Christianity Oasis Forum

[Lani]

Step One

The Quiz was awesome!!!! I so enjoyed taking it!!!!!

We started this journey by discussing how we are called to "Represent" God in our daily walk.

As I reflect on this, I remain focused on such. In all I do, my hope is to represent Him.... His Love, His blessings, His Grace. Through it, I seek to share all He has shown and taught me, with anyone who comes my way. The best part, in my opinion, is that there will always be new things to share as He touches us daily. Each day is a new chance to honor His way and share His word.

I just read something recently..... "God does not look for ability, He looks for availability" ... I so love that! Each of us, at one time or another, has felt as though we were not worthy of His presence in our life... "I am nothing special" "I haven't any talent" "I am of weak faith" etc..... whatever the case may be, but the flag there is that each of those statements is us limiting Him.... Praise and Thanks to Him, He doesn't work that way.

I think many are called to represent Him, but as it was shared in today's step... Few choose to answer that call, for whatever reason. Realize, it matters not where you've been, how badly (you think) you have "messed up".... if we open our heart to His grace and mercy, He will speak through us to help others.

I am hopeful and excited to see what this walk brings!!! Looking forward to each step of this study

See you for Step 2

Peace and Luv in Christ,
Lani

[mlg]

Well, well, well look what the cat drug in

Lani I'm delighted you have decided to do this study. This is such an important study...as it will help you grow in your ability to serve the Lord. The Bible says we should grow in our knowledge of the Word to be able to show ourselves knowlegeable when reaching for others. This study is one more step in growing your knowledge.

The test is one to help you find out what direction this study will take for you.

Being called to represent is one thing...but answering that call to represent is a totally different thing...the reason being, if we don't decide to answer His call...we might end up in the belly of a big fish like Jonah...or we might loose our calling altogether and He giving it to another. So Here you are sis....now may God grow in you stronger and then may He use you for His glory.

luv ya

[deetu]

Lani!

Ah, to be an open conduit for God! What bliss!
I told a friend just last night that I used to wonder why God chose me, now I just walk around in wonder.

[Lani]

*BigGrin* God Bless that rascally cat!

Thank you mlg and dee

So Excited!!!!

Back soon with step 2


God Bless!!!!

[Lani]

Who am I?

Ohhhhh I am already looking forward to this step.... just the title of today's truth is enough to have me interested... Awesome question..... and one I've pondered several times, mostly because someone has asked .... but at times because I've changed in someway and I feel the need to reflect.... His truth has an amazing way of sculpting who He wishes us..... meant us to be.

Though, I think listing the qualities I see in myself would be rather off putting as my opinion of me means little, so I shall simply read on.

Well.... as expected... I did enjoy today's step! There was a paragraph that asked several "Do you..." questions.... yes. I tend to look for the good in others, I work hard to reach those who say they do not "need" such..... I have always been a positive person. In all situations I try to find the good. Sometimes it is easy to spot other times I have to really try, but there is always good..... and Papa is always there.

Who I am has changed several times over the years... or my perspective of such has. I am positive, I try to make others laugh and find peace. I want to say good night and know I in my heart that I made someones heart smile... if only one. I eagerly seek God's will in all situations because I know with His lead I cannot fail. Do I believe then that my walk should be easy.... nope what would I learn then? But, I do know that no matter what I face, He will be the strength I need to see it through and His promise remains to use that pain to help another.

All I ever hope to do is help another to find and receive His truth, grace, mercy, peace and Love; to serve Him in all situations. Whether His seed is planted can only be decided by Him, but I pray all I do honors His plan.

See you for Step 3!!!

Peace and Luv in Chirst,
Lani

[mlg]

Though, I think listing the qualities I see in myself would be rather off putting as my opinion of me means little, so I shall simply read on.

And why is this? I think this step is about finding the true you and who you are in God. Yes you want to help others and yes you love encouraging others...but what about you? God needs to know who you are before He knows which direction to send you to reach others....Remember we cannot be called to reach everyone...He sends us to those He knows we can reach...So what are the qualities in you that God is seeking to use to reach His children? What qualities are you willing to share with God?

I too like reaching and helping others. To know that my kindness has touched another...but in order to be kind and caring I have to have compassion...which is one of my qualities by the way

One more thing sis...our walk with God is not just about reaching others...but also taking time to be still and talk to Him...make this an important aspect in your walk daily.

luv ya

[Tam]

Lani you are called and I don't doubt it. One of you qualities that I see very fruitful in you is your encouragement. You don't like see anyone down and always have an uplifting word for them. So if I had to list one of your qualities it would be an encourager/cheerleader!!!!! ::wink


Love ya sis

[Lani]

Greetings mlg and Tam

Ty so much for replying!!



You are both an amazing source of encouragement to so many!!

Luv ya!

Lani

[Lani]

Greetings O Family!!

Thanks so much for walking with me!!

Today's step discussed what sort of image we project by what we wear when about the world. I've already discussed this in another study... but for those who did not see that post:

I dress in a way that is meant to glorify our Lord. My grandmother had a saying when I was younger.... "If Jesus knocked on the door, could you answer it dressed as you are or would you run to change" well I think of this each day as I ready myself. Her big thing was reminding me that He can see me everyday, all day, Not just when I want to be seen, but especially when I don't. I truly believe this and do all I can to please Him. My only hope when someone meets me for the first time is that they think "She is respectful" and if they notice anything about me, I pray it is the cross necklace I wear without apology.

I read the Weed and Seed study, which I've read before and still enjoy using the chart, though I've tweaked it a few times... it is awesome!!! I think it is very important to evaluate our gardens often... weeds are easier to tame when they are younger.... shallow roots and all

I also read Renewed Mind, something I read previously as it was part of another study as well... awesome!!!

Awesome step today!! Wish I had more to say!

See you for Step 4!!

Peace and Luv in Christ,
Lani

[mlg]

Lani these programs do have some repetition...but what's so cool it's just like a refresher and also we tend to find new things we didn't see the first time.

As far as the chart goes...I think we continue to tweak it over time as we grow and change so does our needs in our walk so you might see your chart change some more in time.

Have a goodnight lani.

luv ya

[vahn]

Lani

I surf the forums so many times a day and so many of them that I didn't even realize you're here or rather been here . Am I excited about that or what ! And at the same time , kinda embarrassed didn't catch it earlier ?

My grand-father always said to me , "A day spent without learning at least one new thing , is a wasted day indeed" .

Now about appearances ... ah !!
That was a major deciding factor with my job change (among others of course) . Shirt and tie was a "required" dress code , and from the word go I told them though I liked penguins but didn't care much about looking like one ! That's for the stiff-necked !
Now don't get me wrong , I own 6 different ones and each has an occasion attached to it , and I don't hesitate wearing them .

The way we dress is a mere expression of what's going on inside as far as our outlook on life in its entirety is concerned and not by a single occasion . I can't even count the times in the past , upon seeing a "well-dressed" lady that made my eyes pop right out their sockets , only to find out later that their "insides" didn't match their "outsides" . And for me to wear a shirt and tie meant I had to find an appropriate job to match the vocation , and I'm not the type to cuff myself to a desk for six or 8 hrs a day .

The main thing is , for me , in order to show my freedom through our Lord I have to dress "freely" , I can just imagine someone in a body cast saying "Look at me !! I'm free !!! "
On the other hand , outward appearances do affect the way they make us feel on the inside right ? So , it can go from win-win to lose-lose depending on how we look at it and what the "occasion " is .
My everyday "Occasion" is ,.... "This is the day our Lord has made , and I will rejoice and be glad in it " ... So I put on the day as an "Attire-of-the-day" and tying all down with a piece of silk ? Hmm

My two cents worth , or three

Luv to hear more !

[Lani]

mlg

Vahn, no worries bro... awesome to see you!!! Thanks for posting!!


God Bless You both