For those of you that are caught up in your reading, you know that chapters 11 & 12 were a change from the first 10 chapters. Tonia went from story telling to a history lesson. The response that I got in the class was awesome. You ladies are growing and loving every minute of it. And a big reason for that is that you finally understand. I love how Tonia writes. She speaks our language and we begin to relate and find our self in the book. Then all of the sudden she shows us why we are the way we are. I said on Sunday that it is so important to find the root of any problem. When you go out to pick weeds in your yard, you must get root and all. If not, you can plan on picking weeds again in about a week or two. For many of us, this is an example of our life. We deal with the fruit and not the root. But when we allow God to join us in the journey, He will take all of it and leave nothing behind. I think my favorite part of Chapter 12 was when she explained first nature and second nature. How many of us have said, "Oh this is just second nature to me."? I know I have. But isn't it incredible to know that once we are saved our second nature is now just a habit? Habits can change because they have no control over us. We can find our way back to our first nature. God's best is possible for each of us. I feel we are all one step closer to being right where we need to be. And knowledge is a big part of that. We are learning and we are changing.
This next week we are going to be covering Chapter 13. It is quite a long chapter so I wanted to give it a weekend of its own. I have gone ahead and outlined the remaining reading so you may plan ahead. My initial plan was to be finished by Spring Break. I know many of you will be gone for family vacations. But for those of us who will be in town, we are going to finish the book. So the following is our schedule.
March 6- Chapter 13
March 13- Chapter 14
March 20- Chapters 15,16, 17
March 27- Chapters 18 & 19
Then you can read Chapter 20 "Issues and Answers" before Tonia speaks on April 2nd. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the church. We will have a catered lunch from Kountry Korral. So if you will be attending, I need to know as soon as possible. It is going to be an amazing day.
So like I said, Knowledge is a good thing. I pray that your appetite to study the Word of God is increasing. Tonia, if you don't mind, we would love to know some of the reference tools you use in your study time. Sometimes just knowing where to start can cause a snowball effect.
I love you girls and I am pumped at what God is doing in all of us!!
Heather
Elimination vs. Moderation
12 years ago
Thank you Tonia! I know this will be very helpful for all of us.
ReplyDeleteI went back and read chapter 13 again. This chapter has so much information in it, I love it. Most of the time I have spent telling myself "wow, I did not know that!" I think what awed me the most was husband and wife sharing cake after their wedding, I had no ideal. Is there anyone else that did not know that? The next time I go to a wedding and the couple shoves cake in each other's faces I will probably have a melt down. I have taken communion many times in my life, but the one which has been most special to me besides when Jeff and I got married was New Years Eve with Ty and Heather. I felt so close to Jesus and it was so personal and intimate. Thank you Bean’s for blessing us with that opportunity.
ReplyDeleteReally not liking chapter 14. I really thought about putting it down yesterday, but after praying about it ALOT I feel the Holy Spirit is telling me to finish it. I am a working mom and I make up half of our retirement and our children's education future. I feel this chapter is shaming me for that. Our decision to have our family was made with this knowledge and my husband and I work together. I feel God has me where I am for a reason, in fact I know he does.
ReplyDeleteCandi -I think she is only pointing out that the balancing act that goes along with being a wife, mother, employee, etc., can be draining on our priorities. I know that when I had a full time job, something always slacked - laundry, housework, one-on-one time with my husband or my kids....now I'm a full time student and something still always slacks. If it were a possibility, I would LOVE to be able to focus only on my home - to make it a goal to be a blessing to my husband and an encourager....to teach and train my children and spend quality time with them I won't get back....etc. but it's not the reality.
ReplyDeleteIf the decision is a joint decision with your husband, then that's all that matters! It's only a problem if working prevents us from doing God's will for us as His perfectly designed daughters. It's then that we must recognize the imbalance and go back to the drawing board to figure out how to fix it!
Does that make sense? Or help? Or make things worse? ;0)
Thank you and it does make sense. I wish the world was different too and it does get hard. Sometimes I just stand in my bedroom and say "stop!" because it feels like the days run together. I have now my second family, I started all over again so my husband could have his own children and had to go through surgery to do it, but we knew what we were getting into or at least I did, LOL. At least I will be retiring when my babie's get to their teen years and they are being raised to know Jesus in everything they do. I wouldn't miss any of it for anything in the world.
ReplyDeleteCandie, Thank you for being so transparent and honest. Bethany your words were right on. Thank you for responding. I love that we can all help one another. Last week was that way for many in Chapter 13. Some wanted to throw their book out the window. I am so excited that Tonia is coming in a few weeks and you will all have the opportunity to ask more questions. I know that her heart is not to condemn but to paint a picture of God's heart. You have to pray and be led by the Spirit in every decision you make.
ReplyDeleteDearest Candie and all of you who struggle at this place, I feel so close to you, and my heart is full of deep affection for you, though I don't even know you! For I have been in these places, and I understand. I bless you to take everything that my book and God's Word stirs in you, whether pleasant or uncomfortable, and go find your rest in the Father's arms. Offer it to him; His love is always waiting for you.
ReplyDeleteWhen shame comes, we need to know if it comes from where the Lord lives in you, trying to lead you to more abundant life, or if it is the enemy of your soul, trying to take what is meant for good and turn it to evil. You will find your answer in the kind and loving arms of the Father, and in those of your husband as well; they are meant to be a great team of protection for your tender spirit.