chapter six.....

Hello Ladies, Hello Beautiful positive women of God.....

I have moved this past weekend and don't have access to the Internet just quite yet....I will be posting for Chapter Six tomorrow or Friday. 

Begin to read.  I haven't read my chapter either..I have been BUSY packing, unpacking, cleaning, and enjoying this new place...I will attach a photo too.  See you tomorrow or Friday. 

In the meantime, our mom is in the hospital, please pray for her - healing.  Thanks! 

Michelle 

chapter five -- being POSITIVE

Hello Ladies....

First of all -- WELL DONE...we are at chapter five, beginning a book study and keeping up with it takes time and persistence and obedience.  Well done.  I commend you.  I realize this task can be a hardship at times...with kids...with a job...with a home, finding time to read, comment, and then respond can be hard. Just wanted you to know - God knows it too.  Bless you.

Second of all....this chapter is LONG...FULL....full of stuff.  I have read it about 3x and each time I read it, I think of something else and how being positive changed this or that.  How about you?

At the beginning of the chapter she speaks about the avoidance of hope, as a way of protection against being hurt.  That was deep.  I started  to ponder...of the times I wanted to avoid hope, but then the outcome was .......  And I pondered about a time when all I could do was hope and it hurt.  How about you?

Joyce also commented:  "when I really began to study the Word and to trust God to restore me, one of the first things I realized was that the negativism had to go".

I want to camp on that....

Would you respond this week?

Please answer these questions:

1.  Do you think you are a negative person?
2.  If you think Yes...do you believe God can change that?  Do you want to change that?
2.  If you think No...how do you handle people that are negative around you?

Would you share?

And finally:
3.  MAKE a list of 5 positive things...don't think too hard, right off the top of your head and just share:

OK -- that is it for this week.  I hope to read several responses....
I will start.

Am  negative?

  No, I don't think so and yes, it is hard to handle negative ones around me.  I tend to just listen and then avoid them.  I will pray for them...but, I try my best to stay away.  I want to get to learn how to talk or share with them in a positive way.

My positives:      1.  Thursday is my birthday.
                             2.  I know that I know that I love GOD and what that means and entails.
                 3.  I love my husband.
             4.  Taylor..my daughter
           5.  Hunter..my son.    Oh wait, I am sort of mad at him right now...so #5 is...we are moving into a newer, bigger house this weekend with a POOL...yes a POOL....Yeah!

Now it is YOUR turn.

chapter four - little by little

Okee Dokie  Ladies.....I believe THIS chapter practically JUMPED off the page for me.  How about you?  WOW.....

I believe I just want to reshare a few things Joyce stated...and just read them again.  So here I go, Michelle's ( JOYCE MEYER's)  TOP TEN golden nuggets of truth from Chapter Four: 

1.  And the Lord your God will clear out those nations before you, little by little, you may not consume them quickly, let the beast of the field increase among you.  Deuteronomy 7.22

WHOA....that really struck me, I asked God, what does this mean....and I believe for me, HE reminded me that HE will clear out all of the obstacles in front of me...in HIS time..in HIS time...in HIS time...little by little.  What did it speak to you? 

2.  The renewing of your mind will take place little by little, so don't be discouraged if progress seems slow.

WOW, I copied this on my index card spiral.  IT is a thought that deserves being memorized.  How many times in the past year or so have I prayed to God ...why is it taking to long?  why?  And now, I realized that it does TAKE time ..HIS time.  So, therefore, why would it not take time for my transition as well....changing habits...rethinking things...etc. etc.  This statement brings peace. 
Does it bring peace to you?  Are you discouraged today?  


I believe the timing is the HARDEST thing to deal with and realize.  It just is.  Do you agree? 

3.  Suffering precedes liberation. 

Oh MY.....can you attest to this?  I can.  And HIS word says it as well: 

 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, Who called you to HIS eternal Glory in Christ Jesus, will HImself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you.  1 Peter 5.10

4.  Joyce wrote:  I believe that from the time we acutally realize we have a problem until Jesus delivers us, we endure a type of suffering, but we rejoice even more when freedom comes. 

AMEN.

5.  The devil will try his hardest to stop you in the area of renewing the mind.  He knows that his control over you is finished once you have learned to choose right thoughts. 

OK -- I just have to add in a personal experience here.  My husband and I have been in a lot of therapy over the past 18 months.  Just have.  And one of the tactics or exercises the counselor used was this ---  "put it on the table, state it..with no judging or changing but then it is there...then it can be heard..then the power of the thought or the action is gone and it has NO hold over the person thinking or wondering it" 

....Sometimes the thought or action just had to be said.  Sometimes something had to be confessed.  Sometimes it just needed to be said but not commented on.   Or maybe just a rumor had to be stated and then proved fact or fiction.  

 However, once it was said - it could be dealt with. 

Does that make sense?  I will site an example. 

 The Enemy would tell me lies and over and over again, I would listen and believe that a certain situation transpired.  However, the acknowledgment of that situation or that particular element of the lie  was not exactly something that my husband wanted to share.  I could not blame him.  There were things that I did not want to confess and share.  


 ON one hand, you could say he needed to 'come clean'.  ON the other hand, the past is the past.  However, back to my illustration.  I had to finally get to a place where the lie had to be put on the table.  


 It was finally 'put' on the table.   And it was a hard 'fact' but now that it was stated or placed on the table...I can't tell you HOW MUCH freedom there is for me.   Glory be!  REally,  I literally sang a sweet song, ha ha ha ha ha Satan - YOU lose.  I did.  Satan can NO longer use that lie against me.  Period.  And I really don't have to ask any more details or bring it up...does that make sense?  There is true freedom in that.  So therefore, the devil will try his hardest in the area of renewing the mind.  My mind can now concentrate and never go back to that situation. 

But this can happen in every aspect of our lives, has this happened to you?  Are you being lied to and is Satan working overtime to block you from choosing the right thoughts?  It does take time and sometimes literal practice. 


2nd illustration, it has been 24 hours since I posted this original message and today I am going to update it....it happened again today.  Satan lied.  He lied.  I prayed, thought about asking a person if this particular thing was true or fiction, but God quickly spoke to me...it was not true, or noble, or praiseworthy...etc.  It did not line up with what GOD does and IS...so I immediately knew it was a lie.  And it could not hound or hurt me ANY longer.  It is an active thing.  Beth Moore talks about an ACTIVE faith, God's word is alive and active and it HAS to be to live in this world or we will fall to the Enemy's lies.  I pray and hope that makes sense to you.  I know it will to some.  And if it doesn't, I am trusting the Holy Spirit to speak to you and you will SEEK HIM on it.  

6.  Don't get discouraged.  Psm 42.5    Why are you cast down, O my inner self?  And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me?  Hope in God and wait expectantly for HIM, for I shall yet praise HIM, my Help and My God. 

Discouragement can destroy hope, so the enemy will naturally discourage us.  Don't let him.


THIS is one of the BIGGEST things I see and encounter each day - I pray to God to encourage me...HE does.  

7.  We like everything instantaneous.  WE have the fruit of patience inside, but it is being worked to the outside....God will at times, take HIS time to bring us to our full deliverance......HE uses the difficult period of waiting to stretch our faith and to let patience have her perfect work.  God's timing is perfect.  HE is never late. 

AMEN....THAT says it ALL...Don't you agree? 

8.  Phil.  2. 13, 1: 6    The Lord has begun a good work in me, and HE will bring it to full completion.

9.  Our weapon -- HIS word. Our Weapon...HIS word....OUR weapon  HIS word and prayer!!   

My photo of encouragement....

10.  Remember God is delivering you, little by little, so don't be discouraged and don't feel condemned if you make a mistake. 

Ok Sweet beloved women of God.....I hope and trust that this chapter will JUMP out to you as well.  I am NOT putting any pressure on anyone, but please note, you can comment if you want to.   It does my heart good to know that this is helping you; however, I don't need a pat on the back or a response as I believe truth is truth, and those seeking and those wanting a deeper relationship with Christ WILL seek and WILL meet HIM and I trust God.  This is HIS endeavor, I just want to be the typing piece.  HE is BIG enough to do it.  I love HIM so.  

 I added this photo of my husband and I.  It was taken back in 2005, at a dear family's wedding.  It was taken at a time that was REALLY good in our marriage.  I don't have all the answers, and neither does he, but I can say this now - we are rebuilding.  There was a time in our lives when we did allow the Enemy to speak to us.  WE both fell out of love with God in our own ways...and with each other.  However, God does USE everything. 

When we were separated, I would stare at this picture and it gave me hope on many nights when I could not see our situation getting better.  It gave me hope, and I prayed over it -- wishing and praying that we could be 'this'  happy again.  God used this picture and HIS word, HIS servants to remind me when I wanted to quit...that HE can heal, restore, and renew. 

When I finally gave up and totally GAVE it all to God, knowing that I had to trust HIM with everything, HE had freedom then to begin to work on my husband, until then, I tried to control God.....


I am going to repeat myself...when I FINALLY gave it all to God, really gave it all and believed that HE just may use divorce and the breaking up of a family for HIS kingdom, THEN God could begin to work in others.  But THAT took time...real time... long time.  I would say that I finally just really 'got' that, about a year ago...maybe only 10 months ago!  And our lives have been in a battle for the past 4-5 years!  

God used our season of hurt for a reason, I have never been more in love with HIM, my LORD,  than I am now, nor do I appreciate and love my husband as I did before.  I laugh as I wanted to be 'that' happy again and now, I just want a 'new happy'...HIS happy...being one with my husband as a prayer warrior and friend in Christ.  I also laugh, as I did not like Joyce Meyer at all...and yet, God used her in a mighty way and in doing this book study, HE is cementing HIS promises. 

And, I realize that it may seem that I have a lot of experience because of what I have walked through...but I don't want to be a poster wife for infidelity  or suffering...I WANT HIS light to shine out of me...I want to share HIS love...I want to see people fall in love with Christ and get the freedom HE claimed for us.  So, it may seem like I have all the answers, but I really don't - I only know HE does.  And HIS word does. 

I only want God's best to be read in these posts and I don't want to use our past to illustrate a point or every chapter, but at times, I believe by being real and sharing...you can also believe and hold on to HIS promises.  I pray that makes sense.    God never fails.  Love never fails. 

I hope this post finds you well, reading, and getting closer to God.  HE loves you more than anyone...HE wants to be with you at all times.  HE can give you complete freedom.  I know it.  And I will encourage you - don't give up. 

Have a great day...

in Christ, Michelle


PS, if this post did speak to you - awesome for GOD.....as HE is in me.  I am praying as I edit and publish this, that it will not be a tool of the enemy to cause any more hurt - for anyone. 

chapter three

Hello Sweet Sister in Christ,

How was Chapter 2?  How was your week?  I am hoping and praying that you are reading and I know that God is allowing many opportunities for you to pray....it is a VITAL Necessity, is it not?

This past week, as I read Chapter 3... the Enemy came on strong, he is angered -- he knows that by reading this book, and praying, and believing the concepts that Joyce is sharing with us through this...there will be freedom.   And there will be peace...and there will be such joy....so before I post for this Chapter, I want to begin with prayer:

Lord, I am praying now for each lady who has come to this post, this page  -- Lord, bless them.  Lord, I bind that enemy who is trying to steal, kill, and destroy their life...I bind it by the authority I have IN YOU given by Christ Jesus.....I bind it and send it AWAY.  Lord, may each lady who is doing this study with us, may each lady who has ventured to take on this task.....bless them.  Lord, meet needs,  comfort, and give them the extra strength needed to continue on this journey.  Lord, as we continue, into Chapter Three..may we NOT GIVE UP!  Amen.

think about HOW this plant grew up - in spite of its adversity....

Ok,  Chapter Three:   Don't give up!

I loved the scripture of Galatians 6.9....And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season, we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.  

Just thinking about giving birth....my first born was 21 years old on Monday.  She was almost 2 weeks overdue.  I spent an entire day in the hospital getting 'soft' and then the next day with Pitosen being dripped into my veins, only to have a C-secion at the end of my 2nd day of trying.....I wanted to give up.  I remember so clearly, laying on that gurney and wanting to just sleep and go to heaven, I was in pain, I was tired, and I was ready -- I did not care.  I have not felt that exhausted since.  But she arrived at 9:06 and by 2am, when I got my 2nd wind...I was glad I did not give up.

Praise God my mom did not give up.

Praise God...women don't give up!!   I loved what Joyce stated in her commentary -- God is looking for people who will go all the way through with HIM.

Is that not what we want in our relationships?  In our marriage?  In our children -- character that does not give up.

However, I can relate and understand how it seems so easy to give up and give in.....sometimes the pain is just too hard....  but,  Isaiah 43.2 is what sustains me --

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.    Isa  43.2

It is easy to quit, it takes faith to go through!

We don't quit by renewing our minds.    After we have finally decided to be like-minded with God, then we will need to choose and to continue to choose right thoughts.

I can give you two specific examples of how choosing right thinking made the difference this past week.  I will share them at another time,  this week, I would really LIKE to hear from you....

IT is YOUR turn:

Can you share a time when YOU did not give up, and you know that you know, the victory was won? Or maybe you are in the middle of a battle and just need some encouragement...would you share it and allow us to pray with you?

I want to encourage you...GOD does answer prayer, and HE does things that amaze me.


Lord, I ask a blessing upon my sisters in Christ and I pray they will share this week, I pray they will be encouraged.  I pray that if they are passing through the waters of strife...that they will SEEK you for every need and they will battle on and renew their minds.  Lord, I pray they know how much YOU love them, and Lord, I pray they would see how YOU call them Beloved!  Amen.

chapter 2

I want to bear good fruit! 

Hello Beloved, so how was chapter one?  If you were unable to post your comments to the questions, that is OK, but I pray you can.  Remember, God is working a great plan here and if all you can do is read and THINK and spend time with God...then, don't put the pressure on yourself to comment.  I realize it is HARD. 

Ok, now Chapter Two is next -- The Chapter title was to the point -- A VITAL Necessity. 

It begins with the scripture "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he."  Proverbs 23.7

Thoughts are POWERFUL.  As a mother, a teacher, a wife, and just a daughter -- I know that my words are very important and they 'set' a tone, especially in my classroom and in my family. 

I highlighted  in my book what  Joyce says within the first few paragraphs.....

 You CANNOT have a positive life and a negative mind. 

Romans 8. 5 is a verse I have heard over and over and now, it really sinks in. 

For those who are according to the flesh  and are controlled by its unholy desires  set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the Holy Spirit. 

My simple illustration is this....my flesh desires to sleep in every day..even when I have had enough sleep and pretend the world will go away....I set my mind to get up and face the day and get to work! 

Another simple illustration, I am on my Weight Watchers kick again and very motivated by Jennifer Hudson.  These last 13-14 pounds are driving me NUTS, but all over the WW web site....all I read and see is POSITIVES.....even when I had a weight gain, this little window popped up and reminded me that gain is normal in the 3rd week.

And as moms, I am sure many of us have looked into the eyes of our kids and reminded them that negativity...gets us NO where!  Am I right?

So, HIS word is our lifeline..so true---right?  

This verse became very real in my life...my husband  choose sin but I was sinful  too --  unfaithful in my mind.  And in God's eyes - I sinned just as much as he did.  I can't read this verse now without being greatful that HE died for all of our sins...not just the ones other people believe are the 'bad' ones. 

And I don't want to paint a negative picture about my husband, whom I love dearly and have forgiven, but I must be real here -- my sin in God's eyes was just as sinful as his.  I hope that makes sense to you.

I will add, just the other morning we were speaking about a year ago and our life and all he said was, "yep, that was a pot hole in life".  And I replied, "yep it was".  And he said the most sweetest thing and here is an example of a positive thought, he said, "it could of been a big pot hole but you made it small".  That single short sentence and positive thought was a CHOICE to think and live in the Spirit and not in the flesh.  I gave him a hug and kiss and said, "thanks"...that really WAS the BEST thing he could of said.  Men are not romance writers, or mine is not...but that comment, that positive thought - WAS right on.  

Later in the chapter she speaks about our weapon -- prayer.  Oh Yes! 

Even today, as I was driving back into town, I began to think about a person that hurt me very deeply a long while ago.  I forgave her.  But there are certain things that bring back triggers.  And my flesh wanted to 'go there' and have a pity party for myself.  As it is my time of the month and my emotions are a big and a bit  heightened but I quickly realized that I DID not want to go back to that time.  It was in the past.  I had to take those negative thoughts and rebuke them and tell Satan he was NOT going to lie to me today.  I am a new creation in Christ, I am blessed, chosen, accepted, adopted, forgiven and redeemed.  And then I prayed and put postive memories over the yucky ones.  And THAT is how this chapter became ALIVE to me today! 

The bible says that a tree will be known by its fruit - I want to bear GOOD fruit! 

So, after this chapter, would you comment on how this chapter affected you? 

Did you relate?  Do you have a real life illustration that happened to you this week and God made this very clear to you?  Or perhaps, you are on the end of those negative thoughts and just need some prayer - write one out here. 

Happy Reading, Lord, may our thoughts line up with your thoughts.  May the women doing this on line book study find the time to ponder and think on you throughout their entire day.  Lord, we want to bear good fruit.  Amen. 

Please comment if the Lord leads you: 

Michelle

AND PS.....Even though we have those triggers, we CAN overcome them.  I know it!