Little Footprints

Memory Verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus --Philippians 4:6-7 Sermon: JOURNAL: What causes you to worry? Is it money, the future, your job, relationships, your health, or something else? Maybe it is more than one thing. I used to worry big-time--so much, it almost gave me an ulcer.  I worried about work, I worried about making ends meet, I worried about what people thought of me.  It sucked.  It sucked the life right out of me. Now, I'm not saying that meeting Jesus took all of my worries away - as much as I'd like to think He did. I now come from an understanding of why worry about something I have absolutely not control over.  I can't control the way people feel about me, I can't change the way my boss feels about me.  When I feel worry come ab...

  Memory Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead --Philippians 3:13

  Memory Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead --Philippians 3:13 In this chapter, Paul focused on the future--I like how Pastor Randy talked about the "graphic word" straining.  How, as Christians, we need to focus solely on the goal: If we are going to advance in the knowledge of Jesus, it will take intense concentration and effort #keepmovingforward

  Memory Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead --Philippians 3:13 Reflecting on this chapter was exactly what I needed--when we focus on our past--"keep looking back", we slow progress.  We must focus on the end goal - to be like Christ.  Leave the past behind, girl.  Our past may make us who we are, but it doesn't define our future.  Move ON!  Press ON!  #justkeepswimming. JOURNAL From You, Happier by Dr. Daniel Amen Identify and circle which of these thirteen dragons has the greatest hold on you. Write out a single paragraph to explain your choices. Reflect on why this is an issue for you. Be super honest and specific. • Abandoned, Invisible, or Insignificant Dragon— feeling alone, unseen, or unimportant • Inferior or Flawed Dragon—feeling less than others • Anxious Dragon—feeling fearful and overwhelmed • Wounded Drago...

   Memory Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead --Philippians 3:13 JOURNAL The Aaronic blessings of Numbers 6:24–26 have been put to music by several artists. The first was written and performed by Christian artist Michael Card, entitled “Barocha.” The second was written by Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe, entitled “The Blessing.” For your challenge today, find these songs on whatever platform you use.  Listen to both songs and pick the style that best fits you. Then, sometime today, whether in the morning or on your lunch break or in the evening, schedule a time and place with no distractions and listen to the song from start to finish. You can do this alone or invite others into the experience. Before you start the song, take some deep breaths to release any tension you may have. Assume a posture that best puts you in a mood to receive. Whisper...

  Memory Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead --Philippians 3:13 This sermon was ahhh-mazing!  If you haven't seen it, it's a must-see! I was really intrigued to read about this principle: Stay Clear of Legalism, because...well, that is what has kinda kept me from going to church in the first place, I mean up until Westside Family Church found me (ok, I found them, but you know what I mean) :-) On page 121, Randy states that Legalism, on the other hand, produced guilt and competition.  Legalism keeps a scorecard, and the trophy goes to the best performer, the best religious athlete---reading the previous paragraph, Randy talks about Paul being the Theologian of Grace ("chara" / "charis")---I really wonder if this is where we get the word "charity" from? JOURNAL The Tetris Effect Evaluate your life against the seven traits...

 Memory Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead --Philippians 3:13 JOURNAL Reflect on your past. Try to identify at least five good memories from your past. Waking up from surgery and being able to wiggle my toes on my left foot. The day I married my husband and the moment he forgave me (see the first difficult memory). The day(s) my children were born The day I met Jesus. When I graduated college with my bachelor's degree Try to identify at least five difficult memories from your past. The moment I cheated on my husband The moment(s) my husband and I fought so much, the cops came (Yup, that happened) The death of my grandparents and seeing my parents cope with the loss The day I lost a friendship I thought would last forever The year I was diagnosed with Epilepsy and having to make and go through difficult times personally. Your past experiences, good ...

 Memory Verse:  Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2 You never think of a pastor getting depressed or feeling "let down", but it happens---who is there to help them, when they fail (I kinda loosely relate to this in the workplace as to who is there to support HR when they are busy supporting others).  Ok, back to task. JOURNAL Do right by someone else. An idea for what to do might come to you immediately. Great! But if you are struggling, here are three steps you can take: 1. Make a list of the people God has put into your life who need a break or a hand up. It could be a family member, a neighbor, a fellow student, a coworker, or maybe someone you barely know. God knows who is on my mind. 2. Identify what you can d...

Memory Verse:  Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2 JOURNAL Paul invited us to actively and constructively share the good news of other people broadly. Be on the lookout today for good news that has recently happened to the people God has put in your life. Maybe someone got a promotion or finished a marathon or published an article or reached some goal they set or celebrated a significant anniversary. It could be something they did that helped someone else. Maybe that someone is you. Once you have identified the good news, actively and constructively celebrate this success with that person. It can be as simple as sharing a few affirming statements. If you can meet with them personally, that would be best. Second best would be...

  Memory Verse:  Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2 Journal There are going to be things coming at you all day—things you see, things you hear, things you touch, things you smell, and things you taste. It can be from watching the news, driving to work, participating in a conversation, walking into a bathroom, sitting in a meeting, taking a phone call, or even eating dinner. Information from your senses will be sent to your thalamus. At that moment, you have a quarter-second to decide either to give in to your natural tendencies toward grumpiness or to pause and evaluate what is really going on before you respond. Today, take the most challenging situation you come across and determine that you are not going to let it b...

 Memory Verse:  Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2 I think it was in our A2 Group or maybe it was church: JOY: Jesus - Others - Yourself We must put into practice listening and not listening to just respond. Talk to people and ask them about their situation. Be mindful not to switch to your story in the middle The other challenge is find at least two occasions to say out loud, "I don't know...what do you think?" I totally did this, this week!  Listening intently is important to do--sometimes I feel like I listen enough to form a response. I need to get comfortable with silence and let everyone have thier moment--plus, you make friends that way.  You build trust that way. I haven't done this yet - will let you...

 We have a new memory verse(s) this week: Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2 I really enjoyed reading the beginning of Part II...because it answered my prayers! (Oh yes it did).   When it comes to matters of every spiritual community, Randy defined a handful of essential things we all embrace: Truthfulness: Speak the Truth. Promises: Keep our promises. Respect: Respect One Another Addiction: We do not allow addiction to overtake our lives. Here's the part I love: Most everything else is non-essential: money management food choices political views <--YESSS (I can be a Christian and have a different political view) exercise routines driving styles cold oranges or room temperature oranges Toilet Paper - Over or un...

 The Memory Verse for this Week is:  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Phillipians 1:21 Politics in Paul's day is not what "politics" is now.  Back then, Politics referred to the set of activities associated with the making decisions in groups, or how a particular group of citizens chose to "conduct" themselves". We are the citizens of heaven. I love this song from Carrie Underwood,  This is my temporary home It's not where I belong Windows in the rooms, that I'm passing through This was just a stop On the way to where I'm goin' I'm not afraid because I know This was my, temporary home, hmm This is our temporary home As the Joy Challenge reveals: We are to govern our life by the code of conduct from ultimate home, heaven, laid out in our constitution, the Bible.....we are called to take the high road, regardless of what everyone is doing. What Paul is inviting us to do when people oppose or attack us? We do not stoop to th...

 The Memory Verse for this Week is:  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Phillipians 1:21 This is where our memory verse comes in---For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  Paul continues in Philippians: If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. He desires to department and be with Christ, which is better by far, but it isi more necessary for "us" I remain in the body (the philippians). Oh to live a life that all you want to do is wanting to please Jesus!  Paul knew, either way, Nero cut his head or he lived and was able to return to Philippi, it totally didn't matter - he would WIN! Paul links joy with the Christian Hope! We must embrace our challenges. What creates the most fear in you today? (It could be death but also a host of other things, such as financial insecurity, being alone, being in crowds, performing, illness, and so on.) On a scale of 1 to 10, how fearful are you today? (1–not much, 10–extremely)...

 The Memory Verse for this Week is:  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Phillipians 1:21 Ok, now I like where this is going!  Paul is in prison and he has tremendous joy!  Like fo real!  He's in "chains for Christ", he is furthering the gospel. Pastor Randy states we are naturally focued on ourselves--Paul was focused on the mission--he didn't find joy in HIS circumstances, but rather seeing people find hope in Jesus! In today's reading, it was stated (Acts 9:15-16): ... when Paul first became a follower of Jesus on the road to Damascus, he was told by the Lord through a man named Ananias that he would suffer and speak in front of kings.  Paul was happy - that day had come. On his long journey to Rome, Governor Felix regularly sent for Paul from his prison cell to converse with him---this forced the court officials to study the doctrines and claims of the Christian faith.  He was now waiting to share his message with Nero, the mighty empe...

Principle #2: Learn How to Love The Memory Verse for this Week is:  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Phillipians 1:21 I'm really liking this challenge, so far so good!  One thing that threw me was "speaking the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15).  I personally struggle with this, I am not really good at "speaking the truth", I may acknowledge it (quietly), but who am I to restore that person gently.  I think of my own son. Last year, around Christmastime, he came out to be as gay.  As I know this is "wrong" biblically-speaking, I love him anyway.  I want my son to have a safe-space to call home.  Am I going against God's word because I don't acknowledge that it is wrong in God's eyes.  Will God love him anyway, these are thoughts that run through my mind almost every Sunday---when I ask him to go to church. I really liked the idea of love letters between family members. Who knows, I may start that one day.   The Joy Challenge for...

The Memory Verse for this Week is:  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Phillipians 1:21 But first, let me tell you what I've been up to! In 2020, COVID-19 hit. Kids and I both attend school and work from home I'm still working from home. In 2021 I was diagnosed with Epilepsy, forced to make a life-changing decision  Stepped away from Human Resources Worked through a ton of personal and emotional baggage Bailey graduated High School Bailey attended college Bailey gets a boyfriend Caleb enters Middle School I gain like 50-ish pounds. No worries at all - my hubs still loves me any way - I do have a great husband!  2022-23 Difficult years, however, started attending off and on Westside Family Church  Learned to NOT to identify myself with what I do.  It's a job--it no longer defines me. 2023 started working in Compliance (still with CB) 2023 - I took a hold of my faith, reconnected with Jesus and now attend full-time and help moderate a small group on ...