happy new year!

I agree with Carla, it's been too long!

I just wanted to invite anybody in the area to Southeast's Esther study on Tuesday nights starting January 13th. (they are doing it at other times as well but I thought it would be fun to get a big group of us together and do it.)

Also, I will be reading through the Bible chronologically again in 2009 if anyone would like to join me.

May the Lord bless you and keep you in 2009!

blessings,
karen

been to long

Hi Kentucky siestas, it's been way too long since I last spoke with anybody. It has been crazy around here as I know it has been for you guys also. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I sure did. How has everyone been since our "No Other God's" study? I've thought about you often. Please write back when you can and tell me if anything new and exciting has happened in your lives. Our little 6 year old grandson said he prayed and received Christ as his Savior around thanksgiving; We had been praying for him that he would understand. Oh to pray like a child! He had no tears, fears, or concerns. He said he just wanted to pray and asked Jesus in his heart. Keep him and his 9 year ols sister in your prayers that they will love Jesus with all their heart and live for him with total abandon. I also have my very first pet- I'm 49 ! It has been so precious and amazing to have this at this point in my life. Her name is Roxanne and she is a 2 1/2 year old Yorkie. She has the sweetest personality. I think it's because she was abused before we got her and now she is like the diva of our house. I could tell mant more stories about her and my grandkids but I'll leave it at that for now. I pray that all you guys will have a healthy, safe and spirit-filled new year! Love much Carla Lee

God's Great Mystery

We've heard a lot about "change" lately, but right now I'm undergoing an "unchange." Last February my husband took a great job in Frankfort--we were living in Memphis, TN at the time--and my three boys and I stayed back for my oldest to finish the school year. We came up here in June, thinking our house would sell within a few weeks and we'd get a house here and settle in. Months went by, lots of people looked at our house. We got a few offers but they fell through for strange reasons. We began to wonder what God was doing, since we had been obedient to come here, and we had, for the most part, had good attitudes about the move. We were paying rent on a condo in a hotel, and paying mortgage, utilities, etc. for our home. We knew God was in control and was going to take care of us, and that He had a plan that we needed to trust Him to fulfill. Soon after, my husband found out about a great job opening in Memphis, at a station where one of his former bosses now worked. That guy was dying to hire Brian for the position, and, well, he did. Which means we are moving back to Memphis. That's where the mystery of God comes in: Why did He move us here, only to move us back? Is it because someone in my family is going to get sick or worse? Is it because,...well, I don't know. What I DO know is that God brought us here to Kentucky, and He is sending us back. I could give you miles of examples of His hand in all of this. One is that He led me to the Kentucky Siestas, when I didn't know anyone and wondered if anyone around here was going to do the No Other Gods study. And this blog led me to meet Traci, who gave me the scoop on Frankfort and was my first friend here. God led us to a great church and Sunday School class that we absolutely hate to leave. And though I am excited about living near my family again, I truly do not want to go back! That in itself is an answer to prayer because I was afraid that I'd never really like it here. God is good, and though I may never understand His ways, I praise Him for His mystery!

So, Thank you, Kentucky Siestas, for being here when I needed you! You have been a blessing in my life!

--Sherri

***Beth Moore is coming to Memphis in October '09, so come on down and let's go together!

Stranded without electricity, I read The Shack

Well, ladies, since I did not have electricity early this week, I holed up at home and read "The Shack." I know we talked about this book in an earlier post (Sunday, July 27 - I don't know how to create Links or I would "link" you to the post. Can someone teach me how to do that? :-). My sister in law was reading the book then, and to tell you the truth, I haven't asked her opinion about it yet. But, a member of my home Bible study, who has tragically lost a child, told us that she was reading it. I trust her opinion as a woman of God, so I thought, well, I might as well read it.

For me to read an entire book in two days means it fascinated me and made an impact. But, before I give my opinion of the book, I want to reread the "meat" of the book and just contemplate it. I know, you're thinking "why is she bringing this up if she isn't ready to comment on it?" Well, I'm curious, who has read this book and what do you think?

Oh, and you Northern Kentucky gals, did you survive Storm Ike OK? Us - Ike gave our tree in the backyard a good shearing with several downed limbs, but no damage to our property.

That brings me to a prayer request....we can replace "things," but please pray for the Wiche family that lost their precious 10 year old boy, Frederic "Eric" Wiche Wilson on Sunday (he was doing yard work and was killed by a downed tree). He is the grandson of a wonderful man, Fred Wiche, who used to do a segment on the local TV news "The Weekend Gardener." Fred passed away just before his grandson, Eric, was born. Now they are together with Jesus! Pray for the family that are left behind.

God Bless!

Cheri

STILL MORE

I am currently doing Beth's LIVING FREE with my online group Siestas4Him and Sept.7 will start leading A HEART LIKE HIS at my church. God's hand is certainly in the David study. Read the posts on my blog about it and you will understand why I am showing up even if no one else does. I'm afraid NOT to.

LINDA

More and More Bible Studies!

Well, ladies, Connie and I have decided that we are going to do When Wallflowers Dance together. At this point, we are planning to start next week. However, if any of you would like to join us online, we would love to have you participate. It's only six weeks so the workload shouldn't be too bad and we'll be finished in plenty of time to get ready for the holidays. Anyway, if you're interested, let us know.

And no, Cheri, I have not done Stepping Up yet. I would like to and it is on my list. Perhaps next time around. I'm also hoping that church does the new Mary Kassian in the spring. It looks awesome. Of course they'll probably offer it at the same time that they offer Esther and then I'll be in a quandry.

blessings!

Bible Study?

Hi Ladies!

I'm curious, is anyone involved in Bible study this late summer/early autumn?

I just started Beth Moore's "Stepping Up - A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent."

I am meeting with a group of ladies in a home study here in Louisville. This is my fourth study with this group of wonderful women. We met for the first time last Wednesday, and guess what, I'm already behind on my homework!

This past week has been busy with trips, work, and family get-togethers! Traci and I took an excursion to Cincinnati Museum and finally met face to face. We had a great time and I think that I talked her ears off. While at the museum, we had a real life review in anatomy and were newly amazed at the miracle of the human body!

After the Stepping Up study is finished, I plan to get back to studying "Believing God" (Beth Moore). I started this online study by myself around the time that I started NOG and Heaven. Needless to say, it was too much to try more than one study at a time!

Please share any Bible studies that you are now attending or doing solo.

God bless!

Cheri

FINISHED

HEY GIRLS, I HOPE I GOT SIGNED IN QUICK ENOUGH. I can never begin to say thanks for letting me share with you and learn from you and hopefully grow with you during this journey. I have had a blast and wish we could meet up some time. I won't be long but I wanted to share just a few gems I discoverd along our way.The first part of the study I was a little intimidated by all this blogging and getting on the right date, and well you get the picture; that I wasn't looking deep enough or I was trying too hard to see things that just wern't there. But praise God the last 3 lessons opened my eyes and heart to exactly what I was needing and dealing with in my now.

I too, have been bothered all my life because of things I was taught in my childhood. I had perfectionism burned into me for so long that just in the last 8 years of my life believing that is NOT how God has it all planned out. My outward appearance must ALWAYS suppress or out rank anything I had on the inside. Whether I was saved, smelled like it, or felt like it or wanted to, I had better look like it! GONE BE THAT IDOL! I live for the joy of my Lord! Also, the Lord will noy allow me to live in the desert forever. This too will pass. There's so much more but I don't want you to run from me just yet! Please someone, anyone, contact me via my e-mail or phone. (865-688-8534) Iwant to hear about your lives and how God is working and evident in you. Send me a group pic and I'll try to send you guys one also. Love much, Carla Lee from Knox, Tn

Remaining In The New

Remaining In the New
By: Michelle Adams

Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Put on-enduo-Greek word-to be clothed with

I asked the Lord how I could truly remain in this new beginning day after day and year after year. How could I clothe myself with this new person? A person, who thought different, felt different and behaved different than she had in the past? How could I truly become the person that God wants me to be and how could I walk in the center of his will? I can say all sorts of things but to see them come to pass, to live them everyday can be difficult. I asked for insight.

Everyday at least twice a day I change my clothes. In the morning I take off what I slept in and dress to go out to work. In the evening I change from my work clothes to whatever I am sleeping in. I would never consider going off to work in my pajamas so why do I sometimes go off to work without clothing myself with the new man? It’s the same thing. When I wake up in the morning before starting a new day I must invite the Lord to come go with me, I must communicate with Him and seek His guidance for that day otherwise I am leaving home bare and uncovered. I haven’t clothed myself with the new man I have neglected my Heavenly Father and my relationship with Him. This makes a huge difference in how the day goes and my attitude about the events of the day.

A day in most of our lives lasts several hours usually somewhere around eighteen and we only sleep about six. During the course of eighteen hours a lot of things happen. It’s common to drop something you eat or drink on your clothes; once the spot is there it doesn’t just go away. Spiritually speaking our days are filled with different people, many events, things that sometimes hurt, that make us angry, frustrated or just plain tired. We wear these things emotionally so many times and the affects of them can be seen whether we realize it or not.

That’s why it’s so important that at the end of the day we bring our baggage to the altar in prayer. Everything that we have picked up that day, all the things that have stained our lives and left a mark we must lay down at night. We have to talk to the Lord about our day and tell Him all that has taken place and leave it there with Him. That’s the only way we can truly lay down and rest in peace. If we will learn to do this we can get up the next morning with a clean slate because we’ve put it down the night before. We can put on clean, fresh clothes spiritual as well as physically and anew each morning. The stains from yesterday do not have to go with us again today. Today holds its own spots and if we don’t lay them down every night we will find that we are full of them. We will end up on overload, feeling overwhelmed and not knowing how to cope.

As I write this I am reminded of a Women’s conference I attended one Saturday four or five years ago with a co-worker. The speaker that day talked about walking in a new beginning and ridding yourself of all that was passed. Her illustration was of a wall. She said we are born with a blank wall but as we grow up all those around us write on our wall. The wall becomes covered with all the writing, it affects our behavior, our attitude and how we deal with things. She taught that when we come to Christ, he has the ability to erase what is on our wall. Christ Jesus can erase that old man but we have to let Him. We must be willing to look at the wall that has been covered with various things and talk about them. We must invite the Lord to erase those things, usually one at a time.

When God erases something that has been written on our wall he writes a new thing. He gives us new life and a new beginning, He really does make us new people and he compels us not to have the wall become covered again with negative things or things that are not of Him. He wants to write on our wall filling it with the goodness of His grace and mercy. He wants us to clothe ourselves with the new man everyday, to start with a clean slate, that’s why His word tells us His mercies are new every morning. We mess up, we endure a lot and we face so many different things. God presents us the opportunity to rid ourselves of all things old and remain in the new. The only way to remain is to repeat the pattern of changing your spiritual clothes daily.

Heavenly Father, I desire to remain in the new. Help me to clothe myself with the new man every morning and to lay down all that happens in a day every night. I don’t want to carry today with me tomorrow but I want to learn to start anew. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Roll Call

Be sure that you go to the LPM blog today and sign in! Beth wants us to individually give our name, city and state. I also put "Finished with Kentucky Siestas!" ;-)
Hope that you are enjoying the closing weeks of summer!

Finishing Strong

Ladies,

I have posted the discussion questions for weeks 7 and 8. I hope that everyone has time to leave a comment or two. I thought that the last two weeks were very encouraging. At the end of this study, I feel that God has dealt with me regarding a few idols and I am surrendering them to Him. But I know that it is only by God's grace that I can say that. I am reminded of what we studied in week seven, day three "For when I am weak, then I am strong" and "His grace is sufficient for me."

I want to leave the Kentucky Siestas blog open for our mode of continuing communication after the study is finished. I feel like I have met some great ladies through this study/blog and I don't want to lose touch. If you will, post updates on what you are doing, studying, and either post or email any prayer requests. If you want to write a post of encouragement, please do. If you have deleted the email addresses for everyone, I can resend them to you. Just post a comment on the blog and I'll send them.

Early next week, Beth wants us to individually post our name and town on the LPM blog when we have completed the study (like we did when we signed up for the study). So, be sure that you add your name to the roll call!

God bless you all!
Cheri

Beth's Final NOG Message - Week 7 "Seasons of Aloneness"

Question 1:

Beth writes:
On the bottom of p.148 and in the context of promised blessing, Kelly writes, “Sometimes the Lord immediately replaces what we have left [as in, said good-bye to], and other times we are left feeling empty for a time.” At several very important seasons of my own life I believe God deliberately let me feel that empty space for a while before He filled it…even with Himself. If you’ve had a similar experience, share it and discuss what purpose God might have had in it.

This line of discussion also brings to mind the segment of Jeremiah 15:17 that Kelly shares on p.167 in Week Eight: “I sat alone because Your hand was on me.” Keep in mind that God created each of us to be a very plugged-in part of the Body of Christ. We were created for relationship but sometimes God draws us into a time of aloneness with Him so that He can work something IN US that He desires to later work THROUGH US. If you’ve had a season like I just described that had a pretty profound effect on you, share it briefly with your group.

Beth's Final NOG Message - Week 8 "Making Room - Cleaning the Heart"

Question 2:

Beth writes:
The intro to Session Eight was so powerful and dead on. Revisit the testimony about the married friend realizing she needed to get rid of the cards, letters and emails from the first guy she ever loved. Another friend shared a similar story with Kelly that she references on p.178. We can hang on to all sorts of things from the past besides old boyfriends and, often, until we really say goodbye, we can’t say hello to something wonderful God has for us. As Kelly’s been telling us for weeks, we’ve got to make ROOM.
Discuss a time you came to a similar conclusion and acted on it.
OR, if you haven’t let go of something but you know you need to, ask your group members to hold you accountable and pray for you to have courage to follow through.

Beth's Final NOG Message - Week 8 "He Brought Us Out...To Bring Us In"

Question 3:

Beth writes:
I loved Day Three! Revisit Kelly’s first paragraph on p.173. What is the “bridge between the old and the new”?

THEN, take a good look at Deuteronomy 6:23 in the margin of that same page and note Kelly’s abbreviation of it in the second paragraph: “He brought us out…to bring us in.” Girlfriend, that statement deserves an index card! Why is it so critical to keep that concept in mind?

Beth's Final NOG Message - Week 8 "Your Harvest is Just Beginning!"

Exhortation:

Beth writes:
The last two days of study out of the Book of Ruth were so good. Didn’t you love the last line of Ruth 1 (V.22) where we learn that Ruth and Naomi, devastated and grieved, entered Jerusalem, just “as the barley harvest was beginning”?
Read John 15:8 "By this, my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."
As we draw our journey to a close, having moved out some idols to make room for Christ, encourage one another to believe God to move in powerfully and purposefully. Speak these words over one another, emphatically and with authority: "Your harvest is just beginning!"

Living Proof Live Pictures

Travis Cottrell has posted the Louisville LPL pictures on his blog - The TCM blog, traviscottrellministries.blogspot.com. Check it out.
Let me know if any of you are in the pictures.
I recognized my friend, Amy Allen, who is the facilitator for my Bible study home group in Anchorage. She is in a picture praying with a woman.

Living Proof Live

To the ladies that were blessed to attend the Louisville "Living Proof Live" event (and simulcast):
Please, for those of us who could not attend, post how things went. I want details, details and more details.
Thanks!
Cheri

Beth's Message #4 - Week Five, Question One

It's been a whirlwind since we left Saturday for Destin. The place where we are staying is supposed to have WiFi, but it was spotty, and basically nonexistent. So, in order to have the Internet, I have to hang out in my brother/sister in law's room to be able to hook up directly to the modem (sorry Derek and Sherri :-)
I am copy/pasting in order to get the discussion questions posted tonight.
Love you all! Will post again later!
Cheri

1. Take a look at the bottom of p.103, starting with the question, “What word in Numbers 11:4 (NIV) is used to describe their desire for meat?” Discuss a number of specific ways craving something is different from wanting it. While you’re at it, continue a discussion Melissa and I started on a walk a few nights ago. We were talking about how you can tell you’re getting out of control with something when you start trying to be secretive about it. What do you think?

Beth's Message #4 - Week Five, Question Two

Being Lazy and Pasting the Discussion Questions:

Take a look at the top of p.108 under “Personal Reflection.” I loved this line of discussion starting with this question: “Have you ever tasted or brought back fruit from a future promise that had not been fully realized?” Discuss that whole first paragraph.

Beth's Message #4 - Week Six

Hi Ladies,
I am in Destin this week and the Internet has been spotty, so I am going to be lazy and copy/paste the discussion questions. I haven't seen Beth's video yet (when I wrote this, it hadn't been posted yet), so if there is further clarification, I will include that later.

From Week Six:3. Turn to p.125 and reread (one of you aloud to the group) the excerpt Kelly included by Charles Spurgeon. What are a few things we often try to do rather than refer our doubts straight to God? Then, read John 2:1-5 and note how Mary approached the pressing problem. As you conclude today’s gathering, have a brief time of prayer, letting those that feel comfortable praying out loud simply state their need or problem to God in one statement, something like this: “Lord, there is no more _____________________.” Or, “Lord, I am ____________________________.” Then simply tell Him that you’re trusting Him to do something about it. Try to resist fretting over it this week but keep watching for Him to turn some water into wine.

Have you read The Shack??

Hey Girls,
Well, I was on vacation last week and I have fallen behind in my homework for NOGs. I am trying to catch up. However, while I was on my trip I read the book, The Shack. Have any of you read it??? How about you LifeWay bookstore girls???
I wasn't quite sure what to think about it. I found it wild and weird, yet wonderful all at the same time.
I would love to hear from you all on this one.
By the way, I am coming to the Living Proof event in Louisville on Friday. Who else will be there?? Where can I find you?
Amy

Lifeway Visit

Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting with our Kentucky Siestas that work at Lifeway - Connie, Karen and Katie (along with a few of their great co-workers)! Believe it or not, yesterday was my first visit to the store. Crazy isn't it? I've lived in Louisville all of my life, but haven't shopped there. We used to have a Christian bookstore a couple of miles from my house, but it closed (leaving us Southwest Jeffersonians with no bookstore, secular or Christian; no "better" clothing store; no mall within 15 plus miles....wah! wah! wah!).
Anyway, it was so good to put a face with the names of these wonderful ladies that I have grown to know and love! And I left with 42 dollars worth of merchandise and I wanted to buy so much more! I bought the trade book "No Other Gods" suggested by Karen, and I am halfway through it - it's a good narrative that adds to the Bible study.
Southeast Christian is gearing up for Living Proof event. I would love to be here, but I will be on the white beaches of Destin (and so will Yvonne's family). I know that everyone that attends will be blessed! FYI: Southeast Christian was requesting their home group to park in three remote parking areas and shuttle over. I'm sure that leaving early for the event each day would be good advice :-)

Be Strict With Me

No other gods is very convicting. It is changing my life and making me see things more clearly. So many times my focus is off and I am distracted by so much that my mind is not upon my Lord. I want so desperately to put him first and live my life for him, knowing He is all that matters and it's really all about him and reaching others for the kingdom of Heaven.

Be Strict With Me
By: Michelle Adams

Psalms 26:2 Examine me, O Lord; and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

Not too long ago I was listening to a teaching CD by Beth Moore and I heard her tell how she began in her early thirties asking God to be strict with her. The Lord spoke to my heart that I too needed to pray that prayer. I didn’t want to; the thought of asking Him to be strict with me was frightening. Needless to say I haven’t been praying for that.

Last night I picked up my Bible and read Psalms 24-28 and when I came to this verse I was convicted. The Lord reminded of the night He had told me to ask Him to be strict with me. Again I honestly don’t want to do that I know I should because that would be obedience but it scares me.

I within myself am the most undisciplined person I know. My house is a wreck of clutter and nothing is ever in the right place. Most of the time I can’t even find what I am looking for. I have never followed a schedule. I have never been a morning person and for a long time now God has dealt with me to get up early and spend time with Him before starting my day. I have yet to accomplish that.

This morning I overslept so I woke up in a bad mood. This is a regular occurrence at my house. I rush to get ready for work and I rush out the door. While I’m driving to work I am putting in my earrings and applying lipstick so I am distracted. Usually after I sit down at my desk and am still for a moment I feel conviction because I haven’t spoken to my Heavenly Father yet.

Today as I was getting ready the Lord said, “if only you would obey my voice I would cause you to have victory.” I knew what He meant. God kept telling me, “if you do it my way, pray what I tell you to pray, obey my voice; discipline yourself I will work out all the rest.” I thought Lord I come home in the evenings and I spend time with you, some days I don’t turn my TV on at all. I pray and I study your word from the time I get home until the time I go to bed. This was no excuse and no great accomplishment. In fact the Lord let me know the reason I do that is because I have starved myself all day. It’s time for balance, it’s time to take up my cross daily and not nightly.

I have come to the conclusion that it’s time to walk in obedience and have whole-hearted dedication. I need to make up my mind that I will do things His way and not my own. I can’t make up for my morning neglect in the evenings. Yes, this was hard to swallow and yes it will be difficult to get in the habit of getting up earlier and having that time in the morning but for me that’s what God is calling me to. I am humbled by this truth but it’s time to confront it and make the necessary changes.

Father please forgive me for my disobedience for trying to do things my own way. I’m asking you now to please be strict with me. Examine me, search me, and try my intentions, my motives and the very intent of my heart. I want to do things your way and allow you to teach me to walk uprightly before you. Help me to step out and pray as you lead even when I am afraid. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

True Forgiveness

True Forgiveness
By: Michelle Adams

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I think we sometimes forget how much God loves us and how faithful He is to us. We all mess up and make mistakes but when we do we can confess our sins and be restored to right standing with God.
I would never condone sin and I don't believe in intentional, willful, repeated sin. That's not what I'm talking about here. We all have sinned the verses before and after this one tells us this is true.
What I think we often do is fall under guilt and condemnation. We find it impossible to forgive ourselves and we doubt that God will forgive us. This scripture tells us this is not true, if we confess He is faithful and just to forgive our sins.
I have made some big mistakes in my life and I have sinned against God. I have fallen under guilt and condemnation. I did not apply the scripture to the reality of my life. I kept thinking about what I had done wrong. I did not really believe God had forgiven me and cleansed me of unrighteousness. There are some sins I have confessed over and over and over again. Why is that necessary if I confessed and received forgiveness? That's the trouble we don't receive our forgiveness.
Here's what God has taught me, it's really very simple. I did some crazy things growing up, and I did not always obey or honor my parents. I am reminded of an incident in my childhood as I meditate on this scripture.
I was nine years old, my mother made me take a bath and get dressed on a Saturday afternoon because our pastor and his wife were coming for dinner. Across the road from our house was a pond the city had just filled in to build the new water plant. My parents told me repeatedly not to go over there I would sink in the mud.
My parents became occupied with their company and I was outside playing. I went across the road and walked a short distance then I begin to sink in the mud. I couldn't get out, I was stuck and I just kept sinking. I was in mud up to my waist when one of the kids I was playing with ran to get my dad.
Dad came running to rescue me and with him was my mother, the pastor and his wife. There was no getting out of this one. Daddy grabbed me by my arms and pulled me up out of the mud. I had done wrong, I had sinned by being disobedient but my dad loved me so much he came and got me.
This was a big deal at the time, my mother was hysterical standing there watching this. I remember feeling relieved when I saw my dad. I knew that despite what I had done daddy would help me. My parents already knew what I had done, they saw me sinking. They never justified my actions, but they forgave me and pulled me out of circumstances I brought on myself.
If my earthly parents love me that much, how much more does my Heavenly Father love me? Once my dad pulled me out of that mud, he took me back home but I couldn't enter the house with the mud still on me. I had to stop outside on the porch and take off my muddy clothes before going in. I was embarrassed and afraid of what they might do to me once I did enter. Isn't that how we think? God may have delivered me but I'm sure to suffer for this. You will reap what you sow there's no doubt about that. However, once you rid yourself of sin through confession to Christ you are cleansed of unrighteousness and restored to right standing with your Heavenly Father. You are free from the bondage of sin. Beloved when you confessed you took your muddy clothes off at the door of repentance you are now clean.
Believe God is faithful and just to forgive you. Believe that you are cleansed from all unrighteousness. You are now in right standing with your Heavenly Father. Don't allow the enemy to lie to you. God loves you and He doesn't want you to feel guilty for the rest of your life.
Do you think I find it necessary to apologize to my parents and seek their forgiveness all these years later? No, absolutely not. In fact I have only asked their forgiveness one time. The day it happened, I made things right. I confessed my disobedience, I apologized for the grief I had caused them and we moved forward....God has also moved forward. Whatever you have already confessed is already forgiven. Stand on that, know that is true and you simply keep running this race to the finish line.

Heavenly Father, I thank you that you are faithful and just to forgive me when I confess my sin. Thank you for cleansing me from all unrighteousness. Help me to keep this word fresh in my heart so that I won't become my own worst enemy living with haunting thoughts of past sins. Teach me to believe you and take you at your word for it is impossible for you to lie.
Top of Form

An interesting exercise

Hey Ladies!

I wanted to add one discussion point to Beth's wonderful questions. I found it really helpful last night while I was doing the last lesson in Session 4 to meditate on Colossians 3:1-17 and write down three things that really struck me. I thought it would be neat, in addition to Beth's question, if we could all share our three things. I am interested to see what particularly spoke to each of you in this passage.

Prayer Request

Hi everyone!

First, I wanted to let you know that Mary Burnett went to be with Jesus last week. Katie had posted July 5th asking us to pray for Mary and her family who are friends of Katie's parents. The Courier Journal and WAVE news had covered a graduation ceremony for Mary's daughters held at the hospital (they will graduate officially next year).

Please pray for Mary's husband Doug, and her daughters, Ashley and Brittany during this time of loss. Rejoice for Mary - she finished before us and therefore "got there first"!

On another minuscule note, I need prayer regarding my gastrointestinal system. I'm not going to go into yucky detail, but I have had problems since I had my gallbladder removed January, 2007. I am going to make a doctor's appointment today to see my internist. This problem is not life threatening by no means, just annoying.

Praying for you all! If you have specific prayer requests, either put them on the blog or email if you wish.

God Bless!

Cheri

Beth's Message # 3: True, but not the Truth

Beth has posted our discussion questions for sessions three and four.
(I guess the wellness tip this week was "quit giving mixed messages to your hair, you hair-etic!" :-)

I also decided to post the questions in the opposite order, so that the first appears newest on the blog page and the last is oldest. I hope that this is better in terms of chronological order.

NOG - p. 62
"Satan will tell us what's true, but he never tells us the truth!"
Has Satan ever told you something true, but it wasn't the truth?

Beth's Message # 3: Holding On to the Edge of the Envelope

NOG - p. 66.
King Hezekiah and the attack on his faith.

Streams in the Desert - p. 168.
“Genuine faith puts its letter in the mailbox and lets go. Distrust, however, holds on to a corner of the envelope and then wonders why the answer never arrives.”
What envelope have you been most prone to hold the edge of?

Beth's Message # 3: People - Gods

NOG - p. 76.
"Because relationships are so necessary - as I believe God created them to be - the line can get awful fuzzy between codependent and healthy, deep friendships."

Philippians 1:9-10
"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ" (NKJV)
How can these two Scriptures become a huge help to us in finding the balance between loving people and idolizing them?

Beth writes:
"We shared some examples from our personal lives of idolatrous relationships that, with God’s intervention, actually transitioned into healthy relationships. These transitions are often rare because the relationship was fed by the idolatry and often can’t exist without it."
Have any of you experienced one of those wonderful occasions when a relationship endured that positive transition? If so, share it!

Beth's Message # 3: Leah and Rachel Madness

NOG - pg. 87.
"Ponder Leah's desperation and write how this translates in your own life. (For example, when have you - or are you now - acting out of this kind of desperation?)"

What are a few costs of desperation that you yourself have paid? And what is the solution?

Beth's Message # 3: True, but not the Truth

Beth has posted our discussion questions for sessions three and four.
(I guess the theme this week was "Quit giving mixed messages to your hair, you hair-etic!" :-)
NOG - p. 62.
"Satan will tell us what's true, but he never tells us the truth."

Has Satan ever told you something true, but it wasn't the truth?

A visual picture...

I just finished up my chronological reading for the week and ran across this little bit of scripture. I got a chuckle out of it and thought that it presented a wonderful visual of the icky-ness of idols.

O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Then you will defile your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, "Away with you!" Isaiah 30:19-22

May we throw our idols away...

LIES, LIES, and MORE LIES

How are all my KY. Siestas? Thanks Karen for giving us a wakeup call.

Besides KY. SIESTAS I also participate in a forum called Siestas for Him that was created for this online Bible Study. Since we did not have any homework discussion from Beth last week , our facilitator Sheryl posted discussion questions for week 3.
I am sorry that I didn't post them here earlier but we still have 2 days before Beth's questions come so I'll post some of my thoughts and if you want to answer with your thoughts we would all love it.

From p. 60 Personal Reflection: Eve was deceived. How does her experience parallel our vulnerablity to being decieved today? Keep in mind a deception can be true BUT it is never THE TRUTH.
TV shows and movies rarely show consequences of actions(ex. promiscuity rarely results in sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy). We begin to believe thin people with perfect skin, teeth, and hair are the "norm". We start to believe that "things" (IDOLS) can solve our problems.


From p. 69 Personal Reflection: Paul tells us to continue in what we've been convinced of in the scriptures. Do you routinely read, listen to , or watch programs, movies, magazines, or music
with messages that attempt to convince you otherwise?
All the music I listen to is Christian so when a song pops into my head it is always uplifting BUT, I read books by authors that are not "Wholesome" such as Stephen King, James Patterson , and John Sanford and I like to watch" the Young and the Restless" . I have been a fan since it first debuted in the 70s.
Kelly says on p. 69 that if we are routinely putting ourselves in front of things that compromise the good the Lord wants to accomplish in us, then we are allowing ourselves to be robbed.

On p. 73 Kelly says that we need to know GOD'S TRUTH so that we can identify the deceptions of the enemy.
I'll leave you with the prayer I wrote as a response to the request on p. 76.
Dear Lord,
I love you and know that you love me. Forgive me when I believe Satan's lies. I want to be a light. I want to draw people to you. Help me to have a GODLY attitude. AMEN


KEEP BELIEVING GOD LADIES!!!! Blessings, LINDA

Um...hello? (tap, tap, tap) Is anybody out there? It's been awfully quiet lately. Did everybody go home and forget to tell me?

I have a question. Am I the only one who is discovering that I have more idols than I do pockets? I thought I could discover THE ONE and eradicate it but apparently it's not that simple. Every time I turn the corner, I seem to be finding something else that nudges God out of His proper place.

Interestingly enough, our pastor started a sermon series on idols today (based on Joshua 24). Sigh. If you wait until Monday, you can probably hear it here. (If this doesn't take you to the right sermon, keep poking around. It's there somewhere. It hadn't been posted yet.) Anyhow, they started the service with the statement,

You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods."

Kyle made a statement about God being a jealous God that really caught my attention and put things into perspective for me. He said, "It would be like you telling your husband that you've decided to see other people, but he's still your favorite." For some reason, that painted a picture for me like I've never seen before. He also talked about how so many times we focus on the fruit (sin) rather than removing the tree (idolatry). His belief is that all sin has it's root in idolatry. And I think I agree with him. Henry Blackaby gives this definition of idolatry: Anything you turn to for help when God tells you to turn to Him. Kyle went on to list things that help us identify the idols in our lives (what is your nightmare?, whose applause do you long for?, what do you dream of?) and how we can stop worshipping these idols (Appreciate what God has done. The more we remember what He has done for us, the more we appreciate Him, Recognize who He is, and smash all other gods.)

The sermon is well worth listening to if you get a chance. They don't put them up until Monday though. Anyway, I really would be curious to know how things are going for all of you. Are you like me and finding that you are more "caught" then you thought you were? What speaks most to you? How did you feel about her thoughts on media feeding our souls?

Hello new siestas!

I too am new at this blogging thing. You've got your work cut out for you. But I am so glad to be here studying with you ladies. pray that I will have an open heart and willing spirit as I see idols in my life that I really didn't think as one.Life's too short to be letting the enemy throw idols in our life's path. I love you girls for allowing me into your study circle. breaking free, Carla

Please Pray...

My parents have some friends from high school that need your prayers. The wife and mother, Mary, is dying of breast cancer. You may have seen the article about her girls "graduating" from high school on the front page of the Louisville newspaper on Friday. Please pray for this dear family that has been so faithful in their trust of our Father through so many difficulties. Rejoice that Mary will soon get to be with Jesus and that her husband and daughters will be comforted. Thanks ladies.

Hi from Linda in Lexington

Well I finally found my way in! This is so new to me - so please be patient with me as I learn how to do this blog thingy! I am called by several names, Linda Spraggins, Scooter, Mom and Mimi! You can just call me whatever you like best! :) I live in Lexington. Have two children, three grandchildren and a new grand-daughter on the way (will arrive in November).

I will try to keep this introduction short and if anyone would like to know more just e-mail me.

Our son, Pike is the SWAT team coordinator for Lexington Police department. He is married to Alisa, their son is Dawson, he is 9 years old. He is precious! God has gifted him with a compassionate heart and loving spirit. He goes to LCA (Lex Christian Academy) They are expecting our new little grand daughter in November. A very exciting time for them - as they thought they weren't having any more additions to the family! Alisa, is precious and a true blessing from God. She is a stay at home mom. She was an emergency room RN before Dawson was born and a very good one. She and Pike can handle the adrenalin rush that comes with their professions with control and clear thinking! Truly a gift from God. I know He gives these special servants of our care special gifts and incentive to do their job.

Our Daughter, Paige is a stay at home mom also. Joe is her husband. Cramer and Ally Jo are their children. They live in Scott County. Cramer is 13 now - he is our oldest grandchild. Ally Jo is 11. They are also precious! Cramer was born with retinoblastoma that was discovered in his eyes at 7 months old. The Lord was in control of the situation from the start for us! When the news came down we immediately went to Him and thanked Him for this dire circumstance and put Cramer and the whole family and entire medical team that would treat him in Gods more than capable hands.. That evening we were on a flight to Philadelphia to see Drs. Shields and Shields at the Wills Eye Hospital. They are known as leaders in the field of treatment of retinoblastoma. After almost two years of treatment Cramer's eyes had to be removed. The story is long, if anyone wants to know more I will gladly relate it to you. God has so blessed Cramer ( I wish you could meet him). Cramer sees God in a way that I will only see when I get to heaven. He has been an inspiration to many. There were gallons of tears and much heartache during this time. God was so faithful to be right there to pick us up and let us know He was in charge of Cramer and He had a greater glory to come out of this and would take care of "our special blessing". He gave us His Word that comforted us, encouraged us and gave us true hope! I praise Him for everything He is and Does for His children!! Oh - how I love him!
Ally Jo is a true blessing also! She loves to play softball and is going to the UK softball camp next week. She and Cramer also show cattle (Semital) - and that is a long story also. I never in my wildest imagination would have thought my city reared girly girl would someday be enjoying shoveling cow poop out of show stalls!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well now that I have managed to write an epistle I really should close and go get caught up on my homework as I am almost a week behind! Got a little behind taking care of elderly parents and having too much fun with the GRANS!!!! But I shouldn't leave out Gary, My dear Hubby!! He was with IBM/LexMark for 30 years and retired. He loves to fish. We spend part of the winter and spring in Florida (SW) where he fishes the barrier island waters. I miss the grans and spend time setting on the beach and visiting with our Florida friends.

We have one little beagle, Sara that is so much fun for us and the grans.

I have never met you guys, but I know I love you - because you love my Jesus!

Looking forward to learning from you guys! God bless you and all that concerns you and yours! Linda

Functional Gods: Eating Disorders and Seeking Approval of Others

Many of us have posted that our functional god is overeating and seeking approval of others.

I'm right there with you gals.

I have fought eating disorders since I was 14. It started with anorexia nervosa. I wanted to look like Audrey Hepburn (I kid you not) or a teen model from those preteen magazines that were well read. So, I limited my daily calorie allotment to 900 calories per day, exercised religiously, awoke early, went to bed exactly 16 hours later (I didn't want to lose a few calories by sleeping), and watched the pounds melt away. I still thought I looked fat when I weighed 87 pounds! I was a perfectionist also...I had to make A's or I would die!

Eventually, my monthly periods had ceased and I was dizzy when I arose from a sitting position. There wasn't a lot of information in the lay publications regarding anorexia nervosa in the early 70's, but my nurse mom took me to a gynecologist to see what was wrong with me (I was also very depressed). He gave me a hormone injection to jump start my periods and told me "quit over achieving!"
Well, thank God, I stopped depriving myself of food and my eating disorder was gone! Or, so I thought. Because I was so skinny, my mom kept ice milk (I would only eat Light and Lively) and other sweets around....Oh Boy! I could eat what I wanted! Yippee!

Then entered anorexia's hidden brother....bulimia.

I must say that I have struggled with overeating and bulimia off and on since then. It strikes me when I am stressed, lonely or depressed. Of course, it's a vicious circle...I overeat because I am depressed, I gain weight or fear gaining, I feel a lack of control when I overeat, then bulimia enters the picture which leads to continuing lack of control and more depression. And Satan is having a hey day because he is keeping me defeated!

Another functional god I have struggled with is seeking approval of others (people-pleasing)! I discovered that part of the reason my eating disorders developed was from wanting to please my parents by being the "good" child (my brother was a hellion in his teenage years). I stayed away from drugs and alcohol, unhealthy friendships, partying, etc. I kept quiet, became the valedictorian of my class and sunk into depression and eating disorders.

This people-pleasing trait has eased somewhat as I have aged. Matter in fact, a big weight lifted off of me in the past ten years when I realized that I couldn't please others all of the time. When I find myself worrying too much about what others think, God gently reminds me that only His approval counts.

Sorry I turned this post into a short story, but I want to relate to my fellow siestas that I am right there with you in your struggles! I am praying that our desire would be to please God only, and that we would cut ourselves a break from perfectionism. Also, that we would do all things to His glory whether eating or drinking (I Corinthians 10:31).

Remember our memory verse.....Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling.....
God bless!
Cheri

Thirst

I am rarely without one of these three drinks: unsweetened iced tea (only brewed without lemon and LOTS of ice), Diet Coke, or water. I have a water bottle with me in the choir, I purchase a Speedway 44 0z. Diet Coke at least once a day, and I always have something to drink on my nightstand when I go to bed. Why is this? I don't want to be thirsty. I don't want to feel parched.

I just finished the intro. and Day 1 of Session 3: LIES, and the thirst metaphor really connected with me.

On p. 56 Kelly says that we all need a refuge, a sanctuary but only one source of satisfaction and refuge exists. That source is GOD.

Lord, Help me to "drown" myself in Your living water so I will never thirst again. Thank you for my fellow Siestas on this journey with me. We boldly claim your promise that YOU ALONE are sufficient to meet our every need. We love you Jesus. AMEN

Beth's Message # 2: Fear Protects Our Idols

NOG - pg. 49.
"For the most part, we're afraid of being afraid. So perhaps fear isn't a primary god but the guard that stands outside the castle where the primary god lives. In other terms, fear protects our idols."
HOW DOES FEAR PROTECT OUR IDOLS?

Beth's Message # 2: God Has Make Me Laugh

"God has made me laugh."
SHARE SOMETHING WITH THE GROUP THAT GOD HAS DONE FOR YOU THAT BROUGHT YOU SUCH JOY OR SUCH A TURNAROUND THAT IT WAS LAUGHABLE.

Beth's Message # 2: Peculiar Acrostic

OK, here goes....Peculiar acrostic: What are various ways Christ has set us apart?

P - PERSONAL relationship with Jesus
E - EXCLUSIVELY His
C - CHRIST-like
U - The prayer of the UPRIGHT is His Delight (Prov. 15:8)
L - LOVE of Christ that passes understanding (Eph. 3:19)
I - He who overcomes will INHERIT all things (Rev. 21:7)
A - We are AMBASSADORS for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20)
R - Lead me to the ROCK that is higher than I (Ps.61:2)

What words would you use to describe peculiar people?

Beth's Message # 2: Functional God

Beth Moore posted on the LPM blog tonight with the instructions for the second meeting of our NOG study. Her video is again hilarious, especially the bargain shopping tips and inside-out leggings. I think what I will do is post separately for each discussion and we can either add comments to the post or post independently if you desire. I'll start with the first discussion:
WHAT IS A FUNCTIONAL GOD AND HOW HAS THIS IDOL FUNCTIONED FOR YOU?

UPDATE

Thank you for your prayers. The first information we got about the accident was inaccurate and the injuries were not as severe (PRAISE GOD).

Prayer Request

Dear Friends,
I just received word that the youth group from Centenary United Methodist Church in Lexington was involved in a bad accident in Dolthan, Alabama on their way to Fla. for a choir tour. Two of the three buses were hit and there are possibly 10 kids in critical condition. I belong to First United Methodist in Lexington but many of the kids are friends with kids from our church and many families will be affected. Thank you for lifting these families up to the throne of ou Heavenly Father. LINDA

I'm back from our mini trip to Indy. We went to a great concert!
Did you like Kelly Minter's statement "The goodness of Jesus Christ burned so brightly in her that people gloried God; she almost seemed from another world" from page 39? I wish that I could say this about myself. But, so often, I am looking out for my best interests, making sure that my life is comfortable...in my assignments at work, in what I do with my free time, in shrinking from an opportunity to share Christ, for example. Not that I am blatantly sinning, but I'm not exactly reflecting the goodness of the Jesus Christ. Do any of you feel this way?
Cheri

Melissa's Divine Revelation

Did any of you read Melissa's most recent post to the LPM blog? If not, check it out. It's profound. She dwells on the importance of re-discovering the Bible, pure and simple. I especially love the quote she shares from John Bunyan: “This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book”. Wow.

Love You Siestas

I just want to say what a privilege it is to get to know all of you guys! A little over two weeks ago, when Traci and I met via the LPM blog, I never dreamed that I would be conversing with so many wonderful ladies. My hope is that we continue to encourage one another and hopefully, if it be God's will, meet in the future (if not here on our temporal home, we will certainly meet in Heaven).
One of my favorite Christian music artists is the late Keith Green. Yesterday, while I was on the treadmill, I listened to this beautiful song:

Oh Lord, You're beautiful!
Your face is all I see
For when Your eyes are on this child
Your grace abounds to me
Oh Lord, please light the fire
That once burned bright and clean
Replace the lamp of my first love
That burns with holy fear
I want to take Your Word and shine it all around
But first help me just to live it, Lord
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all." II Corinthians 13:14

God Bless,
Cheri

The Joy of the Lord

Along with completing week one, I have memorized the first verse of our scripture and my favorite part is Christ presenting me to God with GREAT JOY. Imagine that! We bring Joy to our Father! I was reminded of an anthem I have sung in my church choir. It is based on Zephaniah 3:17. Here are part of the words: And the Father will dance over you with JOY, He will take delight in whom He loves, Is that a choir I hear singing the praises of God? No, the Lord God Himself is rejoicing over you in song.

How much richer our lives would be if we thought about God rejoicing over us, His Holy and treasured posessions.

I long to "build a fortress wherein only GOD, His words and my heart exist together for a time" (p. 34). I am ready to MAKE ROOM. LINDA

Week One, Done!

For the first time in a long time, I am so far on schedule with Bible Study! It's only week one, so I'm not getting too proud of myself yet! The most significant thing I have gleaned from this week is from day three, the bottom of page 21, where she talks about recognizing our powerlessness against our idols, and accepting the gift of His strength. I never thought of His power as a gift, and I never thought of accepting it. So, I'm working on having that mindset to overcome my idol.
To answer Beth's question, the biggest obstacle I face this summer is our move to Frankfort. Back in February, my husband started his job here, leaving me in Memphis so our oldest son could finish third grade. Brian came home on weekends. Now, school is out, our house is for sale with no good offers, we're living in a condo in Frankfort with few of our things, unable to really settle yet or make many plans. I'd like to get my boys in soccer camp or something, but if our house sells...well, we don't know where we'll be any given week. I trust the Lord, knowing He's in control and His timing is right. I mean, He's not up there wringing His nail-pierced hands saying, "Oh, no! Their house hasn't sold yet! What should I do?" But I struggle with discouragement. On the other hand, our house could sell any day now and I'd be up to my elbows in boxes and packing tape!
Did I mention that I've gained 20 pounds since my husband took this job? Food is no doubt my idol.

Correction!

The baby is 8 months old - not 4. No idea why I put that!

Hi Ladies!

I'm new - Cheri apparently found my entry on the LPM blog and invited me to join! I'm grateful. My name is Melinda and I live in Harrodsburg - about 45 minutes southwest of Lexington. I grew up here, but married a guy from Houston TX and we lived there from 1996-2006. I had the privelege of sitting in on some of Beth Mooore's studies live, at Houston's First Baptist church. It was so cool. And I miss it, let me tell ya! But I'm happy to be home in the Bluegrass. We're still looking for a church - it's a small town, and not a lot of offerings. But I think we've finally narrowed it down to a couple. So hopefully before the summer's out we'll have one to call home. My husband's name is Corey and we've been married 11 years. I have a beautiful daughter, Laurel, who is 6, a beautiful son Sawyer, who is 4, and a beautiful baby girl, Isla (pronounced Eye-la), who is 4 months old. I am homeschooling them and trying to pursue a small photography business at the same time.
My biggest obstacle to doing this study is not only my three children and all their needs (Isla is climbing me as I type with one finger!), but my own lack of self-discipline. I am horrible at time management. I'm having trouble identifying my most powerful idol, but I think it is self-gratification. Whether in regards to the use of my time, eating, shopping (I'm addicted to bargains!) or whatever, I give in to self rather than choosing what's best. There may be a deeper idol that causes the self-gratification, but I haven't identified it yet.
Gotta run - the baby will not let me type anymore!

FYI - Kelly Minter's blog

Kelly Minter has a post on her blog welcoming everyone to the Summer study. Check it out...http://livingroomseries.com/ Go to her blog to read the message.
Cheri

Hello Ladies!

I see that some of you have posted a little about yourselves this week as we are starting this study. I was invited to do this with Karen whom I have the pleasure to work with. Our co-worker, Connie, is also involved. I suspect that I am the youngest member of the group at the ripe age of 22. I am single and live at home with my wonderful parents and incredible sister (who is about to head to London on study abroad). I am about to start my career as a French teacher (either high school or middle school), or at least hope to this fall (read "waiting for a school to call"). I like to read, watch movies, cook and hang out with friends. I LOVE Starbucks and Barnes & Nobles. I have been a Christian since I was 5 and a Southern Baptist for 5 years.

I finished the homework for this week and was very convicted! God is gracious! He shows us sin in our lives and reminds us how dependent on his mercy that we are. I feel that God is really calling me to do this study with all my heart especially this week in two ways. First, while teaching VBS this week, the kids heard how dangerous idolatry was! I totally took that as a reminder for myself and hope that the kids can learn this lesson early in life. Also, in my Sunday School class this week, we studied Deuteronomy 4. I was reminded of the warning of God to the Israelites that they only serve HIM and not idols. The warning are STRONG against idol worship, "Take care, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make a carved image, the form of anything that the LORD your God has forbidden you. For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God" (4:23-24 ESV). The teacher today talked about how we often do not describe God as a "consuming fire." He is a jealous God who WILL NOT share His glory with another. What a great reminder that this study is what I am in need of right now! I have so many idols and go after them instead of God. But how gracious and merciful He is to forgive! Oh that I may trust him more deeply for all my needs and not go after these gods that cannot fulfill as He does. Thanks for reading ladies. I look forward to the rest of this study with you all. Blessings on you this week!

PS-I am very glad to have a fellow CARDS fan on board! You are brave to live in the lion's den!

Hello from Lexington

I am so happy to be able to study with you. My name is Linda Peel and I am an RN at the KY. Clinic in Lexington in Adolescent Medicine. Teenagers are like White Castles- you either love them or can't stand them and happily for me I love them both. I feel like this job is exactly where God wants me. I graduated from PRP and then went to UK because UL did not have a college of Nursing at the time BUT I am a DIE HARD UL FAN.(GO CARDS!)


NO OTHER GODS is quite different from Beth's studies that I have done but thought provoking nevertheless. From day 3 of week one I have had a couple of times when I was powerless and could only cry out to God. God was faithful. It is very difficult to give things to GOD and then let go; many times I want to give God some direction in how to fix the issue. But in these situations I could do nothing BUT rely on God and His infinite wisdom. And isn't this the POINT? How could I ever think I could advise the Creator of the Universe?

Here is my prayer from p. 21.
Dear Lord,
I have tried to control things in the past but when I have relied on You and not myself you have answered my cries- For myself, for Brittany (my daughter), for my father's health. Help me rely on you for EVERY need.

Back from the Beach

I have to say after a week at the beach and 2 days in the car, I am beyond happy to be back in KY! Lots of posts to catch up on. That's great.

I just finished day 4 homework. You are right Karen, it really spoke to me too. I have really fallen short of doing all for the glory of God. Beth asked in our homework to name our biggest challenge toward walking victoriously with God this summer. I came up with 2 right off the bat. One is my lack of time (isn't that everyone's??)-or time not spent well-and the other is an internal struggle at our current church. My husband and I are at a huge crossroads over this and all I can ask is prayer for God's will to be done. In the mean time, you may see me in Louisville attending bible study as our church does not offer one.

Has anyone come up with any catchy ways to memorize the scripture? I like the idea of taping it everywhere to read and memorize. I will give it a try.

Enjoy your Sunday ladies. I am off to Owenton to get our beloved bunny rabbit from the pet sitter.

Blesssings,
Traci

Good Morning My Dear Siestas

Ladies,

First, please be praying for us today as we welcome someone else into our family. Please pray especially for Jonathan and Samantha as they start their life together, that it will be one that is grounded in Christ. (and as a side note, please pray away any rain since it is an outdoor wedding with NO rain plan!!)

Secondly, I will be leaving in the morning with my husband for a short trip he has to Gatlinburg, TN. so I may not have internet access. (my computer tends to be a little picky with wireless connections). Please pray for safe travel for us and for safety for our son Jordan while we are away.

Third, Jordan will be leaving on Wednesday for a mission trip to Guatemala. Please pray for him and the group from Highview Baptist Church as they minister to an orphanage in Guatemala City. (i'm sure I'll be asking for more prayer for this as time goes on)

I can't begin to tell you how blessed I feel to have this group of ladies to turn to for pray at this point in my life. Thank you in advance for lifting these up to our Precious Savior.

Last, I have really struggled with the question Beth gave us to consider. Struggled because I don't like the answer I keep coming up with. The single biggest hinderance I have for Bible study this summer, for growing closer to my Savior is ME!! There, I've finally admitted to you. I feel so ashamed, but there is no other reason. I am not in school right now, so the countless hours spent with lesson planning, grading papers, searching for better ways to teach a lesson, coaching, and preparing for chapel are all out of the way for now. There are the things that need to be done around here that I have to let go during school, but trust me when I say I continue to let those things go for other things I want to do. I have asked myself "why is this" over and over. I look at those that I believe are on fire for Him and I want it so badly and yet here I am with "ME" as the anwer to what hinders that most. Why IS that, I wonder. I have determined to not let this keep me from pressing on, as the apostle Paul would say. And maybe this is the lesson He wants me to learn...to keep pressing on even when I am standing in my own way.

Have a blessed day.

In His love!!!
Yvonne

I Think I've Got It!

How are you all doing on memorizing the scripture? I broke it down in parts and thought about the meaning of each phrase. It's powerful! And I must say, it's very fun to memorize something that feeds my spirit!
Cheri

Good Friday Morning Sisters

Well, it is Friday, and I am finally able to get back with all you. Sorry about that. I wanted to share what I believe my struggle to be this summer (this was part of the homework that Beth gave to us). For me I think that it is going to be 2 main things: (1) My work load (2) and feeling distant from God. Please pray for both of these areas for me.

Sadly, I have only comlpeted the first day of homework which I did on Tuesday night. The last two nights I fell asleep before I could get my study & quite time started. Yet, another struggle. However, I have a "date" with my Heavenly Father tonight to work on my study and have time with him.

How is everyone else doing?

Peggy

Be Real

Thanks, Karen, for your post. I am so bummed that I am not going to be able to attend the conference in August. I will be in Destin, Florida that week on a family vacation (even though, I am glad that I will be there, don't get me wrong). Last summer, when we were encouraged to get our tickets soon, I thought, good grief, it's a year away! So I didn't buy any, then they were sold out :-( In January I found out what week we would be on vacation, so it was meant to be.
Valley View church is three miles from my house, though.

One thing that has been going through my mind this week, is to Be Real. But, that doesn't mean to"air your dirty laundry" (think Jerry Springer). No matter what face we put on to our friends and family, God knows our true intentions and our heart (my husband knows too, he's been with me long enough). I am so thankful, that even though God knows what a selfish person I am, He cuts me a break, and actually wants my company.

I finished day three yesterday. On the topic of powerlessness, I struggle with certain areas of my life created by myself...eating disorders, slothfulness (laziness to be honest), uncaring attitude. I know that I am powerless to change my ugly self and only God can help me, and I seek Him.
But, I have had an experience where I felt somewhat like the Israelites, where I was completely out of control of the situation. I turned this over to God, because I could do nothing to alter the circumstances. He alone was in charge of the matter and still is. I have to trust Him.

I'm looking forward to your perceptions about the first week. Have a fun weekend!
God bless,
Cheri

In case you are interested

A couple of you have asked about the Living Proof event here in Louisville in August. As you know, it is sold out (it probably sold out faster than any other event. Go Louisville!) but there will be a simulcast at Valley View Baptist Church in Louisville. I talked to the lady who is handling all of that and she asked if I would share the following information.

So, I'm sharing.

Because I'm like that. (though my children might disagree. Especially if it's something like cheesecake. Or chocolate. What can I say? I'm a work in progress.)

I digress. Sorry.

The simulcast will be at Valley View Baptist Church. The church is on Old Third Street Road in Louisville. They have seating for 2000. The tickets cost $35.00 and the phone number is 502 935 5142.

Now, what chapter are you all on? I started Monday night so I finished day four last night. If you have done day four, what did you think about it? Did it slap you upside the head like it did me?

He trusts something that can't help him at all. Yet he cannot bring himself to ask, "Is this idol that I'm holding in my hand a lie?" Isaiah 44:20

Ironside says (in the HCSB student bible p. 935) " Idolatry seems inherent in the heart of man. Today, men do not worship idols of gold and silver, and brass and iron, but every man who turns away from God sets up some kind of an idol in his heart. He either worships himself or some folly, pleasure or fame."

Sigh. Strong, convicting words. I thank God today that He is patient and forgiving.

Hello from Sherri!
Siestas, I am so glad I found you! I am 41, married for 11 years, with three boys (!!!).
They are 9, 6 (next week), and almost 3. I grew up Southern Baptist in a large church with an awesome pastor. My husband recently got a job in Frankfort and we are moving there as soon as our house sells--huge prayer request, by the way: quick sale of our house. It is a difficult time for me because I grew up in Memphis and my family is here. But God planned this and has promised to take care of us. My husband has been working up there since February, coming home on weekends. So, things have been weird for us.
I have done most of Beth's studies, and some of them twice! I hope to find one up there somewhere (anyone know of any?). I found out too late about the LPL conference in Louisville, and there were no tickets left. I hope to go to a satellite location.
I am already not as lonely, knowing you guys are out there!

Savin' Lives

One and two and three and four and......Oh! I'm sorry I'm just saving lives (or at least the manikin's life that I practiced on today at my ACLS class). Class is going well and I am trying to study for the test tomorrow.
The posts and comments are soooo good! Keep on writing!

Cheri

My Everything

Ladies I tend to write things down in this way. I hope you don't mind my sharing. This is what came to my mind in thinking on idols or getting off focus which I often do. Sometimes it's circumstances or situations other times it's just plain busyness which everyone I know these days is busy. There's always a million things going on so it seems so easy to lose your focus.



Psalms 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

The word Lord in this passage is Jehovah-Ro’I, meaning “maker.” My shepherd represents my everything. He is the reason I shall not want. He makes my life complete and causes me to be whole. I am lacking nothing with my Lord.

Today my Heavenly Father continues to remind me that He is my everything. Sometimes the world just seems to fall apart around me. Some old hurts arise and I feel so overwhelmed like it’s more than I can bear. I hear myself crying out, “not this one again Lord.” “This one was on the mend, don’t let this one crumble, it may end up beyond repair.”

My Lord and my shepherd is all knowing. He knows what I can bear and what I can live with. Just when I think it’s too much and I’m ready to give up, the shepherd tending to my life makes His presence known. He reminds me that I must let Him be my everything and I do not want. There is not a longing in my soul that He can’t fill. There is no void in my life.

Right now He whispers, “What is it that you want?” My heart cries out, “I just want you.” I can hear Him telling me He is all I need. I’ve got to know where my heart is. When my heart is in my circumstances then it’s not focused on being whole. Just like the scripture says where your treasure is there will your heart be also. If I am caught up in the situation and my treasure lies in trying to fix things then that’s where my heart is. Treasure is anything that captures our undivided attention for the time. I don’t want anything to have that much power in my life except the one true God.

Heavenly father forgive me for the change of focus, for not making my relationship with you my top priority. You are my maker, and my everything. Thank you for reminding me that nothing is missing in you. Amen.

The first one

Good morning! I hope each of you had a restful night.

Beth asked that we try and list the main challenge to walking victoriously with God this summer. I probably have a million reasons why this might be a struggle, but the biggest one is probably the way I use my time. (Yvonne, I am so glad you are not an english teacher!) I tend to do a lot of things. I also tend to have a "butterfly mind" so I often flit from thing to thing. I have good intentions (and we all know where the road to good intentions leads...) but I allow things to get in my way. My prayer for this season is that God not also give me a hunger for His Word but that He would keep my eyes focused where they belong...on Him.

I also have to confess that I am horrible at scripture memorization. Not that I can't memorize because I certainly remember the words to songs that I like to sing and lines from movies I enjoy and silly stuff like that. I don't know what the deal is but I am going to memorize this scripture.

Ladies, I am praying for each of you as we walk on this journey. May your day be blessed!

Timestamp

Quick note:
I don't know if your computer has the correct time for the postings, but evidently, I've been in Pacific time. I changed it to Eastern, so hopefully, it will change. Remember, I'm just learning this blogging stuff!
Cheri

No Other Gods - first day

Hello everyone!
A quick entry before I get ready for the first day of my class (I'm taking an ACLS class today and tomorrow). First off, did anyone make the chicken enchilada/chili con queso meal that was posted on the blog? Or did you do the black beans and rice, butterfinger cake recipe (sounds delicious) from the book? We had enchiladas last week (first time I made them) and my husband hates black beans, so I made spaghetti and meat sauce which is easier :-) Melissa's recipe looked so much better than the one I used...it was from Rachael Ray and had a touch of cinnamon in it (think Skyline chili). I think that Melissa's recipe sounds like it would be better.

I posted the memory verse on the Kentucky Siestas heading. It is the King James version, which I love, but feel free to memorize it in any version you want.

I finished the first day of homework last night. I find it very easy to profess God as my Lord and yet "serve" functional Gods without thinking. It seems I've spent my life trying to please people, trying to be what I think that particular important person in my life wants me to be. My husband said he has a fear of disapproval...he is not honest with people that he cares about because he wants their approval. He stifles and sacrifices his real feelings because he is afraid of disapproval (he's probably done this with me). Sometimes even good things in our lives, such as family and friendships, can distract us from the Lord if we place their approval above His approval in our lives.

A big time waster (and idol) for me has been the TV. I love the Food Network (it "relaxes" me....isn't that crazy). Lately, I've tried to make a conscious decision to NOT turn it on during the day. I can think so much clearer when it's QUIET in my house, but I find myself drawn to turn it on "just to check the news" and soon I'm hooked on Rachael Ray or the View. My husband watches TV at night and prefers to have it on during his sleep. I try to turn it off if I get to bed after him.

I can't wait to read what your thoughts are! I do not confess to being a facilitator....I am leaving the discussion open to all to share what is on your mind.
I hope you have a great day at the office, on the beach, at home playing with the kids or wherever you are today!

God bless!
Cheri

Hi from Connie!!

Hi I am 45 and I have been married for just over 25 years, my husband and Ron have 4 children Jessica 25, Ron 24, Ashley 20 and Candice 15... Jessica is married to Josh and they gave me 3 Grand kids, Kendrick 6, Caleb 3 1/2, and Keira 2. Ashley is married to Eli and Ron is still single...

My husband and I was saved just over 4 years ago. We both grew up Mormon, and God saved us out of that cult... Then one by one all my kids left the Mormon Church and were saved... Jessica's husband was saved as a teenager, and Ashley's husband was saved just over 2 years ago after growing up Mormon...

We attend Hillsdale Baptist, and we love it, they are the family that we don't have around here...

I'm from Utah I have lived there all but 9 years of my life, I spent my teenage years in Cali and I have been here to 2 years... I live in Louisville and I work with Karen and Katie at Lifeway... My husband and I sent Candice our 15 year old back to Utah a few weeks ago to live with her sisters until we get there, and we are selling our house and moving back to Utah, were I will be working back at the Salt Lake Lideway...

I am so excited to do this study, I have not done one since I left Utah 2 years ago...

It was great reading your stories, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us all during this study...

Connie
GBU

Hi! from Patty

Hi everyone! I think this is going to be so much fun. I love the accountability of studies like this but it's been hard to work one into my crazy work schedule since I moved to Louisville.

I'm 43, single and work in graphic design for the local newspaper. I love telling stories -- whether it's in words or through visuals -- so that side of the business has made up for all the crazy hours and demands.

I grew up in Arkansas, went to college in Missouri, headed to Florida for about 8 years and then went to California for a decade or so.

I grew up in a Baptist church and was very involved through my youth. But I grew disillusioned with organized churches and all of the politics in my young adult years and strayed away from churches. Not my faith, just the Sunday morning deal. Then God put me in just the right place when I moved to California. I found a wonderful church that felt at home the minute I walked in. I had wonderful pastors that spoke lots of truth into my life for a decade. I still miss them.

I came to Louisville about 3 years ago to work at the paper and love the diverse culture of the city as well as the friendly people. Definitely a well-kept secret but it's been fun to explore.

I'm really excited to see where God takes us in the next 8 weeks. It should be fun to "hang out" together here.

Excite to be here!!

HI to all of you!!! I am so excited to be here. I thought I would be doing this study solo. I had not gotten a book until the last possible second and it turned out to be such a God thing!!! (yes, Lifeway in Louisville does have quite a few of them now!!--thanks Karen!)

A little about me. I am 46, married for 24 years to a wonderful man who is the Sunday School director for the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Before coming to Louisville 11 years ago for him to work at the KBC, we lived and served in churches in SC, Owensboror and Bowling Green. We have two sons who are 19 and 18. Our 19 year old is getting married this Saturday, so please pray for me and him and his sweet little wife. While we are excited, we are also very concerned because they are so young. My youngest son will be a freshman at U of L in the fall. I grew up in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky in a wonderful Christian home. My precious Daddy has gone on to be with the Lord and my mom now lives in Nicholasville. I am a middle school math teacher at Whitefield Academy and love working with middle school students. But English, especially writing is not my thing, so please forgive my mistakes!!!

I have done almost all of Beth's Bible studies and have gotten so much out of them. I am really looking forward to what God is planning to do and how I will grow in Him during this time.

Yvonne

PS> Because of getting ready for the wedding, I may be a little behind at first, but I promise to get it together after that!!!

Hello from Karen

Hey, everybody! I am so excited to share this study with everyone. I am looking forward to seeing exactly what God has in store for each of us.

I posted random bio information over on the forum and I don't want to repeat myself (which I do plenty of anyway) so if you want to know more about me, please stop by my blog.

Also, if you can't find a copy of the book, please call me at the Louisville LifeWay (502-491-4589). I ordered extra as soon as Beth mentioned that she wanted to lead the study so we have plenty. Once I get back from dinner, I will be there until 9.

blessings!

Hello from Traci

Hello! Thank you so much for getting us started Cheri! My name is Traci. I am 39 years old and live in Frankfort, KY. Although, I grew up in Knoxville, TN, I have been here 7 years and am very much at home.
I am also an RN. I received my Bachelor's from Carson-Newman College (a great Baptist school) and work in the Emergency Department.
I am married to a fellow Kentuckian whom I met while I was in the Navy 12 years ago. We have 2 amazing children...an 8 year old girl and a 4 year old boy.
We are currently on vacation in South Carolina right now so I will make this quick. I look forward to getting to know you ladies and to studying God's word. I took a long break from studying the Word and just got back into it last year when a dear friend of mine gave me a copy of Beth Moore's study The Patriarch's. I have done a couple more since and am excited to get into this Kelly Minter study!
Blessings,
Traci

P. S. Karen--I can't believe I haven't met you, I absolutely LOVE the Louisville Lifeway store!!

Hi everyone!

Wow! I'm so excited! Welcome to everyone that has posted. I am including my bio for the new ladies who haven't seen it yet (for the others, sorry for the repeat).


"I'm Cheri, 49 years old, married with five adult children (three girls, two boys) and two grandsons. I am a registered nurse and work in the cardiac telemetry area at a local hospital in Louisville.

I accepted Jesus as Savior at age 17, studied God's Word, fellowshipped with Christians and loved Jesus. As my friends around me started getting married, I got the itch, and entered into a less than perfect marriage. Five years and three babies later, my husband and I divorced. I was devastated because I knew that marriage was for keeps.

For the next four years, I moved into the survival mode, went back to school and received a bachelor's degree in Nursing (with a lot of help from my parents - God bless them). I was single for several more years. During this time, I strayed from the Lord. Eleven years ago at age 38, I married a wonderful man that loved and respected me. We joined our families together, creating a full house with the five children. We are "empty nesters" now (yeah!). My children are my friends, they are all special individuals with God given talent. The grandchildren are icing on the cake!

My desire is to draw closer to Him, to his Word and to serve Him by serving others. I have to keep going back to His throne because my ugly self loves to rear up. "

Ladies, I have a prayer request. I am taking a class (ACLS - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) on this Wednesday and Thursday at my work. I have spent very little time in preparing for this class (luckily I've taken this course before, but it's been a couple of years and the class requires a lot of memorization). So, I need pray that my perimenopausal brain will be able to memorize and I can pass the test!
God bless!
Cheri

This is all very new to me, so please be patient with me! I started this once and hit the wrong button and it disappeared.

I am really excited about this study and participating with each one of you! I have been raised in church, but didn't get serious about my relationship with the Lord until I was an adult. I have attended several of Beth Moore's bible studies and started trying to lead them in my church last fall. The last one we completed was "Daniel" and it was awesome!

siestas in christ,
Jo

Hello

Sorry gals I'm at work right now and just thought I'd say hello and introduce myself real quick during lunch. I'm really looking forward to this Bible study.
Amy I got my workbook from christianbooks.com because Lifeway was sold out. You may want to try that. I've gotta run but I am so excited to be doing this with you all.

Hello From Amy

Good Morning Girls,
I am very excited about this study and about our little group. My husband and I took a little trip this weekend and the workbook is sold out in all LifeWay stores from here to Charleston, SC. So, I don't have the workbook yet, but I have been reading the tradebook. I will try my best to keep up. Be patient with me.
Here is a little bio about me. I am a 37 year old stay-at-home mom with two boys ages 6 and 3. My husband is Aaron. Tomorrow, June 18th, is our 14th anniversary. I have lead many Beth studies at my church-Corinth Baptist in London, KY. I first started doing Beth studies 7 years ago and have done about everyone there is, so it was only natural for me to start this one. I have been a church girl my whole life, but Beth's studies have made the Word come alive for me. Through her studies I have really learned how to put my theology into reality. Today, I am loving my journey with Jesus.
Anyway, before I quit work to stay at home with my children I was an English teacher, but please don't critique me. After 7 years at home I am a bit out of practice. My grammar will probably be worse than anyone's.
So--Lets get started.
In His joy,
Amy H

Good Morning Sisters

Good Morning Sisters,

I am so glad that we are starting this Bible Study. I am also new to the "blog sceen". I have already checked out our instructions from Beth this morning. Let me know how we want to connect and what we should do next :-)


Peggy

Welcome

The purpose for this blog is to create a communication format for Kentucky ladies participating in Kelly Minter's "No Other Gods" Bible study. My hope is that we can share our thoughts about what we learn in an informal way and get to know one another in the meantime. I am an infant in blog creation and posting, so please bear with me. It's so exciting to be able to get to know ladies out in the state while I sit in my pajamas. :-)
Cheri