November 22, 2024

A Daughters Worth: Week 7 / Day 4 – Sibling Relationships are Complicated

November 15, 2012 by

 

I saw the topic that I had to write on this week and I really did laugh!!! I told God that He really has a lot of jokes these days! 🙂 I said that because I can honestly say that I know a whole lot about this particular topic. I have 2 beautiful sisters and we have honestly been through a lot together. As a matter of fact, we are going through some things right now. It really is complicated! Sometimes it is so complicated that it hurts me so much that I cry. I love my sisters very much. I placed a picture of my sisters and me on the day that I received my Associates degree, and I also placed a picture of my own 4 children. You see, I desire for my children to be so close that nothing or anyone can ruin their close relationship. I know that may seem like a lot of wishful thinking, but that is honestly the one prayer that I pray over my children every day.

My mother has always tried to keep my sisters and I united and communicating with each other, unfortunately, it hasn’t always worked out like she had planned. We fuss and argue, we cry, we yell and scream at each other. Now that I have children of my own, I can see what my mom went through, having 3 girls under the same roof. We didn’t always see things the same way. We borrowed each other’s clothes without asking for permission 😉 we stayed on the phone longer when we knew that the other wanted to use it to call someone, we ate each other’s food that was in the refrigerator…not just any food, but maybe one of our favorite snacks…like left over pizza or a nice chocolate Hostess cupcake 🙂 My favorite!

We had to learn how to get along with each other. You have siblings and I am sure that you can relate to the things that I am saying. Girls, you have to always try and keep the communication line open with your siblings. You may not always see eye to eye on things and you may have a sibling who decides that he or she needs some space. It is okay, but when you feel like they have had enough time to get their thoughts together, sit down and talk with them. Try your best to make things right. God created all of us as different, unique individuals, and no, we are not the same. We are different and because we are different people, yet in the same household, we have to learn each other’s personalities and ways. We have to try and work together.

Sibling relationships are complicated…that is true. I have one sister that can be a little bossy, although I am the oldest, and I have one sister who seems to think that we just don’t love her…but we do. They may think that I talk too much or can’t keep a secret sometimes, but it is okay. It is what makes us different. I believe that when God created Adam and Eve… He wanted them to have children, lots of children, and God wanted the world to be happy and complete. Things didn’t go as He had designed for it to at that time, but it doesn’t mean that it wasn’t right! I can think of a lot of siblings in the Bible where things were really complicated between them. Cain and Abel, Jacob and his twin brother Esau, Joseph and his brothers, and so many more. You see, our families are not the first families to be COMPLICATED. Just know that whatever your siblings may be like, God is the One who placed you all together and it is ALL for His Glory. Pray for them continually and watch God work it all out!

I appeal to you…in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

1 Corinthians 1: 10

Let’s pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the families that you have blessed us with. We know that no one family is perfect and things can sometimes be complicated, but help us to remember and realize that You are the one who created and united our families together and therefore You are the One who can fix them. Help us to continue to look to You for guidance and direction with how to deal with our complicated siblings. We ask this now in your darling son Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.

Love, Tonya 

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For the A Daughter’s Worth Bible Study, you will need the book, your Bible, pen or pencil, a highlighter and a quiet place. You can order the book right through our website from clicking the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage.

If you are interested in joining us in our GCH:decaf Teen Girls Ministry, please click the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage. Just follow the instructions on the form and hit submit. We’ll be happy to add you to one of our Online Bible Study Groups! Our new study is A Daughter’s Worth! Please email megan@girlfriendscoffeehour.com for more information

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A Daughter’s Worth – Week 7: Treasuring the Family

November 11, 2012 by

 

Ephesians 3:14-17

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

Some thoughts from Megan…

Growing up, I considered myself to be the “black sheep” of my family. My brother was adopted, but I always felt like I was really the adopted one because I felt I had so little in common with my family. They all had similar beliefs, personalities and tastes… and then there was me 🙂 As I got older, I realized that this was God’s divine plan! If we were all the same and had everything in common, I could imaging that my family would get pretty dull and boring. My family helped me see that because of my different likes, passions and dreams, I helped open their eyes to things they never would have known about! THAT is the beauty of how God divinely designs our relationships!

As an adult, my family is more unlikely that I ever could have dreamed! God divinely brought me five kids to love and a wonderful husband. Our family is not “easy” by any means, but we are unique and so full of love! God is the only way we could have been brought together and even though we have unique challenges, I know God shines through to all the hearts who get to know us.

I can’t wait to dive into these topics with you this week and get to know your family better!

Monday: Families Sometimes Struggle

Tuesday: Children Must Obey

Wednesday: Parents Make Mistakes

Thursday: Sibling Relationship are Complicated

Friday: Families Bless Us

Saturday: Lord Teach Us To Pray: Part 8

A Few words from Morgan….

Hey girls, how is everybody?! Last week was such a good week about having good friends! This week it’s all about learning about how to treasure our family. I know this can be tough, but they will always be there for you and have a love nobody else can replace! Your parents want to help you make the best choices and help you live your life to the fullest. I know sometimes it doesn’t feel like that but it is tough sometimes and we have to just trust our parents because they have a lot of wisdom!

We will also talk about our relationship with siblings and I know its sometimes so hard to get along with them, but they will always be your best friend and be there for you. God gave us all a loving family that will bless us in the long run. God always wants the best for you and so do your parents! Hope you have a great week!

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,

Thank you for so lovingly placing us with our families. We know that you have purpose for every single life in our lineage and we praise you for it. Some people in our family we might get along with better than others, but we recognize and thank you for every single person we have in our family because we know you have a reason for it all. Help us be a light to our family members and love them with your unconditional love. Show us this week if there are any relationships within our family that need special care and help us to make it right. We love you and thank you Lord! amen <3

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For the A Daughter’s Worth Bible Study, you will need the book, your Bible, pen or pencil, a highlighter and a quiet place. You can order the book right through our website from clicking the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage.

If you are interested in joining us in our GCH:decaf Teen Girls Ministry, please click the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage. Just follow the instructions on the form and hit submit. We’ll be happy to add you to one of our Online Bible Study Groups! Our new study is A Daughter’s Worth! Please email megan@girlfriendscoffeehour.com for more information

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A Daughter’s Worth: Week 6 / Day 1: A Good Friend is Hard to Find

November 5, 2012 by

 

There was a time when I thought I had the best friends a girl could ask for. We vowed to each other that we would be friends forever no matter what happened. At the time, I could not imagine my life without those girls. We loved each other so incredibly much. I truly believed that we really would all be friends forever. Then came the day when they stopped talking to me. This was so devastating and frustrating. I remember crying myself to sleep many nights. I just could not put together why they were doing this to me.

So, I dried my tears and turned to God. Because of how much I valued my relationships with those girls, I had completely forgotten that God had already chosen me to be His friend. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name.” John 15:16 God had taken all of those best friends out of my life just in time, before I was negatively influenced. You see those friendships were not with Christians who were encouraging my walk with the Lord or joining me in bearing fruit. If I would have continued to be friends with them, the fruit produced by those relationships would be deadly to me and others. God saved me from the dangers of close friendships with non-Christians.

Think about your friendships, what kinds of fruit are they producing? There is a difference between being friendly to non-Christians and being friends with non-Christians. We are called to love others, we are just not supposed to get caught up in relationships with others that are not encouraging us in our most important relationship in our life, the one we have with God.

When I turned to God years ago, in the midst of my tears, God so gently spoke to me and this is what I heard: I love you and call you to love others. You have a friend in me, I will never leave you, I am here for you, you can trust me, and I will never hurt you. I am by your side always. I am your best friend forever.

I never considered God a friend up until that day. There is no doubt that God is our best friend. “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 Let it be out heart’s desire to find that friend and in return be that friend. Thankfully, we have Christ as a perfect example of how to be that friend described in Proverbs, simply because Jesus is that friend to each and every one of us. If you are struggling with finding a lasting friendship, ask Jesus to bring one into your life. As your best friend, I guarantee that He will; after all He has enough of them to introduce you to!

I never thought I would have good friendships with godly women. God cares enough about you and me to give us the desires of our hearts. He knew I needed Christian friends so he provided me with some of the absolute best! These women are answers to prayer and I am so thankful for them. Together, we take on this world with God’s hands in ours. We serve others, we love others, we fellowship, and we do it all together, with our best friend forever, God!

LET’S PRAY: Dear Jesus, thank you for being our best friend. Thank you that we can always turn to you for anything and you will be there, patiently waiting to hear from us. I pray for the girls that need Christian friendships in their lives. I ask that you bring godly friendships into their lives. I pray that we all grow in our friendships together in our discussion groups. Thank you for these gifts from above: Godly friendships. We love you so much! Amen

You’ve Got a Friend in ME,

Love Diane
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For the A Daughter’s Worth Bible Study, you will need the book, your Bible, pen or pencil, a highlighter and a quiet place. You can order the book right through our website from clicking the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage.

If you are interested in joining us in our GCH:decaf Teen Girls Ministry, please click the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage. Just follow the instructions on the form and hit submit. We’ll be happy to add you to one of our Online Bible Study Groups! Our new study is A Daughter’s Worth! Please email megan@girlfriendscoffeehour.com for more information

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A Daughter’s Worth Week 6: Choosing Good Friends

November 4, 2012 by

 

A few words from Megan and Morgan…..

Hey friends…. it’s Megan!

We have made it to week 6, which means that we are half way through this study. I hope it has blessed your heart and soul as it has mine. This week is about CHOOSING GOOD FRIENDS and this is what we will be talking about each day:

Monday: A Good Friend Is Hard To Find

Tuesday: A Good Friend Shares Her Faith

Wednesday: A Good Friend Supports You

Thursday: A Good Friend Forgives and Forgets

Friday: A Good friend Holds You Accountable

Saturday: Lord Teach Us To Pray: Part 7

It is so important to be careful in choosing your friends and I can’t wait to walk out the lessons of this week with you. I am excited to see what God will show us through His Word and our study book.

And now….. hear from my GOOD FRIEND Morgan 🙂

Hey girls! Hope you are doing well! I am loving this study so much… it’s a really big eye opener. So, this week we’re talking about our friends  and having a good friend. I have quite a few good friends that I can talk to and I’m blessed with. I hope you are too… but if not, don’t worry. God will bring one your way. Just continue to pray, and  if you do already have  great friends, that’s awesome. God says that we need God-worshippers to fellowship with each other because it’s good for the heart.

It’s true, so I hope that this week God will open your eyes to what you need  to look for in a friend. God is so loving and knows exactly what we need in a friend and gives it to us without any doubt, which is totally amazing!

I wrote a prayer out for this week!

Dear God, Thank you  so much for sending me loving friends that I can trust and go and just talk to, I thank you  so much because they are such a big blessing in my life. God, thank you also for being such a great Father for me, and always looking out for me and making sure that my needs are met. You are so Mighty and Worthy of my Praise. I love you so much, In Jesus Name, Amen.

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For the A Daughter’s Worth Bible Study, you will need the book, your Bible, pen or pencil, a highlighter and a quiet place. You can order the book right through our website from clicking the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage.

If you are interested in joining us in our GCH:decaf Teen Girls Ministry, please click the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage. Just follow the instructions on the form and hit submit. We’ll be happy to add you to one of our Online Bible Study Groups! Our new study is A Daughter’s Worth! Please email megan@girlfriendscoffeehour.com for more information

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Lord, Teach Us to Pray: Part 6

November 3, 2012 by

Today we continue a series entitled Lord, teach us to pray!  Do you ever cry out with that same desire as Jesus’ disciples did — “Teach {me} to pray”?

Each Saturday over the next couple of months, we will intentionally pursue asking the Lord to do just that—teach us to pray.  I believe that, as we continue to look at learning how to pray through the Scriptures, we will develop into daughters who PRAY—who delight, yearn, love to pray to their Father.  This is my heart’s desire.

Jesus was asked this important question by His disciples. One of the places that it is recorded is in Luke 11, verse 1: “Then He was praying in a certain place; and when He stopped, one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray….”

Listen to the words that He spoke to them when they asked:

Pray, therefore, like this:

Our Father

Who is in heaven,

hallowed (kept holy) be Your name.

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts,

and have given up resentment against) our debtors.

And lead (bring) us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Amen.

Matthew 6:9-13

The first week, in this series, we focused on the very first, and most important aspect, of Jesus’ instruction—addressing God Almighty as “Our Father….” We found that He wants to be our Father…our Abba Father!

The second week, we looked at the very next aspect of prayer that Jesus deemed of  importance—”Who is in heaven.”  This attribute tells of the utmost importance of God Who is in heaven.  And we also were reminded of an awesome promise from God, that we will dwell for all eternity with Jesus and our Father, Who is in heaven.

Then we came to the third aspect, as we followed Jesus’ instruction,— “hallowed (kept holy) be Your name.”  And we looked at five examples in the Scriptures where Almighty God is described as holy: we saw the Psalmist proclaim that ‘You are holy’…that the prophet Habakkuk called Him ‘my Holy One’…that Isaiah saw in a vision God seated on His throne with the seraphim proclaiming ‘holy, holy, holy’…that Jesus our Lord prayed  ‘Holy Father’…that one of the seven angels praise Almighty God saying ‘You Who are and were ‘O Holy One.’  What a privilege that our Father…Who is in heaven…would allow us to come before Him and call Him ‘holy!’

The following week we looked at the next aspect of prayer that Jesus deemed important— “Your Kingdom come.”  We considered the question, “What is the ‘Kingdom’? by focusing on just two ways to understand what Jesus meant.  The first connotation that “Kingdom” has refers to the eternal Kingdom.  And then to understand “Kingdom” in another way, we looked specifically at the 13th chapter of the book of Matthew where Jesus spoke in parables and used tangible examples to help His disciples (and us!) to understand the importance of having ‘the Kingdom’ established in our hearts. .He wants you and me to be in that Kingdom along with Him.

Last week, we focused on the next aspect of Jesus’ instruction ‘Your will be done.’  It is Almighty God’s will that we are to be concerned about…not our own.  We continually saw Our Lord’s constant example that it was not His will that was important but His Father’s.   We looked at number of records in the Scriptures which clearly spoke of Jesus’ great desire for His Father’s will.  If it were ever possible for anyone to justifiably state and act on their own will, it would have been Jesus; true?  We were reminded of the great humility and the beautiful love that He and His Father shared in Their relationship.  Jesus always desired His Father’s will, always sought His Father’s will, always purposed to know His Father’s will so that He always did His Father’s will.  And what did we find was His Father’s will?—salvation and redemption through Jesus Christ.  We were assured that at the very foundation of God’s will lies our hope, which is salvation through Jesus leading to eternal life.

Now in this sixth week of wanting our Lord to teach us to pray, we come to the phrase “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  There are a few different avenues of approach to understanding the meaning of this phrase.  But, as always  Jesus gives the very best, the simplest understanding.  In John 6:38 we read,

“For I have come down from heaven not to do My own will and purpose but to do the will and purpose of Him Who sent Me.”

Clearly Jesus states the essence of today’s study.  He was coming to earth from  heaven to do His Father’s will.  Jesus always exemplified the type of heart and behavior that He was teaching to His disciples.  He taught them so much by example.  So, it makes sense that when He was teaching them how to pray, He would include this critical aspect.  The disciples probably had no true concept of what ‘come down from heaven’ really meant.  But they were convinced that what Jesus taught them was of vital importance.  As we, too, should be convinced.

We, too, can live with that same heart as Jesus did.  God has promised to lead us, to guide us, to show us His Will.  The following are just a few of the many, many promises God has given us regarding our knowing His will.

Proverbs 3:5,6

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

Psalms 32:8

I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

Romans 12:2

…But be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

James 1:5

If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and begrudgingly, without reproaching or fault-finding, and it will be given him.

Jesus, Who knew His heavenly Father like no one else did, desired to do God’s will.  God’s perfect will.  He simply and clearly taught His disciples AND US to do the same.

How thankful are we to know that?  Oh. How. He. Loves. Us. So.  <3

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This week , in our study A Daughter’s Worth, we have examined some negative and positive emotions, and focused on the truth of knowing God’s will in each of those areas: that when we are disappointed, it is God’s will to help; when we have anxiety, it is God’s will that we give Him our concerns because He cares for us; when we allow jealousy in by having an ungrateful heart, that it is God’s will for us to be thankful; that when we experience confusion in our relationships, it is God’s will for us to reconcile and to have peace.

Ask yourself:  ______ (insert your name here), how much worth do I have if my heavenly Father—Almighty God—desires to show me His will?  <3

“…Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven...”

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For the A Daughter’s Worth Bible Study, you will need the book, your Bible, pen or pencil, a highlighter and a quiet place. You can order the book right through our website from clicking the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage.

If you are interested in joining us in our GCH:decaf Teen Girls Ministry, please click the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage. Just follow the instructions on the form and hit submit. We’ll be happy to add you to one of our Online Bible Study Groups! Our new study is A Daughter’s Worth! Please email megan@girlfriendscoffeehour.com for more information

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A Daughter’s Worth: Week 5 / Day 5: God Celebrates My Happiness

November 2, 2012 by

I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.

Ecclesiastes 3:12

Girls, I can tell you with all certainty that I am a happy daughter of Christ! But, this has not always been the case….

In July of 2011, something happened that made me really sad. For a while I could not move on with my life. I thought I would never smile again. I had a constant frown on my face; I did not even try to be happy. The down side to this was that my friends could not stand to be in my morbid presence any longer and they started to avoid me. So I was unhappy AND alone.

From reading the Word of God, I knew that I had to change my attitude.

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

 

I got all excited when I read 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. I tell you, the Bible is filled with awesome truths!

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;

perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

Girls, do you know what this means?

To me it means that no matter what I go through, I will always have hope through Jesus Christ. My Father will never abandon me, I am safe with Him, so why the long face? Why not show the world that with God on our side nothing will get us down, nothing will keep us from rejoicing?

Let us pray:

Father, we thank you for this Bible Study, thank you that we can learn about what makes you happy and about Your love for us. Help us to keep our emotions intact at all times so that we can glorify You at all times, amen.

Be blessed!

Edwina

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For the A Daughter’s Worth Bible Study, you will need the book, your Bible, pen or pencil, a highlighter and a quiet place. You can order the book right through our website from clicking the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage.

If you are interested in joining us in our GCH:decaf Teen Girls Ministry, please click the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage. Just follow the instructions on the form and hit submit. We’ll be happy to add you to one of our Online Bible Study Groups! Our new study is A Daughter’s Worth! Please email megan@girlfriendscoffeehour.com for more information

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A Daughter’s Worth: Week 5 / Day 4 – God Helps You Clear Up Confusion

November 1, 2012 by

 

When I saw that I was to do a blog on God clearing up confusion, I thought to myself,” Wow! Lord, You sure do have jokes sometimes.” I said that because recently I have had a couple of incidents where God has literally had to come in and so neatly and carefully clear up some confusing moments in my life and for those around me, as well.  It is always a little difficult to have to deal with situations where people are not getting along or are frustrated and confused about a few things. If you have a problem with someone, it is best that you pray about it first. Always seek God’s counsel, seek His advice before you approach anyone or anything that you may be having a problem dealing with.  It can so easily get blown out of proportion if we try to fix confusing situations on our own 🙁

After I carefully went to God in prayer about my confusing situation, things got a little easier for me to deal with. I was walking around complaining and grumbling inside my mind, all confused about a few things that were happening and the people who I was frustrated with didn’t have a clue as to what I was frustrated about. You see, when confusion is in the midst, you can bank on that old devil being right there every time. He seeks to try to make our lives miserable, frustrating, and confusing. God revealed to me that I was wrong for complaining and grumbling and that I was to go to the person that I was frustrated with and talk with them. Boy oh boy was that not easy! I had to do it though! You see where God is…there is PEACE! Nothing about my confusing situation had peace written on it… I was unhappy and confused and they were happy…not fair…right?

We sat down and we prayed together first, and then God laid on my heart what to say. Girls after I said what I had to say, it was like a weight was lifted off of my heart and I felt free! The person didn’t have a clue that I was frustrated and apologized to me, and we were able to start our friendship fresh and new. We are happy as two friends can be now. God is definitely NOT the Author of Confusion.

1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not the Author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

I challenge you today to go to anyone that you may be having a little difficulty with, after prayer of course, and talk with them about it. God doesn’t want to see His girls unhappy!!!

Let’s Pray:

Father, God, we thank you for your never-ending counsel that you give to us on a daily basis.  We are grateful that you are not the Author of confusion, and that you want us to be love one another just as you love us. Help us to be able to go to our sisters when there is confusion and help us to get clarity in the situation so that we can be happy and not frustrated and confused. We love you Lord. Amen.

Love,

Tonya 🙂

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For the A Daughter’s Worth Bible Study, you will need the book, your Bible, pen or pencil, a highlighter and a quiet place. You can order the book right through our website from clicking the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage.

If you are interested in joining us in our GCH:decaf Teen Girls Ministry, please click the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage. Just follow the instructions on the form and hit submit. We’ll be happy to add you to one of our Online Bible Study Groups! Our new study is A Daughter’s Worth! Please email megan@girlfriendscoffeehour.com for more information

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A Daughter’s Worth Week 5/ Day 3: God Helps You Squash Jealousy

October 31, 2012 by

 

Jealousy is a really dangerous thing. God knew it was so dangerous that He included it in the Ten Commandments! Sadly, I think this is one of the most commonly broken commandments.

Jealousy is always a result of an ungrateful heart. When we are not thankful for what we have, who we are, what we can do, we begin to compare ourselves to others and wish to have what they have, be who they are, and do what they do.

In order to be thankful, you have to make the decision to recognize what the Lord has done in your life. He gave Jesus, His only Son for you! He loves you and wants a relationship with you. Remembering that and knowing the weight of that will make you thankful, for sure!

Some think jealousy is harmless. The problem with jealousy is that we are not only hoping to gain something, but we are hoping to take something from someone else. If you struggle with jealousy, I would encourage you to ask Jesus to change your heart toward the people you are jealous of. Ask Him to help you LOVE them, really love them. Mark 12:31- “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

I would also encourage you to start a list today of things you are thankful for. It can be anything from warm coffee to pink roses to flannel pajama pants, etc. Make an effort to see the good in life. Make the effort to thank Jesus for every good thing. “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” James 1:7

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord, help me to be content and have joy for all the things you have so generously given to me. When I am struggling with wanting what I don’t have, Father, help me gain perspective and change my heart. I want to live every day with a grateful heart. Help me, Lord, because I know I can’t do it without You! I love you and  I thank you for this provision. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen <3
~Jordan

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For the A Daughter’s Worth Bible Study, you will need the book, your Bible, pen or pencil, a highlighter and a quiet place. You can order the book right through our website from clicking the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage.

If you are interested in joining us in our GCH:decaf Teen Girls Ministry, please click the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage. Just follow the instructions on the form and hit submit. We’ll be happy to add you to one of our Online Bible Study Groups! Our new study is A Daughter’s Worth! Please email megan@girlfriendscoffeehour.com for more information

Filed Under: Teens Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Daughter’s Worth Week 5 – Day 2: God Helps You Manage Anxiety

October 30, 2012 by

 

I have to admit something to you.  When I saw the list of topics I was to write about during this study, I laughed.  Out loud.  That’s right! LOL  I thought Ms. Megan had played some kind of cruel joke on me.  That’s right, this topic caused me ANXIETY.  How did she know that anxiety and depression are something I deal with on a daily basis?  How was I going to talk to you guys about managing my stress and control issues when I still struggle with it myself?  I am going to show you what I have learned and Who I go to when I feel anxious and stressed out.  I have found ways to control the stress and anxiety instead of letting it control me.

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ANXIETY

Distress or uneasiness of mind caused by FEAR of danger or misfortune.A State of apprehension and psychic tension occurring in some forms of mental disorder.

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CONTROL   To exercise restraint or direction over; dominate; command.To hold in check; curb: to control a horse; to control one’s emotions.

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STRESS

Importance attached to a thing.

The physical pressure, pull or other force exerted on one thing by another; strain.

Synonyms: 

Significance, meaning, emphasis, consequence

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Psalms 34:17 says:

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

You might say, “But I’m not righteous, I’m a teenager”.  The Bible says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33  Hopefully, by now you are beginning to seek God when troubles come to you in your life.  He is our Source and our Hope.  We will all have troubles in this life, but by placing our hope in the LORD, we will have renewed strength (Isaiah 40:31).

What Is Anxiety? 

For teens or anyone else, anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. Things like tests, meeting new people, speaking in public, going on a date, and competing in sports can make us feel apprehensive. Some of us feel stressed at the thought of posting something about our lives on our secret Facebook Prayer Groups.  Some teens react much more strongly to stressful situations than others. Even thinking about the situations may cause them great distress.  I think that no matter how you were raised, how you handle stress now or how you plan to handle stress in the future, the Bible has the answers as to how and why we feel that stress and anxiety.

1 Peter 4:12-13

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Anxiety can be a good thing when it helps you deal with a tense situation. For example, when you’re studying for a test, a little anxiety can make you want to study hard so you do well. But at other times, anxiety can be harmful, especially when it is excessive and irrational, and prevents you from being able to focus.

1 Peter 5:6-7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Sometimes the anxiety can come between you and your friends, especially when you avoid going out with them or calling them because you’re too panicked or tense. That’s when you need to do something to feel less anxious, so you can fully enjoy your teenage life. (This is where your secret Facebook Prayer Group would come in handy).  You are not alone.  Every human goes through stressful times.  It is in these times that we get to practice what we are learning from our study.  We get to share our experiences with other who are going through the same troubles we have gone through or are going through.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

In our study, the author states that “even though God removes worry from your mind, He might not remove the source of anxiety.  The coach may never treat you fairly; your boyfriend may dump you, and your parents may get on your nerves.  But somehow, in the midst of the stress, you can feel an unbelievable calm.” (p. 64)

I try to make a conscious effort to replace stressful thoughts with prayer, scripture, or praise songs.  One of my favorite verses is one with ATTITUDE…whatever…

Let’s PRAY:  Heavenly Father, we come to you and bring the stress of our day.  We bring you all our anxiety, all our issues that cause us to take our eyes off of YOU.  Father, we claim your peace and your compassion and your comfort.  We want what only you can provide for us.  We know that you are the Source that heals our broken hearts and you bind up our wounds.  Father we pray that as we find comfort and peace in you, we would be able to share what we have learned with our friends.  We want them to come to know you the way we know you…LORD.  We love you.  We thank you for caring for us and for removing the worries from our hearts and minds.  Amen

Much love to all my girls,

Mama T  <3

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For the A Daughter’s Worth Bible Study, you will need the book, your Bible, pen or pencil, a highlighter and a quiet place. You can order the book right through our website from clicking the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage.

If you are interested in joining us in our GCH:decaf Teen Girls Ministry, please click the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage. Just follow the instructions on the form and hit submit. We’ll be happy to add you to one of our Online Bible Study Groups! Our new study is A Daughter’s Worth! Please email megan@girlfriendscoffeehour.com for more information

Filed Under: Teens Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Daughter’s Worth Week 5 / Day 1: God Helps You Deal With Disappointments

October 29, 2012 by

 

I had to think back to my teenage years for this blog. For most things from my teenage years, it is difficult to remember the details of excitement surrounding certain events.  Prom, I know it was great, I remember the dress I wore, but who all went with us, what car did we take, where was the prom, where did we go afterwards??  I am just not sure of these specific details.  School, I remember the good times, I remember the papers I wrote, the classes I hated, all of the information I learned though I am not too sure about.  In fact I think I told myself to forget if ice cubes are a solid or a liquid…it worked because I still am not too sure.  But certain things I can try to forget but I never will be able to.  The disappointments that I went through in my teenage years, I remember them all.  I can tell you very specific details of just about every disappointment I faced as a teenager.  I am sure you can think of several disappointments you have gone through or are going through right now.

When disappointments come into our lives they cause so much pain and hurt.  But, when you are finally able to look back on them you can be thankful for those disappointments and where they brought you-closer to God.

How many of you desire to be close to God?  How many of you desire to hear from God?  How many of you desire to feel love from God every moment of every day?  I know when I was your age, I desired those things.  I would hear older, wiser women talking about their time with God and what He spoke to them, and I always wondered how to get that with God.  Yes I want to hear from God, but he is not talking to me.  I believed that because I was younger than the women who I heard these tales from God was unable to communicate with me and be close to me.  What a lie-if we open our hearts to God no matter what age we are God will make Himself known to us, we will feel His presence.

If I really think about why these women were able to hear from God and I was not I believe I know the answer.  It was how I was handling my disappointments when I was younger.  I was trying to fix all of my problems on my own.  I was not asking God for help through the pain, I was hiding it all inside.  There were even times I was disappointed in God because of the trials I was constantly going through.  By taking God out of the equation for fixing disappointment I was pulling myself further away from God.  I was making it impossible to hear from Him.  I was avoiding hearing from Him simply because I thought I could not.  I did not know God was capable of helping me.

Do you believe God is able to help you?  Romans 8:26 insures He does!

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 

One thing we can be certain of is that disappointments will come our way.  There is no way to avoid disappointments in this world.  But, take heart because God has OVERCOME THE WORLD.  When disappointments do come into your life, ask God for help.  Tell Him your desires to grow closer to Him and to feel His presence more through this disappointment.  Use this disappointment to hear from God.  Instead of turning away from God, run into Him will all of your strength, help, and love.

When I look back on each disappointment I do not feel pain, I see God working to make my life just how he intends it to be.  I see the Lord’s love in each one of the trials I have been through.  I get to experience HIS comfort.  I am thankful that what was intended to cause me pain, God used to bring me closer to HIS comforting arms.  Just a little fun fact for you: an ice cube (not melted) is a solid.

Let’s Pray:  Lord, I thank you so much for each one of these girls in this study.  I ask that you make yourself known to them.  I pray that they are able to see YOU and feel YOUR comfort, and know YOUR help in the midst of disappointments.  I ask that you use these painful times in our lives to draw us closer to you.  Thank you for praying for us when we are just not able to.  We love you so much and we thank you for each disappointment we face, because we trust you are there through them with us, each step of the way.  AMEN.

Much Love,

Diane

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For the A Daughter’s Worth Bible Study, you will need the book, your Bible, pen or pencil, a highlighter and a quiet place. You can order the book right through our website from clicking the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage.

If you are interested in joining us in our GCH:decaf Teen Girls Ministry, please click the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage. Just follow the instructions on the form and hit submit. We’ll be happy to add you to one of our Online Bible Study Groups! Our new study is A Daughter’s Worth! Please email megan@girlfriendscoffeehour.com for more information

Filed Under: Teens Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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