Day Thirty-Two: Using What God Gave You

Rick Warren starts this lesson with the words, “God deserves your best.” I don’t know if it’s just because I’m so worn out at this time that I struggle with that, but this is a tough one for me. Let’s talk about using what God gave us…

JEAN’S COMMENTS:
In reading this lesson, God reminded me of the many times I have been envious of the many people that have so much more talent than I do. Several friends who can do home decorating and make your home look like it belongs in a designer magazine. Others that can do craft work, paint, draw, etc. I have no talent at all. Or so I always thought.

Then God reminded me of my own talents. I can talk to anyone and make them feel comfortable and when I ask a question I genuinely care. I can write and my writing gets answers. I can quilt (though I do it only for friends right now, I am getting ready to make a quilt and put it on the market for sale), I can budget, I can carry heavy loads of burdens without giving up to self-pity.

I love to clean the church bathroom. Sound odd? When you think of how many places you go in public, friends, families, etc. what is the one room most of us will notice if it is dirty, smelly or bad? The bathroom. I don't want my church to be judged by its bathrooms, so I make sure it sparkles.

I have given thought over the last few days of what my shape should be and I still don't know.

What did I learn growing up? To be kind to others and animals and those less fortunate, to respect my elders, to reach out and help someone in need whether I know them or not. How to raise a family at the age of 8 and do a good job. I learned to take God seriously, but not myself or life to much.

Educational: Favorite subjects hands down: English and Science.

Vocational: Every job I have ever held has been as successful as I chose to make it. I have worked as a waitress (Definitely NOT my calling), a nurses assistant, bartender, nuclear power, in the oil fields of Louisiana, medical offices, professional offices and as a police and fire dispatcher.

Spiritual: Most meaningful times with God are the ones in which He speaks and I listen.But everyday is meaningful to me. When I see a head of lettuce come out of my husbands garden or bring roses in from mine, when I see the sunset and rise, when I see my grandchildren smile or feel my husband kiss me good bye in the mornings and when I see his smile in the afternoon. When I hear a message and know God is speaking to me directly.

Ministry: I have served God by working with families of infants that have passed away, I worked at a womens shelter, a volunteer at a hospital, I have taught Sunday school and VBS. I have been a friend when someone didn't have one.

Painful things I have learned from: When you loose a child, life goes on and will always go on until HE calls you home. divorce can be a learning experience, so can other hurtful things from childhood. Loving someone so much and then having to let them go because they are killing themselves from drugs, if you love them that much YOU have to let go. Money doesn't make the world go around. Hundreds more!

My shape is to help others, but where is the question and when!


JANICE’S RESPONSE:
It's so interesting to me that we're looking at these issues right now. I just posted a prayer request a couple of days back because I'm so "over-taxed" at church. Having trouble saying "no." I've let myself get into a situation where I'm taking on roles I shouldn't.

I wasn't always like this. I actually reached a point where I was able to just do the things I KNEW God was calling me to do.

Sorry I've been behind on lessons. Between my out of town trip, taking church kids to the zoo, hosting a shower, teaching kid's church and going to meetings, I'm absolutely wiped out. Oh, and delivering puppies, I should add. (My dog had puppies after a long, sleepless night last night!)

I'm beyond wiped out. :) I could use a little prayer, my friend...


JEAN’S RESPONSE:
Done!

Heavenly Father I ask you to reach down and touch my new friend Janice with the renewed strength she needs to say 'no' to projects she knows she just doesn't have time to do and that are wearing her out.

Father, we know YOU want us to help others and reach out in Your name, but YOU cannot use us if we allow ourselves to be used up and worn down all the time.

Father give Sister Janice a renewed strength and energy during this time and continue to remind her that YOU have a plan for her and when she goes beyond that plan, she becomes tired and weary.

Father, we thank You for Your goodness and wonders and strength and I thank You for being able to share with another believer I do not personally know, but that I know YOU chose for me to do this study with.

Father, we lift up our arms in praise and worship to You and we thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ and the friends we form in Your name. Amen

Day Thirty-One: Understanding Your Shape

Rick Warren starts with a scripture from Psalm 139:13: "You shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb."

From there, he goes on to say, “Only you can be you.” He spends some time in this chapter talking about our “shape” and how God wants us to apply our abilities, our personality and our experiences. “What I’m ABLE to do, God wants me to do,” Warren says. And it’s true! “Nobody else can be me!” So, let’s talk about that!

JEAN’S COMMENTS:
Wow! God uses our experiences to help others, even the ones we really didn't like going through. I never thought about it that way. We get into the habit of hiding our pains and bad experiences from not only ourselves sometimes but others that we don't think we could help anyone by sharing.

What can I offer my church? I am new to my church and it is very small and I asked the pastor that very thing today, where can I help? He told me God would bring it to light, but for right now my job is getting to know the other members of the church.

Where could I help? I think in the area of budgeting and money issues since I have been at the bottom and with the help of Larry Burkett and Dave Ramsey's biblical principals, have made my way up.

I could help others understand that struggles are only temporary in our life and that God gives them to us to strengthen us.

Cleaning the church, fund raising, etc.

But for now, I am happy to be a new member of my church and get to know everyone.

Day Thirty: Shaped for Serving God

Rick Warren states that 'nothing in our life is insignificant and that every experience we have is intended to use for God's glory.' Wow! How do I take all the years I have had on this earth and fulfill that?

God has given me strength to hold up under all of the devils arrows and while some people think I am at times heading for a nervous breakdown with all the stress, I have always clung to David saying that everything we do has already been recorded.

If that is the case, why should I be worried about anything? I can't change anything.

He talks about unwrapping and finding those gifts. Many of my friends say I have a huge heart, filled with compassion for others and the gift to write and yet, I am doubtful or maybe fearful that I don't. Then again, my passion has always been helping others and writing and when I am feeling vulnerable to life or the need to help others, I write. But writing something for God that shines out where someone else would want to read it...now that is fear!

In what way can I see myself passionately serving others and loving it? Wow!

There is a need for a few books to be written in the area of law enforcement and domestic violence, but the one I want to write could cause more people to be angry due to the content. I feel the need to reach out to other grandparents that are raising their children and let them know they are not alone and speak on this subject, but how do I go about doing this?

God put me on this earth and gave me the strength I have I believe in my heart because He molded me to not be afraid to step up to the challenges and take on the struggles of things that aren't always what everyone wants to hear. He also put me on this earth to help in my church in the capacity of finances and I believe those very strongly. Lastly he gave me a heart to feel compassion for those that have nothing. People like the parents and family members of those in jail like my son. The homeless, the disabled and yet, I have no money to reach out to these people, all I can do is offer them hope in the name of Christ Jesus.

Honestly, just when I thought my writing was taking off, my computer crashed and the only thing I have left is the internet portion and no money to buy a new one or fix the old one. But I still can hand write my thoughts and ideas.

God blesses us all and sometimes we just have to remember the gifts that other people see in us are really in us.

Day Twenty-Nine: Accepting Your Assignment

Rick Warren reminds us at the beginning of this chapter that we were put on this earth to make a contribution. So, let’s talk about that…

JEAN’S COMMENTS:
I don't know that anything is holding me back per se. I believe I do give God the glory when I go to work each day and smile when I don't feel like it, when I pray for others I don't know, when I volunteer to help others or take someones vacation time for them.

I feel very strongly in the church I attend right now and feel there is more to get involved with there, but they will let me know when they need me.

God has always blessed me with the gift to reach out and help others and I feel I have always accepted that gift.

JANICE’S RESPONSE:
I think I’ve always known/felt that I was put here to give, not to take. I’m a worker bee. Staying busy “for the Kingdom” just comes naturally to me. In fact, I usually have to work at NOT working, if that makes any sense!

Funny, though… I think somewhere along the way I got “serving God” and “works” a little mixed up. At some point I began to substitute “working hard” for serving, which is wrong. They’re entirely different things! I’m certainly maturing now. (I should be, right? I’m 46 years old and I’ve been serving the Lord since childhood.)

I might dispute one thing Rick Warren said. He wrote: “The last thing many believers need today is to go to another Bible study. They already know far more than they are putting into practice.” I think we might “know” as we study, but often don’t retain, which is WHY we don’t put into practice. Some of us (like me, for instance) need a continual reminder of the Word!

Day Twenty-Eight: It Takes Time

“Everything on earth has its own time and its own season.” (Ecc. 3:1)

Rick Warren begins this lesson with these words: “There are no shortcuts to maturity.”

JEAN’S COMMENTS:
The area of my spiritual growth in where I need to patient and persistent is trusting in the Lord for all things.

My baby child (22) is in jail at this time un-sentenced. He suffers from Autism and has never been in trouble in his life. Today he informed me they moved him to a different area of the jail with a bunch of hard core gang members.

In less than 24 hours, the guards have had to step in four times to prevent them from reaching my son causing him harm.

How much God must have ached when people wanted to harm His Son because He claimed to be the Son of God and proclaimed truth.

Trusting God will keep angels around him and keep him safe is very difficult for me when I want to call the jail and ask why they are doing this. However, doing so can put my son in jeopardy with the guards.

Trusting in His wisdom and knowledge is where I need to spiritually grow!


JANICE’S RESPONSE:
I can certainly understand your dilemma. How frustrating! And how you must surely want to fix the problem.

As I read over this lesson, I was intrigued by something Rick Warren had to say: “When you try to ripen fruit quickly, it loses its flavor.” I’d never thought about that before. It seems the same thing is also true with using a microwave to quickly thaw meat, wouldn’t you agree?

And yet, we are called to be patient. Things take time. WE take time. And how patient God is with us, right? We’re still growing into all we will become. We’re certainly not there yet.

In my own life, I find it VERY hard to be patient. I move VERY, VERY fast. People are always saying how amazed they are at all I can accomplish in such a short time. And (I must confess) hanging out with really slow, methodical people really frustrates me. And yet, I know that I get sloppy when I move fast. God wants to slow me down!

JEAN'S RESPONSE:
Janice, God has richly blessed our family today and taught me how rewarding it is to trust and believe in Him and prayer. First thing out the door, my hubby went to visit our son in jail and Adam told his dad the Sgt. promised him they would move him out of where he is at. Then, his public defender called. Praise the Lord, this man knows about Autism and Aspergers Syndrome and the first thing he wants to do is get my son out of jail without a bond. He also told me he loves the job he does and he isn't going to just sit and wait for something to happen, he is going to get to the truth and work up a rapport with my son and do whatever it takes to help him. As God knows I speak the truth, I felt a ton of weight drift off my shoulders.

Then, during visitation today, Adam was able to flip his charge papers over to his dad. I was in the waiting area when my son came out and when I saw the charges weren't what we originally thought they were, I began without thinking and unashamedly praising God and crying in the jail waiting area. I won't say he doesn't have serious charges, but I am so very grateful to Our Lord that after praying for over 2 hours last night for Him to find someway to lower the one charge, it was never on there in the first place. Hallelujah!

I am not a patient person either, but I try. It never ceases to amaze my husband how patient I am with all our grandchildren and yet if I ask him a question and he feels he has to draw me a picture, I become impatient and as I tell him the minute he begins to draw, I go to the Bahamas...I just feel like he needs to give me a fast and simple answer. Also, as a police dispatcher, everything happens fast so to slow down is torture to me & yet, I am like you, I get sloppy when I am in a hurry.

Day Twenty-Seven: Defeating Temptation

Temptation… My, oh my how we struggle with this one. And yet, as Rick Warren so aptly points out at the beginning of today’s lesson: “There is always a way out.” So true, so true. Why, then, do we still struggle with temptation? Let’s talk about that…

JEAN’S COMMENTS:
I have been blessed to have numerous people I can ask to pray for me when I feel in temptation. I have 2 wonderful friends that call me everyday or so and both are Christians and I have an awesome prayer group I belong to.

I also ask my husband to pray for me when I feel especially weak or vulnerable.

I have been blessed in this area immensely!

JANICE’S RESPONSE:
The kinds of temptations I face might be a little different from the norm. I don't really struggle with temptations to drink, to cuss, to turn from God. My biggest struggles have to do with what I eat. I have a history of extreme weight gain from abusing sugar and over-eating the wrong foods.

That whole thing Rick Warren said about turning your focus to something else is true. In my book, I MUST DECREASE (which is a humorous weight-loss devotional), I have a daily section called "Turning Your Focus." I think it's critical (especially when you're tempted with something) to IMMEDIATE begin to think about what you can do FOR someone else.

I'm glad Rick took the time to address food issues. I feel the church is silent on this one. We don't drink, smoke, chew (or hang with folks who do) but boy, do we ever gorge ourselves at church functions! For years, I didn't even realize that what I was doing was "wrong." I was certainly never confronted on it.

I also agree with him when he says that you must reveal your struggle to a godly friend or support group. I joined "Lighter Writers" right away (in January 2002) when I started watching my eating. Over a fifteen-month period I lost 100 pounds. They were my best friends and strongest supporters!

I still haven't really "won" my battle with temptation. I've put back on a few pounds over the past year. But I still have folks I can turn to for support. I recognize my vulnerability and know I can't do this alone. I also recognize that it's the devil I must resist, not particular foods!

JEAN’S RESPONSE:
I am a smoker and it has been a struggle for years with trying to quit. Recently I have cut down, but it is a horrible habit.

My real temptation is control. I want to control what is going on instead of letting God control and that is hard.

As I said earlier, my baby is in jail on some very serious charges and I have had to give everything to God and let Him be in control.

Food is a biggie for me, but I don't worry about it much any more because I do my best to eat right and take care of myself.

You are right about the church not being very active in that sense, but I feel in many ways we are bombarded in all parts of our life about weight control, we don't need the extra guilt from the church.
But a church I used to attend had weekly exercise program and weight watchers, Now, that’s a great concept.

Day Twenty-Six: Growing Through Temptation

"Happy is the man who doesn't give in and do wrong when he is tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward the crown of life that God has promised those who love him." (James 1:12) Let's talk about that...

Day Twenty-Five: Transformed by Trouble

JEAN'S COMMENTS: What problem in my life has caused the greatest growth in me? I can only answer all of them. Many years ago I lost my home and my husband and I were separated, during this low period of my life I remembered that God has every part of our life planned out, so when I feel low or blue or people ask me how much more I can take, I remember that I can't change one part of my life because it is all written out in Gods plan.

My son is in jail right now for a crime we do not believe he committed but due to his love for someone has lied to protect her. I can't change where he is right now, but I can pray and trust in the Lord to let the truth be revealed. But going to visit him in the jail I was able to witness to people about Jesus and that is something I have never done in my life because I was always afraid to speak out. So, once again, God is using a problem in my life, to teach me to grow in another area.

Some of the most Godly people in the Bible (Jonah,Isaac, Abraham, Joseph and Jesus) suffered immensely and yet they loved the Lord with all of thier heart and followed his instructions, but they still fell from the path once in awhile, they suffered many trials and tribulations and God still blessed them.

The greatest lesson I have learned is that if I want Gods blessings, I have to be willing to take whatever lesson he tosses at me and learn to grow within easy phase

Day Twenty-Four: Transformed by Truth

Today’s lesson is all about diligently getting into the Word. Let’s talk about that…

JEAN’S COMMENTS:
What has God already told me in His word to start doing that I haven't done yet?

I'm not sure about this one but I think it would be to memorize His word. I spend 30 minutes reading and praying each morning, but when it comes to memorization, I have no memory left at times.

I have started witnessing to people, but without the words to speak, I won't able to do that for long.

Jean



JANICE’S RESPONSE:

I had to give a big "ouch" when I read, "A Bible on a shelf is worthless." For awhile there (a month or so ago) I was really into the Word all the time. Lately, my "busyness" has left the Bible sitting on the shelf. Oh, I get "the Word" at church on Sundays, and I'm always in "the Word" looking for a verse to add to my latest book, but I haven't really been staying in it faithfully, to be honest. I like the direction Rick Warren takes when he begins to talk about accepting the authority of the Word - how he leads off into the story about Billy Graham. I don't know that I've specifically doubted the Word, but it was consoling to know that even Billy Graham has had doubts about spiritual things!

And how wonderful that he reminds us about the fact that we live in a day and time when we have access to the Word. For generations, only the priests got to read it (and relay the messages - accurate or inaccurate - to the people). I need to take advantage of the fact that I can reach for my Bible at ANY time, day or night, and don't have to rely on someone else to tell me what it means! The Holy Spirit can be my "revealer."

I need to begin memorizing the Word, to be sure. I have scriptures posted all over my house, but I don't really look at them as much as I should. In order to accomplish that, I'm going to have to set a goal: "One scripture per week" etc. That's the only way I'll get it done! When the Beth Moore study was going on, I was diligent! I need to get back into action!

Day Twenty-Three: How We Grow.

Rick Warren begins this lesson with a line that would make anyone nervous: “God wants you to grow up.” Ouch! But it’s so true! We have to turn our focus to Him (and others) in order to grow. Sure, we play a part in our spiritual growth, but we won’t grow much if we’re too self-focused! We have to get to the core of things: our thinking. Our thoughts prompt our actions. We must be renewed in our thoughts and attitudes. So, let’s talk about that…

JEAN’S COMMENTS:
The current direction this study is heading in has really been a blessing to me and given me the ability to hear Gods voice and pray and spend more time with Our Lord. I am actually resting and feeling His peace more than any other time in my life.
What is one area where I need to stop thinking my way and start thinking God's way?
There are 2 actually that God really has placed on my heart and is using others to reinforce what He wants from me. The first is I have always wanted to move back to Washington state since 1986 and each time I have believed there was a good chance of this, God has stopped it.
I have Osteo Arthritis in my neck which is causing me problems lately and a friend told me the weather would not be good for me. Last night at work I went outside to take a walk and was talking to Him and telling Him I need to move to Washington Lord, I can't afford to continue to live here. Just as loud as anything I heard someone tell me: What you need to do is trust Me and stop worrying about moving.
The other area is in my own writing. I love to write and have had several ideas placed on my heart and this week one of those ideas became apparent I am supposed to write about it when four people asked me why I am not writing a book on the subject.
What one area I am beginning to think God's way is trust! I need to learn to accept that He wants me in Arizona and He will guide me where He wants me if I trust HIM.
This study has truly helped me open my eyes, ears and heart up to what God wants from me and where He wants me to change.

JANICE’S RESPONSE:
Hi Jean!

I feel your pain when it comes to wishing you could move to another location. After all, I live in hot, humid Houston! I like to dream of living in someplace tropical (Hawaii, maybe? Laguna Beach?) We're pretty much melting six months out of the year in Houston and the humidity is thick enough to cut through with a knife! As for trusting God with the writing, you know I can relate to that one! Man!

It's actually kind of refreshing to have someone remind us that God wants us to grow up. Sometimes we get so lost in our own thoughts/stuff that we forget we're acting like children! Sometimes when we're in the middle of something, it IS difficult to figure out what God is up to. I can SO relate to what Rick Warren says when he remarks: "When the first disciples chose to follow Jesus, they didn't understand all the implications of their decision." And yet they were willing!

So, it turns out this is truly a collaborative effort between me and God - this "growing" thing. Knew that all along, but boy, do I like to take the reins! And all that stuff about willpower?! Ouch! That's something drilled into us from childhood: Just have willpower and you can stop doing what you're doing. Now, of course, I know that it's only GOD-power that prevents me from stepping off into sin.

So we must stop thinking like children. Not easy, in this "me first" world we live in, right? But possible! I always try to remind myself to shift my focus. In my dieting devotional I have a "Turning Your Focus" section where I give the reader something practical they can do each day FOR someone else. It helps!

I guess that's all for now! How was your weekend?

Day Twenty-Two: Created to Become Like Christ

Rick Warren begins with: "You were created to become like Christ." And we were, weren't we?! All along, God has had this plan for us - to be formed into the image of His Son. So, let's talk about that...

Day Twenty-One: Protecting Your Church

Today’s lesson is about unity in the body. In order to achieve unity, we must be more like Christ. So, let’s talk about that…


JEAN’S COMMENTS:
In what area of my life do I need to ask for the Spirit’s Power to be more like Christ today? In the area of witnessing to others about Our Lord and Savior. As outspoken as I am and not afraid to say what is one my mind, I am terrified of witnessing about Jesus. I can talk about Him and quote scripture, but I am so afraid of messing up His message about repentance that I pass up many opportunities.

I even have business cards with the sinner’s prayer on it to help me get over the stumbling I do.

I just keep asking God the Father for the strength to do this and the words to say.


JANICE’S RESPONSE:
I just think it's so interesting to be studying this chapter right now. Nothing is a coincidence, of course. But how odd that God would remind me about the unity of the church right now, just after coming through a bit of a battle in this area.

We had a great service yesterday, and I'm astounded at how much we all have in common, just as Rick Warren says. We're as different as can be, but when we're standing in that place, worshipping God, all differences are cast aside and we are truly one. In spite of any disillusionment, conflict, etc - we are truly one at that moment. And our pastor reminded us just yesterday to lay down differences. I like it that Rick Warren says, "practice God's method for conflict resolution." Of course, God's method is in complete opposition to what our human nature tells us, isn't it?!

I'm also happy for the reminder to support my pastor and church leaders. I have a meeting tomorrow morning with my kid's church leader and want to do what I can (within the confines of my busy schedule, I mean) to support the church with my gifts, my time and my conversation.

I guess that's all for now! I hope you have a great day!

Day Twenty: Restoring Broken Fellowship

Today's lesson is all about restoration in a "broken body." Jean and I talked at length, but decided to omit our comments from the website, due to their personal nature. Have a great day!

Day Nineteen: Cultivating Community

Rick Warren begins this lesson by talking about the need for a sense of community. He goes on to say that cultivating community takes: commitment, honesty, humility, courtesy, confidentiality and frequency. So, let’s talk about what we can do to cultivate community…

JEAN’S COMMENTS:
I am new to the church I am attending, so I am not really sure what I could do to cultivate community at this time. Perhaps just keeping the steps close by for the time when I join a group to use as a reminder to myself and others what community is all about.

I decided to answer this question instead: What are the most common excuses people give for not joining a church and how would I answer them?

Some of the ones I have heard in the past are: The church is to small, to large, I don't want someone telling me what I can't do and religion is like that such as saying I can't have a beer, go out dancing, go hunting, etc. Others don't want their Sundays tied up every week or feel obligated to attend church several times a week.

My answer to these people would be that Jesus Christ took the time to die on the cross for their sins so they could have eternal life and now they don't want to give him a few hours a week. How sad is that? I will agree, man made religion, but Jesus is what Christianity is all about and if we read our Bible and study the Word of God, we will see where Christ makes reference to believers gathering in His name for fellowship. If one is afraid of organized religion, than try a non-denominational church or get out and try several churches in ones home area to see if any feel like home.

I have recently started attending a small church and missed a few weeks due to vacation and work, no one chastised me when I came in the door, everyone was happy to see me back and while this is a Baptist Church, no one yet has told me I can't praise the Lord with raised hands as I do sometimes, or say Amen out loud or anything else I thought would get me into trouble.

Many of us feel like empty shells during the week, maybe what we are missing is going to church and being with other believers.

JANICE’S RESPONSE:
It hasn't been hard for me to "commit" to my little church. As I've mentioned, we're so few in numbers that if we didn't commit, we'd be a world of trouble!

The thing that's been the hardest to commit to is fellowship! We've all been so busy "working" the various ministries that we've often forgotten to commit to simply fellowship.

As for the honesty part, I recently went through a season where I had to be "frank" and honest with a friend. Things got a little sticky. I've also been through seasons where people have had to be "honest" with me. I remember feeling the heat during the moment, but looking back on it, I can say that God worked it all together for good. In fact, I'd have to say that I'm in a church where it's absolutely safe to be honest.

As for humility, courtesy and confidentiality, these things are being worked out in my life, as well. I think, (as I age) some of these things are getting a little easier.

Day Eighteen: Experiencing Life Together

Today's lesson is all about fellowship...

JANICE’S COMMENTS:
This lesson on fellowship has been good for me. I tend to be very social (I think I've already mentioned this). I do pretty well in large groups. But I definitely agree that Christ designed the church for small "cell" groups, as well. We tend to be more "real" more "intimate" in smaller settings. That "authenticity" Rick Warren mentions is definitely found in smaller groups. I recently facilitated a Beth Moore Bible study. There were about 10 - 12 of us in the group. We got very real with one another, trust me! We were open about our lives. It was risky (and in fact, even got a little scary a couple of times) but we made it through. And all that stuff Warren says about giving and receiving is true, too. We had to learn little things, right down to "who's going to bring the snacks tonight?" etc. We all had to give a little and we certainly all "took" from each other (gleaned knowledge, etc) as well. We grew to understand one another better as a result of the prayer requests offered. And we shared one another's troubles and problems, to be sure. We ached alongside aching members. We celebrated alongside celebrating members! And there was even opportunity for mercy. There were things we had to forgive one another for (small misunderstandings along the way). Throughout it all, I can truly say that I learned a LOT about fellowship over these past three months. What a lesson being in a small group can be!

JEAN’S RESPONSE:
Fellowship is what being a Christian is all about to me. It isn't just going to church on Sundays and hearing the preacher, it IS about reaching out to those that are hurting, those that want to fit in and belong and what better way to make someone feel welcome than to have them come to a small group meeting.
The church I attend right now is very small, but every Sunday I go I am feeling more and more compelled to join and yet I am one that sits back and watches for awhile before I jump in with both feet. Joing a church is more than showing up on Sundays and writing a check for my tithes.
When you are a member of that church, we are a member of the body of Christ and we should reach out to others in prayer, visitation, fellowship.
I keep feeling an overwhelming sense that I need to be a member of this church and start up a womens prayer group during the week, but on the other hand, how arrogant would I seem if I stepped in and told the pastor I wanted to lead a womens group. I am a stranger to this church and yet, I feel such a strong leading in this way.

We recently went through somethings at work where a co-worker almost lost his job and his family for something he did that was stupid. When he returned he sent Email apologizing to everyone and saying he didn't deserve the well wishes or prayers. I told him God put him where he was for a reason and I will always stand next to him for prayer.