Sunday, January 25, 2009

Day 18 - Experiencing Life Together

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DAY 18

Point to Ponder: I need others in my life.

Verse to Remember: "Share each other's troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (NLT)

Question to Consider: What one step can I take today to connect with another believer at a more genuine, heart-to-heart level?


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3 comments:

  1. This one is difficult for us because we have to just get to KNOW other people first before we can have heart-to-heart conversations... you don't just walk up to a stranger and say "What have you been struggling with this week?". Well, maybe some people can, but it's not our forte. Once we get to that level, I think it's just a matter of asking if there's anything we can do for our friends, anything we can help with or pray about, spending time together and being supportive of each other.

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  2. I am going to "steal" the methods of what others have done for me. From start to current, at our new church home, a few different men have engaged in conversations with me and then invited me to lunch during the week.

    It's informal, maybe superficial at first; talking about jobs, family and such... but somewhere along the process we are able to get to the heart of the matter. Learning about each other's history, struggles and victories!

    I think this "stolen" process is simple and fun. Also, meeting one-on-one gets rid of all the distractions, commotions at church, screaming kids, etc...

    Cheap lunch, invaluable conversations!

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  3. Jeff meant nagging wife when he said screaming kids, "etc...." :)

    This was a great chapter. I don't know where to begin. First, what a meaningful life application for me and my family. Two years, maybe even a year ago retaliation would have been a real possibility in my life. Now, I have moved past that. But I do need you to pray for me so that I may truly learn to forgive. I know there is still an angry bitterness deep within me because I can still seethe occasionally and I really, truly want to finally MOVE PAST THOSE PEOPLE! I believe true, complete forgiveness is what I'm lacking and I need God's help. I pray about it ALL the time, but maybe it's time to turn to some other friends and ask them to pray for me too. That is a struggle that I wanted to share. And I was glad to read Jeff's own words that you are not expected to continue allowing (those people who have hurt you) them to hurt you. Jeff has been a huge blessing in helping me realize that I don't have to let people treat me like that anymore (or treat our family like that anymore) and I'm glad to be reminded of it on this journey.

    I think that I can communicate with just about anyone, but I definately have a self-confidence issue when it comes to women ages 40-60 who stay within their clique. I get a little scared to approach them and I feel like I won't be accepted. But there are a couple of women in church that I need to make more of an effort to say hi to and get to know them a little better.

    I think what I can do today is to make sure I listen as much as I talk. As all of you know, I always have something to say (yes, I'm aware of it) and although I feel I get better with age I can still work on it! I've had a lot of people unload on me, so I know people see something in me that they feel is genuine and they can share their problems with me. I just need to make sure that I try and give that same chance to everyone.

    "As holy people...be sypathetic, kind, humble, gentle and patient." I know I can be sympathetic and kind. I feel I need to work on humble, gentle and patient.

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