To watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNN-my6eL68
Today’s study questions:
1. Why do you believe the Pharisees focused on the Sabbath Day instead of the miracle?
2. It’s easy to point our fingers at the Pharisees (others faults are always more obvious), but are there areas that you need to refocus? Are there areas where you need to stop focusing so you can see the miracles around you?
3. Name miracles that you have in each area:
- Basics (food, breath, shelter)
- Family
- Friends
- Faith
4. On page 86 in The Mom I Want to Be: Rising Above Your Past, I stated: Perspective is powerful. It can be a set of dark glasses through which we view life, others, and even ourselves. Or it can be a brightly lit window through which we can learn lessons from the harder moments and events–and recognize those who support us through those difficult times. If I choose to look at the dark times only I’ll miss the light. It’s not that I deny the tough stuff, but when I turn away from the past long enough to count the good things around me, I can’t help but acknowledge what I’ve been given.
Q: What are your thoughts as you read this quote?
ACTION STEP: Ask God to help you refocus. Keep your list of miracles close. When you start to focus on what you don’t have, stop. Praise God for what you do have.
Resource for Pushing Past Your Past: The Mom I Want to Be: Rising Above Your Past to Give Your Kids a Great Future
I’m several weeks behind, but this is so good. My kids are grown and I still have learned a lot. Somehow by the grace of God I was able to not pass on some of the dysfunction, but I sure wish this book was available back in my day. Thank you!
Suzie,
I listened to the video this morning and could relate in my own life to this inner battle I have with looking at things with a “God’s eye perspective” — I too have suffered disappointing family dynamics growing up and other relational disappointments and trials along the way…. sometimes I can see God’s hand in it and other times I feel dragged down into disappointment, complaining and at various times even despair. I don’t want to live there though…and for the first time in my life I think I am getting a greater glimpse of how to get out of those ruts….I think it takes really believing that God has his best interest for me and looking at the various situations and recognizing His being there in addition to just being quiet enough to let Him love on me in the day to day and love him back. I just want to honor God with my life – I get disappointed with my shortcomings, but I will accept God is working in me to transform me and all the while loving me at the same time. Thanks for sharing, and inspiring me with your own life’s testimony through this study.
I really enjoyed your message. This is such a good series, your doing. Thank you for your time.