Discipleship : Questions to ponder: accountability

Wesley's self-examination quiz Here is one set of nearly two dozen questions similar to what John Wesley gave to members of his discipleship groups more than 200 years ago. The questions have their origin in the spiritual accountability group started by Wesley when he was a student at Oxford — a group that detractors called "The Holy Club." The first list appeared about 1729 or 1730 in the preface to Wesley's second Oxford Diary. Similar questions appeared in his 1733 A Collection of Forms of Prayer for Every Day in the Week. As late as 1781, Wesley published a list of questions like this in the Arminian Magazine. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite? Do I confidentially pass on to others what has been said to me in confidence? Can I be trusted? Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits? Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying? Did the Bible live in me today? Do I give the Bible time to speak to me every day? Am I enjoying prayer? When did I last speak to someone else of my faith? [ conversation starter questions ] Do I pray about the money I spend? Do I get to bed on time and get up on time? Do I disobey God in anything? Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy? Am I defeated in any part of my life? Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful? How do I spend my spare time? Am I proud? Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican? Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it? Do I grumble or complain constantly? Is Christ real to me?

When we awake, we face the day... but why, with what purpose? with what goals?l To fullfill our own needs? Our own purposes? To make more money? To buy more stuff? Why? Why and for what purpose? To satisfy a thirst that will NEVER be quenched. Unhappiness, shame, guilt, greed and selfishness, They exist for a reason. Nothing can fill that void, No PILLS, NO GRAIN of WHEAT, No food or sweet, no woman or man. There is something greater than ourselves, but we will be deceived. unless we believe.

Thanksgiving 2010

What a blessed day it was today. We began our day by delivering meals to people who were shut ins or less fortunate. A year ago we had the privelage to do this at Christmas time and we all agreed that we were the ones who were blessed by this experience and we agreed we wanted to do this again. I had signed up originally planning to do this on the day before Thanksgiving but found out it was on the day of Thanksgiving. As always, God took care of the details and we were able to make the deliveries. There is nothing more humbling than putting on a servants hat and serving those in need. Of course, I always find myself realizing I am the needy one. I am in need of the constant reminder that I have been blessed with so much and should never, ever complain or want for more than I have. Delivering these meals causing me to reflect and remember that God truly does take care of the details of our lives. He prepares the volunteers hearts to do the job of cooking and preparing the to go plates, he places it upon the hearts of those who choose to volunteer to deliver the meals and he allows people like me who need to be reminded of how fortunate I am and how less fortunate others are. Though when completing the delivery I am left with an unexplainable feeling. I felt it last year and I feel it this year yet still can't put my finger on it. I go with a happy joyful heart and I return, quiet and a big uneasy. Perhaps, it is those that have less that truly have more and it is God's plan for me to see and feel this. Has materialism gotten hold of me. Do I continually forget what the reason of the season and the holidays are all about. I am convicted of my greed, I am shamed with guilt of wanting and having more than I deserve. I am so Thankful on this day for being able to pray with these strangers, to be hugged by them and to be able to tell them of God's love for them.
We then went on to be with the Mestas family. They graciously invited us for dinner and I must say it was truly one of the best Thanksgivings I have ever had. I don't think I have ever heard such incredible testimony's of how grateful people were for what they have and for the love they have for their family and friends. God has blessed our daughter Emily with a great guy whose family has made us feel like family. God continues to remind me that family is not always created out of blood rather it is formed from His blood; brothers and sisters in Christ. I know that no matter what happens between Jonathan and Emily, this family will be a part of our lives forever.
As we all find our corners in our house as we return home after a wonderfully busy day; I pray that we all reflect on what we have been given and what we are to do with all that we are blessed with. Thanks and Praise to an awesome God who changes lives and loves us and meets us where we are only at the asking.
Thank you God for a wonderful husband and 3 fabulous children. I am truly blessed.

It has been so long since I've posted something on my blog. It is simply a statement of how busy life has been. I say this with a smile on my face as so many wonderful things have occurred since our last move. Where do I begin? I'll start with my daughter. She was saved almost a year ago and I thank God almost daily for this. There is nothing greater I could boast about or brag. I haven't gone to Europe or on a cruise nor have I won the megabucks (I don't play it so that makes sense ::). For me there is nothing greater than knowing my daughter's name is written in the book of life.
My knowledge of God's Word has increased and has enabled me to see God's Love Story written for all who believe and make that choice to see that he had a plan from the beginning. Seeing the story from OT to NT unfold as a huge masterpiece painted by one creator with us in mind in it all amazes me and get's me through so many difficult times. A God that big can take care of my little needs and worries.
I am blessed to have three men in my life that have proven to be strong, loving and kind beings. God is working in their lives in very different ways. To be a mother of a twenty one year old is yet another testimony of how fast time flies and how awesome God is. Kenneth doesn't realize this yet but God has big plans for him and when he does, look out world because he is going to make a big noise so that all will hear him. God is working in Stephens life as well. His little life was touched with illness and it will be used for God's glory this I know.
Thank you God as your Love Never Fails. Finding strength and encouragement in your word daily.

"Anthem"- Edwards

Reciting the lyrics, Edwards said: "Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in."

John Edwards wife said this of her struggle with cancer and her husband's affair. I think this is a beautiful picture of how God uses our sin and brokeness to seep into our hearts and to heal us. Those cracks that let His Light into us are his Grace and Mercy. I am thanking God for my brokenness and for my salvation.

9/08

LIVING THE LIFE

OH TO BE YOUNG AGAIN AND TO DO THINGS ALL OVER AGAIN.....REGRETS, QUITE A FEW, BUT NEVER DO I REGRET KNOWING YOU. I STUMBLED TO FIND YOU, I WAXED AND I WANED AND THROUGH IT ALL YOU WERE THERE AGAIN AND AGAIN.
PICKING UP MY PIECES ONE BY ONE, KNOWING QUITE WELL THAT IT WAS DONE ON THE CROSS TO YOUR SON. NOTHING I CAN SAY, NOTHING I CAN BARE, NOTHING I CAN DO THAT WOULD EVER COMPARE.

Kenneth's music

http://idisk.mac.com/mercerk-Public?view=web