I am so excited to begin a six-week series on becoming the women God divined and designed us to be! I am praying for each of you, as we partner with God, embracing the Holy Spirit within all of us, growing in our faith relationship with Jesus Christ.
Week One is a week of self-exploration. Where am I? In life...in my faith...in my focus.
I'll list your questions, and encourage each of you to pray before you begin to answer. I'll send helps and scriptural support throughout the week, and prayerfully answer each question you might post.
Welcome to the adventure! How excited I am to grow with you!
1. Who am I?
Literally:
Spiritually:
Ideally:
Scripturally:
2. What are my dreams?
What are my goals?
How do they differ?
How are they the same?
3. What are my faith relationships? Do I have any?
Who are they with?
Who is my mentor?
Who am I mentoring?
Remember, this series is about becoming that which God originally intended us to be. There will be lots of looking into ourselves, and looking into scripture, and trying to reconcile the two. Understanding who we are and why will help us to focus on what we were created to be and how to get there!
Lord, be with each of us as we focus. Be with us as we grow. Remind us when sometimes it hurts to look in at our hearts that Your desire is to mend the brokenness so that we may become wholly and holy Yours! AMEN!
Are you...? a mom? a wife? a sister? an employee? a boss? Look at the obvious things that you are, and then look at some you might not consider--like ex-wife? estranged friend or family member?
ReplyDeleteSpiritually--do you know your spiritual gifts? Look at 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 and Romans 12:6-8. Psalm 139 describes you perfectly! :-)
Ideally who are you? Hmmmmmm....child of God comes to mind! Peek at Ephesians 4:14-24
Scripturally, who are we? Genesis 1:27, and Genesis 2:23 give us clues into our original design.
Tomorrow, I'll look at question number 2. It'll touch on Christian goal settings, and answering God's call for your life.
Question #1:
ReplyDeleteWell, literally, I am Renee Lee Grandon, mother of 3 wonderful stepchildren and wife of my soulmate, Paul Duane Grandon. I am 52 years old and have been retired for 10 years.
Week 1-9/28
ReplyDelete1. Who am I? Wife, Mom and Friend, I am also lost.
Literally: A Mom of 6 children, 4 living with me and 2 that are gifts. A wife to a Hispanic Man who believes in God but does not go to church. He believes that church is more of a fashion show and gossip place than anything else. However, has more faith than I do?
Spiritually: I think I am still a baby, maybe toddler by now. I believe in God and the powers he has in my life. I am not able to remember scripture off the top of my head or know exactly where the books are. I have the cheat tabs in my bible, lol.
Ideally: I want to be a woman that can be the best mom, wife and someone who is good to herself. I tend to give too much and feel empty inside.
Scripturally: I would like to have the discipline to read a verse in the morning and have to apply it throughout my day.
2. What are my dreams? To be closer to God. For my husband to understand me better and not be afraid to give the way he did in his past relationships. My children to be the best that God want them to be and not experience anything that I had to go through in mine.
What are my goals? Not to be afraid to speak up when my feeling are hurt, by others. Make sure that my children are taken care and for them to understand their actions in life. To have the discipline I need and want towards the relationship with God.
How do they differ? Expressing to my husband how he makes me feel. I may be focusing too much on my family than the relationship with god.
How are they the same? I love and want the only the best for both my children and husband.
3. What are my faith relationships? Mine is with Go, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I would like for it to be strong and pray that it will.
Who is my mentor? My Aunt Edna because her husband and her have a little church in Fl. She works with Hopis and deal with the heal process. The wonder thing is that she has the heart for the Lord but is today real. What I mean is that she doesn’t force anything about God or always has a bible in her hand. She understands that in today world, my 14 year wears earrings and likes to put different color gel in his hair. She thinks it great that I have control of the situation but still allow him to be himself.
Who am I mentoring? My dad, ever since I found PWOC in 03. I would tell him about it send him books. Give him small read book, challenges and the biggest one is to Pray and Praise! Anytime, for anything but to remember to praise God just as much…
Hugs to all,
Maria
Praise the Lord for you both, Renee and Maria! And for everyone else who is looking inward. Examining who we are will help us to understand who God wants us to be!
ReplyDeleteAll: What do you think? What are you discovering? Genesis 1:27 says that we were created, male and female, in God's image. (Be sure and note in verse 26 that God says we were created in "our image" already revealing to us the existence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit!). So, spiritually and faithfully, we are created as man is created...equal spiritually, if you will. However! :-) See in chapter 2, verse 23, we did not come from the dust as man did, but rather from man's side. So we are uniquely crafted! More on this next week...
Maria, I have the tabs in my Bibles too! They are great tools to use so that we don't spend all our time trying to remember where the book in the Bible is, and more time in His Word!
ReplyDeleteThere are things called Rainbow Tabbies (you can find them at Christian Book Distributors on-line). They are not only helpful, but color-coordinated so you can see the way the Bible is put together and why--the five books of Moses, the 12 historical chapters, the five poetical books, the 17 prophetical books, the four gospels, a couple more history books, the 14 epistles, and finally the revelation book.
Knowing how the Bible is ordered, and what category the book fits into helps the lessons within that book have a greater impact. Who, what, when, where, why, how? All great questions to ask about a particular scripture!
For example, Genesis is attributed most often to Moses. It is the book of Creation, the Beginning. If you look in some Bibles, especially study Bibles or life application Bibles, you will see a little section just before the verses begin that will give you some background and history on that book.
Remember, we are in this together! If you have questions, let me know! After prayer, and with God's help, we'll discover His answer and Truth!
I am Peggy, wife of 48 years, grandmother to 8, retired, who enjoys genealogy, an author & recently learned to make jewelry.
ReplyDeleteSpritually looking to understand the knowledge of the complex book, the Bible, that is filled with the history of mankind, past & present. It is sometimes brutal reading. Men seem to love war & the glory, which has raged from the beginning of time to the present.
Learning to accept some things which I cannot change.
Who am I: I'm a full-time working wife and a mother and a believer in Jesus. I have three children, 23 yo daughter (engaged), 21 yo son (with special needs) and a 10 yo daughter - plus three step children. I am a sister with 4 siblings and 2 step brothers. So I have been accustomed to a blended family. Never thought I would be an ex-wife, but God had that in His plan and as my pastor said it was the best thing that ever happened to me.
ReplyDeleteSpiritually I continue to grow. I try to stay involved with things that will help me grow and learn.
Ideally - I would like to be like Donna Reed. I would love to home to take care of my family and my home and have time to volunteer and feel more fulfilled.
Scripturally - I need more time - I need to give myself time to read and learn and listen to God's Word.
What are my dreams/goals: For myself - I continue to try new things, apply for new positions at my organization, I want to make a difference. My dream is for my children to be happy and lead a Jesus-filled life. I pray they make good choices and that my husband and I are good role models for them to succeed. I try to set goals that are attainable and measureable. Otherwise, they become dreams. I pray that my engaged daughter and her husband will find that they need to have a Christ-centered marriage.
My faith relationship: I have learned alot from Leeanna and am so happy to keep learning. My faith relationship has grown so much with my husband (which is a wonderful thing to share). I'm a youth leader for our work camp group--this has taught me to be tolerant and see how wonderful our youth are gifted in Revealing (our theme for the last work camp)Jesus to others and themselves. My husband and I are embarking on a new journey and we are the facilitators of our RCIA program (Rite to Christian Initiation for Adults). This program helps teach those who want to join the Catholic faith. This will be good for me to learn and share experiences. It's all in sharing your story that you learn and grow from each other. We also did a session on Spirituality at the Pre-Cana (pre-marriage) class. As you can see, it has been a team effort with my husband. I enjoy praising God through music as well.
Who Am I?? - I am a child of God first and foremost. I am a wife to a husband of 8, almost 9 years and a mother of 2. I am a daughter, sister and friend. I'm an employee and a boss who struggles daily with being a compassionate; loving person my God wants me to be and one who follows direction from the leaders in my company.
ReplyDeleteSpiritually. This one is tough for me. Still praying on that one.
Ideally I am a child of God who struggles with the thought of Him loving me unconditionally while I stray from His narrow path daily always coming back to Him for the forgiveness that ultimately leaves me weeping (as I am at this very moment thinking about how I sin).
Scripturally I have been created from man who in turn was created from God’s image.
What are my dreams? My dreams..... My goals, they are the same, to live my life according to God’s word, to serve my husband and guide my children down that narrow path. To serve my community, to help others find the way.
I have a faith relationship with my husband. About a year ago we both decided to attend an Alpha course, with his prodding we went. We haven’t been the same since, we made the commitment to God and ourselves that we would learn what God has to tell us. I’m still very new, like an infant I think. I don’t have a mentor; my husband and I are pretty much alone in our journey. Sure, we have people around us who attend the same church, go through the motions but don’t live out the Word. Who judge and do not show love. I long for the day when I find someone to help me down this path; to decrypt the messages in the bible, so that I can understand them; that lives their life the way we were as women intended; not perfect but always learning.
That’s who I am.
Amanda, your day has come! Please let me know when you and your husband would like me to teach you how to uncover for yourself the wonder in His Word! Maybe, just maybe, this is the sort of class your church might need? Something that would ignite the passion to learn and grow in Him? Let's talk soon!
ReplyDeleteFor all of you: Do you know how to study? I have a forward written to a study on Ruth that I am working on...I would be glad to share that with you! It helps you to understand how to study--and why it is vastly different from just reading the Bible!
Let me know! I'd be happy to share!
Lee Ann,
ReplyDeleteI am just beginning to read the book of Ruth now. I would love to have a copy of that forward to the study on Ruth. It would really help me out as I read (because I am just reading); that is one goal that I have set for myself was to read the Bible cover to cover before I am no longer for this earth. I decided I better get busy since I've tried leaving it twice already within the last 3 years. But praise to the glory of God he gave me my life back both times.
For those of you who would like a copy of the forward to the Ruth study that teaches you how to study, please drop me an e-mail at leeann@faithlikeateapot.com, and I'll send it to you that way! Then you can more easily print it.
ReplyDeleteQuestion number two is about your dreams...your goals...how are they the same?...how are they different?
ReplyDeleteIn business, it's become very common to have mission statements. In our Christian faith, mission to us is a verb--an action--a going out to do that which He has called us to. So in Christian goal-setting we change things up a bit!
Let's look at our vision--our dream! "To make a difference." "To be closer to God." "To stay the narrow path." Overriding themes of your dreams! And very similar to mine--I want it to have KINGDOM mattered that I was here. I want to live my life inviting others to know the hope and joy I have in Him.
So, there's our vision--our dream. To be closer to God, to live our lives for Him, to somehow have made a KINGDOM difference. Wow! That's a lofty vision! :-)
Now, how does that become mission? An active calling for our lives? Lynn said she tries new things at work...and speaks to and prays for her kids. Plus, she and her husband are actively living Proverbs 22:6. They are training children in Christ's love, and young marrieds too! So there's Lynn's mission!
Maria desires to grow in her faith relationship. She too prays for her husband and her kids. Her dream--her vision--is to be strong in the Lord. To speak boldly when He calls her to...to witness His love with confidence. Her mission? Grow in her wisdom of His Truth so that when she speaks, she speaks Truth. How? Actively participate in studies, knowing that she is perfectly designed as she is to speak His Truth into the lives of her husband and her kids. Psalm 139. Especially verse 14.
Amanda desires to live her life for God. She and her husband came to a commitment to Him together! How exciting is that!!! Amanda wants to live her faith 24/7. Her vision is to be His reflection in all she does, says, thinks, and loves. Her mission field right now might be her very own church! It's perhaps filled with religion but lacking some real solid foundational faith. How can she and her husband do this? Begin a home-study group, maybe? Learn to be more confident in growing in their faith by understanding how studying His Word is different than just reading?
Renee and Peggy are seeking growth too. Renee with such a thankful heart, and Peggy to make a difference in not just her own circle, but to plant seeds and encourage her grandchildren.
Do you see how your dream--your vision--becomes your mission, and His Calling for you? We'll talk more about this in week three. :-)
Question number three--mentoring. We'll talk about that tomorrow or Friday!
Love and prayers! You're doing great! I pray for God's abundant blessings as you discover His desire for you!
Lee Ann
Oh such powerful words. We shared our dreams. How about setting goals? Some of us talked about wanting to get more time to read God's word. How about setting a SMART goal - Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Realistic, Time Framed. For example: In the next two weeks I will read a chapter from the Book of Ruth on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I think this goal meets the SMART technique. Also if you write down your goals, you are more likely to actually complete them. Also having a Friend to share this with (like all of you) helps reach goals.
ReplyDeleteAMEN, Lynn! Week Three is the week we will spell out specifics in our goal-setting as it relates to our vision and our mission. We'll even go so far as to find our scriptural support!
ReplyDeleteI am praising the Lord for the accountability partners already forming. :-) That's what mentoring is about--a mutual relationship which encourages, teaches, guides, and grows us in Him!
AMEN!
Ladies, forgive me for being a day behind. I will attempt to catch up and keep up with the group, although it may not be on a daily basis.Here goes with answering the questions for Week 1.
ReplyDeleteWho am I? Literally: Wife of 38 years to the love of my life who is a wonderful Christian man. I am a child of the most high God and the mother of two grown children and grandmother of 3 adorable grandchildren Kayla 5, Bryce 3 and Ellie 2. I am 58 years old and a full time K-2 Cross Categorical Special Education Teacher. I love scrapbooking, golfing and reading Christian fiction and nonfiction.I love going to Jazzercise 2-3 times a week which is my exercise program.
Spiritually: I am growing in Christ. I received Jesus as my Savior when I was 10 years old while attending VBS with my friends. Since I didn't grow up in a Christian family,I didn't attend church until I was married. I have to admit that I have wandered away from God during my lifetime on several occasions, but God is so good in that he always tracked me down and wooed me back and positioned me so that I remain closely at his side. I am amazed everyday that God has chosen and allowed me the privilege to serve Him. I have several ministries at my church. I am the Children's Ministry Coordinator, Sparks Awana Leader and interim Sunday School Superintendent. I love passing along my faith to the next generation!
Ideally: I would love to teach part time, maybe even have my own Reading Intervention Tutoring business for stuggling readers. I would love to have more time to dig into God's word daily and really study it, more time for my ministry and more time with my family, especially my husband who is a very patient man.
What are my dreams? Actually, I think I just shared some of them with you. I really need to pray more about this to completely answer the question. I think retirement is somewhere in the future, but with the economy I'm really not sure where that will fit in. Only God hold's the answer to that question.
What are my fatih relationships? I have a wonderful core group of four women who are my part of my Children's Ministries team. I also have friendships at church, but when I really stop and think about it, I really don't have any close friendships. I don't have a mentor which is probably something that I am missing. I see myself not only as a leader, but a mentor to the younger women who are on my Chidren's Ministry Team.
I've enjoyed reading the blog and found it to be a real blessing!
Hello Fellow Tea Bags,
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to read about you. I "resembled" some of your remarks concerning your lives. Maria, you are so endearing. Lovely to read yours as I know you personally.
I read over the "assignment" when you first posted it LeeAnn and had no answers that freely flowed. I thought I needed to stop progressing forward and stand still in space for a little while, then come back to it. Tonight's answer was repetitively "a child of God". At my age and through all of the adventures and life's benchmarks, I recognize that although I have made some things happen, I have also let life happen to me. When asked, "Who are you?", I decided not to address the things I have done or do currently. Are those "things" WHO I am? I think those are all peelings for this onion but what are my insides like? I see the center as God and wrapped around Him is me. Almost blended with me are my babies, then hubby and family, then friends, and then all the things I have done, been, do. Some of my layers are dried out and I'm glad they are not between God and me.
You know, I call my daughter "my heart". She loves that spot. That feeling, that I feel about her, is who I am. Now I am not neglecting or speaking of my other children at this moment, rather, I only brought up one, her, to offer this understanding to you. I love my children, each in a significantly separate and special way. I am trying to describe to you who I am. It's that incredible, warm, vibrant, heated, tender, life feeling that is sometimes or often quiet or subdued.
Imagine....if this is who I am, how thunderous is God! Yet, He is gentle, quiet, observant sometimes.
Well, if I can get all of this by being an onion, look out when I become garlic!
Blessings,
Candy+++
Sitting here late in the week, Germany time. I realize that while I read the questions on Monday, I have been waiting for the 'answers'. So here goes .... Who am I?
ReplyDeleteLiterally: Kathy: teacher, mother, wife. And some days it is hard to tell which 'person' is the most active. But those are the 'roles' I am gifted with and enjoy them all.
Spiritually: I have been traveling down the road for awhile, but have come to many bumps and detours lately ... feel that I need Lee Ann to 'gently' prod me with that cane of correction and get me back on the path of learning.
Ideally: I need to carve out more time for me and my spiritual growth... I suspect that is something we are all saying to ourselves ...
What are my dreams?
To help my son grow to be a caring young man, who understands the value of putting God first in his life ... something that so many young people struggle with (I know I did many years ago :) To continue to grow in my own faith, with my husband ... who continues to amaze me with his love, support and faith.
I have a vision of where I want to be ... I just need the strength and courage to keep taking each little step to get there.
hugs to all
Kathy
The tears flow freely as I read all your postings. How exciting for God the commitment each of you has made to be the woman He created you to be!
ReplyDeleteThis has begun a mentoring relationship as each of us posts, and each of us shares. We offer ourselves, share our ideas, encourage that which is scripturally solid, and with a gentle breath, blow away that which isn't.
Paul in 1 Timothy mentored his young friend. He gave helpful guidance, encouragement, foundational scripture. In 2 Timothy, Paul is in prison, and the roles change just a bit. Paul still mentors Timothy, but in 2 Timothy 4:13, he asks for his cloak. Timothy is invited to minister to Paul! The mentored becomes the one providing encouragement and comfort! He becomes the mentor!
We are both mentors and mentored to. No matter our age or our Christian "maturity" level (I am always a child of God--and childlike in my approach). We are never done learning, never done growing, never done with our lessons. There isn't a moment on this earth when we have arrived at the point where we're done growing in our faith! I am presently facilitating a class and three of the women are over 90! We all grow together.
I am praying for a hands-on, up-close mentoring Christian friend for each of you! One close enough to call, one close enough to give you a hug when you need it, one close enough to wag their finger with gentle discipline when necessary.
And know that we have become mentors, one for another, in this study! Praise the Lord!
God, be with us as we grow. Looking inside can sometimes hurt, especially if we don't like what we find. But, Lord, we know that we are wonderfully made, created in Your image, to be just who You designed and divined us to be. Let me embrace the You that You see in me! Let me grow into the woman You knew before I was even born! And let me rest in the arms of my Abba Father--Your "daddy" arms. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for never leaving me. Thank You for always being there. And, Lord, help me to be Yours, wholly and holy Yours! Amen.