Jessica Turner is the author of Stretched Too Thin: How Working Moms Can Lose the Guilt, Work Smarter and Thrive, and blogs on The Mom Creative. Every day is a juggling act as she balances working full-time, making memories with her family, photographing the every day and trying to be...
I would like to do a life statement for me. I haven’t read your book. I’m in a couple of Bible Studies at home that take my time and money. But I can tell that my life statement if i had made one has changed completely over the last year. So I want to pray and find what the Lord is doing in me now.
These videos have been so sweet. The three of you are a good ministry team. Thank you for all you’ve dedicated to doing this.
So glad you joined us for the videos even without the book! If you go to http://www.holleygerth.com and look on the books tab there is a place you can download the interactive tools from the book for free. And there is one for doing a Life Statement.
Beverlysays
This chapter was wonderful to put everything together. It is great reassurance to know that “You are not responsible for making yourself perfect. God will do so – and his idea of perfect is entirely different than ours.”
I realized many Expectations that I have put on myself and how silly they sound when I start looking at the source/reasoning.
I LOVED the story about Jesus being the carpenter. It was neat to think about how everything in our life is making us who we are.
I wrote my LIFE statement and found that I was one of those stuck on having to make it “perfect” – the Mrs. P trying to come out. I realized it didn’t have to be and it could be a work in progress.
Mine ended up being fairly simple (not too detailed):
I am created and called to express my faith through love, especially by blessing my family, friends and community with both my words and actions.
Beverlysays
I also love the “God cares more about Growth than perfection”…
I have fallen behind in reading the book and making comments and participating…my favorite aunt went into the hospital on Friday, was in ICU and passed away Monday evening at 11pm. The funeral is Friday (4/13). I am hoping to be able to catch back up this coming weekend. Thank you for understanding.
Heather Psays
Sorry to hear that Susan! Praying for you!
Patriciasays
Sorry for you loss Susan…prays and cyberhugs to you..take the time to be still through this..You will get back to the reading and the videos will still be here for you to watch when you are ready.
So Sorry, Susan. Prayed for you! Like Patricia said, please don’t feel like you need to rush and catch up. 🙂 God is using each moment and each day. He will have you read the chapters and watch the videos at the time when you most need them. I hope you’re able to take this time to rest in His presence. In Christ’s love, Anna
So sorry to hear that, Susan. Love and prayers for you tonight!
Heather Psays
This chapter is so freeing! I really like that Micah 6:8 was used and I could equate it with the theme song for the new Courageous movie. Isn’t it amazing how God uses so many different things to show us who we really are and what we need to be about? AWESOME!!
Yes, I love it when God keeps whispering the same things to our hearts over and over. 🙂
Patriciasays
Love this chapter too!! Puts everything together like a finished puzzle..What a great fews days I’ve had up here at my other house ~ no phone, no interruptions, just stillness and time to read, reflect..I have the book on my Kindle, but am thinking that I want to have this one in paper form, to go over and over..It’s been a little tricky following the pages Jess, Angie and Holley are referring to, but have managed and sometimes hit pause on the video to search.. Some of my favourite lines in this chapter are:
“instead of a mission statement, let’s talk about your LIFE statement”, I feel so much more comfort and less pressured to think about my statement as something that will carry me through my years and not simply take a set amount of time to accomplish it. Makes me realize that my LIFE statement will change over the years and that’s ok – no feelings of guilt for stating one statement, and then having my situation change and twiking it a bit..
“What matters most is thinking and praying more intentionally about how God wants you to express love through your life” – I really want to be more intentional about praying for these things…God is really using this book to minister to me, right now where I am.
“What God wants most in our stories is our hearts. After all, it’s not about the size of the word but the meaning behind it” . This is a learning tool, to say the least. Being intentional and focussed on others showing love in everything we do is the ultimate goal. Sometimes I struggle with the right words..But I know now that I don’t need to have all the answers for comforting others or offering helpful statements. I just need to show the love and thought.
“What God wants most of all is you. Just as you are. Then he’ll show you how he wants to use your life to partner with him infulfilling his purposes. It won’t be a burden but instead a glorious adventure – with plenty of room for mistakes, growth, and joy along the way.”
WHAT AN AWESOME CHAPTER~thanks Holley for a beautifully, smack on, encouraging, chock full of awesome words chapter!
I appreciate you sharing how this chapter impacted you and I’m so glad you had some quiet time to really process it with Jesus.
Wini Schiemannsays
Thank you for not only writing this “freeing” book but also for the videos with the three of you lovely ladies. Two friends and I are doing this on-line study together & meet each week to visit & discuss what we have learned. I also post this on my FACEBOOK so others can benefit from all you are sharing.
Without reading ahead, this is my most favorite chapter. I’m still working on my LIFE statement and I’m happy you shared that you revisit it around each New Year’s, Holley.
Pointing out the timing of Jesus coming into his own is so wonderful because it reminds us that it is all in God’s timing, not our own, no exceptions, even if you’re Jesus in the flesh.
I’m not going to lie. When I first saw the title of this chapter I was thinking that we were going to work hard to figure out this ultimate, earth-shattering goal for our life. However, I was delighted to find out that it was much simpler than that. So often I focus on the call God has placed on my life to be a full time missionary. It’s a hard process. It requires a lot of patience and time. I get upset when I feel like things aren’t moving along fast enough. I pressure myself and push myself to get on the mission field as quick as I possibly can. However, that makes me so discontent with my current phase of life. This chapter helped me gain a much better perspective. I’m not wasting my time as I prepare for the mission field. God is using it to build me into a stronger woman and even though I might not be on the mission field right at this moment, God has provided me with ways to fulfill my calling right here and right now. I am created and called to express my faith through love, especially by bringing hope and comfort to the brokenhearted and oppressed through words and friendships.
Yes, that’s a wonderful perspective Kaelynn–one I need to keep going back to again and again too. God is I AM so the present is always where we can be closest to Him.
Holley: Thank you for your words at the end of this video. I was so encouraged by this chapter and by watching the discussion with Angie and Jessica today.
This is the chapter I was waiting for. 🙂 I’ve recently come to terms with the fact that God doesn’t require or even desire us to be busy all the time. He doesn’t want our days filled with activities – even if they mean well and are “ministry.” He simply wants us to love Him and love others in all that we do… no matter how much we’re doing. Love how that relates to what Holley states on the bottom of page 134, “You may have seasons in your life when it seems everything you do flows with your LIFE. Other times you may feel your highest goal is just managing to take a shower. God loves you just the same in both of those.” I’ve definitely been able to have a fuller joy in a simpler life. Sure, it may not always be so simple (and once I have kids I’m not expecting it to be!), but I am content in finding the simplistic joy in where God has me right now.
I struggled with defining my LIFE statement. I loved what was written about it and what was discussed in the video… however, I almost feel frightened to write something down. I know that God has gifted me with my use of words. I love to encourage and guide others through my words… I just can’t seem to find the right WORDS to write a LIFE statement! HA! How ironic. 😉
The section on expectations was a great eye-opener. I’ve really been struggling with having the “right” job and the “right” education in order to please others and have something to tell them when they ask me where I went to school, what I studied, where I work, and what I want to do with my life! Goodness, it can be mentally exhausting having those conversations! A couple of months ago I almost went back to school just so I could have the “right” degree to tell people about… thankfully, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to realize I was only doing it to please people and myself – not God.
Today’s Proverbs 31 Ministries devotional (April 11, 2012) was the perfect companion to Chapter 8. God sent it to me at just the right time. It’s hard wanting to be at a place further than where you are in the moment. I love writing, and I love to encourage and lead teenage girls into a better understanding of God’s truth…I might even be able to speak to a group of teenage girls (I never would want to in a million years, but somehow I feel like I’m being prepared for it) however, I’m currently a newly married, language arts teacher for 5th and 6th grade with no idea what is going to happen over these next few years! No books written, no speaking engagements set up, barely anyone even knowing who I am! I have big dreams… and I know God will fulfill His plan in His timing. Just need to see each part of my life as His plan being played out, step by step. Of course, no one needs to know who I am 😉 I’m just saying that I would really love to either write books for teenage girls, or lead conferences for them… to encourage and guide them closer to who God has called them to be. Although I may not be leading a group of girls, there is one girl whom God has placed in my life since I was a teenager, myself (it’s been about eight years), and she still seeks my counsel…. through letters, email, phone calls… it’s a blessing to know that God is using me to encourage her – even if only her.
Here is the website in order to read the article: http://www.proverbs31.org/devotions/ If you’re reading after 4/11, you’ll need to find it in the archives. 🙂
So happy that this chapter came at just the right time in your life. I love how God works out those details in His perfect timing.
Patricia/NYCsays
I LOVE this chapter!! So much incredible wisdom here. The paragraph that really hit home for me is on page 140: “…If you knew you would be completely loved & accepted no matter what, then which items would be crossed off your to-do list for good?” wow! What a great tool for deciphering what actions to take out of love rather than out of fear or to gain the acceptance of others. I know I will be referring to this chapter again & again! Thank you, Holley. And many thanks to Angie & Jessica for doing these wonderful discussions!
My favorite favorite favorite chapter Holley! I’m getting so much freedom from the “law” of expectations. The Lord is marinating me in it constantly. I move around my house slowly (getting over pneumonia) and speaking to myself, “I am no longer under law, but under grace.” There is joy beneath the struggle
I know you must be crazy busy, but it might encourage you to read my response to this chapter on my blog. Because of this post, I have all kinds of women running to Amazon to get this fabulous book!!!! Thanks for your obedience in birthing this book!
I’m planning on doing a book club on “You’re Already Amazing” in June. Can’t wait for others to read what I’ve been reading!
Jennysays
This chapter was AMAZING. I am so thankful for this book Holley. I’ve needed every word. Thank you for living God’s calling on your life.
Lousays
In her book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Joanna Beaver relates the story of a man who was asked by God to take three stones to the top of a hill. God even gave him a wagon, so off the man went, happy to oblige the Lord. Along the way, he met several people who needed something taken to the top of the hill, and soon the little wagon was overflowing with rocks, boulders, and pebbles in addition to the three simple stones that God had asked the man to move. The man soon felt that he could not do what God had asked. (OK, I know you already get the point here!) The Lord met the man and asked him why he was carrying so many burdens that He had not asked him to bear. “My yoke is easy and my burden is light. I will never ask you to carry more than you can bear.”
I so want to be led by God, to stay focused on Him and what He asks of me, instead of trying to please everyone whom I meet along the way. Help me, Lord, to keep my eyes on You, and to walk in obedience to You. You will show me what I need to do, what You have created me to do, every step of the way.
Ahhhh….Chapter 8, I highlighted all of page 129 and the top of 130!!!
WOW!!!! They both spoke volumes to and about me. I’ve been squirming a bit myself lately and my husband has noticed…we’re preparing for our 3rd deployment and well they don’t get any easier. This book is going to stay bedside to me…
God Bless!!
Sherry
Laurensays
Loved the revelation that our God, who created the World in 7 days, doesn’t care how much I can get crossed off my to do list! It’s not about the tasks, but rather about the action of completing them and how it impacts those around me. Loved this entired chapter! Bless you, Holley, Angie, and Jessica!
Interesting that you have called this a life statement and not a mission statement. I like this wording. Although I have written mission and vision statements in the past I am looking at a rewite after this chapter and making it a fresh life statement.
My last mission statement I wrote was and I add the beginning of the life statement to this:
I am created and called to express my faith through love especially by training up disciples to encounter Christ through the word, silence, solitude and prayer.
As a mother and grandmother the first disciples I feel responsible for training are my children and now my 6 grandchildren all under the age of 4. So often we desire to find our idenity in what we “do” rather who we are in Christ!
In His Arms, Beth
Megan Hendersonsays
There is so much to digest, in this chapter and the previous chapters. I recently gave up a serving opportunity to spend more time with my young boys. It wasn’t something that took up much time, but I just felt like I needed to spend those extra minutes with my sons. I was worried how the coordinator would feel, and if she would criticize me for backing out of this commitment that took just a few minutes to complete. She was so understanding, and she reminded me that my job right now is to be a mommy. I need to continue to examine my life and how that impacts my idea of God’s expectation of me or a self-imposed expectation. Thank you for helping me get my thoughts rolling in this area!
One of the things that really stuck out is being busy all the time. I know because when I have a few moment to myself, it seems like there is always something that needs to be done, orr people to help. I love helping others and listening to htem, and sometimes that is more then words can say, ubt all the business I often neglect myself in the midst of the storms and then wonder what happened? I love how we dont have to finds ways to be perfect for God! That in his eyes we are already there, this is a really hard concept for me wiith all that has happened in the laat few years, and something that I struggle wiith, so if I filll the time with businesss then there is lest time to foucs on other things. But wow the fact that Gods loves and sees me as perfect in his eyes. ALong with the idea of a life statement. I am still tring to figure mine out, It seem like I get a thought on it then it changes in a day or two. I know I am hear to help other through listening and having a heart for people but that too is a part of my job,as a nurse so I wonder if my acareer plays a role in that statement. I loved that tyou talked about the expectations for ourselves. I have really high standeards and I am really hard on me if and when I fail to met them. I question a lot of things when stuff happens and then go sideways. But knowing I am enough in His eyes is so calming and wonderful to know that I am His daughter and He is there with me eand doesn’t se all those flaws that I see from failed expectations p137.
I really loved your pointing out that our own or others’ expectations are laws, and we’re not under law; we’re under grace. I used to think of that as applying to Old Testament law too, but yes, really it applies to anything that’s burdening us. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I would like to do a life statement for me. I haven’t read your book. I’m in a couple of Bible Studies at home that take my time and money. But I can tell that my life statement if i had made one has changed completely over the last year. So I want to pray and find what the Lord is doing in me now.
These videos have been so sweet. The three of you are a good ministry team. Thank you for all you’ve dedicated to doing this.
So glad you joined us for the videos even without the book! If you go to http://www.holleygerth.com and look on the books tab there is a place you can download the interactive tools from the book for free. And there is one for doing a Life Statement.
This chapter was wonderful to put everything together. It is great reassurance to know that “You are not responsible for making yourself perfect. God will do so – and his idea of perfect is entirely different than ours.”
I realized many Expectations that I have put on myself and how silly they sound when I start looking at the source/reasoning.
I LOVED the story about Jesus being the carpenter. It was neat to think about how everything in our life is making us who we are.
I wrote my LIFE statement and found that I was one of those stuck on having to make it “perfect” – the Mrs. P trying to come out. I realized it didn’t have to be and it could be a work in progress.
Mine ended up being fairly simple (not too detailed):
I am created and called to express my faith through love, especially by blessing my family, friends and community with both my words and actions.
I also love the “God cares more about Growth than perfection”…
Love your life statement, Beverly!
I have fallen behind in reading the book and making comments and participating…my favorite aunt went into the hospital on Friday, was in ICU and passed away Monday evening at 11pm. The funeral is Friday (4/13). I am hoping to be able to catch back up this coming weekend. Thank you for understanding.
Sorry to hear that Susan! Praying for you!
Sorry for you loss Susan…prays and cyberhugs to you..take the time to be still through this..You will get back to the reading and the videos will still be here for you to watch when you are ready.
So Sorry, Susan. Prayed for you! Like Patricia said, please don’t feel like you need to rush and catch up. 🙂 God is using each moment and each day. He will have you read the chapters and watch the videos at the time when you most need them. I hope you’re able to take this time to rest in His presence. In Christ’s love, Anna
So sorry to hear that, Susan. Love and prayers for you tonight!
This chapter is so freeing! I really like that Micah 6:8 was used and I could equate it with the theme song for the new Courageous movie. Isn’t it amazing how God uses so many different things to show us who we really are and what we need to be about? AWESOME!!
I found the application of Micah 6:8 so liberating! And I love how Holley explained it.
Yes, I love it when God keeps whispering the same things to our hearts over and over. 🙂
Love this chapter too!! Puts everything together like a finished puzzle..What a great fews days I’ve had up here at my other house ~ no phone, no interruptions, just stillness and time to read, reflect..I have the book on my Kindle, but am thinking that I want to have this one in paper form, to go over and over..It’s been a little tricky following the pages Jess, Angie and Holley are referring to, but have managed and sometimes hit pause on the video to search.. Some of my favourite lines in this chapter are:
“instead of a mission statement, let’s talk about your LIFE statement”, I feel so much more comfort and less pressured to think about my statement as something that will carry me through my years and not simply take a set amount of time to accomplish it. Makes me realize that my LIFE statement will change over the years and that’s ok – no feelings of guilt for stating one statement, and then having my situation change and twiking it a bit..
“What matters most is thinking and praying more intentionally about how God wants you to express love through your life” – I really want to be more intentional about praying for these things…God is really using this book to minister to me, right now where I am.
“What God wants most in our stories is our hearts. After all, it’s not about the size of the word but the meaning behind it” . This is a learning tool, to say the least. Being intentional and focussed on others showing love in everything we do is the ultimate goal. Sometimes I struggle with the right words..But I know now that I don’t need to have all the answers for comforting others or offering helpful statements. I just need to show the love and thought.
“What God wants most of all is you. Just as you are. Then he’ll show you how he wants to use your life to partner with him infulfilling his purposes. It won’t be a burden but instead a glorious adventure – with plenty of room for mistakes, growth, and joy along the way.”
WHAT AN AWESOME CHAPTER~thanks Holley for a beautifully, smack on, encouraging, chock full of awesome words chapter!
I appreciate you sharing how this chapter impacted you and I’m so glad you had some quiet time to really process it with Jesus.
Thank you for not only writing this “freeing” book but also for the videos with the three of you lovely ladies. Two friends and I are doing this on-line study together & meet each week to visit & discuss what we have learned. I also post this on my FACEBOOK so others can benefit from all you are sharing.
How fun! Wish I could join in with you and your friends!
Without reading ahead, this is my most favorite chapter. I’m still working on my LIFE statement and I’m happy you shared that you revisit it around each New Year’s, Holley.
Pointing out the timing of Jesus coming into his own is so wonderful because it reminds us that it is all in God’s timing, not our own, no exceptions, even if you’re Jesus in the flesh.
Yay! This is my favorite chapter too.
I’m not going to lie. When I first saw the title of this chapter I was thinking that we were going to work hard to figure out this ultimate, earth-shattering goal for our life. However, I was delighted to find out that it was much simpler than that. So often I focus on the call God has placed on my life to be a full time missionary. It’s a hard process. It requires a lot of patience and time. I get upset when I feel like things aren’t moving along fast enough. I pressure myself and push myself to get on the mission field as quick as I possibly can. However, that makes me so discontent with my current phase of life. This chapter helped me gain a much better perspective. I’m not wasting my time as I prepare for the mission field. God is using it to build me into a stronger woman and even though I might not be on the mission field right at this moment, God has provided me with ways to fulfill my calling right here and right now. I am created and called to express my faith through love, especially by bringing hope and comfort to the brokenhearted and oppressed through words and friendships.
Yes, that’s a wonderful perspective Kaelynn–one I need to keep going back to again and again too. God is I AM so the present is always where we can be closest to Him.
Holley: Thank you for your words at the end of this video. I was so encouraged by this chapter and by watching the discussion with Angie and Jessica today.
You are so welcome, Lyli!
AMAZING chapter. I was taking notes all over the place. I love the book print out papers.
Notes are always a good sign. 🙂
This is the chapter I was waiting for. 🙂 I’ve recently come to terms with the fact that God doesn’t require or even desire us to be busy all the time. He doesn’t want our days filled with activities – even if they mean well and are “ministry.” He simply wants us to love Him and love others in all that we do… no matter how much we’re doing. Love how that relates to what Holley states on the bottom of page 134, “You may have seasons in your life when it seems everything you do flows with your LIFE. Other times you may feel your highest goal is just managing to take a shower. God loves you just the same in both of those.” I’ve definitely been able to have a fuller joy in a simpler life. Sure, it may not always be so simple (and once I have kids I’m not expecting it to be!), but I am content in finding the simplistic joy in where God has me right now.
I struggled with defining my LIFE statement. I loved what was written about it and what was discussed in the video… however, I almost feel frightened to write something down. I know that God has gifted me with my use of words. I love to encourage and guide others through my words… I just can’t seem to find the right WORDS to write a LIFE statement! HA! How ironic. 😉
The section on expectations was a great eye-opener. I’ve really been struggling with having the “right” job and the “right” education in order to please others and have something to tell them when they ask me where I went to school, what I studied, where I work, and what I want to do with my life! Goodness, it can be mentally exhausting having those conversations! A couple of months ago I almost went back to school just so I could have the “right” degree to tell people about… thankfully, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to realize I was only doing it to please people and myself – not God.
Today’s Proverbs 31 Ministries devotional (April 11, 2012) was the perfect companion to Chapter 8. God sent it to me at just the right time. It’s hard wanting to be at a place further than where you are in the moment. I love writing, and I love to encourage and lead teenage girls into a better understanding of God’s truth…I might even be able to speak to a group of teenage girls (I never would want to in a million years, but somehow I feel like I’m being prepared for it) however, I’m currently a newly married, language arts teacher for 5th and 6th grade with no idea what is going to happen over these next few years! No books written, no speaking engagements set up, barely anyone even knowing who I am! I have big dreams… and I know God will fulfill His plan in His timing. Just need to see each part of my life as His plan being played out, step by step. Of course, no one needs to know who I am 😉 I’m just saying that I would really love to either write books for teenage girls, or lead conferences for them… to encourage and guide them closer to who God has called them to be. Although I may not be leading a group of girls, there is one girl whom God has placed in my life since I was a teenager, myself (it’s been about eight years), and she still seeks my counsel…. through letters, email, phone calls… it’s a blessing to know that God is using me to encourage her – even if only her.
Here is the website in order to read the article: http://www.proverbs31.org/devotions/ If you’re reading after 4/11, you’ll need to find it in the archives. 🙂
So happy that this chapter came at just the right time in your life. I love how God works out those details in His perfect timing.
I LOVE this chapter!! So much incredible wisdom here. The paragraph that really hit home for me is on page 140: “…If you knew you would be completely loved & accepted no matter what, then which items would be crossed off your to-do list for good?” wow! What a great tool for deciphering what actions to take out of love rather than out of fear or to gain the acceptance of others. I know I will be referring to this chapter again & again! Thank you, Holley. And many thanks to Angie & Jessica for doing these wonderful discussions!
My favorite favorite favorite chapter Holley! I’m getting so much freedom from the “law” of expectations. The Lord is marinating me in it constantly. I move around my house slowly (getting over pneumonia) and speaking to myself, “I am no longer under law, but under grace.” There is joy beneath the struggle
I know you must be crazy busy, but it might encourage you to read my response to this chapter on my blog. Because of this post, I have all kinds of women running to Amazon to get this fabulous book!!!! Thanks for your obedience in birthing this book!
I write about it here: http://www.athirstforgod.com/leaning-back-into-grace/
I’m planning on doing a book club on “You’re Already Amazing” in June. Can’t wait for others to read what I’ve been reading!
This chapter was AMAZING. I am so thankful for this book Holley. I’ve needed every word. Thank you for living God’s calling on your life.
In her book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Joanna Beaver relates the story of a man who was asked by God to take three stones to the top of a hill. God even gave him a wagon, so off the man went, happy to oblige the Lord. Along the way, he met several people who needed something taken to the top of the hill, and soon the little wagon was overflowing with rocks, boulders, and pebbles in addition to the three simple stones that God had asked the man to move. The man soon felt that he could not do what God had asked. (OK, I know you already get the point here!) The Lord met the man and asked him why he was carrying so many burdens that He had not asked him to bear. “My yoke is easy and my burden is light. I will never ask you to carry more than you can bear.”
I so want to be led by God, to stay focused on Him and what He asks of me, instead of trying to please everyone whom I meet along the way. Help me, Lord, to keep my eyes on You, and to walk in obedience to You. You will show me what I need to do, what You have created me to do, every step of the way.
Ahhhh….Chapter 8, I highlighted all of page 129 and the top of 130!!!
WOW!!!! They both spoke volumes to and about me. I’ve been squirming a bit myself lately and my husband has noticed…we’re preparing for our 3rd deployment and well they don’t get any easier. This book is going to stay bedside to me…
God Bless!!
Sherry
Loved the revelation that our God, who created the World in 7 days, doesn’t care how much I can get crossed off my to do list! It’s not about the tasks, but rather about the action of completing them and how it impacts those around me. Loved this entired chapter! Bless you, Holley, Angie, and Jessica!
Holley,
Interesting that you have called this a life statement and not a mission statement. I like this wording. Although I have written mission and vision statements in the past I am looking at a rewite after this chapter and making it a fresh life statement.
My last mission statement I wrote was and I add the beginning of the life statement to this:
I am created and called to express my faith through love especially by training up disciples to encounter Christ through the word, silence, solitude and prayer.
As a mother and grandmother the first disciples I feel responsible for training are my children and now my 6 grandchildren all under the age of 4. So often we desire to find our idenity in what we “do” rather who we are in Christ!
In His Arms, Beth
There is so much to digest, in this chapter and the previous chapters. I recently gave up a serving opportunity to spend more time with my young boys. It wasn’t something that took up much time, but I just felt like I needed to spend those extra minutes with my sons. I was worried how the coordinator would feel, and if she would criticize me for backing out of this commitment that took just a few minutes to complete. She was so understanding, and she reminded me that my job right now is to be a mommy. I need to continue to examine my life and how that impacts my idea of God’s expectation of me or a self-imposed expectation. Thank you for helping me get my thoughts rolling in this area!
One of the things that really stuck out is being busy all the time. I know because when I have a few moment to myself, it seems like there is always something that needs to be done, orr people to help. I love helping others and listening to htem, and sometimes that is more then words can say, ubt all the business I often neglect myself in the midst of the storms and then wonder what happened? I love how we dont have to finds ways to be perfect for God! That in his eyes we are already there, this is a really hard concept for me wiith all that has happened in the laat few years, and something that I struggle wiith, so if I filll the time with businesss then there is lest time to foucs on other things. But wow the fact that Gods loves and sees me as perfect in his eyes. ALong with the idea of a life statement. I am still tring to figure mine out, It seem like I get a thought on it then it changes in a day or two. I know I am hear to help other through listening and having a heart for people but that too is a part of my job,as a nurse so I wonder if my acareer plays a role in that statement. I loved that tyou talked about the expectations for ourselves. I have really high standeards and I am really hard on me if and when I fail to met them. I question a lot of things when stuff happens and then go sideways. But knowing I am enough in His eyes is so calming and wonderful to know that I am His daughter and He is there with me eand doesn’t se all those flaws that I see from failed expectations p137.
I really loved your pointing out that our own or others’ expectations are laws, and we’re not under law; we’re under grace. I used to think of that as applying to Old Testament law too, but yes, really it applies to anything that’s burdening us. Thanks for sharing 🙂