JENNY LEE

"BETTER"

2012-01-29T08:30:00.001-06:00

Do you know what is richer than the best jewels? A good name! Find out how your name can be better and inspire others by joining me at Church Online right now!

BETTER - 4

A GOOD NAME

A good name is more desirable than great riches;

to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.Proverbs 22:1

A GOOD NAME DOESN'T MEAN YOU’RE PERFECT BUT BEING PERFECTED BY THE ONE WHO IS!

Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly possess. The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear. – Socrates

WHY IS A GOOD NAME BETTER?

1. A GOOD NAME INSTILLS CONFIDENCE.

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely…

Proverbs 10:9

2. A GOOD NAME SPEAKS FOR YOU.

When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions....she came to Solomon and talked with him about all she had on her mind.

2 Chronicles 9:1

She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe what they said until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me; you have far exceeded the report I heard.”

2 Chronicles 9:5-6

3. A GOOD NAME INSPIRES OTHERS.

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1

BUT I DON’T HAVE A GOOD NAME!

…I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.

Revelation 3:1

…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 3:23

YOU ARE CREATING TOMORROW’S LEGACY TODAY!

TALK IT OVER

1. Do you think others would describe you as having a good name? Why or why not?

2. What steps do you need to take toward creating a better name?

3. How will you go about using what Christ has done in your life to inspire others?

Winston Wednesday

2012-01-25T10:15:00.000-06:00

How adorable is Winston's new collar from Fairy Tail Collars? He's so dapper. :)

"BETTER"

2012-01-22T10:07:00.000-06:00

Wisdom impacts every decision we make and can change the course of our lives. How? Let's find out! Join me at Church Online for BETTER now.

BETTER—3

WISDOM IS BETTER THAN GOLD

WE MAKE OUR DECISIONS AND OUR DECISIONS MAKE US.

“Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?" 2 Chronicles 1:10

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! Proverbs 16:16

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

DON’T BE A FOOL—GET WISDOM

FOOLS ACT BEFORE THEY THINK.

Wise people think before they act; fools don't—and even brag about their foolishness. Proverbs 13:16 NLT

FOOLS SPEND ALL THEY EARN.

In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. Proverbs 21:20

FOOLS HURT THOSE THEY LOVE.

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Proverbs 14:1

FOOLS THINK THEY KNOW IT ALL.

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. Proverbs 12:15 NLT

HOW DO I GET WISDOM?

FEAR GOD.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

ASK GOD.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

HANG OUT WITH WISE PEOPLE.

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! Proverbs 16:16

NEXT WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE:

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1

TALK IT OVER

What would you say is the most important thing you have learned so far during the series, Better?
Which of these four categories would be the biggest weakness for you: act before you think, spend all you earn, hurt those you love or think you know it all?
What is your next step to get wisdom?

The Civil Wars

2012-01-19T10:08:00.002-06:00

Last night we had the pleasure of seeing The Civil Wars at Cains Ballroom.

Zane referred to them as spell weavers and that is so true. There were moments where the crowd was completely silent, sucked into the moment. Stupid good. They performed all of my favorites ending with an encore of Billie Jean and Dance Me to the End. Seriously could not have been more perfect.

Another highlight of the night was FINALLY meeting fellow blogger, Kari Beth. We became friends over 3 years ago through blogging but never met in person. She is lovely and I hope we will meet up again very soon for a nice long chat!

What a night!

The end.

Winston Wednesday

2012-01-18T12:40:00.000-06:00

Winston loves his Daddy.

SHINE

2012-01-16T21:17:00.000-06:00

I've started a 90 day fitness/nutrition journey...

Come along for the ride!

www.goshine2012.blogspot.com

"BETTER"

2012-01-15T08:41:00.000-06:00

Cut Back! Throw Out! Turn Off! - Could this be the key to enjoying a "better" life? Let's find out together. Join me at Church Online right now!

BETTER—2
BETTER ONE HANDFUL

IT IS BETTER TO HAVE LESS OF WHAT DOESN’T MATTER AND MORE OF WHAT DOES.

Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:6

Then [Jesus] said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15

"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:21

DEFINE WHAT DOES MATTERS MOST:

_____________________
_____________________
_____________________

ONE HANDFUL LIVING

1) LET GO OF WHAT DOESN’T MATTER.

…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

CUT BACK
THROW OUT
TURN OFF

2) FIGHT FOR WHAT DOES MATTER.

“…Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." Nehemiah 4:14

Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:6

TALK IT OVER

Define the top one or two things that are most important to you. Explain why.
What is it that you need to let go of so you can fight for what matters? How can you cut back? What can you throw out or turn off?
Take time to pray for each other.

Find resources that will help you experience a better life athttp://resources.lifechurch.tv including a printable small group

discussion guide for this message.

"BETTER"

2012-01-08T11:43:00.000-06:00

Would you like for this year to be "better" than the last? How can you make the good parts of your life even "better" by spending one day with someone? Let's find out! Join me at Church Online's new series "Better" now.

BETTER—1

BETTER IS ONE DAY

LET GO OF THE GOOD TO GRAB HOLD OF THE BETTER.

BETTER IS ONE DAY WITH GOD

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! ² My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God….¹⁰ Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere: I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. Psalm 84:1-2, 10

HOW DO YOU HAVE A DAY WITH GOD?

LIVE WITH AN ONGOING, UNENDING AWARENESS OF GOD’S PRESENCE.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus… Colossians 3:17

DEVELOP THE HABIT OF

CONSTANT COMMUNICATION WITH GOD.

Be joyful always; ¹⁷ pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

INSTANT OBEDIENCE TO GOD.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

A DAILY DESPERATION FOR GOD.

Taste and see that the Lord is good… Psalm 34:8

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my bodylongs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. ² I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. ³ Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Psalm 63:1-3

TALK IT OVER

Describe what your intentional time with God looks like.
How can you develop an ongoing, unending awareness of God?
What habit do you feel you need to improve? Constant communication, instant obedience or daily desperation?

Find resources that will help you experience a better life at http://resources.lifechurch.tv including a printable small group discussion guide for this message.

Weigh In

2011-12-10T07:54:00.001-06:00

I'm down 3.4lbs today! Considering I had a rough start the week before last and only showed a .4 loss I'm exuberant! On Weds I had a "cheat" meal that I didn't' properly plan for. I knew it would be high in points but dear Lord I had no idea how bad it would be. No chain restaurant dish is worth 40 points! That's not even including an appetizer or salad! Now I didn't eat the whole dish (thank God!) but I ate almost half. SO. NOT. WORTH. IT.

Moral of the story.... PLAN AHEAD!!!

Aside from that mishap, my goal for the week was to drink at least 2L of water every day. It was a small goal but something I was having a hard time doing. I'm horrible at keeping hydrated. Happy to report I achieved that goal 100!

Any other Weight Watcher girls out there? How did your week go?

Man's Best Friend

2011-12-07T14:52:00.000-06:00

This makes me so happy...

Winston Wednesday

2011-12-07T09:58:00.000-06:00

Hi.

Music Monday

2011-12-05T10:28:00.003-06:00

I get to see them LIVE in January! Eeeee!!!

I was lucky to find The Civil Wars early since I've been a fan of Joy Williams since her early contemporary Christian days. Joy and John Paul have an amazing musical chemistry. It's almost uncomfortable sometimes, like you're privy to a very private moment between them. Really lovely.

Have you heard of The Civil Wars? Are you a fan?

(Go here to download their free Christmas single.)

"CAROLS"

2011-12-04T11:17:00.000-06:00

A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices! Join me at Church Online as we find hope in the words of some beloved Carols. I think you'll enjoy it!

CAROLS—1

O HOLY NIGHT

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of the dear Savior's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining.

Till He appeared and the Soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!

O night divine, the night when Christ was born.

A NEW AND GLORIOUS MORNING

I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. 21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." 25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:20-26

A NEW DAY WITH CHRIST BRINGS

1) EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED.

I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3:24

2) THE HOPE TO KEEP GOING.

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him… Lamentations 3:25

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

3) THE HELP YOU’RE SEEKING.

…it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:26

…The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night isnearly over; the day is almost here… Romans 13:11-12

TALK IT OVER

Share a time when Christ provided you with exactly what you needed.
Where in your life are you hoping the morning will come? How can you set your hope in Christ while you wait?
What steps do you need to take to begin letting go of your fears?

Dig deeper into the timeless message of Christ’s birth with the various resources available at http://resources.lifechurch.tv including a small group discussion guide for this message.

Winston Wednesday

2011-11-30T23:47:00.002-06:00

Sssshh. Winston's sister is sleeping.

FIT

2011-11-29T22:00:00.001-06:00

Something I have struggled with for most of my life is weight. I lurve food. Who doesn't right? My problem is I use food as a crutch.

If I'm happy. I eat.

If I'm sad. I eat.

If I'm stressed. I eat.

If I'm angry. I eat.

If I'm ....

I'm sure you get the picture.

I'm tired of feeling so out of control in this area of my life. God has given me this amazing body, this machine. I'm ashamed that I've spent so much time mistreating this gift. Not only that but what kind of example am I setting for my children. Boys are just as susceptible to body issues as women. I want my boys to see their parents healthy and strong not lethargic and overweight.

Enough is enough! No more yo-yo dieting. I MUST CHANGE MY LIFESTYLE.

To kick things off Zane and I decided to work with a trainer. Said trainer has us on 5-6 small, clean meals a day and built a workout plan that includes our Total Gym. We recently added a spinning bike to our arsenal, excited to implement that as well! I'm a bit of a numbers gal so I am counting Weight Watcher points with a friend to keep me accountable and my portions in check. The more accountability the better!

Now to tackle the emotional aspect.. I have to give my food issues to God. Seems so simple right? I'm realizing more and more what a control freak I am... I'm re-reading Made to Crave to get back some focus and perspective. I've done Lysa's Craving God devotional but never read the full book. Most importantly I'm getting back into solid devotional/prayer time. I can definitely see where I've made food an idol in my life. No more.

Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Sorry if this post is a little rambly. I wanted to get it out there and make it public. Now YOU have to keep me accountable too!

Music Monday

2011-11-28T17:28:00.000-06:00

Want some free Christmas music?

Download here!

Nom.

2011-11-27T21:09:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow I begin a Shakeology cleanse so I decided to go all out this evening and bake something naughty. Enter Cocoa Haze and croissants.

Nutella.... eat your heart out.

"BECAUSE OF YOU"

2011-11-27T12:56:00.000-06:00

Lives are changing around the world. How? Join me now at Church Online to find out!

BECAUSE OF YOU—2

GOD IS CHANGING LIVES

How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God's presence. 1 Thessalonians 3:9 NLT

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result inthanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 2 Corinthians 9:11-13

GOD IS CHANGING LIVES

1) BECAUSE OF YOUR SERVING, GOD IS CHANGING LIVES.

Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God… 2 Corinthians 9:13

2) BECAUSE OF YOUR GIVING, GOD IS CHANGING LIVES.

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result inthanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11

3) BECAUSE OF YOUR PASSION FOR PEOPLE, GOD IS CHANGING LIVES.

…men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ… 2 Corinthians 9:13

TALK IT OVER

Share some stories you've seen of God using people to impact others in our church.
What talents or resources do you have that you could use to make a difference in our church and in the world?
Who is someone that needs to see Jesus? How could you be the one to make a difference in their life this week?

Find resources that will help equip you to change your life and the lives of others at http://resources.lifechurch.tv including a small group discussion guide for this message.

Best. Holiday Commercial. Ever.

2011-11-26T18:02:00.000-06:00

Hands down!

Here & There

2011-11-25T23:27:00.002-06:00

We have been doing a bit of traveling lately. Last weekend my parents kept the boys and we drove to OKC to surprise Z's best friend from high school. They live only 2 hours from us but we haven't seen them since our wedding! So not right! It was lovely to see them and spend quality time with such great people. We're so blessed to have friends that no matter how much time goes by between visits you always pick up right where you left off.

Obviously not the best picture but I wanted to show them off anyway.

How adorable are their girls!? I fell in love with them instantly. So sweet and smart. :)

It feels like Thanksgiving was a blur this year. We drove to Van Buren to see Zane's Mommers (Grandmother on his Mother's side). There were quite a few of us there and it was so nice to see everyone. Afterwards we hurried over to see Z's parents before driving back home to see my parents.... I repeat blur.

Today we went to the TU game, which unfortunately ended very badly, but hey we still had a good time. The boys had never been to a college game so that made for a fresh, fun experience!

After the game we decided on an impromptu trip to see Z's sister and family in Baxter Springs, KS! It's only a 2 hour trip but again we don't get to see them nearly as much as we would like.

Garrison, Little Zane, Big Zane and Jeremiah

Today I am reminded once again of how blessed I am to be surrounded with such amazing friends and family; including those I have made near and far in the blogosphere. Happy Thanksgiving!

Winston Wednesday

2011-11-23T17:54:00.001-06:00

Zane & Winston want to wish you a "Happy Thanksgiving!"

~ 3 ~

2011-11-22T19:44:00.000-06:00

I love traveling life with you.

Loving every moment.

Loving each day.

I love you.

Music Monday

2011-11-21T18:48:00.000-06:00

Can Adele do any wrong?

Nope.

"BECAUSE OF YOU"

2011-11-20T10:00:00.002-06:00

Lives change when we stop GOING to church and BECOME the church. That's what we're talking about today at Church Online. I'm enjoying it, and I hope you'll join me today!

BECAUSE OF YOU—1

BECAUSE OF YOU

To lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. ⁸It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. ⁹How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God's presence. 1 Thessalonians 3:7-9 NLT

OUR CHURCH VALUES

We will do anything short of sin to reach people who don’t know Christ. To reach people no one is reaching, we’ll have to do things no one is doing.

We will lead the way with irrational generosity. We truly believe it is more blessed to give than to receive.

We are faith-filled, big thinking, bet-the-farm risk takers. We’ll never insult God with small thinking and safe living.

We are spiritual contributors not spiritual consumers. The church does not exist for us. We are the church and we exist for the world.

TALK IT OVER

Share some examples of how you've been impacted in a positive way by the people of God’s Church?
What are some big risks that God is calling you to take? How will you respond to Him?
What steps do you need to take to become more of a spiritual contributor and less of a spiritual consumer?

Use the many resources available at http://resources.lifechurch.tv to help you become a spiritual contributor including a small group discussion guide for this message.

Winston Wednesday

2011-11-16T21:24:00.000-06:00

I really love this guy.

(I'm sure you haven't noticed..)

Music Monday

2011-11-14T16:10:00.002-06:00

Every morning on my way to work I plug in my iPhone and pick some tunes for my drive. I thought it would be fun to share weekly some of my favorite tunes. (Feel free to tell me that this is the most boring posting idea ever! ;)

This morning I was feeling mellow so I chose Ben & Noelle. Perfect.

Ben and Noelle Kilgore are a local husband and wife team who own the Shoe Gypsy on Cherry Street as well as lead worship at a local church, Sanctuary. Ben was a part of The Hero Factor whom I also love. They released Sacred Songs back in October and it's just beautiful. They're voices have a soothing, almost ethereal quality. Seriously all of the songs are lovely but my particular favs (at the moment) are Healing, Hold Me Together, and I Am Yours. Check them out, you won't be sorry.

Who are you currently listening to?

"THOSE PEOPLE"

2011-11-13T10:00:00.001-06:00

Obsessing about what others think of you is the quickest way to forget what God thinks of you. So how do you deal with critical people? Join me now at Church Online to find out!

THOSE PEOPLE—4

THOSE CRITICAL PEOPLE

Aaron and Miriam criticized Moses. Numbers 12:1-8
People criticized Paul for being a bad speaker. 2 Cor. 10:10
Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with sinners and healing on the Sabbath. Mark 2:16, Luke 13:14

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

NEVER IGNORE THE VALUE OF CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. 32 If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself… Proverbs 15:31-32 NLT

DEALING WITH UNJUST CRITICISM

1) GOD, HELP ME KNOW WHEN TO RESPOND TO CRITICISM.

Now the Ephraimites asked Gideon, "Why have you treated us like this?... And they criticized him sharply. 2 But he answered them… Judges 8:1-2

…When the men of Ephraim heard Gideon's answer, they were no longer angry. Judges 8:3 NLT

2) GOD, HELP ME KNOW WHEN TO DISMISS INVALID CRITICISM.

23 When they hurled their insults at [Jesus], he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23

3) GOD, HELP ME OVERCOME MY OWN CRITICAL NATURE.

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Proverbs 12:18 NLT

TALK IT OVER

Share a time when you received constructive criticism. How did you respond to it?
What steps do you need to take to put God's opinion of you ahead of other people's opinion?
How have you been unjustly critical of others? What will you do to overcome your own critical nature?

Find resources that will help you deal with unjust criticism at http://resources.lifechurch.tv including a small group discussion guide for this message.

Winston Wednesday

2011-11-09T21:38:00.000-06:00

Where's Winston?

Super Cool.

2011-11-06T10:23:00.001-06:00

Sooooo.... I'm super cool. Tuesday morning after dropping Garrison off at his class, I took the most amazing fall in the school hallway. This most amazing fall included my sliding superman style down the hallway. See, I told you I was cool. Oh and did I mention the morning bell hadn't rang yet? So you can imagine the congestion in the hallway. It's ok you can laugh. It's too bad I don't have a video because considering how bad I hurt it had to have been, dare I say it, EPIC. Luckily I didn't suffer a major break but I definitely did some damage.

This pic was taken 3 days AFTER my fall.

Yes. I'm super cool.

"THOSE PEOPLE"

2011-11-06T08:15:00.001-06:00

Hypocrites turn people away from the truth of God's love. How do you confront them? And what if you're the one being hypocritical? That's what we're talking about today at Church Online. I hope you'll join me today!

THOSE PEOPLE—3

THOSE HYPOCRITICAL PEOPLE

hupokrites (hoop-ok-ree-tace'); an actor; stage-player, one who hides behind a mask.

You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ⁸“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." Matthew 15:7-8

PRAYERFUL CONFRONTATION

1) GOD, HELP ME CONFRONT WITH THE GOAL OFRESTORATION.

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. Galatians 6:1

My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, ²⁰remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20

2) GOD, HELP ME CONFRONT WITH CAUTION.

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 1 Corinthians 10:12

3) GOD, HELP ME SEE WHEN I’M THE HYPOCRITE.

David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, "As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! ⁶He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity." 7 Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man!” 2 Samuel 12:5-7

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. ¹¹Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. ¹²Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12

TALK IT OVER

Do you know someone who is being hypocritical? How will you go about prayerfully confronting them?
Where are you being hypocritical in your own life? What’s your next step to addressing your hypocrisy?
Share a time when someone confronted you about your own hypocrisy. How did you respond and what did you learn from it?

Find resources that will help you confront your own hypocrisy and the hypocrisy of others at http://resources.lifechurch.tv including a small group discussion guide for this message.

Winston Wednesday

2011-11-02T13:57:00.000-05:00

Winston and his buddies, Dexter and Sophie, on Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T22:02:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a fun-filled Halloween!

We spent the evening with our Life Group trick or treating, watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and eating lots of sugar filled treats!

"THOSE PEOPLE"

2011-10-30T10:12:00.003-05:00

It's possible to break the power of manipulation, and to resist the temptation to manipulate others. How? Join me now at Church Online to find out!

THOSE PEOPLE—2

MANIPULATING PEOPLE

Two women manipulated Herod. Mark 6:21-28
Jacob manipulated Esau. Genesis 25:29-34
Delilah manipulated Samson. Judges 16:15-19

Then she said to him, "How can you say, 'I love you,' when you won't confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven't told me the secret of your great strength." 16 With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death. Judges 16:15-16

COMMON TACTICS OF MANIPULATORS

FLATTERY
THREATS
GUILT

BREAKING THE POWER OF MANIPULATION

1) GOD, HELP ME RECOGNIZE WHEN SOMEONE IS TRYING TO MANIPULATE ME.

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him asideand began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Matthew 16:21-22

How do you know if you’re being manipulated?

You often feel guilty and find it hard to say “no.”
You compromise your values to please others.

2) GOD, EMPOWER ME TO PUT HEALTHYBOUNDARIES IN PLACE.

Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Matthew 16:23

3) GOD, HELP ME SEE MY OWN NEED TO CONTROL AND SURRENDER EVERYTHING TO YOU.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! 4 Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT

TALK IT OVER

Share a time when you realized you were being manipulated. How did you respond?
Where in your life are you not fully surrendered to God? What steps will you take to surrender to Him this week?
What healthy boundaries do you need to establish to help you break free from the power of manipulation?

WORLD CHAMPIONS

2011-10-28T23:46:00.000-05:00

My husband is a very happy man right now.

The End.

Winston Wednesday

2011-10-26T12:51:00.010-05:00

Just doing some light napping, er, I mean reading..

INCOGNITO

2011-10-25T22:52:00.001-05:00

Sshhh... he's hiding from the paparazzi.

A few exciting events happened during my extended hiatus. How about a life update? Ok if you insist.

- Our family connected with an amazing Life Group through our church, LifeChurch.tv. I didn't realize how badly I missed that kind of close connection and accountability. So thankful for this group of people that are doing life with us heart and soul!

- Zane was offered a book contract on his first novel and is in the editing process now. This is a huge dream come true for him and I couldn't be more proud.

- I received an unexpected promotion at work and was transferred to another location here in T-Town. This was a major learning/trusting experience for me. At first I wasn't sure if the transfer was a good thing but God was definitely teaching me a thing or two about trusting His perfect plan.

- Oh yeah and I turned 29. Oh boy..

I suppose that's a relatively short list but in our little world pretty exciting stuff! I'll be back tomorrow with Winston Wednesday!

FRESH

2011-10-24T16:49:00.001-05:00

Don't you just love new beginnings? I certainly do, so I decided the old bloggy needed a fresh face. What do you think? I couldn't be happier with Jackie's work. If your blog is in need of a facelift I highly recommend checking out Jackie's Design Studio. Super affordable and a dream to work with.

Ahh, it's good to be back. Oh and for the record...

My puppies are still really, really adorable! :)