tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post3436540822037157120..comments2023-08-15T09:56:49.703-05:00Comments on WRITE FROM THE HEART: YES to GOD study: Chapter 2Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-88307922307299701502008-10-03T23:29:00.000-05:002008-10-03T23:29:00.000-05:00I am learning that I benefit most from just being ...I am learning that I benefit most from just being real. Pressure is off and I can enjoy this life abudantly more than I could ever imagine (even in the trials).Reginahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07039530589590711678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-90692647155406482212008-10-01T19:11:00.000-05:002008-10-01T19:11:00.000-05:00Sorry my comment isn't about bible study...I reall...Sorry my comment isn't about bible study...I really need my husband to "trick" me into being on time. Lelia, I think that you and I have lots in common (i.e. housework challenged, issues with being on time, but a big heart, right?!!). I'm even 38!kcaimeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17519279007413142664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-56031948227296937722008-10-01T08:48:00.000-05:002008-10-01T08:48:00.000-05:00I think as I've gotten older it's becoming more im...I think as I've gotten older it's becoming more important for me to be real. I never have felt like I had it all together as a perfectionist, in my home, looks, etc...but realness is so attractive and such a, well, relief!!<BR/>Blessings, <BR/>KellyKellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05575872158431227773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-56297342124917952932008-10-01T08:45:00.000-05:002008-10-01T08:45:00.000-05:00I get what Lisa is saying in this chapter entirely...I get what Lisa is saying in this chapter entirely, and I've experienced twinges of remorse as I read a couple of things that I could relate to personally. Where I come from though, is not totally from the angle of what other think about me, it is about the ideals I set for myself, and the 'beating' that I give myself for not meeting those ideals - for I never have - and for not doing what I expected I should have done to perfection. Is there a difference, or am I kidding myself!!! I don't know...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-8132040255811837672008-10-01T07:34:00.000-05:002008-10-01T07:34:00.000-05:00Thank you for all of your wonderful and true remin...Thank you for all of your wonderful and true reminders. <BR/><BR/>I am learning how important it is to be real. I have found that when I've put myself out there and allowed myself to be vulnerable, and just be me, those around me do the same. Now, those are the kind of relationships I love!<BR/><BR/>I'm so thankful for God's grace and growing me and stretching me to be more like Him. <BR/><BR/>I'm also going to spend some more time praying over our Sunday mornings! No more Sunday Morning Fakeouts!!!Christyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03419455608896457072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-36820290992722313602008-10-01T02:33:00.000-05:002008-10-01T02:33:00.000-05:00The Sunday morning thing is so me. I nag, rant, ra...The Sunday morning thing is so me. I nag, rant, rave, bribe, sulk and generally try everything in my arsenal to get my kids to come to church with me. Then I fume on my own all the way there, muttering under my breath. Then I get out of the car, straighten my hair, walk to the front of the church and welcome the congregation as their cool, calm, in controll, totally together worship leader.Sigh.HisPrincesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09280023568262170003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-50618346544572551042008-09-30T22:04:00.000-05:002008-09-30T22:04:00.000-05:00I want to be seen as real. Period. As I stated in ...I want to be seen as real. Period. As I stated in my blog post, no one has anything in common with Polly Perfection. A real women they can relate to? Plenty. And that's when God can use you. <BR/><BR/>Your post was awesome. Lots to ponder as usual. Great job!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16147593138737484614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-50902955989645917512008-09-30T21:05:00.000-05:002008-09-30T21:05:00.000-05:00Lelia,Girl, do you see how your saying "yes" to Go...Lelia,<BR/>Girl, do you see how your saying "yes" to God is impacting lives? If you ever doubt if doing this study was of Him, just read these comments from precious women who desire to be real before Him. And then offer them, as I do, as a fragrance to Him for being the author of everything true and beautiful and perfect in all of our lives.<BR/><BR/>He is. Everything.<BR/>I'm overwhelmed.<BR/><BR/>Lisa :)Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16078650219972404293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-5363331008579450672008-09-30T21:03:00.000-05:002008-09-30T21:03:00.000-05:00I forgot to add that I LOVE THIS!"Perfection was h...I forgot to add that I LOVE THIS!<BR/><BR/>"Perfection was held by Mary and nailed to a tree by soldiers. Pefection ascended to heaven promising to return for who is His. Pefection is Who we call out to and Who we praise. Jesus is the only Perfect about us. Let's relax and just let Him live through us."<BR/><BR/>And I ask that I can quote you on it wherever and whenever possible as that sums it up and puts Jesus in His rightful place; right up there with our Lord!Paulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-88969770371354205942008-09-30T21:01:00.000-05:002008-09-30T21:01:00.000-05:00Hi Lelia!Yet another thought provoking chapter, bu...Hi Lelia!<BR/><BR/>Yet another thought provoking chapter, but an easier one to deal with than the first, believe it or not. <BR/><BR/>I love Alivia's honesty in her journal. I think that that is what we 'adults' need to do more so we can stay real. If it helps, Jasmine tells people that her mummy is 38, and white too! I tell her it's 'pink', hehe. <BR/><BR/>Now for today's question response, here are my notes:<BR/><BR/>I’d rather be seen as real, but also a good Christian and an example to others. People need to realise that Christians are humans too, but they rely on God, and their belief in Jesus dying on the cross, for their strength and fulfilment; not getting these from worldly things, or trying to live a perfect life, as that is not possible.<BR/><BR/>My blog post expands more on my thoughts the perfect/real issue. I have yet to receive feedback from my best friend here about the Getting Real question. I can't wait to do so, and will publish her thoughts when I get them.<BR/><BR/>I'm loving this study and will spend more time reading through some other posts as I didn't get to read as many as I wanted to last week.<BR/><BR/>You stay lovely, and praise God that we're able to do this study and grow in Him and GET REAL together!<BR/><BR/>Love you, Paula :-) xo<BR/><BR/>PS: Trivia time...another similarity, in that my sweetie is 6 years older than me too. Were we separated at birth? :-)Paulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-15384351997078809962008-09-30T20:29:00.000-05:002008-09-30T20:29:00.000-05:00In regards to your question to me today, I would a...In regards to your question to me today, I would answer "real" For so long, for most of my adult life, I have appeared "perfect" to so many people. My friends, my family....They thought I had it altogether, the perfect marriage, the perfect family, etc.....Boy were they wrong:) The thing is I was exhausted by pretending. Exhausted about keeping all of my secrets under wraps. The fact that I struggled, the fact that I had lost myself and my identity was as a wife and mother, my identity was not in Christ. And now (not that I am being punished, I know God does not punish us) in the midst of my marriage crumbling, and my life being turned upside down, I realize was it worth it? Was it worth pretending, worth letting others think I had it altogether, that I was "superwoman" No..... I have realized over the last few months, I am not perfect and I do not have it altogether and I am done pretending. I need to be real, I have been real, I have been exposed. My sister is struggling now with knowing that I have to "go through all of this, I shouldn't have to go through this" But I think it is good for her to see that I am not perfect, I am normal, no one is perfect. Why not be real to lead others to Christ and let them see our "insides" that we are sinners and we struggle. Just because we are christians we run into the trap of others thinking it is "so easy for us" It's not, we have struggles to. So with my being so lengthy and all:)Sorry:) I know that my Jesus loves me, warts and all, I want to be real, I don't want to hide anymore and I don't. Not one of us should, it is not worth the after affects.....God will deliver us, God will pull us through, but we need to be honest with ourselves and each other and Jesus. He knows us to well, He knows our true feelings and our hearts, yet He still loves us just the same. That to me is Amazing....jillian4https://www.blogger.com/profile/12806252312954561248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-16894865513350250012008-09-30T19:49:00.001-05:002008-09-30T19:49:00.001-05:00Hi Lelia girl,I'm ready to be real. I love what y...Hi Lelia girl,<BR/><BR/>I'm ready to be real. I love what you said in your posting:<BR/><BR/>"Perfection was held by Mary and nailed to a tree by soldiers. Perfection ascended to heaven promising to return for who is His. Perfection is Who we call out to and Who we praise. Jesus is the only Perfect about us. Let's relax and just let Him live through us."<BR/><BR/>Beautiful. <BR/><BR/>Ok...another connection...you not only have my beloved Granny's name, but you share a birthday with my mom. She will be 76, but looks about 55. I am thankful that she is so healthy and full of life unlike my dad who is so feeble.<BR/><BR/>Love, LeeLeeBird3https://www.blogger.com/profile/08007034372718549685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-14948886292826754982008-09-30T19:49:00.000-05:002008-09-30T19:49:00.000-05:00"Perfection was held by Mary and nailed to a tree ..."Perfection was held by Mary and nailed to a tree by soldiers. Pefection ascended to heaven promising to return for who is His. Pefection is Who we call out to and Who we praise. Jesus is the only Perfect about us. Let's relax and just let Him live through us."<BR/><BR/>Oh, how I loved this, Lelia.Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08263995875732832349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-65900552465201057982008-09-30T18:26:00.000-05:002008-09-30T18:26:00.000-05:00So your birthday is October 5? Mine is the 4th! I'...So your birthday is October 5? Mine is the 4th! I'll be 46. Ugh. But at least I'm healthy.2nd Cup of Coffeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05478944775613602625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-42548510876848313822008-09-30T18:14:00.000-05:002008-09-30T18:14:00.000-05:00Oh! My! Gosh! I don't have your home address to se...Oh! My! Gosh! I don't have your home address to send you a happy birthday!! Please e-mail it to me!!<BR/>Happy birthday friend!!!<BR/><BR/>In His Graces~PamelaPamela (His maidservant)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15611570804370035595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-47431146242250209322008-09-30T17:30:00.000-05:002008-09-30T17:30:00.000-05:00Search your heart. Is it more important for you to...Search your heart. Is it more important for you to be seen as perfect in a certain area...or seen as real? <BR/><BR/>This question was easy for me because I thankfully have not had the "perfectionist" bone to pick. So I strive to be more real. If you were to ask is it more important for me to be in control than real, that would be a different answer, but I think that is another chapter...:) <BR/><BR/>I related to the part in the chapter where Lisa described a "really put together couple" sitting in front of her family in church and she was surprised to hear they struggled with infidelity and depression. I too judge by appearances and I am learning not to do that. It is never a true representation of who someone is our how they live their life. If I don't want to be judged by appearances, why do I judge others that way? <BR/><BR/>Thank you for sharing your stories. It is great to hear how we all can learn something new from each other's experience.<BR/><BR/>Blessings,<BR/><BR/>KarenKarenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14136477750219038935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-10435375841036997672008-09-30T17:20:00.000-05:002008-09-30T17:20:00.000-05:00I just scanned the comments and I have to say befo...I just scanned the comments and I have to say before I forget that I just love what Darlene said about believing perfectionism is an idol. How true is that! I only in the last year or so realized that worry can also become an idol when we are consumed with worry. The same way with perfectionism...when we are consumed with trying to achieve perfection, it becomes an idol. <BR/><BR/>What a fabulous revelation. I didn't mention this in my post but most of my perfectionism comes at work...wanting to do, be, have things perfect. <BR/><BR/>I love how you give so many real life examples. For some reason that is hard for me in my style of writing. I guess that's why God made us different. <BR/><BR/>You are a blessing, Lelia, and I love knowing you.<BR/>Love ya,<BR/>PaulaPaula Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-88376135547169897752008-09-30T16:19:00.000-05:002008-09-30T16:19:00.000-05:00No kids, but I relate to the "thick" part. I recen...No kids, but I relate to the "thick" part. I recently ordered some shoes. They were the right size -- 7. But my feet didn't fit. Apparently, I now need a "wide 7". Uggh! And to top it off I turn 40 in a matter of months. Yikes.<BR/><BR/>Love ya'<BR/><BR/>AmyAmy L Brookehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07411525703683054659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-1948389484197682612008-09-30T15:55:00.000-05:002008-09-30T15:55:00.000-05:00The old self was the desire to be perfect in all I...The old self was the desire to be perfect in all I did. To appear so "together". Now I desire to be real. I think people respond to real more than they do "perfect". <BR/><BR/>What's funny is this... just when I thought I had a handle on perfect... I was worried about writing the "perfect" post about Ms. Perfection... how bad is that!<BR/><BR/>I am loving this book!Kristenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-1345617011518707102008-09-30T15:38:00.000-05:002008-09-30T15:38:00.000-05:00Hey friend~Great post today, with must to chew on!...Hey friend~<BR/>Great post today, with must to chew on!<BR/><BR/>God is truly such a loving, patient God..who is willing to walk with us...through all the challenges we face and for some reason, he doesn't give up on us. How amazing that is.<BR/><BR/><BR/>If I could ONLY realize....I'm completly perfect...in HIM and HIM along!Kim@Seasons of My Hearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17562441645287044164noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-41849018553891296342008-09-30T15:06:00.001-05:002008-09-30T15:06:00.001-05:00Lelia, I love your post. The story about your dau...Lelia, I love your post. The story about your daughters journal, made me laugh. We have a few of those oh so enlightening truths come for our daughter to. Like my mommy is really nice, but she's grumpy in the morning.<BR/><BR/>I want to be real, I'm so exhausted from pretending to be perfect, and never ever achieving it. I want to love myself for who God made me to be. I find it so easy to slip back into the perfection mode though. So as I get more and more into this study and see how masked and covered I am the more I realize it's time for me to let others see me, and I need to really see myself.<BR/><BR/>I've posted only a portion of my thoughts on my blog, I'm still sorting through my thoughts, thanks for your post.<BR/><BR/>Love,<BR/>CarolCarolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09550650176617319950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-74667650949627084182008-09-30T15:06:00.000-05:002008-09-30T15:06:00.000-05:00I feel more real today than any time in my life. I...I feel more real today than any time in my life. I struggled to be real; not knowing what that was because of the pain and hurt when I was younger. I attempted to be whatever each situation demanded. It has taken a long for me to realize that the anger that I kept inside kept me from being the person God wanted me to be. The wall I built kept others away and hurt I would not be anymore. But everything is done in his time. <BR/>Being a mother was the easiest for me. I got to grow up with my son. No one can put a mother down for enjoying her child and having fun. That was the best time of all for me.<BR/>I may be hurt, rejected, feel the competition but I know that God is with me and he will guide my steps. I tried in my life to be perfect but it is much too taxing. I am not perfect, the people I surround myself with know that I am not perfect but we love and accept each other just as God accepts and loves us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-13621524655208490612008-09-30T15:00:00.000-05:002008-09-30T15:00:00.000-05:00What a wonderful chapter and great to read your wo...What a wonderful chapter and great to read your words, I'm thankful to say my answer to the question has changed these last couple of years and I see it continuing to change as we move on with the book. <BR/><BR/>Oh yes, send me your address sometime - remember you were the winner!!Jill Beranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15806903883268321231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-21761449269344562672008-09-30T14:55:00.000-05:002008-09-30T14:55:00.000-05:00Lelia,So beautiful said...it was Perfection that w...Lelia,<BR/>So beautiful said...it was Perfection that was nailed to the cross.<BR/><BR/>In these last few months I've asked God to take what is hidden and bring it to the surface. I'm done with stepping over the clutter,I want it removed.<BR/><BR/>I'm ready to be real!Tammyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15204911845335416211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-38441853194966779682008-09-30T14:19:00.000-05:002008-09-30T14:19:00.000-05:00Hey there "thick & white Lelia" hee,...Hey there "thick & white Lelia" hee, hee--those kids will keep the Ms Perfections away won't they???<BR/><BR/>Now this book is causing me a lot of discomfort. Right now I am finding the thing I am least real about is our finances. (big breath) there I said it out loud. We are just paying our bills--there is no room for any errors in our life and I don't even know if my husband fully realizes it. <BR/><BR/>Last night at a Pampered Chef demonstration I sat next to my friend/my pastors wife and when it was time to place my order I said to her. "I don't really need anything and I don't have the money to buy anything." And she said "well, then why would you even think of buying anything--no one would want you to overextend yourself for THIS!" I had gone thinking I have to buy something--just something small and God showed me through sharing with her that Ms. Perfection had to GO!! I wonder how many other women there ordered things so they "looked" like they could afford it. <BR/><BR/>God is moving in small but mighty ways!<BR/>hugs to you!<BR/>KimAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com