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Day 5: East of Eden

Partaking of forbidden fruit not only changes us, but it also leads to a change of location. Prodigals inevitably find themselves leaving Eden behind.

Had Adam and Eve refused to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they would have remained unrobed and unembarrassed. But once their eyes were opened, they saw themselves differently--what once appeared normal was now perceived as naughty....Honestly, none of us has any reason to be proud of our wardrobe even if it's full of designer labels. Instead, our clothing can serve as a reminder of sin and a warning to avoid disobeying God's commands.

Scripture reading today was from Genesis 3:20-24.

1. What do you learn about the first couple's relationship based on the name Adam gave his wife?
It tells me that he held her up in high esteem as the mother of all living.

2. What clothing did God provide for the couple, and how does this compare to the clothing they chose?

God provided clothing made from animal hides. Adam and Eve chose plants to cover themselves. This represents that in their sin, the couple harmed other living creatures as well as themselves. When Adam and Eve chose clothing, they did so in a way that would not be permanently damaging to anything living.


3. God used the pronoun "Us" to refer to Himself. What does this tell you about His character?

This, I'm not sure about! Is He referring to the angels in Heaven? Who made up the angels, if they were not humans who had passed on to that realm? Did he create angels before Adam and Eve to keep himself company? I'm gonna have to look up commentary on this!

I read a sidenote in the Bible study that answers my question! It says that it points to the Trinity. Though the Trinity is not explicitly stated in the Old Testament, it is implied.

4. Which aspect of the curse did God repeat and why?

He repeated the part about Adam working to till the earth from whence he came. I assume that He repeated this to again restate the change that had to take place...that Adam would no longer get his food without hard work.


5. How did God ensure that the first couple would never be able to eat from the Tree of Life?

He banished them from the Garden, and set cherubim as guards east of Eden. He also placed a flaming sword that turned in all directions so that they might not be able to reach the Tree.


6. Why do you think God prevented the first couple from partaking of the Tree of Life?

It was the major part of their punishment. Before they sinned, they would have been able to live forever in communion with the Lord. But when they ate of the Tree of Life, they were cursed to die. If they were still able to eat the fruit, they would be able to live forever, and this was not to be so.

7. We've seen that Adam's wife was known by three different names, the last of which was Eve. List some of the names or nicknames that you have been given. Who gave them to you and what do they mean?

Christine: child of Christ
Christi: shortened form of my given name
Chris: what my family shortened my name even further to--as did close friends before I married a Chris!
Mouse: a boyfriend of Suzy's called me this, after he saw me in my Chris Mouse pajamas. Then I called myself that in 5th grade just as a nickname, too!
PK: short for Preacher's Kid. The Williams brothers called me that when we lived in Big Stone Gap, and then again when we reconnected at Emory & Henry. In fact, they've referred to me as PK on Facebook recently!
Big Stone: a fella in high school called me that after I said that I thought that he was someone calling from Big Stone on the phone one time!
Gidget: Kevin Stone called me that....I don't really remember why!
Barney: Mike Stansbury called me this in Concert Choir...again, I don't remember exactly why!
Musketeer: my pledge name in college, given to me because I was the third Copeland sister to become a K Phi
Diti: Brenda and Suzy's children called me this before they could pronounce Christi. Ked actually was the first one! Maria still calls me Diti sometimes!
Mrs. Stapleton: my 'school name', given to me by students.
Mommy: given to me by my sons when I gave birth to them.

8. The couple literally clothed themselves in fig leaves, while God dressed them in tunics of skin, offering the first blood sacrifice. Paul uses the analogy of "putting on" clothing to show that we can wear spiritual attributes much as we would wear beautiful garments. Below, list some of your favorite attire and how it makes you feel physically; then read Colossians 3:12, and list the characteristics you'd like to wear spiritually.

From my closet: From God's Word:
pajamas: make me comfy kindness makes others comfy
fancy dress: makes me feel beautiful peace of Christ makes me look beautiful in Him
Slinky brand outfit: feels smooth even tempered, because it acts in a smooth way
tank tops: feels cool humility is acting in a cool instead of hot way

9. God sent Adam and Eve out of the garden of Eden, and an angel prevented them from ever returning. Journal about a time you had to leave someplace. How did it make you feel? Where did you go?

As a PK, I had to leave several places! The hardest was leaving Big Stone Gap. I as well established, had friends and a 'position', and was comfortable in my little cocoon. Moving to Rossville felt very naked and exposed in a way. But I realized after struggles that God was with me and would make me feel comfortable and loved no matter where I was. He gave me my loving family to be with me and care about me no matter where I lived.

Day 4: Judgement Pronounced

Because God is omniscient, He was completely aware that there was something wrong in the Garden of Eden.

omniscient: definition from Merriam-Webster Dictionary.com: 1 : having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight 2 : possessed of universal or complete knowledge

You might say that when God sought the disobedient couple in the garden, He was prepared to hold a trial....First, he pursued him as an officer of the court to bring them to justice. Next, He questioned the about their behavior as a prosecuting attorney would do. Now we'll see Him address them and Satan, their co-defendant, as the divine Judge, pronouncing His sentence on them. As the One who created all three of the defendants, God had every right to judge them.

1. Describe how God cursed the Serpent physically.

He told the snake that it would always be on its belly, and it would eat the dust of the earth. He also said that it would be cursed beyond all cattle and more than any beast of the field.

2.a. How did He curse the Serpent spiritually?

There would be war between the woman and the snake, and between the offspring of the serpent and the woman.

b. How do you think this speaks prophetically of Satan's battle with Jesus?

Jesus and Satan always battle against each other, for generations. They battle over the souls of people.


3.a. Next God pronounced His judgment on the woman. How did He punish her concerning childbirth?

He told her that her pain during childbirth would be multiplied.


b. What did He pronounce concerning her marriage?

He decreed that she will want to please her husband and that he would always lord that desire over her.

4.a. God next turned His attention to Adam. Explain why He pronounced a judgment on Adam.

He judged Adam because he listened to his wife and ate from the tree that he was commanded not to eat from.


b. How did God judge Adam concerning his work?

He told Adam that the very ground would be cursed because of him, and that getting food from the ground would be as painful to him as childbirth would be to Eve. He told Adam that he would have to work in pain his entire life, fighting against thorns and weeds that the ground sprouted to get food from the earth.

c. What would the ultimate punishment be for eating from the tree?

That he would return to the ground, dead and buried, and eventually turn into dust, just as he started life.

5.a. What key phrase did God use to remind Adam of his status as a created being?

He told Adam that out of dust he was created and to dust he would return.

b. How would this make you feel if God talked to you in this manner?

It would make me feel about as low as the dust to which He is referring!

6.a. God put enmity between the seed of the woman (Christ) and Satan. Read Galatians 3:16. What is one interpretation of who the seed represents?

According to this verse, it is seed singular, referring to Christ, instead of seeds plural, referring to many people.

b. Based on what you know of history and Scripture, how did Satan "bruise" the heel of the seed of the woman?

Satan brought sin into the world, which led, ultimately, to the crucifixion of Christ...where his feet were nailed to the cross.

c. Paul says, "Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead" (2 Timothy 2:8). How do you think this fulfills the prophecy of the seed of woman (Eve) bruising or crushing Satan's head?

Satan could no longer hurt people, for Christ died for our sins and was resurrected from the dead!

7. God's punishment for Eve's disobedience was that there would be pain in childbearing and implied pain in child rearing. Yet Scripture considers motherhood a high calling.

(I've never thought about it like that! I am called to be a mother, and God considers that important!)

a. Read the following passages and draw a line to connect them with how mothers are to be treated.

Exodus 20:12-----Honor your mother

Exodus 21:15-17--Do not physically or verbally abuse her

Proverbs 1:8-----Follow your mother's instructions

Proverbs 23:22---Help your mother in her old age

Proverbs 23:25---Make your mother proud

b. Talk about how you've either experienced some of the pain involved in being a mom, or how you have treated your mom.

Amazingly, I remember more of the pain I've caused my mom---and still feel bad for it---than she seems to remember or keep account of. Isn't that how unconditional love is, though? I caused her much pain and worry when I ran away, when I attempted to take my own life, when I was skipping school...when I lied to her, when I behaved in ways that I knew she would not approve, when I did not greet her with the respect and regard that she deserved. Just the other day, she was commenting that she was glad that my sisters and I didn't 'lose our minds' temporarily and do increasingly foolish things. While I think how I must have added grey hair to her head, she looks upon me as a blessing. SHE is a true blessing to me, and I have learned a great deal from her! I will gladly care for her in her old age!

Warren Wiersbe said,"This submission isn't identified as a part of a curse or as a mandate for husbands to have sovereign power over their wives. The New Testament makes it clear that husbands and wives who love each other and are filled with the Spirit will be mutually submissive (Ephesians 5:18ff; 1 Corinthians 7:1-7).

God reestablished relational order not to put women down but to promote harmony in the home. Don't be deceived when the world tells you submission is slavery--you are showing the world a picture of salvation through Christ: "Just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything" (Ephesians 5:24).

Day 3: Hiding Out

At this point the first couple knew only good, not evil. But after one bite, they became intimately acquainted with evil. If Satan had said,"For God knows that when you eat of it...you will be like me, knowing good and evil," he would have been telling the whole truth. Too late they became aware that God's word was good and that the Serpents word was evil; they saw the goodness of God's image deformed by the wickedness of sin; and they felt the closeness of God's presence replace with a fearful sense of dread. Sadly, there are some things that once done can never be undone. Thankfully, God still pursues people by name, calling out,"Where are you?"

Today's lesson is based upon Genesis 3:7-13.

1.a. Based on their actions, what type of insight did Adam and Eve develop?

They realized that they were naked.

b. How do you think this experience differed from Satan's promise in verse 5?

Satan didn't describe this action as having any negative connotations. He didn't describe such things as guilt that they would experience. They found out that knowing good and evil comes with good and bad consequences.


2. What did Adam and Eve hear, and how did they respond to the source of this sound?

They heard God in the garden, and became afraid--knowing what they had done--and hid.

Why did Adam and Eve hide from God? Most commentators agree that sin develops guilt, and guilt leads to fear. For the first time in their lives they were afraid of God. In a futile attempt they sought to hide from an all-knowing God. Fellowship was broken. Communion was replaced with confusion.

3. How did God respond to Adam's absence? What does this tell you about His character?

God came looking for Adam and called for him. This tells me that even if I don't come to Him, He is going to actively seek me!

4.a. Describe Adam's emotional state.

Adam is afraid! He knows what he has done is wrong, so he feels guilty. He might even feel angry at Eve for giving him the fruit. He is afraid of what God will do/say, too.

b. Why do you think he felt this way?

He knows he went against God's command, and that this was wrong.


5. Underline the word naked, which is repeated three times in this text. Define what you think it means in this story.

It means literal nakedness in the physical form, but it can also mean laid bare with all our weaknesses and sins exposed.


6.a. Who did Adam blame, and who did Eve blame?

Adam blamed Eve. Eve blamed the serpent.


b. Explain their reasons for blaming someone else.

Like all of us, they didn't want to be responsible for their own sinful behavior.

7. What do you think motivates us as humans to become blame shifters? How do you think we could break this pattern?

We want the attention to be off us, and want to have someone else to be responsible for what we do. It doesn't feel 'good' to take the blame. With practice and God's help, we can humble ourselves and say that yes, we are wrong.

8. Eve's and Adam's eyes were opened so that they developed a conscience. As Christian women, our conscience and spiritual discernment enable us to fight against the works of the flesh. Read the following passage, and describe which fruit(s) of the Spirit can conquer which works of the flesh. (Example: love conquers hatred.)

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries...But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:19-23.

Love conquers hatred, joy conquers outbursts of wrath, kindness conquers dissensions, goodness conquers jealousies, faithfulness conquers adultery, gentleness conquers murders, self-control conquers fornication, lewdness, uncleanness, drunkenness, and revelries.

9. We've seen the downward spiral Adam's and Eve's sin caused: They were afraid, they became ashamed, and they hid themselves. Use these three sentences to describe a time you fell into the same downward cycle.

I felt afraid when...
I was discovered somewhere that I wasn't sure I should be.


I was ashamed when...
Others knew I was where I wasn't comfortable being alone.


I tried to hide by...
Covering up my cleavage, which made it look like I had nothing on, and made it worse.


10.a. We know that the first couple tried to shift the blame for their sin. Adam accused Eve, and Eve blamed the Serpent. Psalm 51 records David's confession of sin with Bathsheba after being rebuked by the prophet Nathan. Read the psalm, and describe the view of God that David expresses.

David views God as forgiving even though He doesn't have to be.

b. What does David request?

to be washed clean of his sin and be able to start anew.


c. Ultimately who has he sinned against?

God

d. What does God require of the sinner?

He requires confession and a change in behavior, and a desire to improve and walk with Him.

e. If there's something you've been trying to hide or shift the blame about, confess it to God right now an experience the relief felt by King David and others through the ages.

The day's lesson ends with a quote from Angelus Silesius:
Silence, O sinner, stop! Accuse not Eve and Adam.
Without that incident, its you who would have done it.

Day 2: Innocence Lost

It's interesting to note that Adam gave his wife this endearing name (Eve) after the fall. He could have called her "Temptress" or "She-devil." Instead he prophesied concerning her future rather than pronouncing judgment on her past...From this point on, people are born in sin (with a tainted bloodline) and born to sin (possessing a wicked nature.)Before being too harsh with Eve, try walking in her bare feet. She didn't have a Bible, a pastor, a mother, or a friend to instruct her. God had not warned her to avoid talking snakes.

Today's lesson is based on Genesis 3:1-6.

1. Describe the Serpent in your own words.

The Serpent was Satan in disguise. It must not have been scary--of course, Eve had never felt fear--but it must not have been something uncommon or unappealing to see, as Eve did not flee from it.

2. Explain who initiated the conversation, and recount what was said.

The Serpent initiated the conversation. He asked Eve if God had forbade them to eat from any tree of the garden. Eve answered that God had given them permission to eat from any tree EXCEPT the one in the middle of the garden. She explained that if they ate from that tree or even touched it, they would die. The serpent then told her that they would NOT die, but that their eyes would be opened and they would be like God.


3. Compare the woman's response with God's original command given in Genesis 2:16-17.

The original command was not to eat from the tree, or they would die. Eve went farther than the original command and added that they were also not to touch the tree.


a. To whom was that command given?

the man


b. What phrase did Eve omit?

the tree of the knowledge of good and evil


c. What phrase did Eve insert?

She added that were not even to touch the tree


d. What does this tell you about Eve's view of God?

She thinks that she can change the commands of God to fit her will. She views God as there to give her what she wants.

4. List four things the Serpent promised would happen if Eve ate of the fruit.

--your eyes will be opened
--you will be like God
--you will know good
--you will know evil

5. What three things motivated Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit?

She saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasing to the eyes, and she desired to be made wise.


6.a. What final action did Eve make?

She then gave it to her husband

b. Why do you think she did it?

She wanted to share the good fruit and the wisdom with Adam.

7. There is a difference between asking God questions and questioning God. In the appropriate columns list some of the times you've asked God sincere questions as well as the times you've questioned God's sovereignty.

I looked up the meaning of sovereignty just to be sure what it meant: surpreme excellence.
ASKED GOD QUESTIONED GOD
to lead me to a Godly husband to make a particular man love me
for someone to be healed as God saw fit to heal a person's physical body only
to help me fight temptation asking why someone died

8. Because our battle with the Enemy begins in the mind, God has given us many safeguards. Fill in the following chart to discover how to fortify your thought life. Explain what you think each instruction means.

Romans 12:2: fix your attention on God, and He will change you from the inside out. Recognize what he is wanting and be quick to do it.

Ephesians 4:23: Be willing to change your attitude for the better
Philippians 4:6-7 Pray instead of worrying. Petition God instead of worrying about them. A peace that everything will come together will then cover you, and Christ will displace worry at the center of your life.

Colossians 3:2: Think about the Lord instead of things happening here on earth.

1 Peter 1:13: Ready your mind for the gift that is coming when Jesus arrives.

9.a. We learned that Eve spread her sin to Adam. Read 1 Timothy 2:11-14. Why do you think Paul cited the order of creation here?

I think he was reminding us that men should be in charge since they were created first.

b. Explain who was deceived and how this led to the fall. Who do you think bears the greater burden for the fall and why?

Eve was deceived, and rationalized her actions, then drew Adam into this deception. I think Eve does bear the greater burden, for she not only disobeyed herself, but also coerced Adam into disobedience.

The sin that Eve ultimately committed was covetousness--she wanted what she couldn't have.

Today's lesson ends with this quote from Max Lucado:
The snake pulled back the curtain to the throne room and invited Eve to take a seat. Put on the crown. Pick up the scepter. Put on the cape. See how it feels to have power. See how it feels to have a name. See how it feels to be in control! Eve swallowed the hook. The temptation to be like God eclipsed her view of God.

New Bible Study: Live Relationally

I'm so excited to be starting a new Bible study, which is part of a series of studies, the Fresh Life Bible Study Series. This one focuses on Lessons from the Women of Genesis. The first thing that hit me was under the heading of "How to get the most out of this study".

Did you know that abundant life doesn't just add years to your life, but it also adds life to your years?

The section goes on to say that Bible study is vital because God's Word has the power to do His work in our lives. It is the catalyst that revives our hearts, renew our minds, and restores our souls. This makes life worth living!

As I said before, this study focuses on the women of Genesis, who were

often out of sight, but never out of God's plan.

In these lessons, we'll see the firsts of lots of things: the first temptation with Eve, the first matriarch in Sarah, the beginning of the Arabs through Hagar, the first recorded rape in Scripture with Dinah, the first recorded instance of prostitution with Tamar, and the first instance of sexual harassment against Joseph with Potiphar's wife. I'm very excited to learn from these and others!

The first lesson starts at the beginning....with Eve! The Biblical reference is Genesis 2:18-3:24.

Although the Bible does not describe her, there is no doubt that she was the most beautiful woman who ever lived. Why? She was God's masterpiece!...She was the fist wife, the first mother, and the first woman to encounter evil incarnate.

Day 1: Paradise Found

Though God created both humans and animals, this does not mean that they are on equal footing. People are made in God's image, setting us apart from animals in a profound way. We possess a soul. The soul refers to a person's inner life. It is teh center of our emotions and personality.

Whereas animals act instinctively, humans should behave transcendently. I had to look this word up! According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, this means exceeding usual limits; extending or lying beyond the limits of ordinary experience; being beyond the limits of ordinary experience. The study then says that We are God's special creating endowed with the gift of "soul power."

I like that! So when the kids don't behave as though they are thinking about the feelings of others, I can remind them that we have "soul power" and are above such behavior! Awesome!


1. Explain the problem and solution God first spoke about in this passage.

It was not good that Man was alone, so God decided to make him a comparable helper.


2. Describe in detail the task God assigned to Adam.

God gave Adam the task of naming each animal of the sea, sky, and land.


3. Compare and contrast Adam with the rest of the living beings.

Adam had the ability to speak and to name the animals and was to be their caretaker, whereas the other animals were not able to take care of Adam. They were all created by God, and were all living.

4. In your own words, describe how God created woman.

God put Adam into a deep sleep and took a rib from him with which to create Adam.

5a. When Adam met his mate, he made a proclamation. What do you think "bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh" signified for Adam?

This signifies that whereas the other animals were created separately from Adam, this creation was made FROM Adam, and began as part of him.

b. What did he call his mate and why?

He called her Woman because she was taken out of man.

6. Here we find the first mention of marriage in Scripture. Explain God's intent for marriage.

God intended man and wife to become one flesh in marriage. Each should leave his/her own household and become joined together.

7a. What else do you learn about the man and wife in this passage?

He created both man and woman out of his image, and made us godlike. The sidebar information refers to woman as being dust double-refined. We were created to be lifetime partners.


b. Why do you think this is relevant?

We are meant to stay together forever and help each other, not to be at odds. Both man and woman are godlike, which tells me that God has feminine characteristics as well as masculine.

8a. God declared that man needs companionship. Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, and explain some of the reasons why it is better to have a mate to come alongside you.

Partners in marriage can share both the work and the rewards of that work. If one falls down, the other can help him/her up. They will keep each other warm at night. Alone, persons are unprotected, but together the worst can be faced. A cord of 3 strands is not quickly broken.

b. Read the sidebar concerning "Threefold Strength", and talk about how you have experienced God's supernatural strength in your life and/or marriage.

There have been times that, if God had not been part of our marriage, it would have been easy to throw in the towel. One time in particular comes to mind, when I was dealing with depression, had a newborn and a preschooler, working full-time, and I felt very alone. If God had not been with us, it would have been easy to blame it all on Chris and say that he wasn't helping out enough. With God's help, we got through it and are stronger for it!

9. Many women today struggle with the way they look, think, and feel. but when God made Eve from Adam's rib, this was not His intent. When He made you, He made you into the person you are too. With this in mind, journal Psalm 139:13-14 into a personal psalm praising god for making you just as you are.

Lord, you formed my insides--even though they don't always seem to cooperate--and you formed me in my mother's body. I will give you praise, for I am marvelously made! You make all things that are wonderful!

10. Before the fall, Adam and Eve were naked and unashamed. It's probably difficult to imagine being unashamed about our looks, actions, or thoughts. But Jesus came to free us from condemnation (Romans 8:1). Read the following scriptures, and talk about how we can stand either ashamed or unashamed before God.

Psalm 119:5-6 If my actions are consistent in reflecting God's commands, then I would not be ashamed when I compare my life to what you decree.

Isaiah 41:11 Anyone who had it in for you will end up coming to nothing.

Isaiah 49:23 Kings and queens will treat you as their own child and will treat you as they are your servants, and you will know that I am the Lord.

Jeremiah 8:9 The wise will be confused and bewildered, because they rejected the Word of the Lord...therefore, they have no wisdom!

The day's lesson ends with this quote from Matthew Henry: The woman was formed out of man--not out of his head to rule over him; not out of his feet to be trampled upon by him; but out of his side to be his equal, from beneath his arm to be protected, and from near his heart to be loved.

This reminds us that we are to be partners again....with love and support, to be one.

I AM Study: Lesson Twelve

Our church is having a revival. And a REVIVAL it is!!! Great things are happening! God is moving, and with His help, we'll bring Him glory and more followers!

I have an exam tomorrow. But instead of looking over my notes for the test (it is open book/open note), I'm spending time in His word. I know that spending time with Him will pay off much more than any other studying I can do.

I haven't dedicated enough time to the Lord's Word recently. I am feeling the effects of that. I am determined to get back to Him!!

Here are some of Lisa's words that struck me as I reflected upon them, and want to carry them in my heart.

More than anything, God wants us to seek relationship over provision, intimacy over the miraculous, the intangible over the material.

1. We discussed how we are God's fame and He is ours. Have you ever been in a situation where you are applauded for your ministry and had to fight back the idol of pride? Ever been tempted to believe your own press? It's okay to admit it! Your testimony will help others in their resolve!
Oh, yes. I am guilty of recently. God has used me to minister to children, and in doing so, has given me compliments from adults. I have been giving God glory with my lips but not in my heart. It is He who gives me the words, the patience, the desire, the ability to speak to these children. He has given me the love. I am only His vessel, and am blessed to be able to see Him work in them!!

2. Did it ever occur to you in the 3-way drama of God, Job, and Satan that Satan was the only one outside the loop as far as Job's reactions would be? Does this encourage you in resolving to make a fool of him when he attempts to use you to defame the Name?
Nope!! It never did! I'll admit, also, that I haven't studied Job as I should. Oh, yes, I wish to make a fool of him. I want people to know that I am The Lord's and that He is my light and sufficient grace! I want the devil to tremble in fear of the great things I can do for the Lord!

3. Are you in a situation now where you feel you are being overcome? Better yet, are you in a situation where you should have been overcome but are not?
I am feeling God's call and his nudging, and I am trying to put him on the backburner. I cannot. He is not going to be put behind me. I need to keep my eyes on Him as I do what I am doing. I cannot do it with my power, but with His, I can do so much!!

4.Have you failed in a Satan-designed trial? Can you recognize God intends for this failure to refine and resolve you for next time? God is not out for your destruction but your perfection!
Yes, I sure have. When I was not living my life in a way that was pleasing to Him, I was set for fail. It took me many years to forgive myself for that time in my life, though God forgave me and forgot about it long ago!!

5. Can you describe yourself as a Wonders Junkie? Found yourself in spiritual highs and lows depending on whether you perceived God was doing wondrous things or not?
No, not really....though I see Him in small things EVERYWHERE when I am looking for Him!

6. Have you ever been like Philip and had God right in your face and not recognized Him?
I'm not sure. This is one I will have to ponder.

7. Journal a brief prayer asking God for His Glory. Let it be the thing we all desire above all else.....
Fill my cup, Lord!! I am here and want to follow You. Where You lead me, I will follow....though I am fearful that I will have to leave my comfort zone, I will follow You. I want to give You the Glory, for YOU are the Famous One!