Friday, July 24, 2009

Which of these topics would interest you?

Hello again.

I'm writing this on Friday, July 24, a day that seems abuzz with life's possibilities. I don't know why every day can't feel like this. All I know is that they don't and that I'm allowed to revel in the ones that do.

All that is to say is that if you're like me, your response will likely have something to do with the kind of day it is outside (season and weather) or even, the kind of day you're having right now. If you can take a moment to acknowledge that to yourself, you're probably off to a great start in being honest about your answers.

I have three topics I'm considering for future events. They're listed below. I'd love to hear how they rank in interest to you (1--top interest, 3--lowest interest). Any feedback you want to give would be helpful. Here they are:

1. What to do when the heart waits.
It seems we're always waiting for something. We wait for that skirt to go on sale, for the number on the scale to go down, for a long overdue vacation, for our kids to grow up or for the economy to turn around. We wait to be rescued, wait for our miracle, wait for someone else to change. The way we wait often determines our outcome. By learning how to wait productively, we can enjoy our life today--fully engaged with our current reality--and ensure our success tomorrow. This isn't about wish fulfillment or positive thinking but about creating the life you've always wanted. If you've put your needs or desire on hold, this may be the first step towards taking them off the shelf and turning them in to reality.

2. What to do when prayers go unanswered.
We pray to have a better marriage, for our kids to turn to God or for that right job to come along--things it certainly seems like God would want for us. So why is it that these prayers can go years with seeminly no answer? Is it just about persistence? Are we doing something wrong, somehow blocking the answer from coming? And really, why doesn't God do more when he sees how much pain we're in? These are the questions I've pondered even in the midst of praying for the courage to see whatever the light revealed. If you've tried to crack the code on prayer, you're not alone. We all grope to connect with the God we can't seem to live with, but know we can't live without. If youre longing for some ways prayer can unlock the door to your deepest longings, you won't want to miss this.

3. What to do when plans fail.
Life rarely goes as planned. Divorce, death, loss of any kind can dramatically change our perception that we were in charge of things, or even had a clear sense of where they were headed. Who hasn't wanted God to just show us the plan and make it easy and clear? We've all tried to grasp for control or to fearfully force life to happen. Thankfully, the life God wants for us in't hard. It doesn't depend on our ability to follow a successful formula but on being able to believe that he is leading, sense his Spirit's gentle nudges and cooperate with the opportunities that he provides. God does have a good plan for you. Come find the courage to discover it and follow him into the life you've always wanted.

Thanks so much for your response!

2 comments:

  1. Oops - thought I was posting a comment, but it didn't get picked up!? :)
    Anyway - thanks for the invite & for insight into some very Godly women....
    I think I would put order of preference as 2,3,1. 2 because I have friends/family struggling with this issue and so it is near to my heart. 3 because I am always open to affirming God's direction whether to continue on in the same path, pursue a new direction in the same path or follow a whole new path! :) 1 Always waiting for something, but when I've tried to rush things, really did find out God's ways/timing are better :).....Looking forward to see ALL God does in and through you Deb! GO GOD!

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  2. Hi - not sure if this is the "best" place to ask, but I am trying to seek God's will through prayer and through other believers. I have been married almost three years. I grew up Christian, my spouse not. However, before getting married - he told me he wanted to be a Christian and I believed him. Now, years later into the marriage he's lied more that I can count. He is deceitful and I can't really take it anymore. I know all the verses say - basically don't divorce unless of the case of adultery. But what if your spouse isn't really living a Christian life and leads his life daily with lies and deceit. I know it says to stay with a non-believer because you can influence. But, does God really want the non-believer to suffer in a marriage like that? I am not sure. I feel like the more I pray, God is giving me more insight as to what this person is really like. Would love any input.
    Thanks!
    CCR

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