Unglued Bible Study Ch. 2

"YES"!!!!  That is my answer to Melissa's question "Do you feel like Lysa has been following you around" as I am reading this book.  It's so easy to become 'unglued' over things that are so far out of our control, like Lysa's computer/dog vomit situation.

Perspective, perspective, perspective.  I pray, Lord, to look at all circumstances from the 'right' (Your) perspective.  The reason there is always 3 sides to a story is because there are always 2 perspectives (and then the correct, accurate account).  We are human and are naturally wired to look at situations from MY perspective, because, after all, I know best, right?  No.  

Emotions are not truths, we shouldn't respond to them like they are.  I do not want negative patterns of thoughts because my emotions are tied to my thoughts.  I will develop new responses by developing new thoughts!  I will renew my mind with new thoughts.  How?  With new perspectives!

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" 2Corinthians 10:5

I will repeat and commit to memory what Lysa says so many times in this book: "I can't control the things that happen to me each day, but I can control how I think about them.....I have a choice to have destructive thoughts or constructive thoughts right now.  I can wallow in what's wrong and make things worse, or I can ask God for a better perspective to help me see good even when I don't feel good."  I want this to be my pattern too!

I cannot fix everything on my own!  Why do I try and who says it needed to be fixed in the first place.  My emotions usually run thin with people, not things.  People don't need fixing, my perspective of them does, though.  God is in control!  Stop trying because it's not working and honestly I would mess things up if it did!

(I was able to keep my cool today by thinking about my study!  Just a little step but so excited because it would have been easier, albeit not better, to yell and get it over with.)

Unglued Bible Study Ch. 1

I'm so excited to start ready Lysa Terkeirst's book Unglued last night.  I joined an online bible study which is something new for me, but great because I can log on anytime I get a chance!  So much jumped into my heart in this first chapter - its been 7 pages of WOW mixed with conviction, but covered with hope!  As hard as it is for me to admit, I become unglued way too often with the people that I love the most and the people that God chose me to help lead, nurture and 'do life with'.  I'm tired!  Physically tired but most of all tired of letting my emotions control me.  Just as Lysa admits that she has vowed to do better so many times, I too lay in bed and think "I will do better tomorrow.  I will be more patient and not harp on the small stuff."  Then the morning comes and the chaos begins.  But I love this chaos because I love the ones helping create it!  But when I fail, which I will, I hope to remember what Lysa says about not needing to bend under the weight of past mistakes.  That kind of bending breaks us.   She goes on to write, "..we will bow to the One who holds out hope for a better future.  It's a truth-filled future in which God reveals how emotions can work for us instead of against us."  Lord, help me work to glorify you in everything I do!  I WILL NOT destroy the relationships I value most or weave into my life permanent threads of short-temperedness, shame, fear, or frustrations.
Emotions are difficult things!  Lysa writes, "Emotions allow us to feel as we experience life....God gave me emotions so I could experience life, not destroy it.  There is a gentle discipline to it all."  I pray that I am receptive to learning that discipline and living it out.
Our current series at church is Family Matters, which ties in so great with this book.  Pastor Robert reminded us parents that what our children learn at school or a church doesn't compare to what they are learning in their homes.  Do my children see me living out the faith that I proclaim to have?  Do they believe that I really trust what I am telling them?  Please, Heavenly Father, help me live in a way that shows your love!
Thanks Lysa!  So excited to read more!