Connecting to Impact

You ask a good question here: "Which excuses seem ...

2010-06-30T19:16:04.387-08:00

You ask a good question here: "Which excuses seem to hit you the hardest ..." For me, it's often been that if I can't do it perfectly, I won't do it at all. That's a dangerous place to be. And the root of it is pride. ... But I know that change really IS possible, for He has changed many things in me that I thought were unchangeables.

I was forced into a divorce situation 26 years ago...

2010-06-30T14:51:27.492-08:00

I was forced into a divorce situation 26 years ago... crushed in the sense that I would never have wanted to have that occur. Marriage is forever. I felt that I had failed God, failed the Body, failed, failed, failed.

A year later God dropped a wonderful man into my life... a total surprise to both of us ... and we will soon have our 25th anniversary. He is a faithful, loving, godly man... I couldn't have anything better.

I sometimes still am sorry that the divorce occurred. But it's just for a moment. The revelation of love towards me happens instant by instant.

My first may have had more drama, more intensity, but the sequel... ain't nothing more exciting, freer, filled with more and more ministry opportunities. The "natural" sequel wouldn't seem as enticing... but the "spiritual" sequel can't be equaled in any way.

Thanks for pushing some thoughts.

Stuck is no fun. Stuck sucks actually. I definitel...

2010-06-30T10:37:40.144-08:00

Stuck is no fun. Stuck sucks actually. I definitely know what you mean. Some things become such a part of us and we even identify with them (even if it's bad) that we can't imagine being any different. Sometimes others identify us by these traits, but that doesn't mean that the God of the universe isn't big enough to reach out and fundamentally change us if we let Him. It may be a long process, but I know if I really desire intimacy with God it's worth it. Thanks for joining the discussion Matt.

I'm ALWAYS wondering if I can change, or if it's "...

2010-06-30T10:04:23.716-08:00

I'm ALWAYS wondering if I can change, or if it's "just how I am." I don't like a lot of things about me, but like Paul, I do things I don't like. I guess that's a good first step, but when you're stuck on that step for a long time, it's easy to buy the idea that change isn't possible.

I was thinkin' the same thing. In fact, I randomly...

2010-06-30T09:59:54.571-08:00

I was thinkin' the same thing. In fact, I randomly asked God what the next book's gonna be, but He must not be ready for me to know yet. :)

That sounds just like God. He heals then He releas...

2010-06-30T09:58:07.350-08:00

That sounds just like God. He heals then He releases us into a greater victory. I don't either one was by chance and you needed the first before you could get to the second. It will be interesting to see what the next book will be! :)

I'm sorry it took me so long to comment today! I'v...

2010-06-30T09:46:53.789-08:00

I'm sorry it took me so long to comment today! I've been obsessing about change ever since I read this chapter over the weekend and so by the time I posted today, I was just weary and ready for this chapter to be over! Probably a bad attitude to have, but I'll be honest about it. :) I always obsess about change, but it's when I relax and let the change happen that relief comes. So, I guess it's time for me to just relax and let it happen, huh?

An interesting observation I made to myself this morning on my way to work was the difference between the two books we've discussed. The last book was really good for me in an encouraging and affirming way. It validated what I was going through (and have gone through in the past) with burnout. But THIS book is kickin' my tail! Every chapter is a challenge that has to be not just read but fought and pressed through and prayed through. And as much as it's kickin' my tail and as much as I enjoyed the first book we did, I'm thinkin' that at the end of the trail, this is going to be the book that changed me the most.

Just some thoughts...

Thank you for the encouragement. Glad you're writi...

2010-06-30T09:37:28.706-08:00

Thank you for the encouragement. Glad you're writing and look forward to reading it. Blessings to you!

Jason... I'm writing today. I thought I was going ...

2010-06-30T09:36:08.214-08:00

Jason... I'm writing today. I thought I was going to skip this one, just because it hits a little close to home. But I can't. It's time for a bit of change. So I'm going to post it later this week. I guess better late than never. Your post was very inspirational and is the sword I'm carrying today as I write my post. Thanks for being you.

Sara, so glad you came! I hope you are blessed by ...

2010-06-30T09:11:31.136-08:00

Sara, so glad you came! I hope you are blessed by what you find and I always look forward to new conversations. Thank you...

Delighted to stop by today. I popped over from Ge...

2010-06-30T09:03:28.877-08:00

Delighted to stop by today. I popped over from Getting Down with Jesus. I hope you don't mind if I splash around a bit to get to know you. THis looks like a nice place to slip off my shoes and soak in serious goodness.

Splashin,
Sara

Love it! Thanks Fathafrank. :)

2010-06-30T08:00:06.022-08:00

Love it! Thanks Fathafrank. :)

And that's what grace is for in the first place! I...

2010-06-30T07:41:30.665-08:00

And that's what grace is for in the first place! It's the power and favor of God WORKING inside us to bring about His righteous life.

Your words reminded me of Hebrews 10:29, "How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?"

God does take this seriously so we may as well trust Him and experience the life change He wants for us. It will only be to our benefit! Thanks Billy.

It's so easy to say we are who we are and there is...

2010-06-30T07:34:46.847-08:00

It's so easy to say we are who we are and there isn't anything we can do about it. It's even easier to say that's okay because we're covered by grace. But in the end, God expects us to get up each day and be the best possible person we can, and then get up the next day and try to be even better. Thanks for the kick in the pants, Jason.

"Through God's grace and power I have overcome a l...

2010-06-30T07:03:32.106-08:00

"Through God's grace and power I have overcome a lot, but there is still a lot left to change." Boy, am I with you on that one! The one I forgot to write in my list was "it's not as bad as what other people are doing." All these lies try to keep us away from Jesus, but He'll have none of it! The Spirit inside us envies intensely, but He gives more grace. Thanks Dusty.

It's crazy, isn't it? And the more I keep going I'...

2010-06-30T07:01:10.224-08:00

It's crazy, isn't it? And the more I keep going I'm amazed by the thoughts that are in there and I didn't even know it. Like you mentioned with Romans 12, we have to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Those thoughts we dismiss as nothing really are extremely important! Thanks Jay.

Bill, I think we all do! That's why surrender and ...

2010-06-30T06:58:22.722-08:00

Bill, I think we all do! That's why surrender and the work of the Holy Spirit is so important. Thank you...

I know I have: # It’s just your personality # It’s...

2010-06-30T06:39:21.851-08:00

I know I have:
# It’s just your personality
# It’s your genetics
# You tried before and failed, just give up already
Plus one more lie: "There is nothing wrong with me."

Through God's grace and power I have overcome a lot, but there is still a lot left to change.

Ungodly thoughts like your list above will freeze ...

2010-06-30T06:09:30.942-08:00

Ungodly thoughts like your list above will freeze you in your tracks and keep you from being free. Need to combat them big time! Good thoughts bro'

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV

I love the idea of a carnival on each of our seque...

2010-06-30T05:07:38.250-08:00

I love the idea of a carnival on each of our sequels! But I'm grateful to God for the many second chances he gives. I'm not sure if my life is a trilogy in need of a prequel (with extra CG effects!), or more along the lines of an epic poem. All I know is that the last act isn't written yet. Thanks for your post.

Jason: been looking for a personal email but can't...

2010-06-30T04:13:09.586-08:00

Jason: been looking for a personal email but can't seem to find one so using this. I was going to ask if you would want to exchange links. I have put yours on my blogroll and in my Google Reader. Enjoying what you are writing. I am a pastor in Spencer, IN. I have been married for 37 years and have 2 grown daughters and one grandson. I cycle (Trek 2.3) between 2-3000 miles a year. More of my profile can be seen at my blog (billgrandi.com)

I think pride comes into play in both situations. ...

2010-06-30T04:01:29.532-08:00

I think pride comes into play in both situations. When young you don't think you need to change and when you get older it is hard to see the need to change. And yes I have struggled with both.

I wouldn't think less of you for being human. :) I...

2010-06-29T18:29:58.780-08:00

I wouldn't think less of you for being human. :) I love those holy whispers too. It's amazing how much strength we gain from those quiet moments. Praying for you, Anne. It's definitely not over and He has your world in His hands...

Jason, Some weeks back, I was weary. Not whiny (b...

2010-06-29T17:32:42.846-08:00

Jason,

Some weeks back, I was weary. Not whiny (been there), just really, really weary. (Will you think less of me if I confess I felt downright hopeless?)

Then the Lord whispered, it's not over yet.

More weeks have gone by. Things have gone from worse to whatever's way past worse.

I so appreciate this post.

Absolutely--we thank God for abundant grace! Thank...

2010-06-29T14:31:21.935-08:00

Absolutely--we thank God for abundant grace! Thank you Maureen.