I am sooooo sorry for any of you who were trying to keep up with the blogs. I have fallen off the wagon and trying to get back up. I feel like I got off to such a wonderful start, but as alway, life gets busy. Classes are in full swing and I am not waking up early any more, because I am staying up too late. Between work, studies and just the normal things I do as a wife and mother I am exhausted.
Pray for me. I know this is Satan getting in the way. Pray that God fills me with new life and a renew spirit so I can get back on this study. It really is a good one.
God Bless, Blog you soon!
Denise
About Me
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Cup 4 - Embracing Your Beauty
Ok, Cup 1 - Surrender to God, I get this, I can do this. Cup 2 - Encounter Your Journal, again I can get this, that doesn't necessarily mean that I am great at it. Cup 3 - Listen to Your Longings, sure, I've listened to my longings all my life and now I understand that my longings will never be filled. BUT!!! Embrace My Beauty - Cup 4, this is a hard cup to savour.
Beauty is a funny thing, because it doesn't matter what other people tell you about yourself, it is about how you perceive yourself. We ARE our worst critics. Audrey tells me I'm beautiful, sure but she's 5 and she's suppose to think that. Andy says I'm beautiful, but love is blind:) Now, try to get one of my teens to say I'm beautiful! That will never happen. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder and we see ourselves through our eyes and not God Glasses. Why is it we can see other's through His eyes, yet we cannot or will not see ourselves through His eyes. Is it because we "know" the truth about ourselves. I know I've gained 5 pounds, I know I didn't wash my hair today or put on my makeup, I know my thoughts (good and bad), I know my past....Guess what so does HE.
I have a hard time with thinking I'm beautiful, don't get me wrong I know I am not a bad looking woman, but it sounds kind of vain to say "I'm beautiful." It's ok, Nicole isn't suggesting that we go around thinking we are all that and a box of chocolates. She is merely saying that we should "embrace" our beauty. The God given beauty that lies in all of us. Each and every one of you are beautiful! I think so, I hope you think so too.
God Bless you today!
Denise
Beauty is a funny thing, because it doesn't matter what other people tell you about yourself, it is about how you perceive yourself. We ARE our worst critics. Audrey tells me I'm beautiful, sure but she's 5 and she's suppose to think that. Andy says I'm beautiful, but love is blind:) Now, try to get one of my teens to say I'm beautiful! That will never happen. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder and we see ourselves through our eyes and not God Glasses. Why is it we can see other's through His eyes, yet we cannot or will not see ourselves through His eyes. Is it because we "know" the truth about ourselves. I know I've gained 5 pounds, I know I didn't wash my hair today or put on my makeup, I know my thoughts (good and bad), I know my past....Guess what so does HE.
I have a hard time with thinking I'm beautiful, don't get me wrong I know I am not a bad looking woman, but it sounds kind of vain to say "I'm beautiful." It's ok, Nicole isn't suggesting that we go around thinking we are all that and a box of chocolates. She is merely saying that we should "embrace" our beauty. The God given beauty that lies in all of us. Each and every one of you are beautiful! I think so, I hope you think so too.
God Bless you today!
Denise
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Ok, after much frustration I have this up and going again. The admin id that I created somehow wasn't working and I have been unable to blog for awhile. Sorry. Anyway, the good thing is that it did slow me down a little and I believe that everyone now has their book.
This week we should have started Ch. 3 - Listen to Your Longings. Do you have longings that have yet to be filled? It was enlightening to find out the difference between our wishes, dreams and longings. As sad as it sounds our longings will never be fulfilled. I use to think that my desire to adopt was a longing in my heart, however, as I now know, it was a dream (something that actually was within my reach.) How have you dealt with your disappointment that life hasn't turned out exactly the way you wished it would? Did you become a spectator or evaluator?
I don't think that I have, but I am going to spend some time sipping this cup of coffee and let God reveal it to me. The cups are getting richer (deeper), enjoy your cup today and I will write you tomorrow!
God Bless,
Denise
This week we should have started Ch. 3 - Listen to Your Longings. Do you have longings that have yet to be filled? It was enlightening to find out the difference between our wishes, dreams and longings. As sad as it sounds our longings will never be fulfilled. I use to think that my desire to adopt was a longing in my heart, however, as I now know, it was a dream (something that actually was within my reach.) How have you dealt with your disappointment that life hasn't turned out exactly the way you wished it would? Did you become a spectator or evaluator?
I don't think that I have, but I am going to spend some time sipping this cup of coffee and let God reveal it to me. The cups are getting richer (deeper), enjoy your cup today and I will write you tomorrow!
God Bless,
Denise
Monday, January 21, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008 Chapter 2 - Encounter Your Journal
Chapter 2 introduces us to journaling. Now I have to admit this is not a practice that I have developed. I know people who do journal and it has been a wonderful discipline for them, but it is a discipline, at least in the beginning. It takes time, something we all feel as though we run short on, but I believe it can be a valuable part of our lives. Through journaling you grow, it gives you a place to write down your feelings (real feelings, not what you think it PC.)
I encourage you to make a date and find your journal. I found mine at Barnes and Noble and, for those who know me this makes sense, it was on "clearance." I never pay full price for anything, however, if it's on sale I WILL purchase it whether I need it or not:) But they did have some nice ones for a reason price. You can also try Meijer, WalMart, or any of the office supply stores. Grab a cup of coffee before you go and bundle up, it's been cold out there and if you have to schedule a day and time to go let us know and maybe some of us can go together (another open fellowship time.)
Have a blessed day and happy journal hunting!
Denise
I encourage you to make a date and find your journal. I found mine at Barnes and Noble and, for those who know me this makes sense, it was on "clearance." I never pay full price for anything, however, if it's on sale I WILL purchase it whether I need it or not:) But they did have some nice ones for a reason price. You can also try Meijer, WalMart, or any of the office supply stores. Grab a cup of coffee before you go and bundle up, it's been cold out there and if you have to schedule a day and time to go let us know and maybe some of us can go together (another open fellowship time.)
Have a blessed day and happy journal hunting!
Denise
Friday, January 18, 2008
January 18, 2008 - Chapter 1, Surrender (cont.)
Good morning L.O.V.E! What a wonderful first week of study. So, have you ever asked yourself "Who am I?" or "Why am I here?" We have so many roles that we play that tell the world WHO we are: wife, mother, daughter, worker, student, friend... it is hard to get down to the core, at least for me. Who am I? Hum, great journaling topic. Thank goodness what we DO does not equate to who we ARE (I like the Ugly Duckling story.) We could behave like we are anything but that doesn't mean that's who we are. Take an actor/actress for instance. They play certain characters, some very convincing ones, think of how many times they get referred to as their character and not by who they actually are. Like Audrey, she constantly refers to Ashley Tisdale as "Sharpay." Ashley is not "Sharpay" as a matter of fact in a interview she states that they are nothing alike. We play many characters as well. Let's quit pretending and let God release who we truly are. We are the beloved. Isn't that the most awesome thing to know.
I chose to watch the movie Mrs. Doubtfire again because of Nicole's view on it. This is my open fellowship time from next week. Sunday, January 27th from 8-10pm, my house. I want to watch it again through God googles.
Are you like the woman at the well? Maybe you don't believe that He really knows you, but He does! I encourage you to take at least one of the Fresh Brewed adventures. I got to reading Psalms. Psalms 139:13-18 says, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
Your "works" are wonderful, I know that full well. You are one of His "works" do you know you are wonderful. I hope so! God Bless
Denise
I chose to watch the movie Mrs. Doubtfire again because of Nicole's view on it. This is my open fellowship time from next week. Sunday, January 27th from 8-10pm, my house. I want to watch it again through God googles.
Are you like the woman at the well? Maybe you don't believe that He really knows you, but He does! I encourage you to take at least one of the Fresh Brewed adventures. I got to reading Psalms. Psalms 139:13-18 says, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
Your "works" are wonderful, I know that full well. You are one of His "works" do you know you are wonderful. I hope so! God Bless
Denise
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
January 16th - Surrender
Sorry ladies, I wanted to post yesterday, but I took my laptop to school and somehow messed up my internet, Andy got it fixed late last night. My apologies.
Ok, well...wow. If you've read Ch. 1 - Surrender you'll understand when I say it hit home in so many ways (from amusing memories to the remembrance of the time when I cried "uncle"). Have you ever been "naked" (exposed)? I have had many ugly parts of my soul exposed, it's embarassing, humiliating and sometimes I would just wonder how I could be such a horrible human being (even when in my heart I didn't want to be.) But the good news is once exposed there is nothing left to hide. Here's ME, the good, bad and the ugly (now work with me God.)
Mandy Wiles use to go to our church, she is an amazing woman. I can vividly remember sitting by a pool, in Florida, and her telling me that no matter how ugly something is, once you bring it into the "light" Satan can no longer work. He is the Prince of Darkness. He works in the deepest parts of our being, where no one can see. Just think about how "good" we look on the outside where everyone can see, but how "ugly" we can be on the inside.
Another memory this brought to me was a time when I was probably 7 or 8 maybe. I use to sing the song she quoted on page 6 around the house, it was for ajolie, a perfume. (See how much I remember.) Anyway I would walk around the house singing, "I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan and never let you forget you're a man, cause I'm a WOMAN!" I don't remember the changing the tire part, but I remember my thoughts regarding how much I should be able to do as a WOMAN. I am WOMAN, hear me ROAR! I might whisper, cry and scream, but I have yet to "roar." I don't think that it's wrong to feel as though we have that ability to do anything so long as we remember where that power comes from. Not of ourselves, but only through Christ Jesus can we do anything. It is He who strengthens us to accomplish all we need to today. It feels so empowering to start everyday off with Him (and my coffee. haha.)
God Bless you all today as your move forward through all you need to accomplish. But, don't forget to prioritize! Not EVERYTHING we "think" we need to do is actually something we need to do. We put way too much pressure on ourselves....Surrender.
Denise
Ok, well...wow. If you've read Ch. 1 - Surrender you'll understand when I say it hit home in so many ways (from amusing memories to the remembrance of the time when I cried "uncle"). Have you ever been "naked" (exposed)? I have had many ugly parts of my soul exposed, it's embarassing, humiliating and sometimes I would just wonder how I could be such a horrible human being (even when in my heart I didn't want to be.) But the good news is once exposed there is nothing left to hide. Here's ME, the good, bad and the ugly (now work with me God.)
Mandy Wiles use to go to our church, she is an amazing woman. I can vividly remember sitting by a pool, in Florida, and her telling me that no matter how ugly something is, once you bring it into the "light" Satan can no longer work. He is the Prince of Darkness. He works in the deepest parts of our being, where no one can see. Just think about how "good" we look on the outside where everyone can see, but how "ugly" we can be on the inside.
Another memory this brought to me was a time when I was probably 7 or 8 maybe. I use to sing the song she quoted on page 6 around the house, it was for ajolie, a perfume. (See how much I remember.) Anyway I would walk around the house singing, "I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan and never let you forget you're a man, cause I'm a WOMAN!" I don't remember the changing the tire part, but I remember my thoughts regarding how much I should be able to do as a WOMAN. I am WOMAN, hear me ROAR! I might whisper, cry and scream, but I have yet to "roar." I don't think that it's wrong to feel as though we have that ability to do anything so long as we remember where that power comes from. Not of ourselves, but only through Christ Jesus can we do anything. It is He who strengthens us to accomplish all we need to today. It feels so empowering to start everyday off with Him (and my coffee. haha.)
God Bless you all today as your move forward through all you need to accomplish. But, don't forget to prioritize! Not EVERYTHING we "think" we need to do is actually something we need to do. We put way too much pressure on ourselves....Surrender.
Denise
Monday, January 14, 2008
Jan 14, 2008 - Intro. "Taking Your First Sip
Psalm 57:8 Awake my soul! Awake, harp and lyre ! I will awaken the dawn.
harp and lyre are both musical instruments.
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life; and have it to the full.
The thief, of course, is Satan.
That is so true isn't it. How much of your life have you let Satan steal? I have wasted so much time letting the wrong thing tell me what I was capable of. Satan would remind me daily of all of my mistakes and I would allow that to hinder me from moving forward. Well...NOT TODAY! I can't begin to count the number of times just this morning that he has tried to get me off track.
I like Nicole's description of an invitation to coffee. It's not about being thristy, it's a commitment to spend time together. It warms my heart to know that God has an open invitation to coffee anytime I am available! We are limited, He is not.
Are you ready to let Him pour over the grounds in your life to release the aroma He has created in you? I am. I can't say that I have any of the 10 signs that I need a fresh brewed life, however, I learned several years ago that I don't want to get that far down. God only had to whisper in my ear this time, rather than take a 2x4 upside my head, hey that's progress for me:) I need this and I am glad that you are joining me!
On page XI of the intro. she tells a story of a mom who was telling her little girl all the things she did as a child. The daughter stated that she wished that she had gotten to know her mom sooner! What happened to us as we got older? Life, stress, busy-ness? Maybe we're telling ourselves that we are "moms" and we can't have "fun." I propose we ditch that thought and have some good clean fun with our kids. I am stopping by Bounce Planet today to find out the best time (the slowest) time to go and those who want to play can join me. I am taking Audrey (and Tia and Trae if I can force them to come) to BOUNCE and I am bouncing:) I will probably make a fool of myself, but I don't care, I want to play with my kids and my friends, what a memory that will give our kids. I'll let you know when.
God Bless,
Denise
harp and lyre are both musical instruments.
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life; and have it to the full.
The thief, of course, is Satan.
That is so true isn't it. How much of your life have you let Satan steal? I have wasted so much time letting the wrong thing tell me what I was capable of. Satan would remind me daily of all of my mistakes and I would allow that to hinder me from moving forward. Well...NOT TODAY! I can't begin to count the number of times just this morning that he has tried to get me off track.
I like Nicole's description of an invitation to coffee. It's not about being thristy, it's a commitment to spend time together. It warms my heart to know that God has an open invitation to coffee anytime I am available! We are limited, He is not.
Are you ready to let Him pour over the grounds in your life to release the aroma He has created in you? I am. I can't say that I have any of the 10 signs that I need a fresh brewed life, however, I learned several years ago that I don't want to get that far down. God only had to whisper in my ear this time, rather than take a 2x4 upside my head, hey that's progress for me:) I need this and I am glad that you are joining me!
On page XI of the intro. she tells a story of a mom who was telling her little girl all the things she did as a child. The daughter stated that she wished that she had gotten to know her mom sooner! What happened to us as we got older? Life, stress, busy-ness? Maybe we're telling ourselves that we are "moms" and we can't have "fun." I propose we ditch that thought and have some good clean fun with our kids. I am stopping by Bounce Planet today to find out the best time (the slowest) time to go and those who want to play can join me. I am taking Audrey (and Tia and Trae if I can force them to come) to BOUNCE and I am bouncing:) I will probably make a fool of myself, but I don't care, I want to play with my kids and my friends, what a memory that will give our kids. I'll let you know when.
God Bless,
Denise
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