In our last discussion these books were recommended as useful tools in teaching our children scripture and values:
'My 1st Book of Christian Values' by Carine Mackenzie
Excellent for short devotions on Christian values.
'My 1st Book of Memory Verses' by Carine MacKenzie
'My 1st Book of Questions and Answers' by Carine MacKenzie
For those of you have been looking unsuccessfully for the 'Prove it Catechism' that I've recommended on this website this would be a great alternative.
This is the Recommendation by Douglas F. Kelly:
"As evangelicals, we have analysed the harmful cultural influences on our children bu have been less effective in offering positive solutions to the problem. It is a joy, therefore, to recommend very highly Carine MacKenzie's new Catechism for children.
Here is something that Christian parents, grandparents and friends can do for the character developement and wholsome spiritual growth of the young generation: teach them this catechism!
It is Biblically sound throughout; a fine and clear summation of the structure of Reformed Theology. It is both comprehensive and comprehensible. Written in very plain and current English, it wastes no words and keeps to the point at issue in each question, and is organized so that theological concepts follow each other in proper order, much like its model, the Westminster Shorter Catechism.
It presents profound turth as simply as possible. As a father of five, I deem it to be happily accessible to children. It conveys a spirit of uplifting devotion.
This catechism could make a great difference in the lives of those who learn it. May prayer is that it may be widely read.'
All these books are available at Koorong, and probably most christian book stores.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Path Through Trials - Section 3
This week we discussed Section 3 pages 101 to 135.
Staying in our trials: We discussed staying in our trials. Do we need to? Often there are ways we could avoid the trial but some times the right thing to do is to face them head on. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego for example, could have avoided their trial. They could have said to themselves ‘well God knows my heart, and that I’m not really worshiping the Golden statue’ They could have bowed in order to avoid the aweful punishment, knowing that in their hearts they still worshiped the true God. But they didn’t. They didn’t compromise. They decided to face their trial. What kinds of trials do we face? Do we compromise even with the every day tests and trials? Could we easily avoid the trial by compromising? What is the right way to respond to each trial, rather than the easy way?
Elizabeth gave us examples of people who stayed in their trials, who chose to go through them rather than avoid them. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-Nego, Abraham, and even Christ. “In all of these instances… It was 100 percent Him [God] and not the skills, knowledge, abilities, smooth talking, and clever manipulations of humans that ended these tests. Those involved only had to do three things: step into their test, stay in their test and wait on and trust in God.” page 140
It is good to remember some of those listed in Hebrew ‘Hall of Faith’ failed just like us, but God still honored them. Sarah tried to manipulate her circumstance to bring her trial to an end. She failed, with disastrous consequences, but she became stronger through her trial.
Weakness: The world tells us that to get through difficulties we need to be strong. Find our inner strength and get on with it.
But the bible says that when we are weak we are strong. We need to be at peace with our weakness so that we can trust God for His strength. We should not let pride get the better of us. We should be honest about our weakness. As Elizabeth said on pg 127 ‘Let God use others to assist you as you make your way through your trial. This shows your maturity and lest God work through the other person.’
When facing trials we should look to God for strength and Grace to endure. 'And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am week, then I am strong.' 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Our weakness emphasizes God’s strength.
The purpose of Trials: ‘God works through trials in our lives to ‘perfect’ and mature us.’ page 136. We thought that in the world today, and in the circumstance in which we live it is difficult for people to see the purpose of trials. We live in a shallow world with often an artificial peace and happiness. In a world that is always seeking to fulfill pleasure, and perpetual happiness, it is difficult to see the need for trials. It is hard for people to see that suffering is necessary to make us stronger, and that on the other side of trials there is blessing.
We were reminded that having nice children is not good enough. We need to help our children develop character and maturity, and sometimes this means allowing them to face a difficult situation rather than stepping in to help them. ‘… maturity and usefulness are the overarching outcomes of trials endured and seen through to the end.’ Pg 143
To Sum up: We all enjoyed this anonymous poem. We thought it a beautiful illustration of how God lovingly teaches us in ways we don’t expect and how we are blessed because of His wisdom.
'I asked God for strength that I might achieve,
I was made weak that I might learn to humbly obey.
I asked for help that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy,
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness so that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life,
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for but everything I had hoped for.
I am among all men, most richly blessed.'
Page 144-145
“Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:4
Staying in our trials: We discussed staying in our trials. Do we need to? Often there are ways we could avoid the trial but some times the right thing to do is to face them head on. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego for example, could have avoided their trial. They could have said to themselves ‘well God knows my heart, and that I’m not really worshiping the Golden statue’ They could have bowed in order to avoid the aweful punishment, knowing that in their hearts they still worshiped the true God. But they didn’t. They didn’t compromise. They decided to face their trial. What kinds of trials do we face? Do we compromise even with the every day tests and trials? Could we easily avoid the trial by compromising? What is the right way to respond to each trial, rather than the easy way?
Elizabeth gave us examples of people who stayed in their trials, who chose to go through them rather than avoid them. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-Nego, Abraham, and even Christ. “In all of these instances… It was 100 percent Him [God] and not the skills, knowledge, abilities, smooth talking, and clever manipulations of humans that ended these tests. Those involved only had to do three things: step into their test, stay in their test and wait on and trust in God.” page 140
It is good to remember some of those listed in Hebrew ‘Hall of Faith’ failed just like us, but God still honored them. Sarah tried to manipulate her circumstance to bring her trial to an end. She failed, with disastrous consequences, but she became stronger through her trial.
Weakness: The world tells us that to get through difficulties we need to be strong. Find our inner strength and get on with it.
But the bible says that when we are weak we are strong. We need to be at peace with our weakness so that we can trust God for His strength. We should not let pride get the better of us. We should be honest about our weakness. As Elizabeth said on pg 127 ‘Let God use others to assist you as you make your way through your trial. This shows your maturity and lest God work through the other person.’
When facing trials we should look to God for strength and Grace to endure. 'And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am week, then I am strong.' 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Our weakness emphasizes God’s strength.
The purpose of Trials: ‘God works through trials in our lives to ‘perfect’ and mature us.’ page 136. We thought that in the world today, and in the circumstance in which we live it is difficult for people to see the purpose of trials. We live in a shallow world with often an artificial peace and happiness. In a world that is always seeking to fulfill pleasure, and perpetual happiness, it is difficult to see the need for trials. It is hard for people to see that suffering is necessary to make us stronger, and that on the other side of trials there is blessing.
We were reminded that having nice children is not good enough. We need to help our children develop character and maturity, and sometimes this means allowing them to face a difficult situation rather than stepping in to help them. ‘… maturity and usefulness are the overarching outcomes of trials endured and seen through to the end.’ Pg 143
To Sum up: We all enjoyed this anonymous poem. We thought it a beautiful illustration of how God lovingly teaches us in ways we don’t expect and how we are blessed because of His wisdom.
'I asked God for strength that I might achieve,
I was made weak that I might learn to humbly obey.
I asked for help that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy,
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness so that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life,
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for but everything I had hoped for.
I am among all men, most richly blessed.'
Page 144-145
“Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:4
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Recapping Section 1 & 2
Hi Everyone
We started book club again on Wednesday after a long break, so we thought we’d recap the chapters we’d already read to refresh our memories. Here’s a few of the things we discussed.
Elizabeth’s Challenge: Did you do the ‘assignment’ from page 39? “For one week keep a journal of your trials. Then evaluate them from God’s perspective, choose to count them as all joy, and record the positive results that come from making this godly choice. Choose to follow God’s beautiful and practical path through your tials! He has carefully laid out the stepping-stones fro you, the first one being a joyful attitude.”
Most of us didn’t literally keep a journal but we did take mental notes. We realized that it’s the little everyday trials that we failed to count as Joy. Not the big ones. It’s the little troubles that shape our character. It was a good exercise to do and we realized that if we are not learning from the little trials it’s a scary thought that God my need to use big ones to get through to us!
I actually didn’t do the ‘assignment’ when we originally read it. However recently I spent the night in hospital with both my boys, and a dear ‘book club’ friend told me over the phone to ‘remember to count it as joy’. It was a great encouragement and as I lay on the very uncomfortable trundle bed in between my boys, I was meditating on James 1:2 ‘My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.’, and it really helped me to put the whole episode into perspective. And in a way I was able to count it joy. I could see that the Lord was teaching me about myself, my attitudes my emotions, impatience. I’m very grateful for the reminder and remembering that it is all part of Gods purposes really encouraged me.
We discussed tiredness: On page 80, Elizabeth says “Tiredness is never an excuse. In fact, it’s a test. If tiredness is our excuse, we have failed the test, and we’ll have to go right back into the Refiner’s fire (Zechariah 13:9). We must deal with this weakness. We must purge it from our lives. Stable women don’t give into tiredness. Instead they fight it. They remain constant and keep on keeping on… no matter what.” The context of this was in relation to our commitments and responsibilities.
How do you feel about that statement? It seemed rather strong, however we though that there were many lessons to learn. If we are too tired, maybe we have committed ourselves to too many things and need to re examine our priorities. If we’re too tired to be effective wives and mothers then maybe we need to commit ourselves to less.
Giants of the faith: We thought it was good to remember “Gods Hall of faith” in Hebrews 11, which Elizabeth discusses on page 96.
I thought I’d leave you with these thoughts from page 97:
“What can you trust Jesus for today? Right this minute, what challenge is standing in your path? Are the little ones driving you crazy? Do you feel trapped? Useless? Remember, you walk with the giants of the faith.
Are you nursing your heal… or a broken heart… or a loved one with cancer? Are you suffering unjustly because of slander of gossip? Are you going without a home, sufficient finances, a husband, or children? Remember, you walk with the giants of the faith.
Realise that just as God was honoured by the faith and fortitude of those incredible saints of old, He will be honored as you trust Him when you suffer.
No matter what God is asking of you, no matter what the size of it, ask Him to give you the grace to take even a small step of trusting obedience in whatever He requires of you. That one small step will put you on God’s path through your trials There you will experience His gracious help and provision, enabling you to stand alongside His giants of genuine faith in your times of testing.”
We started book club again on Wednesday after a long break, so we thought we’d recap the chapters we’d already read to refresh our memories. Here’s a few of the things we discussed.
Elizabeth’s Challenge: Did you do the ‘assignment’ from page 39? “For one week keep a journal of your trials. Then evaluate them from God’s perspective, choose to count them as all joy, and record the positive results that come from making this godly choice. Choose to follow God’s beautiful and practical path through your tials! He has carefully laid out the stepping-stones fro you, the first one being a joyful attitude.”
Most of us didn’t literally keep a journal but we did take mental notes. We realized that it’s the little everyday trials that we failed to count as Joy. Not the big ones. It’s the little troubles that shape our character. It was a good exercise to do and we realized that if we are not learning from the little trials it’s a scary thought that God my need to use big ones to get through to us!
I actually didn’t do the ‘assignment’ when we originally read it. However recently I spent the night in hospital with both my boys, and a dear ‘book club’ friend told me over the phone to ‘remember to count it as joy’. It was a great encouragement and as I lay on the very uncomfortable trundle bed in between my boys, I was meditating on James 1:2 ‘My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.’, and it really helped me to put the whole episode into perspective. And in a way I was able to count it joy. I could see that the Lord was teaching me about myself, my attitudes my emotions, impatience. I’m very grateful for the reminder and remembering that it is all part of Gods purposes really encouraged me.
We discussed tiredness: On page 80, Elizabeth says “Tiredness is never an excuse. In fact, it’s a test. If tiredness is our excuse, we have failed the test, and we’ll have to go right back into the Refiner’s fire (Zechariah 13:9). We must deal with this weakness. We must purge it from our lives. Stable women don’t give into tiredness. Instead they fight it. They remain constant and keep on keeping on… no matter what.” The context of this was in relation to our commitments and responsibilities.
How do you feel about that statement? It seemed rather strong, however we though that there were many lessons to learn. If we are too tired, maybe we have committed ourselves to too many things and need to re examine our priorities. If we’re too tired to be effective wives and mothers then maybe we need to commit ourselves to less.
Giants of the faith: We thought it was good to remember “Gods Hall of faith” in Hebrews 11, which Elizabeth discusses on page 96.
I thought I’d leave you with these thoughts from page 97:
“What can you trust Jesus for today? Right this minute, what challenge is standing in your path? Are the little ones driving you crazy? Do you feel trapped? Useless? Remember, you walk with the giants of the faith.
Are you nursing your heal… or a broken heart… or a loved one with cancer? Are you suffering unjustly because of slander of gossip? Are you going without a home, sufficient finances, a husband, or children? Remember, you walk with the giants of the faith.
Realise that just as God was honoured by the faith and fortitude of those incredible saints of old, He will be honored as you trust Him when you suffer.
No matter what God is asking of you, no matter what the size of it, ask Him to give you the grace to take even a small step of trusting obedience in whatever He requires of you. That one small step will put you on God’s path through your trials There you will experience His gracious help and provision, enabling you to stand alongside His giants of genuine faith in your times of testing.”
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Merry Christmas!
First term next year we will begin our discussions with Chapters 9, 10, 11 and 12; Becoming a mature woman. Hope you can join us.
My new years resolution is to be more ‘faithful’ to my commitment of posting to the book club. ☺
I’m praying by then my morning sickness will be over, and it won’t feel like so much of an effort.
I hope you all have a wonderful time with your families over the Christmas holidays, and look forward to reading along with you again next year!
lots of love
Amy
My new years resolution is to be more ‘faithful’ to my commitment of posting to the book club. ☺
I’m praying by then my morning sickness will be over, and it won’t feel like so much of an effort.
I hope you all have a wonderful time with your families over the Christmas holidays, and look forward to reading along with you again next year!
lots of love
Amy
Gods Path Through Your Trials - Section 2
Becoming a Sable Women
This week we discussed Chapters 5, 6, 7 and 8 about becoming a Stable Woman.
We noticed that our weekly sermons at church seem to be running parallel to what we’re reading in book club… maybe God is telling us something.
This fortnight, Some of us took up Elizabeth’s challenge on page 39 “For one week keep a journal of your trials. Then evaluate them from God’s perspective, choose to count them as all joy, and record the positive results that come from making this godly choice…”
Some of us realised that we didn’t even think about the little trials in our life as being lessons, or counting them as joy… we just got on with it. It was a worthwhile exercise to help us step back, refocus and recognise the reality that God is active in all our trials, no matter how small. That there is something to learn in every little (and big) trial we face. There is always a purpose in every hardship we encounter and that it is to make us stronger… perseverance.
It took us back to the beautiful picture in Jerry Bridges ‘Discipline of Grace’ of God as the loving father guiding, leading and training us with sometimes painful but necessary lessons, to help us become the woman that He wants us to be.
On page 79-82 Elizabeth discusses a harvest of virtues. We felt that Elizabeth often speaks in absolutes, but situational context and perspective helps. For example, she discusses pain, sickness and tiredness, as being no excuse and we should just press on. Whilst it is true that we should always seek to remain faithful to our commitments, we also recognise that there are times when it is very difficult and we may need to ask for help, or take that pain killer but that this is not ‘giving up’. Sometimes the lesson to learn is asking for help, or being honest about your circumstances.
The encouragement to remain faithful in our commitments is however a timely exhortation given what we are seeing of ‘Generation Y’ as they take their place in the workforce and society. Many of this generation seem not to have been taught faithfulness, selfcontrol or commitment.
This week we discussed Chapters 5, 6, 7 and 8 about becoming a Stable Woman.
We noticed that our weekly sermons at church seem to be running parallel to what we’re reading in book club… maybe God is telling us something.
This fortnight, Some of us took up Elizabeth’s challenge on page 39 “For one week keep a journal of your trials. Then evaluate them from God’s perspective, choose to count them as all joy, and record the positive results that come from making this godly choice…”
Some of us realised that we didn’t even think about the little trials in our life as being lessons, or counting them as joy… we just got on with it. It was a worthwhile exercise to help us step back, refocus and recognise the reality that God is active in all our trials, no matter how small. That there is something to learn in every little (and big) trial we face. There is always a purpose in every hardship we encounter and that it is to make us stronger… perseverance.
It took us back to the beautiful picture in Jerry Bridges ‘Discipline of Grace’ of God as the loving father guiding, leading and training us with sometimes painful but necessary lessons, to help us become the woman that He wants us to be.
On page 79-82 Elizabeth discusses a harvest of virtues. We felt that Elizabeth often speaks in absolutes, but situational context and perspective helps. For example, she discusses pain, sickness and tiredness, as being no excuse and we should just press on. Whilst it is true that we should always seek to remain faithful to our commitments, we also recognise that there are times when it is very difficult and we may need to ask for help, or take that pain killer but that this is not ‘giving up’. Sometimes the lesson to learn is asking for help, or being honest about your circumstances.
The encouragement to remain faithful in our commitments is however a timely exhortation given what we are seeing of ‘Generation Y’ as they take their place in the workforce and society. Many of this generation seem not to have been taught faithfulness, selfcontrol or commitment.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Gods Path Through Your Trials - Section 1
Hi Everyone
I know we've already started the book, and I'm very late with my posts. Sorry... morning sickness is keeping me from my computer!
In the first two meetings we discussed the first section 'Becoming a Joyful Woman'.
I've enjoyed it, but we decided to read 4 chapters at a time, as after reading 'The Discipline of Grace' we found this book a lot lighter reading.
following are a few quotes that I found helpful... would love to hear what you all thought.
"I have learned several things about this "counting". First, counting a trial as joy is done with the mind... not the emotions. It is a matter of faith, not of feelings. It is a mental discipline and it is a matter of sheer obedience." page 16
"How strong is you faith and trust in God? Your trials and difficulties are a golden opportunity for joy. You can face your problems with a positive outlook! You can be joyful even when your whole world seems to be falling apart! How? You know the answer by now: Count it all joy. This puts you on God's path through your trials." Page 29
Sounds like a good time to do a bible study on James!
I know we've already started the book, and I'm very late with my posts. Sorry... morning sickness is keeping me from my computer!
In the first two meetings we discussed the first section 'Becoming a Joyful Woman'.
I've enjoyed it, but we decided to read 4 chapters at a time, as after reading 'The Discipline of Grace' we found this book a lot lighter reading.
following are a few quotes that I found helpful... would love to hear what you all thought.
"I have learned several things about this "counting". First, counting a trial as joy is done with the mind... not the emotions. It is a matter of faith, not of feelings. It is a mental discipline and it is a matter of sheer obedience." page 16
"How strong is you faith and trust in God? Your trials and difficulties are a golden opportunity for joy. You can face your problems with a positive outlook! You can be joyful even when your whole world seems to be falling apart! How? You know the answer by now: Count it all joy. This puts you on God's path through your trials." Page 29
Sounds like a good time to do a bible study on James!
Monday, October 13, 2008
a faithful woman Monthly Planner 2009
a faithful woman Monthly Planner 2009
This year's planner has a new look!
And it still has all your favourite sections including:
CALENDER
• Monthly Menu Planner
• Monthly Calander
• Week to page opening
• Dates for next year
• Schedule Planner
QUIET TIME• Quiet times calendar
• Month to page opening
THINGS TO REMEMBER
• Parents prayer program
• inspiring articles
BOOK CLUB • Reading record
• Book club notes
We’ve also added scripture to inspire you on every page!
If you would like to find out more, or how to order please email Amy at afaithfulwoman@splitpantsproductions.com.au for an info sheet.
Orders close November 14th. Delivery will be in the first two weeks of December.
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