Christianity Oasis Forum

[HisOwn]

I am reading and doing the stepping stones, but it is not possible for me to share details because some of the current issues in my life involved another who could be wounded. I am journeling with God at home. I am in, well really past (smile) my mid 60s and have walked the healing path with Jesus many years. I wanted to say, I am enjoying the way the teachings are presented and even though I know this stuff and have helped others, I am still being challenged. God is good at getting us out of our comfort zones when needed, isn't he? I am a little stuck at step 5. Step 6 is what I teach and share often. We do have to take our thoughts captive because how we see things in the natural is simply our perception and we NEED to see with God's perspective. So in step 5, I already know I am selfish but how to stop it, when things are so literally (my perception) hard at times and for me so far one key is to embrace whatever emotion the moment brings, but immediately surrender it to GOD and ask Him to show me more...and remember that if i go ahead and allow the feeling of the moment, but do it in the PRESENT awareness of GOD, that it will pass and the very next moment God will open my eyes to what I call a "joy gift". Which could be as simple as a bird singing.
God bless anyone who reads this and please pray for me to come to a deeper place of acceptance of that which can not be changed.

[HisOwn]

Stepping Stone 6, is basically something I already do, just not written down.
But stepping Stone 7, while also something I work on, is NOT something I have down pat. Seems impossible to do these stepping stones in one day each. No way.
I sent a copy to a friend of mine. I need to reread that number 7.

[Mackenaw]

Hello HisOwn

God bless you this day, and welcome to Christianity Oasis.

I'm so excited that you are reading the CCCC 14 Day Study. It truly is a blessing and will continue to bless you as you apply it to your life.

While I learned so much from each of the stepping stones, Stepping Stone 7 was/is my favorite. It gave me a pattern with instruction to help fight against a negative thinking habit that had been consuming me. As is the case with incorporating any new principles or healthy routines into one's life, it takes practice in applying it, and anything that leads us to think on God and His Truth, is more than worth the time and practice. I'm glad to read that you are going to read it again. Good on ya, HisOwn -- way to go!

Looking forward to reading your future posts.

God bless and keep you.
In Christ Jesus' love,
Sister Mack

[HisOwn]

Step 7 and 8 really are very similar. It is funny, I have been teaching somewhere and writing and for MONTHS the focus has been "take every thought captive" and Put Off, Put On from Eph 4. This is not a one time thing, more and more I realize it is a way of life.
The thing I have not yet understood, or maybe I do, is that there is a fine line of discernment. Some things, some situations of life ARE sad. That does not mean we DWELL in the sad.
There are situations in my life that are very sad and very hard. What it seems God has been teaching me is to embrace the sad when it comes, rather than stuff it back down and deny it. But go ahead and talk to ("be" with God) in that MOMENT. Admit I am feeling sad. But do not go about from that moment all droopy and mopey.
Instead enter the next moment WITH God and watch for the "little gifts" he is always sending me. I could stay in the sad, or I can notice the gifts God sends. So I do get to choose what to think on.
But there is a fine line between denying that reality of certain situations, which are in fact sad and wallowing in a pity party.
So in a way, step 7 and 8 are confirmation but at the same time, I am not sure I have it all straight yet.

[HisOwn]

I liked this reminder on Step 9:While you patiently endure the time it takes to be free of your problem, God is gradually and patiently strengthening your love and trust in Him. You don’t want to rush that. No more than you would want to rush into any other long term relationship.
If your problem goes away suddenly, it’s likely that you’ll forget the miracle just as suddenly. 

How long did it take your problem to develop into something that you realized will take God’s hand to remove it?

How long has there been distance between you and your Father?
God knows that we appreciate things more when they take longer to achieve them. It’s just a fact. God knows what He’s doing. He’s in control.
Trust Him.
it reminds me of Paul where he said run with endurance or patient endurance the race set before you.
Sometimes my endurance runs a tad low and so i liked the reminder.

[HisOwn]

Step 10 lesson was good. I do pray often and spontaneously but maybe I need to be more formal about it, not sure. Usually i wake with a song or verse. I need to spend more time journaling "listening prayer". Meaning listening and writing what Abba is speaking to my hear.
About yesterday, sometimes i get so very heart weary of "enduring". And yet what else is there to do but endure what has to be endured and look for all those "little gifts" each day.

[Mackenaw]

Hello HisOwn

God bless you this day.

Amen, there is much to endure in this life, but with one foot in this realm and the other foot in the spiritual realm, we will overcome through Christ. Our destiny is set and ohhhhhhhhhh what a blessing. God is Spirit and we worship Him in Spirit.

God bless and keep you.
In Christ Jesus' love,
Sister Mack

[HisOwn]

Thank you Sister Mack.
Today is 11. The Holy Spirit. I had a rough night. I dont know why. Bad dream about Katty woke me up. Today is a busy day of watching the baby, leading an online interactive bible study, then leading a share group after I get home then going for late supper with husband because it is his birthday.
What i really WANT to do is crawl under a rock and hide or run off and escape. I will LOVE the baby time.I will LOVE the bible study time too. Both will be a blessing, but I am so tired so very weary of life.
I woke up knowing I need to listen, i said that yesterday too. Have I? Nope. Why? I dont know, i get to these "shut down" places.
Oh well jotting the little something now running late for the day.
Shalom

[HisOwn]

I did go listen. This is what I heard which i know is true but doesnt FEEL truth right now.
I pure HATE when i get like this.

When you feel like you are not going to make it another day, rejoice because things are going to change
When you feel like ouu cant come to me
Can’t settle
Are far away
Rejoice because there is a deeper truth
I AM STILL WITH YOU
Aware of you
Loving you
Taking care of you
Even when, or especially when you are like u feel right now.

[Mackenaw]

Hello HisOwn (((((((hugs)))))))

Yes, I call those days my weepy days...days where all I want to do is hunker down with The Lord and cry because I don't have the strength or the desire to do anything else. But, just like you, I know He will get me through and those feelings will pass, as long as I cling to Him and not the feelings.

Prayers are rising to our Lord in the name of Jesus on your behalf. God's blessed will be done.

God bless and keep you.
Love,
Sister Mack

[HisOwn]

I have to share what the Holy Spirit did. I wrote in here, I have been pure drained. LOL. So I went to baby sit my grand baby, he is 1 1/2 and I like that but I was still down and disconnected. So then at 11 I went into the online place where I lead a bible study every Wed morning and there were like 6 people in there waiting, one was a new lady who I really like and had invited. Suddenly so much JOY came over me. It had to be GOD and We have a wonderful time sharing in the bible study. I even told them when I came I was not so feeling good and upon entering the JOY of the Lord came down.
Sister Mack, thank you for your prayers. Its nice to see someone else understands being like that.
I know the Word and yet I get so frustrated with myself.
Anyhow that was awesome of God today.

[Dora]

When you feel like you are not going to make it another day, rejoice because things are going to change
When you feel like ouu cant come to me
Can’t settle
Are far away
Rejoice because there is a deeper truth
I AM STILL WITH YOU
Aware of you
Loving you
Taking care of you
Even when, or especially when you are like u feel right now.

Wow! I needed that just now. I let my emotions and anger get the best of me today. I couldn't feel the Lord near. Especially with having kids test me and try me hour after hour after hour. It's good to hear someone say He is near.

I'm glad you are finding comfort in the counseling steps and through His spirit as well! Rejoicing with you over that!!!

Praying for you and loving you dear sister.