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Living 4 Jesus 4 Life: #5 March 26, 2011
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In this issue ...
.......Learn How to conquer fear and worry......
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13 Happy Birthday Macy!!!
Macy's turning 13 on April 4! Happy Birthday!!
Macy loves her friends, chocolate ice cream AND Blue Bell!
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II Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Fear is from the devil. Worry is from the devil. In I Peter 5:8-9 Satan is compared to a roaring lion, “seeking whom he may devour.” Looking at this comparison, we can see that the only way to reap the benefits of our fears and worries is to face them.
When a group of lions is stalking its prey, an older lion is usually the one who steps out into the open and roars – the one with worn teeth and less speed. Meanwhile, young speedy lions are waiting in tall grass in the opposite direction for the prey, frightened by the roar of the old lion, to run straight at them. The prey could reach safety by running toward the lion which seems fierce and strong on the outside but is actually old and worn out on the inside. We can only conquer fear by visualizing the worst possible result and then the benefits of that result. And repeat the process until there ARE no more fears. Worry is assuming responsibilities that are not yours. We conquer it by giving those responsibilities back to the person whose responsibility it really belongs to.
In the same way, we can only truly overcome our fear and worry when we face them with God on our side. The longer we fear something or worry about a situation, the more we will fear it and worry about it. But when we look past the immediate consequences of that situation we will be able to grasp the lasting benefits of growing through that situation.
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....by autumn
When I was younger, I was worried all the time about what would happen to me when I grew up and had to take care of myself. As a banker’s daughter, I especially wondered how I would be responsible financially. I felt like I knew nothing about finances. One thing I did know was to save. As a result, I became a tightwad. I did not want to spend much on gifts for my friends or family, and I especially did not want to spend money on myself. I did not buy myself anything that wasn't absolutely necessary. I had to save money for college, and a car, someday. Saving is a good thing, but I had no balance. Over the years, this became my lifestyle.
I still have a hard time spending my money. It's not because I'm afraid that I really need it right now, I know my parents will take good care of me as long as I am their responsibility. I just always know that someday I will have to provide for myself, and I want to be ready. And that day keeps getting closer! When I read Scripture, I know this worry is wrong. Matthew 6:34 says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” If I seek God first and His kingdom, He will fulfill all my earthly needs.
As I have gotten older, my parents have encouraged me to become responsible with my money and other responsibilities. I must face my fear of growing up - really there is no other option. My parents have given me the opportunity to grow while I am still at home under their protection and provision. Since I was about twelve they have allowed and encouraged me to have different jobs off and on, so I could learn to manage my resources. This school year I began taking college courses. My parents and I knew that this was God’s will for me, and His way of allowing me to prepare for being on my own later in life. When I go to college in a year or two, I will have been able to prepare for the work while living a normal life, with my parents here to help me when I need them. I have the chance to learn how to be responsible with my timebefore I have to be totally responsible in every other area of my life.
Last semester I enrolled in two college-level courses; this semester I have enrolled in three. God will always continue to take care of me, and I get the benefits of having a good education early. As long as I am seeking His will in my life, I will have to work hard, but I will reap lasting benefits.
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& Sarah!! (hold for applause)
Well, last May I went to a week long camp called SMITE. This camp is in Louisiana and while you're there you learn all about how to teach Bible Clubs and how to share the Gospel. I had been thinking about going for several months prior to when i had to send in my application. I also talked to my friends about it. Because some of them had already gone.
I heard so many good, positive things about it. But then there were the few "not so good" things (or thats what my friends said). Of course, like a teenager, I focused mainly on all the negative things. I really began to wonder if I really should go or not. I had heard things like "All the people there are really weird", "The rules are soo strict", "The sermons are hard to understand", and things like that. I began to really get scared about going. Every single time I thought of a positive aspect of the trip a new fear would pop up in my mind about all the "negative" things.
Finally I decided to pray about it. I mean if God really wanted me to go then He would take all of my fears and worries away. I prayed so many times and just talked to God about it. I prayed that God would conquer my fear and destroy every worry in my heart. And guess what?! Thats exactly what He did! I no longer had anymore fears or worries or even doubts! It was a great feeling! I went to SMITE and learned so much! I was glad that God had not allowed Satan to influence my decision by making me not go. And He has done the same exact thing so many other times in my life.
~Sarah
Elisabeth
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and... HaPpY BiRtHdAy SARAH!! thanks for being one of my best friends and I love you so much girl! hope your birthday rocks!
15Sarah Elisabeth Stephens
Sarah's favorite color is light blue and she likes riding horses, writing, piano, and hangin' with friends! She's celebrating the last of this month! woo-woo!
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P.S. Sorry I'm so late on this one girls! NOT Sarah's fault!!
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