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Family Matters:  Wanted-Christian Fellowship  |
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Sitnalta
True Blue Farmgirl
4208 Posts
Jessica
NJ
USA
4208 Posts |
 Posted - May 25 2009 : 8:23:00 PM
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I am sitting here with my mouth gaping open. I didn't know there were so many Christian ladies on this forum. As I have talked to different ones through emails and such, I slowly finding out the ones that were.
I think this is such a great topic. I tell ya, I could some like minded ladies fellowship for sure. :D I guess that is what God meant when He said "not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together."
I look forward to reading and posting here.
Sweet sweet fellowship!!! :D
hugs
Jessie
Farmgirl Sister #235
"You are my strength when I am weak. You are the treasure that I seek. You are my all in all. Seeking You as a precious jewel; Lord, to give up I'd be a fool. You are my all in all."
Stop by my blog for a visit www.messiejessie2.blogspot.com |
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mellaisbella
True Blue Farmgirl
1862 Posts
melanie
living on Anne of Green
Gables land
Canada
1862 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2009 : 03:07:37 AM
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I find that too Madison.... Spending alone time with God is better than "showing up" at church.
I have to be totally honest.....I don't read my bible. I have 4 or 5 different kinds...old ones, new ones, ones with study helps in them....i just find that I can't get into it on my own. years ago I went to a bible study on a regular basis and really enjoyed it. I just don't seem to study it on my own....any suggestions?
"we must be the change we wish to see in the world"
farmgal #150 |
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mellaisbella
True Blue Farmgirl
1862 Posts
melanie
living on Anne of Green
Gables land
Canada
1862 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2009 : 03:50:42 AM
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I just re-read all of the postings here. I forgot that I mentioned my husband and I wanting children. Well.......as I mentioned I prayed for children all of the time. i have always wanted a child. hubby and I had an appointment on June 10th of last year to see a fertility specialist. on June 9th the phone rang....it was my minister asking if she could come over. I said sure and hung up the phone. I told my husband that our minster was coming over. He asked whay and I said that she didn't say why, but I bet it has to do with a baby. Hubby said, "what are you talking about?" I replied, "it's just a feeling I have" sure enough....our minsiter said that she knew of a lady that was pregnant and couldn't keep her baby......and the rest is history!!
God blessed us with a beautiful baby boy that we named Oliver. He was born August 20th...what a whirlwind 2 months from the phonecall to his birth.
What an answer to prayer indeed!!
"we must be the change we wish to see in the world"
farmgal #150 |
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City Chick
True Blue Farmgirl
1402 Posts
Deb
Chattanooga
TN
USA
1402 Posts |
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NikkiBeaumont
True Blue Farmgirl
473 Posts
473 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2009 : 04:58:37 AM
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Yes, Melanie! I love reading stories of God answering prayers!
I wanted to share some verses that I chose to memorize over the next few weeks. They really stood out to me because they are all about the grace that God has given us. If I felt like I had to earn God's love I would just lay down and die right now. It would seem so impossible! LOL!
Titus 3:5-7 "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."
I was wondering what are some of y'alls favorite verses?
Farmgirl Sister #554 |
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Sitnalta
True Blue Farmgirl
4208 Posts
Jessica
NJ
USA
4208 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2009 : 06:57:00 AM
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Ohh Melanie! Your story gave me goosebumps! God sure does have a way meeting the desires of our hearts in beautiful ways that we never expected. He is so good to us!
I love how He is a God of creativity. He knows just what would bless our hearts the most and in the most unique way.
I love hearing updates on little Oliver. He is so adorable!! :D I still have your picture up on my fridge :D
My favorite verses are: " For I am persuaded , that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present , nor things to come , Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38 & 39
hugs
Jessie
Farmgirl Sister #235
"You are my strength when I am weak. You are the treasure that I seek. You are my all in all. Seeking You as a precious jewel; Lord, to give up I'd be a fool. You are my all in all."
Stop by my blog for a visit www.messiejessie2.blogspot.com |
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City Chick
True Blue Farmgirl
1402 Posts
Deb
Chattanooga
TN
USA
1402 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2009 : 12:21:28 PM
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Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze
This verse gives me great comfort.
http://www.xanga.com/My_Pondering_Place |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2009 : 1:10:07 PM
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My DD showed me this verse. I had never in all my life heard it before and I just love it:
"That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your own hands. That you may walk properly toward those who are outside (the faith) and that you may lack nothing." 1st Thes. 4: 11-12
That really spoke to me like never before. It's what I want more than anything. To lead a quiet life and mind my own business and work with my own hands. Words to live by.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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NikkiBeaumont
True Blue Farmgirl
473 Posts
473 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2009 : 3:43:45 PM
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Oh, I am loving y'alls verses! God is with us and we will lack for nothing and He saved us because of His mercy.
I've been thanking Him so much lately, even through the rain. Ha!
I am thankful that if I would just take Him at His word then I wouldn't have to worry or be afraid. Sometimes, I have the faith for it and sometimes I don't. This walk is a lifelong journey!
Here is another verse that I plan on memorizing.
2 Timothy 1:12 "...,because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day."
Farmgirl Sister #554 |
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mellaisbella
True Blue Farmgirl
1862 Posts
melanie
living on Anne of Green
Gables land
Canada
1862 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2009 : 4:30:07 PM
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my favourite verse (sorry not sure where it is) "judge not, lest ye be judged"
"we must be the change we wish to see in the world"
farmgal #150 |
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QueenofQuiteAlot
True Blue Farmgirl
865 Posts
Dalyn
Milk 'n Honey Ranch
Central, WA
USA
865 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2009 : 5:09:56 PM
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Ahhh...love this topic *U*
I ove the LORD and His Word. I read and study daily. I am into tons of books, but usually the ones I like you can't find in a regular bookstore. I'm also tired of "Churchianity" and "Church Ladies"- which is what I call my flock of laying hens. (they squabble and fuss!) but I know the Jesus loves us, even when we are rotten to each other. I'm just as guilty as the rest.
Some of my favorite teachers: Jon Courson, Beth Moore, Chuck Missler, and I love Francis and Edith Schaeffer...I could go on, but I'm into a good book right now and want to read another chaper!
Brodie and Brock Theone books are fiction, with historical accuracy, even used in college classes and are wonderful reads!
Dalyn
~Hick Chicks Soap Barn ~
www.hickchickssoapbarn.com
Homespun Raw Goat Milk Soaps 'n More
http://muckbootsnaprons.blogspot.com/
http://proverbs31nubians.blogspot.com/
Muckboots 'N Aprons at Home Chapter
http://yakimafarmgirls.blogspot.com/ |
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CherryMeDarlin
True Blue Farmgirl
602 Posts
Cherry
Odenville
AL
USA
602 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2009 : 7:08:56 PM
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Lovin' this thread! I got all the way to page 7 before realizing how long it had been on here. So....
Kay -- I've read The Shack and absolutely felt it right down to my toes! I felt that, finally, someone had put to words my seemingly crazy beliefs! It's fantastic and I suggest everyone read it.
Nikki -- Dinner with a Perfect Stranger was another that I read and had an "aha!" moment over! I have the companion, A Day with a Perfect Stranger, if you'd like to follow-up with!
Kristin -- I didn't even look to see who had posted 1st Thess 4:11-12 as I read it and thought to myself, "This sounds like Kris." :)
And Melanie -- I'm not surprised at how God has answered your prayers. I could feel your earnestness for a child through your posts. And like any good Father, God loves to make His children happy!
So, this is how I feel. And believe. I grew up in the Methodist church and became a Christian at a young age. But my granddaddy taught me that God isn't found just and only in a building. He taught me that God is found in His creation. And how to worship in the moment and how to "see" God. So, from an early age, I learned to see God in the cotton as it was harvested. In the vastness of the earth as I flew over it with my granddaddy and the ocean with it's mysteries. In the silence of sitting on the back porch as the wind blew through the mulberry tree. In my daughter's laughter. In my dog's trusting gaze. When my husband reaches for my hand. As I held each of my newborn nieces and nephews.
I don't attend "church" and I don't subscribe to religion. I am a believer and a follower of Christ. I believe in the Apostle's Creed. I talk to God like I would my daddy or granddaddy. When I had my daughter, the concept of Christianity vastly changed for me. My ideals about God vastly changed for me. I began to regard Him as my parent once I became a parent myself. I can now relate to Him on a much deeper level than I ever could before. And as a result, I now have a true relationship.
I believe in extended education when reading the Bible. I think it's extremely important to understand the atmosphere, the history, the ideals, the politics, the regions, and the customs of the time of whichever book I happen to be reading. I don't think you can fully grasp the message without knowing the background. Is that what you mean, Renee, by inductive study?
Yet, I also believe in reading the Bible like a favorite novel. It is the greatest love story ever written. I like searching out the little, oft overlooked verses that give you pause and you think to yourself, "Wow! I did not know that!"
We are each accountable for no one but ourselves. When I begin to think judgemental thoughts, I try to remind myself that God hasn't assigned me the task of reporting back to Him about what everyone else is doing. I'm not His tattle-tale. And yet, I just can't bring myself to attend church just to "further myself in my career" or because it's the "right" thing to do and is expected of me. I especially don't subscribe to church's who believe they have the right to decide who does or does not grace the doors of God's house. We aren't called to be gatekeepers. We are called to be examples of the greatest Example to walk this planet. I wonder at how Jesus would react to our idea of church today. I wonder if that's where you'd find Him. (Frank Peretti wrote a book about a modern day Jesus who set organized religion on it's ear.) And I wonder at just who He would choose as His disciples. I bet there'd be a lot of spittin' and sputterin' over that choice!
Ooooo, I digress...
My favorite verses are found in Job where God is speaking for Himself!
I have a happy heart over this thread! I hope to learn from each of you on your individual walks!
~~Cherry~~
http://cherrymedarlin.blogspot.com
"A thing is as simple or as complicated as you make it." --TT Murphy |
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queenofdreamsz4u
True Blue Farmgirl
3845 Posts
Stephanie Suzanne
Smoky Mountains Tennessee
USA
3845 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2009 : 8:55:45 PM
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Max Lucado is a Christian author that has so many books available in book form or in audio books. I don't look at denominations when I think of God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit...I'm a Christian, that's all!  As a new Christian at the age of 40 (I'll be 51 in a few months) I found that Max's books gave me a real world perspective on such heavy and confusing scriptures. I would recommend his books to new and seasoned Christians alike. They all offer such a simple read. You will grow in so many ways because you actually understand what's being said. :0) I highly recommend them!
Here's his website if you would like to learn more:
www.maxlucado.com
Also...I saw the book *The Shack* at Books a Million last week and then got distracted with magazines. :0) It sounds like such a great read. I'm going to go buy it this week.
I think the one thing that God truly understood (thank you, thank you!!) was that humanity cannot and would never would get it RIGHT! No amount of Law could ever be kept! Thus the coming of his Son and the new covenant...I am so blessed to have met Jesus.
I'm so glad to find this topic and that it is allowed...I have wanted to start a Christian topic many times but always read that *religion* could not be discussed..I'm so happy that Christianity has a place on this forum now! (without condemnation)  So very nice! Many thanks to the author of the topic for starting it.
Stephanie
 Queen of Dreamsz ~ keeper of dream kingdom
* * * * * * www.queenofdreamsz.blogspot.com * * * * * *
"Imagination is more important than knowledge"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Albert Einstein ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ |
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CherryMeDarlin
True Blue Farmgirl
602 Posts
Cherry
Odenville
AL
USA
602 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2009 : 10:23:47 PM
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Oh, Stephanie, I did not realize that Max Lucado hadn't been mentioned until you brought him up! Talk about an author who can put things into perspective for you. I love his books for their simplistic, yet meaningful, messages. (I'm looking at "Facing Your Giants" in a stack of books on my coffee table as I type!)
And you will absolutely love "The Shack"! It will challenge everything you thought you knew, every preconceived notion you ever had about God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit! I hope you do buy it! I bought several at Christmas and gave them as gifts. My brother-in-law finished it in two days and his response, "WOW!" I look forward to discussing it with you!
Once I truly understood that I would never get it right and that I wasn't expected to, once I had accepted that, I felt so very much peace. It was truly an "ah-ha" moment and I've had so much less stress in my life since then. Again, being a parent is key to that understanding for me. I don't expect my child to be perfect. I do expect her to live the Golden Rule; to be sympathetic, empathetic, giving, and loving. God's no different as a parent. Just as I know my baby girl will make mistakes, bad choices, and wrong decisions, doesn't mean I will love her any less. Same with God. And just as I have to discipline her at times, so, too, God has to discipline me, yet with just as much or even more love. I think of the all-consuming, overwhelming love that I have for her, how I would absolutely die for her, and I receive just a glimpse of the love that God the Father has for each and every one of us. It is awesomely humbling, is it not?
~~Cherry~~
http://cherrymedarlin.blogspot.com
"A thing is as simple or as complicated as you make it." --TT Murphy |
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mellaisbella
True Blue Farmgirl
1862 Posts
melanie
living on Anne of Green
Gables land
Canada
1862 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2009 : 03:24:28 AM
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WOW! WOW! WOW!
Cherry I finally just got it! after all of these years of trying to figure it out...you explained it so well...
When I talk to God, I just talk to him and never really thought of how he thought of me. how you explained your relationship with your daughter made a light bulb go on for me. I now have a baby boy and I too, would do anything for him and love him unconditionally ....Just like God does for me, for all of us. I never ever thought about that before.
thank you so much for that....my heart is warm and full of hapiness now that I think of it that way :) :)
"we must be the change we wish to see in the world"
farmgal #150 |
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NikkiBeaumont
True Blue Farmgirl
473 Posts
473 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2009 : 04:32:50 AM
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Cherry, you have an absolutely awesome way with words! You just perfectly described God's love for us!
I'm so glad that you are on this thread. It is wonderful that we can all encourage each other on our Christian "walk"!
Definitely putting The Shack and A Day with a Perfect Stranger on my must read list.
Until yesterday, I wasn't aware of how much influence I had in my family's lives. Really. We all seem to be doing our own things so much of the time, our own interests to pursue. Anyway, I happened to mention to Lovin' Man that I was memorizing some verses, he asked which one, I said they're in Titus.
He said, "Oh, Titus 3:5."
"What! How did you know?" I countered. (Here, again, does he always have to be right? Oh, but it makes him so happy!)
"Because that's the best verse in Titus." He replied. "What's the first word?"
"He." I told him.
"What's the second word?" he asked.
"Saved." I said.
Just then Oakley came up behind me and told us both the whole verse. She already memorized it from hearing me read it aloud a few times today. Wow! I got a kick out of that! So, here we are going down the path of righteousness and it totally rocks.
It's funny, if I had told her that she HAD to memorize that verse today she probably would have whined and complained and tried to get out of it. I didn't even have that in mind, but there. It happened. I didn't preach anything either. Just included it as a part of life. Just the way, Cherry, your granddaddy introduced you to God. There is no set lesson time to learn spiritual truths, it flows naturally from daily life.
Farmgirl Sister #554 |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2009 : 05:14:20 AM
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Nikki, that's exactly the way God wants us to "teach" our children, by example, not forced. We are to talk about God and spiritual thinga all day with our kids and grandkids. And do it in such a way that they have no idea we're teaching. Just like all life lessons, they are learned by watching. There is a saying somewhere about the best way to say something is to say nothing at all. Just do it. Just be the example they need. They'll get it one day. It's taken my almost 30 year old DD most of her life to "get it" but I think she's getting there.
This last Sunday my hubby went to church. He said the preacher talked about being fruitful. And the verses about the vines and if they don't produce they get pruned and are we a fruitful Christian. At first I said I was not a fruitful Christian, but then I got to thinking of the time my first granddaughter, Chloe, accepted Jesus into her heart in my kitchen when she was only 4 years old! And all the times we just talk about God and all His glory in everyday conversations. And they know what I'm talking about! We have actual conversations about spiritual things. And to hear those 3 kids pray! I know their prayers are heard. So if you consider my family a mission field, I guess I do have some influence. I am in no way saying it's anything to do with ME but it's all a God thing. He puts it in our hearts and minds and we better say it or do it. Because there is really only just ONE perfect opportunity. If we don't act right then that moment is lost forever.
Cherry, I do believe we are accountable for only our souls but I also believe we are responsible for our children. I believe we will be judged on all the things we have done for our children's eternity. I hope I make sense here. At least as long as they are under the age of accountability. We do all we can for them then, then it's up to them to get it right with God. And when we pray for them to stay on the right path when they are young and they stray away when they are older, they still have the desire in their heart and God will pull them back in. What's that verse in Deut. about teaching them and praying for them when they are young and if they stray when they are older they will come back? My 2 Dds really strayed for years but now the oldest, Heather, is back. He's still working on Abby, but she is no where near how she used to be. SO there is still hope.
Cherry, I also so agree with you on the unconditional love God has for everyone. I am so glad my step-dad isn't God or we'd all be condemned. He is so conditional it's awful. I do not want to be like that.
These are just my thoughts. I am only saying how I feel. God loves us all no matter what. And I am so glad for "do-overs!" I need them every day.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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C.W.
True Blue Farmgirl
101 Posts
Chelsea
Prosser
WA
USA
101 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2009 : 06:49:08 AM
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I love this thread. It is so refreshing to hear the variety in which everyone worships and studies the Lord. I grew up with great Christian parents in a cookie cutter church, in which I felt none of my teenage doubts were answered. I still remember a Sunday morning in youth group which the pastor stated that any of us who are luke warm Christians might as well not be coming because we are holding the others back. That was enough for me, and I never went to youth group again. As a teenager I wanted rational and practical answers to God's 'rules'. Other then because he says so, why not have sex before your married? Why can't we drink and party a bit? It seemed as though God did not want me to have any fun, so I did what I wanted. I don't blame my parents because I never went to them with these thoughts.
So now, like Cherry mentioned, it took having a child to bring me back in desiring to know the Lord. I want to raise my babies in a Christian home, but most importantly I finally gained SOME maturity and have a better understanding of Christ. It is so natural to compare my relationship with him and relationship with my children. I now understand that He does not desire me to 'not have any fun' but seeks to protect me from the hurtful consequences of such decisions. God loves us in such a way that he gives each of us a 'cheat' on life...His Word. Godly living keeps you from suffering the results of worldly choices.
I go to the same church as Rene'. I enjoy it, there is such a variety of folks that you are bound to find your nitch. Like most of you have mentioned, I get the most out of small group study. Right now I need the Christian fellowship one finds at a church in order to keep me on the right track.
Melanie~ I am so happy to hear God has blessed you and your husband with Oliver.
The Shack was awesome, talk about receiving a new and refreshing view on the Trinity, though I still can not fully wrap my mind around the concept.....and I never will.
I can't remember who mentioned not getting in Christian music, I feel the same. I am a county music girl, so I have countered this with listening to bluegrass gospel.
I also love Beth Moore, she gets so much out of the Word, and her personal story helped sway my own guilt of coming back to Christ after I knowingly disobeyed.
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CityFarmerMaddie
True Blue Farmgirl
173 Posts
Madison
Tacoma
WA
USA
173 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2009 : 07:35:35 AM
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I do believe that we and others learn from small tidbits of information that draw interest or spots from memory.
I was having lunch with my DD & her BF earlier in the week at a local park and there was a man there that was on the phone cursing & spitting. We continued to eat & after he had spit I started telling them about a story that I had heard about spitting. When someone spits on something they are cursing it. So we simply asked God to remove the curses that that man had put on the ground and asked that God would apply blessing in it's place. I know now that whenever those 2 teenagers see someone spit that story will come to mind.
I have been doing that with money & other items too. Asking God to remove anything that is attached to it that is not of Him and apply blessing to whoever receives it.
Madison
We are all pumpkin people. Choose which face you carve. |
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2009 : 07:48:29 AM
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Wow I just found this Thread and I will be reading daily and rereading posts. I just read the last page and found a home with like minded women thank you.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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CityFarmerMaddie
True Blue Farmgirl
173 Posts
Madison
Tacoma
WA
USA
173 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2009 : 08:26:25 AM
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Diana
Am glad you are here.
Blessings,
Madison
We are all pumpkin people. Choose which face you carve. |
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CherryMeDarlin
True Blue Farmgirl
602 Posts
Cherry
Odenville
AL
USA
602 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2009 : 08:54:37 AM
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The best, most effective, teaching we do is when we aren't aware that we are teaching. Chelsea, I understand what you went through as a teen-ager. And I believe that's a great man-made problem within organized religion. It's the same problem Jesus encountered and strove to change in the synagogues. People get so wrapped up in what the rules are, what the rituals are, (and how they follow them so much better than you) and while those are important, they aren't nearly as important as the "relationship". That's what Jesus came to teach us, to have a relationship and to place it before all the rest. I'm not trying to be irreverent, but I imagine Jesus with His disciples and saying to them, "Hey, ya'll, I want you to meet my Dad. He's the absolute coolest, most awesome Dad EVER!"
I just try to keep things simple. I understand that we have parental relationships in this world so that we might understand the Parental Relationship God desires to have with us. I understand that we have marital relationships in this world so that we might understand the Marital Relationship Jesus desires to have with us. And vice versa on both counts. It's easier to understand a thing when you have an example. We learn how to be better parents by understanding how God parents us. We learn how to be better spouses by understanding how Jesus views us. Does that make sense?
And I believe that one of the reasons Jesus came to this world was to show us how we are to function in this world. It's a temporary thing, true, but it is essential to the eternal thing. I believe we are here to teach and to be taught. I've said this recently to another farmgirl, but there's a saying that really resonates within me, and I can't remember where it came from, but it is "We are not physical beings learning to be spiritual, but spiritual beings learning to be physical". Our lives on the other side of the veil are our true lives. That's the eternal place, not here. I believe that before we are born into this world, we have an objective. I don't believe in randomness. Especially not from God. So, I believe that our time spent here in this world is to teach us some THING necessary to our lives in our eternal home. Our maybe we are here to teach another some THING necessary to their eternal life. We are all inter-connected. Look to God's creation for confirmation of that. Remove one species to a particular food chain, and the whole chain will collapse. God designed it that way on purpose.
We weren't "getting it", so Jesus came to teach us. We were focusing on the wrong things, so He came to remind us where to focus. Not on this world, but on the next. We were trying to be so very physical, and He reminded us that we are more spirit than human being. When you think on Genesis, and the Garden of Eden, and how God INTENDED for us to be in this world, enjoying His creation and communing face-to-face with Him, then you get it. It's what I liken to that perfect Christmas present. If you have a child, it's happened to you or will happen. Having been a child, you probably experienced it first hand. Think of it this way: you search for that perfect Christmas present for your beautiful child. You spend weeks on it, figuring out what it should be, trying to find it, doing what's necessary to be able to buy it. It's a thing that consumes you and you can picture in your mind how overyjoyed your child will be on Christmas morning. How pleased they will be and how much their happiness is going to make you happy. Christmas morning comes and you are beside yourself with excitement for them to unwrap this most special gift. They feel your excitement and get excited themself, feeding off your wonderful emotions. The box is before them and they tear into it. This is going to be THE BEST EVER!! And then you notice their face. There's a hint of disappointment in their eyes. This wasn't the gift they expected. It wasn't what they really wanted. They wanted more. They wanted it all, not just this small piece of it. They thought they were getting the whole enchilada that's been advertised to them. Even the part you know wasn't best for them, wasn't what they needed, or was necessary to the gift you gave them. That's what we've done to God.
We changed the rules, He didn't. And so He's constantly calling us back to the way He originally wanted it to be, whispering to that spirit within us that came from Paradise and longs to return, yet He is unable to contradict Himself or to violate His own rules. We put Him in that position. He circumvented it by sending His Son. And now it's back to being up to us.
I try to remind myself of that. This isn't the life God envisioned for me. Yet He still loves me enough to thrill me with His creation, to bring His beauty in my life each and every day, little reminders of what's in store for me. "You think that sunset is beautiful? You haven't seen anything yet, My child." "You wonder at the mysteries of the Universe and the vastness of the oceans? I'll tell you all about it one day." "You think you love your baby girl? That love pales in comparison to the love I have for you." And my spirit truly longs for Him. To be reunited with my Father. To go back to my "old" life.
I guess that's why I love the book of Job so very much. Job and his buds are sitting around a campfire, doing the very same thing we'd do today if one of our close friends was suffering as Job was. Commiserating, trying to comprehend, picking it apart to find somewhere to lay blame, which we so love to do. It's a scene played out over and over throughout history. Until God has had eeeeenough! He tells them what-for. He brings them to task and sets them straight. I absolutely get a thrill each and every time I read those words uttered from God's own mouth! And what does He speak of? His creation. I don't want to vex God like that, and so I love what Job says, "Who am I?" That's how I feel. Who am I to be blessed as I have been. Who am I to be allowed the beauty of this world. Who am I that God should send His most precious Gift to redeem me so that I might return to Him one day.
Ooooo!!!! Gives me glory-bumps!
For centuries, simple people and scholars alike have questioned just what God's will is for our lives. It's been picked apart, studied piece by piece under a microscope, debated and sought after. I think it's extremely simple and as obvious as the nose on your face. God's will for our lives is to return to Him. And to enjoy ourselves during this "vacation" in this world. To learn. To help one another and love one another. To better ourselves and to prepare ourselves for our eternal life with Him, as He originally intended it. Back to that parent-child relationship, we prepare our children, we teach our children, we love our children, we discipline our children, we enjoy our children and hope that we have given them all that will be necessary to their happiness and survival in this world when they venture forth from under our roofs. And then we let them go. To learn on their own, to make their way on their own, to fall on their own, and to love on their own. We're always there in case they need us. Always willing to guide them or advise them if asked. But they have to make their own way. We've equipped them as best we can, now it's up to them. I imagine that's how it is for our souls when we come into this world. That's how I view that scripture, Kris, about bringing up our children. It's an example of what God does Himself. He prepared us before coming into this world so that we might not depart from Him. And yet, just as we can't make choices and decisions for our grown children, neither can He for us. Like any good parent, He just longs for us to return home to Him.
~~Cherry~~
http://cherrymedarlin.blogspot.com
"A thing is as simple or as complicated as you make it." --TT Murphy |
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NikkiBeaumont
True Blue Farmgirl
473 Posts
473 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2009 : 08:55:19 AM
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Kris, I am so glad that you became aware that you are a fruitful Christian. I love the quiet way you go about you life, working, sharing, and encouraging others, teaching things, Spiritual and otherwise, as you go. You are a blessing to all those around you!
Anne of Green Gables had a way of consoling herself about things. She said something like, "Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it." I like that. Another chance.
Chelsea, I had kind of the same experience growing up. I felt that God was just a big fun-killer. For many years I did everything that I could to convince myself that there wasn't even a God; it made it easier to do my own thing. But I couldn't run away from Him. It took looking at Him through a sober parent's perspective for me to understand His fatherly opinion of me and His love for me and His love for everyone. Now, how can I help it but to love Him and praise Him? He is so good.
Hey, Madison and Diana! Glad that y'all are here!
Farmgirl Sister #554 |
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NikkiBeaumont
True Blue Farmgirl
473 Posts
473 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2009 : 09:04:55 AM
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Well, Cherry, I know that you can make me laugh, but now you have made me cry with you beautiful summarization of God's plan for us. I'm teary-eyed and my heart is full!
Farmgirl Sister #554 |
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queenofdreamsz4u
True Blue Farmgirl
3845 Posts
Stephanie Suzanne
Smoky Mountains Tennessee
USA
3845 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2009 : 09:58:53 AM
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I didn't have a very stable childhood and of course did not know Jesus til I was 40 years old....I had missed that warm and cozy secure feeling as a child and when I met Jesus I remember one of the first feelings that I had was of a "child" that could go to Him just as I was..a child that was broken in so many ways, a child that needed to be healed emotionally. It was and has and will always be the most profound loving relationship of my life.
The healing and growth that has taken place over the past 10 years has been life changing. I discovered that my spiritual gifts are teaching and encouragement. I guess that's also when I realized how important and key to my future....my past life and childhood had turned out...it was the character that God was building in me to be able to minister these gifts.
It's a joy to see a person's eyes light up when they finally understand something...and so exciting to see someone blossom to their life dream once they *believe* they can fly and not have to be attached to the opinions of others.
Humanity will always disappoint and destroy but God is eternal!! We are spiritual beings having a human experience...what a journey it is! :0)
Hope everyone is having a great day,
Stephanie
Queen of Dreamsz ~ keeper of dream kingdom
* * * * * * www.queenofdreamsz.blogspot.com * * * * * *
"Imagination is more important than knowledge"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Albert Einstein ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ |
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Family Matters: Wanted-Christian Fellowship |
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Wanted-Christian Fellowship
