chapter 6 Never Enough

Chapter  6- Never Enough

The past few chapters we have been looking at ‘how we learn contentment’. Now we begin to look at barriers which keep us from experiencing contentment. 

1. greed- that for which she longs gradually becomes that to which she belongs.  Look at this disgusting picture of the ‘leech and its two suckers that cry out, MORE,MORE!’ 

1. visual stimulation is a strategy that advertisers use to get us to wan.
2. p.90 need must be created, discontent stirred up. -----the now gratification.
3. p.91 Sadly greed is a downward spiral that leads to envy. Envy leads to debt. All lead to discontent.

1. What’s wrong with irresistible deals? Linda says,‘whether it is an inexpensive treasure or designer creation the issue is the same. Greed! We crave!!! p.92.
2. Ultimately, greed shows WE ARE DISCONTENT with what God has given.  We no longer trust what God has given, that He knows best and that He will supply all our needs.
3. How do I keep my heart centered on God?  THANKFULNESS for what He has given and what He gives.
4. keeping God’s perspective in our hearts.  Heb 13.5, Ps 119:14, question 1 and 2. I Chron 29:11-14.  Everything is the Lord’s.  What does this mean to you, PERSONALLY??   Do you believe God is the blessed controller of all things? p.93. James 16-17.
5. What do you think about the statement- Heart attitude is the issue. p. 93?  ps 62:10..... if your wealth increases don’t make it the center of your life. Math 6:19-21 says .... where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Do you believe as Heb 13:5 that God says...’ I will never leave you or forsake you.’ 
6. p. 95- God’s standards summarized.  What is God’s standard for Christians?----live on less so you can give to the Kingdom of God.
7. My responsibility is to search my heart ( p.97).  Do I covet or am I content, thankful?
8. p. 101. Happiness is getting what we want, contentment is wanting what we get. Question 9, p.229.  What steps can you take to combat ‘seasonal overspending’?

Chapter 5- Content in Relationships

Chapter 5-  Content in Relationships

                              Forgiveness or Bitterness

1. The space between our expectations and our reality is where disappointment grows. (Proverbs 31 ministries).  Where does that statement show up in our relationships?
2.   1st thing usually happens is that my brain runs wild--- accusations, anger, acting out!
3. p. 71. I know I should forgive but ‘she’ doesn’t deserve forgiveness. p. 72 Are you 100%  at peace with your husband , family, friends ? Betrayal of love!
4. p. 72. What does scripture say about relating to people?  Linda says: We are commanded in scripture to love one another,  to serve and encourage one another. 
5. Jesus example- p 74.  Jesus, too, desired comfort in the Garden. What happened !? 
6. Failing more than once. What did Jesus do? p. 75. ‘ Let us go’. 1 Peter 2:21.  Overlook imperfections of people: Linda says: If I  insist on perfection or nothing, I ‘ll end up with nothing.  I must be willing to forgive! And if I long to be content, I must forgive.  Choose forgiveness over bitterness!
7. Forgiveness not an option!!! Col 3:12-14.  Look at question #4, p. 223. ( prison of bitterness)
8. question 5,p. 224.  How should my attitude be towards others.
9. question #8. Unity in the body of Christ. see Romans 15:5-7.  Col 3:15. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.  What happens when we are thankful to God? What happens if we are not thankful  and bitterness slips into our hearts? p. 77  Heb 12:15
10.   p. 78. Swindoll’s take on bitterness!  Consequences of an unforgiving spirit . 
11. ‘ I distinctly remember forgetting it!(event that could cause resentment)  Forgiveness is not a feeling but a secret choice of the heart. 
12. Beyond forgiveness. Discuss Romans 12 p. 78.    Put the act of forgiving into the action of forgiving. Blessings instead of curses! Mark 16:7.(including Peter) Jesus went beyond forgiving to the action of forgiving. 
13. We can accept that God allows us to go through trying relationships to ‘grow us up’.It is my choice to forgive. Notice the statement: We cannot control others, make their choices. But we can trust God and control ourselves. We can choose to pursue peace in relationships. 

November 14- class notes for discussion

        Chapter 4-  What are the roles in my life? Right now. Am I content in the roles God assigns??

1. Is being single the complete will of God? Or, is to be married the will of God? Are you content in your role here and now or just holding on? Have you said “I can’t wait until--”
2. When do we grow up? Linda has an answer on p. 6157-58. What do you learn from these different roles, using the ideas of expectations, desires, acceptance? 
3. Prayerfully, we need to ask God how we can glorify Him in my role. Then think about the many roles you have played and what role at present. Are you a physical Mom, spiritual Mom, single due to divorce, widow, or married?  All of us fit in somewhere! Where am I? ( see p. 57,58 roles) 
4. p.63-64  resonated with me. -------one step at a time.....as I sought to plumb the mystery of suffering( suffering cannot be plumbed) I began to see everything as a gift.  I, have found peace,  but that doesn’t mean that we don’t grieve that which is lost. Suffering cannot be removed but peace is gained through acceptance. P.63. Elizabeth Elliot was greatly used of God because she surrendered to Him, but still suffered loneliness and pain. But, she knew God is in control and would be with her always, no matter what. 
5. p. 63. If we’re trusting God that His portion for us is best, we can make the secret choices that will bring us a heart of contentment.

This concept of accepting God’s portion for me is huge to see and deal with. God is with me in every step but it is my CHOICE, my part, to accept His gift of my own life path. That means not comparing my life path with anyone else.  Deep loneliness can be advantageous as I lean on Him for everyday answers. The Lord  can use me greatly if I give my grief, loneliness, disappointments, to Him and allow Him to heal my heart.

Do I believe that God is the Blessed Controller of my present roles? 

6. questions at the back # 5,6,7.---What is God’s standard for us as Christians? What does this mean practically in your roles in life?  (I Cor 4:2) How would you apply Math 20: 28 in your life this week?  Whew, challenging class- wonderful God who loves us and wants the very best for us.  Will we give Him our best???? 

 Chapter 3-  Content to Be Me
Uniquely created  by a loving God for His Purposes and His Delight

1. You created me personally. God knew me and took a personal interest in me even before I was born.
2. Have I thanked Him for creating me?  I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
3. opposite of THANKFULNESS-  “mistake”  identity., ‘ God left stuff out’ when He created me. --comparing myself to someone else is MISSING MY OWN INDIVIDUAL BEAUTY.  Ask God why He created you? Focus on your God given, unique  emotions  or personality.
4. God created your body- ps. 139:15 my frame God wrought or embroidered. The comparison game is not Biblical (emphasis wrong) What do you  think about the statement bottom of 44,45 (His Workmanship)
5. God is the creator of my life purpose-  a SPECIFIC purpose for my life . Ps 139:16. question #3. paraphrase Ps139:13-16 page 217. Ps 31:15 p. 45? (my future is in your hands?) Ask yourself: What plans does He want me to fulfill? Eph 2:10 We are God’s Workmanship created to do good works which God prepared for ME to do.
6. Being content with the picture. Why is that important?

1. frame- personality and physical, gifts and abilities.
2. Artwork- emerging picture you are becoming. God creates and then sweeps His brushstrokes across the canvas of my life. We are invited to cooperate with God. Will you yield to Him? Am I being  the character of Christ or acting out  doing frantic activity to please God? I Sam 16:7 p.49. God focuses on my inner  qualities.
3. definition of character p. 218, question #6.  Do I want to BE a woman of CHARACTER? Prov 31:10-31. page 49- accomplishment flows from inner character. also page 50- exceptional woman. What do you think about God’s mandate Gen 1:28-  p. 50? (God’s mandate to rule, subdue, produce. I am to rule over myself first! 

1. discuss P 52. Identity struggle? My responsibility what is it and what am I to do?  Finding contentment is accepting and glorifying how God made me and cooperate with Him to find my ultimate purpose in life. 
2. questions p. 219 # 10, 12.

          In light of this chapter, pray back to God Psalm 143: 8-10. Wow! This could change us as we press into Jesus, learning from the Mastor Creator.  Is God the Blessed Controller of your life????

Oct 31st Discussion Chapter #2

Class 3- Chapter 2  Discussion Notes- Content with Circumstances

                 Where is my focus?

1. 2 sides of life- positives and negatives. In the prison of circumstances do I see mud or stars? ( drawing)
2.   OUR PART- heart choice- p.30. Anxiety should be used as a springboard (trampoline) to pray SPECIFICALLY.  Pray or be anxious??? I am learning God is turstworthy. How do you see your Lord and Savior? questions p. 213 #3.
3. CHOICES- p. 30 pray with thanksgiving. Ps 116:17- I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD.(  caps, I AM  Sovereign Lord!!!!! I am to give thanks in a black tunnel sacrificial.
4. definition of sacrifice; an offering to god of something precious. b. surrender something for the sake of something else. c. something given up or lost. Can we surrender our joys and hurts to God?  (for me that is thanking the Lord for things lost but gaining a greater love and focus on God)
5. sacrificial to pray when anxiety is at the front of our mind. I tend to want my will be done not yours, Lord.
6. GOD’S PART- Phil 4:7. questions p. 214 # 6,7---- meditation and Peace.

1. God’s part is to give me eace. Phil 4:7- As I guard my heart and mind in Christ( or as I LIVE in Christ Jesus)  ehoose to pray instead of worry. p 31. In this world of chaos, heartache and anxiety, I NEED Peace.
2. Ask yourself, if you have done your part, so God can do His work in you?
3. taking back anxiety and worry: write in your journal positives with the situation. Where did God intervene, eased your heart, or took away the circumstances?
4. thank Him that He is at work. This helps us focus or recognize that God is IN THE SITUATION, and He is in control. 

1. OUT OF WORRY:  getting out of worry, fret mode involves focusing on something else. a. positives- where God shoes up. b. Phil 4:8 focus on whatever is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable or if anything is praiseworthy. In other words, God asks us to get control of our minds. (comment)

1. 2 Cor: 10:5. take every thought captive. God COMMANDS us to be in control of our minds. Romans 12:2.
2. practice makes perfect- p. 33. The Peace of God follows a choice to obey. p. 215 # 8,9,

What did you learn from God this week about yourself? What did you learn about God?

Oct 24th- Class 2 chapter I- discussion

Class 2: chapter 1 - Journey to Contentment ( Class Discussion)

1. page 1 paragraph 1- What we think about continually, eventually shows in our words, actions and countenances. I think most of us could say that our minds are often in turmoil, flitting from one anxious thought to another instead of ‘walking in the dark’ with God.  If we want to untangle our minds, ‘rest in His Peace’, then we need to CONSCIOUSLY begin our own personal journey  to contentment.
2. questions p 210-  #2. paraphrase Phil 4:11-13. Contentment on the INSIDE. SECRET TO CONTENTMENT. 
3. from  control to contentment. oxymoron- we think if we get control over something, it gives us purpose and meaning. Orderliness brings contentment? ex. raising kids, teaching (leadership and orderliness brings contentment? No. too many uncontrollables in life. 
4. definition of contentment on page 17. Ps 16:5. A quiet heart is content with what God gives. (question #3)
5. . question #3. note the word meditate - what does that mean?  Shouldn’t we be meditating on God’s  Word daily? 1st part of Rx for contentment!  What is your definition of  CONTENTMENT? ( one of the names of God= Jehovah Shammah- The Lord is There.  He is right where you are as you pray and as you go out in your day. My question to you is, “How much do you allow Him to do in your life, controlling your thoughts and deeds?” p.s. remember we are LEARNING to be content, LEARNING to trust God more.  Not one of us is perfect.  We are constantly on a journey to find Peace in our hearts--------contentment.

1. 1 Timothy 6:15 - sovereign.  What is the definition?
2. . Is the Lord, the Blessed Controller of your circumstances (# 7) 

Accept the challenge of CONTENTMENT. 

class 1 discussion notes

Class #1  Intro to class and questions:

1. purpose of this class- to draw closer to Jesus, experiencing who we are in Christ.

a.  what does that mean-”Who we are in Christ”?

1. what does it mean to have “peace in your heart”---calmness when everything around you is crumbling?  We will search out these questions and I want to foster a real personal growth in this class, your own personal journey with Christ.  Perhaps you know about Christ but don’t really have a personal relationship with Him or even understand what that means.  Or, you say you are a Christian but still have doubts, fears, worries, all culminating in a lack of connection to God. Perhaps a mistrust of God.  Yeah, like, how can I trust God if He allows this  EXTREME DIFFICULTY in my life?? 
2. we are going to learn what it means to CONFESS before God, leave our sins, hurts with God and MOVE ON!!!! God doesn’t want a bunch of sad, stuck Christians.  He desires a vibrant, loving relationship with each and every one of us. Some, like me, take longer to get there.  So let’s begin together, discovering what God has for us.

1. requirement for class- journal. If you have never written in a journal (journaled) you are REALLY missing something.  A journal is simply a talk with God, written personally by you to Him, who knows you and loves you.  Write down your fears, worries and commit them to Him.  Look back and see what God has Done!  Amazing Grace!
2. open book-  One day at a time contentment. All my tomorrows are nestled in God’s strong arms. I am free to live today!!! Process the habit of Ella’s holy contentment. p 13
3. realizing Christ’s contentment-  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!!!! ( Christ’s strength is my strength as I trust in Him)
4. Do I try to CONTROL or are we CONTENT to let Christ  lead control my life??(page 17) wow!  Whatever happens is assigned!!
5. Teacup Theology p.18. Discuss at some length and end on this note. 

Week 1 of Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow

                      Anne’s Blog- Journey to NEW Faith and Renewal in Jesus

“Calm My Anxious Heart”. by Linda Dillow. This blog is created with the intent of drawing closer to God, learning to trust Him in ALL things, not what I choose to relinquish. Interesting how many of us want to control our lives only to realize that we actually have zero control. Linda talks about God being the “Blessed Controller” of all things.  Do you truly believe that or are you struggling for control in your daily life?  It has taken me many years, trial and error, to fall on my face before my loving God and tell Him my every need and desire, waiting for Him to show me His love and faithfulness. I can honestly say, I am not a patient person, and perhaps that is why God keeps putting me in difficult circumstances to teach me to WAIT AND BE STILL BEFORE HIM.  I have come to learn that to truly relinquish problem relationships, daily struggles, I must absolutely begin my day with Jesus, in ALL things praising and thanking Him for what He is doing in my life. Through worship and praise, I am learning to come to Him more and more, moment by moment, TRUSTING Him to know what to do and then obediently following. Linda draws us into a circle of friendship with our Lord, sharing heartfelt experiences abroad, leading us toward greater intimacy with the  Lord.

   This blog is going to be run something like the class. I will have discussion of questions that I ask the ladies present and then you can respond. I would like to be able to read some responses to those in the class( some don’t have computers) and see their answers which I will try to encapsulate for those on line. Class will begin Oct 17th, Wed. mornings 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 am at Bellevue Heights church, Sun City, Az. Anyone is welcome to attend whether you come to the church or not. Anyone seeking to follow Jesus is welcome.

Class Instructions: 

1. purchase the book Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow. I still have copies so you can get one from the church. $10.00.
2. What is written in the blog STAYS here, that is to respect the privacy of each participant, whether present or writing in. If you write, I will always ask if prayer requests can be shared in class to uplift to God. Details not necessary as God knows, but we can lift you and specific needs to Him, who is in control of all things.

Personal notes about me and introduction to class:

     My name is Anne Brutsche.  I have lived in New Jersey, California, Hawaii and now Az. My husband, Howard and I retired to live in Oregon, having worked in Calif. most of our lives.  We lived in Oregon full time untill 2009 when we purchased a home in Sun City, Snow Birds.  Love the warm weather, warm friendships, and caring encouraging people at church. In 2009, one of our Sons-in-law died, devastating in itself. But then my  loving Husband was diagnosed with brain cancer, Glioblastoma Multiforme, Grade 4 cancer!  Shocking, horrible! What is God doing?? The Lord in everything held our family together, and brought me closer to Howard and the Lord like never before. I learned to lean on the LORD for everything and He became my Adonai. Eight months after Howard passed away in 2011, I had a great deal of water damage, needing to stay in a hotel for 2 1/2 months, finally getting back in my home Jan 5, 2011. Then right before I was to go back to Oregon, June 2012, my world came crashing down with a devastating   house fire!!!!! The house had to be ‘gutted’ and I am still not able to move back in. I may be crushed BUT NOT UNDONE!!!! My daughters all say, that God is teaching me.  I personally feel that to be reduced to nothing, I can rebuild on EXACTLY WHAT GOD HAS IN HIS PLAN.  Not my plan, but His, and His alone!!!!  Where are you on your walk with God?? Is He working  ON you to come to Him more fully? Is He preparing you for some special ministry?  

    I have no doubt that God has a special place for me, work to do, all to His Glory!!! Praying that in this class we will grow in His love and experience the love of other Christian women.  Blessings to all of you,   Anne

Class 1 Intro:

     This study has been an amazing transformation of what I thought about life, what was important to me, and now why I believe God created me.  He has a job for me to do right now, today!!! What has He got for you to do?

     As we studied last year, each and every person is created for a purpose to Glorify God and fulfill His purpose for us. Gen 1:26.27 says: LET US create man in OUR image. The God of the Universe, the great I Am, created you and me to develop into His image: our example His Son. John 1:1 says : the WORD!!!!  Jesus is THE WORD.

     I have not drawn my conclusions lightly but by daily study of His Word and really pondering and answering the questions at the back of the book. Changing your heart from anxious to calmness or real contentment takes a refocus of our minds and hearts----to focus on God, Jesus and the direction of the Holy Spirit moment by moment day by day. Not easy when your world comes crashing down and no end in sight. BUT !!! You and I must choose to focus our minds on God and His promises, not human circumstances or fallibility .

     Last year, we studied the names of God from the book “Lord I Want to Know You” by Kay Arthru.  One of God’s names is El Elyon-----Most High One- Sovereign One. Ask yourself: Do I really believe God is Sovereign( in control of all things)? That simply means: God created me. He knew me before I was born ( Ps 139: 1-16 esp. vs 16..) Every moment was laid out before a single day passed. (Ps 139:16 NLT)

     Therefore, I believe before we can arrive at contentment in our lives, we must confess to God what we truly believe in our hearts about Him, taking Him into our hearts, committing our lives to Him and ALLOW Him to direct our steps.

      The second question to ask yourself is: Have I made Jesus my Adonai----The LORD and master of my life.  Love in Him, Anne Brutsche

Bellevue Heights Church

9440 W. Hutton Dr.

Sun City, Az 85351-1463

Office 623-977-8308

Senior Pastor- Rev. Dr. Timothy Anderson

Nurse Pastor- Rose Coulter, RN