. No matter where you read, you’ll
find that God’s Word is an extremely practical, relevant, and timeless book.<br />
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Use what you learn from Bible characters’ examples—good and bad—to challenge your own
walk with God. Life’s struggles aren’t meant to discourage us, but to help us grow as we apply
the truth of His Word. Some of the stories in the Bible will be familiar to you, but ask God to
help you read with fresh eyes. You may see something you’ve never considered before! Let
Scripture reading become your daily delight . . . the joy and song of your heart.<br />
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If you’ve chosen to read through the Bible from beginning to end, you’ll discover that the first
books are foundational. Genesis is the book of first things. It teaches us about the origin of our
world as well as the early history of God’s people. Many of the things you see in our world
today—especially the ugly consequences of sin and the struggles between nations of people—
are a result of what happened in that early history.<br />
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History, poetry, romance, prophecy, wisdom literature . . . there’s so much to discover between
the covers of God’s book, and it is all “profitable” for us (2 Tim. 3:16). It’s our prayer that your
biggest discovery will be that God and His plan for the world is much bigger than you can
imagine.<br />
<br />
30-Day Bible Reading Challenge
© Used with permission. http://www.ReviveOurHearts.com
Info@ReviveOurHearts.com
Keep up your reading, with joy!
Action Step: Today as you read, look for something you never knew before or for something
that speaks to a personal need.Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-50615899188228322902015-07-04T09:06:00.000-07:002015-07-04T09:06:49.580-07:00Movie Review: War Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white;">"From the award-winning creators of <strong style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Fireproof</strong> and <strong style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Courageous</strong>comes <strong style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">WAR ROOM</strong>, a compelling drama with humor and heart that explores the power that prayer can have on marriages, parenting, careers, friendships, and every other area of our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Tony and Elizabeth Jordan have it all—great jobs, a beautiful daughter, and their dream house. But appearances can be deceiving. Tony and Elizabeth Jordan’s world is actually crumbling under the strain of a failing marriage. While Tony basks in his professional success and flirts with temptation, Elizabeth resigns herself to increasing bitterness. But their lives take an unexpected turn when Elizabeth meets her newest client, Miss Clara, and is challenged to establish a “war room” and a battle plan of prayer for her family. As Elizabeth tries to fight for her family, Tony’s hidden struggles come to light. Tony must decide if he will make amends to his family and prove Miss Clara’s wisdom that victories don’t come by accident.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Opening nationwide in theaters August 28 and filled with more of the authentic characters loved by millions in previous Kendrick Brothers’ films, <strong style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">WAR ROOM</strong> is a vivid reminder that prayer is a powerful weapon."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">A refreshing and thought provoking film centered around the power of prayer. You won't be disappointed in this new film by the Kendrick brothers and you will walk away with a desire to clean out a room or closet for the specific use of prayer! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I was thankful that the movie did not delve in to any of the new trends of mysticism in prayer, but held to the biblical truths of crying out to God in repentance and trusting Him and His sovereign rule in all things. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I was also thankful for the mighty example of a Titus 2 woman in mentoring and seeking the Lord as to how she could invest and make a difference in the lives of other women through the power of prayer. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I would advise parents to watch the movie alone to discern whether or not it is appropriate for children. There are some thematic elements that may not be suitable for the younger ones in your family.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>In Theaters on August 28th, 2015</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">*I was invited and given two tickets to a pre-screening of War Room by Affirm Films</span></div>
Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-30503903799433998482015-04-16T17:48:00.000-07:002015-04-16T17:48:55.410-07:00Book Review: Nobody's Cuter Than You<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">"There is nothing as precious in life as a friend who knows you and loves you in spite of yourself. Yet over the last couple of decades, we’ve substituted the joy of real friendship with cheap imitations. We settle for “community” on Facebook and Twitter and a series of text messages that allow us to communicate with someone without the commitment. We like each other’s beautifully filtered photos on Instagram and delude ourselves into believing we have a community. But real friendship requires effort. It’s showing up, laughing loud, and crying hard. It’s forgiving and loving and giving the benefit of the doubt. It’s making a casserole, doing a carpool pickup, and making sure she knows those cute shoes are 50 percent off. Written in the same comedic style as the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">New York Times</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> bestsellers </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Sparkly Green Earrings</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">The Antelope in the Living Room</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Nobody’s Cuter than You</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> is a laugh-out-loud look at the special bond that exists between friends and a poignant celebration of all the extraordinary people God had the good sense to bring into our lives at exactly the right moments. From the friendships we develop over a lifetime to the ones that wounded us and the ones that taught us to love better, Melanie Shankle reveals the influence our friends have on who we were, who we are, and who we will become. And on a day when our jeans feel too tight, our chins have decided to embrace hormone-related acne reminiscent of our teen years, and our kids have tested the limits of our sanity, they are the ones who will look at us and say, “Nobody’s cuter than you!”</span></i><br />
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I loved every second of reading this book! Sometimes you just need a feel good book for the beach, car trip, or a rainy day! This is definitely that book. I was surprised and thrilled to find out that the author had two bestselling books prior to this one: <i>Sparkly Green Earrings</i> and <i>The Antelope in the Living Room. </i> I will be ordering both of these books!</div>
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To be honest, I prefer to use my precious spare time reading biographies of great Christian men and women, or books that will enhance my main reading of the Scripture. But, for some reason, when offered the opportunity to review a book called <i>Nobody's Cuter Than You</i> I was powerless to refuse. I love stories of friendship and have even spoken a time or two on the subject at ladies conferences. What a wonderful surprise that, though this book is not intended to be theological in nature, it is a beautiful picture of exactly how God has ordained that we look at friendship. Sacrifice, unconditional love, and preferring others over ourselves oozes out of the sweet and poignant stories that flow through this book. And there is a beautiful undertone of the gospel threaded through the pages.</div>
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I was, at all times while reading this book, either smiling, laughing or pushing back the tears. When I got to the last page, I closed the book quickly in denial knowing that as soon as I read that last paragraph it would be over. I can't wait to read the other two titles and I look forward to passing these books on to my girls and my girlfriends.</div>
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Need some light but deep-hearted reading for the beach this summer? Get in line for this book! (I say that because, last time I looked, it was already out of stock!). If you live near me I <i>might</i> let you borrow my copy! :)</div>
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*I was provided a free copy of this book by Tyndale Publishing in exchange for an honest review</div>
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></i>Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-90945382034876938732015-03-16T09:18:00.000-07:002015-03-16T09:18:50.855-07:00Book Review: From Good to Grace-Letting Go of the Goodness Gospel<br />
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I was so excited to be part of the launch team for Christine Hoover's new book <i>From Good to Grace</i>!<br />
At the time when I committed to be a part and all that that entailed, I had no idea all that God was doing and working in me-in His perfect sovereignty-to prepare my heart to receive the message in this book.<br />
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The launch of the book was to be on March 3, my birthday. I had plenty of time to read the book, send out a few tweets with the launch hashtag, prepare for the guest post by Christine, and have my review of the book written and posted on my website by launch date. According to <i>my</i> timeline...not His.<br />
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Without boring you on the particulars, let's just say my life got overloaded in a big way! Activities, family matters, sickness (oh stomach bug...why?), hospitals, funerals, women's conference, fundraisers, graduation planning meetings...and that all on top of my duties at home of homeschooling, homemaking, being a help meet and my serving at our church as Pastor's wife, worship leader and teaching a women's bible study class. Are you tired just from reading that?<br />
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This really is not my norm. Yes, my life is filled...but in a good way with all God has intended for me. But, providentially, all this ^ happened while I was reading from Good to Grace.<br />
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I love grace. God's grace is a treasure, a balm, a comfort and a promise I cling to. I know it, I embrace it, and I bask in it. I know that salvation is all of God. I know that I had absolutely nothing but unrighteousness to offer to God...and I know that out of His great love He sent His Son...the only One who could keep the covenant of the law and grace simultaneously when He died upon the cross for my sin and was resurrected to the praise and the glory of God! I know salvation, justification, sanctification and glorification is all of Him! And I am so thankful!<br />
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So, I was excited to read this new book for, what I thought, would be an aid to help me in conveying that true gospel in obedience to Matthew 28. I know there are many inside and outside the church that are trying to get to God and secure salvation through works and by their own merit. I know that there is sadly some false teaching in our churches today that promotes a 'to-do" list and rules that must be kept to gain heaven. And this book is full of the truth of the real gospel. The gospel of Truth and of grace.<br />
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What I didn't expect was to be called out early on in the first few chapters, admonished by Truth, that though I have trusted in Christ alone for my salvation, I am guilty of, at times, living out my day to day through a goodness gospel! As if Christ was enough to save me, but now the rest is up to me? I actually "know" that not to be the case. I "know" that I can only do all things through Christ (Phil. 4:13) and it is by His strength and power we are able to walk in a manner worthy of our calling (Col 1:9-10). So why do I sometimes slip back in to a works-based day to day walk? Why do I feel guilty if I don't "do" something someone wants me to do? Or fulfill a role that is not filled? Or volunteer for EVERYTHING? Because I sometimes slip back in to the goodness gospel by believing that I am my performance. <br />
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In her book, Christine Hoover reminds us that, "In Christ, I am not my performance." She writes,<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Lato, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24.480001449585px;">“The gospel ransoms me from my prison of performance. In Christ, I am not my performance. This is perhaps the first and most important freedom I’ve received in Christ. Grace frees me from a focus on self and all the sins and burdens that come along with it: selfishness, insecurity, pride, trying to prove myself worthy, seeking love and approval, fear of not being enough. Like a giant wave, the gospel rises above this petty focus on self, crushing every facet of our selfishness and self-centeredness. We no longer need to seek our own honor and worth because we are loved by Love himself…This is the explosive power of the gospel: it frees us from ourselves and enables us to live for God and for the sake of others.” (p. 117-118).</span><br />
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The whole book points constantly and consistently to the sufficiency of Christ. I love that. There is nothing in this book that points to Christine, and she over and over again points to Him and all that He has done in her life with a transparency and a tenderness that could only have come from Him.<br />
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I could just literally quote the whole book here as I had to put down my highlighter as I found I was highlighting entire pages! You just need to get this book and read it. Savor it. I thank God that He allowed me to go through a time of intense busyness where I felt completely weak and insufficient to carry out all He had for me <i>right</i> in the midst of reading this book. I am thankful that He gave me eyes, ears and a heart to see, hear and feel the message He had for me in this book with my bible open alongside. I pray you will read it that way as well and let Him wash over you anew with His grace that is intended for every part and every day of your life. My prayer is that you, and I, and Christine will all preach the gospel of Christ to ourselves EVERY DAY in EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE in EVERY DUTY that we accomplish for Him and for His glory! <br />
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Get your copy here: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MBTYBPI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00MBTYBPI&linkCode=as2&tag=joyfdays-20&linkId=7VNVMXJMTK4NO2NA">From Good to Grace: Letting Go of the Goodness Gospel</a><br />
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-73871053995456103222015-03-06T16:25:00.001-08:002015-03-06T16:25:26.588-08:00Guest post by Christine HooverI am so excited to be reviewing the book <i>From Good to Grace: Letting Go of the Goodness Gospe</i>l by Christine Hoover! My review of the book is coming soon. In the meantime, enjoy this guest post by Christine. You will love her heart for Truth, her transparency, and boldness in speaking the Truth in love. Book review spoiler alert: you are going to LOVE this book that is rooted deep in the gospel of Christ and the grace of God!<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Good,
Bye </b></span></span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Christine
Hoover (</span></span><a href="https://twitter.com/christinehoover"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>@christinehoover</u></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">)
is an author, a recovering perfectionist, the wife of a pastor, and a
mom of three boys. She writes online at </span></span><a href="http://www.gracecoversme.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>www.GraceCoversMe.com</u></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
and has contributed to Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition,
Christianity Today, Send Network, and iBelieve. Her newest book, </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>From
Good to Grace: Letting Go of the Goodness Gospel</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">,
offers women biblical freedom from trying to “be good enough”.
The following is an excerpt from the first chapter of the book. You
can read the entire chapter </span></span><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/book-resources/files/Excerpt_9780801016677.pdf?1420817432"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>here</u></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">.
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’ve
been obsessed with being good and performing all of my life.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Hello,
my name is Christine. I’m a goodness addict.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
was born with a list in my hand, or at least that’s how early I
imagine it started. I came by it honestly—my mom’s response to
everything my sister and I needed as children, whether shampoo from
the store or help with a school project, was always, “Make a list!”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So
I did. I made list after list—of library books for summer reading,
of boys that I liked, of songs to record from the radio on my tape
recorder, of necessities to pack for overnight camp, of must-haves in
my future husband, even of outfits for the first month of eighth
grade so as not to repeat and make a fashion faux pas of infinite
proportion.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
don’t just make lists. I am </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>that</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
person, the one who adds a task to a list just to experience the
satisfaction of crossing it off, the one who makes lists for my
lists.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’m
a perfectionist.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There
was a time when I would have said that with pride, but not anymore.
Perfectionism has not been a friend to me. Sure, my house is
organized and my budget spreadsheet is up-to-date, but when
perfectionism is applied to the spiritual needs of the heart, it’s
called legalism. And </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>legalism</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
is a fancy word for an obsession with goodness. It’s a belief that
good things come from God to those who are good. And it’s a belief
that you can actually be good enough to get to God on your own.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
became a Christian at age eight. From that point, or more accurately
from the point in middle school when I started having “quiet times”
according to my youth minister’s instructions, until my late
twenties, I spent the majority of my Christian life striving—striving
for perfection, for God’s favor, for the approval of others, and
for the joy and freedom that the Bible spoke of yet completely eluded
me.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At
an early age, I fell for perfectionism’s lie that I could be good
enough to win God’s heart and the approval of others. I sought joy,
peace, and love through being good and, instead, found myself
miserably enslaved to my own unattainable standards.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This
was my understanding of what it meant to be a Christian: If I do good
things, then God is pleased. If I do things wrong, then he is angry.
This is actually the basis of every religion on earth </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>except
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Christianity,
this idea of a scale where the good must outweigh the bad in order to
be right with God. I had religion down pat, but the religion I
practiced wasn’t true and biblical Christianity. On the outside I
appeared to be a good Christian, but on the inside I felt unlovable
and was riddled with guilt about my inability to please God.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unfortunately
for me, a large part of a goodness obsession is an addiction to self.
Goodness is evaluated by activity, completed tasks, responses from
others, and results. It requires a focus on appearance and image and
maintaining some semblance of religious behavior. Goodness required
that I control my environment with military precision, hide my
weaknesses, and compare myself with others or my own arbitrary
standards. Goodness fed both my pride and my self-condemnation and
kept me relationally isolated.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
other part of a goodness addiction, I discovered in my twenties, is a
faulty understanding of who God is and what he expects from His
children. I only saw God through perfectionism’s filter. He was
gray. He had no patience for my mistakes, forever glaring at me with
a scowl on His face. He sighed a lot. If I was extra-good, He </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>might</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
manage to crack a smile. He was one-dimensional, disengaged,
unaffectionate, and I absolutely feared him. </span></span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
knew nothing about grace.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
knew nothing about forgiveness.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
knew nothing about the true gospel, because a goodness addiction
completely overtakes the heart and mind, leaving no room for truth.
It enslaves and cannibalizes itself. It becomes an all-encompassing
religion, closing tightly around one’s soul. It led me down paths
of depression and despair.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And
it became my gospel.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
lived according to that gospel–what I now call the goodness
gospel–for far too long, precisely because I didn’t know the </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>true</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
gospel’s reach. I believed that faith was effective for salvation
but only self-effort could produce my sanctification. Now I know
differently. God has taken me on a ten-year exploration of grace and
sanctification and faith, and I am not the girl I once was. I live in
the freedom that Christ was won for me.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now
that I know differently, I also have eyes to see the goodness gospel
covertly worming its way into hearts of believers, and I see its
destructive effects. </span></span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
the Christian culture, there seems to be great confusion and even
pressure that we women feel about what we should be doing and why we
should be doing it. The confusion touches decisions about education,
family, eating and drinking, work, hobbies, community involvement,
and even whether one should volunteer when the sign-up sheet is
passed around again at church. </span></span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
pressure grows when choices are wrapped in spiritual or
more-spiritual terms. We see it everywhere: Do something great!
Follow your dreams! Make a difference for the kingdom! Be missional
and in community! For the gospel-confused, that too often translates
into: I’m not doing enough, what I’m doing isn’t making a
difference, and I’ve got to create my own and my neighbor’s own
and my children’s own and everyone’s own life transformation.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>From
Good to Grace: Letting Go of the Goodness Gospel</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
is a book for women like I was, who long to please God but fear they
never will. It's for the woman drowning in self-condemnation, the
woman afraid to be vulnerable with others because she's so fully
aware of her imperfections, and the woman who craves but can't seem
to grasp the freedom and joy that Jesus promised His followers.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Instead
of asking "What does God want </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>from</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
us?", </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>From
Good to Grace </i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">asks,
"What does God want </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>for
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">us?"
The book illustrates how we confuse being good and trying hard--the
goodness gospel--with the true gospel, which is really about
</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>receiving
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">the
grace and love that Jesus offers us and </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>responding
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">with
our lives by the Holy Spirit's help. It’s my prayer that through it
you discover it's possible to know God's love, live in peace and
freedom, and serve others with great joy. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Because
God has something so much greater for you than trying to be good
enough.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Purchase
your copy today on </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/From-Good-Grace-Letting-Goodness/dp/0801016673/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1421080821&sr=8-1"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Amazon</u></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">,
</span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/from-good-to-grace-christine-hoover/1119744187?ean=9780801016677"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Barnes
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</span></span><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/from-good-grace-letting-goodness-gospel/christine-hoover/9780801016677/pd/016677?product_redirect=1&Ntt=016677&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Christianbook.com</u></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">,
or </span></span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/from-good-to-grace/id905960359?mt=11"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>iTunes</u></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
and discover the gospel’s reach in your own life.</span></span></span></div>
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-70659514412692530622015-02-17T10:59:00.002-08:002015-02-17T10:59:29.128-08:00Wisdom and Reader's DigestI really enjoy Reader's Digest. I always have and a friend of mine gets me a subscription for it every year for Christmas! I also love bubble baths! Bubble baths and Reader's Digest go together like peanut butter and jelly, donuts and coffee, salt and pepper and Batman and Robin. I mean it is the perfect size book to read in the bathtub. Easy to handle, it folds in half for one hand holding, and it doesn't matter if you accidentally drop it and it gets wet! It also is much more relaxing a read, with short little encouraging stories and some fun and clean humor sections, than my usual theological bible study selections.<br />
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I was recently having one of these rare evenings where Jeff was home and was guarding the bathroom door armed and ready to tackle all the questions and interruptions that seem to always surface the minute I close the bathroom door! By the time the water had filled up the tub, he had already fended off the "where is mom?!?" questions, thwarted an attempt to sneak out of kitchen duty, and circumvented a possible "we can get away with it-Dad's reading the news" coo. I listened for the sounds of bickering or the house falling down...but it was quiet! My hero had secured the gate and was standing guard! Ahhhh...nice hot bath and the Reader's Digest!<br />
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I don't usually read the Reader's Digest from front cover to back. I usually head right for Life in these United States or quotable quotes. It takes a little time to decompress from the day before I am ready to dig in to such heady stuff as "The Dog Who Became the Dog Whisperer" or "8 Clever Shortcuts to Peel & Slice". For some reason, this night, I started at the front. Quickly thumbed past the Geico ad and the contents page and landed on the Editor's Note. I don't usually read that either.<br />
But, the headline was "Wisdom Begins in Wonder" -Socrates. Thanks to some of that usual reading of theological books and my treasured Bible, that statement immediately made me go<br />
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The editor began to list things that had filled her with wonder lately. I have to give her a little credit...some of them do fill me with wonder too: Sunsets, people who can make people laugh and the red color a Japanese Maple turns in October(not that I have ever seen one, but still...), chocolate with nuts, and how that in the very same day she can ache with grief, mist with gratitude, and giggle at the sun. But just like so many things written today, the enemy has infiltrated in unknowing (sometimes knowing) people these kinds of humanistic thoughts that are 90% untruth with just a little splash of Truth. This article reminded me how important it is to know what God's Word says, hide it in our hearts and minds, so we are ready to give an answer and deflect and defeat the lies of the enemy! For example, where the Bible says wisdom begins is the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). Oh, but it sounds so good, Socrates, to say "Wisdom Begins in Wonder!" So much more palatable for our feeble little hearts and minds. The prince of this world wants to take glory from God, and in this instance, make men believe that they can be wise in their own eyes. No one is truly wise, whether they are full of wonder or not, until God has regenerated them and they are walking in the wisdom of God. And in the fear of God, which is the awe and reverence of being reconciled to God as His children!</div>
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So, the editor recommended that the readers make their own list of things that fill them with wonder. Here are a few of mine:</div>
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*That God created everything in 6 days</div>
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*That that creation is beautiful, in color, and unfathomable in design</div>
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*That He made man in His own image and desired fellowship with us</div>
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*Grace...</div>
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*The way He chose to keep His covenant with us</div>
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*That Christ-fully God, came to earth-fully man. Kept the whole law, never sinned,</div>
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was tempted in every way we are, experienced our hurts, joys, and sorrows.</div>
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*How He fulfilled the covenant of works and grace with His death, burial, and resurrection</div>
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*How we are clothed in Christ's righteousness when all our righteousness was as filthy rags</div>
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*How He hasn't left us alone because of His Holy Spirit working in and through us</div>
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*That He has chosen us for good works</div>
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*That He has chosen us. Period.</div>
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*How we were created to bring Him glory and to enjoy Him now and forevermore</div>
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Just to name a few! I bet you can add a lot more to this list! Leave your thoughts in the comments!</div>
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Sorry Mrs. Editor and Socrates. You both got that one wrong.</div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." Prov. 9:10</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"And he said to the human race, "The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding." Job. 28:28</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise." Psalm 111:10</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Prov. 1:7</span></div>
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-89083846533507331812014-10-26T12:16:00.000-07:002014-10-26T12:16:07.266-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>We interrupt this blog for a wedding!!</b></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hCjxfME00I/VE1GRcSr0lI/AAAAAAAAAwk/GoSCKueAsOo/s1600/IMG_1715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hCjxfME00I/VE1GRcSr0lI/AAAAAAAAAwk/GoSCKueAsOo/s1600/IMG_1715.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I will be taking a break from the blog to focus my time and energy on being with and helping my sweet daughter, Schaeffer, plan the wedding where she will marry the love of her life!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Here's the video if you missed it!!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Thanks for all your love, prayers and well wishes! Be back in November/December with pictures, updates and more of all that God is teaching me as I, through His power and strength, live out His design!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Shelley</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-49939912962623682912014-10-10T12:48:00.000-07:002014-10-10T12:48:24.243-07:00Book Review: Songs of a Suffering KingEver have those days when things are so tough that your overwhelming urge is that you must get alone and get into God's Word? I need His Word daily...hourly...moment by moment. But some days, in the midst of chaos, confusion, trial or testing, my heart cries out, "go to the Word!" I would say 99% of the time that happens I head straight to the Psalms. The Psalms have always brought me so much comfort and seem to mirror so many of my heartaches, joys or sorrows. They are so...real. So, it was eye-opening for me to read, in the new book <i>Songs of A Suffering King</i>, that<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Sadly, the Psalms no longer have a place of prominence in the worship of the broader church or even with many Reformed churches. Perhaps part of the reason of this dearth of the Psalms is the church's unfamiliarity with this wonderful, divinely inspired hymnbook." </span></i></div>
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That statement really surprised and saddened me. I am thankful that from a young age I was taught to cherish the Psalms and that our church regularly reads and sings the Psalms as a congregation. I am also grateful for this book written by J.V. Fesko. It didn't take me long to become engulfed in this easy to read devotional type book that just leads you through Psalm 1-8, while pointing out the beauty of seeing the centrality of Christ throughout. <br />
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The author's desire to show the importance of the Psalms and the beauty of the context within them shines through as he exhorts the reader to not cease to plumb the depths of truth and comfort<br />
laid out in them for us.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MNaGKJiRVgA/VDgv2g0_GVI/AAAAAAAAAvI/6yUj5aOkS6k/s1600/Songs-of-A-Suffering-King-Large-100x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MNaGKJiRVgA/VDgv2g0_GVI/AAAAAAAAAvI/6yUj5aOkS6k/s1600/Songs-of-A-Suffering-King-Large-100x150.jpg" height="320" title="" width="212" /></a>It's no wonder to me, that during some of my most trying times, the Spirit graciously leads me to read the Psalms. With Christ at the center of this inspired Word, we are called to find our strength and comfort through the One who can relate to all trials. The One who became flesh for us and was tempted as we are (Hebrews 4:15) and who understands our joys and our sorrows. The One who showed us the way from suffering to glory! What better comfort is there?</div>
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<i>Songs of a Suffering King </i>is a great place to start if you are getting acquainted with the Psalms or a great supplement if you are a regular student of the "grand Christ hymn". The book not only highlights the first eight books, but also includes a metrical version of each Psalm and short devotional questions for further study. </div>
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"<i>Christians know they need instruction not only to pray but also to sing. By tracing the narrative of Christ in the opening eight Psalms of the Psalter, this book helps me pray while I sing and sing while I pray. I've learned not only to hear Christ in each Psalm, but I also begin to sing under the aegis of Christ, the chief musician." Gerald M. Bilkes</i></div>
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<i>Songs of a Suffering King </i>was provided to me by Reformation Heritage Books and Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for an honest review.</div>
Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-41818147996682200572014-09-29T16:49:00.000-07:002014-09-29T17:33:39.451-07:00Book Review and Giveaway!I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when I got the offer to review this book. I like Duck Dynasty, but I've never been a huge fan and it's not something I would <i>willingly</i> watch without coercion! But, I know lots of people that love them and I do appreciate their values and willingness to take a stand in a world where there are way too many who won't. And it's a children's book. Seeing that I have so many children :) I thought it would be great to review it and see how it went over with mine. And since I do know what the Robertsons stand for, I knew that it would be one book I wouldn't have to scour first before I let my kids read it if I couldn't get to it right away.<br />
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So, a little background to set the stage of our encounter with Willie's Redneck Time Machine.<br />
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We home school and we use the curriculum called <a href="http://www.robinsoncurriculum.com/">Robinson Curriculum</a>. We love it and one of the things we love the most is the great literature for the reading requirements. Most of the days the kids do their two hours of reading on their own, but we enjoy reading aloud together as well, so at least one day a week we have a book we are reading together as a family. When this book came in the mail, I decided it might be a fun diversion from our more scholarly reading. Fun diversion? This book is a hoot! My skepticism is long gone and we simply can't put the book down! Written by John Luke Robertson, son of Willie Robinson, this book leads you through a series of stories and scenarios that keep you guessing what could possibly come next. Well, here-the back cover describes it the best:<br />
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<i> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Willie's Redneck Time Machine</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">, you are Willie Robertson, CEO of Duck Commander. When you find a mysterious outhouse in the Duck Commander warehouse, you discover there’s more to it than meets the eye. Soon you’re traveling through time and space, following John Luke to a nineties prom, getting lost in biblical times, and fighting a futuristic war in the year 2319. You and the other Robertsons have crazy adventures, but you need to get back to West Monroe for Korie’s birthday party. Will you make the right choices to get home on time?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Be Your Own Duck Commander series, you get to choose what happens next!</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">My kids were immediately drawn in after the first couple pages when I then read, "Do you step inside the outhouse to check it out yourself? Turn to Page 29. Or do you stay outside and wait to see who's playing a trick on you? Turn to Page 63." I barely got the words out before my kids were all screaming their choice for how they wanted the story to go! We actually had to take a vote to decide. I loved how involved it got them. Not only for their listening skills, but also because the story has some great historical stuff in it that led to questions from the little ones and a display of knowledge about the subject from the older ones. Not all of it is historical as you do end up at prom and a place called Walmazon...but it is all good fun! And, of course, our favorite twists in the story are always when Si shows up somehow with some crazy non-sensical scheme or story.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">In one story, you have the option to turn to a page in <i>Jase and the Deadliest Hunt</i>. The boys were real excited about that one, so I turned to the page to find it wasn't what I thought it was. <i>Jase and the Deadliest Hunt</i> is actually another book in the series! How fun that one book has you finish out the story by turning to a page in another book. In fact, there are four books in the series:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Willie's Redneck Time Machine</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Phil and the Ghost of Camp CH-YO-CA</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Si in Space</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">and<i> Jase and the Deadliest Hunt</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I have not read any of the other books, but if they are anything like <i>Willie's Redneck Time Machine </i>then they are sure to prove to be great fun. We have had a great time reading it and I've even caught my kids looking for it for after school recreational reading!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I'm excited to announce that Tyndale sent me an extra book to give away to one of my readers! This would be a great gift for Christmas or just fun to have for a read aloud for your family! If you would like to enter to win, follow the instructions below!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>*Tyndale provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a38c06021/" id="rc-a38c06021" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script></span></div>
<br />Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-24202939599470307712014-09-18T08:52:00.000-07:002014-09-18T08:52:21.661-07:00Book Review: Women of the WordThere are quite a few "titles" I have been adding to my list of ways I would love for people, but mostly God, to describe me: Worshipper, faithful follower of Christ, Help-meet, godly mother....and definitely a woman of the Word.<br />
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I was so excited to see this book by Jen Wilkin come out. Even more excited when asked to review it. I have many people ask me for recommendations of good books, and specifically, good books for women. While any great theological, biblically sound book is equally useful for men and women, I was intrigued by a book written specifically to women calling and challenging them to be Women of the Word.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y-nTdrFnwU/VBr6VLY4B6I/AAAAAAAAAtI/UqLy_PypulI/s1600/women-of-the-word.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y-nTdrFnwU/VBr6VLY4B6I/AAAAAAAAAtI/UqLy_PypulI/s1600/women-of-the-word.jpg" /></a>The actual title of the book is <i>Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds. </i>Being a woman, wife, mom of 10, married to a pastor, I know two things: First, because of all those things, I desperately NEED to be a woman of the Word! Second, because of all those things, it is extremely difficult to study the Bible with my heart and my mind! Distraction comes so easily. Time management is a challenge. Being still before God is a struggle. Yet, in order to do all the things He has called me to, I need the power, strength and guidance of His Word. I need the peace and comfort that comes from abiding in Him, strengthened from the root in order to produce fruit that is profitable for His glory and my abundant joy.</div>
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In order to be seeking out His will daily in our lives we need more than a sermon on Sunday morning. We need more than some emotional songs that give us temporary uplifting. We even need more than reading a verse here and there as some sort of vitamin for our biblically malnourished souls! We need to know WHO God is, WHAT He has done, and HOW He accomplishes His will in order to rightly be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only. What a privilege it is for those who are in Christ, to have the Holy Spirit whose work is to illuminate the scriptures for us, convict and comfort God's children! Becoming a Woman of the Word stands firmly on that privilege and takes advantage of the abundance of blessings and promises God has ordained for us.<br />
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You won't be disappointed in this book to lead you to this point. Jen Wilkin does a wonderful job of diagnosing our spiritual illiteracy and outlines a wonderful structure for personal discipleship. With chapter titles of: <br />
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<ul>
<li>Study with Purpose</li>
<li>Study with Perspective</li>
<li>Study with Patience</li>
<li>Study with Process</li>
<li>Study with Prayer</li>
<li>and Pulling It All Together</li>
</ul>
she clearly lays out a clear direction to get you started in becoming a true disciple and studier of the Word. You will love the Pulling It All Together chapter as she even gives a great example of how to actually do somewhat of inductive bible study and how it fleshes out the passage. If nothing else, Women of the Word is a great diagnostic tool to measure your spiritual thirst against the things of the world that drown out God's will for your life.<br />
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Does becoming a Woman of the Word take time? Yes, yes it does! Can you think of <i>anything</i> in your life more important than seeking Him first? I can't.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Jen Wilkin. </span><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Women-Word-Study-Bible-Hearts/dp/1433541769/?tag=thegospcoal-20" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #78b147; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds</a></em><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2014. 160 pp. $12.99.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(I was given a free copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.)</span></i></span>Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-77142766337908618182014-09-09T16:01:00.000-07:002015-08-28T07:19:28.537-07:00Of Mice and Cookies...and milk.My kids and I always loved the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IVnN2cah6nE/VA9aG02qRcI/AAAAAAAAAsM/vDVzoQDdozQ/s1600/give%2Ba%2Bmouse%2Ba%2Bcookie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IVnN2cah6nE/VA9aG02qRcI/AAAAAAAAAsM/vDVzoQDdozQ/s1600/give%2Ba%2Bmouse%2Ba%2Bcookie.jpeg" /></a>They are all too big for it now, but I'm saving my copy for grand babies! And, I'm seriously considering writing a companion book called If You Learn to Stand on the Promises(or something catchy that one of my amazing friends comes up with)! Just like that mouse and his cookie eating chain of events, <span style="text-align: right;">when we start learning God's Word and the promises He has given His children (see intro post </span><a href="http://livingoutgodsdesign.blogspot.com/2014/08/a-friend-full-of-promises.html">here</a>),it becomes a catalyst to an amazing chain of events in the Christian life! </div>
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The whole concept of cause and effect is such a great learning/teaching tool. The story of that mouse is cute and sweet...and, I'm convinced, a plot, along with the Stuart Little thing, to get us to think mice are adorable. Not happening. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhn1cmW1ra4QhKM9XEo9RjkVEqE8UIh-yb33LKevpVWfe2Viukj1eU3kFmmFk5db4T9sBjlwMug2BvfDChbtIaF-e2NDZdeC0aX8uaz2WnKNL9RKuGuMoiwtpMATdR3QiVvA1FqKQn7kSl/s1600/stuart+little.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhn1cmW1ra4QhKM9XEo9RjkVEqE8UIh-yb33LKevpVWfe2Viukj1eU3kFmmFk5db4T9sBjlwMug2BvfDChbtIaF-e2NDZdeC0aX8uaz2WnKNL9RKuGuMoiwtpMATdR3QiVvA1FqKQn7kSl/s1600/stuart+little.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIdaw7ILLDU/VA9djxcOhoI/AAAAAAAAAsc/Q4M2ye4mgwQ/s1600/ugly%2Bmouse.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIdaw7ILLDU/VA9djxcOhoI/AAAAAAAAAsc/Q4M2ye4mgwQ/s1600/ugly%2Bmouse.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Ever.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Anyway...sidetracked...cause and effect! Such a great teaching tool beginning with the best cause and effect of all time! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Because Adam could not keep the covenant of works, sin entered the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Because of that sin, all born in the first Adam were to pay the wages of that sin. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Because of God's great love toward us, He made a way to justify us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Because He sent His only Son(the second Adam) to make atonement for our sin and fulfill the covenant of works and the covenant of Grace, we are covered in His righteousness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Because we are covered in His righteousness, we are no longer enemies of God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Because we are no longer enemies of God, He has called us friend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Because we are His friend, He(Jesus) has made known to us everything He has learned from our Father. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Because He has made everything He has learned from His Father known to us(joint-heirs with Christ), we can stand on the promises of God! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Now, that was a very If You Give a Mouse a Cookie way of showing the cause and effect of the gospel, and those causes and effects are MUCH more detailed, but it is a good starting point for understanding the If/Then's given to us in scripture! And like we said in the previous post, you can't stand on those promises if you don't know them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">First If/Then:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>IF you are God's child, then you will desire to read His love letter to you</b>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"...if anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me." John 14:23-24</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Let me add, sincerely, that, if you do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and desire to understand the gospel of salvation, may I direct you <a href="http://www.spurgeon.org/all_of_g.htm">here</a> for a better understanding of redemption and the gospel? I would also be more than privileged to talk to you personally or through email. (You can message me on the sidebar of this blog).</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Second If/Then:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">IF you read His Word, He will show you His truths and His promises!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified." Acts 20:32</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"All scripture is breathed out by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God might be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Just to name a few!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, I will be adding If/Then promises here on the blog frequently for us to meditate and stand on so we can grow in spirit and in truth!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here is one to whet your appetite!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">"If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you." John 15:7</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTYzsoO8q9Y9zm9J4HqYB9UpQ3onKS3i5kJzQ16Q0Sa7uQEPc49sKZ3nSMyOL6YYEiQBLFjOsXLQl9ERjBgykdX3TPrA6PTkCtFRmzDEv_Q9BCeEzhsAqOK4HfhBRjUol7yhrQxXIYMfx/s1600/cause+and+effect+tree.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTYzsoO8q9Y9zm9J4HqYB9UpQ3onKS3i5kJzQ16Q0Sa7uQEPc49sKZ3nSMyOL6YYEiQBLFjOsXLQl9ERjBgykdX3TPrA6PTkCtFRmzDEv_Q9BCeEzhsAqOK4HfhBRjUol7yhrQxXIYMfx/s1600/cause+and+effect+tree.gif" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">To preclude any worries that I have given over to the prosperity gospel, know that I take God's Word to mean just what it says! If His words are abiding in me, I will want only what God wants. As I abide in Him, I am fed by His perfect Word which transforms me to desire His will and His ways. By this the Father is glorified! By abiding, I am learning what His promises are. The effect? Standing on the promises of God!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to want a glass of milk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">If you learn to stand on the promises, you are going to desire the sincere milk of the Word!</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">"Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the Word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord." 1 Peter 2:2</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">"For </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28804A" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28804A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28804B" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28804B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Amen to God for his glory." 2 Corinthians 1:20</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">(Here is a great little cause/effect chain <a href="http://agustinasutarwono.weebly.com/uploads/1/9/9/6/19967905/img004.jpg">worksheet</a> if you are a visible learner!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">P.S. Pastor hubby told me to include: If Christ was not raised, then our teaching is in vain! (Did not mean to leave that out of the gospel cause and effect! Praising Him that we are saved with Him, justified in Him, buried with Him, raised with Him, and glorified in Him!)</span></div>
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-83712692163090565362014-08-30T13:03:00.003-07:002014-08-30T13:03:34.997-07:00A Friend full of promises<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XjxKh9qH8jI/VAItYu7JjYI/AAAAAAAAArw/n66Xgr8VN_o/s1600/I%2Bhave%2Bcalled%2Byou.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XjxKh9qH8jI/VAItYu7JjYI/AAAAAAAAArw/n66Xgr8VN_o/s1600/I%2Bhave%2Bcalled%2Byou.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We still sing the old hymns at our church. We like them. We like many of the newer Christian songs as well and sing them too. But we still sing Great is Thy Faithfulness, There is Power in the Blood, Blessed Assurance, Amazing Grace...we love them all. But not long ago we sang Standing on the Promises.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Standing on the promises of Christ my King,<br />Through eternal ages let His praises ring,<br />Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,<br />Standing on the promises of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Standing, standing,<br />Standing on the promises of God my Savior;<br />Standing, standing,<br />I’m standing on the promises of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Standing on the promises that cannot fail,<br />When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,<br />By the living Word of God I shall prevail,<br />Standing on the promises of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Standing on the promises I now can see<br />Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;<br />Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,<br />Standing on the promises of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,<br />Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,<br />Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,<br />Standing on the promises of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Standing on the promises I cannot fall,<br />Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call<br />Resting in my Savior as my all in all,<br />Standing on the promises of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I love that song! And I love the promises of God...the ones I know. But how many do I know? I really started to think about it while going through a small trial. I've been studying, with the ladies of my church, how to pray scripture and stay grounded in His Word during my communion with my Father. When you are attempting to pray God's Words back to Him, you really find out how deep, vast and wide the love of God is. You see His mercy and immutability in a new light. You discover just what honors and glorifies Him. And, you understand more confidently just exactly what His promises toward you really are!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">While praying through this trial, <i>miraculously :),</i> the chapter we were studying was about Praying in the Name of Jesus and what that <i>really</i> means (that needs a separate post). The author directed us to John 15:15 which says,</span></div>
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<span class="text John-15-15" id="en-NIV-26715" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you</i>.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text John-15-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, those who are His are given the privilege of prayer and knowing, among many things, the promises of God! We have the means for understanding and knowing all that God has given and will give to us. He comforts us through the presence of the Holy Spirit and through the promises laid out for us in His Word. We get a new camera, smart phone, or gadget and we intently read that instruction book so that we can know all the things that new gadget can do and all it can offer us to make our lives, not only easier, but more fulfilling. How much <u>more</u> should we earnestly seek out God's Word, search for wisdom as silver, discover His promises, and feast on his love, mercy and riches?</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text John-15-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I love that He is showing me His promises as I am learning to pray His Word back to Him! I don't have to remind God what His promises to me are, but they sure are comforting in my little finite mind as I tell Him, "Lord, your Word says you will never leave me nor forsake me! And nothing...NOTHING...not height or depth or anything else in all creation will be able to separate me from your love through Christ Jesus!" </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text John-15-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, I am on a quest to discover all His promises as I find I need them more than food or air! Next up on the blog: The IF/THEN's of scripture!! Stay tuned! :) </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text John-15-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>"You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11</i></span></span></span></span></div>
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-19261468086990803302014-08-19T12:36:00.002-07:002014-08-19T12:36:53.595-07:00A must read, a must see...and exciting news!I came across an article on Facebook and it is just too good not to share here. After all, this blog is about Living Out God's Design, and, if you are married, God has designed you to be a help-meet for your husband. (Gen. 2:18)<br />
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This article, written by Kimberly Wagner, is very simple and straightforward...but so transparent and honest. I know I have been guilty of some of these and have been thankful for godly women who have graciously admonished me and also been consistent examples of how to love your husband biblically. I think these 10 things are great reminders for us all. </div>
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I highly recommend taking the time to really read each one and then stop and ask the Lord to show you if you are sinning against your husband in each area. We all want godly, healthy and exciting marriages. We all want men who lead our families faithfully in the Word and in deed. Isn't it worth it to take some time to search our hearts before the Lord and ask Him to reveal any actions or attitudes in us that are hindering our husbands in fulfilling their biblical design?</div>
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Here is the link to the article:<a href="http://www.truewoman.com/?id=2907&utm_content=buffer9f495&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer">10 Things Your Husband Hates</a></div>
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I also recommend that you watch this video about Kimberly and her husband. It is a beautiful story of how God did a work in her heart that led to the restoration of their marriage. I love their willingness to put pride aside in order that others may find encouragement and hope in Him. Share this with others. So many marriages are in shambles because we aren't living out in obedience what God has called us to as women. I know, it takes two...and the men obviously have a HUGE responsibility to love their wives as Christ loved the church. But, as Kimberly said in her article, "I'm not talking to him, I'm talking to you!" : )</div>
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You can find the video here : <a href="http://vimeo.com/21045620">Marriage Miracle</a></div>
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I pray it will be a blessing to you and that you will share it with others.</div>
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And, for fun...here is a link to my daughter's recent engagement video!!</div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/aE5h3hOm-3Y">Schaeffer and Ryan</a></div>
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All glory be to God!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBkjdKagFqu7h_eU05knD4JOW0ZlfQgtNgci5JJo2YHHIqqWFo3MTSdV0X0C_e6PU4CDuxlfyA8_VmpUaIedwALopCZ_RATCZRE7jUeIvyZHHkgN7s1nQLYPLkaIJYIOPCe_JbVoXZa6p/s1600/Schaeffer+and+Ryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBkjdKagFqu7h_eU05knD4JOW0ZlfQgtNgci5JJo2YHHIqqWFo3MTSdV0X0C_e6PU4CDuxlfyA8_VmpUaIedwALopCZ_RATCZRE7jUeIvyZHHkgN7s1nQLYPLkaIJYIOPCe_JbVoXZa6p/s1600/Schaeffer+and+Ryan.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>Have you ever seen such bliss? Praying my daughter will live out God's design for her and that He will use their marriage as a testimony of His grace, mercy and love and a picture of Christ and the church! </div>
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-59979341796585351682014-07-24T13:47:00.001-07:002014-07-24T15:57:27.283-07:00Book Review: Answering Your Kid's Toughest QuestionsA few weeks ago, the last two of my children made a profession of faith and followed the Lord in believer's baptism. It was a beautifully wonderful day in so many ways. How awe inspiring it is to know that all 10 of my children have confessed to needing a Savior, acknowledged the need to be forgiven of their sins, and testifying to the grace of God in providing, through His Son Jesus, the means of justification! My 7 and 8 year old didn't put it quite like that, but they understand and trust as children who will prayerfully grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.<br />
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And so, as if that wasn't enough, we had visitors at the church that day and one family had an 8 year old little boy. As he watched the testimony of my two little boys and the others being baptised that day, he approached his mother about how he could be saved! How great to share later with my boys that their first act of obedience was also one of the first opportunities of sharing the gospel because of their outward testimony! Well, the mom sat down after the service with her child and one of our church leaders. They feasted together on the glory of the gospel as this sweet little boy's eyes were being opened and the Holy Spirit continued drawing his heart to the greatest story ever told. The mom asked for some good literature to use for them to continue the conversation at home and I tucked the request in the back of my mind so I could give her a list of books I would recommend beyond what we gave her that day. If you have older children, don't you remember when the Lord first began working on your first child and he/she came with questions? Were you like me and had been on missions trips, had evangelism training, and had done plenty of witnessing...but this little child from your womb left you speechless? I had even worked for years with younger aged children but for some reason found talking to my own child brought new meaning to sharing the gospel.<br />
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So, Monday came and in the mail that day arrived a new book for me to review. Yes, you know what I am going to say here :) The Lord brought me the book <i>Answering Your Kid's Toughest Questions</i> by Jessica Thompson and Elyse Fitzpatrick! I had a few other books I was ready to recommend, but was so excited to dig into this one and see what it had to offer in light of Sunday's happenings.<br />
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I was not disappointed! Answering Your Kid's Toughest Questions is a great tool to use right along with one of my other favorite parenting books: <i>Give Them Grace</i> by Elyse Fitzpatrick. <i> Give Them Grace </i>is one of the best discipling/parenting books on how to bring your kids to the knowledge of the gospel through your day to day parenting. Anyway...I could get off on a tangent about that. Look up the book and order it if you have kids! :)<br />
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This new book by Mrs. Fitzpatrick and her daughter is another great tool and fantastic resource to have on hand. Kids do ask tough questions and the Bible is the answer key. This book, though, does some of the ground work for you by providing the scripture that supports the answers to the questions (in correct context, by the way) and then giving great examples of how to explain them to your children. Not only that, the authors lovingly give sections within each chapter that lay out appropriate explanations for Preschool aged children, ages 5-10, and beyond. This is a great feature in helping the parent realize what the child may or may not understand at the various ages. The sections are complex yet simple enough that you can read through them, do a little background study, and then feel prepared and knowledgeable enough about the concept to discuss it with the child. The book covers subjects like:<br />
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<li>What is Sin?</li>
<li>Why do people die?</li>
<li>Who is Satan? What is Hell?</li>
<li>Why do people get divorced?</li>
<li>Why does the Bible say that? Difficult Bible stories.</li>
<li>Sexual Sin</li>
<li>Natural Disasters</li>
<li>War</li>
<li>Terrorism</li>
<li>And of course-The Good News!</li>
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I highly recommend this book for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, Sunday School teachers and anyone who works with children!<br />
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Paul David Tripp said,<i> " I love this book! I will recommend it again and again. It is street-level theology for children that drips with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Parents, read it, live with it, share it daily with your children, and not only will they learn and grow, you will, too."</i><br />
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{I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review}<br />
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<br />Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-40661183211758329742014-07-18T12:50:00.000-07:002014-07-18T12:50:22.209-07:00Do the One Thing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm sure your reaction to that picture and those words are the same as mine: Yeah, right! After all, we are women. Have we EVER done just one thing? I seriously can't think of a time I've done just one thing at a time. My mind actually is filling up right now with hilarious examples of some of my multi-tasking abilities. To be honest, even on Sunday mornings, when I am supposed to be focused on my one true God and setting everything aside to worship Him, I am making notes on the side of my paper. Yeah...not sermon notes...grocery lists, menus, chore charts, to-do lists of every kind. I have to. I have to jot them down so I can clear my mind to focus on the Truth that is being spoken from the pulpit. I'm not proud of that. I am such a Martha. I so want to be more of a Mary.<div>
<br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span class="text Luke-10-38" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><i><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="color: blue;"><span class="text Luke-10-38" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25393A" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25393A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span>Martha <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25393B" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25393B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span>welcomed him into her house.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-10-39" id="en-ESV-25394" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>And she had a sister called <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25394C" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25394C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span>Mary, who <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25394D" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25394D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span>sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-10-40" id="en-ESV-25395" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-10-41" id="en-ESV-25396" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>But the Lord answered her, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Martha, Martha, you are <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25396E" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25396E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span>anxious and troubled about many things,</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-10-42" id="en-ESV-25397" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25397F" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25397F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span>the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42</span></span></span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I know so many of you are with me on this...and this isn't the first time you have been reminded of Jesus' loving admonition to Martha. But as I was reading in my morning devotions this week (while also jotting down my lists, keeping the kids on their tasks, and thinking about what to put in the crock-pot), God showed me a beautiful example of scripture. I had one of those "Ah ha" moments where the scripture you have read so many times seems to hit you right between the eyes and lovingly reveal a blind spot in your life. I was reading in Psalms. I use <a href="http://www.challies.com/sites/all/files/attachments/professor-grant-horners-bible-reading-system.pdf">Professor Horner's Bible Reading program</a>, so I am consistently going through the Psalms and Proverbs. But, thanks be to God, His Word is living and active! It is inspired, literal, true...always constant! But because He is gloriously transforming us and sanctifying us to become more like His blessed Son, it is never the same twice! As we abide in Him and grow in His Truth, He continues to open our eyes and reveal to us, through His Spirit, just how we are to be more obedient. And more than that, his amazing and abundant grace!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So...I was reading Psalm 27:4 where David says,</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One thing he asked the Lord. One thing he sought. His desire was to dwell in the house of the Lord (to abide in Him) all his days, and in the place of dwelling, to gaze upon His beauty and to always seek Him. The verse just stopped me in my tracks. The Word of God pierced through my heart and my multi-tasking brain in that moment and hushed the world outside...and inside. And, I did the same thing you are doing now. "But Lord! There is so much to be done! The food won't cook itself, the baby has to be changed, groceries bought, laundry washed-folded-put away!" And God answered. In the way He always does. As I sat there telling God how easy it was for David who had NOTHING to do but dwell in the house of the Lord and seek Him, He reminded me of Mary and Martha. Not that there is not much for us women to do. And not that in fulfilling the role He has designed us for that we are doing anything wrong. But He reminded me how important it is to focus on the ONE THING. Him. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Then, through the great tool of cross referencing, He led me to Paul. Guess what? Paul had a "one thing" too:</span></span><br />
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So, I began to meditate on it all. (The kids got gloriously quiet and God graciously helped me single task!) Martha was "anxious and troubled about many things" yet, Jesus told her that one thing was necessary. The good portion that cannot be taken away from us. It is important to eat. Clean clothes are a really good thing. A tidy home makes a peaceful home. All those things are good, but only one thing is necessary. Re-read the passage about Mary and Martha. It wasn't that Martha was doing wrong by serving, but she was "distracted" in "much" serving. </div>
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Mary, David and Paul all knew it. And they all labored tirelessly for God and accomplished much for His glory. But the One thing came first. The One thing is where they got the strength and calm assurance to do the rest. </div>
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Are you like me? Do you tend to give in to the tyranny of the urgent? Have you gotten the priorities out of whack? Think about it...sincerely, transparently with an open heart before the Lord. What is your one thing? What consumes you? What do you desire MOST? Do you neglect Him and His Word? And prayer? Is your answer yes because there is so much to do? Do those things take precedence because God has required it of you or are you doing it to please others? Are you unnecessarily anxious and troubled about many things? Would your family benefit more from you seeking God's face first or feeding them breakfast? Are you like me and need to get up earlier in order to dwell before His throne? Let's do the One thing. Paul said he didn't consider himself to have mastered it yet! But he had a One thing! To forget what was behind and press on toward the goal (sanctification) to win the prize for which God called Him. We are women and He has designed us for many unique purposes. But He has designed all of us for One Thing: To glorify Him and enjoy Him forever! (Romans 11:36)</div>
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I pray my one thing is never anything apart from what He has ordained it to be. I pray it for you too.</div>
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Let us live out our glorious design by serving our families. But let's press on toward the goal which God has called us to and let's abide in Him, seek His face and gaze upon His beauty. Take a deep breath. Do the One Thing!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"Blessed are they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6</i></span></span></div>
Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-86331204321492117762014-06-29T13:21:00.001-07:002014-06-29T13:21:27.899-07:00Book Review: Sharing Christ with the Dying<span style="font-size: large;">Sharing Christ with the Dying</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.799999237060547px;">Title: Sharing Christ with the Dying</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.799999237060547px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.799999237060547px;">Author: Melody Rossi</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.799999237060547px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.799999237060547px;">Publisher: Bethany House</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.799999237060547px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.799999237060547px;">ISBN: 978-0-7642-1165-2</span><br />
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From the back cover: <i>When your friend or family member is facing death, here is the help you need to share Christ in a loving, non-confrontational way. It will show you how to:</i><br />
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<li><i>Serve in ways that speak louder than words</i></li>
<li><i>Respond to signs of spiritual openness</i></li>
<li><i>Discuss maters of eternal importance</i></li>
<li><i>Cope with the ups and downs of this difficult time</i></li>
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<i>In addition, this book offers you spiritual care, answering your questions about end-of-life issues, and addressing your grief and loss.</i><br />
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And this book does just that! Being a pastor's wife and sharing ministry life with my husband for over 20 years, I know first-hand how necessary and important it is to have a book like this available. Melody Rossi so sweetly shares from her experiences with three close family members in a way that shows not only her heart and compassion for her loved-ones, but her greater love for the Gospel message.<br />
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I so appreciated how she begins the book by opening up about her own experiences, fears, submission and obedience to God. She shares the importance of sharing Christ with the dying, but from someone who has been through the trial and can relate to those readers who are or have experienced the same journey.<br />
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In part 2 of the book, Rossi so aptly lays out the tools needed on this journey.<br />
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<li><i>A Road Map (Know the Destination)</i>-Rossi marks what the road will look like, landmarks to watch for, and how to keep focused on where you are going with the gospel (knowing how to share the gospel and not get side-tracked with debates or other derailments).</li>
<li><i>Sturdy Shoes (For the Rugged Terrain)</i>: Preparing to serve your loved one as you sacrificially walk them, prayerfully, home.</li>
<li><i>GPS (To Keep You on Track)</i>: Trusting God's plan and the Holy Spirit's guidance.</li>
<li><i>Emergency Information (Documents You Will Need)</i>: Discussing Living Wills, DNR order and other special circumstances, as well as basic documents.</li>
<li><i>Traveler's Assistance (When You Feel Lost and Weary)</i>: Calling for help, having your own support team, your church, etc.</li>
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This section was so practical and full of loving reminders. I know it would be a great resource for those finding themselves in this position and not having the time nor the mental capacity to process the needs she so graciously points out.<br />
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Part 3 speaks to the reader about not turning back, the realities of spiritual warfare, and endurance while Part 4 lovingly explains about the journey's end: what it might look like and how to cope during the grieving process.<br />
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I know I keep using the word "sweet", but the overwhelming sense of kindness, care and concern in this book is one of its greatest offerings. Rossi speaks from an obvious heart of love and with a desire to help others be used, for His glory, in this unique and often overlooked ministry. Too many just rely on the minister to attend to those nearing the end of life. A minister has a calling to lead us biblically and teach us God's truth, but we are all called to go out and share His Truth. I love this excerpt from the book:<br />
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<i>"How will God use me? Recently I took a trip to the Philippines to visit missionaries working with Wycliffe Bible Translators. I was amazed to see how many different types of missionaries there are! Administrators, accountants, bookkeepers, office personnel, school teachers, librarians, computer experts, construction workers, medical staff, and of course, linguists are all needed for the work of Bible translation...The work of sharing Christ's love with the dying is similar. While the main objective is to introduce the person to Christ, the small seemingly unimportant duties are often what allow this to be accomplished. Instead of talking directly about God, you may first find yourself providing a meal or transportation. Ordinary tasks such as these have incredible impact on an unbeliever, and often, sharing the Gospel cannot otherwise happen. God will reveal to you how He wants to use you to share His love. For now, the most important thing you can do is decide to walk along with the person for a little while. So put on your shoes and trust that everything will be made clear to you as you travel."</i></div>
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This book is not only full of heart felt and loving encouragement, but is also laid out almost like a guidebook. It will be such a great tool for someone right in the middle of loving and serving someone at the end of their life. This is an easy pick-up-and-read book while also a handbook to keep alongside to refer to for insight, instruction and encouragement. This would be a great resource for ministers and all Christians alike to have on hand to give to those in the hour of need.Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-15584998112526022222014-06-25T16:01:00.000-07:002014-06-25T16:01:31.017-07:00Wisdom from the Word-Weekly Series #3<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Question of the week:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Do we need friends?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The short answer: no</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The long answer: yes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The short answer is no for a couple of reasons (and I promise this is the short answer :) No, because of the word "need" in the question. The only thing we need, according to God's Word, is Christ and His Word. Those two things alone will sustain us. Okay...you are saying, "but we need air, food, clothing, money, etc." Yes, but in essence, if we get down to what we REALLY need, we only need Him. We don't "need" to actually even live! As sinners destined to hell we NEED a Savior. That is the first and greatest need for every single human being. After that, He tells us clearly, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4) And, "But seek His Kingdom and all these things will be added to you."(Luke 12:31) If you found yourself in the place where you literally had nothing but Christ, you would have all you need! He is the greatest Friend. One of my favorite songs is Hallelujah, All I Have is Christ!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the long answer is Yes! Of course, you know I am going to define friend right now! You just can't go forward with questions like these without everyone being on the same page! What is a need? And what constitutes a friend? More specifically, how does the Bible define a friend? </span></div>
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<span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">person</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">attached</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">another</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">feelings</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">affection</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">personal</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">regard.</span></span></div>
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<span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">person</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">who</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">gives</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">assistance;</span> </span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/patron" style="color: #333333;">patron</a><span id="hotword">; <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">supporter:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline" style="display: inline; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">friends</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Boston</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Symphony.</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">person</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">who</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">is</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">on</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">good</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">terms</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">with</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">another;</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">person</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">who</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">is</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">not</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">hostile:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline" style="display: inline; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Who</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">goes</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">there?</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Friend</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">foe?</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">member</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">same</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">nation,</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">party,</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">etc.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus gives us a beautiful definition of a friend and because it is from Him, it is the perfect definition and the One we should base all our thoughts about friendship on!</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana;">"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:13-15)</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana;">.</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus fulfilled this definition by laying down His life, in obedience to the Father, for His friends...us! Wow.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, before He laid down His life, He lived it out for our benefit and made everything He had learned from His Father known to us. How did He live it out?</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He was a friend to sinners: So many examples in scripture! In Mark 2:15 he is found reclining and eating with sinners. In Luke 7 a sinful woman anoints Jesus feet with her hair. In John 8 we see how Jesus lovingly interacts with the adulterous woman who is about to be stoned. And in Luke 19 we have Zaccheus! How can we forget Zaccheus? I'm sure you can think of many other examples. My favorite example is me! "But God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:7-8).</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He encouraged His followers: All the promises in scripture, all the ways He comforts, exhorts and even admonishes. His ministry on the earth was full of selfless service toward mankind</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So with Christ as our friend, and Him as our example of a friend (by the way, that ^was not a true study of Christ's ministry---for all my scholarly friends!)...where does that leave us with all this friend business?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, besides Jesus being our great example, scripture also gives us other examples and great verses about friendship. And (for those scholarly friends), John MacArthur teaches us that the Old Testament gives three different words for friend:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"rayah"</span> -an associate, someone you keep company with. English equivalent would be acquaintance. Proverbs 18:24 "A man who has friends must first show himself friendly". This is probably the <i>majority</i> of your friendships. And the majority of your Facebook friend list :).</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"alooth"</span> - to be gentle or familiar with. This is taking the friend term a step further. Close friends. The ones you love to spend time with or remain close to even if distance comes between you. These are usually few but precious.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"ahave"</span> - intimate, close companion. This is the friendship used in the second half of Proverbs 18:24 when it speaks about a friend(ahave) sticking closer than a brother.An intimate friend that you feel so blessed to have. The ones that fit into the category of the old saying, "if you can count your true friends on one hand, you are truly blessed." This would also be in the category of <i>comrade</i>-a term my husband uses so much to describe those men who are friends that will stick by you, hold you up, and encourage you. The ones who have a common goal and are in the realm of a Christian brother and fellow soldier for Christ! The kind of intimacy so beautifully shown in the friendship of Jonathan and David. Ahave is also the word used in John 15 mentioned above.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, yes (told you this was the long answer) we need friends in this life! Christ was first the ultimate friend meeting our greatest need, but while we are here on this earth, He has given us three vital things: His Word which is His love letter to us, the Holy Spirit who is our comforter, and His people to encourage and edify one another. We look to Christ as our example. We seek Him and His kingdom through His Word as to how we are to live, we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us in obedience, and we pour all that we have learned out on other people in order to imitate Christ and to be a biblical friend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know, this question was asked by a friend on her facebook page and, while I can't share all the responses she got (there were so many!), I thought some of them really captured the heart of why God has given us the treasure of friendships and why we "need" them:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>"So that you know that you are not alone."</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>"Because the bible says,'Two are better than one,because thy have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.'"Eccl. 4:9-12</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>"Because they bless us, care for us, love us"</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>"Yes, so we can pray for one another"</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>"I've gone through seasons where I didn't have many friends, or don't see them...but in those times I did grow closer to God."</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>"It's quality, not quantity"</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>"Friends are the family God lets you choose"</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>"Friends are the beautiful blossoms of the tree of life"</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>"I think having friends helps us fulfill a higher purpose. We serve our families every day but it takes more to be in the service of others. Friends serve one another in many ways and when we are in the service of another, we are in the service of the Lord. Many of His works are carried out through the love of friends."</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really love that last one! To me that sums it up so beautifully! If we follow the example of our Truest Friend, we will see that really means serving and loving others as we want to be loved. Obeying the greatest commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind...and love you neighbor as yourself..."(Matthew 22:37-40) brings us to the essence and reason for friendship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a great quote that goes like this: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So do we need friends? Maybe we need to step back and see that what we really "need" is not friends, but to be a friend!</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:1-30</span></i></div>
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Well, the question, of course, was asked: "Do our kids need friends?" Though all the same scripture applies, there are other aspects to this! Would love to hear your thoughts and maybe we will tackle this question in an upcoming Wisdom from the Word!</div>
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-38965089407114366652014-06-18T13:32:00.002-07:002014-06-18T13:32:42.035-07:00Wisdom From the Word Series: How to Comfort One Another <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0T8_UEhpS8VYnHbipL1-ZYc57K3xFUTtQ89gy48GkLJGZAkgAZsRU54LQhEr8iZSra-l1vakL8oi86igmJVPrRPFDUn4ihW7bJwJkgBxjRsnz_LbFT9Wc1uPg-a73_ouzMkF6K6cvc0Zy/s1600/comfort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0T8_UEhpS8VYnHbipL1-ZYc57K3xFUTtQ89gy48GkLJGZAkgAZsRU54LQhEr8iZSra-l1vakL8oi86igmJVPrRPFDUn4ihW7bJwJkgBxjRsnz_LbFT9Wc1uPg-a73_ouzMkF6K6cvc0Zy/s1600/comfort.jpg" /></a><span style="text-align: center;">This week's question is taken not only from women who have asked it of me, but also a question I have asked others many times myself: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">How do you comfort someone who has gone through a loss (Miscarriage, loss of a loved one, etc)?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have quite a few friends who have experienced miscarriages and always try to ask-after an appropriate amount of time-what is most comforting to them during times of such grief. You have probably experienced, like myself, that completely useless feeling as you attempt to find that balance between just being there for them and finding words to say. Truthfully, sometimes we "need" to do or say something as much for ourselves as for our dear friends who are hurting. Though it is not nearly the same, we ache for our friends and desire to do something to comfort and take the pain away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course, there are many promises and verses of comfort from the Word. And all my friends express to me that God brings His Word to their mind and uses it to minister to them in a way nothing else can. But, we often feel trite or even insensitive as we just tell them to lean on God's Word and it will be okay. I recently had a young lady tell me she was exasperated with people telling her, regarding a struggle, to just read the Word and lean on Him. Her response-"WHAT DO YOU THINK HAS BEEN SUSTAINING ME ALL THIS TIME?!?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So what do we do? What do we say? I have not gone through the heartbreak of a miscarriage or a tragic loss and I admit to having to lean heavy on the promises that God will see me through and give me His grace to stand up under it when the time comes. (James 1).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not long after a friend went through a loss, I read this article called <a href="http://www.gracecoversme.com/2014/02/in-her-shoes-ministering-to-women-whove.html">In Her Shoes</a> from the blog</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.gracecoversme.com/2014/02/in-her-shoes-ministering-to-women-whove.html">Grace Covers Me</a>. In her guest post, Angela Basset shares her story of what it is like to lose a child and how to minister to others going through similar tragedy. She says it so much better than I ever could, and I think it is so appropriate to hear from someone who has gone through this, through God's grace, and is now using the trial to bring glory to God as she comforts others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please take time to click on the links above and read her article along with some great insight on how we can serve each other during the time of loss.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I would love to hear from you as well! Please comment here and tell your story. Maybe share what God has used to comfort you. Maybe what NOT to do during those times. Leave a comment below or on the Living Out God's Design Facebook page.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><strong style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Galatians-6-2/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" title="Galatians 6:2">Galatians 6:2</a></strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.</span></span></i>Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-18695811311761025042014-06-11T07:17:00.000-07:002014-06-11T07:17:02.315-07:00Series: Wisdom from the Word-Week 2<br />
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Our second question for the Wisdom from the Word series comes from a discussion we had in our ladies bible study recently. Someone asked:<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">In what manner should a Christian woman compliment another</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">woman on her physical appearance?</span></i></div>
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I thought this was such a great question. I don't know about you, but I am a VERY observant person! Sometimes to a fault! I mean, in this already multi-tasking mom head of mine, I am also very aware of little details of everything around me! At church I can carry on a conversation with someone while also being aware of the lady in the wheelchair needing help out of her pew,checking to see if Jeff is getting to talk to the visitors at the back of the church, and if the new mom is trying to wrangle a toddler while strapping the baby in the stroller. But, for some reason I am unaware that one of my children is scarfing down the donuts as if I never feed him and the twins are doing military maneuvers underneath the pews?!? All that to say, when I see someone at church or out and about in town I'm all, "Ooh! I love your new haircut" or "Girl, where did you get those cute earrings {shoes, lipstick, purse, et. al all things girly}." I notice. And I can't help commenting that I notice. Sometimes it does occur to me that maybe my introductory remarks are shallow. But, I don't get out much! And when I do it is like live Pinterest for me! </div>
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But seriously, let's examine this topic against God's Word. I sincerely do want everything I do and say to bring glory to God.</div>
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So, the ladies and I hashed this out together and sought the scriptures for answers as opposed to what we "think" or our opinions. Which, you know how that can go...hahaha.</div>
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Of course, questions first have to be asked about motives. What is the heart motive behind the compliment? </div>
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Proverbs 16:2 says, <i>"All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit."</i></div>
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Job 31:4 says, <i>"Does he not see my ways and count my every step?"</i></div>
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And Proverbs 23:15 <i>"My son if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad."</i></div>
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Psalm 26:2 <i>"Examine me, O Lord, and try me; test my mind and my heart."</i></div>
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Some of us may be natural encouragers! We compliment to bring a smile to someone's face or to cheer them up. That could be a heart motive that has good intentions. Sometimes we are guilty of complimenting another because we are feeling insecure about ourselves and hope the compliment will ensure a gratuitous compliment back. That could be a heart motive, but with selfish desires and intentions. Sometimes we compliment as a conversation starter or as a way to open the door to meet someone new. </div>
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Along with examining our heart motives, we also need to understand the difference between a compliment and flattery. Many times these two will go hand in hand: A compliment usually accompanies a pure heart motive, while flattery is often used for selfish gain.</div>
These two words are actually direct opposites! One is to be courteous and the other one is the practice of not being sincere! And if you are like me, you can tell the difference between the two when you are on the receiving end! The trouble comes in that we are not so 20/20 about our heart motives when we are are the ones handing them out! Our hearts like to deceive us and we don't especially like bringing that to light.<br />
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<h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; display: inline; font-family: georgia, arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 7px 0px 0px;">
com·pli·ment</h2>
<input class="au" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: url(http://www.merriam-webster.com/styles/default/images/reference/audio-pron-hw.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: initial; border: 0px; cursor: pointer; height: 17px; margin: 0px 10px 4px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; width: 18px;" title="Listen to the pronunciation of 1compliment" type="button" /><span class="main-fl" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><em style="color: #717274; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">noun</em></span><span style="background-color: #e8ecf5; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="pr" style="color: #717274; display: inline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-left: 10px;">\<span class="unicode" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'lucida sans unicode'; font-size: 0.9em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ˈ</span>käm-plə-mənt\</span><span style="background-color: #e8ecf5; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: #e8ecf5; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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: a remark that says something good about someone or something</div>
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: an action that expresses admiration or approval</div>
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flat·tery</h2>
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: praise that is not sincere</div>
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<span class="ssens"><span class="sn" style="font-weight: bold;">a</span> <strong>:</strong> the act or practice of <a class="formulaic" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flattering" style="color: #555555; font-size: 14px; font-variant: small-caps; text-decoration: none;">flattering</a></span><span class="ssens"><div class="break" style="height: 2px;">
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<span class="sn" style="font-weight: bold;">b </span><span class="ssn">(1)</span> <strong>:</strong> something that <a class="formulaic" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatters" style="color: #555555; font-size: 14px; font-variant: small-caps; text-decoration: none;">flatters</a> </span><span class="ssens"><span class="ssn">(2)</span> <strong>:</strong> insincere or excessive praise</span></div>
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So what does the bible say? Well, on one hand, Psalm 15:23 says, <i>"A man has joy in an apt answer. And how delightful is a timely word!"</i> And Proverbs 12:25 similarly says, <i>"Anxiety weighs down the heart,but a kind word cheers it up." </i> A compliment, with a pure heart motive to encourage a brother or sister, and more importantly, to share the gospel with one who has no hope, is a timely word, delightful, and cheery!<br />
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On the other hand, the bible warns us very strongly about flattery:<br />
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Proverbs 29:5-<i>"A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet."</i><br />
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Proverbs 26:24-28-<i>"Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling. A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin."</i><br />
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Psalm 12:3 -<i>"May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts,"</i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Pretty strong. I would say that the words we speak and the motives in our hearts are very important to God! "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So how shall we, as Christian women, compliment one another? If we are to be set apart and different from the world, then we should compliment according to what will bring God glory. From our heart motives to how it will encourage, cheer and delight the receiver.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The world tears down and belittles. It portrays a beauty that is only outward and unrealistically attainable. The message from the world's standards is discouraging and defeating. There is much exaggeration done for personal benefit and notoriety. There is an emphasis on the outward and little to none on the inward man. The world is more concerned with being happy instead of being holy. The world, rightly, desires the approval of men and not God.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As Christians, we are called to encourage one another in the Lord. We do that by complimenting one another on the things that God deems as good, beautiful and praise worthy. So as we seek to rightly and biblically compliment and encourage one another, keep these truths from God's Word at the forefront of our minds and hearts. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When is the last time we complimented someone on the beauty of their gentle and quiet spirit? Oh, jewelry, clothing and braiding hair is not forbidden (yay!), but they should pale in comparison to the adorning of the Spirit in our lives!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>1 Peter 3:3-4 " Do not let your adorning be external-the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear-but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">How about acknowledging God's work in a woman's life and that evidenced by the fear of the Lord? One that radiates joy, peace and contentment?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Proverbs 31:30 "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman that fears the Lord, is to be praised."</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Believe me I know it is easier to notice the new highlights or the cute bob haircut! I know because the ladies and I at church have been working on this! In our conversation you may hear something like this, "Whoa...that is such a cute skirt? It looks SO good on...uh...um...my how lovely and modest and Christ honoring your skirt is!" " I LOVE your new haircut! I'm so jealous! I've been dying to get mine...um...that haircut flatters your face and brings out the sparkle in your eyes and shows off your radiance for Jesus!" All followed by whoops of laughter and hugs which lead to sweet conversation about all the ways He is sanctifying us!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Let us strive to encourage each other in the Lord! Be quick to tell a sister how you see the Lord working in her life. Be plentiful in your compliments as you see one another growing in grace, patience, forbearance and love. Admire one another concerning spiritual gifts and spiritual victories!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Do it out of love for the Father and for each other with pure motives expecting nothing in return:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Acts 20:35 "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in the way (unity), we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said,'It is more blessed to give than to receive '". </i>(explanation mine)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion that it may give grace to those who hear."</i></span></span></div>
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622470121618592805.post-33043821532396897042014-06-04T21:48:00.000-07:002014-06-04T21:48:17.420-07:00Series: Wisdom from the Word<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am so excited...and a little nervous :)...to prayerfully begin a weekly blog post called <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i>Wisdom from the Word</i></span>.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c0iChsIpOH8/U4_uJL1NrKI/AAAAAAAAAh8/Fd5Y4M5MOHg/s1600/wisdom.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c0iChsIpOH8/U4_uJL1NrKI/AAAAAAAAAh8/Fd5Y4M5MOHg/s1600/wisdom.jpeg" /></a><b style="text-align: center;"> It will be on Wednesdays. Yes, because it starts with a W. :) And because it is the middle of the week and generally the time we all could use a little extra encouragement! I have a few questions that I can use as back up, as well as some that our Ladies Bible Study has searched out together, but I would love to hear from you (use the contact form on this blog)! Your name will never be mentioned and I would never betray your confidence. Please know that if you have a question you would like to ask but don't want me to answer it on the blog, just let me know. Those close to me know they have that confidence, but I wanted to express it here as well. Another note: the purpose of this weekly blog section is double fold...umm...maybe triple fold (tri-fold?...how do you say that?). Anyway,</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <span style="color: #741b47;">Of course, to answer your questions...but also so that many women will see that we have similar struggles. </span> They may not all look exactly the same, but I think it is helpful and strangely comforting to see that we are not the only ones with these questions and/or struggles.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <span style="color: #741b47;">To dig into the Word together! </span> God's Word is our greatest source of wisdom and direction. He has promised to meet all of our needs, He suffered and was tempted as we are, and His Word and promises are a comforting balm to a hurting soul. What about those gray areas where God doesn't tell us point blank yay or nay or what to do? I would say those gray areas are where most of our questions come from and His Word is still faithful to show and direct us to truth so we can rightly follow in His path.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <span style="color: #741b47;">To dig into the Word together! </span> I know I just said that...but here is another aspect of it: We need to be women in the Word. We need to study it and know what it says. For our own edification, for wisdom, and for direction--but also so that we have true wisdom to edify and encourage one another BIBLICALLY. There are a lot of (us) women out there who are full of compassion, sympathy and empathy toward our sisters! God made us that way and it is good. But, just the care and compassion will only bring comfort temporarily (if at all). We must couple that care and compassion with truth from God's Word as we are comforting one another. (Read 1 Thess. 3 and 4) We should seek out women that we know will direct us to God's Word for answers. Likewise, we need to <i>be</i> the women who will direct others to seek God's Word for answers. We are not to lean on our own understanding! We must acknowledge Him and His ways and He will direct our paths!</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Okay....here we go! Question #1:</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="color: #741b47;"><i>My husband isn't being the spiritual leader. I long for him to be. I want him to lead us in family bible study. I want him to pray with me. I want HIM to make going to church a priority. If he isn't, should I just do it or not? I'm so confused!</i></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This isn't the first time I have heard this question. Bet it isn't the first time you have heard it either. Wonder if Christian men are continually asking each other:<i> What should I do?</i> <i>My wife doesn't follow me. I try to lead her, but she is so stubborn. She doesn't do anything I ask because she thinks her way makes more sense. I so want to lead her and love her as Christ loves the church but she won't let me! She questions me at every turn and then when I put my foot down she gives me the cold shoulder or waits for me to fail. I'm so tired of trying. I give up. Let her lead. She does everything else-and better than me- she might as well do this too.</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear reader that asked this question...I am not saying this is you. But it might be. It has been me. By God's grace He showed me early on in my marriage some of the ways I was hindering my husband being able to lead as God intended. I still have to watch for sinful attitudes that lead me down that path. We all need to step back, always, and search our own hearts first: </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Luke 6:42</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Psalm 139:23-24</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><i>Search me, O God, and know my heart;</i></span></span><i style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #741b47; line-height: 21px;">Try me and know my anxious thoughts; </i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><i>And see if there be any hurtful way in me, a</i></span><i style="color: #741b47;">nd lead me in the everlasting way.</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let me first rejoice with you in gratitude to our Lord that you desire so earnestly what God desires! It is God who has placed in your heart, as a woman, the love for biblical headship. It is God who has given you the desire to pray and read God's Word with your husband and together as a family! This is worth praising God for and rejoicing in the work He is doing in your heart. Even the coming to someone for guidance is His loving hand leading you to truth and sanctification.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Second, I hear you! This is hard. Being a godly wife and mother is a big, wonderful, tough job! We need God's grace, guidance, strength and power! And we need our husbands! Without going into a long 10 page bible study on how God gives us this need for our husbands, let's simply remember this truth:</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/mark/passage.aspx?q=Mark+10:6-9" style="text-decoration: none;"><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mark 10:6-9</span></i></a></h4>
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<i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."</b></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God has made us one flesh with our husbands. They complete us. We need them! And I'm so glad!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thirdly, though I rejoice in where God is leading you and I hear where you are coming from, I also know something important: We can't make anyone be what they are supposed to be! Oh, sure, we can whine, beg, use the silent treatment, give wife speeches, and all the other tricks we have in our fleshly wife arsenal....but those only put a band-aid, maybe, on the situation. You can't change your husband and you can't make him be the spiritual leader he ought to be. That is solely a working of the Holy Spirit in his life.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So what can you do? Well, the hard thing. First, humble yourself before God and ask Him to help you. Ask Him to start by showing you if you are doing anything or have done anything to derail your husband's attempts at leading. Reread God's directives for you as a woman and ask Him to show you areas where you are not being faithful and obedient. Maybe you are, by His strength, doing all He has commanded you. Praise God. If that is the case, press on sister! Continue to walk in His truth by His grace. He will be faithful to fulfill His perfect will in you and do the work He desires to do in your husband. I have seen first-hand and heard many testimonies that attest to God doing mighty things in the lives of husbands because of the faithfulness of wives. And to answer the second part of the question...it is always good to read and study God's Word. Read and study the bible with your children. Just don't do it in a way that would undermine or shame him. We have bible time together every morning before we begin school and my husband isn't here. Maybe you could find a time like that where you could teach the children.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Maybe after sincerely praying and asking God to search your heart, He has shown you some areas you need to repent of and possibly seek forgiveness from your husband. Have you placed yourself under his authority? Truly? Are you asking for his opinion or wisdom for situations? When he does make a decision for the direction of your family do you lovingly and joyful submit? Do you use manipulative submission? That is, do you convince him to make a decision based on your wants and then "submit"? </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you fix all the problems/issues but then complain to him that you have to do everything? Do you love him by honoring him? Do you let him know how grateful you are for him? Are you "independent" or do you let him know that you need him, look to him, and depend on him in various ways? They may not always show it, but our men need to be needed! They love to show us they can and will take care of us. They want to be our hero and protector. We multi-tasking super women need to step back and let them be what God created them to be! And we need to remember what God created us to be. We are their help meets (aid, helper, right hand)! (Gen.2:18)</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, the short answer (ha ha) is this: Live out God's design for you as a wife. Purpose to be deliberate about obeying God in how He would have you love and serve your husband. In His divine plan, He will do a work in your husband. It may not look the way you think it should-but His ways are higher than ours! In the meantime, you will have a joy and peace knowing you are walking in obedience to the Father, regardless of what He chooses to do in the life of your husband. You will grow in the midst of His grace and your children will see and learn so much from watching you trust in Him!</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1 Peter 3:1-22</b></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Proverbs 31:11</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.</b></span></i></span></div>
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01956561537021881121noreply@blogger.com0