Comments for Tami's Meandering Thoughts http://wobconline.com/journal I claim NO answers, just many thoughts! Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:09:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.2 Comment on Survey by Sabrina http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/12/29/survey/#comment-936 Sabrina Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:52:26 +0000 http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/12/29/survey/#comment-936 1. If you were to use a book to help you lead your family in devotions, what would be the primary considerations? -Easy for the kids to understand, or with a section relating to the children. -Fun, interesting stories to help the children relate to "real life" -Open ended questions to relate the devotional to daily life/activities/experiences. 2. If you have not used a devotional in the past, would you please share the reason why? -We have done devotions in the past, but find most of them difficult because of the age ranges/abilities of our children. 3. In a family devotional, each lesson could include many different parts. Please rate from 1-8 what you would think as the most important (1) to least important (8) ___5____A suggested verse to memorize ___2____A Bible passage to look up ___1____A story to read (whether fictional or based on a Bible story) ___3____A suggested action or activity to do based on the lesson ___4____Questions to answer ___7____A blank place to record one’s own thoughts/findings. ___6____Ideas for a fun family night _______Other: __________________________________________ *Please note that I rated these only because I was asked to ;) I think that the entire combination would make for a great devotional. 4. Do you have a family devotional time? Why or why not? - Yes, because it's a great way to find out where the kids stand in their understanding of certain ideas/concepts. It's a great way to help them gain more understanding of new ideas, learn about new people/events, and draw closer to God. I think that it's also one of the best ways to draw our family closer. 5. I should have some of the devotionals written by April. If I send them to you, would you be interested in “doing” them and giving your feedback? _Absolutely!__________ If yes, please give me either your email address (to email them to you) or your physical address where I can send them: Joyfulmom3@frontiernet.net 1. If you were to use a book to help you lead your family in devotions, what would be the primary considerations?
-Easy for the kids to understand, or with a section relating to the children.
-Fun, interesting stories to help the children relate to “real life”
-Open ended questions to relate the devotional to daily life/activities/experiences.

2. If you have not used a devotional in the past, would you please share the reason why?
-We have done devotions in the past, but find most of them difficult because of the age ranges/abilities of our children.

3. In a family devotional, each lesson could include many different parts. Please rate from 1-8 what you would think as the most important (1) to least important (8)
___5____A suggested verse to memorize
___2____A Bible passage to look up
___1____A story to read (whether fictional or based on a Bible story)
___3____A suggested action or activity to do based on the lesson
___4____Questions to answer
___7____A blank place to record one’s own thoughts/findings.
___6____Ideas for a fun family night
_______Other: __________________________________________
*Please note that I rated these only because I was asked to ;) I think that the entire combination would make for a great devotional.

4. Do you have a family devotional time? Why or why not?
- Yes, because it’s a great way to find out where the kids stand in their understanding of certain ideas/concepts. It’s a great way to help them gain more understanding of new ideas, learn about new people/events, and draw closer to God. I think that it’s also one of the best ways to draw our family closer.

5. I should have some of the devotionals written by April. If I send them to you, would you be interested in “doing” them and giving your feedback? _Absolutely!__________
If yes, please give me either your email address (to email them to you) or your physical address where I can send them:

Joyfulmom3@frontiernet.net

]]> Comment on Revelation by Robin http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/11/24/revelation/#comment-653 Robin Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:03:43 +0000 http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/11/24/revelation/#comment-653 Hi Tami, I too, have been doing some reflecting about this year during the past few days - mostly (as I alluded to on Sunday)because I've been a little frustrated and not feeling peaceful - and I so desire to be at peace! I spent most of yesterday (after I got home from church) reading about the Power of the Holy Spirit and God showed me that this is a constant struggle for me because I always end up thinking I can do it in my own power. I realized yesterday that I need to spend a lot more time learning about the Holy Spirit, the One I often seem to neglect more than learning about God and Jesus. I haven't been operating out of the power of the Holy Spirit or His gifts so I can't feel at peace - it's not possible. Awesome was the only word I could come up with after my study and I too, felt this was not nearly adequate enough to describe the Holy Spirit and His work in my life. I am so thankful, hopefully thankful enough to stay focused and leaning on Him for EVERYTHING in order that my work will glorify Him! Have a Godly, thankful, spirit-filled Thanksgiving! Hi Tami,
I too, have been doing some reflecting about this year during the past few days - mostly (as I alluded to on Sunday)because I’ve been a little frustrated and not feeling peaceful - and I so desire to be at peace! I spent most of yesterday (after I got home from church) reading about the Power of the Holy Spirit and God showed me that this is a constant struggle for me because I always end up thinking I can do it in my own power. I realized yesterday that I need to spend a lot more time learning about the Holy Spirit, the One I often seem to neglect more than learning about God and Jesus. I haven’t been operating out of the power of the Holy Spirit or His gifts so I can’t feel at peace - it’s not possible. Awesome was the only word I could come up with after my study and I too, felt this was not nearly adequate enough to describe the Holy Spirit and His work in my life. I am so thankful, hopefully thankful enough to stay focused and leaning on Him for EVERYTHING in order that my work will glorify Him! Have a Godly, thankful, spirit-filled Thanksgiving!

]]> Comment on Energy (and Prayer) Needed! by Tami http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/11/10/energy-and-prayer-needed/#comment-576 Tami Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:09:23 +0000 http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/11/10/energy-and-prayer-needed/#comment-576 Robin, It is so true! God does give the needed energy, insight...to do what he wants us to do, but I also agree that we need to spend the time with him since he often uses the Bible to give us the needed insights and energy. Thank you for praying for the kids too - I didn't mention that, but that is usually where my prayers are focused when I do a seminar because God need to not only give me the words to say, but also prepare the hearts of the kids to hear what he wants them to hear. Thank you for praying! I appreciate you very much. You should be graduating soon, right? Congratulations! Robin,

It is so true! God does give the needed energy, insight…to do what he wants us to do, but I also agree that we need to spend the time with him since he often uses the Bible to give us the needed insights and energy. Thank you for praying for the kids too - I didn’t mention that, but that is usually where my prayers are focused when I do a seminar because God need to not only give me the words to say, but also prepare the hearts of the kids to hear what he wants them to hear. Thank you for praying! I appreciate you very much. You should be graduating soon, right? Congratulations!

]]> Comment on Energy (and Prayer) Needed! by Robin http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/11/10/energy-and-prayer-needed/#comment-573 Robin Tue, 11 Nov 2008 04:01:38 +0000 http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/11/10/energy-and-prayer-needed/#comment-573 Dear Tami, I will pray for you to be encouraged and lifted up, asking God to give you the Holy Spirit's power as you deal with everything you need to do this week. I'll also pray for the children who will be attending your seminar on Sunday that they will have hearts that are ready and prepared to learn God's word. I find that my days are getting more filled every day and that the only way I can possibly get everything done that I'm responsible for is to totally depend on God and spend more and more time with Him each day. It's been amazing what He can do through me as long as I'm willing and never forget who is really doing the work! Love & Peace, Robin Dear Tami,
I will pray for you to be encouraged and lifted up, asking God to give you the Holy Spirit’s power as you deal with everything you need to do this week. I’ll also pray for the children who will be attending your seminar on Sunday that they will have hearts that are ready and prepared to learn God’s word. I find that my days are getting more filled every day and that the only way I can possibly get everything done that I’m responsible for is to totally depend on God and spend more and more time with Him each day. It’s been amazing what He can do through me as long as I’m willing and never forget who is really doing the work!
Love & Peace,
Robin

]]> Comment on God Sees by Robin http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/09/10/god-sees/#comment-466 Robin Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:56:08 +0000 http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/09/10/god-sees/#comment-466 Hi Tami, Thanks again for sharing and reminding us about God's unfailing love, always reaching out and trying to get our attention, despite how much we may ignore or even resist that love. I think I will always remember (or at least I hope and pray that I do) the day that God reached down to touch me and remind me of His love. I was on I88, feeling extremely alone and depressed and suddenly, the sky opened up before me and I literally felt this amazing warmth and light, more than just the sun. It was as if I could feel actual arms hugging me and enveloping me with an amazing warmth and love, a love that I had never experienced before that day. God does reach down and reach out for us - He sees us in our darkest moments and He loves us - ALWAYS! Hi Tami,
Thanks again for sharing and reminding us about God’s unfailing love, always reaching out and trying to get our attention, despite how much we may ignore or even resist that love.
I think I will always remember (or at least I hope and pray that I do) the day that God reached down to touch me and remind me of His love. I was on I88, feeling extremely alone and depressed and suddenly, the sky opened up before me and I literally felt this amazing warmth and light, more than just the sun. It was as if I could feel actual arms hugging me and enveloping me with an amazing warmth and love, a love that I had never experienced before that day.
God does reach down and reach out for us - He sees us in our darkest moments and He loves us - ALWAYS!

]]> Comment on A Non-guilt Perspective by Kathy http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/08/30/a-non-guilt-perspective/#comment-454 Kathy Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:37:34 +0000 http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/08/30/a-non-guilt-perspective/#comment-454 I think we often feel guilt when we do comparisons, God is not a giver of guilt. We need to take our focus off of ourselves and focus on obedience to God, the guilt slips away as we love Him and love others. We are so lucky to have Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Many times we feel guilty and know we shouldn't, but God loves us so much that He can take that guilt away. We are truly blessed. I think we often feel guilt when we do comparisons, God is not a giver of guilt. We need to take our focus off of ourselves and focus on obedience to God, the guilt slips away as we love Him and love others. We are so lucky to have Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Many times we feel guilty and know we shouldn’t, but God loves us so much that He can take that guilt away. We are truly blessed.

]]> Comment on A Non-guilt Perspective by peanut gallery http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/08/30/a-non-guilt-perspective/#comment-452 peanut gallery Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:43:45 +0000 http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/08/30/a-non-guilt-perspective/#comment-452 You believe in that Green nonsense? You believe in that Green nonsense?

]]> Comment on The Crazy Prayer-Filled Weekend by Robin http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/08/19/the-crazy-prayer-filled-weekend/#comment-415 Robin Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:44:14 +0000 http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/08/19/the-crazy-prayer-filled-weekend/#comment-415 Dear Tami, I've been praying for you and your family, more than usual this past week, asking God to lift you up and give you comfort and encouragement and love! (also energy for this week's VBS program!) I too, have had a lot of opportunity to be a praying woman lately and I was just thinking today, that I literally, am starting to bring many prayers up to Him daily and even hourly, at times. I also find the need to be in prayer for longer periods of time and more often if I'm going to get through my day abiding in Him and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through me. I'm starting to understand incessant prayer! Dear Tami,
I’ve been praying for you and your family, more than usual this past week, asking God to lift you up and give you comfort and encouragement and love! (also energy for this week’s VBS program!)
I too, have had a lot of opportunity to be a praying woman lately and I was just thinking today, that I literally, am starting to bring many prayers up to Him daily and even hourly, at times. I also find the need to be in prayer for longer periods of time and more often if I’m going to get through my day abiding in Him and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through me. I’m starting to understand incessant prayer!

]]> Comment on A Random Coupon Life by Robin http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/07/30/a-random-coupon-life/#comment-381 Robin Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:48:40 +0000 http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/07/30/a-random-coupon-life/#comment-381 Thank you for your post. I am convinced that most Christians today are walking around, living an expired coupon life, waiting for the eternal life they'll live in heaven. That wasn't what God intended. Living a joyless, let's get through today or through until the weekend kind of life doesn't appeal to anyone, especially those who don't have a relationship with Jesus because they're already living that smae type of life now. We need to be on fire and that can only be because we've asked and submitted to the Holy Spirit and His workings in our life! Come on Christians - wake up and start living the life God called you to! Then, we'll "catch" some people in His net! Have an amazing day in the Lord! Thank you for your post. I am convinced that most Christians today are walking around, living an expired coupon life, waiting for the eternal life they’ll live in heaven. That wasn’t what God intended. Living a joyless, let’s get through today or through until the weekend kind of life doesn’t appeal to anyone, especially those who don’t have a relationship with Jesus because they’re already living that smae type of life now. We need to be on fire and that can only be because we’ve asked and submitted to the Holy Spirit and His workings in our life! Come on Christians - wake up and start living the life God called you to! Then, we’ll “catch” some people in His net! Have an amazing day in the Lord!

]]> Comment on The Beauty of Being by LT http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/07/12/the-beauty-of-being/#comment-344 LT Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:56:50 +0000 http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/07/12/the-beauty-of-being/#comment-344 Very cool, I hope to go home and "be". Thanks for a wonderful two weeks, we will hold it very dear! You guys are hostessess with the mostessess! Very cool, I hope to go home and “be”. Thanks for a wonderful two weeks, we will hold it very dear! You guys are hostessess with the mostessess!

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