Melissa Mashburn

Real Women. Real Life. Real Faith.

Book Review ~ Lazarus Awakening

By:

Inspirational.
Moving.
Memorable.

One of the BEST books I have read on the subject of “Finding Your Place in the Heart of God“.

You know I am a big time lover of books and that I review books for a few different organizations but in the last few months I can think of no other book that I was this excited to get my hands on. You see, I am a BIG fan of the books “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World” and “Having a Mary Spirit” so when I saw that Joanna Weaver had written another book for this series I just about jumped through my computer to get my hands on it.

This is going to be one of those books that I read and re-read time and again. The book is packed full of truth, memorable stories and incredible application. I love that it has a ten week Bible study with it as well as several appendix’s in the back to tackle head on how to identify strongholds, hints for unwinding grave clothes, finding out who you are in Christ, and resources for resurrected living.

I’ve dog eared pages, highlighted, underlined, scribbled notes inside and already made a list of women that I know that absolutely MUST HAVE this book!

I could go on and on about how amazing this book is, but at this point I could probably write for days about it…you owe it to yourself to check out this book, especially if you are looking for something that will bring you a doorway into “Finding Your Place in the Heart of God“.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lazarus Awakening
Getting God’s Love from Our Heads to Our Hearts
You believe that God loves the world…but sometimes you wonder if He truly loves you.
 
For many of us, moving the truth of God’s love from our heads to our hearts is a lifelong process. As we consider our inadequacies or grieve our shattered dreams, we find it difficult to believe that God cares for us personally.
 
In this life-giving book, Joanna Weaver shows you how to embrace the truth that Jesus loves you apart from anything you accomplish, apart from anything you bring. Just as He called Lazarus forth to new life, Jesus wants to free you to live fully in the light of His love, unbound from the grave clothes of fear, regret, and self-condemnation.
 
Love is calling your name.
 
Combining unforgettable real-life illustrations with unexpected biblical insights, Joanna Weaver invites you to experience a spiritual resurrection that will forever change your understanding of what it means to be the one Jesus loves. Bible study and Leader’s Guide available here. http://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/books/lazarus-awakening/

Joanna is celebrating the release of Lazarus Awakening with the Heart of God KINDLE Giveaway!
In Lazarus Awakening Joanna writes about getting God’s love from our heads to our hearts. We all know Jesus loved Mary – look how she worshiped. And we can understand why He loved Martha – after all, look how she served. But what about those of us who don’t know where we fit in the heart of God? Lazarus Awakening explores the tale of the third follower – Mary and Martha’s brother, Lazarus. We never hear him speak, we never see him serve. The only thing of any significance that Lazarus did was to die. And yet, the Bible is clear. Jesus loved Lazarus. And He loves you and me as well. Lazarus Awakening looks at different aspects of the story we find in John 11. We learn what it means to be a friend of God and begin recognizing the tombs we spend far too much time in. Find out more here.
 One grand prize winner will receive:
    * A Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi
    * Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World
    * Having A Mary Spirit
    * Lazarus Awakening
Joanna will also select two additional contest entrants to receive copies of her trilogy. Enter soon by clicking the icons below and then tell your friends. Hurry the contest ends April 16th. The winner will be announced on Joanna’s blog on April 18th.

Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter

Blog Tour Hosted by Lit Fuse Group, to visit the other blogs on this tour please go here.

Joanna Weaver is known the world over for her transparent and life-changing books, Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit. These two books have sold over a million copies and have been translated into several languages including Spanish, French, Dutch, Chinese, German, Korean and more. Joanna has appeared on a wide variety of nationally syndicated radio and television broadcasts. Past appearances include: The Harvest Show, At Home Live With Chuck & Jenni, Midday Connection, HomeWord, and Janet Parschall’s America. She is also a highly sought after speaker and shares her message at intimate gatherings and several high profile events each year. But Joanna’s greatest joy is found in being a wife and mother and her role as a pastor’s wife. For more information about Joanna, please visit her website. www.joannaweaverbooks.com.

post signature

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review ~ Lazarus Awakening

By:

Inspirational.
Moving.
Memorable.

One of the BEST books I have read on the subject of “Finding Your Place in the Heart of God“.

You know I am a big time lover of books and that I review books for a few different organizations but in the last few months I can think of no other book that I was this excited to get my hands on. You see, I am a BIG fan of the books “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World” and “Having a Mary Spirit” so when I saw that Joanna Weaver had written another book for this series I just about jumped through my computer to get my hands on it.

This is going to be one of those books that I read and re-read time and again. The book is packed full of truth, memorable stories and incredible application. I love that it has a ten week Bible study with it as well as several appendix’s in the back to tackle head on how to identify strongholds, hints for unwinding grave clothes, finding out who you are in Christ, and resources for resurrected living.

I’ve dog eared pages, highlighted, underlined, scribbled notes inside and already made a list of women that I know that absolutely MUST HAVE this book!

I could go on and on about how amazing this book is, but at this point I could probably write for days about it…you owe it to yourself to check out this book, especially if you are looking for something that will bring you a doorway into “Finding Your Place in the Heart of God“.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lazarus Awakening
Getting God’s Love from Our Heads to Our Hearts
You believe that God loves the world…but sometimes you wonder if He truly loves you.
 
For many of us, moving the truth of God’s love from our heads to our hearts is a lifelong process. As we consider our inadequacies or grieve our shattered dreams, we find it difficult to believe that God cares for us personally.
 
In this life-giving book, Joanna Weaver shows you how to embrace the truth that Jesus loves you apart from anything you accomplish, apart from anything you bring. Just as He called Lazarus forth to new life, Jesus wants to free you to live fully in the light of His love, unbound from the grave clothes of fear, regret, and self-condemnation.
 
Love is calling your name.
 
Combining unforgettable real-life illustrations with unexpected biblical insights, Joanna Weaver invites you to experience a spiritual resurrection that will forever change your understanding of what it means to be the one Jesus loves. Bible study and Leader’s Guide available here. http://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/books/lazarus-awakening/

Joanna is celebrating the release of Lazarus Awakening with the Heart of God KINDLE Giveaway!
In Lazarus Awakening Joanna writes about getting God’s love from our heads to our hearts. We all know Jesus loved Mary – look how she worshiped. And we can understand why He loved Martha – after all, look how she served. But what about those of us who don’t know where we fit in the heart of God? Lazarus Awakening explores the tale of the third follower – Mary and Martha’s brother, Lazarus. We never hear him speak, we never see him serve. The only thing of any significance that Lazarus did was to die. And yet, the Bible is clear. Jesus loved Lazarus. And He loves you and me as well. Lazarus Awakening looks at different aspects of the story we find in John 11. We learn what it means to be a friend of God and begin recognizing the tombs we spend far too much time in. Find out more here.
 One grand prize winner will receive:
    * A Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi
    * Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World
    * Having A Mary Spirit
    * Lazarus Awakening
Joanna will also select two additional contest entrants to receive copies of her trilogy. Enter soon by clicking the icons below and then tell your friends. Hurry the contest ends April 16th. The winner will be announced on Joanna’s blog on April 18th.

Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter

Blog Tour Hosted by Lit Fuse Group, to visit the other blogs on this tour please go here.

Joanna Weaver is known the world over for her transparent and life-changing books, Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit. These two books have sold over a million copies and have been translated into several languages including Spanish, French, Dutch, Chinese, German, Korean and more. Joanna has appeared on a wide variety of nationally syndicated radio and television broadcasts. Past appearances include: The Harvest Show, At Home Live With Chuck & Jenni, Midday Connection, HomeWord, and Janet Parschall’s America. She is also a highly sought after speaker and shares her message at intimate gatherings and several high profile events each year. But Joanna’s greatest joy is found in being a wife and mother and her role as a pastor’s wife. For more information about Joanna, please visit her website. www.joannaweaverbooks.com.

post signature

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review ~ Made To Crave

By:

About the book: Just because a woman finally fits into her skinny jeans doesn’t mean she’s won her battle with food. Too often, women overlook the spiritual component to their physical struggle with healthy eating. Made to Crave taps into the desires God gave you to consume food without letting food consume you!

Made to Crave is the missing link between a woman’s desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. The reality is we were made to crave. Craving isn’t a bad thing. But we must realize God created us to crave more of him. Many of us have misplaced that craving by overindulging in physical pleasures instead of lasting spiritual satisfaction. If you are struggling with unhealthy eating habits, you can break the “I’ll start again Monday” cycle, and start feeling good about yourself today. 
Learn to stop beating yourself up over the numbers on the scale. Discover that your weight loss struggle isn’t a curse but rather a blessing in the making, and replace justifications that lead to diet failure with empowering go-to scripts that lead to victory. You can reach your healthy weight goal – and grow closer to God in the process. This is not a how-to book. This is not the latest and greatest dieting plan. This book is the necessary companion for you to use alongside whatever healthy lifestyle plan you choose. This is a book and Bible study to help you find the “want to” in making healthy lifestyle choices. 224 pages. Companion Bible study DVD set also available. http://madetocrave.org/purchase-resources/

About the DVD series:
If you want to maximize your experience and bring these teachings to life in a way you’ll never forget, you’ll want to order the full set of resources. Adding the DVD teaching series and the workbook will motivate you to get healthy without feeling deprived, lose the weight in a permanent way, and find the peace your body, mind and soul desires. This DVD study can be done in a group or by yourself.

The Bundle is only available through Proverbs 31 Ministries, so click here to order! http://madetocrave.org/purchase-resources/

Lysa TerKeurst is an author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has led thousands to make their walk with God an invigorating journey.

Lysa wrote the book Made to Crave from the perspective of a woman who has never craved a carrot stick in her whole life. Having struggled with her weight her whole adult life, Lysa knows what it feels like to be in the vicious cycle of gaining and losing, but never feeling at peace in her struggle. Everything changed when Lysa decided to have her deepest desire met by God not food. Now, armed with the spiritual motivation she gained in her own journey, she is inspiring others to find lasting victory.

As a nationally known speaker, Lysa has been passionately teaching women God’s truths for years. Lysa’s personal adventures of following God led to appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, The 700 Club, USA Today newspaper, Woman’s Day magazine, and Focus on the Family radio.

Today, Lysa and her ministry team at Proverbs 31 Ministries encourage more than 375,000 women through their daily online devotional. In addition, she co-hosts a 1-minute inspirational radio program aired on more than 1,200 stations around the world. Plus, she touches hearts through their monthly magazine, P31 Woman. Lysa’s blog averages over 70,000 avid readers per month. She is the award-winning author of 14 books, including her newest releases, Made to Crave and Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl. Other noteworthy books include What Happens When Woman Say Yes to God, What Happens When Women Walk in Faith, Capture His Heart, and Capture Her Heart. Visit Lysa’s website for more info and to visit her blog! http://lysaterkeurst.com

~~~~~~~~
Lysa is throwing a Made to Crave Party on February 8th!  
Made To Crave Party on Facebook!
Made To Crave Party on Facebook!
During the party Lysa will chat with guests, host a trivia contest or two, and give away lots of other fun prizes (copies of Lysa’s other books and Amazon.com, iTunes & Starbucks gift certificates) – including a live Author Chat with Lysa for your small group!

Don’t miss the fun! Lysa is looking forward to learning more about you – so be sure to stop by Lysa’s Facebook Author Page on February 8th at 5:00 PM PST (6 PM MST, 7 PM CST, & 8 PM EST).

~~~~~~~~~
My Review:
I absolutely adore Lysa TerKeurst and love what God is doing through her at Proverbs 31 Ministries, her blog, and now this a-ma-zing book!  It hits right to the heart of the matter…and does so with so much love and grace.
Lysa’s easy to read conversational style puts you at ease to talk about and tackle such a sensitive topic.  Let’s face it, this is not an easy thing to talk about, but there is never any judgment or condemnation only grace and mercy from someone who has been there and done that.
The DVD’s are funny and informative and make you really feel like you are sitting down on the couch with a trusted friend.  There is biblical truth packed into each video and by the end of the series there is a fresh new outlook on the cravings of our soul.
If you have ever struggled with food in any way, shape or form, then run, don’t walk to your local Christian bookstore and pickup this book…you will be so glad you did!

For more reviews on the Made To Crave book, make sure to stop by the Blog Tour…where you’ll meet lots of amazing people and hear all about their experience with the book too.

post signature

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the preview book & DVD set free from Lit Fuse Publicity Group as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review ~ Made To Crave

By:

About the book: Just because a woman finally fits into her skinny jeans doesn’t mean she’s won her battle with food. Too often, women overlook the spiritual component to their physical struggle with healthy eating. Made to Crave taps into the desires God gave you to consume food without letting food consume you!

Made to Crave is the missing link between a woman’s desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. The reality is we were made to crave. Craving isn’t a bad thing. But we must realize God created us to crave more of him. Many of us have misplaced that craving by overindulging in physical pleasures instead of lasting spiritual satisfaction. If you are struggling with unhealthy eating habits, you can break the “I’ll start again Monday” cycle, and start feeling good about yourself today. 
Learn to stop beating yourself up over the numbers on the scale. Discover that your weight loss struggle isn’t a curse but rather a blessing in the making, and replace justifications that lead to diet failure with empowering go-to scripts that lead to victory. You can reach your healthy weight goal – and grow closer to God in the process. This is not a how-to book. This is not the latest and greatest dieting plan. This book is the necessary companion for you to use alongside whatever healthy lifestyle plan you choose. This is a book and Bible study to help you find the “want to” in making healthy lifestyle choices. 224 pages. Companion Bible study DVD set also available. http://madetocrave.org/purchase-resources/

About the DVD series:
If you want to maximize your experience and bring these teachings to life in a way you’ll never forget, you’ll want to order the full set of resources. Adding the DVD teaching series and the workbook will motivate you to get healthy without feeling deprived, lose the weight in a permanent way, and find the peace your body, mind and soul desires. This DVD study can be done in a group or by yourself.

The Bundle is only available through Proverbs 31 Ministries, so click here to order! http://madetocrave.org/purchase-resources/

Lysa TerKeurst is an author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has led thousands to make their walk with God an invigorating journey.

Lysa wrote the book Made to Crave from the perspective of a woman who has never craved a carrot stick in her whole life. Having struggled with her weight her whole adult life, Lysa knows what it feels like to be in the vicious cycle of gaining and losing, but never feeling at peace in her struggle. Everything changed when Lysa decided to have her deepest desire met by God not food. Now, armed with the spiritual motivation she gained in her own journey, she is inspiring others to find lasting victory.

As a nationally known speaker, Lysa has been passionately teaching women God’s truths for years. Lysa’s personal adventures of following God led to appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, The 700 Club, USA Today newspaper, Woman’s Day magazine, and Focus on the Family radio.

Today, Lysa and her ministry team at Proverbs 31 Ministries encourage more than 375,000 women through their daily online devotional. In addition, she co-hosts a 1-minute inspirational radio program aired on more than 1,200 stations around the world. Plus, she touches hearts through their monthly magazine, P31 Woman. Lysa’s blog averages over 70,000 avid readers per month. She is the award-winning author of 14 books, including her newest releases, Made to Crave and Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl. Other noteworthy books include What Happens When Woman Say Yes to God, What Happens When Women Walk in Faith, Capture His Heart, and Capture Her Heart. Visit Lysa’s website for more info and to visit her blog! http://lysaterkeurst.com

~~~~~~~~
Lysa is throwing a Made to Crave Party on February 8th!  
Made To Crave Party on Facebook!
Made To Crave Party on Facebook!
During the party Lysa will chat with guests, host a trivia contest or two, and give away lots of other fun prizes (copies of Lysa’s other books and Amazon.com, iTunes & Starbucks gift certificates) – including a live Author Chat with Lysa for your small group!

Don’t miss the fun! Lysa is looking forward to learning more about you – so be sure to stop by Lysa’s Facebook Author Page on February 8th at 5:00 PM PST (6 PM MST, 7 PM CST, & 8 PM EST).

~~~~~~~~~
My Review:
I absolutely adore Lysa TerKeurst and love what God is doing through her at Proverbs 31 Ministries, her blog, and now this a-ma-zing book!  It hits right to the heart of the matter…and does so with so much love and grace.
Lysa’s easy to read conversational style puts you at ease to talk about and tackle such a sensitive topic.  Let’s face it, this is not an easy thing to talk about, but there is never any judgment or condemnation only grace and mercy from someone who has been there and done that.
The DVD’s are funny and informative and make you really feel like you are sitting down on the couch with a trusted friend.  There is biblical truth packed into each video and by the end of the series there is a fresh new outlook on the cravings of our soul.
If you have ever struggled with food in any way, shape or form, then run, don’t walk to your local Christian bookstore and pickup this book…you will be so glad you did!

For more reviews on the Made To Crave book, make sure to stop by the Blog Tour…where you’ll meet lots of amazing people and hear all about their experience with the book too.

post signature

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the preview book & DVD set free from Lit Fuse Publicity Group as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I Second That Emotion ~ Session #11, 12, & 13

By:

I can hardly believe that we are finished with this journey together. This has truly been a remarkable book; the insight, depth, and comedy have blessed my socks off. I am so sorry that this is so late getting out…it has been a busy couple of days. So, let’s not delay one minute longer…here is the conclusion of this book study!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Session #11 ~ Holy Post It Notes

Our Goal Today ~> To fall in love with God’s Word and the guidance he provides in its pages.

Page 82 ~ Have you ever read all 176 verses of Psalm 119? C’mon now, honestly? Every verse? If not, I dare you. In fact, I double dare you. Here’s why: those verse are like POST-IT note reminders for our zany emotions. But because it’s such a cotton-pickin’ long chapter, we’re tempted to start reading but not finish.

Page 83 ~ In its original Hebrew, Psalm 119 is an alphabetic acrostic (you know I LOVE those), meaning its lines use each letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order. In addition to the clever, easy to remember structure, it is full of necessary reminders to keep us on the narrow path.

Six Ways God Speaks To Us Through His Word
1) “I would not be ashamed”, live so that you do not have to be ashamed (v6)
a. Page 83 ~ Shame is a dark cloak of human misery that dimishes all light (we talked about God’s light last week)
2) “That I might not sin”, steer clear of sin (v11)
3) “I may see wondrous things from Your law”, look for God to do wondrous things (v18)
a. Page 85 ~ Reading Scripture will help us get a grip on our geneology.
4) “For You shall enlarge my heart”, let God enlarge your heart (v32)
5) “I will walk at liberty”, walk in liberty (v45)
6) “This is my comfort in my affliction”, let God comfort you in affliction (v50)
a. Let Him speak life into you from His Words

God’s Word is our defense, our sword (Ephesians 6:17)

Page 88 ~ You see, when fear is dictating your actions, “bizarre” can become your norm. Imbalance becomes your scale. Survival drives you to the absurb. So Gideon and I…we be tribe mates.

Page 90 ~ God isn’t reasonable; in fact, often his ways are outrageous to our way of thinking. We’ll never figure out God; he doesn’t add up on paper. Not even a brilliant mathematician could get God to fit into a tidy column. He is not only deity but also holy mystery. He does, though, reveal parts of himself to us in Scripture, which is why we’re abmonished to search it diligently to be approved as one who need not be ashamed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Session #12 ~ Becky’s Bangles

Our Goal Today ~> To discover how God helps us untangle our zany emotions.

How to Add Sparkle to Your Life
1) Love the LORD

a. Page 95 ~ I have found that when I offer up to God the imbalances in my life and aplpy his principles, my eyes are opened. I begin to see (heart enlightenment) why he gives us scriptural guidelines and counsel. And as my desire for his ways grows, my capacity to love him increases.
b. Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV) ~ Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

2) Care About Others

a. “If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way” ~ Napolean Hill
b. Page 97 ~ I’ve also learned the best therapy to help you over an emotional slump is to get up and do something for someone else.
c. Page 172 ~ Jesus said to take the same care and concern you have for yourself and apply it to everyone you encounter.
i. So what will you do when someone at work makes a mistake that affects you?
ii. So what will you do when someone you love misunderstands something you said?
d. 1 Peter 5:2 (NIV) ~ Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;

3) Work Hard

a. Did you know that the word WORK is in the Bible (NIV version) 538 times?
b. Apparently WORK is important to God
c. Proverbs 31:17 (NIV) ~ She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

4) Laugh a Lot

a. Page 99 ~ Honestly, I don’t think we can discuss emotions without having to hit the balance button again and again. I promise you thatin this topsy-turvy, inside outside world, we won’t be able to maintain balance, but it should always be our goal. And along the journey let’s take time to chortle every day (laugh). It will smooth out some of the bumps in the road and help others up steep inclines.
b. Proverbs 31:25 (NIV) ~ She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

5) Never Give Up

a. “Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.” ~ Dave Berry
b. Romans 5:3 (NIV) ~ Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
c. Page 100 ~ I don’t know what has your rubber band emotions in knots today, but I do know that God is still in the resurrection business. And while others may judge us, Christ waits with open arms to restore our dignity and guide us to a higher path. Never, ever give up!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Session #13 ~ Emmaus Road

Our Goal Today ~> To see ourselves the way God sees us and to embrace the marvelous lives he has designed.

Page 101 ~ Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. ~ Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh

Page 101-102 ~ God made us gals emotionally wealthy, giving us the potential to be prosperous in our dispositions and institutions. We all have regrets, but we must learn to receive what Christ offers freely; forgiveness. And we must realize that Jesus redeems our failures for his divine purposes.

Read Jeremiah 29:4-14

Strategy For Dealing With Life’s Problems
1) God knows where you are (v4)
2) The problem isn’t a destination (v5-6)
3) You have something to do (v7-9)
4) God is faithful (v10-11)
5) God’s plan is for spiritual renewal (v12-14)

Page 102 ~ He will take our rubber band bundle and make sense of it. He will give us definition, he will guide us toward resolution, and he provides us the hope of a a divine destination. But it’s a process, so don’t be discouraged. It’s an Emmaus Road of ongoing revelation.

Page 102 ~ Pack up your rubber bands and follow the narrow road; it leads to the widest joy. Along the way, enjoy your rich emotional design.

Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV) ~ 13″Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Page 174 ~ God doesn’t need you to be someone else. He already has people assigned to those tasks. He needs you to do what no one else can do – be YOU! Pray and thank God for using people like us to deliver his love to a doubting world.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks so much for participating in our weekly Book Study on Patsy Clairmont’s book, “I Second That Emotion”. We would love to continue to pray for you, send you information about other upcoming Book/Bible Study Groups, and our Praise & Coffee nights. Please make sure that we have your contact information so that you are in the loop as to what’s going on in the future.

Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Bookmark and Share

I Second That Emotion ~ Session #11, 12, & 13

By:

I can hardly believe that we are finished with this journey together. This has truly been a remarkable book; the insight, depth, and comedy have blessed my socks off. I am so sorry that this is so late getting out…it has been a busy couple of days. So, let’s not delay one minute longer…here is the conclusion of this book study!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Session #11 ~ Holy Post It Notes

Our Goal Today ~> To fall in love with God’s Word and the guidance he provides in its pages.

Page 82 ~ Have you ever read all 176 verses of Psalm 119? C’mon now, honestly? Every verse? If not, I dare you. In fact, I double dare you. Here’s why: those verse are like POST-IT note reminders for our zany emotions. But because it’s such a cotton-pickin’ long chapter, we’re tempted to start reading but not finish.

Page 83 ~ In its original Hebrew, Psalm 119 is an alphabetic acrostic (you know I LOVE those), meaning its lines use each letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order. In addition to the clever, easy to remember structure, it is full of necessary reminders to keep us on the narrow path.

Six Ways God Speaks To Us Through His Word
1) “I would not be ashamed”, live so that you do not have to be ashamed (v6)
a. Page 83 ~ Shame is a dark cloak of human misery that dimishes all light (we talked about God’s light last week)
2) “That I might not sin”, steer clear of sin (v11)
3) “I may see wondrous things from Your law”, look for God to do wondrous things (v18)
a. Page 85 ~ Reading Scripture will help us get a grip on our geneology.
4) “For You shall enlarge my heart”, let God enlarge your heart (v32)
5) “I will walk at liberty”, walk in liberty (v45)
6) “This is my comfort in my affliction”, let God comfort you in affliction (v50)
a. Let Him speak life into you from His Words

God’s Word is our defense, our sword (Ephesians 6:17)

Page 88 ~ You see, when fear is dictating your actions, “bizarre” can become your norm. Imbalance becomes your scale. Survival drives you to the absurb. So Gideon and I…we be tribe mates.

Page 90 ~ God isn’t reasonable; in fact, often his ways are outrageous to our way of thinking. We’ll never figure out God; he doesn’t add up on paper. Not even a brilliant mathematician could get God to fit into a tidy column. He is not only deity but also holy mystery. He does, though, reveal parts of himself to us in Scripture, which is why we’re abmonished to search it diligently to be approved as one who need not be ashamed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Session #12 ~ Becky’s Bangles

Our Goal Today ~> To discover how God helps us untangle our zany emotions.

How to Add Sparkle to Your Life
1) Love the LORD

a. Page 95 ~ I have found that when I offer up to God the imbalances in my life and aplpy his principles, my eyes are opened. I begin to see (heart enlightenment) why he gives us scriptural guidelines and counsel. And as my desire for his ways grows, my capacity to love him increases.
b. Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV) ~ Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

2) Care About Others

a. “If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way” ~ Napolean Hill
b. Page 97 ~ I’ve also learned the best therapy to help you over an emotional slump is to get up and do something for someone else.
c. Page 172 ~ Jesus said to take the same care and concern you have for yourself and apply it to everyone you encounter.
i. So what will you do when someone at work makes a mistake that affects you?
ii. So what will you do when someone you love misunderstands something you said?
d. 1 Peter 5:2 (NIV) ~ Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;

3) Work Hard

a. Did you know that the word WORK is in the Bible (NIV version) 538 times?
b. Apparently WORK is important to God
c. Proverbs 31:17 (NIV) ~ She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

4) Laugh a Lot

a. Page 99 ~ Honestly, I don’t think we can discuss emotions without having to hit the balance button again and again. I promise you thatin this topsy-turvy, inside outside world, we won’t be able to maintain balance, but it should always be our goal. And along the journey let’s take time to chortle every day (laugh). It will smooth out some of the bumps in the road and help others up steep inclines.
b. Proverbs 31:25 (NIV) ~ She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

5) Never Give Up

a. “Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.” ~ Dave Berry
b. Romans 5:3 (NIV) ~ Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
c. Page 100 ~ I don’t know what has your rubber band emotions in knots today, but I do know that God is still in the resurrection business. And while others may judge us, Christ waits with open arms to restore our dignity and guide us to a higher path. Never, ever give up!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Session #13 ~ Emmaus Road

Our Goal Today ~> To see ourselves the way God sees us and to embrace the marvelous lives he has designed.

Page 101 ~ Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. ~ Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh

Page 101-102 ~ God made us gals emotionally wealthy, giving us the potential to be prosperous in our dispositions and institutions. We all have regrets, but we must learn to receive what Christ offers freely; forgiveness. And we must realize that Jesus redeems our failures for his divine purposes.

Read Jeremiah 29:4-14

Strategy For Dealing With Life’s Problems
1) God knows where you are (v4)
2) The problem isn’t a destination (v5-6)
3) You have something to do (v7-9)
4) God is faithful (v10-11)
5) God’s plan is for spiritual renewal (v12-14)

Page 102 ~ He will take our rubber band bundle and make sense of it. He will give us definition, he will guide us toward resolution, and he provides us the hope of a a divine destination. But it’s a process, so don’t be discouraged. It’s an Emmaus Road of ongoing revelation.

Page 102 ~ Pack up your rubber bands and follow the narrow road; it leads to the widest joy. Along the way, enjoy your rich emotional design.

Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV) ~ 13″Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Page 174 ~ God doesn’t need you to be someone else. He already has people assigned to those tasks. He needs you to do what no one else can do – be YOU! Pray and thank God for using people like us to deliver his love to a doubting world.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks so much for participating in our weekly Book Study on Patsy Clairmont’s book, “I Second That Emotion”. We would love to continue to pray for you, send you information about other upcoming Book/Bible Study Groups, and our Praise & Coffee nights. Please make sure that we have your contact information so that you are in the loop as to what’s going on in the future.

Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Bookmark and Share

I Second That Emotion – Session #9 & #10

By:

WELCOME BACK to this week’s lesson from Chapter #9 (Breathing Space) and Chapter #10 (Imagination Station) from the “I Second That Emotion” book.

We’re having a great time unpacking the suitcase of our “zany emotions” with this study and I pray that you are taking the time to do these three things: 1) read the book, 2) answer the study guide questions, and 3) go through the lessons we’re doing in Mel’s World.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book, the study, and the online group…this has been a great adventure and I am thankful to be on this journey with you all!

Let’s jump right into the study, shall we?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Session #9 ~ Breathing Space
Our Goal Today ~> To Discover the benefit of spending time away from routines, relatives, and relationships while still seeking and listening to God’s still, small voice.

Read Hebews 13:1-6

p.66 ~ We all need breathing space from our routines, relatives, and other relationships. But here’s my biggest struggle: how to get away from ME. I often get on my own nerves. When I start to gripe at myself, I sometimes head for the beauty parlor, maybe because it’s such a girly thing to do. Of course I enjoy the personal attention and usually the results. Besides, it gives me a mini breathing space.

Page 67 ~ I think every woman should have a “lost in space” place. It needs to be something you do and somewhere you go that not only pleases your sense but also results in satisfaction.

Question ~> When you need some “Breathing Space” where’s your “Lost in Space” place?

Page 67 ~ Yet sometimes what I need most as a woman is to plug into others. One way I do this is via e-mail. Actually, girlfriends are a lifeline. Yes, they can contribute to some of my emotional knots, but more often than not they resuscitate me.

~ It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like, “What about lunch?” ~ Winnie the Pooh

Question ~> How often are you getting to spend time with your girlfriends? Which one of your girlfriends do you need to call TODAY to catch up with?

What FRIENDS are to me;

F ~ Finding the
R ~ Right
I ~ Individual to
E ~ Encourage you to
N ~ Never
D ~ Depend on
S ~ Someone other than Jesus

5 Ways to receive fresh oxygen from your FRIENDS

1) Friends help us think
a. They bring a different perspective to the equation. They help you see the BIG picture.
i. Who are the friends that help you think? __________________

2) Friends help us hear our inconsistencies and pinpoint blind spots
a. We ALL need accountability!
i. Who is that person who will speak the truth in love to you even if it hurts (you and her)?

3) Friends rally when the winds of hardship bluster across our paths
4) Friends believe in us
a. They applaud our gifts, and they celebrate our good fortune. When good things happen in your life these are the people you call first!
5) Friends aren’t perfect and may not be forever
a. It’s important that we not abuse our friendships by expecting them to do for us what Jesus plans to do another way.

Page 69 ~ People not only will disappoint us, but many also will leave us and we them. We humans never are prepared for feeling rejected, abandoned, or replaced, but quite honestly, it’s part of the human dilemma. We don’t expect a friend to clock out, but it happens…and perhaps for the best. That’s hard to grasp in the midst of misunderstanding and hurt.

Read Psalm 118:6

Find the “Reason, Season, & Lifetime” story and read it.

Page 71 ~ Yes, friends were mant to be part of God’s resuscitation team…Don’t miss the blessing out of fear of conflict or failure. People who insulate themselves against closeness and withdraw into solitary worlds will become mentally and emotionally rickety. Don’t go there. Instead, take a deep breath and reach out as many times as it takes to find friends. I agree with Emily Dickinson, who said, “My friends are my estate.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Session #10 ~ Imagination Station
Our Goal Today ~> To awaken our sense to God’s incredible masterpiece in which we are central figures.

Look up these verses on Light (God is Light)
Genesis 1:4
Revelation 22:5
Matthew 5:14
Ephesians 5:8
John 8:12

~ There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly ~ Buckminster Fuller

Page 76 ~ Color is paramount to art, and the wonderful thing about color is it can be splashed across all of life’s offerings; our attitudes, our speech, our clothing, our gift giving, and our emotional lives.

Question ~> If you had to pick one color to describe you, what would it be?

Page 76 ~ We are hardwired to respond emotionally to the wonder of art. I believe God has given us many elements in this life that help to heal us, inspire us, and remind us of our Creator, as well as enlarge our interior worlds. Art might well top the list of contributors to those benefits.

Review Page 76 for the Favorites and take some time to really sit down and think about what your personal favorites are!

Page 76 ~ Sometimes unplugging from our routines and losing ourselves in life’s art is the most healing thing we can do for our stretched out emotions.
– Take a new route home
– Stop by a flower shop just to smell the flowers (hey, while you are there buy yourself some too!)
– Go to a pet store and love on the animals for a little bit!

~ All children are artists. The problem is how to remainan artist once he grows up. ~ Pablo Picasso

Question ~> What form of art makes your heart skip a beat?
Just an idea…why not sign up for a cooking class, book club (hey, that’s us!), pottery, something fun and creative.

Page 81 ~ Remember that artistic endeavors can be therapeutic to our uptight bundle of emotions.

Read Psalm 139:13-14

What are you going to do to get your “Creative Juices flowing”?
– Art Classes
– Cooking Classes
– Museum
– Dance Class
– Parks

The God of the universe is wonderfully creative…now is your chance to take into His creativity!

Like I always say…DREAM BIG, God does!

Page 164 ~ Pray and commit every moment of your life to God for His purposes and see how his plan unfolds. Truly spend adequate time before God with this. Don’t rush it. Just rest knowing that God knitted you in the womb, knows every hair on your head and every rubber band in your stomach, and he knows the future He has for you!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meet us back here NEXT Friday, April 3rd, as we wrap up this study by going over Chapters #11, 12, & 13. I can’t wait to hear what you’ve been learning from this book. Be Blessed!
Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Bookmark and Share

I Second That Emotion – Session #9 & #10

By:

WELCOME BACK to this week’s lesson from Chapter #9 (Breathing Space) and Chapter #10 (Imagination Station) from the “I Second That Emotion” book.

We’re having a great time unpacking the suitcase of our “zany emotions” with this study and I pray that you are taking the time to do these three things: 1) read the book, 2) answer the study guide questions, and 3) go through the lessons we’re doing in Mel’s World.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book, the study, and the online group…this has been a great adventure and I am thankful to be on this journey with you all!

Let’s jump right into the study, shall we?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Session #9 ~ Breathing Space
Our Goal Today ~> To Discover the benefit of spending time away from routines, relatives, and relationships while still seeking and listening to God’s still, small voice.

Read Hebews 13:1-6

p.66 ~ We all need breathing space from our routines, relatives, and other relationships. But here’s my biggest struggle: how to get away from ME. I often get on my own nerves. When I start to gripe at myself, I sometimes head for the beauty parlor, maybe because it’s such a girly thing to do. Of course I enjoy the personal attention and usually the results. Besides, it gives me a mini breathing space.

Page 67 ~ I think every woman should have a “lost in space” place. It needs to be something you do and somewhere you go that not only pleases your sense but also results in satisfaction.

Question ~> When you need some “Breathing Space” where’s your “Lost in Space” place?

Page 67 ~ Yet sometimes what I need most as a woman is to plug into others. One way I do this is via e-mail. Actually, girlfriends are a lifeline. Yes, they can contribute to some of my emotional knots, but more often than not they resuscitate me.

~ It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like, “What about lunch?” ~ Winnie the Pooh

Question ~> How often are you getting to spend time with your girlfriends? Which one of your girlfriends do you need to call TODAY to catch up with?

What FRIENDS are to me;

F ~ Finding the
R ~ Right
I ~ Individual to
E ~ Encourage you to
N ~ Never
D ~ Depend on
S ~ Someone other than Jesus

5 Ways to receive fresh oxygen from your FRIENDS

1) Friends help us think
a. They bring a different perspective to the equation. They help you see the BIG picture.
i. Who are the friends that help you think? __________________

2) Friends help us hear our inconsistencies and pinpoint blind spots
a. We ALL need accountability!
i. Who is that person who will speak the truth in love to you even if it hurts (you and her)?

3) Friends rally when the winds of hardship bluster across our paths
4) Friends believe in us
a. They applaud our gifts, and they celebrate our good fortune. When good things happen in your life these are the people you call first!
5) Friends aren’t perfect and may not be forever
a. It’s important that we not abuse our friendships by expecting them to do for us what Jesus plans to do another way.

Page 69 ~ People not only will disappoint us, but many also will leave us and we them. We humans never are prepared for feeling rejected, abandoned, or replaced, but quite honestly, it’s part of the human dilemma. We don’t expect a friend to clock out, but it happens…and perhaps for the best. That’s hard to grasp in the midst of misunderstanding and hurt.

Read Psalm 118:6

Find the “Reason, Season, & Lifetime” story and read it.

Page 71 ~ Yes, friends were mant to be part of God’s resuscitation team…Don’t miss the blessing out of fear of conflict or failure. People who insulate themselves against closeness and withdraw into solitary worlds will become mentally and emotionally rickety. Don’t go there. Instead, take a deep breath and reach out as many times as it takes to find friends. I agree with Emily Dickinson, who said, “My friends are my estate.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Session #10 ~ Imagination Station
Our Goal Today ~> To awaken our sense to God’s incredible masterpiece in which we are central figures.

Look up these verses on Light (God is Light)
Genesis 1:4
Revelation 22:5
Matthew 5:14
Ephesians 5:8
John 8:12

~ There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly ~ Buckminster Fuller

Page 76 ~ Color is paramount to art, and the wonderful thing about color is it can be splashed across all of life’s offerings; our attitudes, our speech, our clothing, our gift giving, and our emotional lives.

Question ~> If you had to pick one color to describe you, what would it be?

Page 76 ~ We are hardwired to respond emotionally to the wonder of art. I believe God has given us many elements in this life that help to heal us, inspire us, and remind us of our Creator, as well as enlarge our interior worlds. Art might well top the list of contributors to those benefits.

Review Page 76 for the Favorites and take some time to really sit down and think about what your personal favorites are!

Page 76 ~ Sometimes unplugging from our routines and losing ourselves in life’s art is the most healing thing we can do for our stretched out emotions.
– Take a new route home
– Stop by a flower shop just to smell the flowers (hey, while you are there buy yourself some too!)
– Go to a pet store and love on the animals for a little bit!

~ All children are artists. The problem is how to remainan artist once he grows up. ~ Pablo Picasso

Question ~> What form of art makes your heart skip a beat?
Just an idea…why not sign up for a cooking class, book club (hey, that’s us!), pottery, something fun and creative.

Page 81 ~ Remember that artistic endeavors can be therapeutic to our uptight bundle of emotions.

Read Psalm 139:13-14

What are you going to do to get your “Creative Juices flowing”?
– Art Classes
– Cooking Classes
– Museum
– Dance Class
– Parks

The God of the universe is wonderfully creative…now is your chance to take into His creativity!

Like I always say…DREAM BIG, God does!

Page 164 ~ Pray and commit every moment of your life to God for His purposes and see how his plan unfolds. Truly spend adequate time before God with this. Don’t rush it. Just rest knowing that God knitted you in the womb, knows every hair on your head and every rubber band in your stomach, and he knows the future He has for you!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meet us back here NEXT Friday, April 3rd, as we wrap up this study by going over Chapters #11, 12, & 13. I can’t wait to hear what you’ve been learning from this book. Be Blessed!
Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Bookmark and Share

I Second That Emotion – Session #7 & #8

By:

Hey There Everyone, welcome back to Mel’s World for this week’s lessons from the book “I Second That Emotion” by wonderfully amazing Patsy Clairmont.

Here are this week’s notes, go ahead and check them out, comment, and even print them out if you want, but make sure to join us at 1pm (EST) in a Skype chat room for our small group time. If you haven’t signed up for Skype it is absolutely FREE for what we are doing and I am super easy to find. If you want leave me a comment or send me an email with your Skype handle and I’ll invite you to the group today!

Let’s get on with the study, shall we?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Book Study Memory Verse
Romans 12:2 (NIV) ~ Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Session #7 ~ Shoe Goo ~ “It always rains on tents. Rainstorms will travel thousands of miles, against prevailing winds, for the opportunity to rain on a tent.” ~ Dave Berry


Page 51 ~ Shoe Goo is that goopy gunk called moodiness that attaches itself to our personage.

Page 52 ~ I’m not a doctor, a psychologist, or a prophet, but I’ve been a moodologist (which means I have the skills set to be difficult to live with).

Question ~> Are we trying to capture the other’s attention or to control that person with our moodiness?

Question ~> Think about it…what types of people are you drawn to? Who do you like to spend time with?

Page 55 ~ We would be shocked to learn how many people have multiple hardships, but these folks still smile daily at others. They have purposed to compartmentalize their pain.

~ Speaking kindly when we feel stuck in sad shoe goo will be a liberating step.

~ Read from the book “Having a Mary Spirit” page 221 & 227

“Very often the only way to get a quality in reality is to start behaving as if you had it already.” ~ C.S. Lewis

~ a Smile is a Wordless way to Spread JOY!

Scraping the Shoe Goo Off Your Soul
1) Recognize your choices
a. What is your default reaction when things don’t go just right?
2) Know Yourself
a. How often to you see yourself starting to become “moody”?
i. What do you do about it?
3) Enlist a Prayer Partner ~ __________________, ___________________
a. Write down one or two names, ask God to give you an opportunity to talk to them about becoming your prayer partner.
4) Watch what you watch.
a. Are you affected by the shows you watch?
b. TV Free Monday’s
5) Choose to Talk
a. If you habitually”close down” to others force yourself to open up and talk about it.
6) Relax
a. Your mouth and yourself

Read Psalm 16:1-11
Page 147 ~ Life isn’t fair! Have you been there? Look at what David did. He asked God to protect him and admitted that apart from God, nothing he was going through made sense. Follow David’s pattern and express your feelings to God. Admit that your situation doesn’t make sense either.

Page 58 ~ I’ve found memorizing verses on JOY helps to protect my mind when I slip toward gloomy. I’m also affteced by music; so I encourage you, if you love music, to sing songs that lift and calm your spirit.

Book Recommendation ~ Boundaries by Cloud/Townsend & Having a Mary Spirit by Joanna Weaver

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Session #8 ~ Mourning Dew ~ “Grief makes one hour ten.” ~ William Shakespeare
Page 60 ~ Death makes us wonder. We wonder what life is really all about. We wonder if God cares that our hearts are broken. We wonder why he takes someone we love. Not only do we wonder, but also we wander about in the valley of shadows for a time, trying to work out within us all that it means. Often we come out of the shadows with two things; a dull headache and a deepened resolve to live and love more attentively in the days we have left.

“Tears are often the telescope by which men see far into heaven.” ~Henry Ward Beecher

Page 62 ~ Unexpressed grief doesn’t leave us; instead it waits to rise up another day to take our breathe away. If we don’t step through it, the grief will put on anger’s clothes and create havoc.

How do you vent?

How do you deal, process, or release your grief?
Screaming?
Crying?
Chocolate?
Workaholism?
Denial?

“Give sorrow words. The grief that does not speak whispers the o’er fraught heart, and bids it break.” ~ William Shakespeare

Page 62 ~ Venting helps us to lower our pain level so we can make room for healing. Talking can help, support groups are valuable, exercise gives some physical relief, gardening or other types of life-giving activities provide distractions to give a bit of a break to our overprocessing minds, journaling can be cathartic, time really does help in mending, and crying releases emotions and toxins…grief is anything but tidy.

Read Job 1-2:8-10

Page 63 ~ Mrs. Job may have been hysterical and panicked when she cried out to her husband, “Curse God and die!” Who knows what we might say in the midst of catastrophic loss? Are we really surprised that surging anger gushed forth? Her comments contain her humanity. We never need God more, yet there may never be a time we understand him less than in our grief.

Question to ponder ~> How would you react? No…really, think about it. Re-read Job 1-2:8 to get a better idea of what had just happened in her life.

Read Judges 16:4-31

~ We’ve all been hurt at some point in our lives…by a friend, a family member, a co-worker, child, sibling. The fact of the matter of life is that it is a part of life here on this planet. It makes our story something that can be used as a part of HIS story and that makes for a beautiful testimony.

Question ~> If your life could be expressed by the words of a song, what song would it be?

Page 152 ~ Your life will include things you don’t understand and times of loss. Yet God is with you. Continue to remind yourself of his love for you and let him continue to live through you.

Page 152 ~ What can you do to keep your commitment to God at the top of your to-do list? Begin each day with God, asking Him to overwhelm you with his peace and love. Flood your day with godly thoughts and words. Listen to God in the music you hear. Meditate on His Word as you move about throughout your day.

Read Job 40:3-5

Read Job 42:12

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Come back NEXT Friday, March 27th as we discuss Chapters #9 (Breathing Space) and #10 (Imagination Station) here in Mel’s World. The notes are posted by 11am (EST) and then we meet in a Skype chat room on Friday’s at 1pm (EST) to a small group lesson. We’d love for you to join us!
Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Bookmark and Share

I Second That Emotion – Session #7 & #8

By:

Hey There Everyone, welcome back to Mel’s World for this week’s lessons from the book “I Second That Emotion” by wonderfully amazing Patsy Clairmont.

Here are this week’s notes, go ahead and check them out, comment, and even print them out if you want, but make sure to join us at 1pm (EST) in a Skype chat room for our small group time. If you haven’t signed up for Skype it is absolutely FREE for what we are doing and I am super easy to find. If you want leave me a comment or send me an email with your Skype handle and I’ll invite you to the group today!

Let’s get on with the study, shall we?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Book Study Memory Verse
Romans 12:2 (NIV) ~ Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Session #7 ~ Shoe Goo ~ “It always rains on tents. Rainstorms will travel thousands of miles, against prevailing winds, for the opportunity to rain on a tent.” ~ Dave Berry


Page 51 ~ Shoe Goo is that goopy gunk called moodiness that attaches itself to our personage.

Page 52 ~ I’m not a doctor, a psychologist, or a prophet, but I’ve been a moodologist (which means I have the skills set to be difficult to live with).

Question ~> Are we trying to capture the other’s attention or to control that person with our moodiness?

Question ~> Think about it…what types of people are you drawn to? Who do you like to spend time with?

Page 55 ~ We would be shocked to learn how many people have multiple hardships, but these folks still smile daily at others. They have purposed to compartmentalize their pain.

~ Speaking kindly when we feel stuck in sad shoe goo will be a liberating step.

~ Read from the book “Having a Mary Spirit” page 221 & 227

“Very often the only way to get a quality in reality is to start behaving as if you had it already.” ~ C.S. Lewis

~ a Smile is a Wordless way to Spread JOY!

Scraping the Shoe Goo Off Your Soul
1) Recognize your choices
a. What is your default reaction when things don’t go just right?
2) Know Yourself
a. How often to you see yourself starting to become “moody”?
i. What do you do about it?
3) Enlist a Prayer Partner ~ __________________, ___________________
a. Write down one or two names, ask God to give you an opportunity to talk to them about becoming your prayer partner.
4) Watch what you watch.
a. Are you affected by the shows you watch?
b. TV Free Monday’s
5) Choose to Talk
a. If you habitually”close down” to others force yourself to open up and talk about it.
6) Relax
a. Your mouth and yourself

Read Psalm 16:1-11
Page 147 ~ Life isn’t fair! Have you been there? Look at what David did. He asked God to protect him and admitted that apart from God, nothing he was going through made sense. Follow David’s pattern and express your feelings to God. Admit that your situation doesn’t make sense either.

Page 58 ~ I’ve found memorizing verses on JOY helps to protect my mind when I slip toward gloomy. I’m also affteced by music; so I encourage you, if you love music, to sing songs that lift and calm your spirit.

Book Recommendation ~ Boundaries by Cloud/Townsend & Having a Mary Spirit by Joanna Weaver

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Session #8 ~ Mourning Dew ~ “Grief makes one hour ten.” ~ William Shakespeare
Page 60 ~ Death makes us wonder. We wonder what life is really all about. We wonder if God cares that our hearts are broken. We wonder why he takes someone we love. Not only do we wonder, but also we wander about in the valley of shadows for a time, trying to work out within us all that it means. Often we come out of the shadows with two things; a dull headache and a deepened resolve to live and love more attentively in the days we have left.

“Tears are often the telescope by which men see far into heaven.” ~Henry Ward Beecher

Page 62 ~ Unexpressed grief doesn’t leave us; instead it waits to rise up another day to take our breathe away. If we don’t step through it, the grief will put on anger’s clothes and create havoc.

How do you vent?

How do you deal, process, or release your grief?
Screaming?
Crying?
Chocolate?
Workaholism?
Denial?

“Give sorrow words. The grief that does not speak whispers the o’er fraught heart, and bids it break.” ~ William Shakespeare

Page 62 ~ Venting helps us to lower our pain level so we can make room for healing. Talking can help, support groups are valuable, exercise gives some physical relief, gardening or other types of life-giving activities provide distractions to give a bit of a break to our overprocessing minds, journaling can be cathartic, time really does help in mending, and crying releases emotions and toxins…grief is anything but tidy.

Read Job 1-2:8-10

Page 63 ~ Mrs. Job may have been hysterical and panicked when she cried out to her husband, “Curse God and die!” Who knows what we might say in the midst of catastrophic loss? Are we really surprised that surging anger gushed forth? Her comments contain her humanity. We never need God more, yet there may never be a time we understand him less than in our grief.

Question to ponder ~> How would you react? No…really, think about it. Re-read Job 1-2:8 to get a better idea of what had just happened in her life.

Read Judges 16:4-31

~ We’ve all been hurt at some point in our lives…by a friend, a family member, a co-worker, child, sibling. The fact of the matter of life is that it is a part of life here on this planet. It makes our story something that can be used as a part of HIS story and that makes for a beautiful testimony.

Question ~> If your life could be expressed by the words of a song, what song would it be?

Page 152 ~ Your life will include things you don’t understand and times of loss. Yet God is with you. Continue to remind yourself of his love for you and let him continue to live through you.

Page 152 ~ What can you do to keep your commitment to God at the top of your to-do list? Begin each day with God, asking Him to overwhelm you with his peace and love. Flood your day with godly thoughts and words. Listen to God in the music you hear. Meditate on His Word as you move about throughout your day.

Read Job 40:3-5

Read Job 42:12

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Come back NEXT Friday, March 27th as we discuss Chapters #9 (Breathing Space) and #10 (Imagination Station) here in Mel’s World. The notes are posted by 11am (EST) and then we meet in a Skype chat room on Friday’s at 1pm (EST) to a small group lesson. We’d love for you to join us!
Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Bookmark and Share