RGI Summary

One last Redemption Group thing to share...a summary of my experience. 

I went into the Redemption Group Immersion with what I would call a reluctant anticipation. I knew the process wouldn't be an easy one, but I was also looking forward to seeing the Lord work in my life. The Immersion was both of those things: difficult, yet extremely beneficial.

We started with a time of sharing our stories...telling how God had brought us to the place we are now. There was a lot of bittersweetness through that process as the far reaching effects of sin were clearly apparent, but the equally far reaching effects of grace were clearly demonstrated. God drew our group together as we were honest with each other. During the RGI, we also had many teaching times based on the Exodus account. They were truly amazing as that well-known Biblical account was made extremely relevant to all of our lives. We saw ourselves in the distressed Israelites, in the brought-out-of-bondage Israelites, in the complaining/dissatisfied Israelites, in the overcoming Israelites, in the other-god-seeking Isrealites, and finally in the God-as-our-promised-land Isrealites. Following each teaching time, there was a small group session where we dug into our lives and saw where we were truly at with God. Were we seeking Him first or other things? Was He our hope or a specific life we desired? Did we see our sin as against God first and foremost or just a bad choice? Those discussions brought out many areas of unbelief and wrong thinking in my life. They showed me where I was seeking God just for my own benefit, not because He is worthy of all my worship.

I would encourage every Christian who is serious about true sanctification in their life to participate in a Redemption Group. Not only was it worthwhile for me during that long weekend, but my perspective has been changed which will continue to alter the way I live before others and before God. If you are considering participating in RGs, take the plunge...be willing to go through the difficult refining process so that God may be glorified more in your life.

love these cousin pictures...

 

 

My Psalm

Just thought I'd share another piece of the Redemption Group process with all of you. During one of our free time slots, we were asked to write a Psalm encompassing a bit of what we had learned. Here's the one I wrote:

O God, you are my God

How thankful I am that you claim me as your own

That you sought me, you drew me to yourself

You have been faithful and true to me

Your word is precious to my soul for it directs me in right paths

Your Spirit comforts, convicts and guides

Your Son paid the price I could never pay to purchase the life I do not deserve

How thankful I am that you claim me as your own.

In your grace you sought me early

You know me, yet you don't turn away

With compassion you show me my shortcomings

Changing me to be more like you

Working in me to bring you glory, to proclaim your mighty works

How thankful I am that you claim me as your own

Lord, I ask that you cleanse me of self-righteousness

That you free me from my own expectations

That you remind me of my identity in you

That all I do would bring you the honor you rightly deserve

That I may not lose sight that you alone are worthy of all my worship

O God, you are my God

We put up the tree today...
 

 

 

 

 

The Great and Terrible Quest

Reading books is a favorite past time of mine, and I especially enjoy it when shared with my kiddos. A long time homeschool friend shared this book with us over the summer, and we finished it up earlier this week (within a few days of when we started it). The setting is the middle ages with lords and knights and such which fits right in with where we are studying in history. The story tells the tale of a young boy whose parents have died and was taken in by a mean, unloving grandfather. It follows along his life under his grandfather's rule and then once he has been freed of it. As the title infers, there is a great and terrible quest he takes with an unknown man seeking to remember who he is and what he is to do. I don't want to give too much away, but it is a very exciting, page turning story. Just one comment to be aware of...it does have a decent amount of violence towards the end when a man is shot with an arrow and there is a fighting scene...girls may not like that part quite so much. However, both my kiddos greatly enjoyed the book, and I expect I'll purchase a copy for myself. 

we completed a 1000 piece puzzle over Thanksgiving time
it's the first  puzzle I've done in a very long time
I liked it particularly because it reminded me of my grandpa who used to work with trains
 

The "Hot Seat"

I know you all have been eagerly anticipating my post on the "hot seat." :) The RG leaders were quite amused by our groups efforts to label the process. Like I mentioned earlier, each participant took some time to tell their story...then after each teaching time, we were asked a pointed question that would reveal some area(s) of unbelief/issues/sin in our lives. Although it seemed as though I was on the "hot seat" about 4 times, only the first two were really difficult. 

What predicated the first round was the question "What makes it difficult to accept God's forgiveness?...and to extend God's forgiveness?" I basically answered that it was difficult to accept God's forgiveness when I continue to sin in areas. I'm okay to accept it at first, but feel I should have figured out by the next time or two. Similarly, I have a hard time extending God's forgiveness to people who continue to sin against me in the same way...like if I forgive them, they won't have any desire to really change. Somehow that brought around the concept of expectations...the concept that I have too high of expectations for myself...that I have a hard time letting myself fail/not do what's right/etc. Basically, that showed me that although I am working a lot for God, I'm not taking the time to enjoy God for who He is...that I need to sit as His feet like Mary did rather than always be bustling around like Martha. Now, I'm not sure how much this will actually affect what I do outwardly, but inwardly, my desires were changed to not do because I should be, but do because I love God and He has given me so much. That has already been very freeing as I came back to a handful of activities and such...it's helped me to just be okay about how things are done, to spend some time in God's presence appreciating Him. 

Second round followed the question, "What burden of shame do you need to cast into the sea?" I piped up relatively quickly on that one expecting that since I just got "pursued" last session, I'd be moved past...wrong! My answer spoke of the shame I have felt when I get angry with my kiddos and lectured them/manipulated them/just generally treated them badly rather than discipling/nurturing as God calls us to. One of the leaders honed in on that and challenged why that brought me shame - because I was sinning against my kiddos and treating those entrusted to me badly. I was asked what that says about God - that I don't think He has my best in mind because my kiddos misbehave...I would like them to already be perfect, I have made an idol of perfect kids and a calm household. She asked what I did about it...I replied that I would generally seek their forgiveness for wronging them. Then she pressed me further about whether I had also sought God's forgiveness. On that point, I acknowledged that I didn't do that. She proceeded to challenge me with the concept that sin is first and foremost about God - that it is shaking my fist at Him saying that I have better ideas, that my way is superior. I had honestly not really considered that before...I had seen my sin as something that should be changed because it was bad, not necessarily because it was specifically against God. Already, this has greatly helped me as we started back into school and the kiddos get cranky...I have been able to let go of my frustrations realizing God has chosen this for me in this moment, and He has a greater plan than I ever will. 

Freeing is a way I would describe how this weekend impacted me. It showed me again of my position in Christ, how great His love is for me, how much I have been given. That regardless if I never do another thing for Him, He calls me His own...that my primary responsibility is to rightly worship Him at all times and in all things...that being satisfied in Him is the best thing I can do...that I can let go of the difficulties in this world, knowing He is in complete control. How thankful I am that He claims me as His own...

this was the beautiful view outside the vacation home
 

here's a view of where we had our teaching time...lovely, lovely
 

RG, Day 4

We finished up our four day immersion today with one last session on The Promised Land (the place of our ultimate satisfaction). It was very challenging and encouraging to think about what it is that we really desire and if God is truly a part of it. Piper summarizes the thought well in this quote:

“If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?”

Following our last group breakout session, we had a time of celebration. It was an opportunity to share how God had worked in your life over the weekend. I appreciated hearing many of the ways people had been changed. Then we completed our time together with communion...a fitting end to a weekend that was all about Christ's work for us on the cross. 

Once I process a bit more, I'll write more specifically about what the weekend meant to me personally. :)

RGs, Day 3

Today felt much less exhausting than the previous two had been...probably because yesterday I was on the "hot seat" and the day before it was all new. I'll write more about the hot seat moments another time as I should be getting to bed sooner rather than later - so here are some beneficial concepts from yesterday and today...

Unless you see God as the most offended party, you won't really change because you don't see the weight of your sin and need for redemption.

We must have an unending resource in order to continue forgiving others - and that is God's forgiveness of us. When we see ourselves rightly, we can extend forgiveness to others.

We feel shame because of sin we commit. And, shame's message is accurate apart from Jesus. Christ took our shame away so we can live honestly before Him. We can let go of any shame because ultimately it doesn't define us.

We are identified by what Jesus has done, not by what we have done - both good or bad.

Your life always reflects your theology.

God did not design His gifts to completely satisfy - rather they should cause us to look to Him.

The only way to replace idols in our lives are to replace them with a greater God. White knuckling, trying harder, etc., only last so long. Since idolatry is a worship disorder, we must find something (someOne) greater to worship. Idolatry is exchanging truth for a lie and underlies all sin.

Our posture must be upward...living rightly before man is good, but the critical piece is living rightly before God. He needs to be our greatest concern when we sin and our greatest desire in all of life.

God's basis for transformation is His presence. His Spirit within us gives us hope for change. He knows we can't do it ourselves, so He gave us Himself.

RG, Day 2

Sorry guys, but I am way too tired to write or process anything tonight. It was good, very challenging, and very physically and emotionally exhausting...Hopefully I'll feel up to a bit more input tomorrow. :)

Redemption Groups, Day 1

Well, I must admit I'm tired and headache-y at the moment if that gives you an idea of the intensity of our day today (although I think tomorrow will be more intense!). Even though it was long, today was very good. We had a couple sessions of teaching based on the Redemption Story through the book of Exodus. They use the book, Redemption, as their jump off text. A couple of key points I liked were:

  We are all made to worship, yet we often worship something other than the Lord which is sin. All those other things don't give satisfaction, but disappoint. We need to be constantly turning our thoughts God ward to stay on track rather than just trying to do it in our own strength.

  Even in suffering/pain, God is at work. He is present, we need to submit to His conforming work in our lives through it, and take ownership for any aspect of our sin in the circumstance.

  Our circumstances should not inform our view of God, God should inform our view of circumstances. God's picture of redemption often is not what we have in mind or would choose (we generally want the easy way out). Adversity shows who we believe God to be.

Most of the rest of our time, the guys and girls broke off and shared their stories (about their life, coming to know Christ, and where they are at today). That was, as you would expect, quite emotional for the girls. Seeing the destructiveness of sin in so many lives, made me thankful for God's grace to me in placing me in a Christian family who loved me and showed Christ to me. Thanks, mom (and dad)! :) The afternoon/evening was ended by the leaders challenging a couple ladies in our group on issues that had been brought up in their lives...it wasn't my turn for scrutiny tonight, but it will be tomorrow, I'm sure. May God use it for His glory and my good...

Random Happenings

Just some updates on random happenings around here...

Mid Valley Ice Skating/Pizza Party - we spent some time Sunday with our dear friends from our previous church. I just mention this because it has been such a blessing to us at how loved and connected we still feel there after the difficult decision to leave. God has definitely extended grace to us in that.

GCC - While I still don't feel the warmth of fellowship at GCC that we did at Mid Valley (in reality, it's only been 8 months), this past week I was reflecting on how good our time there has been. I know I have grown a lot through the challenging and insightful preaching of the Word as well as through our time in GC Groups. There has been a lot of stretching and getting out of my comfort zone to serve and endeavor to make disciples. I have particularly enjoyed the practical focus of making disciples in our group. It really does draw you together in a deeper way. 

Redemption Groups - starting tomorrow Dave and I will be participating in a Redemption Group Immersion. The focus of those groups is to specifically address the really difficult things in life like addictions, abuses, and major trials. I must say I am a bit reticent about it as the main structure of the RGI is to have the participants (meaning me!) go through the program on a personal level. Lord willing, God will use this for my greater sanctification and His glory in my life. 

Israel - today Dave and I decided that we are going to go to Israel in May! I can't quite believe it...we've talked about it for years, but now it's happening!! We are going with a previous professor of mine at The Master's College, Randy Cook. The itinerary is packed with lots of great places and activities. I am most excited to have Dave be able to experience it (I went for a semester in college many years ago if you didn't know that). The kids, however, are not very excited about it...they are used to always having us around. We did promise to bring them back something neat. :)

I think that's it for now...

lovely rainbow last week, I think
 

then it turned into a double rainbow
 

High Goals, Low Expectations

A number of weeks ago now, I had the privilege of sharing some thoughts/advice at a baby shower for a lovely young lady (I certainly have been feeling a lot older lately!). As I reflected on what I could possibly say since it seems so long since my kids were little, a concept came to mind that transcends all ages and, really, all relationships. It is have high goals, but low expectations...a concept I first learned through the book Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit. 

Goals are a important piece of life, and we often have them whether we quite realize it or not. They are something we are striving to attain, a pursuit. Some are well thought out (e.g.. having our kids read certain books or have certain skills) and others are subconsciously desired (e.g. having our child become potty trained or sleep through the night). With our kids, goals are helpful and should be in place as we are stewards of them during their time with us. 

Now, expectations are what we think should happen. Two things should be considered in those expectations...one, that our children are born sinful (Ps 51:5), and, two, our children are born immature (Prov 22:15). Knowing that, we need to have low expectations. We should not expect them to have arrived at our goals, yet so often I know I do. How do I know I do that? Because I respond in anger, frustration, disappointment, or irritation. If my expectations were low, I would be quick to train, to disciple, to come along side and help in order to move them along toward the goals I have for them.

For example, we tell our child to pick up their toys. The goal: cheerful, quick, complete obedience. The expectation: High - they will pick up their toys quickly, cheerfully, and completely; Low - they will likely grumble and poke. If my expectation is high and they react sinfully and foolishly as children do, I will likely become angry and frustrated. If my expectation is low and they react sinfully and foolishly, I will be ready for it and spend the time to train them...if my expectation is low and they react quickly, cheerfully, and completely, I can rejoice at the work God is doing in their lives.

I hope this is making sense as it has been a transforming concept in my life. Whenever I become angry, I am able to trace it back to a misplaced expectation. When I respond calmly and beneficially, I can work towards the goal while acknowledging the current deficit. 

Just one last thought...God's goals for us are holiness (1 Pet 1:15) and perfection (Mt 5:48). Yet, doesn't He respond with compassion and grace towards us each and every day? I am thankful for His example as He patiently works with me. 

 

 

 

Gifts 684 - 700

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I woke up this morning to a beautiful sunny day with lots of snow on the mountains...love seeing that! There's actually been so much snow that we're hoping to go skiing tomorrow! :)

684 - beautiful Thanksgiving table set with kid made decorations

685 - getting things crossed off the to do list

686 - double rainbows

687 - sleeping in a bit

688 - Dave doing some decorating

689 - first snow

690 - glitter glue

691 - expandable tables

692 - girls doing dishes

693 - cousin giggles

694 - sweet potato pie

695 - stillness

696 - reading friend's blogs

697 - internet resources

698 - knowing people pray for you

699 - growing and stretching in life

700 - thinking of going to Israel (not quite decided yet) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Recent Listens

Hope you all have had a good start to your Thanksgiving week. I can't believe it is already here, but it's nice to have it early so there's extra time for Christmas shopping. :) Anyways, just thought I'd share some recent sermons/seminars I've listened to recently that have been beneficial...

Two People with One Mission - Francis Chan - you can also access it from the sermon list if you go back to 9/25/11 - I've been meaning to write a blog post on how this message has affected me, so maybe some day you'll hear more about it :)

Parenting with Grace, Saturday Session - Jeff Vanderstelt - he looks at things from a bit different lens that always challenges me

Parenting Series - Josh McPherson - this is what has been preached at our church the last 7 weeks - very insightful, practical, and helpful - next week is the last in the series

The Respectful Wife - Mark Driscoll - a good, general sermon on being a wife and how to respect your husband through a variety of ways

What Now? A Response to the 2012 Election - John MacArthur - good take on an election that seems disheartening

Happy listening...

Skeleton

A couple weeks ago, we did a really fun project. This year we've been learning about the human body so as we did bones, we decided to make a skeleton. How, you ask...out of milk jugs. :) A year or two back we saw this really cool milk jug skeleton and ever since, I've wanted to make it. This is a good link for it. Basically, you collect about 7-8 milk jugs, draw the different bones on them, cut them out, and attach them together. I must say that cutting milk cartons is not the easiest job. I used an Exacto knife for much of it. My kids job was to draw the bones, and I mostly cut them out. We attached them by using a hole punch or piercing with the knife and then threading twistie-ties through them to connect. Great project...

 

 

 

Gifts 657 - 683

There's been some difficult things going on in some relationships close to me...yet, even in the midst of living in a sin drenched world there is abundance of grace.

657 - waking up to a dusting of snow

658 - seeing how tickled California nieces are when seeing it

659 - big, bright smile of a toddler

670 - cooking with a friend

671 - creativeness of kids at play

672 - the beautiful color of smushed berries

673 - walking through the leaves with a friend

674 - beautiful walk with my dad and sis

675 - giggles

676 - letting go of plans and choosing what is more important

677 - appreciation

678 - serving with friends

679 - insightful thoughts about scripture that I hadn't recognized before

680 - arriving home to lunch made by my hubby

681 - bumping into neighbors

682 - serving with committed people

683 - being okay about having people over in a less than stellar house

a couple more down the hill pics - these are giant sage bushes that
double as the kids "houses"
 

 

Conviction vs Condemnation

I've had a couple of conversations with friends who frequently feel condemned when they fail to do what they think they should or when they sin in some way. It struck me that there are two responses to sin whether they be sins of omission (not doing what you should) or commission (doing what you were told not to do). 

On one hand, Satan causes us to feel condemned, like a failure, not good enough, demoralized and defeated. We know from Rev 12:10 that he accuses the brothers day and night before God. He wants us to be looking inward, dwelling on where we failed, and unable to move forward. Listening to Satan is confining. 

On the other hand, from John 16:8 we know the Spirit convicts us of sin. His work is not to put us down and discourage us, but to restore us and help us become more Christlike. When we sin, He wants us to be looking Godward, recognizing that we missed the mark, but that we are forgiven and can begin again. Listening to the Spirit is freeing. 

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

my kids love playing down the hill especially when it is too cool for snakes :)

 

they even brought down grass clippings to place along their path
(see the greener looking areas?)
 

they even go down there in bare feet!
 

 

a week or so ago they were busily working on a marble maze
 

they used the slope of the hill, crafted mud balls, and dug out trenches
for them to go through - it was really cool
 

Exalt Christ

On Sat we had the opportunity to host a representative from the mission organization, Pioneers. He spent the evening with us, and we had a little mission presentation that night particularly focusing on the Arab world. While he was talking, he conveyed a comment made by one of the missionaries...it was something along the lines of "I don't need to respond to Islam, all I do is exalt Christ." I loved how he was not against other religions, but for Christ. That Christ is so excellent that all else pales in comparison to Him. It challenged me to be more bold about Who Christ is and what He has done rather than being negative about other worldviews. 

this was our beautiful fall day today
 

 

we had interesting clouds in the valley this morning as well
 

Halloween 2012

Just wanted to share some pics from tonight...

Hannah dressed up as a Chinese Girl
 

Pics with some good friends and cousins
 

we had a block party to get to know some of our friend's neighbors
 

this pic kind of shows our setup - we had some food, s'mores, video and music
even dry ice smoking out of a pot and pumpkin
 

Dave dressed up as a Minion (I wish I would have gotten a better front shot)