Reflection 2013: Faith with Wisdom Wednesday

Looking back over the year I remember the times that I did what I wanted vs. what God called me to do, the words I spoke in anger instead of love, the peace my heart yearned for but my attitude hindered my acceptance of it. Sometimes it is so easy to focus on the negative that we do and forget the positive. That is why I ensure that I take the time each year to reflect on my life, love, faith and family.

For years I’ve felt like I was never in God’s word enough. If I wasn’t able to study chapters in depth with commentaries, Bible dictionaries and books all spread out then I shouldn’t even bother, because it wasn’t enough.

Just before I started blogging I started following Courtney from Women Living Well, and a short time later she wrote a book on the Proverbs 31 woman. Her best friend, Angela runs Good Morning Girls and their next Bible study followed Courtney’s new book. I loved the idea of the Proverbs 31 woman, but boy did she make me feel like a failure. God nudged me to do this study and I actually did it. I fell in love with it. The method of study that they use encouraged me to be in God’s word, and though it wasn’t the hours I used to spend studying, it still mattered.

Since my first GMG study, I now lead a Facebook group for the GMG studies. So far we’ve studied through the book “Anything” and the book of Luke. This has been so fruitful for me, as I read, write out the scripture, and my prayers, my day is starting out with the Lord. By leading a group I’m becoming a part of their lives through prayer and leading them in the study of God’s word. I’m also accountable to them, as I daily post the scripture we are to study, my observation and application as well.

My Prayer Life

Throughout the year I’ve known that God was asking me to focus more on my conversations with Him. For as much of a talker/writer I am, prayer is not something that I am diligent in finding time to do. Yet, I have been striving to pray more often as I’m doing dishes, folding laundry and even picking up toys. Once again God used Courtney from WLW, this time via her book “Women Living Well“, where she opens up about the amazing ways she makes time to pray throughout her day.

I find that I love to write to the Lord, but in my busy day there is not always a moment to stop and write out a prayer, so I try to ensure I write my heart out to the Lord at the end of my days. In my morning devotions I also write a short prayer in my GMG Bible study.

Church

This has been a very difficult and painful year in regards to church. We have been church hunting since March, after leaving our home church of 5+ years.

After 8 months of searching, praying and *patiently* waiting for God’s direction to my husband on this matter. I said to my mom that I thought we (as Christians) should just go back to having church services in our homes. I told her that I thought eventually that’s where we would be with the way the world is now. She then lovingly reminded me that God tells us not to avoid the assembling of ourselves together and that we need fellow Christians to help keep us accountable. Yes, she is right, though I am weary of searching. I do know that God does have a place for us, I just have to wait for His timing.

Faith 2013 Wrap Up

While this year has had quite a bit of struggles in it, I’m here to say that God has been faithful through it all. He has held me when I’ve wanted to fall, He’s wiped away the tears from my eyes when my heart was broken in our church home, His strength has been perfect for me throughout my difficult days and His peace soothes my soul when my world is shaken.

I’m looking forward to the next year and all God has coming my way. I’m praying that all I’ve learned and struggled through this year will enable me to have a more faithful and prosperous 2014.

 
Today is Wisdom Wednesday and I hope you’ll stop for a bit.

Take a moment to visit your hosts, link up and check out some other bits of wisdom while you’re here!

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