Jesus Calling - January 1st Devotion

As I was preparing for tonight's Bible study, I was re-reading the devotion for January 1st and thought I'd share some thoughts and questions that came to mind as I read.  The devotion reads:

"Come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed.  A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness.  Do not link to old ways as you step into a new year.  Instead, seek My Face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind.  As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I am fully attentive to you.  I see you with a steady eye, because My attention span is infinite.  I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love.  I also know the plans I have for you: plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence."

Romans 12:2; Jeremiah 29:11

Reflecting on Val's message this past week, I think we can all relate to the idea of wanting change, especially as we start a New Year.  It's easy to think about the things we don't like about ourselves, especially as women.  We become a little more determined to put our resolutions down on paper with the hope that this year may be different.  Thoughts of losing weight, getting more organized, being a better steward of our money, or being more determined to spend more time with God each day seem to be some common goals for many of us.  But, if these are such strong desires, why is it so difficult for us to be more consistent and diligent in our quest to improve in these areas? 

Focusing on the devotion, I asked myself the following questions.  If you feel led, I'd love to hear your thoughts, too.

Do I believe I have a teachable spirit?  What helps or inhibits me from having a teachable spirit?

What are some “old ways” I can easily cling to in life?  What is an area of my life in which I’ve seen transformation and the renewing of my mind and have experienced a sense of freedom from something that used to be more of a struggle for me?

Do I believe that God knows and understands you completely and how does that feel when I think about this as being true to my life?  Do I believe that if my friends and family knew and understood me completely their thoughts would embrace me in everlasting love? 

If I am being transformed to be more like Jesus, do I embrace others in an everlasting love as I get to know people better?  Why or why not?  How do I experience this in my life?

Happy New Year!

Hello Ladies!

It's really hard to believe that it's 2013 already!

We will be resuming the weekly women’s Bible studies this week Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. If you haven’t been before but would like to join or have questions, feel free to email me at cbcaceres@msn.com or call or text my cell at 703-501-2976.

We are also looking at introducing another weekly evening study in the Bristow/Gainesville area on either Monday or Wednesday nights. If you are interested, please let me know which night would work best for you.

This Saturday night, to kick in the new year and have some fun together, we will be having a game night at CBC beginning at 6:30pm. Please let me know if you will be able to join us and if you have a game you enjoy that you would like to share with the rest of the group.

I hope you enjoy this new blog.  My hope is we can use this to discuss questions that come up from the weekly study, share prayer requests, offer encouragement to one another, and stay informed of upcoming events. If you haven’t done so already, please check it out. If you have any questions or suggestions about it, let me know.

 

Warm blessings to each of you,

 

Cathy Caceres

Prayer Requests - Week of 12/9/12

Hi Ladies,

I wanted to set up a new post specifically for any prayer requests you may have this week. 

Feel free to share whatever is on your heart.  However, please note that whatever you post to this blog can be viewed by all.  If you feel more comfortable, you can simply post that you are in need of prayer without providing specifics.  Also, if there is something that you would rather talk with someone about and do not wish to post it to the blog, always feel free to email me, Val Chappell, or one of the Elders by using the links you'll find under the "Ministries" tab on our website. 

I hope and pray you all sense His peace and unconditional love for you as you head into this week.

Cathy Caceres

"But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw His unfailing love from me." Psalm 66:19-20 (NLT)

Jesus Calling

Hello ladies!

I thought I'd take my first stab at our new CBC Women's Ministry Blog! 

As you know, the ladies of CBC have been meeting together each week to discuss the weekly readings of Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling".  I have enjoyed my time with the ladies in the evening study as each person has offered insight and a personal perspective of these powerful devotions.  In talking with Tina, I have heard that the ladies in the morning study have also appreciated the connection with one another and the time to pray with and for one another each week.

It saddens me that not all the ladies are able to join these groups because life at this point does not allow them that freedom in their busy schedules.  In an attempt to offer those of you who are unable to join us an opportunity to join in the discussion each week, read the questions being discussed in the evening group, and share your own thoughts, insights, and experiences in response to what Jesus is sharing with you, I will begin posting the weekly questions to this blog each week.  I also hope that those who are currently attending one of the studies will find this blog to be a good tool to use to deepen the discussion and connect with the other ladies throughout the week. 

Feel free to share prayer requests with one another as well.  Matthew 18:20

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving and are experiencing His peace, grace, and love as we enter into this Christmas Season. 

Blessings,

Cathy Caceres