Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Chew on this...during the break.
I thought I'd try to keep the discussion going during our break.
I've been thinking a lot about our 'collective purpose' as a group. The thought was sparked by the recent conversation we had about finding our purpose in order to help decide what we should read for the next study. And then I came across this little reflection by Henri Nouwen. Consider this question after reading the reflection: How has God used YOU as a result of being part of this group?
What Is Most Personal Is Most Universal
We like to make a distinction between our private and public lives and say, "Whatever I do in my private life is nobody else's business." But anyone trying to live a spiritual life will soon discover that the most personal is the most universal, the most hidden is the most public, and the most solitary is the most communal. What we live in the most intimate places of our beings is not just for us but for all people. That is why our inner lives are lives for others. That is why our solitude is a gift to our community, and that is why our most secret thoughts affect our common life.Jesus says, "No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house" (Matthew 5:14-15). The most inner light is a light for the world. Let's not have "double lives"; let us allow what we live in private to be known in public.
These reflections are taken from Henri J.M. Nouwen's Bread for the Journey.
I've been thinking a lot about our 'collective purpose' as a group. The thought was sparked by the recent conversation we had about finding our purpose in order to help decide what we should read for the next study. And then I came across this little reflection by Henri Nouwen. Consider this question after reading the reflection: How has God used YOU as a result of being part of this group?
What Is Most Personal Is Most Universal
We like to make a distinction between our private and public lives and say, "Whatever I do in my private life is nobody else's business." But anyone trying to live a spiritual life will soon discover that the most personal is the most universal, the most hidden is the most public, and the most solitary is the most communal. What we live in the most intimate places of our beings is not just for us but for all people. That is why our inner lives are lives for others. That is why our solitude is a gift to our community, and that is why our most secret thoughts affect our common life.Jesus says, "No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house" (Matthew 5:14-15). The most inner light is a light for the world. Let's not have "double lives"; let us allow what we live in private to be known in public.
These reflections are taken from Henri J.M. Nouwen's Bread for the Journey.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Next Topic/Book
Hello There Ladies,
I have been thinking about what Kathy said at our last meeting regarding our next topic of study. I stopped thinking about 'a book' and thinking about the individuals and the group. If you have ever done this yourself I am sure you have felt the beauty and fullness that comes from our time together. I just smile.
I wanted to put something out there.....after studying God's Word on grace I have found myself presented with more and more opportunities to show grace and see grace. I am sure they were there before, but my eyes were not fully open. As I started seeing grace working in in my life the Lord has brought to my attention the gift of forgiveness. It is an area that I can honestly say at times I think I have down and then find myself struggling with really letting something go. A dear friend of mine had no idea of all this when she was holding this book and I saw the title Total Forgiveness. So, I took note of it and came home to look it up on Amazon (I will include the link). I read the "first pages" part and was taken....I wanted to read more. There was a part in those pages that talked about a Muslim that converted to Christianity and when as what persuaded him he said it was not what they said, but who they were. Beautiful.
I do not know if this is even where the Lord will lead our group, but I wanted to share this with my sisters. I am going to purchase this book at some point-sooner than later. I will continue to pray and I trust that wherever the Lord leads us is where we need to be.
The link to the book: Total Forgiveness, by R.T. Kendall
Much Love,
Jennifer
I have been thinking about what Kathy said at our last meeting regarding our next topic of study. I stopped thinking about 'a book' and thinking about the individuals and the group. If you have ever done this yourself I am sure you have felt the beauty and fullness that comes from our time together. I just smile.
I wanted to put something out there.....after studying God's Word on grace I have found myself presented with more and more opportunities to show grace and see grace. I am sure they were there before, but my eyes were not fully open. As I started seeing grace working in in my life the Lord has brought to my attention the gift of forgiveness. It is an area that I can honestly say at times I think I have down and then find myself struggling with really letting something go. A dear friend of mine had no idea of all this when she was holding this book and I saw the title Total Forgiveness. So, I took note of it and came home to look it up on Amazon (I will include the link). I read the "first pages" part and was taken....I wanted to read more. There was a part in those pages that talked about a Muslim that converted to Christianity and when as what persuaded him he said it was not what they said, but who they were. Beautiful.
I do not know if this is even where the Lord will lead our group, but I wanted to share this with my sisters. I am going to purchase this book at some point-sooner than later. I will continue to pray and I trust that wherever the Lord leads us is where we need to be.
The link to the book: Total Forgiveness, by R.T. Kendall
Much Love,
Jennifer
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Erma Brombeck
I read this quote the other day and thought I'd share...
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me".
~ Erma Bombeck ~
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me".
~ Erma Bombeck ~
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
A Sermon Online
This relates so much to talking about our authentic selves and where we are WHO we really are:
Sermon by Pastor Tommy Barnett
Click on The Empire of Freedom
Sermon by Pastor Tommy Barnett
Click on The Empire of Freedom
In closure.....
Beloved Ones,
I have absolutely loved this study on Hosea and sharing our thoughts on Redeeming Love. It has truly been above and beyond....isn't it always though?!
Here are a couple questions Kathy posed Tuesday night:
How has your view/image of God been affected by this study?
Have I ever cheated on God? Am I aware of it?
Some other thoughts from the evening....
Hosea means Salvation (for those not there I found this link that explains what Kathy said and how it is the same derivative as Jesus!!). Hosea's message is a salvation message....the Lord does take us all messed up, fallen, BROKEN and is our Jehovah-rapha; our healer!
I was especially moved by our ending prayer....breathing in and out the Holy Name of Yahweh (YHWH)-the I AM. What peace. What comfort. What joy.
I look forward to seeing each of you at some point over our break.....I look forward to hearing where God is leading each of us in our next study.
Jennifer
I have absolutely loved this study on Hosea and sharing our thoughts on Redeeming Love. It has truly been above and beyond....isn't it always though?!
Here are a couple questions Kathy posed Tuesday night:
How has your view/image of God been affected by this study?
Have I ever cheated on God? Am I aware of it?
Some other thoughts from the evening....
Hosea means Salvation (for those not there I found this link that explains what Kathy said and how it is the same derivative as Jesus!!). Hosea's message is a salvation message....the Lord does take us all messed up, fallen, BROKEN and is our Jehovah-rapha; our healer!
I was especially moved by our ending prayer....breathing in and out the Holy Name of Yahweh (YHWH)-the I AM. What peace. What comfort. What joy.
I look forward to seeing each of you at some point over our break.....I look forward to hearing where God is leading each of us in our next study.
Jennifer
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Women of Faith Conference 2010
Just putting a bug in your ears ladies that the WOF Conference will be in October. My mom will be collecting money in July. I am so proud of her for organizing all this again...she said she would not, but I know the Lord led her to.
It was a wonderful weekend last year and I hope you can join us this year!
Jennifer
It was a wonderful weekend last year and I hope you can join us this year!
Jennifer
Friday, February 12, 2010
New Site Design
Hello Ladies,
I hope you enjoy this new template....I thought it was much brighter and warm feeling than the last.....quite representative of our group!
For those of you who do not know-the reason I chose the blog title, Living Life in the Core and an apple theme is because the book The Apple that we read oh so long ago I believe was a stepping stone into the deep water for us as a group.
Enjoy the template.....and thanks for letting me be creative!
Jennifer
I hope you enjoy this new template....I thought it was much brighter and warm feeling than the last.....quite representative of our group!
For those of you who do not know-the reason I chose the blog title, Living Life in the Core and an apple theme is because the book The Apple that we read oh so long ago I believe was a stepping stone into the deep water for us as a group.
Enjoy the template.....and thanks for letting me be creative!
Jennifer
Friday, February 5, 2010
Book List
I thought it might be time to start an ongoing book list. When we are trying to decide on next study, this will always be available to us. Or, it will just be nice to have the opportunity to refer back to the list for anyone interested in reading a book on her own.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Chew on this...2/1 (Henri Nouwen excerpt)
Last Monday I referred to an excerpt by Henri Nouwen that I thought was so relevant to our conversation about addictions/what we run from or to for fullfillment. Here is the excerpt from The Return of the Prodigal Son:
For a very long time I considered low self-esteem to be some kind of virtue. I had been warned so often against pride and conceit that I came to consider it a good thing to deprecate myself. But now I realize that the real sin is to deny God's first love for me, to ignore my original goodness. Because without claiming that first love and that original goodness for myself, I lost touch with my true self and embark on the destructive search among the wrong people and in the wrong places for what can only be found in the house of my Father.
For a very long time I considered low self-esteem to be some kind of virtue. I had been warned so often against pride and conceit that I came to consider it a good thing to deprecate myself. But now I realize that the real sin is to deny God's first love for me, to ignore my original goodness. Because without claiming that first love and that original goodness for myself, I lost touch with my true self and embark on the destructive search among the wrong people and in the wrong places for what can only be found in the house of my Father.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Marlee is Here!
She was born today!!!!!!!!!!!!! I spoke with Matt while Monique was nursing!!!! GLORY!!
Mom and baby are doing well.
Mom and baby are doing well.
Quick Update on Monique
Last text I received they were admitting her to the hospital (Tuesday Night)-nurse thought she could go easily.
Will update as soon as I hear......
Will update as soon as I hear......
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
From Kathy N.
Kath posted this as a comment in the prayer requests/praise post so I thought I would move it here for you all to respond....
-
Dear ones:
What great discussions we continue to have -- and how we are pushed and pulled to grapple with ideas and thoughts which challenge us to be better people. I am continually challenged in that way as well, and love all the sharing, the open-ness, the willingness to not settle for easy answers.
Last week we were encouraged to think about what / who we sometimes run away from. Last night the question to ponder was, " What do our addictions / idols do to our relationships?" Let's add one more: "What will help me better PAY ATTENTION to God?"
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