Our Stories - (Morning C.L. Meeting)

I remember hearing someone once say that "no one can argue with your story." People can argue theological points until the cows come home, but they can only choose to believe (or not believe) the personal stories of God's hand in our lives.

Sometimes the greatest impact we can have in someone else's life is found in sharing our experiences with them and that's just what we did during Tuesday's Morning Carelink meeting.  I'm only going to share a couple points from each woman's story in an effort to respect their privacy and yet still have something to reflect on here.

Sara

• Always be praying for our husbands and encouraging them. She was in prayer for Josh as he considered making a career change and ended up going back to medical school.
• Serve others as a family. Find ways to include your children as you serve others, whether they are able to be of much help, it's still teaching them the importance of helping others. She experienced this in their time at a church plant in Kansas City where they "did church" three Sundays then served on the fourth Sunday as families.

Misty

• God does speak to us. In the midst of her one-year old's hospital stay for heart surgery, still in a daze and going through the motions, Misty heard God clearly say to her, "Trust me."
• Maybe our trials aren't just for us, but for those around us, too.

Janice
Janice shared a few God moments from times throughout her life. The context of the moments gave these statements depth and life, but here's a couple:

• "Stop praying and get moving." - Sometimes we can spend so much time praying for an opportunity or a sign from God that we fail to ever DO! Don't be afraid to step out in faith.
• "I don't always have to teach you something." - Yes, God is our greatest teacher, but he wants an intimate relationship with each of us, too. Think about ways you can "be a friend to God". Consider your relationship with Him in a context of friendship from time to time.

Angie
Angie shared her heart's desire to be a mother who gives her daughters an example of a godly wife. Knowing how we can give our best to our children and our worst to our husbands, she encouraged us to take the Scriptures to heart. She shared her desire to overcome the selfishness that so easily creeps into her relationship with Nate, knowing it's a battle we all face. Here's the book she referenced and a few scriptures.

"Created to Be His Help Meet:Discover How God Can Make Your Marriage Glorious" by Debi Pearl

"For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man." 1 Corinthians 11:8-9

"Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." Titus 2:4-5