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?