Continuing our reading of "Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God", I must say that I am truly encouraged. Reading about Esther Ahn Kim and her faith despite her fears was an awesome reminder for me of what is truly important in this life.
This week we will begin reading about the life of Helen Roseveare. The story of her life begins on page 141. If you are new to the book club and would like to join us for this weeks reading, click here to view the book for free.
I believe that we are in for a pleasant surprise in this chapter. Many times it's hard to fathom going on after the loss of a loved one. Let us look at some lessons from our reading that can hopefully encourage us in our own time of loss.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Esther Ahn Kim Discussion Questions
1.What was your favorite part of this chapter?
2.What person in Ester's story did you admire most?
3.What are you thoughts on this chapter?
1. I have so many favorite parts, but one of my favorite was when Esther's mom came to the prison to take her home but told her that although she may be suffering...so were her people.
I also liked the part when Esther realized that when she was on the run, how her experiences had prepared her for her time in prison. For instance, the time when she had to eat rotten apples prepared her for when her teeth had begun to fall out she was able to tolerate the taste of rotten apples to sustain her.
2. I really liked Esther's mom. She loved her, supported her and prayed for her. I just love that.
2.What person in Ester's story did you admire most?
3.What are you thoughts on this chapter?
1. I have so many favorite parts, but one of my favorite was when Esther's mom came to the prison to take her home but told her that although she may be suffering...so were her people.
I also liked the part when Esther realized that when she was on the run, how her experiences had prepared her for her time in prison. For instance, the time when she had to eat rotten apples prepared her for when her teeth had begun to fall out she was able to tolerate the taste of rotten apples to sustain her.
2. I really liked Esther's mom. She loved her, supported her and prayed for her. I just love that.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Faithful In Fear: My Story
When my husband and I were married we both lacked a debt free mindset. We compiled all of our crazy beliefs about money and began making very detrimental financial decisions...ones that we are finally getting sorted out 7 years after matrimony.
We don't have it all together but at least now we are on the same page and are working as a team.
I AM AFRAID
It scared me to think that if my husband were to die while we were in debt that I would struggle financially to achieve our goals. Goals such as the children's education, paying the mortgage and handling monthly bills. I feared having to go back to work while the children were still young and dependant upon me.
I was also afraid that if my husband were to become unemployed or disabled for more than a month, that our lives and lifestyle would change drastically. The list of fears goes on and on...
I did something very important with those fears.
First, I admitted to God that I was afraid. I asked God if He had forsaken us or intended for us to struggle like this? I told God that I was tired of trying to fix my husband and no longer wanted to blame him for our troubles. After prayerfully seeking forgiveness and surrendering to God's will, He began to show me how I had not trusted HIM or my Husband. From that point I stopped worshipping the idea that my husband would always be able to provide, and I put my trust in the Lord.
Next, I admitted to my husband how afraid I was. I told him how I was losing sleep and peace of mind over our finances. I explained to him in a non-threatening or accusatory way that I was afraid and why I was afraid.
I apologized for blaming him. Through prayer I began to fight against the resentful thoughts towards him. I stopped telling myself how incompetent he was. Instead criticising him and comment on his bad financial decisions, I began to encourage him with Gods word. Finally, I told him that I trust in him and that I believe in him.
Once we mended our own internal issued with each other, we sought the help of outsiders. We finally decided to invest in Dave Ramsey's services and advice. Do we still have debts and shortfalls...sure we do. But we no longer fear the financial storms of life, because we are assured that God has a plan for our good.
We don't have it all together but at least now we are on the same page and are working as a team.
I AM AFRAID
It scared me to think that if my husband were to die while we were in debt that I would struggle financially to achieve our goals. Goals such as the children's education, paying the mortgage and handling monthly bills. I feared having to go back to work while the children were still young and dependant upon me.
I was also afraid that if my husband were to become unemployed or disabled for more than a month, that our lives and lifestyle would change drastically. The list of fears goes on and on...
I did something very important with those fears.
First, I admitted to God that I was afraid. I asked God if He had forsaken us or intended for us to struggle like this? I told God that I was tired of trying to fix my husband and no longer wanted to blame him for our troubles. After prayerfully seeking forgiveness and surrendering to God's will, He began to show me how I had not trusted HIM or my Husband. From that point I stopped worshipping the idea that my husband would always be able to provide, and I put my trust in the Lord.
Next, I admitted to my husband how afraid I was. I told him how I was losing sleep and peace of mind over our finances. I explained to him in a non-threatening or accusatory way that I was afraid and why I was afraid.
I apologized for blaming him. Through prayer I began to fight against the resentful thoughts towards him. I stopped telling myself how incompetent he was. Instead criticising him and comment on his bad financial decisions, I began to encourage him with Gods word. Finally, I told him that I trust in him and that I believe in him.
Once we mended our own internal issued with each other, we sought the help of outsiders. We finally decided to invest in Dave Ramsey's services and advice. Do we still have debts and shortfalls...sure we do. But we no longer fear the financial storms of life, because we are assured that God has a plan for our good.
Grace Period
Esther Ahn Kim, Faithful in Suffering
I would like to devote one more week to the reading of the life of Esther Ahn Kim. I understand that life happens and at times prevents us from getting everything done. So for those of us who need a grace period, please fell free to take this week to get caught up. The chapter on Esther Ahn Kim is one that you don't want to miss.
I will be posting some questions on friday regarding this chapter. If you answer the questions on your own blog, please leave us a link. Have a great week and remain faithful to the Lord.
I would like to devote one more week to the reading of the life of Esther Ahn Kim. I understand that life happens and at times prevents us from getting everything done. So for those of us who need a grace period, please fell free to take this week to get caught up. The chapter on Esther Ahn Kim is one that you don't want to miss.
I will be posting some questions on friday regarding this chapter. If you answer the questions on your own blog, please leave us a link. Have a great week and remain faithful to the Lord.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Esther Ahn Kim, Faithful in Suffering
I have been looking forward to reading this chapter all month. The life of Esther Ahn Kim is one that has penetrated my spirit so deeply.
Her courage and faith in persecution is one to be revered. Could I have done what she did? I do not know. Nevertheless, if ever I come to the crossroad of choosing my faith over my life I pray for the strength to walk the path that she did.
Join me in the reading of this next chapter titled “Esther Ahn Kim, Faithful in Suffering”.
To read this chapter, click on the book link on my right sidebar.
Her courage and faith in persecution is one to be revered. Could I have done what she did? I do not know. Nevertheless, if ever I come to the crossroad of choosing my faith over my life I pray for the strength to walk the path that she did.
Join me in the reading of this next chapter titled “Esther Ahn Kim, Faithful in Suffering”.
To read this chapter, click on the book link on my right sidebar.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
My Bookshelf
Below is a summary of some other things that I am reading. Most of them dealing with Homemaking in some form or fashion.
Homemaking is an absolute necessary part of growing up. It is something that I purposefully teach my children. I admit that my daughters will receive more in-depth training than my sons, but all will be acquainted with the care of the home before leaving to begin their adult lives. I have been reading many resources regarding the care of the home and have come across a great book in which the table of contents alone could be used as a guide to create a suitable unit study in the art of homemaking.
Here is the cutest cookbook for little girls that I’ve ever seen. The book has small sized recipes designed just for little girls in mind. Allowing them to make the recipes found in this book will save on waste and allow little ones to gain a sense of accomplishment in the kitchen. The book is written by a real life little girl named Betty. She wrote the book with the help of her mother.
Here is a great reading book from the 1800’s called "Six Little Cooks" or" Aunt Jane’s Cooking Class". It is geared toward girls who are between the ages of 9-13. It reads just like a story while teaching the basic fundamentals of cooking. I will be reading this book with my daughters who are 5 and 14.
Finally, I will be reading portions of "Housekeeping" by Elizabeth Hale Gilman over the month of October.
Homemaking is an absolute necessary part of growing up. It is something that I purposefully teach my children. I admit that my daughters will receive more in-depth training than my sons, but all will be acquainted with the care of the home before leaving to begin their adult lives. I have been reading many resources regarding the care of the home and have come across a great book in which the table of contents alone could be used as a guide to create a suitable unit study in the art of homemaking.
Here is the cutest cookbook for little girls that I’ve ever seen. The book has small sized recipes designed just for little girls in mind. Allowing them to make the recipes found in this book will save on waste and allow little ones to gain a sense of accomplishment in the kitchen. The book is written by a real life little girl named Betty. She wrote the book with the help of her mother.
Here is a great reading book from the 1800’s called "Six Little Cooks" or" Aunt Jane’s Cooking Class". It is geared toward girls who are between the ages of 9-13. It reads just like a story while teaching the basic fundamentals of cooking. I will be reading this book with my daughters who are 5 and 14.
Finally, I will be reading portions of "Housekeeping" by Elizabeth Hale Gilman over the month of October.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
I Corinthians 25-31
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
That no flesh should glory in his presence.
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
That no flesh should glory in his presence.
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Gladys Aylward:Faithful in Humility
I have gotten behind in the reading of Chapter 2, Lilias Trotter Faithful in Weakness. The last week has been very busy with a surprise visit from family, and the children starting school.
I will go back and read it on my own this week along with this weeks reading selection. This week will will begin reading Gladys Aylward, Faithful in Humility. This selection begins in chapter three.
I've not gotten alot of feedback from the participants in the reading club and would like to extend an invitation for someone to share something that they admired about Lilias Trotter?
Enjoy your week.
I will go back and read it on my own this week along with this weeks reading selection. This week will will begin reading Gladys Aylward, Faithful in Humility. This selection begins in chapter three.
I've not gotten alot of feedback from the participants in the reading club and would like to extend an invitation for someone to share something that they admired about Lilias Trotter?
Enjoy your week.
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