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sorry...but where do I go to find it??

#2 on this topic is at the very top of our group's message board - it is currently a "sticky" message.

Yes, Jo Ann, I have numbered them 1,2,3 because it gets so long and takes time to go through all the messages. I thought this was a good idea, but maybe it is not. We need to hear from you girl.

Sadly, I don't think many of my "offerings" are the "freewill" kind.

This morning our Pastor (he's recently assumed that responsibility from our aging one) started off by encouraging us to come to prayer meeting tonight. It's been going on for several weeks and I haven't been going but was considering it tonight. I'm not sure what the format would be like so I let my mind wonder as to what I would want to pray for...there are so many issues that family & friends are dealing with.

Instantly a thought came to mind: "It's all about me!" I laughed in my heart, then frowned. Daughter & I have a running joke about how we want life to be all about *us*. I've always thought it was kinda' selfish to pray for myself BUT I have had an epiphany. :~) I realized this morning that I need prayer really bad and no one knows what I need better than me. How I respond to people, how I serve/care for my Mom, how I relate to the children with love, discipline & my time (ugh!!), how I treat Husband....all flow out of a heart that is not very happy about any of it. That heart needs prayer considering that my attitude and behavior influences & effects (affects??) each & every one of them...for good or bad and I want it to be for good.

The End.

Anyway..I don't feel selfish about praying for myself anymore. As Bob the Tomato says in Veggie Tales: "It's for the kids!" :~)

♥Like you said who knows what you need better than you?♥ :)

Oh, Jo Ann, you were purchased by Christ's blood because you ARE worth something !! You have been given an insight into yourself by the Holy Spirit. It is OK to ask for prayer for yourself. You need to realize that your feelings don't always depict the real you. Feelings come and go and they can deceive a person. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, then you can trust Him. You are walking in Grace. Which reminds me of a study we are doing on Wednesday nights. It is called Grace Walk by Steve McVey. I'll send you a copy if you'll PM me your address.
Love you girl !

Jo Ann, I know how you feel. We as mothers, grandmothers & daughters, want to be there for our family...but what about us? Our energy isn't what it used to be & I for one do not have the patients I did when I was younger (or maybe I never did have much patients). My mom's mind is beginning to slip & she is set for knee replacement surgery on the 27th of this month & I am 1000 miles away. My daughter who is a nurse is dealing with everything & I feel so guilty. My husband tells me the nurse is better equipped to deal with it & she probably is, but I keep asking God which way to go.

I think we should pray for peace in our hearts, for ourselves & each other. God knows what is best & just how much we can handle.

Love & blessings, Renae

Week 3 Day 2 Gold, silver & precious stones

This whole study started with my question about the long details of the building of the tabernacle & this lesson gives me the answer. The universe was created to be the habitation of people; the tabernacle, the habitation of God & God needed no instructions when He built our habitation. We however needed His very detailed instructions on building His dwelling place amoung us. I have seen many beautiful churches in my travels & have to wonder how many of them were truely inspired by God.

What the scriptures say about gold, silver & bronze being purified by fire, makes me think of what we go through & how we handle it as God's way of purifying our hearts for his kingdom. 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 tells us that our works will be tested.

What was your answer to the question: list the main ways you expand your energy during a typical week?
My answer depends on wether I am at home or traveling. Either way, my first priority is devotions & bible reading each morning. If I am home, spending time caring for family or helping friends. If we are traveling of course it is relaxing & sight seeing.

God be with each of you this coming week.
Love, Renae

I try to be consious of God IN me. I trust God and believe He loves me. I have high expectations for myself and never live up to them. Sometimes I can pray on the way to work or in my office at work. If I try to plan I always fail. I haven't gone over this lesson very well. I want to try and finish reading it tonight.

Renae, where are you? We need another lesson. I know I am lazy, but you are always so good about posting. I just don't have enough time to do what I want to do.