Circumstances

The latest chapter we read in "Lies Women Believe" was about the lies we believe regarding our circumstances in life. I think we all could relate to this chapter. The particular lies that hit home for me were "if my circumstances were different, I would be different" and "I just can't take anymore." I know I always tell myself that I would be less cranky if only I were able to get more sleep and of course the one I've clung on to the longest, "if only I didn't live in Florida." When things get really crazy, I think we all throw up our hands and say "I just can't take it anyomore!" The author uses scripture to remind us of the truth that 1)my circumstances do not make me what I am; they merely reveal what I am 2) If I am not content with my present circumstances, I am not likely to be happy in any other set of circumstances 3) I may not be able to control my circumstances, but my circumstances do not have to control me. and 4) Every circumstance that touches my life has first been filtered through His fingers of love. This is a great reminder that God is sovereign and he is not suprised by our circumstances and has a plan to use those circumstances for our and other's benefit. God is gracious and will always give us grace to bear our circumstances--this is a truth to rest in. May it be so.

It Only Takes a Minute

Last week when we met to talk about our next chapter in the Lies book, we sent one of our members off to have some moments of peace and we watched her kids. We were doing a good job of watching the kids and talking about our book but I guess we got a little too involved in talking about the Emotions chapter that one of the kids came to tell us that they had gotten into some lotion and it was all over the place. Sure enough that's what happened. This is just one example of what goes on during our small group while we attempt to talk about our book, try to pray, or share what's going on in our lives. It's amazing that we accomplish anything!

Lies about Children

This week in "Lies Women Believe," we read the chapter on the lies we believe about children. Lie #27 (it's up to us to determine the size of our family) brought up some controversy for us. We had some differences with the author on that particular lie, particularly regarding limiting the number of children we want to have. We all agreed that we couldn't handle 20 kids:) The other lies discussed in this chapter were:
#28--Children need to get exposed to the "real world" so that they can learn to function in it
#29--All children will go through a rebellious stage
#30--I know my child is a Christian because he prayed to receive Christ at an early age
#31 We are not responsible for how our children turn out

Lie number 28 resonated with me a lot because it's one I've been thinking about in regards to the choices we have in education for our boy's. The author used the example of plants in a greenhouse saying that the plants stay in the greenhouse where they grow until they are big and healthy enough to be planted outside. That's my hope for our boy's is that we can teach them and train them in a "greenhouse" and then when their biblical worldview is established and they are strong in their faith, they will be ready to be planted out in the world.

Since we all have young children, the remaining lies are helpful to consider regarding how we teach and train them and our motivations and expectations in how they turn out.

I have to say that each chapter in this book has been very meaty and we could take weeks to process through them. Each chapter gives me nuggets to think about all during the week. I have had some difficulty in keeping up with the workbook but I have appreciated the summary pages she has at the end of each chapter that lists the lie and the scriptures that explain the truth.

Next week's chapter is right up my alley--"lies women believe about emotions" :)

Relying on God and Each Other

It's a crazy thing to think we have been meeting for over two years and quickly moving in on year three.

The support this group has given us all has been amazing. I have grown in my walk with Christ, as a mother (I've stolen my best moves from these women!) and as a friend.

We have been growing, but it's great to know when we stumble and fall, there is always the word of the Lord, a good friend, and a cup of coffee to back you up!

the thin line

In chapter six, we weary women have read about the lies concerning marriage. A potentially controversial chapter since the author takes a traditional biblical view of the institution.

It was difficult as I know I definitely have fallen into the lie... My husband is passive, I've got to take initiative, or nothing will get done. The book also addresses another lie... My husband is supposed to serve me. The truths they discuss have such a razor thin line they almost contradict.

In the lie my husband is supposed to serve me, the author discusses the point that we (women) were created to be helpmates to our husbands. That we should look for ways to make their lives easier. She then counteracts the lie about passive husbands with the concept that man is created to be the initiator. It's so difficult to not just get frustrated and adopt the attitude of "Fine, I'll just do it all...". I know I have personally felt that way in the past. I felt the passages in the book about nagging were especially convicting! Esp. the verses she referred to:
- Proverbs 17:1; 19:13; 21:9

She reminds us that we are to put utter faith in the Lord and that he will be the one to drive our husband - we have to let go and not attempt to micromanage the entire situation! We are to pray for our husbands and live a godly life - and HE will do the rest.

It is a comfort to be reminded that no human could ever make us happy and no marriage is ever perfect, but the love of the Father is perfect and unfailing!