Applying the 3-2-1 Plan to Your Spiritual Life

[mommyhugz1978]

I dont' speak of god or Christ at my shows... but everyone who knows me knows that I am a devout Christian....When we are blessed we are truly blessed...... Not only have I been blessed with my business.. but I have blessed with a wonderful family. It is truly powerful for those of us who are religious that we can really thank the lord for the things that he has blessed us with meaning our business and families ect.....

 

[jenniferlynne]

Wow!! I just love hearing all these stories. I used to get up bright and early every morning and read my bible and pray before the kids arrived that I babysit for. Well, I let worldly things take control, and have taken on more things than I can handle. I started going to bed later and later and waking up in just enough time to shower before they showed up. I miss it and need to start doing it again. Anyone else want to join me in a 6 a.m. devotional?

 

[Jules711]

Want? Can? I want to be a morning person...I would love to get up on my own to read the bible and such. Problem? I won't be alone for long ;-)

 

[jenniferlynne]

Want? Can? I want to be a morning person...I would love to get up on my own to read the bible and such. Problem? I won't be alone for long ;-)

Do the little ones wake up early?

 

[Jules711]

I don't wake naturally early in the morning. I really wish I did. So if I set an alarm (which would do it for me) my DH would get up too. Yes, if my DD heard me, she'd be up. She thinks daylight means time to get up. We are thrilled if she sleeps until 7am.

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Nap time?

I don't wake naturally early in the morning. I really wish I did. So if I set an alarm (which would do it for me) my DH would get up too. Yes, if my DD heard me, she'd be up. She thinks daylight means time to get up. We are thrilled if she sleeps until 7am.

Do your kids nap around the same time? I have two older children ages 9 and 10 so getting my quiet time is usually easy. I just turn on Barney for the little ones and encourage the older ones to sit with them and read or do crafts.
I know nap times are great for me to have my quiet time and to make my phone calls for PC.
Debbie

 

[mommyhugz1978]

My Husband and I get up every morning, we read scripture together and say our prayers together, then when we get our little one up for School ( she is in kindergarten) we say family prayers. When I take my little girl to school in the mornings, I play church hymns in the car, I have noticed that since I started doing this. Not only by the time I get her to school she is calm and relaxed and ready for the day. But by the time I get to work, I am truly on a spritual high. It makes my day so mugh brighter when I do that in the mornings. We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints AKA Mormon Church. So we are encourgaged to read our scriptures and pray daily not only by ourselves but as families as well. When we get home a night, after dinner is said and done, we spend some time watching TV, but before we put our little girl to bed, we read scriputre's together and say family prayers. Its really nice...... and pleasent for me....

 

[Rebeccascabinet]

Thanks for the tread. I've been wondering how I can glorify God through my business and I think this challenge is just what I needed. I need more time and prayer to think of what I want my spritiual 3-2-1 to be, but it is nice to speak with other consultants about Jesus and God and not feel like I am offending people out there. I too am trying to incorporate sharing my faith into my shows, so I appreciate the advice some of you have given, esp. about the tracts. I think I may do that.

 

[Grandmarita]

What a joy to read all your posts. I've been blessed to be Catholic all my life,
and to have had an experience in 1978, which some of you have referred to as being "Born Again". Perhaps a surprise for you, it was within the Catholic church and known as the Charismatic Renewal. From it grew Prayer Groups that continue to this day. During that same time two other groups were happening to meet the needs of those of us who wanted more than rituals. It involved strengthening marriages with a weekend away called Marriage Encounter. For those who had lost a spouse, it is Beginning Experience. Another program was Cursillo which was a four day retreat for the purpose of experiencing a Short Course in Christian Living. It was a community experience and led to many of us having the confidence to share our faith with others in our every day roles. I've had the awesome experience of participating in all of those programs. It has made a world of difference for me. It has enlivened my experience of being Catholic. My relationship with Jesus is number one, and everything else has fallen into place since I made that decision. I met my husband in a Prayer Group and we were married 25 years ago. We are both very active in our Church community. I've been involved over the years in several ministries: Divorced, Separated, Widowed; Prison Ministry; Hospice Ministry; Youth Retreat Ministry; Music Ministry and Funeral Hospitality; Home Visitation and Elder Companioning. It goes on and on. Where there is a need, the Lord puts it on my heart to extend a helping hand. We both served on Habitat for Humanity Board for six years for example. Some days it is as simple as taking some homemade soup to someone. I like to think of myself as the Soup Lady. In fact I justified getting our new 12 quart Stock Pot for that reason!

I loved reading about Leah's pattern of prayer throughout the day. Ours is similar. We also attend a couples faith sharing group, as well as a Bible Study, and for years had a prayer group that met in our home. At one time,
we had more evidence of Jesus in our home than we did of our family. Now, as we have had 15 grandchildren, we have all their pictures to find places for.

Leah, note where I am from. We have had lots of contact with members of your Church, and enjoyed many visits from your young missionaries. We have visited your sites which are within walking distance of us. Have you ever been here?

 

[janetupnorth]

it is nice to speak with other consultants about Jesus and God and not feel like I am offending people out there.

Hopefully we aren't...and if they are for some reason, they can politely leave (without giving the thread a bad vote which I saw). I gave them fair warning that if they don't want to talk about religion, ignore this...if they choose to cross in, they've made the choice. I didn't disguise the thread to "lure" anyone in to our conversations here.

This is meant to encourage and support each of us who has faith and hopefully will continue to do so. I personally am loving the conversations and stories and experiences that are popping up here.

 

[Miss Cori]

I just thought you all might like this it takes aboput ten minutes but it is awesome. I love the music. I was having a horrible day and It brightened mine up. Hope you like it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M4_IlbaZHA

 

[Grandmarita]

In Post #40, I see the quote from Billy Graham. Have any of you ever been to a Rally that he was speaking at? I was blessed to attend three nights in the early 1980's, in Rochester, NY. It was held outside at a Baseball Stadium. It sure was a powerful experience!

 

[mommyhugz1978]

I have never been their but my husband and I would like to visit upstate New York one day...... I am encluding in this post... a photo of my husband and I on our wedding day three months ago.... All this talk and testimonals about god and religion really got me thinking about marriage and what the lord brings together in love...

Leah

What a joy to read all your posts. I've been blessed to be Catholic all my life,
and to have had an experience in 1978, which some of you have referred to as being "Born Again". Perhaps a surprise for you, it was within the Catholic church and known as the Charismatic Renewal. From it grew Prayer Groups that continue to this day. During that same time two other groups were happening to meet the needs of those of us who wanted more than rituals. It involved strengthening marriages with a weekend away called Marriage Encounter. For those who had lost a spouse, it is Beginning Experience. Another program was Cursillo which was a four day retreat for the purpose of experiencing a Short Course in Christian Living. It was a community experience and led to many of us having the confidence to share our faith with others in our every day roles. I've had the awesome experience of participating in all of those programs. It has made a world of difference for me. It has enlivened my experience of being Catholic. My relationship with Jesus is number one, and everything else has fallen into place since I made that decision. I met my husband in a Prayer Group and we were married 25 years ago. We are both very active in our Church community. I've been involved over the years in several ministries: Divorced, Separated, Widowed; Prison Ministry; Hospice Ministry; Youth Retreat Ministry; Music Ministry and Funeral Hospitality; Home Visitation and Elder Companioning. It goes on and on. Where there is a need, the Lord puts it on my heart to extend a helping hand. We both served on Habitat for Humanity Board for six years for example. Some days it is as simple as taking some homemade soup to someone. I like to think of myself as the Soup Lady. In fact I justified getting our new 12 quart Stock Pot for that reason!

I loved reading about Leah's pattern of prayer throughout the day. Ours is similar. We also attend a couples faith sharing group, as well as a Bible Study, and for years had a prayer group that met in our home. At one time,
we had more evidence of Jesus in our home than we did of our family. Now, as we have had 15 grandchildren, we have all their pictures to find places for.

Leah, note where I am from. We have had lots of contact with members of your Church, and enjoyed many visits from your young missionaries. We have visited your sites which are within walking distance of us. Have you ever been here?

 

[mommyhugz1978]

I really glad that we havent' offend others... and it is really nice...sometimes I hold back in saying what church I belong to becasue I do not want to offend someone or open myself up to something that Iam not prepared for but this is so nice and enjoyable to hear others talk about something that is extremly important to them.

Hopefully we aren't...and if they are for some reason, they can politely leave (without giving the thread a bad vote which I saw). I gave them fair warning that if they don't want to talk about religion, ignore this...if they choose to cross in, they've made the choice. I didn't disguise the thread to "lure" anyone in to our conversations here.

This is meant to encourage and support each of us who has faith and hopefully will continue to do so. I personally am loving the conversations and stories and experiences that are popping up here.

 

[janetupnorth]

In Post #40, I see the quote from Billy Graham. Have any of you ever been to a Rally that he was speaking at? I was blessed to attend three nights in the early 1980's, in Rochester, NY. It was held outside at a Baseball Stadium. It sure was a powerful experience!

My dad was saved at a Billy Crusade in the 50's - he was raised Lutheran and they never taught salvation - I've only seen them on TV numerous times. He always talked about it until he died a year ago.

 

[janetupnorth]

I really glad that we havent' offend others... and it is really nice...sometimes I hold back in saying what church I belong to becasue I do not want to offend someone or open myself up to something that Iam not prepared for but this is so nice and enjoyable to hear others talk about something that is extremly important to them.

I'm hoping we haven't. I personally disagree with some of the specifics of other religions, but I want to discuss how we can use PC in this manner and challenge each other in their walk. As soon as we start nitpicking each other's specific denominations we're opening the door for Satan to kill what good we are currently experiencing in this thread. I'm sure one of us will say something personal about our beliefs that others disagree with like I have a strong belief that I will only go to heaven by accepting Christ as my personal Savior and the fact that He died on the cross for my sins and salvation is not by works. But, if you disagree, read it and if you want to pursue that thought further, feel free to ask or if it's a sensitive question, PM me and we'll discuss without "bashing" another viewpoint.

This has been fun and awesome since last night - so let's keep it up.

 

[KellyTheChef]

I just thought you all might like this it takes aboput ten minutes but it is awesome. I love the music. I was having a horrible day and It brightened mine up. Hope you like it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M4_IlbaZHA

Cori~

Thanks for sharing that! It gave me chills watching him paint!

 

[mommyhugz1978]

We each have our own belife system and that is okay.... I disagree with something as I am sure other disagree with my belifes etc.... but the common thing is that we all have expressed how the lord has helped each of us within our PC business which is really cool.... normaly you dont' share things that we hold scared.... such as religion or our faith in god.....

I'm hoping we haven't. I personally disagree with some of the specifics of other religions, but I want to discuss how we can use PC in this manner and challenge each other in their walk. As soon as we start nitpicking each other's specific denominations we're opening the door for Satan to kill what good we are currently experiencing in this thread. I'm sure one of us will say something personal about our beliefs that others disagree with like I have a strong belief that I will only go to heaven by accepting Christ as my personal Savior and the fact that He died on the cross for my sins and salvation is not by works. But, if you disagree, read it and if you want to pursue that thought further, feel free to ask or if it's a sensitive question, PM me and we'll discuss without "bashing" another viewpoint.

This has been fun and awesome since last night - so let's keep it up.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

As soon as we start nitpicking each other's specific denominations we're opening the door for Satan to kill what good we are currently experiencing in this thread. I'm sure one of us will say something personal about our beliefs that others disagree with like I have a strong belief that I will only go to heaven by accepting Christ as my personal Savior and the fact that He died on the cross for my sins and salvation is not by works. But, if you disagree, read it and if you want to pursue that thought further, feel free to ask or if it's a sensitive question, PM me and we'll discuss without "bashing" another viewpoint.

This has been fun and awesome since last night - so let's keep it up.

I was raised in a denomination that was very dogmatic....and judgmental of other denominations.....I was actually shocked when I got to college, and realized that someone could be of a different denominational background, and still be a believer and follower of Christ! Since then, I have found many followers of Christ in all different churches, and love the fact, that, although there may be differences in the way we worship, or even what the emphasis of our particular church is (whether it be liturgical, or more on gifts of the Spirit, etc....)we can find common ground in our love for God and our desire to follow His Son Jesus! My church, although part of a denomination, purposely leaves the name of the denomination out of the church name, so that people of all faiths can feel comfortable coming!

 

[janetupnorth]

I just have to say - you guys are awesome!!!! ...just think of what an impact we can have on each other, our families, our faith, and our businesses this coming year! I truly believe that when we are focused where God wants us, He'll bless us.

 

[mommyhugz1978]

I can't agree with you more Janet!!!

 

[PamperedChefDebi]

I have a comment about "The Secret." I saw most of that episode of Oprah and thought it was beautiful. I intrepretted it differently...I looked at it as people following God's principles though they didn't yet understand, or perhaps weren't ready to accept how much of it was based in God. We are taught to declare it as if it were already so when we ask God for something. I heard them saying essentially the same thing. BUT, I also heard a lady stand up and specifically ask them about how, in their opinion, God factors into this. She was a Chrisitian woman and I had been wondering if the men who wrote the book were. The black gentleman started off right away. He explained how this is all in line with ....I forgot how he said it but he MEANT most religions. He was careful not to be specific. And he explained alot of it in a manner much like I was understanding it. That it really IS based in God's instructions.

Perhpas my perspective is off, but I also believe bringing people closer to God no matter how is a good thing! I know these last few years I've felt that all the pieces finally fit! All the teachings throughtout my life now fit and the "pieces" that don't fit were my worldly beliefs. And I can see that now!

Also, a couple of you mentioned this previously, but my church also teaches us to have a committed family worship time daily. We used to but my husband won't participate any longer and since we moved into a much smaller house, there is no where private for me and the boys to go regularly. I have been praying about how to make it work.

 

[MicheleC]

Janet,

THanks for starting this thread and for reminding us to curb our tongues on areas we may disagree with each other. Just imagine if all Christian denominations could come together in unity what a difference we could make in this country. Sometimes we spend so much time debating the specifics of music, bible versions, style of baptism, etc. that we lose focus of the big picture.

I have to say the idea of the 321 is interesting to apply to my spiritual life. I didn't respond when I first read this yesterday because I felt I needed to pray on it. For me I would like to set the following goals:

3. Pray three times a day (outside of meals). It doesn't have to be long but purposeful.

2. Reach out to two people a week. Phone calls just to let them know I'm thinking of them, inviting someone to church or an event...just keeping connected. Life can get so busy that I don't make time for developing new relationships.

1. Memorize one new scripture each week and hide it in my heart to better equip me when facing challenges or counseling others.

 

[KellyTheChef]

Debi~

I am sure our situations are different in many ways, but my husband has changed over the past few years. When we were married in 2000, we had bible study time together, prayer together each night before bed, and our basic beliefs were the same. Now, all of that has changed. We haven't prayed together since I was pregnant with our little one that is almost two! And, the other night my DSS was asking questions about other religions (not based on Jesus Christ) and my hubby came back with: "Honey, (as in talking to me) I know you aren't going to like this, but...." and proceeded to tell him how we all basically believe in the same God, but call him different names in different religions. How God will honor anyone who is committed and loyal to their God and how we can all end up in heaven that way. WHAT? I reminded him that the bible tells us specifically that the ONLY way is through Jesus Christ. He then says he doesn't believe that, because that means Muslims and other religions would ALL be going to hell and he just can't see that God could do that. He also went on and on about "how do we know OUR bible is the right bible...how do we know that there isn't more to the bible than what we as Christians believe. We went back and forth, but I am not a person who debates well, nor can I quote scripture off the top of my head, so it didn't go very far. I have just been praying that God will speak to him. Also, that my DSS will see the truth through my actions and what I have taught him.

I feel for you that you are in a difficult situation, too. I will keep your husband and your family in my prayers!

I have to say it makes me feel better knowing that someone else's hubby has changed over the years.... (Not that I am happy that you are going through this!! Just that someone else can understand me...hope that makes sense!!)

 

[quiverfull7]

Has anyone read "The Power of A Praying Wife" ? I'm just beginning it.

 

[janetupnorth]

Has anyone read "The Power of A Praying Wife" ? I'm just beginning it.

Have it - started it - was good - admit I didn't finish it...

 

[Miss Cori]

Debi~

I am sure our situations are different in many ways, but my husband has changed over the past few years. When we were married in 2000, we had bible study time together, prayer together each night before bed, and our basic beliefs were the same. Now, all of that has changed. We haven't prayed together since I was pregnant with our little one that is almost two! And, the other night my DSS was asking questions about other religions (not based on Jesus Christ) and my hubby came back with: "Honey, (as in talking to me) I know you aren't going to like this, but...." and proceeded to tell him how we all basically believe in the same God, but call him different names in different religions. How God will honor anyone who is committed and loyal to their God and how we can all end up in heaven that way. WHAT? I reminded him that the bible tells us specifically that the ONLY way is through Jesus Christ. He then says he doesn't believe that, because that means Muslims and other religions would ALL be going to hell and he just can't see that God could do that. He also went on and on about "how do we know OUR bible is the right bible...how do we know that there isn't more to the bible than what we as Christians believe. We went back and forth, but I am not a person who debates well, nor can I quote scripture off the top of my head, so it didn't go very far. I have just been praying that God will speak to him. Also, that my DSS will see the truth through my actions and what I have taught him.

I feel for you that you are in a difficult situation, too. I will keep your husband and your family in my prayers!

I have to say it makes me feel better knowing that someone else's hubby has changed over the years.... (Not that I am happy that you are going through this!! Just that someone else can understand me...hope that makes sense!!)

You think that is bad, my boyfriend doesnt believe in god. And his mother is one of the strongest christian women I have ever met. I honestly believe he is just upset with god becuase of the hard life he has lived and I hope that someday his beliefs will change. But I still love him (so please dont bash him, not that you would) I try so hard not to judge only because he was raised in church and I wasnt so I feel as though he has the right to believe whatever he wishes.

 

[PamperedChefDebi]

Thank you Kelly! The worst part is, our family just got baptized last summer. But he's been to church less than 10 times since then. I've prayed and prayed and then prayed some more. Of course, there's alot more to it but he is so lost and cannot see it.

 

[PamperedChefDebi]

Have it - started it - was good - admit I didn't finish it...

Me too! I've been reading a book by Joyce Meyer, "Help Me I'm Married." Wow, it is wonderful! I am very much like she used to be!!!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Has anyone read "The Power of A Praying Wife" ? I'm just beginning it.

It's a great book - it's been awhile since I read it.....need to go back and read it again!