Pages

Monday, October 5, 2009

YES to GOD study: CH. 1: Trying to Be Good Enough

WELCOME
to
Where every Tuesday we will begin discussing the newest book written by the beloved

If you have done a blog study with me before then you know what we do, but if you haven't then you just need to get a copy of this book and join right in at your own pace!
Here are some FYI's of the YES to GOD studies.

This morning I got off work and we had to leave town by 7:30 to meet with Gene's surgeon in Omaha. I will have an update later this week, but there is more back surgery coming very soon. Three major surgeries in one year.
Job back on the market.
Disability pays 60% of his pay.
No paychecks for the next 3 weeks from his job.
Another 6-9 months of recovery coming his way.

We got home and Gene asked if we could pray together and pray we did.
We are choosing to keep our focus on Jesus and Jesus alone.
None of the stuff above.
Not easy, but it is a must that we keep Jesus Christ as our main visual target.
Because really, He is the only One Who is in control.
I'll be back later in the week to share more about our incredible God.
*************************

Okay...let's get to it.

PART 1
IN MY HEART

CHAPTER 1: TRYING TO BE GOOD ENOUGH
Anything in blue is a quote from the book.

People label and categorize so they can define who fits where and with whom, but I had neither the spiritual depth nor the mental maturity to break free.
So, trying to become more acceptable, more worthy, more lovable became my pattern, and worrying about what others thought of me a consuming, often condemning way of doing life. Their opinions were my measuring stick by which to answer the question, "Who am I?"



I have done this in my own life. I have changed who I was to become what I thought I was supposed to be and lost myself in the process. Letting others dictate who you are is such a dangerous game to play.


Throughout the first pages of this chapter, Lysa shares her story with us.
Her very absent yet present Dad.
Her 3 year sexual abuse from someone close.
Her parents' divorce.
Finding religion.
Her Mom's remarriage.
Her new siblings.
The loss of her little sister.
Her loss causing her to feel forgotten by God.
Forgetting God.
With my fist raised toward heaven, I vowed I would never love God, serve God, or believe in God again.


The thought that I wasn't good enough was more than just a feeling. It had become the filter through which I processed life.
Letting go of saving herself for marriage.
Looking for love in all the wrong places.

Life became a wild party full of temporary moments of happiness. The deeper I sank into this lifestyle, the more desperate I felt.
Walking into an abortion clinic as a mother.
Walking out of it with an empty womb.
I went home that day horrified at who I'd become.


Paraphrasing Lysa's story so much of my own life passed before me.
I never had a Dad who didn't love me...I have an incredible Dad.
But trying to fill my life with the wrong kind of love...been there, done that.
That is such an empty lifestyle and the ironic part is that you just want to be loved,
accepted and wanted.
Life outside of God's plan for my life is by far, the biggest risk I have ever taken.
A risk that had horrible consequences and have left terrible scars on my heart.


Lysa goes on to share much more with us, but I really got this part of the chapter when she talked about
Jeremiah 29:11-13
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."


Seeking with all your heart requires more than just the routine Christian good girl checklist:
Pray.
Read the Bible.
Do a Bible study.
Go to church.
Be nice.


I can't count how many times I have filled myself up with all that stuff and yet still feel empty.
I need those things in my life, but that can't be it.
My life has to be filled with Jesus.
I can tell when I'm distant from God, by choice and I have to reel myself in and re-focus.
In this world it is too easy to become distracted.


True fulfillment is never found in seeking to do enough, be enough, have enough, know enough, or accomplish enough.



I have a feeling God is going to use this book to take me to a new place in our relationship. I'm so willing Lord...


Next Tuesday~chapter 2.
Also, please take the poll about this study on the sidebar. Your input is very important. It's underneath the picture of Lysa's book on the sidebar.
Thanks!

If you have something posted on your blog about this chapter, please sign up below so we can visit you.
Check out the encouraging word Lysa left you in the comments.

~Many Blessings~


18 comments:

Stacy said...

Hey, Lelia! So excited about this study. I've read the chapter a few times over the past couple of weeks but can't seem to clear my mind of other "stuff" to post yet.

Enjoyed reading your insights on this chapter. Thank you, again, for being our gracious hostess.

Will post soon and come back to "Mr. Linky".

With Love,
Stacy

(I didn't see a poll on the sidebar but may just be a me-problem because we are having computer issues.)

Jennifer said...

Hi Lelia! I haven't read the book but after your post I am going to run out and get it so I can join in!!!

Hugs-

Jennifer

Jill Beran said...

Lelia, I think this study is going to be more than wonderful!! The first chapter alone was just the reminder I needed! I'm praying for you and Gene and all that lies ahead! Happy belated birthday by the way - sorry my little one didn't join you on the special day! Last Wednesday my Dr. said it could be anyday, but that's been a week...trusting in God's timing!! Have a great day, Jill

Paula V said...

So glad I said Yes to God on this book. I'm loving it and loving Lysa even more as I get to know her.

I, too, love one of her last quotes of: "True fulfillment is never found in seeking to do enough, be enough, have enough, know enough, or accomplish enough." Love the rhythm of all the enoughs...enough of the enoughs.

Something that struck me when reading your post is that no matter what kind of life we have, we seem to still do the seeking outside of God. For example, Lysa didn't have a father; you have a great father. Yet, you both shared how you sought love and acceptance elsewhere besides God. So, no matter what we do have in this life, our flesh is still tempted to seek that natural desire for love and acceptance anywhere but God. Until...until we hit that brick wall.

Hope you have time to read my post.
Love,
Paula

Paula V said...

Oh, about the voting and chapters. I voted and see it's neck and neck right now (but only nine votes).

I didn't realize there were 18 chapters. I guess I didn't scan to the back far enough as I saw 13. At any rate, maybe as a compromise, if there is one section that has much smaller chapters, maybe that section could be done in one week.

I know I voted for one chapter a week. I could read more than that but I'm think my posts would be a mile long if covering three chapters. But then, maybe that would be a lesson in me trying to curve my words. Yeah right! ha.

Just an FYI of my two cents. But remember, I said two cents and that can't buy anything these days. ☺

Lysa TerKeurst said...

Hey Sweet Friends...

I am so touched you are all reading my book. My prayer is that you will realize God's love for you in deeper ways than ever before. And that you will learn the gentle art of giving yourself grace while allowing God to interrupt and change you.

Oh that we could all know Him more. Really know Him...

Unreasonable Grace said...

Hey Lelia, I've been snowed under with a ladies' retreat that we just hosted OCt 1-3, so I've never picked up the book. Will try my best to do so and catch up with ya'll next week!
Praying for you and Gene!
kim

Sandra Garcia said...

Lelia, thank you so much for leading this study! Your comment made me laugh. Yes, you know where I live now so I'll have to make sure to keep up :-). But you know you're welcomed to come over for a visit if you're ever in San Antonio!

Blessings,
Sandra

Paula said...

Great post Lelia! I have this book on my list to buy once the ban is over (which could be this time next year with the unread books I have here!). I look forward to reading your insights, and those of others, as the weeks go by on the study. xo

Anonymous said...

Hi Lelia,
I'll be praying for Gene's surgery and for you and your family.

Thank you for hosting this online book study. I had ordered Lysa's book (actually 3 of them) and have to say that I have been struggling with this issue of "Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl" for the last 6 months. I do attend a Bible Study at my church weekly and attend church on Sundays.

What really caught my attention and brought me hope and comfort in Chapter 1 is when Lysa wrote on pg. 26, "It is my prayer that reading this book will help you to discover two things: (1) a more meaningful connection with God, and (2) a truer fulfillment from letting your relationship with Him transform every area of your life."

That is my prayer also! I'm ready God!

Cindy in PA

ThreeGirlyGirls said...

I am also very excited about this study. I loved reading your thoughts on it so far and look foreword to more! :)

Tina said...

Lelia,
Thanks again for hosting.

You wrote "I can tell when I'm distant from God, by choice and I have to reel myself in and re-focus. In this world it is too easy to become distracted"

Amen sister, too much going on all the time!!

Prayers for Gene =)

Tina

Kelly said...

Hi Lelia, I read chapter one....I am ready for the prayer Lysa prayed at the end of the chapter to happen: "God, will You help me to have a deeper connection with You and find true fulfillment as You transform every area of my life. That is the cry and desire of my heart."
Expecting to fall more in love with Him.....!!

Jodie Wolfe said...

I would like to join in as well. I just started reading Lysa's book.

Anonymous said...

Love your comments. Hope to be getting some literature from you soon.
Nancy in NC

Deb said...

Lelia,

When I read about you and your husband, I thought about the following verse:

O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvtion in time of distress (Isaiah 33:2).

I pray that He will be gracious to you.

That you will long for Him.

That He will be your strength every morning.

That He will be your salvation in times of distress.

I hope that your Bible study goes well.

Sweet dreams.

Jackie said...

Lelia,
I'm praying for your husbands complete and speedy recovery! PTL
I'm a week behind in the study and will catch up and join you next week ~ really looking forward to it!..............PLEASE check your email (the one on your profile) ~ I sent you an email this a.m. regarding a technical problem with McKLinky and need to reach you asap! Thanks!
Blessings!

Twinkle Mom said...

I'm running behind on the study, but I'm just very awestruck what a powerful and mindful book this is.

I have my first chapter up, and my second one will be up tomorrow (so I think that means I'm one chapter behind?).