Good Morning and Welcome Back my friends!
I hope you have enjoyed Chapter Five of "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" as much as I have. If you took the time to answer the questions from the blog last week you know how powerful this week was. Remember if you want to do more than the questions posted, you can do all the questions listed at the back of the book in the study guide. they will leave you pondering much!
If you go into my office at the church there is a box on my shelf labeled "Treats". Many of you know that I keep lollipops in their for your little ones when they come by, but I also keep some of my favorite mini chocolates in there as well. Because my work schedule is a little crazy, I often find that Lunch was not part of the schedule, so I'll grab one (or two) of the chocolates from the box and continue plowing through the day.
This usually works, but the problem is when I get home I'm starving! So I'll end up making a little sandwich or finding something more substantial to keep my stomach quiet and my mood more even :). No sooner do I wipe my mouth with my napkin I'll hear Abigail or Keith ask "When's Dinner?". That is the last thing I want to think about because I have just finished my very late lunch. In hindsight you can see the mess that I've put myself in. I neglected my needs of my body and now I either neglect the needs of my family OR it becomes a drudgery to perform. Have you ever been there?
Often times I do the exact same thing with my relationship with God. I plow through my day and pick up little chocolate bar for nourishment. In the summer, when I lack a regular routine, I find I end up reaching for more spiritual chocolate bars than delicious meals with God. I'll listen to a Christian CD, I'll talk to a friend, I spend quality time with friends and family...all good things, but I'll neglect the perfectly balanced, nutritionally sound meal of a quiet time with God.
Nutritional experts tell us how important good balanced nutrition is. Scurvy is caused by lack of vitamin C, Ricketts by low vitamin D, low iodine causes goiter, low iron brings on anemia, low vitamin B can cause nerve disorders or appetite issues while lack of protein causes Kwashiorker - which is when your body moves into a starvation mode and starts eating itself - yuk! As important as it is for us to partake in a healthy well balance meal, it is just as important for us to have a healthy balanced spiritual life. Making Church attendance, reading the Bible and praying which includes confessing our sins and seeking God's forgiveness daily are all things that help provide a strong nutritionally balanced spiritual life.
So how have you been doing so far this summer with your spiritual nutrition? It's not too late to start eating right. Spend some time (even 5 minutes) in the Bible reading a favorite passage or finding a new favorite one. Take time to read "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" and complete a question or two each day from the back. Spend time praying - you can do it on the beach, in your backyard, poolside, anywhere, try journaling your prayers, it's fun to look back and see what God has been doing in your life. Remember, God desires a relationship with us and patiently waits for us to come and visit with Him.
Love to you all, until next week.
Kathy
This weeks questions:
I hope you are taking time to look at the questions - they are so powerful and will definitely provide spiritual nourishment as we work our way through them. This week you will be reading Chapter 6, but I would love to hear your feedback on the following questions from chapter 5 (study guide questions are on page 214 in your book).
Question 3 asks you about barriers to intimacy with God that you face. When you take a look at the list which ones to you see has your personal struggle? I see Busyness and Trials as my most difficult. Take time to read the scriptures next to the barriers you checked there are scriptures verses that speak to this barrier. Challenge yourself to not only read them, but pick one to memorize.
Question 5 reads: I've written that before we become Christians, Satan tells us we don't need a Savior. After we become Christians, he tells us we don't deserve a Savior. How have these lies affected your walk with God?
Be sure to read "Creating a -with Drawing Room" on page 74. This question isn't in the book, but I would love to hear from you on, Where is your with drawing room? What other places have you tried that have worked as well as failed?
You can post your answers in the comment section of this blog. I can't wait to hear from you!!!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Rocks in my Wagon
Hey Girlfriend!
I have returned from a lovely vacation in the Northwest, where I have witnessed first hand the true wonder of God's workmanship. The mountains were amazing, the lush green walls of trees were breath-taking. How amazing God is!!! I wish I could have taken each one of you along in my luggage, but now that you pay $25.00 per bag - I don't think I could afford it! Nonetheless, you were in my thoughts and prayers while I was there.
I see by the previous blogs that my precious friend and co-laborer Debbie has faithful blogged the first three chapters of the book with you. How I treasure her! I often say that together we make a whole person - and I believe it. I would be lost without her. So thank you Debbie for caring for all our friends while I traveled. God loves you dearly Debbie and so do I!
Well, this week we spent some time working our way through Chapter 4 "The Cure". I don't know about you, but I perked right up when I saw that title. I love the idea of fixin something. However, to my surprise (or maybe not) after reading Chapter 4 I found the fixin that was needed was ME! I could completely see myself in the illustration where God asked someone to take 3 rocks in a wagon up the mountain. However in route to the mountain they picked up other rocks from well meaning people along the way. Finally, the wagon became so full that ultimately they couldn't accomplish the one thing God asked them to do because they were so encumbered by other rocks that God never asked them to carry. I'm sure each of those rocks were good quality rocks - they just were not the rocks God wanted them to take up the mountain. Could you see yourself in the story?
All too often we find our sweet spot with God: The passion of our heart, the joy of our soul the one thing God has asked us to do and we head out on our call, our mission, our journey. However somewhere along that journey we pick up other 'rocks'. Sometimes out of a feeling of duty, guilt, selfishness or simply because a well meaning person asked us to take a good decent rock up the mountain for them. And before we know it we can no longer accomplish the one thing God ask of us because our wagon was far to difficult for us to pull any longer.
This is not what God has intended for us - His Yolk is light. Seems to me we need to be very wise in how we work for God. What joy Satan gets when he can overwhelm us right out of service! In "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World", Joanna Weaver beautifully calls us back to the Art of Worship - God's original request. When we worship Him and allow Him to dictate our path, that is when we free ourselves up from all that entangles us and we can strive towards what He has called us to do. We find freedom in the word 'No' as well as the word 'Yes'. How do we do this? EWED. Every Woman, Every Day - By being in scripture and prayer daily. When we take time to read the Bible, pray over it and ask God to show us how to apply it to our life - He will! God desires to direct your path, but we must stop to 1. Ask what we should pack in our wagon and 2. ask for directions up the mountain.
I have seen first hand the beautiful vistas that God has create for a mountain climb. He has placed His workmanship at key points in the journey so you forget the effort of pulling the wagon and engage in the beauty of His creation. Thus our wagon must be light enough that we walk with our head up taking in the sites rather than buried in our chest as we struggle with a burdensome wagon and miss out on all He has placed in our path for us to enjoy.
So girls, let's pull our little red wagons (or pink if you prefer) off to the shoulder and take inventory. What has God asked you to carry? What are you carrying out of guilt, fear,out of habit or because of a simple request you didn't decline? Today set aside some time to dump any rocks that need to find another wagon to ride in (see page 55 for helpful hints on dumping rocks). This will lighten your load and allow you to admire the view along the way afterall, God made it just for you!
Before I close I have two questions for you from the study guide at the back of the book (page 213). How I would LOVE to hear back from you on what God is showing you through this study.
Question 3: What do you think Jesus meant when He told Martha in Luke 10:38-42 that only one thing was needed? Hum...this is a good one.
Question 4d: Why may the one thing God asks us to do be different from what He requires of someone else? (consider 1 Cor. 13:3 and Phil 3:4-7)
I can't wait to hear your answers just post them in the comment section! And be sure to join me next week when we review Chapter 5.
How I hate to close out this blog, my heart so desires to hear your thoughts and chat through this book with you.
Blessings my friend. Kathy
I have returned from a lovely vacation in the Northwest, where I have witnessed first hand the true wonder of God's workmanship. The mountains were amazing, the lush green walls of trees were breath-taking. How amazing God is!!! I wish I could have taken each one of you along in my luggage, but now that you pay $25.00 per bag - I don't think I could afford it! Nonetheless, you were in my thoughts and prayers while I was there.
I see by the previous blogs that my precious friend and co-laborer Debbie has faithful blogged the first three chapters of the book with you. How I treasure her! I often say that together we make a whole person - and I believe it. I would be lost without her. So thank you Debbie for caring for all our friends while I traveled. God loves you dearly Debbie and so do I!
Well, this week we spent some time working our way through Chapter 4 "The Cure". I don't know about you, but I perked right up when I saw that title. I love the idea of fixin something. However, to my surprise (or maybe not) after reading Chapter 4 I found the fixin that was needed was ME! I could completely see myself in the illustration where God asked someone to take 3 rocks in a wagon up the mountain. However in route to the mountain they picked up other rocks from well meaning people along the way. Finally, the wagon became so full that ultimately they couldn't accomplish the one thing God asked them to do because they were so encumbered by other rocks that God never asked them to carry. I'm sure each of those rocks were good quality rocks - they just were not the rocks God wanted them to take up the mountain. Could you see yourself in the story?
All too often we find our sweet spot with God: The passion of our heart, the joy of our soul the one thing God has asked us to do and we head out on our call, our mission, our journey. However somewhere along that journey we pick up other 'rocks'. Sometimes out of a feeling of duty, guilt, selfishness or simply because a well meaning person asked us to take a good decent rock up the mountain for them. And before we know it we can no longer accomplish the one thing God ask of us because our wagon was far to difficult for us to pull any longer.
This is not what God has intended for us - His Yolk is light. Seems to me we need to be very wise in how we work for God. What joy Satan gets when he can overwhelm us right out of service! In "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World", Joanna Weaver beautifully calls us back to the Art of Worship - God's original request. When we worship Him and allow Him to dictate our path, that is when we free ourselves up from all that entangles us and we can strive towards what He has called us to do. We find freedom in the word 'No' as well as the word 'Yes'. How do we do this? EWED. Every Woman, Every Day - By being in scripture and prayer daily. When we take time to read the Bible, pray over it and ask God to show us how to apply it to our life - He will! God desires to direct your path, but we must stop to 1. Ask what we should pack in our wagon and 2. ask for directions up the mountain.
I have seen first hand the beautiful vistas that God has create for a mountain climb. He has placed His workmanship at key points in the journey so you forget the effort of pulling the wagon and engage in the beauty of His creation. Thus our wagon must be light enough that we walk with our head up taking in the sites rather than buried in our chest as we struggle with a burdensome wagon and miss out on all He has placed in our path for us to enjoy.
So girls, let's pull our little red wagons (or pink if you prefer) off to the shoulder and take inventory. What has God asked you to carry? What are you carrying out of guilt, fear,out of habit or because of a simple request you didn't decline? Today set aside some time to dump any rocks that need to find another wagon to ride in (see page 55 for helpful hints on dumping rocks). This will lighten your load and allow you to admire the view along the way afterall, God made it just for you!
Before I close I have two questions for you from the study guide at the back of the book (page 213). How I would LOVE to hear back from you on what God is showing you through this study.
Question 3: What do you think Jesus meant when He told Martha in Luke 10:38-42 that only one thing was needed? Hum...this is a good one.
Question 4d: Why may the one thing God asks us to do be different from what He requires of someone else? (consider 1 Cor. 13:3 and Phil 3:4-7)
I can't wait to hear your answers just post them in the comment section! And be sure to join me next week when we review Chapter 5.
How I hate to close out this blog, my heart so desires to hear your thoughts and chat through this book with you.
Blessings my friend. Kathy
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Concern vs. Worry
Jehovah-Jireh - God who provides
Jehovah-Rapha - God who heals
El-Shaddai - Almighty God
Worry - sometimes we think,"How can we not?" But we need to keep reminding ourselves, of who God is! If we are battling worry, are we forgetting who God is? So how do we remember who He is, so we do trust in Him?
On page 40 of my book, we see "three concise and practical steps to victory over worry."
1) Be anxious about nothing.
by 2) Be prayerful about everything.
and 3) Be thankful for all things.
Philippians 4:6-7
We started a saying in Women's Ministry this past year,
EWED - Every Woman Every Day.
This means we are going to try to be in prayer and in God's Word - the Bible, every day. If our minds are filled with the Bible, God's words to us, everyday, it leaves less room in our mind for worry! When we start to worry about something, we can stop and talk, pray, to God to take care of the situation. We trust that nothing is too small or too big for Him. Now, sometimes we need to repeat that a few times to ourselves in order for us to believe it - NOTHING is too small or too big. In my family right now, we are going through some transitions, and many times throughout the day, I am praying, asking God for peace to accept the next moments He has planned for me. Then I rest in my faith that He is in control. I am starting to get excited at what He has in store.
Prayer is a continuous ongoing talk with God - throughout your day. So, we can be concerned and take action such as - Prayer, Reading God's Word, and looking to God for the answer. Go to Jesus for Peace, the Prince of Peace.
So, which of the "Top Ten Ways to Tame Your Worry Habit" (listed at the end of the chapter) do you like?
In the study guide, question 5, What does Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 4:6-7 tell us to do about worry?
Let's hear your thoughts.
-debbie
Jehovah-Rapha - God who heals
El-Shaddai - Almighty God
Worry - sometimes we think,"How can we not?" But we need to keep reminding ourselves, of who God is! If we are battling worry, are we forgetting who God is? So how do we remember who He is, so we do trust in Him?
On page 40 of my book, we see "three concise and practical steps to victory over worry."
1) Be anxious about nothing.
by 2) Be prayerful about everything.
and 3) Be thankful for all things.
Philippians 4:6-7
We started a saying in Women's Ministry this past year,
EWED - Every Woman Every Day.
This means we are going to try to be in prayer and in God's Word - the Bible, every day. If our minds are filled with the Bible, God's words to us, everyday, it leaves less room in our mind for worry! When we start to worry about something, we can stop and talk, pray, to God to take care of the situation. We trust that nothing is too small or too big for Him. Now, sometimes we need to repeat that a few times to ourselves in order for us to believe it - NOTHING is too small or too big. In my family right now, we are going through some transitions, and many times throughout the day, I am praying, asking God for peace to accept the next moments He has planned for me. Then I rest in my faith that He is in control. I am starting to get excited at what He has in store.
Prayer is a continuous ongoing talk with God - throughout your day. So, we can be concerned and take action such as - Prayer, Reading God's Word, and looking to God for the answer. Go to Jesus for Peace, the Prince of Peace.
So, which of the "Top Ten Ways to Tame Your Worry Habit" (listed at the end of the chapter) do you like?
In the study guide, question 5, What does Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 4:6-7 tell us to do about worry?
Let's hear your thoughts.
-debbie
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The 3 D's
Hi Ladies!
First, let's try to read a chapter a week for the rest of the summer. Either I or Kathy will try to talk with you every Wednesday or Thursday about the next chapter. But it's summer and I know our schedules will not always be so consistent each week.
So, we should be reading chapter 3 this week.
What did you think about the Three D's? Distraction , Discouragement and Doubt.
I liked the grey box with the five strategies for fighting Discouragement. Deuteronomy 31:8 says "The Lord Himself goes before us..." Wow, say that a few times to yourself until you really absorb that. My Dad once taught me that the best way to handle situations is to quote scripture to yourself. That way God is speaking to you as you are handling the situation. If God goes before me - not beside me - before me, then I don't have to think about the "three D's". A lesson to practice and still learn, at least for me.
I also liked the last few pages of chapter 2, "until we stop doubting God's goodness, we can't experience God's love."
So, if you look in the back of the book in the study questions,
Question 5 - grab your Bible, read Mark 4:35-41, what do you think it teaches us about difficult times? and read Isaiah 43: 1- 6 or the whole chapter, what does it teach you?
Question 6 - Read Psalm 103. Which 5 ways did you see God's love shown in this chapter?
Share your thoughts!
-Debbie
First, let's try to read a chapter a week for the rest of the summer. Either I or Kathy will try to talk with you every Wednesday or Thursday about the next chapter. But it's summer and I know our schedules will not always be so consistent each week.
So, we should be reading chapter 3 this week.
What did you think about the Three D's? Distraction , Discouragement and Doubt.
I liked the grey box with the five strategies for fighting Discouragement. Deuteronomy 31:8 says "The Lord Himself goes before us..." Wow, say that a few times to yourself until you really absorb that. My Dad once taught me that the best way to handle situations is to quote scripture to yourself. That way God is speaking to you as you are handling the situation. If God goes before me - not beside me - before me, then I don't have to think about the "three D's". A lesson to practice and still learn, at least for me.
I also liked the last few pages of chapter 2, "until we stop doubting God's goodness, we can't experience God's love."
So, if you look in the back of the book in the study questions,
Question 5 - grab your Bible, read Mark 4:35-41, what do you think it teaches us about difficult times? and read Isaiah 43: 1- 6 or the whole chapter, what does it teach you?
Question 6 - Read Psalm 103. Which 5 ways did you see God's love shown in this chapter?
Share your thoughts!
-Debbie
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Chapter 1 and 2
Well, I hope you all have your books and have begun reading.
To keep on track for the summer, try to have Chapters 1 and 2 finished before July 7th.
I love how on page 9 of my book, it says "Two completely different women undergo a tranformation right before our eyes: a holy makeover" Isn't it nice that it's not just become a "Mary"? Both women type need time with Jesus for change in their lives.
On page 11 under "The Good News" - "it's not about what we do, but about what Jesus did." Some times it is easier to say this then to believe it and practice it.
So, find a blanket or chair at the beach, or a comfy sofa in your house, and read the first 2 chapters. In the back of the book in Appendix A, there are study questions.
So, what inanimate object are you?
and question 4, is it possible for our basic character to change?
What do you think?
To keep on track for the summer, try to have Chapters 1 and 2 finished before July 7th.
I love how on page 9 of my book, it says "Two completely different women undergo a tranformation right before our eyes: a holy makeover" Isn't it nice that it's not just become a "Mary"? Both women type need time with Jesus for change in their lives.
On page 11 under "The Good News" - "it's not about what we do, but about what Jesus did." Some times it is easier to say this then to believe it and practice it.
So, find a blanket or chair at the beach, or a comfy sofa in your house, and read the first 2 chapters. In the back of the book in Appendix A, there are study questions.
So, what inanimate object are you?
and question 4, is it possible for our basic character to change?
What do you think?
Monday, June 28, 2010
problem fixed
Hi ladies -
I know we had trouble with this website this past month, and I am sorry. I heard that some of you tried to post a comment and it didn't take it. again sorry.
We hope that we have the problem fixed. Please be sure that you are "signed in". do this by hitting the button under the list of followers on the right that says "sign in".
Can someone please try to post a comment, for me so I can be sure the problem is fixed? If it doesn't work, please email me at debbie@fcch.org.
thanks, debbie
I know we had trouble with this website this past month, and I am sorry. I heard that some of you tried to post a comment and it didn't take it. again sorry.
We hope that we have the problem fixed. Please be sure that you are "signed in". do this by hitting the button under the list of followers on the right that says "sign in".
Can someone please try to post a comment, for me so I can be sure the problem is fixed? If it doesn't work, please email me at debbie@fcch.org.
thanks, debbie
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Having a Mary's Heart in a Martha's World
Hi Ladies -
For those of you who are finishing up reading our last book, I hope you enjoyed your summer reading so far. And for those of you who are just joining us for our new study - Welcome!
So if we were sitting around the table in the room at church, we would be introducing ourselves. So why don't we "virtually" introduce ourselves.
My name is Debbie, and I can't wait to read this book again. I know that God will have a new word for me as I read this book again.
Now, even before you pick up this book, who do you think you are more like - Martha or Mary? I tend to be more a Martha - busy with details. But I am learning to be balanced. I am so excited to be leading you in this study. Wait and see, we will be wanting to be a little Martha and a little Mary....
For those of you who are finishing up reading our last book, I hope you enjoyed your summer reading so far. And for those of you who are just joining us for our new study - Welcome!
So if we were sitting around the table in the room at church, we would be introducing ourselves. So why don't we "virtually" introduce ourselves.
My name is Debbie, and I can't wait to read this book again. I know that God will have a new word for me as I read this book again.
Now, even before you pick up this book, who do you think you are more like - Martha or Mary? I tend to be more a Martha - busy with details. But I am learning to be balanced. I am so excited to be leading you in this study. Wait and see, we will be wanting to be a little Martha and a little Mary....
Friday, June 18, 2010
Warrior Princess, Part 4
Good evening,
I've just watched the US soccer team tie Slovenia, I've got my boys in bed, and my husband is on a backpacking trip in the White Mountains - now seems the perfect time to sit and write our final questions for Warrior Princess. I'd ask you if you've been impacted by the reading yet, but that seems a silly question. Her experience is so overwhelming, her life lessons so rich - I can't imagine reading it without feeling a tug on my heart. So here are the final questions, developed around Part 4 of the book:
Question 1: One of the most sobering moments in the book for me came on page 189 when Princess and Moffat ordered room service at a hotel in New York City. When their dinners arrived, they were shocked and saddened to see that the kitchen had prepared enough food to feed and entire family in Zambia.
Have you ever seen the stark contrast between the wealth of our country / region and the abject poverty of another country / region first hand? What was the circumstance? How did that affect you?
Question 2: Princess notes at the beginning of the book, that Africans hold to the tenet, "It takes a village to raise a child." At the end of the book, she finds life in America to feel individualistic and isolated (pages 250-241). As Christians, we should feel connected to the body of Christ and should be living in community.
How do you intentionally reach out to connect to your Christian community - either through asking for help and support, offering it, or just making daily decisions that keep you connected?
Do you have any tips for the rest of us?
Question 3: In the epilogue, Princess states that perhaps HIV's biggest blessing to her has been to make her realize that we need to make every day count because time is running out. She encourages us to not delay in pursuing the passions that burn in our hearts.
What changes are you planning in your life to pursue the passions God has placed in your heart?
I've just watched the US soccer team tie Slovenia, I've got my boys in bed, and my husband is on a backpacking trip in the White Mountains - now seems the perfect time to sit and write our final questions for Warrior Princess. I'd ask you if you've been impacted by the reading yet, but that seems a silly question. Her experience is so overwhelming, her life lessons so rich - I can't imagine reading it without feeling a tug on my heart. So here are the final questions, developed around Part 4 of the book:
Question 1: One of the most sobering moments in the book for me came on page 189 when Princess and Moffat ordered room service at a hotel in New York City. When their dinners arrived, they were shocked and saddened to see that the kitchen had prepared enough food to feed and entire family in Zambia.
Have you ever seen the stark contrast between the wealth of our country / region and the abject poverty of another country / region first hand? What was the circumstance? How did that affect you?
Question 2: Princess notes at the beginning of the book, that Africans hold to the tenet, "It takes a village to raise a child." At the end of the book, she finds life in America to feel individualistic and isolated (pages 250-241). As Christians, we should feel connected to the body of Christ and should be living in community.
How do you intentionally reach out to connect to your Christian community - either through asking for help and support, offering it, or just making daily decisions that keep you connected?
Do you have any tips for the rest of us?
Question 3: In the epilogue, Princess states that perhaps HIV's biggest blessing to her has been to make her realize that we need to make every day count because time is running out. She encourages us to not delay in pursuing the passions that burn in our hearts.
What changes are you planning in your life to pursue the passions God has placed in your heart?
Princess Warrior, Part 3
Hello again!
These are now firing in rapid succession. Read and comment at your own pace!
Question 1: On page 111, after advertising for the opening of a home run private and public school, Princess finds herself opening her doors to an overwhelming flood of students - at number she never anticipated.
Have you ever prayed for God's leading or responded to His call only to find that His call was bigger than you ever anticipated? How did He provide to meet the need, both in your personal equipping and in the stretching of resources?
Question 2: In chapters 13 and 14 we see Princess' heart continue to break for people who have no access to the education about HIV/AIDS that could save their lives and she becomes an activist?
What issue has God pressed into your heart? What causes your heart to break and how do you sense God leading you down a path to minister to people dealing with it?
Question 3: In chapter 14, Princess has a divine appointment with Dr. Phiri who has resources and a platform from which he can educate people about AIDS, but who is looking for someone special to be a spokesman. This appointment comes at one of Princess' lowest, most desperate moments. She is totally blown away.
When have you been totally frustrated and defeated only to have God meet you in that moment and do something you could never have dreamt up on your own?
Question 4: In chapter 15 we see Princess really deal with the issue of loving God more than all else as she struggles to serve God in the light of her husband's opposition. The words of Jesus stand out to me here: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his mother and father and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple."
Have you ever faced a time when you were sure you were answering God's call but faced opposition from a parent, a spouse, or someone else close to you?
These are now firing in rapid succession. Read and comment at your own pace!
Question 1: On page 111, after advertising for the opening of a home run private and public school, Princess finds herself opening her doors to an overwhelming flood of students - at number she never anticipated.
Have you ever prayed for God's leading or responded to His call only to find that His call was bigger than you ever anticipated? How did He provide to meet the need, both in your personal equipping and in the stretching of resources?
Question 2: In chapters 13 and 14 we see Princess' heart continue to break for people who have no access to the education about HIV/AIDS that could save their lives and she becomes an activist?
What issue has God pressed into your heart? What causes your heart to break and how do you sense God leading you down a path to minister to people dealing with it?
Question 3: In chapter 14, Princess has a divine appointment with Dr. Phiri who has resources and a platform from which he can educate people about AIDS, but who is looking for someone special to be a spokesman. This appointment comes at one of Princess' lowest, most desperate moments. She is totally blown away.
When have you been totally frustrated and defeated only to have God meet you in that moment and do something you could never have dreamt up on your own?
Question 4: In chapter 15 we see Princess really deal with the issue of loving God more than all else as she struggles to serve God in the light of her husband's opposition. The words of Jesus stand out to me here: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his mother and father and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple."
Have you ever faced a time when you were sure you were answering God's call but faced opposition from a parent, a spouse, or someone else close to you?
Princess Warrior Blog, Part 2
Hello, Ladies!
This is the point in the story when I ask for grace! The last month has been a little wild, and I was unable to manage it as well as I'd hoped. I'm so, so sorry for being behind with these posts! I recently read a friend's post on Facebook that said that June might just be busier than Christmas. That might be a stretch, but not too much! I hope you are all managing well and are finding or have found the time to read this amazing book. Let's get down to the questions!
Question 1: On page 87, a more mature Christian friend speaks a prophetic word into Princess' life when she says, "The Lord showed me that there will be something that is going to happen in your life that will be as big as a mountain. Of all the words it is the mountain that is standing out to me. But he is saying, 'Fear not." He will go before you; He will clear the way so you will know it is Him who has called." In her heart, Princess believed, "If it's God's will, it will be."
Have you ever had someone speak a prophetic word into your life? How did you respond? With excitement? Cynicism? Fear? Has it come to pass?
Question 2: On page 89, when Princess was praying for those sick and dying of AIDS, she overheard a group of visitors say, "Why is she praying for someone who is already dead?" and was totally incensed at their attitudes.
Have you ever heard someone criticize your ministry? How did you respond? Did it affect how you worked?
Question 3: On page 100, after hearing of her HIV-positive status, Princess thought, "This was it, I knew. This was my mountain."
Have you ever faced a situation or circumstance that you knew God had allowed for His good purpose and plan? How were you able to face that circumstance and what did God do through it?
This is the point in the story when I ask for grace! The last month has been a little wild, and I was unable to manage it as well as I'd hoped. I'm so, so sorry for being behind with these posts! I recently read a friend's post on Facebook that said that June might just be busier than Christmas. That might be a stretch, but not too much! I hope you are all managing well and are finding or have found the time to read this amazing book. Let's get down to the questions!
Question 1: On page 87, a more mature Christian friend speaks a prophetic word into Princess' life when she says, "The Lord showed me that there will be something that is going to happen in your life that will be as big as a mountain. Of all the words it is the mountain that is standing out to me. But he is saying, 'Fear not." He will go before you; He will clear the way so you will know it is Him who has called." In her heart, Princess believed, "If it's God's will, it will be."
Have you ever had someone speak a prophetic word into your life? How did you respond? With excitement? Cynicism? Fear? Has it come to pass?
Question 2: On page 89, when Princess was praying for those sick and dying of AIDS, she overheard a group of visitors say, "Why is she praying for someone who is already dead?" and was totally incensed at their attitudes.
Have you ever heard someone criticize your ministry? How did you respond? Did it affect how you worked?
Question 3: On page 100, after hearing of her HIV-positive status, Princess thought, "This was it, I knew. This was my mountain."
Have you ever faced a situation or circumstance that you knew God had allowed for His good purpose and plan? How were you able to face that circumstance and what did God do through it?
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Warrior Princess, Week 1
Hello Ladies!
Welcome to the Warrior Princess discussion! We're so glad you've decided to join us. Hopefully you have procured a book. If not, you can purchase it from Amazon.com. If you access Amazon from the fcch.org homepage, a portion of the sale goes back to FCCH as a donation. Check it out!
Warrior Princess is an amazing testimony of how God reached down and touched a life, transforming it from one of sadness and despair to one of freedom and power. If you heard Princess speak during her visit this past April, you heard her share just a few brief snippets about her life's journey. In Warrior Princess, she expands on those stories, revealing details that show how God laid out His plan for her life in ways that only He could do. There are moments of Divine Providence in the book that will simply give you chills. We serve an awesome God!
The book has 23 chapters, broken down into 4 parts. We will cover 1 part each week. Don't worry. The chapters are short and the reading is easy. In fact, rather than have trouble keeping up, you will probably have trouble not getting too far ahead!
The schedule will be as follows:
For the week beginning -
Thurs, May 27th, Part 1 (chapters 1-6)
Thurs, June 3rd, Part 2 (chapters 7-11)
Thurs, June 10th, Part 3 (chapters 12-18)
Thurs, June 17th, Part 4 (chapters 19-23)
Today we will start discussing Part 1. You will have until next Thursday, June 3rd, to answer these questions. We will move on to Part 2 next week. Your response can cover 1 question, or all of them, depending on what resonates with you and how you feel lead. So are you ready? Let's go!
Question 1: In chapter 2, on pages 23 and 24, Princess shares the story about the time her mother protected her young brother from the influences of their culture. She knew in her heart that their culture's spiritual and healing practices were evil and she hid her son when he was being sought for a position that would place him directly in the midst of voo doo, witchcraft, and ancestor worship.
Have you ever had to protect a loved one from the evil influences in OUR culture? Did you claim a particular verse from the Bible as you stood in the gap for that person either through prayer or physical intervention? What happened?
Question 2: In chapter 3, on page 27, Princess writes, "Growing up, I measured all men against my handsome father. It still amazes me, the power of a father over a child, especially a daughter."
Can you think of a person who stood "larger than life" in your life? How did he or she influence your thinking? What impact (positive or negative) did that person's presence in your life have on your relationship with God?
Question 3: In chapter 4, on page 39, Princess shares about her reaction to her baby sister's death, presumably from AIDS. She then writes about how you can look back on your life and identify a few key moments that changed the direction of your life forever and how at other times you might not even realize that you have just taken a few steps down a new path.
What has your spiritual journey been like? Can you identify key moments when God unmistakably directed you down a new path or has your journey been a series of steps, each gradually leading you down a new path that you didn't recognize until some time later?
Welcome to the Warrior Princess discussion! We're so glad you've decided to join us. Hopefully you have procured a book. If not, you can purchase it from Amazon.com. If you access Amazon from the fcch.org homepage, a portion of the sale goes back to FCCH as a donation. Check it out!
Warrior Princess is an amazing testimony of how God reached down and touched a life, transforming it from one of sadness and despair to one of freedom and power. If you heard Princess speak during her visit this past April, you heard her share just a few brief snippets about her life's journey. In Warrior Princess, she expands on those stories, revealing details that show how God laid out His plan for her life in ways that only He could do. There are moments of Divine Providence in the book that will simply give you chills. We serve an awesome God!
The book has 23 chapters, broken down into 4 parts. We will cover 1 part each week. Don't worry. The chapters are short and the reading is easy. In fact, rather than have trouble keeping up, you will probably have trouble not getting too far ahead!
The schedule will be as follows:
For the week beginning -
Thurs, May 27th, Part 1 (chapters 1-6)
Thurs, June 3rd, Part 2 (chapters 7-11)
Thurs, June 10th, Part 3 (chapters 12-18)
Thurs, June 17th, Part 4 (chapters 19-23)
Today we will start discussing Part 1. You will have until next Thursday, June 3rd, to answer these questions. We will move on to Part 2 next week. Your response can cover 1 question, or all of them, depending on what resonates with you and how you feel lead. So are you ready? Let's go!
Question 1: In chapter 2, on pages 23 and 24, Princess shares the story about the time her mother protected her young brother from the influences of their culture. She knew in her heart that their culture's spiritual and healing practices were evil and she hid her son when he was being sought for a position that would place him directly in the midst of voo doo, witchcraft, and ancestor worship.
Have you ever had to protect a loved one from the evil influences in OUR culture? Did you claim a particular verse from the Bible as you stood in the gap for that person either through prayer or physical intervention? What happened?
Question 2: In chapter 3, on page 27, Princess writes, "Growing up, I measured all men against my handsome father. It still amazes me, the power of a father over a child, especially a daughter."
Can you think of a person who stood "larger than life" in your life? How did he or she influence your thinking? What impact (positive or negative) did that person's presence in your life have on your relationship with God?
Question 3: In chapter 4, on page 39, Princess shares about her reaction to her baby sister's death, presumably from AIDS. She then writes about how you can look back on your life and identify a few key moments that changed the direction of your life forever and how at other times you might not even realize that you have just taken a few steps down a new path.
What has your spiritual journey been like? Can you identify key moments when God unmistakably directed you down a new path or has your journey been a series of steps, each gradually leading you down a new path that you didn't recognize until some time later?
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Book study
Our first book will be Princess Zulu's Warrior Princess
Need to get the book? go to fcch.org and on the page hit the amazon.com link. You will be able to order the book from there.
Can't wait to get started ready and chatting.
Need to get the book? go to fcch.org and on the page hit the amazon.com link. You will be able to order the book from there.
Can't wait to get started ready and chatting.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Our Summer reading
Last summer I joined my extended family at the beach. I noticed since I was the only sister that had only older children, I got a special privilege. I didn't have to keep my eyes constantly on my boys to be sure the waves didn't eat them up. I was able to read a book! Now, for those who know me, you know this is a great accomplishment. I don't read books very often.
So, I began to think, "Wouldn't it be a great idea, if this summer a bunch of women were reading the same book?" It would be a "virtual Bible study". We could read and post comments based on some questions about each chapter.
Stay tuned to see what the FCCH Women's Book of the Summer will be.
So, I began to think, "Wouldn't it be a great idea, if this summer a bunch of women were reading the same book?" It would be a "virtual Bible study". We could read and post comments based on some questions about each chapter.
Stay tuned to see what the FCCH Women's Book of the Summer will be.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)