Don’t you just love being blessed? I once read a sign that said, If you’re lucky enough to have a cabin at the lake, you’re lucky enough. I’ve changed it around to say If you’re blessed enough to know Jesus, you are blessed enough. We are very blessed people. We have received God’s divine, unmerited favor. Being blessed is just the beginning. We get to turn it around and be a blessing to someone else.
So how can you be a blessing to someone else? There are lots of ways. Praying for someone is a great way to be a blessing. Our prayers can be powerful and effective, and by praying, we can see circumstances change. Becoming a mentor is a great way to be a blessing. You can bless someone else with your presence, your time, your ability and your talents and instruct someone as you show the love of Christ to someone who desires a mentor. Looking for ways to show kindness is a way to bless others. It can be as simple as being courteous in a store, in traffic, or in your office. Kindness can also be shown through generosity. Determine to be a generous giver….all the time! Remember that old campfire song….It only takes a spark, to get a fire going….. Kindness and blessing act the same way. What you start can soon spread. So what you were created for, is what you get to share with your world.
So true- Statement
We are created for blessing. I talked earlier in this book about how hard it is sometimes as Christians to think about wanting success. There is nothing wrong with wanting God’s blessing or His grace. The fine line we must walk, however, is when we expect those blessings yet we are unwilling or unaware of the opportunities we have to be a blessing to others. Page 192
Highlight Scripture
Genesis 12:2 I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. (NIV)
Discussion Questions – Homework!
1. Do a random act of kindness to someone close to you. If you’re married, or have kids, do it right at home. See what happens.
2. Have you ever thought about being a mentor? With school starting, you can do it in simple ways. Being a helper in your child’s classroom, volunteering in Children’s Church, or teaching a kids class, are all ways you can give of yourself to someone younger.
3. How is your prayer life? Do you have a list of people you are praying for? How about those needing to be saved. If you haven’t made it a part of your day, include prayer for others daily.
4. How has God blessed you? Sometimes just writing them down make us realize how much we have to be thankful for. Make a list of blessing today.
5. Why not memorize Psalms 5:12 which says in the NIV, O Lord, you bless the righteous and surround them with your favor. Then remember that you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, II Cor 5:17! How awesome is that that God blessed you and surrounds you with favor!
Knit Together Challenge
This week’s challenge is to ask yourself, how can I be a blessing to someone else today, for 7 days in a row.
My Prayer for you:
Father, In Jesus Name we thank you for all the blessings you have given us. We are so blessed to know and love you. Our desire God is to live a life that is not only for ourselves, but as an offering to you to bless others. Thank you for giving us opportunities, and placing a desire in our heart to help, minister and bless others. Help us to take every opportunity that you present to us, and make us a blessing today. In Jesus Name, AMEN!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Don’t you just love being blessed? I once read a sign that said, If you’re lucky enough to have a cabin at the lake, you’re lucky enough. I’ve changed it around to say If you’re blessed enough to know Jesus, you are blessed enough. We are very blessed people. We have received God’s divine, unmerited favor. Being blessed is just the beginning. We get to turn it around and be a blessing to someone else.
So how can you be a blessing to someone else? There are lots of ways. Praying for someone is a great way to be a blessing. Our prayers can be powerful and effective, and by praying, we can see circumstances change. Becoming a mentor is a great way to be a blessing. You can bless someone else with your presence, your time, your ability and your talents and instruct someone as you show the love of Christ to someone who desires a mentor. Looking for ways to show kindness is a way to bless others. It can be as simple as being courteous in a store, in traffic, or in your office. Kindness can also be shown through generosity. Determine to be a generous giver….all the time! Remember that old campfire song….It only takes a spark, to get a fire going….. Kindness and blessing act the same way. What you start can soon spread. So what you were created for, is what you get to share with your world.
So true- Statement
We are created for blessing. I talked earlier in this book about how hard it is sometimes as Christians to think about wanting success. There is nothing wrong with wanting God’s blessing or His grace. The fine line we must walk, however, is when we expect those blessings yet we are unwilling or unaware of the opportunities we have to be a blessing to others. Page 192
Highlight Scripture
Genesis 12:2 I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. (NIV)
Discussion Questions – Homework!
1. Do a random act of kindness to someone close to you. If you’re married, or have kids, do it right at home. See what happens.
2. Have you ever thought about being a mentor? With school starting, you can do it in simple ways. Being a helper in your child’s classroom, volunteering in Children’s Church, or teaching a kids class, are all ways you can give of yourself to someone younger.
3. How is your prayer life? Do you have a list of people you are praying for? How about those needing to be saved. If you haven’t made it a part of your day, include prayer for others daily.
4. How has God blessed you? Sometimes just writing them down make us realize how much we have to be thankful for. Make a list of blessing today.
5. Why not memorize Psalms 5:12 which says in the NIV, O Lord, you bless the righteous and surround them with your favor. Then remember that you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, II Cor 5:17! How awesome is that that God blessed you and surrounds you with favor!
Knit Together Challenge
This week’s challenge is to ask yourself, how can I be a blessing to someone else today, for 7 days in a row.
My Prayer for you:
Father, In Jesus Name we thank you for all the blessings you have given us. We are so blessed to know and love you. Our desire God is to live a life that is not only for ourselves, but as an offering to you to bless others. Thank you for giving us opportunities, and placing a desire in our heart to help, minister and bless others. Help us to take every opportunity that you present to us, and make us a blessing today. In Jesus Name, AMEN!
So how can you be a blessing to someone else? There are lots of ways. Praying for someone is a great way to be a blessing. Our prayers can be powerful and effective, and by praying, we can see circumstances change. Becoming a mentor is a great way to be a blessing. You can bless someone else with your presence, your time, your ability and your talents and instruct someone as you show the love of Christ to someone who desires a mentor. Looking for ways to show kindness is a way to bless others. It can be as simple as being courteous in a store, in traffic, or in your office. Kindness can also be shown through generosity. Determine to be a generous giver….all the time! Remember that old campfire song….It only takes a spark, to get a fire going….. Kindness and blessing act the same way. What you start can soon spread. So what you were created for, is what you get to share with your world.
So true- Statement
We are created for blessing. I talked earlier in this book about how hard it is sometimes as Christians to think about wanting success. There is nothing wrong with wanting God’s blessing or His grace. The fine line we must walk, however, is when we expect those blessings yet we are unwilling or unaware of the opportunities we have to be a blessing to others. Page 192
Highlight Scripture
Genesis 12:2 I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. (NIV)
Discussion Questions – Homework!
1. Do a random act of kindness to someone close to you. If you’re married, or have kids, do it right at home. See what happens.
2. Have you ever thought about being a mentor? With school starting, you can do it in simple ways. Being a helper in your child’s classroom, volunteering in Children’s Church, or teaching a kids class, are all ways you can give of yourself to someone younger.
3. How is your prayer life? Do you have a list of people you are praying for? How about those needing to be saved. If you haven’t made it a part of your day, include prayer for others daily.
4. How has God blessed you? Sometimes just writing them down make us realize how much we have to be thankful for. Make a list of blessing today.
5. Why not memorize Psalms 5:12 which says in the NIV, O Lord, you bless the righteous and surround them with your favor. Then remember that you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, II Cor 5:17! How awesome is that that God blessed you and surrounds you with favor!
Knit Together Challenge
This week’s challenge is to ask yourself, how can I be a blessing to someone else today, for 7 days in a row.
My Prayer for you:
Father, In Jesus Name we thank you for all the blessings you have given us. We are so blessed to know and love you. Our desire God is to live a life that is not only for ourselves, but as an offering to you to bless others. Thank you for giving us opportunities, and placing a desire in our heart to help, minister and bless others. Help us to take every opportunity that you present to us, and make us a blessing today. In Jesus Name, AMEN!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
chapter 10: Created for Gratitude
In the pursuit of knowing and experiencing the will of God for our life, this chapter addresses a key issue. As part of God’s family, we are created to be thankful. We should pray with thanksgiving, we should worship with thanksgiving, and we should live a life of thanksgiving. We have experienced the goodness of God, and with our heart, our mouth and our life, we should express our thanksgiving to God for all He has done for us. Thanksgiving should be a regular part of our life.
If we want a joy filled life, it is a result of being thankful for what we have. Gratitude results when we have learned to be content in life. So contentment is an enormous key to living a joy filled life. Even in the worst of circumstances we can find something to be grateful for. That doesn’t mean that we don’t believe God to change circumstances, but we can enjoy each day as things improve, and be grateful in the moment.
How can we move from being grateful in our heart, to expressing it with our mouth? I do believe many people have hearts that are full of thanksgiving for the people in their life, but they just have a hard time expressing it. I want to encourage you…..say the words. Let your spouse, your kids, your parents, your friends, know you are grateful for them. If you are in a difficult relationship, Philippians encourages us to look for things to be grateful for….if there is anything praise worthy, if there is any virtue, think on these things, and be grateful for the little things!!!
One of the biggest ways to be grateful in our homes is to just quit complaining. Let’s create a peace filled environment through gratitude. Show and tell your appreciation and gratitude at home!
So true- Statement
“Complaining only leads to more complaining. Gratitude leads to goodwill toward others and good feelings about life. It’s the difference between choosing pure, fresh tasting water or sour-tasting acidic vinegar. One restores and resuscitates; the other stings and leaves a bad taste in your mouth.” Page 173
Highlight Scripture
I Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Discussion Questions – Homework!
1. Why not begin every day with Debbie’s suggestion to write down 5 things that you are thankful for, or even start your own Daily Gratitude Journal.
2. Make your journal a little more specific by making categories like Debbie does. Family, personal, career, spiritual, and simple or ordinary sections or you can choose something to be grateful for daily in each of these categories.
3. Have you ever had a boll weevil moment like the example on page 178? The example showed something that seemed like a terrible problem, that actually turned around to become a great blessing. Explain your situation, and memorize Gen 50:20.
4. We are planning a gratitude tea in November around the theme of this chapter. Can you think of 3-5 women in your life you would invite who you are grateful for? Start your invitation list now!
5. On a scale of 1-10, with one being very little and 10 being the greatest, where you would rate your contentment level. Read Phil 4:12 and Hebrews 13:5. How do those verses speak to you?
Knit Together Challenge
Ponder for a few moments and think about those in your life who you are most grateful for. Does everyone on your list know that you appreciate them? Why not take today to send a text, email or note to at least one of them to appropriately thank them for being in your life.
My Prayer for you
Dear Father, our hearts are filled with gratitude for all you have done for us. Thank you for your love, your compassion and your faithfulness to us. We return our gratitude to you and thank you for sending your Son, for the cross, for your forgiveness, and for your embrace of love around us. Thank you for the Holy Spirit and His marvelous work in our lives. I ask you today to encourage those who read this to come to a new level of appreciation for what a great God you are. Thank you for letting us discover together how important living a life of thanksgiving is to being fulfilled and content. We love and bless you Lord, in Jesus’ Name, AMEN!
If we want a joy filled life, it is a result of being thankful for what we have. Gratitude results when we have learned to be content in life. So contentment is an enormous key to living a joy filled life. Even in the worst of circumstances we can find something to be grateful for. That doesn’t mean that we don’t believe God to change circumstances, but we can enjoy each day as things improve, and be grateful in the moment.
How can we move from being grateful in our heart, to expressing it with our mouth? I do believe many people have hearts that are full of thanksgiving for the people in their life, but they just have a hard time expressing it. I want to encourage you…..say the words. Let your spouse, your kids, your parents, your friends, know you are grateful for them. If you are in a difficult relationship, Philippians encourages us to look for things to be grateful for….if there is anything praise worthy, if there is any virtue, think on these things, and be grateful for the little things!!!
One of the biggest ways to be grateful in our homes is to just quit complaining. Let’s create a peace filled environment through gratitude. Show and tell your appreciation and gratitude at home!
So true- Statement
“Complaining only leads to more complaining. Gratitude leads to goodwill toward others and good feelings about life. It’s the difference between choosing pure, fresh tasting water or sour-tasting acidic vinegar. One restores and resuscitates; the other stings and leaves a bad taste in your mouth.” Page 173
Highlight Scripture
I Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Discussion Questions – Homework!
1. Why not begin every day with Debbie’s suggestion to write down 5 things that you are thankful for, or even start your own Daily Gratitude Journal.
2. Make your journal a little more specific by making categories like Debbie does. Family, personal, career, spiritual, and simple or ordinary sections or you can choose something to be grateful for daily in each of these categories.
3. Have you ever had a boll weevil moment like the example on page 178? The example showed something that seemed like a terrible problem, that actually turned around to become a great blessing. Explain your situation, and memorize Gen 50:20.
4. We are planning a gratitude tea in November around the theme of this chapter. Can you think of 3-5 women in your life you would invite who you are grateful for? Start your invitation list now!
5. On a scale of 1-10, with one being very little and 10 being the greatest, where you would rate your contentment level. Read Phil 4:12 and Hebrews 13:5. How do those verses speak to you?
Knit Together Challenge
Ponder for a few moments and think about those in your life who you are most grateful for. Does everyone on your list know that you appreciate them? Why not take today to send a text, email or note to at least one of them to appropriately thank them for being in your life.
My Prayer for you
Dear Father, our hearts are filled with gratitude for all you have done for us. Thank you for your love, your compassion and your faithfulness to us. We return our gratitude to you and thank you for sending your Son, for the cross, for your forgiveness, and for your embrace of love around us. Thank you for the Holy Spirit and His marvelous work in our lives. I ask you today to encourage those who read this to come to a new level of appreciation for what a great God you are. Thank you for letting us discover together how important living a life of thanksgiving is to being fulfilled and content. We love and bless you Lord, in Jesus’ Name, AMEN!
Monday, August 9, 2010
chapter 9: Created for Laughter
I love to laugh! Laughing feels good! We can get through anything, even serious sickness or very negative circumstances, with laughter. What an interesting patient Norman Cousins was. Not satisfied with a negative diagnosis, he found a cure through laughter to his painful, crippling disease. He literally laughed his way to health. How amazing to see the physical results of laughter….lower blood pressure, increased vascular blood flow, oxygenation of the blood, and even a muscle workout. Laughter just makes us feel good.
In our stress filled world, laughter helps ease tension and helps us “de-stress”. Even in the midst of serious situations, a little brevity can lighten the tension. Try it next time you’re in a stressful situation.
Something I heard Bill Cosby say years ago, has stuck with me. He says, if it is gonna be funny later, it may as well be funny now. Take advantage of each moment, and bring laughter to your life. Often in the midst of doing something embarrassing, we can learn to laugh at ourselves right then. What might have been uncomfortable, becomes bearable because we applied laughter to the situation.
One of the most popular long term shows on TV is America’s Funniest Home Videos. People do some crazy things, and others love to see funny situations on video. There are some really silly movies, and lots of good ways to find ways to laugh. We need to learn to laugh at ourselves. Sarah certainly did when she found out she would give birth with an “old man” as a husband. Most 90 year old women would have just died, not laughed! So do some laughing this week. Find a way to add some joy into your life today!
So true- Statement
“Each morning I wake up and I say to myself, self, you have two choices. You can choose to be in a good mood, or you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from the situation. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.” Page 169
Highlight Scripture
Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Discussion Questions – Homework!
1. Do a word search in the Bible on the word joy. How many joy “texts” did you find?
2. Describe what you think this Yiddish proverb means. What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul.
3. When do you find it hardest to laugh?
4. What is your favorite funny, book, movie or song?
Knit Together Challenge
Create your own laughter journal. Especially if you have young kids, you will forget the funny things they say if you don’t write them down. Having a laughter journal is a great way to lift your spirit, because we know laughter is good like medicine, and helps tighten the abs at the same time!
My Prayer for you:
Father, In Jesus Name, we thank you that you created us for joy and laughter. Thank you for the joy we have in salvation, and the river of life that flows through us to bring life and joy to those we come in contact with us. We look joyfully toward our future, and thank you that nothing is impossible with you on our side. We thank you that our life in You is fulfilling and full of joy, and that we have heaven to look forward to. In Jesus Name, AMEN!
In our stress filled world, laughter helps ease tension and helps us “de-stress”. Even in the midst of serious situations, a little brevity can lighten the tension. Try it next time you’re in a stressful situation.
Something I heard Bill Cosby say years ago, has stuck with me. He says, if it is gonna be funny later, it may as well be funny now. Take advantage of each moment, and bring laughter to your life. Often in the midst of doing something embarrassing, we can learn to laugh at ourselves right then. What might have been uncomfortable, becomes bearable because we applied laughter to the situation.
One of the most popular long term shows on TV is America’s Funniest Home Videos. People do some crazy things, and others love to see funny situations on video. There are some really silly movies, and lots of good ways to find ways to laugh. We need to learn to laugh at ourselves. Sarah certainly did when she found out she would give birth with an “old man” as a husband. Most 90 year old women would have just died, not laughed! So do some laughing this week. Find a way to add some joy into your life today!
So true- Statement
“Each morning I wake up and I say to myself, self, you have two choices. You can choose to be in a good mood, or you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from the situation. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.” Page 169
Highlight Scripture
Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Discussion Questions – Homework!
1. Do a word search in the Bible on the word joy. How many joy “texts” did you find?
2. Describe what you think this Yiddish proverb means. What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul.
3. When do you find it hardest to laugh?
4. What is your favorite funny, book, movie or song?
Knit Together Challenge
Create your own laughter journal. Especially if you have young kids, you will forget the funny things they say if you don’t write them down. Having a laughter journal is a great way to lift your spirit, because we know laughter is good like medicine, and helps tighten the abs at the same time!
My Prayer for you:
Father, In Jesus Name, we thank you that you created us for joy and laughter. Thank you for the joy we have in salvation, and the river of life that flows through us to bring life and joy to those we come in contact with us. We look joyfully toward our future, and thank you that nothing is impossible with you on our side. We thank you that our life in You is fulfilling and full of joy, and that we have heaven to look forward to. In Jesus Name, AMEN!
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