study Kindness, and relaxing at the pool

My study today was on kindness. 2 Samuel 9 was a perfect example of this. David could have banished everyone from the line of King Saul, but for the friendship and love of his friend Jonathan that he did not do that. Instead David chose to find any relatives, and when one came; he gave up all of the property that Saul had back to this person. He also said that the relative was welcomed at his table always.

I hope that I can always be kind to others even when they have hurt me. Today was a good day. The kids decided to behave 98% of the time so that helped. I took an hour this evening to just relax, do my bible study, and read at the pool. It really was nice to know others were around me, but I did not have to talk if I did not want. I am thinking about doing this regularly.

No study tonight, Dance Night

I went square dancing tonight. It was fun. Though now I am super tired, and just need to get ready for bed. I will continue my study tomorrow though. I got some new books at the library today, and I am super excited about reading them. For anybody interested, Karen Kingsbury is an awesome writer and her books are great. I have read 5 of her books, and I have loved all of them. I got 6 more of her books from the library today, and I have already started to like the first of the 6 that I am reading. Night!

Fruits of the Spirit, Patience

Today's study was on patience. The bible story was on how a king forgave a servant his debts, but then the servant did not forgive another servant's debt. Jesus said that we need to be patient and forgiving to others or God will treat us harshly. We need to be ready to forgive when something happens, and of course it will happen.

My job certainly has days where I am tired and not happy with the kids when they decide to make bad decisions. The most important thing for them to know is that even though they made a bad decision, they are still loved and that they will be forgiven. You really have to be patient with kids or you will constantly be upset with them. Always remind yourself, is this behavior a mountain or a molehill. You still need to train them up right, but do it with patience and love.

Fruits of the Spirit, Peace

I loved this section of the study. God gives us peace as an assurance that He will always be with us and will help us. He loves us so much that He would give up whole nations for us.

Today, my employer was telling me a story about what happened a couple of weeks ago about some worries she had. For two days, her kids were singing the song Today is the Day. She went for a walk, and realized that God was trying to get her to realize that through her kids singing to not worry about tomorrow and give up all the control she was trying to hold on to. She wanted to thank me for all that I do, and how I am very specific about letting the kids listen to certain kinds of music.

This also helped me to give up the control I have been holding on to with the hope that something better comes to me.

Fruits of the Spirit, Joy

This next study was a little hard for me even though the concept should not be hard. Occasions like a wedding or a birth, we think of joy. The joy that God gives us is the knowledge that He knows, understands, and loves us regardless of our past. All He wants us to do is to repent of our sins, and to do what He calls us to do.

"I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for." -Jeremiah 29:11

I am letting this be my special verse during these two studies.

Rodeo is over

I have not been on the last couple of nights as I have been at the 4th of July weekend Rodeo in my hometown. I had a wonderful time watching the events, and catching up with friends. The parade is in a little less than 9 hours, and I will be there with one of friends.

I have not been doing my bible study as I have not had time due to being with my family. I plan to get back on it when I get back to my apartment.

Study of the Fruits of the Spirit, Love

Since today starts a new month, I have decided to work on two bible studies to bring me closer to God. The first study is called Fruits of the Spirit, and the other is called Women of the Old Testament.

The first section of the Fruits of the Spirit was Love. God loves us so much that He willingly gave us His son in order that we might be called His children. In order to be in union with God, we need to love others by showing them through kind words and kind actions.

Since I am starting this month with two studies, I am going to be spending less time on the computer and more time on my spiritual needs. I will continue to check my email multiple times a day, check facebook, update this blog, and a few other things. Please pray that I find what I am looking for with the studies: a better understanding of God and what he wants me to accomplish for him.