Posts

Showing posts with the label Joy Despite Your Past

Part III: Joy Despite Your Past: Principle #15: Surround Yourself With the Right People

Image
  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

Part III: Joy Despite Your Past: Principle #14: Focus on the Future

  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

Part III: Joy Despite Your Past: Principle #13: Put the Past Behind You

  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...

Part III: Joy Despite Your Past: Principle #12: Recalculate What Really Matters

Image
   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...

Part III: Joy Despite Your Past: Principle #11: Stay Clear of Legalism

Image
  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...

Part III: Joy Despite Your Past

 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 ...