Imperfection – For Real, Elaine?!

Posted on March 12, 2023 by ejstan17 · 1 Comment

Awakened Decision

There comes a time in our lives when we have to make hard, heartbreaking decisions. We have to come to the realization:

1. We can’t change anyone no matter how hard we try, pray, threaten, nag, plead or beg. It’s their choice. Only God can if they allow the Holy Spirit to change their heart.

2. If you yourself are drowning in your own pool of sin, torment and struggling reach out for help instead of blaming everyone else. Take ownership!

3. No one, I repeat NO HUMAN is perfect. Quit beating yourself up because someone can’t forgive you. Move on!

Surround yourself with Holy Spirit filled people who truly love you in spite of your imperfections and who will pray for you, teach and encourage you to mature and grow in God.

Get away from people who have no desire to help you become godlier and spirit filled!

Posted on March 7, 2023 by ejstan17

Me and Peter

I have to confess that like so many of those in the Bible who though chosen by God, still failed Him. I have failed terribly!

I can relate a lot to Peter, always running my mouth when I should be quiet. Boastful, overzealous and a know it all!

Peter actually thought he knew more than Jesus! Can you imagine that? Yet, how many times have I tried to solve my problems through means I knew were not in agreement with Jesus?

I am thankful God my Father loves me enough to rope me in and discipline me. I am amazed at the faithfulness and compassion God shows to me.

Remember the Israelites and how ungrateful and unfaithful they were after all God did to rescue them from Egypt, yet God in His infinite love continued to pursue them!

What a patient and loving God He is. How could I ever fail Him?

Lord, forgive me for my lack of faith and joy after all you have done for me!

Let me be a grateful and faithful woman of God.

Posted on February 16, 2022 by ejstan17

I want to discuss “Valentines Day Disappointment.”

So often we have preconceived expectations of love. I remember when Bobby and I were in our late 30’s and attending a Young Adult Sunday school class doing a series on marriage. Every Sunday I left class feeling depressed and unloved because someone would say “my husband runs my bath for me and lights candles.” Then another “my husband writes me “love notes weekly .” I was lucky if Bobby even said “I love you” to me. The enemy weaved into my mind the thought “your husband doesn’t love you.” It wasn’t until I was almost 50 I realized Bobby’s love language was works.

To be honest, even after learning his love language I still struggle at times because my love language craves affection. Bobby is Bobby. He’s not going to ever be the lovey dovey type. I had to just finally accept it. I choose to love him like he is. Praying and knowing God never intended for me to expect my husband or anyone else to totally fulfill me, only He can do that.
Yesterday I knew I would not get anything for Valentines. We don’t do all that, but yesterday Bobby washed the laundry in the basement and brought it back up so I didn’t have to go up and down the stairs- that was him saying “I love you.” People need to see through the eyes of God’s love. I have to pray daily too! Realize love can be expressed in many different ways and be grateful. Guard your mind and guard your heart with love.

Posted on February 7, 2022February 7, 2022 by ejstan17

Thoughts on Job

Although Job had lived a blameless and upright life, fearing God and shunning evil (1:1), he was not perfect. He speaks here of ‘the sins of my youth’ (13:26) and says, ‘My offences will be sealed up in a bag; you will cover over my sin’ (14:17).

The mistake that Job’s friends made was to think that his suffering was linked to his sin. Job becomes increasing frustrated with his friends. They go on about ‘sin’ (11:6,14) and effectively heap condemnation on Job (v.5). They do not offer Job any real comfort.

Eventually Job turns around and replies, ‘But I have a mind as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know all these things?’ (12:3). ‘What you know, I also know’ (13:2). He points out to them that it would be best for them to say nothing: ‘If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom’ (v.5).

We need to pray for wisdom when people are suffering so we don’t just speak in “scriptural properness” but, demonstrate God’s wonderful love by our actions; being very compassionate and discerning in what we say.

Posted on February 28, 2021 by ejstan17