"I AM" Lesson 6

1. How current is your God? Is he up to date on all your issues or do you have old hurts you still hold behind your back?

Well I am asking God and myself that question, because I don't want to be. I am asking him to reveal any thing that I haven't dealt with so I can

2. Has the enemy ever told you there are situations that are 'old news' that are better left stuffed down? Or perhaps because they were so long ago they can't possibly be affecting you now?

Yes very much so, but the fact that they are still coming up in your mind is an indication that they are still affecting you. I have a couple of those I'm working thru right now.

3. In the matter of established authority, does God truly reign in your life? Where are you when He calls your name?

Well I would love to say yes and right there, but God could possibly answer that better than I. I am working towards that. I want to be ever ready when God calls and quick to do what He is asking even if it is not in my comfort zone. I know that He will give me what ever it takes to do what He is asking so I have to step out in faith and do it. I still am working on the "Is that you God or am I just thinking it" thing, but the rest is going pretty good.

4. Do you ever feel God has forgotten you in your 'west side of the wilderness'?

No I've always known that He thinks my highly of me than I did of myself. I ask the Lord often for my to see myself through His eyes, not for who I was or what I have done in life but for who he created me to be.

5. Have you ever experienced a time of cleansing where God has illuminated and rejuvenated you? If not, do you find you are in need of this now?

Yeah I had to be put in the refining fire and when I was done I felt much closer with God and finally felt that relationship, the bond. He wasn't a story or someone to fear. He became Daddy, and I felt for once forgiven.

Be Blessed
Lynn

"I AM" Lesson 5

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever found yourself 'in faith' yet bewildered or demoralized?

I can't pull one out of memory so I guess if I was it didn't stick.


2. Do you consider yourself content? Would you describe it as Decidedly Content or Dreamily Content?

Yes I'm very content. Decidedly, It comes easy now but I had to make a decision to be at peace. The peace is there, God gave it to us but we have to grab it. I used to live in fear all the time, If there wasn't something to be afraid of then I was afraid something was wrong because nothing was wrong. I'm so much happier and joyful.

3. If you are not content, are there circumstances that keep you from this feeling?

I am but it would be letting myself slip back into bad fearful habits. But I'm not going there.

4. Have you ever found yourself in a place where you looked back on a period of your Christian walk and believed a great opportunity passed you by?

Only that I can look back and see people God put in my life to bring me to Him sooner and I shied away from them. I could have had this peace sooner and maybe not had some of the heartache in between.

5. Do you ever believe your faith was stronger in an earlier time in your Christianity and find yourself floundering now?

No I believe I'm the strongest and most dedicated I have ever been.

6. Can you recognize that this season may be one of great preparation instead of a period of "I Was"?

Yes I truly believe that I am going through a season of preparation. I have a strong eagerness to build myself up in Gods word. Get to know him, study to show myself approved. I'm not sure what He has in store for me but I want to be ready. I can't get enough of God's word right now, and it is awesome.

As always thanks Lisa for your insight and time that you put into this study.

Lynn

"I AM" Lesson 4

Discussion Questions:

1. I am going to present to you a little acrostic to begin our discussion today. What is your latest NLIP? (Not Like I Planned?)

I was asked if I would be interested in doing some work for one of our church staff members. I said I had to think about it. So I did and told them that I would do it. I gave them my contact information and then I didn't hear from them.


2. How did you react to your NLIP? Are you still upset about it? Happy about it? Baffled by it? Explain.

Well because of how it happened I am actually glad. My husband says I'm so sweet that if they came to me I would still do it, but I don't think so. It would have involved dealing with some of their personal business and I think sometimes it is better to leave business and personal separate. So I guess that would be my NLIP because I planned to do it and now I guess I'm not.

3. Have you ever attempted to step into an area of ministry and found your desire rejected? Did this cause you to question God and yourself? Perhaps distrust what you perceived to be your calling?

Not really, I have done a few jobs in the ministry and found It wasn't my desire. However I did give them each a good period of time, to make sure it wasn't just a flesh thing.


4. Do you harbor any bitterness towards any individual or situation which you believe waylaid your best laid plans?

I think I'm OK now but I think I did for a while. I'm not sure if it was bitterness or if I felt I saw a different side of someone that I previously looked up to. Partially my fault for exalting her to a position that I shouldn't have in my mind. She is just a person like me.


5. Have you had a life experience or trial that left you with a shaken faith because it ended in an NLIP? Please share if you feel free.

No I have always known God is infallible and that if there is a weak link it is me, us. Even through my trouble years I knew it wasn't Gods fault. I wanted Him to get me out of it though.

6. Based on Moses' response of faith to his own rejection, how will you re-evaluate your own experiences or look at future ones differently if a NLIP presents itself?

Trust God no matter what! :)

Be Blessed,
Lynn

"I Am" Lesson 3

Discussion Questions:
1. It was stated in the Lesson that God has made you "once, twice, three times a lady." Where are you in this progression? Obviously we have all been physically born, but are you 'twice a lady'? Have you been born again spiritually? This may be a private matter you'd like to discuss confidentially. If so, email me. If you have already received this gift, write a brief prayer of thanksgiving or testimony.

Yes I have and I re-dedicated myself in 2005 when I was water baptised, I had only been sprinkled before that.
I have been going strong for that intimate relationship with God since.


2. Are you three times a lady? Has God given you a stirring deep within your Spirit to be a 'deliverer'? Do you have a desire or are you already meeting a need in the life of the church, a particular ministry (such as jail ministry, food ministry, etc.) or perhaps individuals who share common issues?

I do help at the church I've done nursery, pre-school and greeting, but I do feel that there is something more that God has for me. I feel right now He is building my foundation and having me grow so that I will be equipped. I thought about this and I have a lot of desires in and out of ministry and it was nice to have confirmation I guess that He built those talents and desires into me. I love to cook and sew and read and help, and give and study more about Him ... He gave me those.

3. Do you ever get tired of waiting for that opportunity to do something
worthwhile for God? Do you ever feel God is using someone else instead of you?

I used to but I actually am content right now waiting, however I do feel a real strong desire to build myself up on His word, maybe something is coming soon. :)


4. What do you consider 'worthwhile ministry'? Are you like me and sometimes find yourself mistakenly thinking it has to be Big to be Important?

Yes I do at times think it has to be Big... But I also try to remember everything for God is big and important. Like you said we all have our parts, an ear is no greater or less than an arm, and as little as a thumb is try to work without one.


5. Have you ever taken a spiritual gifts test? If yes, what are yours? If no, here's a good one from Ephesians 4 Ministry. Will you take it and come back with a response? Knowing some of you like I already do, I can almost pick out what your gift is before you say it. I can't wait to see if I'm right!

That was so neat, and thanks for the link. I haven't been doing your studies long enough but you can try to guess what I am if you want. Then I'll tell you if you were right.


Thanks, Lisa

Be Blessed
Lynn

"I Am" Lesson 2

Discussion Questions:
What is your initial response when anyone suggests you are beautiful?

Well I used to think ya right or ya you are just being nice. Now I am working on believing that God made me a certain way Beautiful.... And now after this study I have even more to work into feeling beautiful.



Do you find you engage in a lot of negative 'self-talk'? How much of your thought life does this form of thinking consume?

I don't verbalize my negative self talk however I beat myself up a lot for falling short of my goals. It consumes too much of my time.

What is the most radical transformation you've witnessed in an individual after they were born again? It's okay to tell about your own!

I don't know of any radical ones. My re dedication to the Lord resulted in a daily desire to learn everything I can about God.

The imagery of being a City Girl has absolutely changed the way I perceive my worth before God. Does it yours? Will you receive this truth and let it boost your righteous confidence?

Wow, That is a great new perspective - yes I receive this, and I'm going to hold on to it tightly.

Thanks again Lisa,
Lynn

Start of "I AM"

Hello, I am doing another Bible Study and will be linking and answering questions here. So when you see this button that is what it's all about.


1. Are there any circumstances or relationships in your life where you can see God has intentionally placed you? What do you perceive may be at stake if you do or do not speak out for Him?
Yes there are and as I grow and learn of more of them, I can recognize it more.
In one situation it was making sure a soldier was saved before going to Iraq. I look at situations in my life and the people in my life and can see where I can and am used in their lives as well as them in mine. Whats at stake? Depends on what God is asking you to do. It could be a blessing in their life or yours, or it could be their eternal salvation.

2. Can you honestly describe yourself as a woman with a 'yes' in her spirit? If not, what keeps you from this?

Most of the time and getting better. If I'm (or anyone) is honest about what keeps you from being a "Yes" woman it is fear/lack of faith that God will see you through whatever it is that He has called you to do, and what life changes it will involve for you to do it.


3. Do you recognize any circumstances in your life which could be described as an 'unrecurring event'? Have you ever said 'no' to one and watched God use someone else instead?

Yes and again it was the fear of stepping out that held me back and then someone else got to go ahead.



4. Are you in an emotionally and spiritually healthy place? If yes, how are you using this freedom to minister to others? If no, what do you feel is holding you in your Egypt?

Yes I believe I am in the best place of my life and am eager and ready to go more. I am looking for any oportunity that I can with mercy and grace to speak the word into others lives. I fellowship with co-workers, neighbors, and friends at church.

Thanks Lisa for this study I'm always glad to learn more.
Lynn

What a drag!

I have only one Sister and no Brothers. She is about 7 1/2 yrs older than me so I thought she was wonderful. (Well most of the time) She of course thought I was a little pest. -Not me :). We lived out in the country in farm land, however my Dad was not a farmer. The closest thing we did to that, was raise 1/2 dozen sheep a year. Some went to 4-H, some to the freezer. For whatever reason, I was okay with eating them, and for the most part so was my Sis, except "Buttons". So no matter how many times you had lamb, It was not Buttons. I think secretly she knew eventually it was, but as long as we said it wasn't she was okay.

Well with the age disparity there were a lot of things my Sister could do that I would have to wait a long while before being able to participate in. One of those was 4-H. For those of you that don't know what 4-H is, I can't remember the creed, however you raise an animal, pig, sheep, or cow train it stand the way you want while you show it at the county fair. Now after the several months of raising this animal walking, feeding brushing, combing, trimming and caring for it you auction it off and hope you get a good price. That is where the showing comes in because the more blue ribbons you get the more you get at the auction.

My sister was in 4-H, and because she was in it, I wanted to be in it. So one evening she was complaining about having to walk the sheep to give it it's exercise. So I said "I'll walk it" thinking this would please her. "No you can't do it the sheep is too big and you'll let go of it." she said. "Oh no I won't" I responded back. Well this went on for a while until I don't know how, but I convinced her I would not let go. Now mind you she did have a point the sheep weighed approx 90-100 lbs, and I only weighed maybe 65lbs. (I think I was 7 or 8 at the time)

So we put the halter on and the rope leash and I am off, only to the corner and back. I'm holding on with all my might, I'm going to show her that I can do this. So I get to the corner, doing good and get maybe 1/3 way back home when all the sudden something spooked the lamb, and it took off. Well I'm digging my heels in for all I'm worth, that lasted for about 30 seconds and then I went belly down. It was like those westerns you see where they tie the guy up to the horse and pull him with a rope on the ground.

You got it, I was being drug by a sheep. Well the nice thing about it, the sheep did head for home and as we entered the gate it stopped. Yes I'm crying, so my Sister and Dad and Mom come out to see what is wrong. So I tell them, and what do I hear..... Well why didn't you let go? Well I was happy to report it was because I said I wouldn't let go no matter what. Even with the bloody knees and elbows, I was glad I stuck to my guns.

That was probably one of my first stands on integrity, and I wish I could say I have done that in every situation that has come up in life. But as I reflect on this childhood story it gives me a goal to strive for. To return to that tenacious integrity that makes me stand for what is right and who I believe in no matter what the cost is.

As I looked up to my older Sister and wanted to prove my love to her, God looks at us and did everything to prove his love to us. The price he paid was much greater than skinned knees and elbows, but his motive was similar.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him shall not parish but have eternal life. John 3:16

I only gave a little skin off my knees. Reflect on how much love that is for God to give his Son.

Jesus cried out and said Father I will do it, but if there is any other way.
That's Love!

Hope this can encourage someone to realize how much someone loves you.

Be Blessed,
Lynn

Help Me :)

I don't know how to do a link to another site. I want to put one on one of my Blogs.... this one and it isn't working.

Thanks,

Wish you were here

My Mother and I had a very close, but unhealthy relationship. We were co-dependent on each other for too many years. Mix in some fear, and insecurity on both of our parts, and you have got a real mess. Then add my daughter, now you have three people living together and being dramatic and fighting for attention and control. We had a lot of love for each other, maybe just not the respect we should have.
My Mom loved Jesus so much and she would often say "Wow to just be in front of Jesus". Therefore it is only fitting that when she passed away in Jan of 2006, my daughter wanted to have the Song "I can only imagine" at her memorial. It really did fit how she felt about seeing him. If you've never heard that song, listen to it sometime. It talks about what you would do when you see Jesus, "Would you be able to speak", "Would you fall on you knees before Him" " I can only imagine".

Several months after my Mom went to be with Jesus I heard another song that I felt explained her. It's a song called "Wish you were here" I don't know how the Artist meant it but to me it is about after you are in heaven and you see all the glory you think back and are wishing the one left on earth was with you. I can so see my Mom being like that. It says don't cry for me because I'm finally free, to run with the angels on streets made of gold, and then it goes on and says that when your day comes you will be free and go to heaven and you'll run on the streets together. Mom would want us her daughters, granddaughter and grandson, to see the glory. I know she is in such awe. And I don't know if we eat in heaven, but if we do she's got the ladle stirring as we speak.

I'm happy my Mom is free she didn't have the best of lives here on earth. Between emotional, and physical hurts she endured over her 68 years she wasn't very free.

Don't wait for one day to honor your Mom or anyone. Birthdays, anniversaries. Yes these days are special but everyday is special.

Unless Jesus comes back I've got a lot of time left here on earth. God promises a long satisfied life, and that's what I'm believing for. But is so nice to know that Mom is wishing we were there.

If Mom was just away and I could send her a letter, this is part of what I'd say.

Mom,
Did you see all the people that came to say good bye. All those years of feeling unloved, if you could have only believed. The homeless at the park that you fed every week really miss you. I have a customer that says they come over to his church every week to get some hand outs, he said just the other day, "Boy they still miss your Mom".
Wow a lot has happened these last two 1/2 years. Your great granddaughter is so beautiful, yeah she finally got a lot of hair. It's long and blond, it has a little natural curl and falls in her face a lot. Those big blue eyes, her Daddy is going to have his hands full. Hey guess what you have a great grand son too, her little brother. He is so cute, he's a butter ball, brown hair and brown eyes, he will be 2 in Sept. My other children and Grandchildren are doing good too, the oldest granddaughter is 15, can you believe that? She's beautiful too, long hair and green eyes.
Your Grandson got married as planned. The wedding place was beautiful and so was his bride. They mentioned you and their other Grandma that wasn't there at the wedding. They don't have any children yet but they have a dog. They went to Europe for a while and now they are back. They moved back to the college town and bought a really nice house.
All of us are doing good. I've grown a lot spiritually and learned so much. I'm doing an online Bible study with women all over the world. I've actually become friends with your friend that helped you cook for the homeless. She started a Bible study and I'm going to it. Her and her husband are doing so good now.
Us Sisters are getting together in a couple of weeks. Your ears will probably be stinging, you know us we like to get together and tell stories.
Well I better go for now, I... We ...miss you a lot. I'm glad you're free, and thanks for wishing we were there.
Love ya and God Bless,
Lynn

That's probably the thing I miss the most, is sharing my day and life with her. She always listened. Even if we were mad at each other and fighting, she listened. Thanks Mom.

Be Blessed-
Lynn

Obedience School

If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire & it stall be done for you. John 15:7

A girlfriend of mine was telling me about her grown Son and his dog. He has a beagle named Willie and they adore each other. Well Willie is big enough now and needs to learn a few tricks. So her son and his girlfriend are teaching Willie some basic obedience. Sit and Stay. Willie was doing real good for his master, however My Girlfriend tried the commands and was not having any luck. I wonder if it had something to do with the treats and rewards he was getting from his Master. Willie understood and trusted his master enough to know that if he Stayed as he was told to and waited the reward would be his.

As I pondered the verse above, I wanted to see exactly what God meant about "Abide". I always figured it meant to stay. So I looked it up in Webster and here are some of the definitions I got.

* To Wait for.
* To Endure with out yielding
* To Bear patiently
* To Remain Stable or fixed in a place.
* To Withstand

Sometimes I think we make Gods word too complicated. He was speaks in parables but the message it still the same. Siiiit ...... now Staaaay....... and you will get your reward. Makes me think I could use a little dose of obedience school myself sometimes, how about you?

Be Blessed,
Lynn

Will you join me in Heaven please

If you read my other Blog I said I would share the story of the phone call I got on Thursday morning. I work for a family business and one of the family members had fallen hit their head and was in a coma, on life support. I immediately prayed for him for the family and for his salvation. The family was told he was clinically brain dead, his brain was bleeding and swelling. This person had abused drugs and alcohol for over 30 years. The family assumed the abuse would eventually take his life and to some it was too hard for them to watch and had even distanced themselves from it and him.

Well this brought a whirl of thoughts, through out all the day Thursday. First it brought back the thoughts of my Mom being on life support, before she went home to be with Jesus. It also made me think of who was going to do what at work, being a family run business and most of the family up at the hospital, there was some juggling of responsibilities that needed to be done. Well as I stated in my other blog I ended up working a 12hr day, being one of the senior people that is not family I needed to step in. But Jesus was right there making everything go so smooth and without a hitch, and I was still able to have Friday off for my dinner party.

At one point during an update from one of the family members (by marriage) I asked "Is he saved". Well they didn't know for sure and maybe he was a good person..... At this point even though this person claimed they were saved I doubted that they knew what it really meant. I explained to this person, it was not about being good, or doing good things. It was about being born again, that you needed to accept Jesus as your Lord and savior.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him Verily Verily I say unto you Except a man is born again, he can not see the kingdom of God.

It's not easy or fun to share with someone at a time like that and I'm glad they were only related by marriage. It is not God's desire (or mine) that any of us should go to hell, but when we leave this world we are spending eternity somewhere.

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. —Romans 10:9,10 (NLT)

If you haven't accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, will you pray this out loud with me.

Father in the name of Jesus, I come to you today and repent for my sins and ask you to forgive me and wash me clean, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I ask you to come into my heart and be the Lord of my life. I thank you that I am your child and that I am reborn.

You are not going to feel any different at first. You in the natural, are still the same person with the same feelings and thoughts. But your spirit is a new creation and different - eventually your natural self (your flesh) will become new as well

2 Corinthians 5:16
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.


I know most of the ladies that are reading this are Christians - you got here from a Bible study we are doing. But I don't want to miss the opportunity in case someone sees this blog and doesn't know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Be Blessed
Lynn