Over Christmas when I was in the middle of the situation with Dad where I felt like he was tying my hands and slandering me to others.
2. Why is it so important to be transparent with other people?
I'm not entirely sure, actually, what this verse has to do with being transparent. It illustrates the slavery that we subject ourselves to when we do not confess sin to others?
3. God knows everything about us, so why is it important that we be transparent before Him?
Because we need to be honest with ourselves! In order to process our sin and decisions, we need to acknowledge them before God.
4. Consider the following questions and respond to several:
-What am I afraid people might find out about me? That I'm human!!
-Why do I assume that if I let people in they would be disappointed and leave? Because it's too much to handle.
5. Paul said bear one another's burdens. List some people who need you to bear their burdens and list some people who have helped carry your burdens. Select one or more people on this list and write personal notes of encouragement.
- Elaine, Jen, Mom, Dad, my sisters, David and fam, Donna, Angie, Courtney.
6. Why do you think this life is not the life God wants for you?
"31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
33They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"
34Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." -from John 8
"16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil." - from I Thess. 5
7. What comes to mind when you think about belonging? Be honest about your feelings.
I feel like it's hard to imagine belonging, truly. It seems like nobody can ever really understand me, so it's hard to imagine feeling like I really "fit" anywhere.
8. Describe a time when you have been overwhelmed by feelings out of proportion to what is happening around you. How did that experience make you feel?
Where the Wild Things Are. Weird, sad, out of control.
9. What do you think God is trying to say to you through this experience?
To learn how to lean on him a little more. To understand that I am experiencing these feelings so I can process them (with Him).
10. Jesus issues an invitation to anyone who has finally come to the place where she is tired of pretending everything is fine. Is this an offer you are willing to accept? Why or why not?
I feel like I have with counseling stuff. I'm not sure how else to answer this question! It's hard to imagine what this would look like for all areas of my life...
11. God knows everything about me and loves me. What is keeping me from trusting him with my past and following Him?
I don't know.
12. Describe a spiritual breakthrough you would like to experience right now.
Contentment.
13. Because Jesus said holding to his teaching will identify me as his disciple, I will hold to his teaching and trust his faithfulness.
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