Pages

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Words of Power

Last Saturday while at my parents home, our son Aaron overheard an inappropriate conversation between my 7 year old daughter Alivia and my 8 year soon to be sister, Alicia. They sweetly addressed each with a not-so-nice name, unaware of what the word means.When I asked Alivia what the word means and where she had learned it, she just shrugged her 7 year old shoulders and said, "I don't know, but Grandma told us never to say it again." Obviously my Mother couldn't bring herself to do any explainin' either so, now Alivia thinks if she kisses a boy she'll get pregnant and she is clueless to why calling her friends this is not a good thing. NONE of how to handle this exact stuff is in the B. I. B. LE people!!!!


Now on a serious note, what if Alivia had learned this name from me? What if it was I called myself names that God would never use to describe me? Sometimes we say those kinds of things in our heads but would never think about allowing our self talk to escape out of our mouth. We definitely can be our worst critics and very hard on ourselves. I heard Beth Moore once say, "When people write to me and criticize one thing, I want to tell them...the only thing you've done is gotten me started because I could add ten things to your one."


Let me give you a sample of the conversations I sometimes have with myself...

I've arrived late somewhere again...Can't you ever be on time? You are so ridiculous and rude. For once Lelia get somewhere on time! You are such a loser!

Two days after vowing to never let the house get messy and it's a mess...You can't even manage your home right Lea! Look around you. You are so disorganized. Your Mom's house is always clean. Grow up!

I ate too much of nothing good...you are so fat, you're just gross.

When my walk doesn't match my talk...You are such a fraud. Who do you think you are getting on your blog and talking about Jesus; just look at how you treat your family.


The words we speak to ourselves are so important. Filling our minds with what God thinks of us is so life changing. That's why I want Alivia and Alicia to be saying things that God says to and about them instead of something the enemy wants them to believe and become.


This brings me to introducing our next YES to GOD Tuesday blog study book. It is exactly what this heart needs and I pray if it's for you too that you will join me on our next adventure with God to begin on Tuesday, January 6, 2009!

Please join me in reading and discussing...

Author Jennifer Rothschild, has a message for every woman:

Words are powerful. Especially the words women speak to themselves. All too often, what they say to themselves when they lie in bed at night or look in the mirror in the morning is not even close to the words God wants them to speak to their souls.

Scripture has a lot to say about this “soul talk.” Because many women feel overwhelmed and struggle with issues of self–esteem, depression, and discouragement, Jennifer shares practically and helpfully from her own life and from Scripture to show how every woman can turn her words—and her life—around for good.


I'm excited to continue on this path that God has us on. This is a no pressure study and I try to be a very laid back hostess. There will always be women that join and for whatever reason have to back out. I loved a recent post I read from Christy of Between Here and Home who participated in the beginning chapters of Behind Those Eyes study, but then had to stop. She is now doing Beth Moore's study: "John - 90 Days With The Beloved Disciple" and this is what she said: Today, once again, God met me where I was. I said earlier that I began this book, while at the same time knowing God had made it clear to me to let a lot of my reading material go to the wayside for now. This one I was to keep.

I truly loved that Christy's obedience to God was more important to her than continuing the YES to GOD Tuesday study with us at this time.

That is what this journey is all about...learning to walk in faith, say yes to God even if it means changing studies and learning how to be real women of God. Tuesday's are not about Lelia and what I have to say, but rather learning how to deepen our relationship with the One that truly matters.



So, if you are looking for a stress free place to join together with ladies around the globe, then please join us here on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 for the 4th YES to GOD blog study of

Jennifer Rothschild's Self Talk, Soul Talk.

The more the merrier, so invite a friend to join us. Remember you do not need a blog to participate and if you are a blogger just because you sign up to do the study does not mean you have to blog about it. There are many silent participants as well as weekly bloggers such as Anita who weekly shared very insightful comments with us and she doesn't have a blog.

All are welcome to do this study..blogger or not.

Sign up below if you think you will be joining us and get your book!


If you have never participated in a YES to GOD Tuesday study before, click here to find out more details. You can also email me at chealey5@yahoo.com


Join me on Saturday when I share about an awesome trip I recently took to Miracle, Kentucky. I also have a give away that you won't want to miss out on.


Have a blessed rest of your week my friends.

~Many Blessings~





26 comments:

Unknown said...

Lelia,
I've so enjoyed this study, and have made some amazing connections with God.. I realize I haven't commented much, but I'm sure I will as I get more comfortable. Thanks for being obedient and hosting this, even with all you have going on in your life! Be blessed and highly favored of the Lord!
hugs,
Jean

Paula V said...

There's power in this girl. Power in our words both verbally and those that stay in our complex minds. I love Jennifer Rothschild. I saw her at a women's conference once. She is amazing and she's hilarious. I love her story of how one day she put her red lip liner on her eyes and her black eye liner on her lips. She was ready to leave the house and her family was shocked as what to say when she asked how she looked. I'll forever remember that story...and oh how she walked that stage...she held herself better than most sighted people.

Did you realize Alivia and Alicia are only one letter different?

Are your parents adopting her? They adopted a boy too didn't they? I was thinking when I first met you, you told me how many children your parents have fostered but God had told them to adopt one and start all over. I was thinking that was a boy but could be wrong. I've slept a little since then.

I better get to Bible study.

I really want to do this study. I'm doing an 8 week study on Thursdays (No Other Gods) and then starting a six week study (Frazzled Female) on Sunday mornings. I'll check out this study and see how my time allots participation in this. I really have enjoyed writing and expressing during this past study.

Love you, girlfriend.
Paula

Laura said...

Lelia,

How exciting! I"m doing my first study by Jennifer with some friends right now. We have really enjoyed her. What is amazing to me is how much scripture that girl has memorized. Ain't no teleprompter for that girl!

It's going to be goooooood!

Laura

p.s. If I could find out where my children learn some of the words i've heard roll off their tongues, I might be a dangerous woman! unfortunately...I might have to punish myself...

Amy L Brooke said...

Oh, the girls are just beautiful!

You'll probably never know where they learned those words. It's such a fine line giving too much info and not enough. I've had ummm very delicate ummm conversations with some of my friend's kids. One happened in the middle of Steak & Shake on a Saturday night!

God will give you wisdom.

I left a question on my blog post http://amylbrooke.blogspot.com/2008/11/tuning-heartstrings-hope-chronicles-78.html and would love your perspective. I'm being very pensive and doing some soul searching.

Have a great evening!

Julie said...

Lelia,
I loved this post. It's so true...I wonder how many things I say to myself that I never even hear....

I'm going to have to check into this book..

Thanks,
Julie

Jill Beran said...

Lelia, Once again the timing of your choice for these studies is absolutely amazing! Have you been talking to God about my needs? Doubtful but he is working!! I'm looking forward to it already, but at the same time will miss Lisa, this study has been amazing!! I'm contemplating using it for our women's Sunday School class after Christmas.
Thanks again, this is a wonderful thing you have going. Thanks too for your comments and encouragement.
Jill

LeeBird3 said...

Can you believe that book is on my night stand right now??

Your dialogue of negative self-talk reminds me of what my counselor said to me last night.

She said I need to realize that I deserve a peaceful, well-organized home and that I'm worth taking the time to straighten up a little as I go along rather than have to spend my whole weekend trying to clean up a pigsty. She also said I need to be teaching my boys the same thing...that they deserve rooms where they can find their stuff and feel comfortable. She considers being self-disciplined in house cleaning, weightloss, etc. as caring for your self.

Anonymous said...

That Alivia and her friends sure give you a lot of topics for your blog, don't they now?????

I have always been amazed at how my boys could "pick up" the bad words so easily and yet can't seem to get good grades in vocabulary...what is THAT about??...may be "sin nature"????hmmmmmm.

I saw the next book study and I ordered it immediately from Amazon. Although I don't know anything about Jennifer Rothchild the topic sounds like a GREAT one!!

have a blessed weekend my friend!
love,
Kim

Yolanda said...

Lelia,

Don't you find yourself more in love with Jesus all the time, by the awesome examples He provides "us" in our day to day life of just how much He cares for us, and loves us. AND PROVIDES FOR US!

I love ya!

{darlene} said...

Lelia, I am buzzing through my blogs this morning, so I have not yet read your entire post, so forgive me if this is not fully relevant. I just wanted to tell you about a resource really fast, that I LOVE.

Follow this link to find a great book about teaching kids GOD's plan for sexuality:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=060145&netp_id=454340&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers

I use the first one with my little 3 year old, and it is great.
again, not sure of the entire relevance since I didnt have time to finish your post yet.

I will be back!
Darlene

Sita said...

Lelia,
just popping by, drinking in..and wanted to tell you that I love u, plain and simple.
Sita

Sarah said...

Lelia,
I have read (and actually continually do so) Stormie's Power of a Praying Parent--I don't think you can go wrong with a book about praying--thank you for bringing this to mind.
I am going to pray about doing the bible study with you.

valerie said...

The picture of the girls is adorable.

I am currently doing a study and I'll be finished in early Dec.
This study sounds great. I'll be praying about it.
Jennifer R. is great! I admire her so much. Although I didn't know her personally, she used to live in my town!
Can't wait to hear about your trip to Kentucky.

HisPrincess said...

Well...I'm thinking this is a book I need to read. And read to my daughter (if she would let me). I will have to see if I can hunt it down.

Count me in!

Christy said...

Lelia,

For some reason I've having some difficulty posting my comment. Not sure what the issue is, but if you've received duplicate comments I apologize.

Thank you for your comment that you left on my post. I did finish reading Behind Those Eyes and so enjoyed every bit of it. I was challenged, encouraged, and areas that God was impressing upon my heart.

I want to thank you personally for being such a wonderful host throughout this study. Your willingness and obedience to serve so many women through something like blogs is awesome. May God bless you hundred fold for being available to so many.

How exciting your next choice of books to read. Again this is a book that has caught my eye several times. I will definitely give this one some thought and prayer.

Blessings To You Lelia!
Christy

Pamela (His maidservant) said...

Lelia-as you know, I have already done this study. I am presenting a possible new Beth Moore study for our church. If the ladies don't bite then I will join this study. If they do decide to go with the Bible study I am purpoing I will stop by as much as I can. Its a good book and a great follow though from Behind Those Eyes!!!

Denise said...

I am looking forward to this dear one.

Anonymous said...

I will probably be a silent participant because I am from another country and won't be able to get the book. But I am very interested in the topic of this book and would like to follow the study.

Anonymous said...

My sweet friend Lea told me about this study and I am SOOO looking forward to it! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Heather

Unknown said...

I pray I can keep up. If all goes well I might be in the midst of writing two books for June publication. I'll do my best. You always pick the best books and they always meet a need in my spiritual life.

Stacy said...

Thank you so much for letting your love for God show through in this exciting way. I am fairly new to the world of blogging but am SO EXCITED about this study!!! Thank you, again, for the oppportunity!

Anonymous said...

I am praying that i will receive a gift card to get this book! I think I am getting some christmas money from family, so I am planning on using it for this book! :)

Love you and can't wait for it to start!
Heather

Paula said...

Better late than never! I'm FINALLY about to finish Behind Those Eyes and post a summary of the end chapters I missed doing along with the rest of the ladies. I am looking forward to this new study starting as my inner voice is my greatest enemy at times, so it's time to unite with others and conquer it! Catch you on the 6th (or 7th for me, as it is, hehe). Love ya, P :-)

KelliGirl said...

I've silently visited the last two books that you studied. I think I might be ready to jump into the action. Plus, this book has my name written all over it!!

Unknown said...

I jumped over here from Laura's Wellblog and I am glad that I did. I have had this book but haven't read it yet! Count me in! I am going to get my book and start right now!

Blessings,
Denise

Corner Gardener Sue said...

I have a post set to publish at midnight. Do I put my name in linky after it's up?

Sue