Wrapping Up

Meet us on Sunday, October 11th, immediately following Worship Service

Now that we've read our way through this wonderful book -- if some of you are still reading, that's okay! -- it's time for us to come together for a time of CONNECTING with each other and CELEBRATING God's work!

Even though we're wrapping up this season of study, God is still continuing His work in you!

Keep listening.

Keep trusting.

Keep obeying.

Be a woman that He can bless!!

Radical Obedience=Radical Blessings - Chapter 9

I have been married to Tony for 32 years. We have 3 great kids who all love the Lord and had the nerve to grow up! I'm looking forward to the adventure God has in store through studying this special book and from all of the participants’ insights.Whoa- I don’t know about you, but I feel like I’ve been challenged to step up my relationship with God, lay off all my excuses, and start making a bigger difference for the kingdom of God!

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In Lysa’s concluding chapter, she takes any argument to not answer YES to God and proves through scripture how wrong those arguments are. We are called to radical obedience by our loving Father who will hold us, encourage us, and pick up the pieces when we mess up and humbly ask for help. God demands our total obedience, in every area of our lives. I don’t want to be stuck at that intersection with the light green & red not knowing what to do.

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I love to read Christian novels. My daughter Tiffany works in the library and she keeps me well supplied. I take them to the gym and read during my workouts, I read them at night before I fall asleep. Since I’ve been studying What Happens When Women say Yes to God, I’ve noticed a reoccurring theme in many of the books I’ve been reading. It’s all about people being put in situations they can only handle with the strength of God. (Is it beyond me?) This occurred again today when I was reading the novel, Angels Flight by Tracie Peterson & James Scott Bell. “God, it seemed, had done it again. Placed her in a situation for which only He could provide the strength. She was actually starting to look forward to seeing how God would work.” Pg. 375

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I’m ready to embrace Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Every day with God as my companion and guide is truly a gift. Every day is an opportunity to see what adventure He has in store for me. Every day I can welcome a deeper relationship with God.

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The future rests completely in God’s hands. We don’t need to worry what tomorrow will bring. On pg 145, Lysa says, “If you’ve settled in your heart to say yes to God and completely trust Him, then you don’t have to worry about the future. You are not in charge of the outcome; you are simply responsible to be obedient. You will be blessed with the peace of knowing that God has a perfect plan and holds everything in His perfect control.” What freedom this brings!
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It’s time for a call to action for all of us. “And whatever you do, whether in word, or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17
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Thank you for the opportunity to share my heart with all of you. I'm looking forward to getting together and seeing what changes you have experienced through the ministry of this outstanding book.

Do we really trust God? - Chapter 8

I am happily married for ten years now, with two wonderful kids 7 and 3. And I am seeking to learn how to walk closer with Jesus more and more everyday through this journey we call life! ~Humility

Radical obedience and sacrificial giving are very challenging concepts and even harder things to do. I wish I could trust God more I than do, because God is so amazingly faithful and knows best how to take care of me. Yet it seems all too human to try and be the captains of our own ships instead of trusting the Creator and Lord of the universe. As Lysa says “God has special knowledge in our lives. He has blessings for the radically obedient that make the dime-store stuff we are so intent on holding on to pale in comparison. The question is, do we trust Him? Do we trust that He will bless us? Do we trust that His blessings are infinitely better than what He might first ask us too to release?” p128. I think we truly have a hard time believing that when God asks us for something it is for our own good, even when it seems to mean giving up what we want whether it is money, security, friends, things, places, desires, or dreams.
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When I was a teenager I thought that if I truly gave my future over to God, He would ask me to sell everything, go to Africa and serve on the mission field (this idea did not thrill me). I wrestled with that idea for a long time until I finally came to the place of saying Ok God I will go wherever or do whatever you ask me to even if I don’t “feel” like it. I realized in my heart that that was the only truly peaceful and meaningful way to live life. He didn’t end up asking me to go to Africa; in the end I believe it was more of a personal test for me to come to that place of willingness to obey whatever the personal cost or sacrifice. In my life He has asked many big and small things since then and I wish I could say I said yes to them all, but that has not always been the case. I think sometimes it’s the “small” things that get us tripped up the most. As John says in 1 John 3:18-19 “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence”. What a blessing to be at peace in his presence!
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One area in my life that I have always felt blessed in is in the area of tithes and offerings to the Lord and His people. This is an area that both my husband and I have always believed in our hearts and agreed on, that “our” money is not ours but the Lords. Not to say it has always been easy to give, there have been times when that money sure could have been used for other needs or desires, yet we have never failed to give to the Lord. The more we are faithful the more it becomes easier and a habit we don’t even think twice about doing. And the awesome thing is we have never lacked for what we truly needed! We firmly believe that because of our willingness to honor God in this way we have been blessed abundantly, now it is just a part of us,we feel so blessed to be able to give regularly and especially when He leads us to give a special offering. I loved how Lysa summarized this on page137 “God owns it all. We are simply managers of His resources. When we pursue the beautiful opportunities of sacrificial living, we freely acknowledge that truth and then reap the blessings. When we come to understand that we’re giving up what was never ours to begin with, we’re walking in radical obedience.”
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There is no joy as sweet as knowing you are walking with God and doing what He has asked you to do. There is no peace as sublime as being in Gods will, no matter the storms that rage around you, for you know who the truly loving and all knowing captain is that steers your life’s ship. May we all find that trust and confidence to follow where He leads us.

Keeping Our Vision on Jesus- Chapter 7

I have been married to Tony for 32 years. We have 3 great kids who all love the Lord and had the nerve to grow up! I'm looking forward to the adventure God has in store through studying this special book and from all of the participants’ insights.

Where is my vision focused? Am I truly listening for God’s voice and following what He’s telling me? Am I too busy with my own agenda to clearly discern how God is directing my steps? How confident am I in my Christian walk? Am I standing out as a shining light so others will want to know what is different about me? How often am I holding on to my own pride and refusing to humbly seek God’s guidance? So many questions I’m asking and so many hopes for a deeper relationship with God. I am so grateful for God’s patience and persistence. I am also grateful for Lysa and her willingness to teach through this book.
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Lysa’s description on page 114 sounds exactly like all of us who are participating in this study and opening ourselves up to self examination. “Women who say yes to God are as unique in their approach to the sold-out life for Christ as pebbles found creekside. We’ve all been tumbled and smoothed in different ways, but we all have one thing in common...we know we rest in the mighty hand of God. Right now we may simply be an unsuspecting rock, but at anytime God could use us to slay the mightiest of giants. We live in anticipation and expectation of God showing up and giving evidence of how very near He always is.” Friends, that’s us! We are each unique in personality, gifting, temperament, background, and experience. However, we’ve all taken up the call to make a difference by following Christ, keeping our focus on Him, and obeying what He’s telling each of us to do no matter how “radical” His instruction may seem. Praise God!
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I loved the story Lysa told about her daughter Ashley (pg 115). Ashley told Lysa, “Mom, I know exactly what God told me to do, and I want to be obedient. I did not call for you to talk me out of this. I just need for you to pray for me to have the strength to continue.” Ashley displayed beautiful evidence of her obedience to God. That’s what we should desire from all our children. That’s what true success is, not how the world defines success, but how God defines it.
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Lord, I pray to stay focused on You; I pray to clearly hear Your voice and obey Your direction. I pray to set my priorities with You first. I pray that others will see Your work in my life, and that Your light will shine strong so others will want to know what’s different. Lord, I humbly acknowledge my weaknesses and know that good will only come through You. Lord, with my vision fixed on you, I anticipate the evidence of how near You are.
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“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:18-19

No More "I Can'ts" - Chapter 6

I am a proud Chief's wife and mom to four amazing kids (five, when my beautiful stepdaughter visits). So, I understand busy. That is why I think this on-line bible study is perfect for us. Get ready for God to bless you, encourage you, and challenge you as you say YES to Him! ~ Tamra

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Lysa says, "There is a spiritual battle raging around us and, because of that, life can be hard. While saying yes to God does bring blessing, it's not easy. If our desire for obedience is born merely out of duty, we may be quick to give up. However, if our desire is born out of delight, out of a love relationship that burns deep in our soul, it won't be extinguished - no matter the cost."

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I believe all of us go through spiritual battles, at one time or another. Possibly, often times throughout our lives. Spiritual battles are a constant in my world. In the past, it would grieve my soul. I would become so upset and so guilt ridden over the battles within me. Slowly, however, I've come to realize that even spiritual battles are good. First, battles help us depend on the Lord. They cause us to cry out to Him. Second, I believe that going through spiritual battles show us we do, in fact, have the Holy Spirit residing in us. Yes, we have our sinful nature, as well. The good news, though, is that we have Jesus in us!!! He is much stronger than our sinfulness. Which brings me to the second point of Lysa's statement. She said that if we obey merely out of duty, it simply will not last. No matter how hard we try, if our obedience does not come from our love of Jesus, we will give up. That really struck me. I've given up many, many times. My "all or nothing" attitude creeps in. I say to myself "Well, I can't give my all so I'll just do nothing." Ashamedly, that is how I react in several aspects of my life. What I need to realize is that I simply do not have the strength on my own; where I am weak, though, Jesus is strong!

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During my recent custody battle, I needed strength like no other time in my life. I think it is through this that I finally came to the realization of Philippians 4:13, "For I can do everything with the help of Christ, who gives me the strength I need." Too often, I try to fix things on my own. Or I just give up with the "I can't" excuse. Regrettably, I only ask Jesus for help as a last resort. However, God began speaking to me very clearly when all of this began to happen. And I knew I had better be still and listen. I think one reason the Lord gave me this opportunity (the custody battle) was because he wanted to stretch me beyond my comfort level. He was, without a doubt, testing me and teaching me things that I once pushed aside for my own agenda. Now, God did not say yes to everything I prayed for. I could look at it and say, "Why me?" and start feeling sorry for myself or question God. Instead, I am making a choice. I chose to believe that the Lord is doing what He thinks is best. I'm choosing to have faith and trust. Like Lysa said, when the Lord says no, it is for our provision, our protection, and it's part of the process of us becoming more like Christ. Do I understand all of His reasons? No. Sometimes, we aren't meant to. We just need to trust Him.

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I don't want to say any more "I can'ts". I can, with Christ. I will, with Christ. I love the last paragraph in this chapter. Lysa says, "On the other side of every "I can't" excuse is a glorious adventure with God just waiting to happen." More and more, my obedience comes from desire and not duty. A desire to glorify the Lord, to seek Him and please Him in all that I do and say. It isn't easy but it is definitely worth it. Saying yes to God brings incredible blessing. Truly incredible.

Whatever We Worship, We Will Obey ~ Chapter 5

I am happily married for ten years now, with two wonderful kids 7 and 3. And I am seeking to learn how to walk closer with Jesus more and more everyday through this journey we call life! ~Humility

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Lysa says, “Becoming a woman who unashamedly says yes to God is going to make you different from many of your family members and friends. You will examine life’s circumstances with a different outlook.” (p78) It's a hard truth that being different can be uncomfortable and even painful. The sideways looks, the whispers behind your back or the outright telling you to your face that you are too radical. It is not easy to be radically obedient when the world around us is running head long over a cliff and thinks we are stupid and foolish for missing out on all the “world” has to offer. I wish it was easy but the pull of wanting others' acceptance and approval has been a lifelong battle. I remember working as a waitress with some very ungodly people and wanting very much to be a more vocal witness and share my faith, but it never seemed like a good time and frankly I was afraid of being seen as preachy or radical. I know that to love God means that others are not always going to love us, yet we desperately seem to want both. But God has called us to serve Him, not our insecurities, as we are told in 1 Peter 13-16 “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.” NASB. The rewards of living this kind of radically obedient life bring a peace and an inner “joy” that is priceless. So I hope and pray that together we can find the inner courage and faith to be women who whole-heartedly follow after a radical and loving God.
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It helps to realize that “this life is temporary…to live beyond this moment and rejoice in what is to come. Each time I feel my heart being pulled down into the pit of ungratefulness and grumbling, I recognize it as a call to draw near to the Lord….only He has the ability to fill me completely. In my worship of Him, my soul is safe and comforted and reassured and at peace.” (p83) I am learning more and more each day that the “secret” to living life well is to live with our minds, hearts, and souls steadfastly focused on the one and only true living God (The Alpha and Omega, the Prince of Peace, my only Salvation).
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I am also learning that to love others the way God wants us to, means that sometimes there is a lot of pain involved. They don’t always love us back, they can even be unkind and cruel to us, yet we are to try and see them as God sees them and be gracious and forgiving. We are to pray for blessings on them and treat them with loving kindness. I love the way Lysa ends this chapter, “Though I can’t physically see Him, my soul pictures Him so clearly…The touch of His gaze wraps about me, comforts me, assures me,…As long as my gaze is locked on His, I dance and He smiles. The snickers and jeers of others fade away…Even my own stumbling don’t cause the same feelings of defeat. My steps so often betray the desires of my heart, but it is not my perfect performance that captures His attention. Rather, it is my complete dependence on Him that He notices.” (p88-89) May we truly see this life like a dance with both its learning and mistakes and beautiful triumphs, that through them all God loves us and is always willing to be the perfect partner who can lead us through everything that this life brings our way. There is no new “dance” that He does not know, we can be confident in His ability to lead us perfectly, even better than Fred Astaire.
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I will be on vacation this week and away from internet, but I will try to check in when I can. Pam will be responding for me in my absence, so please don't stop sharing with each other, we are here to learn together.

God Will Use Us In AMAZING Ways, If We Let Him - Chapter 4

I am a proud Chief's wife and mom to four amazing kids (five, when my beautiful stepdaughter visits). So, I understand busy. That is why I think this on-line bible study is perfect for us. Get ready for God to bless you, encourage you, and challenge you as you say YES to Him! ~ Tamra

As I read chapter after chapter of this book, I am continually challenged and convicted. I am also continually blessed and encouraged. We CAN say YES to the Lord. Nothing is impossible with the Him on our side. Is it still hard? Absolutely. Will we fail to say yes to God? Of course. We just need to keep the faith. Ask for forgiveness and move on. God will continue to give us opportunities to say yes.

One of my favorite sections of this chapter was when the author was talking about the love that compels us to obey. It's with the love of Jesus that true change comes. As the author states, only the pursuit of God's righteousness leads to his best!! We do want His best, don't we? He wants it for us. And He will freely give it to us when we obey Him.

Although my circumstances are different, I completely relate to Lysa's struggles while her six week old daughter was in the hospital. Her husband reminded her that God loves their daughter even more than they do and that they needed to trust His plan. Throughout my custody battle, I consistently remind myself that the Lord loves Tanner even more than I do. He wants what is best for Tanner. I must trust His plan. I need to let go. I must continue to love the Lord and praise Him, regardless of the outcome. It is important, of course. However, I'm confident that there is more to this than the outcome. God is clearly teaching me. What is he teaching me? Perseverance and patience. Trust and faith. Humility. Perhaps the Lord is using me. Maybe, later on, I can be of some help to someone else. Would I have chosen to be used in this way? I can positively say no! I don't think Esther was asking to be used in such a way that risked her life, either. God chooses how He will use us. We just need to be willing vessels. He promises to bless us if we are willing.

Nothing in life is certain. The unknown is frightening. With all of the unknowns, however, we can hold tight to what we do know. God's love. His promises. He makes them known to all who believe in Him. Hebrews 10:23 says, "Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promises." Then, Hebrews 10:35 says, "Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need right now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive ALL that he has promised."

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your promises. Thank you for your love, your guidance, and your forgiveness. You are our hope, our peace, and our joy. Without You, we are nothing. You, Lord, are our model. The only One we should look to for anything.

We ask you, Jesus, to help us. Help us trust. Help us obey. Help us to be patient. Give us a deep desire to spend time with You. We want to hear you speak so clearly to us that we know just what we are to do. Keep us humble and willing. Transform our minds. Renew our strength. Make us willing vessels for You, Jesus.

In your wonderful name, Lord. Amen!