Day #33

What do the words "go in peace" mean to you? Me? I wrote that 'Jesus makes it all okay.' It was special then, today... tears stream down my face. My many sins are forgiven.

Day #32

Anyone wish you could hear other's thoughts or that yours were audible??? Yeah.... that would be a disaster.

I was enlightened to see how this passage demonstrates how Jesus is concerned with what is going on in our hearts and minds. Beth's statement that "He holds us responsible for what we say to ourselves," rung true and was sobering for me at the time I read it... and even more so today. How is your self-talk? Are you speaking to yourself the way Jesus would want you too? Me? If today is any indication, I need some help with this. I'm actually thanking God for stopping me in my tracks because, I really messed up yesterday and have been telling myself what an idiot I am. Would Jesus call me an idiot? No. Would he want me to call anyone an idiot? No.
"You know what beloved? Dirt is dirt, and we've all got it no matter where we come from. I'm not sure Christ sees one kind of dirt as dirtier than another. One thing is for sure: His blood is able to bleach any stain left by any kind of dirt." Thank you Jesus!!!

I got a lot out of this day... more than I feel like blogging about right now. I loved that Jesus wanted a kiss. He enjoys our affection.

Anyone want to share what you think loving God with all your mind means?

Day #31

Two things that made me go "hum"

• Jesus accepts the invitation to dine with the Pharisee. Jesus gave everyone a chance. It gives me hope and inspires me to know that Jesus is willing to draw near and be close, even to those he knows will probably judge and reject.
  
• Not once in all the gospel accounts do we see one Pharisee confronted for legalism and self-righteousness ever admit to it or show any indication of seeing it in themselves. It's a pretty powerful stronghold and I'm sure there are areas of my life where I'm stuck too.

Day #30

I totally agree with Beth that "one of the most effective faith-trips Satan could set for a Christian is to get him or her to doubt the goodness, rightness, or mightiness of Christ." Believing that God is who he says he is is foundational... if that crumbles... it all comes crashing down!
I'm thankful that Jesus still held John in the highest esteem (saying there was no one born of women grater than John), even after John questioned him. God has a lot of grace for our doubts.

Day #29

So, John sees Jesus on the river's edge and identifies him as the one whose sandals he's not worthy to untie. John baptizes Jesus, sees the dove descend, hears the voice of God proclaiming Jesus to be his son. It's pretty clear to John. Jesus is the Messiah! John's ministry is connected... John is baptizing people to repentance... all in preparation for Jesus to come on the scene. Then, John lands in prison. From there he sends a message to Jesus asking if he is the Messiah. I love these two portraits. You get the mountain top and the valley right next to each other. John was sensing, seeing and hearing God and it was easy to recognize God and believe him to be who He is. Take all that away, and what comes easy is doubt. It's comforting to know that Jesus doesn't condemn John for his doubt, he helps John. Jesus is gentle and tender when we bring our doubts to him. I relate with the point Beth makes about it can really lead to 'heart doubt' when we witness and hear about God doing all kinds of wonders for others, while sitting for prolonged periods with suffering and unmet needs.
Also, anyone else wish that there heart would just BELIEVE all the stuff our minds know is true???

I've been slacking!

Hey Ladies,

Sorry I haven't kept the posts up to date this past week. I am really trying to get caught up. Honestly, it may be more difficult than usual these next several weeks with Destiny off track. I may just post the titles, so as to provide a place for you to chime in if it's on your heart to do so.

Thank you,
Coreen

Day #28

Coming soon... "the only prerequisite was her pain."

Day #27

When we met on Monday March 15th, we sang, "I long to bring you a pleasing offering," and I clearly heard from the Lord, "I am pleased." Beth asked how often we thing God is pleased with us. I think it is MUCH MORE often than we would ever imagine! He is so full of grace. Though He is perfection, He doesn't expect it from us. We have it in Jesus and when He looks at us, guess what He sees?

• Holiness and blamelessness (Eph. 1:4)
• Righteousness (Rom. 3:22)
• His beloved child (Eph. 1:5, 1 John 1:12-13)

I could go on and on here. Just be reminded today that Your God delights in you! And, God sees clearly... and what he sees when He looks at you is GOOD. Yes, God derives pleasure FROM YOU, and me... even with all our hang ups.

Day #26

I am curious as to what you all put for her question about what do we risk by being overly cautions and careful in our acceptance of Christian teaching and how do we draw lines there???
My thought- much better to be openhearted, receptive and sometimes wrong than to be skeptical, critical and miss out on cool experiences with God. I guess I haven't really been hurt a lot by finding out I accepted a false teaching. What about you? If there is a spectrum, I error on the side of 'too open' that 'too closed.'

Day #25

I did this day in a hurry and therefore have little to say. The issue of forgiveness is another one God seems to be highlighting for me this past week. One thought I had, as a result of Beth's question about whether or not we have trouble receiving forgiveness is that I notice I tend to try and 'make up' for the things I've done wrong. Anyone else? Well guess what? I'm seeing that, for me, at the root of that behavior is either an unwillingness to accept forgiveness (I am trying to earn it) or an unbelief that it is possible. Hum...

Day #24

So, I mentioned in a previous day that the Lord has highlighted to me that I have problems with 'asking.' Interesting that this topic would be the focus of day #24, so soon after the Lord brought it to my attention. Asking for other people, no problem. Asking for some things like, for God to show up at homegroup, or for Him to heal Destiny when she is crying out in pain the the middle of the night with an ear infection, or even for him to help me when I'm stressed... I have no problems asking for those things. Asking for something that I feel I simply can not live without... feeling utterly needy (again)... feeling as if I will die if He doesn't intervene on my behalf... that thought terrifies me. You see, I have been there. And, I totally felt like I was dieing when I had to say goodbye to my little boy. I have asked in the past, been more desperate than I can put into words, begged, prostrated myself MANY MANY times over a certain thing... and have not received what I asked for. Does this mean God is not faithful? Does this mean that I should not ask again? Did God mess up? Did I?
Here is what I am coming to understand... not just in my mind, but in my heart. I did not ask like the man in this parable. I don't know that I could have helped it, but the reality was that I felt I needed a certain answer from God, more than I needed God himself. I had no problem believing that God could answer my prayers, but there defiantly came a point in my painful trials that I was more desirous to be done with the hardship (and have the outcome I felt I needed) than I was of God's eternal purposes. And, so were most of the people in my life. I don't even feel condemnation about that... it is just where I was for many years. What I wanted was (and is) not bad, but apparently, it just wasn't what God wanted for us.
So now, with some miles between me and the culmination of Daryn and I's conflict over having children, God is taking me through a season of healing. He has challenged this part of my heart that has vowed never to get so desperate again, never to feel like I need something that bad again, that part of my heart that has just given up hope and filed that whole desire in a compartment marked, "DANGER... DO NOT LET OUT!" It's filed in this dark, dead part of my heart, voluntarily locked away with a resolution that "I don't get this, I can't figure this one out. How can God and Daryn love me... yet have put me through what they did? Yet, I have to live. I have to stay married to this man. I can't do life without God. So, I've just got to set this aside and move forward." What else could I do to cope? Only, neither God nor I am content leave my heart this way. I am ready now to face this thing and piece by piece process it with the Lord. I want to be made whole again. I want to love God with ALL of my heart, mind and strength. I want to love my husband with ALL of my heart again too. I am ready for the lies I am believing about all of this to be dispelled. I am ready to hear the truth from Jesus. Not only am I ready, I am desperate for this... but guess what. I have to ask. This time, I am asking like the man in this story. Well, I guess there is one difference between me and this man... he didn't know if Jesus wanted to heal him or not... I am sure Jesus wants to heal me. I ask myself, why am I so sure? Because I know that is what He came to do (Ish. 61)!!!

Day #23

Favorite quote of the day, "The one who knows the number of hairs on your head could also style them if he wanted." Made me wonder how God would style my hair... going to get a trim tomorrow...

I have found it to be true that "the same job submitted to Christ's authority can yield entirely different results."

As I read this day's devotion, I kept thinking of a friend of mine who is in a crappy work situation. I am giving her a copy of this hoping it might be an encouragement to her until Jesus opens the door for a different job.

Day #22

Beth's emphasis for this day resonated with me! There are so many wonderful causes out there, so much we are instructed to do in the Bible. We simply don't have the capacity to make every issue, problem and topic our #1 priority... and, I don't think that is God's expectation for us either.
I am interested in knowing what you all put for the first two questions:
1.) What worthy activities or pursuits often lure you away for your main priorities?

• I thought of household chores, projects, daily problems (like a broken toilet) and I think some of my relationships...

2.) What answer could you give to those who think you're being lazy or indifferent by not sharing the same zeal they posses for some cause or ministry or emphasis?

• Oh my, this is a toughy. First off, I think that I need to admit that I have been tempted to be judgmental like this at times. Lord, please give me grace that I don't have that rising up in my heart over any topic, ministry or emphasis you've put on my heart. Next, I can't say that I've had too many open conversations like this. I think more often, we just sense or suspect that someone might feel is way about us over our lack of response or 'joining in' a cause. Yet, if I ever had the chance to have an open conversation where someone was questioning a lack of passion in me for a ministry or something of this nature, I wonder if this might be appropriate, "I applaud you and affirm you in this! I know that it is something that is on God's heart, and is something that should be important to Christians. I do care. I am also doing my best to be faithful to the priorities I feel God has for my heart and time, in this season, and for some reason, this just isn't one of them right now." (Here is a part I probably wouldn't add, but would feel like it if I sensed judgment... "Maybe that is why it's on your list!?")

How about you? Anyone willing to share answers?

A thought occurred to me as I was meditating on this scripture. If I were there that day, among the many people who were trying to get Jesus' attention, needing healing? Would Jesus have taken the time for me? I felt uncomfortable even thinking about it. Because, what if he wouldn't have time for me? Secretly, that is what I would suspect... but then it occurred to me... I know myself... I would never have taken the risk to ask. I would have stood back and watched from afar. I would have delighted in other people's healing and enjoyed and believed God from the outskirts. I would have really, really wished that Jesus would have called me out, knowing my problem and just volunteered to heal me... but to try, to push forward, to ask... not unless I was sure, sure, sure... the risk of rejection feels too scary for me. It felt the Holy Spirit pointed that out and I've been pondering it since. This was the instigation of a major realization that I have problems with 'asking.'

Day #21

I'm a morning person. How about you? There is something so special, for me, on those days when I rise before anyone else in the house for the express purpose of stealing away to be with Jesus. Sweet times! This is one of those instances in which following Jesus' example is a pure delight to me. I also relate with how he was soon interrupted by his disciples, excited shouting, "Everyone is looking for you!"

Day #20

Favorite Quote from today: "Christ could have healed Simon's mother-in-law from the front porch. He didn't. He came to her and drew down close."

The focus of this devotion seemed to be about sensing Christ's activity in our homes... in our daily routines and life. In most days, most weeks, I sense the Lord's presence with me personally, but I long for this to be more overt in my marriage and parenting.

Day #19

Jesus can show us how to live out and walk in the authority God has given us... and I am looking to him to teach me to do just that.

Remember pastor Mike's sermon on noise and distraction? This devotion emphasized how one of the enemies tactics is to divert our attention to that which is not really important.

Day #18

This story was a challenge to me. It was one of those times when I saw clearly the difference between 'how Coreen is' and 'how Jesus is.' It wasn't Jesus' goal to have the approval of those around Him. Ahh, I've got to admit... that is my goal a lot of the time. People were speaking well of Him... they were amazed, struck with admiration. He could have been happy and satisfied with that. Let's get real here, isn't that the gage many of us use for success? For whatever reason, rather than basking in his rising popularity, he chose to challenge and speak convicting words. Obviously, he wasn't looking to please people, but God.
It got me thinking about two different situations that had occured the day prior to when I did this devotion. In both situations, I was aware that my actions, though totally innocent and necessary, were probably going to result in people feeling uncared for or frustrated. Both situations where similar in that it was one of those times that I just needed to say no, or refuse to go the extra mile, though it was expected of me. Did I let it be??? No, the though of people feeling negative as a result of my action, or actually, inaction bothered me so much that I tried to step in a do something about it. Both times, my actions attempting to make these people feel better ended up leaving both me and them MORE upset and frustrated than if I had just let it be. What Jesus was trying to teach me... I am not responsible for other peoples feelings and when I try to be, I make it worse for all parties involved. I need to learn to be okay with people's disapproval. How does this crazy story relate to the devotion from Luke 4? It helped me to see that just because someone becomes upset with me, doesn't automatically mean that my actions were wrong... Jesus upset people too.

Day #17

I am passionate about Jesus' purpose! Very few things endure my heart to God more than Isaiah 61 ministry! It touches me so deeply to know that God sent Jesus to:

• Preach good news to the poor (those that really FEEL their need)
• Heal the broken hearted
• Give recovery of sight for the blind
• Release the oppressed
  
• Proclaim the Lord's favor

Why? I've been poor and I have definitely been broken hearted! I've been blind and oppressed. In those moments, I felt my need for God more than any other... I was desperate for Him! In fact, I still am. There is just nothing like the love and power than can come and meet those deep needs! And, when I watch God bring his good news, healing, comfort, enlightenment and freedom to those I love... I just can't help but fall in love with God all over again.

Day #16

Anyone have come up with something for the question about why God would lead His son into the desert immediately following His baptism? I couldn't.

A lot of the 'sins' that I am aware I struggle with have a root in looking to THINGS other than God to satisfy me. I get this unrest... this discontentment... this vacuum feeling inside of me from time to time. All these ideas come to me about what will make me feel better. I think, 'Ug, my house is cluttered and unattractive, I need to get it in order...' and thus begins a new obsession- the foremost thing I am thinking about. I might go on this bent where I drive Daryn crazy talking about what we can do with our house, wanting to spend $ on stuff and neglect my time with God because suddenly getting that cupboard cleaned out seems more urgent that spending time with Jesus. So, house cleaning and organization are good things, right? But, is it really a good thing when my motive for pursuing such activity is this inner-unrest that really has nothing to do with my house. Here is the more common pattern... I have a stressful afternoon, I am carrying a burden in the pit of my belly wondering how I am going to get it all done, and I go for a piece of chocolate to make me feel better. Sure, that is not my conscience thinking, but really... that is what I am hoping for when I unwrap that piece of decedent yummyness.
The afternoon following this devotion was one of those days. I recognized that feeling... that feeling that drives me to look for RELIEF, that tempting feeling... and I let that stop me in my tracks. I talked to God, "here it is... that feeling again. Please help me. Give me some truth, some direction." The scripture came to my mind, "In your presence is fullness of joy and at your righthand are pleasures forevermore," and then the song, "Your Enough." I prayed that scripture back the Lord and let that be the song of my heart. It gave me strength in the face of my temptation and I am happy to say that I felt it was a victorious afternoon. I did take a nap...but I think that was okay. I hope recognizing this pattern for sin in my life might help me in the future too. If I can start to be more in-tune and let the Holy Spirit to prompt me to stop and turn to the Lord when I just start to feel that 'vacuum' feeling.

Day #15

When Beth asked why isn't heaven always open to our sight, it prompted me to think this, "Faith is how we love God." What I mean is, if we saw with our eyes who God really is, we would automatically fall down and worship him, taking the 'choice' out of it. He didn't create robots or angels for the purpose of having a love relationship... he created us and set it up in such a way that it could actually be real love... which involves more than an automatic response. I hope I'm getting the thought across here.
But, what really struck me this day was the whole idea of the FATHER'S BLESSING. I just was able to see so clearly how, in my own life, my biggest issues can be traced back to this issue. At first, I thought, "I got my father's blessing! I always knew he loved me. He adores me..." yet I thought a little more, and it dawned on my (thank you Holy Spirit) that actually, I remember getting his 'blessing' (words of affirmation, especially public words, like when he would brag to his friends or something) when I had done something really well, like Got all As on a report card or starred in a play or something. I remember getting his blessing over random things that I had very little control over, like a haircut I got one time. I craved it, and always strove to present one more achievement or new thing for him to latch onto. Result (and I am TOTALLY NOT BLAMING THIS ON MY DAD), I struggle with perfectionism and a performance-based thinking with God. Yeah, I realized, that my earthly father's blessing wasn't given to me simply for who I was... I felt it was only for what I did. What a different kind of blessing God the Father bestowed upon his son, "This IS MY SON, in whom I am well pleased." Those words sound so much more like, "You are MY son. I am pleased with you. I approve of who you are," than, "way to go, good job." What are your 'issues'? Did you get a blessing from your earthly father? Do you see a connection? Do you feel that you have your heavenly father's blessing?

Day #14

Acts 3:19 "Repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." One of the things the Lord has been teaching as he takes me through a process of healing from some majorly painful things that I went through in the last 5 years, is that I have such a part in why those things were so painful for me. When yucky stuff happens to us, we are extra vulnerable to responding in sinful ways, and unfortunately for us, that sin causes already painful things to be even more painful. I am seeing that most of the healing God does in my heart is when I allow him to show me what my part in it is, take responsibility (admit that I was wrong) and ask for forgiveness. Wow, it is amazing the relief I have experience... TIMES OF REFRESHING.

Day #13

Acts 3:19 "Repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." One of the things the Lord has been teaching me, as He has been taking me through a process of healing, is that I have such a part in the emotional pain I have suffered. When yucky stuff happens to us, we are extra vulnerable to responding in sinful ways, and unfortunately for us, that sin causes already painful things to be even more painful. I am seeing that most of the healing God does in my heart is when I allow him to show me my part in it (the part I have control over), take responsibility (admit that I was wrong) and ask for forgiveness. Wow, it is amazing the relief I have experience... TIMES OF REFRESHING.

Day #12

This was a light-hearted day for me. It was so interesting to me to learn that the definition of 'favor' implied that the relationship between God the Father and Jesus the son became, "an increasing delight to both of them." I know there is nothing I can do to make God love me more, but more than anything, I want to grow in favor with God like this. I want He and I to enjoy our relationship more and more every day!!! Since this day, that has become a prayer for me.
When asked what qualities I like most in people, I said "loving, encouraging, gentle, fun, wise, godly, sensitive, thoughtful, open." I'm sure that along with whatever was on your list, JESUS IS ALL THAT. Sounds like the makings for a fun song!
Favorite quote from this day, "Christ came to show us that deeply spiritual is very practical."
Lastly, I've been asking God to give me scripture/direction on how to pray over my daughter Destiny. Well, I was touched by how "The child grow and became strong. he will filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon him." This has become a prayer that I have prayed often for Destiny. God, just as with your son Jesus, I ask for YOUR daughter Destiny, that you would please grow her strong, fill her with wisdom and that you would place your grace on her.

Day #11

My prayer for this day, "So often those 'other lights' are in and of themselves good things; food, relationships, achievements, for me... family. It is the place that the pursuit of those things occupies in our hearts that takes them from being a good thing to something not so good for us. I confess that babies have been that for me in the past, that which I thought would make me happy. May I get that you are THE ONE AND ONLY thing that can truly satisfy."

Day #10

Warning- very long post in progress. This day touched on something BIG for me. I am working on writing it up, but it is taking a long time. Meanwhile, if you have something to share about this day, I wanted to provide the space for that. Check back soon to read about how God used this day to bring some serious comfort to an area of my heart that I didn't even realize was still very much broken until just recently.

3/6- still in progress...

Day #9

So, the law required a sacrifice from parents of a firstborn male... a lamb, but if you didn't have the resources to aford a lamb, you could bring two young doves or two you pigeons. Jesus' own parents offered the 'lesser' of the two, but to God it was still just as good. This spoke to me... God is pleased with what we can give, even if someone else can give more. In other words, God is pleased with what we can give, not only the best anyone can give. Sometimes I need to just chill. It doesn't always have to be over the top... it doesn't always have to be the BEST. Sometimes, it can be average or even below average... it is not the THING [the dinner, the party, the gift, the skit, the _______________ (you fill in the blank)] that matters as much as the heart of the one that gives it. When I am driven, mostly with questionable motivations, I need to remember this.

Day #8

I used my imagination to ponder what it must have been like for Mary to have experienced all that we read about in Luke 1 & 2. She was so young, it was such scandalous thing to be pregnant before she was married. She probably felt very alone, and the even the pregnancy... all those hormones, enduring a birth in a stable, with only a man, who she didn't really know that well... that is a lot to handle. It occurred to me that God must have been so sweet to meet her emotional needs through this experience. Somehow, she didn't freak out. Um, I think I might have... unless God was supper near. I'm thinking that v. 19 shows us a key. Mary's thoughts were centered on herself, on her problems... they were centered on God and his works. Seems that Mary might have learned the principal taught to us in Phil. 4:8-9 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Two keys to peace, having our thoughts on the right stuff and obedience. Lacking peace? Could one of those two areas be the reason?

Day #7

It really struck me that:

• Jesus is the GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY for ALL PEOPLE!!!
• Out of all the people God could have sent his angels to bring the amazing announcement of his son's birth... he chose shepherds. Common, ordinary, and I think you could even say that they were considered unimportant, lowly, shepherds. Ever feel common, overlooked, unimportant in man's eyes? Boy, does God have a totally different value system than the world! Not only did God let them in on his secret, He revealed his awe-inspiring glory. What a sight that must have been. Out of all the characters in this passage, I relate with the Shepherds. Why, out of all the people on this earth, do I get to be one of the lucky ones to whom God has shown himself? Just as God placed such value and worth on the shepherds by bringing this longed for news to THEM, I feel special too.
• He came to the shepherds at night. Yes, that is when we need good news the most. Yes, that is when his glory shines the brightest... in the dark night of our souls.
  

Oh Jesus, you are still that good news of great joy for all people. Today, I am surrounded by so many living in darkness, my neighbors, ladies at the gym, even believers who don't quite get that you are GREAT JOY (actually Lord, I am still learning that myself). Your word also comments (Ish. 52:7 and repeated in Rom. 10:15) on how beautiful are the feet of those that bring GOOD NEWS. You are increasing that desire in me to share that good news. Will you give me opportunity? Will you make my feet beautiful? I love you Lord. You are so beautiful to me. I love how you do things! Everything you do is so full of purpose. you make me smile, you make me marvel.

Day #6

Anyone have anything they would like to share about this day's devotion?

Day #5

This day inspired me to write a facebook post titled, "God is fun." I think it bears repeating here, so for those of you that read my facebook status that day, this may bore you... but God won't!
He created laughter, smiles, joy, parties, taste-buds and sex. Good times where his idea. He made everything we enjoy and gave us the capacity to do just that. He commanded his people to celebrate saying, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks" several times per year. So, we are made in his image. This aspect of who we are is very telling about who He is. God's word speaks of how He delights in us, how we are the apple of His eye, how there is rejoicing in heaven when one sinner repents, and how He dances over us! Could it be that one reason he created pleasure was to help us 'get' how much he loves us? When the Bible speaks of God's joy... to my memory... it is always something to do with US!?! Such thoughts are so amazing to me! When experience pleasure today, may I remember that it is a gift from God and it tells me just what a fun God I love and serve.

See how this devotion is simply a springboard to where God can bring us?

Day #4

The Mighty One really has done great things for each of us! And, we each have our own ways of REJOICING in him. For many of you, it really is through SONG. Isn't it special when God puts songs in our hearts? I think that when we write them down and sing them back to him, it really DELIGHTS God. I think Mary's song blessed the heart of God... and so does yours! Anyone have a song rolling around in your head lately? I wrote one line down- Only He can take the pain and suffering and make it worth bearing. I am praying today that each of us would rejoice in Him. My favorite line of Mary's song is "He has filled the hungry with good things." I feel hungry, how about you? I am expecting good things because, I know He is in the business of FILLING the hungry with GOOD THINGS!
Favorite Quote from this day- "Nothing is more appropriate than getting excited when God does something in our lives!"
On last thought, praying scripture back to the Lord is powerful. Recently Susan and I were having some hang out time and it was special how the Lord brought Mary's song back to our hearts and we prayed it back to him over our church, asking Him to, for example "Do great things," "extend His mercy," and "Preform mighty deeds with His arm."

Day #3

Wow, Danielle said it in her comment on the "how do I???" post... it is so timely that I started this blog on what, for most of you, is day #3 of the study!!! This is one of my favorite days so far! Right here, tucked into the Christmas story, God gives a lesson on 'girl-friendship.' He knows that these kind of connections are so important to women! How tender, how thoughtful, how... God is it that when He sent Gabriel to tell Mary her life was about to be totally turned upside-down, that the unthinkable was about to happen... he provides for Mary's need to share this with... someone who will believe her, someone who will love her, someone who will understand her, someone someone who will rejoice with her, someone who will bear the difficulty with her... a girlfriend (Elizabeth). It brings tears to my eyes. God designed us woman, He made us in his own image... and part of that is that we are especially RELATIONAL. Girls, He knows our need for girl-friendship. It is an area of our lives that He cares deeply about. Let this passage of what transpired with Mary and Elizabeth be a testimony to that, and, if it is an area of your life where this is some particular lack... pray His word back to him! Like this, "Lord, I see that you know and care about my need for connections with other woman. It is clear to me in this story of how you gave Mary and Elizabeth to each other at such a pivotal time in their lives. God, I need that too! Would you do that for me?" We learned in the Believing God study that putting God's word and prayer together is POWERFUL, like putting two sticks of dynamite together!

Two other things from this day were really special for me-

1. V. 45 says, "Blessed is she who has believed what the Lord said to her will be accomplished." Girls, here is some major motivation to take God at his word! When He speaks to us, and we believe him... HE LOVES IT. He says that when we do that we are BLESSED. Is there anything you are believing God to do, though it seems impossible, though the only reason you are doing so is that it is what you thought you heard from the Lord? Well, God is pleased with you! I am believing God to do what he said, so this was like a little love pat from the Lord!
   
2. One of Beth's questions was, "Has God ever provided you someone to share your joy in the impossible, or understand the peculiar place you find yourself in?" I felt a little stunned as the memory came to me of the day I said good-bye to my little boy. Most of you probably know that I raised a son for one year and then had to say a forever goodbye. No, he didn't die (though, in ways, it was worse then that for me), he was adopted by another family. Letting him go was one of the painful things I can ever imagine experiencing. The memory came to me in response to this question is so serial for me, like slow motion. Someone had given me Beth Moore's book, "Feather's From My Nest." It must have been the day they came and got him. I got in the car and just drove. I found myself in a parking lot, sobbing my heart out. After my body was dried up, I continued to weep, but there were simply no more tears. I picked up the book next to me and read the entire thing. I couldn't believe it. Beth Moore had a son for several years, even adopted him, and then had to let him go to other parents. In that book, it was like she read my emotions. She was candid about that experience, and things she shared hit me... I felt understood, like someone out there 'got' me. The best way to describe it is, I felt comforted. So, how ironic is it that Beth Moore would ask this question, and my answer is, "yes, you!"
   

Introduction + Day #1 & #2

Introduction:
My heart just swells as I feel the conviction that, like we sang Monday, "He is more than enough for me." Beth penned it well in her poem, "Take all you want, take all you need, till soul is fed and spirit freed... Jesus Christ. He is all you need." I also relate with how, unlike her love for her husband, Beth wants other women to come to know and love her Jesus like she has. God was so wise and loving when He prompted me to do this devotion and told me I would not do it alone. What joy it brings my heart to know that you are on this journey with me, and Oh, I can just imagine how, if I were doing this alone, I would yearn for you.

I whole-heartedly agree with how Beth summed up the introduction saying, "WE WILL NEVER SPEND OUR TIME MORE VALUABLY THAN IN PURSUIT OF KNOWING JESUS CHRIST." Ladies, that is what we are doing!!! I am thrilled that God has brought us together for this purpose.

Day #1:
Prompted from the praying God's word section, I am fascinated by how God does things. The thought of God initiating pregnancy and announcing it in advance warms my heart and fills me with a sense of wonder and expectancy. I relate with Mary, as I feel God has giving me promises of amazing 'births' that are to come.

Day #2:

• V. 37- NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD. I love that. That phrase has bombarded me since I read it here. It is something God seems to be pounding deep into me, something that He knows I need to know, that I know, that I know. And, conversely, I like to say... anything is possible with God.

• Prompted by her first journal question, I love that God comes to us and speaks to us on ORDINARY days!!! I think He wants to show up and talk to us a lot more than we ever realize. Sometimes, He shouts to get our attention, but with me, more often, He waits until I am receptive.
  

How do I???

Like me, you may be totally new to blogging. I think the way this will work ,is that I will post and you all can comment. I don't think you can create a new post, but I"m not 100% sure about that. I also don't know if you have to become an official 'follower' to comment? Anyone know? I think that by 'subscribing' you can get posts sent to your email, if that is something you would like. Or, you can just check in from time to time to see what's been happening. I intend to create a post for every 'day' of the devotion, even if it is simply, "Anything strike you on this day?" It won't matter if we are all on the same day or not, when you get to day 5, and something zings out at you, you can simply go to the 'Day 5' post and add to the conversation whatever is on your heart to say. Feel free to post your technical questions on this thread, and together we will get it all figured out. I don't see any need to create password protection to who can view and post on this blog, but if any of you would like that, I will be happy to get Jenn's help to do that.

We are online!

Greetings Lovely Ladies!

I am excited that we now have a place to come throughout the week to share and be blessed by what God is doing in each other's lives through this devotional experience. I can't wait to get into writing some of the things the Lord has highlighted for me. I want to encourage you to do the same. I really feel that the scripture, questions and commentary for each day are simply springboards for Jesus to take us where He wants us to go. Writing things out and telling others solidifies our learning, gives God glory and is a powerful way for God to use you to love on others! I am convinced that the things He does in our lives are not just for us! Every good work, every word He speaks, every truth that becomes even a little more real is meant to bless you AND others! I am praying for each one of you!

Dear God,

Please let your sweet presence be so close today. Draw us into your loving embrace. Speak tenderly to us, touching our souls with your soothing, strengthening, invigorating, comforting love. Let our hearts swell with love for you in return. You bring joy to our souls!

With a thankful heart,
Coreen

PS- when I blog, I am going to throw off my concern to word things perfectly and spell correctly. My goal... get my thoughts out! So, there you go.