Last night I was thinking about how true it is that Satan attacks as soon as you start to get closer to God, such as starting this study. I was pointing a few things out to Luke and after a few minutes, he changed my thinking by saying "But look at all the blessing that has come from it! That's how I like to look at it." So, my I turned my negative thoughts into positive ones. Not that I was really dwelling on the negative, just thinking about how Satan works. "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a lion, looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8. It was much more fun to focus on the blessings God has given me!
I got thinking that it would be fun to share our blessings once a week! Mondays, I will ask a question (I'll try not to make it so hard next week! Ha!). Wednesdays, we'll share blessings and how God has answered prayer. And Fridays will be for prayer requests. And of course, we'll continue to share our SOAP journals or just what God is teaching us through our reading throughout the week!
I know it's not Wednesday anymore, but I am going to share my blessings now. Feel free to share as well!
Our only car broke down on Friday. Just stalled as Luke was driving home. God blessed by letting it happen right down the street from our house on Luke's way home from work. He was also right by Jamison's and I was comforted just by being able to call her to see if her husband knew anything about cars. They were great to offer referrals for a mechanic and offer rides and were a huge support when we didn't know what to do. We're blessed that my stepdad know a thing or two about cars and was also a person of support to call for advice. We were blessed by Luke's mom and dad towing the car to our house and lending us a car for a few days. We were blessed that it was just the timing belt that broke and there was no engine damage. We are blessed to have a 4 door car to get the kids in and out of that is now running. We are blessed to be able to save money with no car payment!
After telling my mom about our car and also that a few of our appliances are acting like they are about to die, she and my stepdad showed up with a new microwave! Blessing!
I have been exhausted (more than a normal mama, since we started our study). Today God blessed me with a 3 hour nap! What?! Does that really happen? With God all things are possible!
To be honest, I was nervous and uncomfortable sending emails and inviting my family and friends to do this study. I can't tell you how blessed I feel that each and every one of you have joined. God knew I needed you all for a reason. I am blessed every time I open an email.
I have debated sharing about this study on my blog. I feel extremely vulnerable, especially on my blog where I don't have a group of amazing women encouraging me and sharing stories with me as well. I have shared my SOAP journals and my stories there. I feel God leading me to continue to post there. I continue to pray that God will use me. I know my blog is a tool that people can read my testimony and I pray that God will speak directly to them and move them one step closer to Him through this. I have been encouraged by a few people letting me know it is being read!
Mostly, I have been so blessed by you and your stories. Especially hearing each and every one of your testimonies. I love it! I am so blessed that God led me to lead a group and not just do it by myself. I have learned so much by all of you! Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another"
Here are the Week 2 Reflection Questions from the Study Guide. I almost forgot about these. I should have sent them to you last night, so they were waiting for you this morning!
1. One important lesson I want to remember from this week’s reading would be: Trust the Lord!
2. Is there anything God has laid upon your heart this week that you need to change? Ask God to help you be the wife and mother He has made you to be! With God's help you can! To be self controlled with my emotions.
3. No woman is perfect and we all make mistakes, but is there an area in your life that you struggle with? If so, go to God. Seek his help and wisdom. If you feel your husband doesn't have full confidence in you, talk with him about it. Pray with him about it and strive to make those changes. Again with my emotions.
4. I am going to be more intentional by: I am going to be more intentional by being slow to become angry... with God's help!
Prayer Requests
Again for my Grandma Chiyo who started chemo yesterday.
For all of us to have a fun safe holiday weekend with our focus on God!
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