Gathering of Friends 2012

Gathering of Friends 2012

As the year comes to a close we can't help but take some time to reflect on what the past months have brought.  A favorite memory that comes to mind is the time spent at The Gathering of friends with my church family.  This year there wasn't a snow storm to deter or delay anyone, the fellowship and smiles were abundant and I struggle to find an adjective to describe all of the wonderful food.  Being a part of a big small church poses some difficulties.  With three services, Sunday school, and ABF's it's hard to see ALL of our favorite people on Sunday.  With the hustle and bustle a busy week and the holiday's bring it's also difficult to see or talk to everyone during the week!  What a special blessing to have this one beautiful evening to spend in the same room with many of the people we love and enjoy spending time around.  I really can't imagine anything much better than visiting with my friends with a hot drink and a plate of delicious food.  Add in the soft lighting and Christmas trees adorned with twinkling lights and beautifully hand painted ornaments and you have the recipe for a very special evening.

The joy that filled the room that night while friends took the time to catch up with each other was really special.  It was heartwarming to see people embrace and hear the excited friendly chatter that was taking place that evening.  Not having any family in Monroe it was a good reminder what a gift the family of believer's at Monroe Bible Church is.  I am so thankful for this evening as I'm sure that everyone who attends is.  Thank you so much Jennifer, Anne, and Meghan for taking time to make all of the wonderful food and desserts that we look forward to all year.  The love and time that goes into planning this event is appreciated by all of us.  We all know that the fame of these treats has spread to then menfolk who clamor to be part of the "cleanup" but we won't name any names.  Especially since their cleanup efforts mean that we get to eat a little more, talk a little longer and relax with our dear girlfriends.

I pray that Christmas was a blessed time with family and friends for all of you.  As I reflect on yesterday's events the joy that fills my heart is overwhelming.  No matter how many years I have been following Jesus, I am still humbled and grateful every Christmas morning at the gift of His son.  As 2012 ends and 2013 begins I pray that each one of us keeps this precious gift in the forefront of our minds.  As we make our plans and resolutions for the coming year let's all resolve to take a little extra time to spend with the friends and family who might need a little extra love and attention this year.  

John 15:12-15 "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command you.  No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

Dear Friend,

It is my privilege to write to you about the wonderful retreat opportunity at the
Inspiration Ministries Retreat Center in Walworth, WI. 

This will be the 3rd annual Ladies Retreat and we are excited about our new location.  I invite you to join me—and other women for an amazing time that's focused on helping us deepen our walk with Jesus and with each other.

Most of us, me included, never would have gone on retreat without being asked. That’s why I’m extending this personal invitation. Many ladies will be returning while some have not been there yet.  We have missed not seeing you! Make plans now to include this important weekend in your 2013 calendar.

Why go on a retreat? For most of us, the pace of daily life is pretty hectic. Because we’re always on the go, there isn’t much time to think about the things that are truly important in life. 

The Ladies Retreat offers a chance for you to get away – to take time to reflect, refresh, and renew. 
It’s a whole weekend set apart to worship and get to know God better.  The encouragement from learning God’s Word, and worshipping together with other ladies will strengthen you for the many issues you face in your daily life.. And if you need it, there is always the availability of prayer warriors or just the sympathetic ear of someone else who has been where you are now.

If you’re thinking, “a retreat is not for me,” think again! Retreat is for every woman – moms on the go, career women, empty-nesters, women who are single, divorced or widowed. Every women is unique and a treasure to have among us.

Our new location this year, Inspiration Ministries Retreat Center provides a place of refuge and spiritual renewal where ALL are welcome.  Nature trails, a Nature Center, and an onsite Thrift store offer outside activities while inside you will be comfortable with delicious meals, and a handmade quilt a top your bed. (no bunks -yeah).  Our room accommodations, dining and retreat activities are all located on one level.

Perhaps you think you don't need a retreat; there are no extraordinary problems or challenges in your life just now. But, retreat is not only for the difficult times in your life-it’s also for those times when you are feeling happy, fulfilled, and thankful for all your many blessings. What better way to deepen your spiritual connection with the God to whom you are so grateful?

Maybe you’re saying, “I can’t afford to give up an entire weekend!” But you need to trust that when you step away from your family, they can and will manage without you. From Friday evening to Sunday at 12:00 pm is only about 36 hours--long enough for them to miss you and perhaps deepen their appreciation of all you do. It’s also plenty of time for you to refocus your energy, and come back to them refreshed. Beside, you may find that they experience blessings of their own during your time away. 

Finally, I want you to know that cost should never be a reason for not making a retreat. The church offers help to women to go on retreat who could not otherwise afford to pay. If you’ve considered a retreat in the past, don’t miss this opportunity for an uplifting and fulfilling experience! I promise you this could be the greatest gift you give yourself!

Please watch for more information to follow either in our Church newsletter or through the Blog.  

2014?  We'll be announcing the Theme in February and Registration will begin March 1.

If you have any questions, please give me a call at 608-214-4976 or email me at tracysnhy7@gmail.com

If you have attended the Ladies Retreat in the past, consider leaving a comment of your thoughts that would encourage others to come. 

Too much

In my life

I have

talked too much,

ate too much, 

slept too much,

emailed too much

facebooked too much

critiqued too much,

shouted too much,

thought too much, 

analyzed too much, 

planned too much, 

bought too much,

drank too much, 

cried too much, 

owned too much, 

played too much,

known too much,

seen too much,  

studied too much, 

bragged too much,

cooked too much,

watched too much,

sat too much

  and

wanted to much,

but.... I CANNOT SAY

that ever in my life, 

I have prayed.... too much.

THE POWER OF GOD WILL FOLLOW THE PRAYERS OF HIS PEOPLE.

WHO ARE YOU BOWING TO?

Well ladies, the truth of the matter is we are at war.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities,

against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,

against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12

Through a friend of a friend, we are blessed with this devotion from Pleasant Hill Baptist Church (Virginia) that gives a wonderful visual to help us fight our adversary.  I hope it blesses you as much as it did me!

“Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him

as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are

slaves to sin which leads to death or to obedience, which leads to

righteousness.” Romans 6:16

It's probably been 20 years since my friend shared her testimony one
evening with our Home Group. Some things stick with you for a lifetime
and I can remember, as if it were yesterday, what she shared about how
God delivered her from severe depression.

I knew that she had suffered depression for many years and that she
was much better now. She was close to giving up the battle, when, as she
read the above verse the Holy Spirit gave her revelation knowledge
about her depression.

God gave her a mental picture of herself bowing down to Satan when she
felt the strong downward spiral of her negative thoughts and the
resulting depression consuming her. He showed her that she had a
choice to bow down and say, “yes, master, I am depressed and can't
overcome it.” Or she could say, “No, depression, you are no longer my
master, I will not give in to you anymore.

Each time the tormenting thoughts would come that used to be the
trigger for hopelessness she would say no. She applied, 2 Cointhians 10:5, to
her thought life by, "casting down arguments and every high thing that
exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought
into captivity to the obedience of Christ," She took charge against
depression and no longer bowed her knee. Sometimes people have a
chemical imbalance that requires medication but in her case it was a
spiritual battle that was fought and won with the Word of God.

What is your battle? When Satan tries to tell you that you will never
win, are you bowing down and saying, "Yes, master?"

The next time the enemy knocks, will we open the door and bow down and
continue to be a slave to sin which leads to death or will we bow to
our master Jesus Christ and to obedience, which leads to
righteousness? The choice is ours.

Our Lord and Master,

Please reveal to us anything in our lives that you are not Lord over.
We want to be slaves for you.

In Jesus name,

Amen

In Christ's love,
Chris

Ladies Retreat Highlights Video

New Faces and new names came together again this September for the MBC 2nd annual Ladies Retreat.

Our Retreat Theme was  "One Heart - One Purpose"  based on the Scriptures from Philippians 2:1-2.

45 ladies gathered for the weekend for fellowship, teaching, encouragement, and worship in the sweet name of Jesus.




 
MBC Ladies Retreat from Tracy Signer on Vimeo.

With the change of the Seasons we are also reminded that God wrote the Bible To change hearts and change lives.  Please join us in one of our Fall studies.

For information on Morning Studies click Rabbit Trails and Ruth


 

includes 2 titles in the series by Elizabeth George

 

 

                                   Nurturing a Heart of Humility

                          -A Character study on Mary

 

Humility is a virtue highly treasured by God, yet we don't hear much about it these days.  Now you can make this trait a part of your life, reaping wonderful benefits in your relationship with God and others.  Mary, the mother of Jesus, exhibited a sweet and courageous humility  - and exalted God mightily as a result.  Find out how you can follow in Mary's footsteps and...

*walk humbly in good times and bad with a heart fixed on God

*serve more effectively with a humble heart

*replace worry with patience by prayerfully waiting on the Lord

 

                                        Experiencing God's Peace

                                          -A Study on the Book of Philippians

 

 

In Experiencing God's Peace, Elizabeth George guides you through the book of Philippians and helps you discover God' perfect and lasting peace in every area of your life -no matter how turbulent.  You'll learn how you can....

 

*make a difference where you are  

*overcome anxiety

*Be content in every situation

*Look to the needs of others

*Trust God inall things

 

There is no greater joy than the rest that comes from knowing God's peace!

 

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS

6:30-7:50

 

Starts October 17

(Awana kids meet at same time

 and we follow the days off that Awana Has)

 

Cost: $ 15

 

Register by contacting Tracy @214-4976 or ctsigner@tds.net







                                                                                             

 

Come encounter God through studying His Word !

 

Small group Women's Studies are a great way to grow and be healthy in our relationship with Christ.  Here we highlight the 2
 Fall Morning Studies.  Come join us and you'll find a place of love, encouragement, support, and accountablity, not to mention deep friendships.

Evening Studies will begin in October and November so stay tuned for more information

 

WEDNESDAY MORNINGS

9:30-11:00

 

Rabbit Trails Bible Study

"Searching the Scriptures and seeing where the Spirit leads" 

 

This Bible Study prepares our hearts for the Sunday Message and follows the current Sermon Series. 

 

 Current Sermon Series: Growing in the Kingdom

 

 

 

No Registration is required - Come as often as you can

Cost: None

Place: Boomerang Bakery

Bible Study leader: Laura Roth lroth09@gmail.com or 862-4334

 

SUNDAY MORNINGS

9:30-10:30

 

Ruth: Loss, Love, and Legacy

"Do you trust God enough to follow Him"

 

This Bible Study is offered for High School and College age young ladies

 

 Journey with Ruth through unbearable loss, redeeming love, and divine legacy. Come explore the book of Ruth with us in this relational Bible Study that merges Scripture and everyday life.


Cost: $10
Place: MBC Nehemiah Center
Bible Study Leader: Beth Roidt @325-2199 or broidt@hotmail.com

  

Grow, Walk, Reach

Check out the new Women's Ministry brochures

-- contains all the opportunities this year for you to 

                     Grow in Christ,

                       Walk with sisters in the Lord,

                              and Reach your friends with God's love. 

Pick one up at the Welcome Center at MBC or leave a comment to have one sent to you.

Photo Recap: Summer James Study

  We recently wrapped up our Bible Study on the Book of James.  What an amazing journey.  It is always sweeter to journey with friends, especially when the topics can be painful....convicting.....challenging....and require  alot of support to "live it out" 

 

 

We celebrated with a gorgeous meal together and then some time for ladies to share.  We can boast greatly in our God who did more than we asked or imagined this Summer.

 

 

60 Ladies attended and enjoyed a baked potato bar, lovely fruit salad, and decadent dessert.

 

Sweet Fellowship

 

 

Lots of Smiles

 

Grateful Hearts

 

                         and joyful friends                          

 are always a fun time!

 

Great Job to all the ladies who memorized the whole book of James or portions of it.  We heard lots of those very same Scriptures during our sharing time.

 

 

May the Book of James live in our hearts forever,

 

 

and be lived out in our lives each and every day.

 

But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.  James 1:25

 

 

Thank you Becky for the wonderful meal, thank you to everyone who helped make the study possible, and a special thank you to all the ladies who faithfully, and humbly facilitated the Study.

 

 

Count it all JOY!!

When fear and sorrow arrest you,

Remember, they're not in command!

Don't save your sparkle for parties--

Wear it in courage and stand!

 

Dance in the rain! Sing in the dark!

Wear your tutu to play in the park!

Drink from glass cups, and eat dessert!

Wear ruby-red slippers when feeling your worst!

 

Celebrate life and live boldly!

God is with you wherever you roam!

Let glistening feet of hope guide your way

To the heavenly promise of home!

 

Teresa Wright Page

May 31, 2012

Mercy Triumphs!

Have you ever been thrilled for God to humble you?

Yeah, me either.....until Tuesday.

The most awesome and humbling thing happened to me and I can't wait to share it!  I had a very different post written about how we as Christians judge each other and I was pleased with how it came out.  I had penned this post about 6 weeks ago. Lucky for you, sweet reader, our posts are read and edited by the best of the best.  It was brought to my attention that my post sounded angry.  I read and re-read it, and read it again prayerfully and still didn't see anything wrong with it... until Tuesday.  Tuesday my post seemed not so much angry but perhaps self-righteous and even the dreaded H word... hypocritical.

Now that I've confessed some of my sin... on to what happened Tuesday.

I was visiting a local hangout, I won't say where specifically to protect the innocent, but you get the point.  One of THOSE places we moms go to get a little midget relief.  I wasn't there very long when I ran into a person that I know rather well.  Feeling a little uncomfortable, because I knew in my heart that I had silently judged this person for quite sometime because of some life circumstances, I began an hour long conversation with them.  After talking about various things I realized that God had completely turned my heart to mush for this person.  And later, when I got home, conviction fell on my shoulders like a ton of bricks and upside my head like a shovel. Who am I to even form an opinion about someone's circumstances?  I haven't walked the path that God has asked them to walk. God reminded me, quite firmly I might add, that He knows all and sees all, I do NOT.  He told me I am called to love, not to judge.  I am so thankful that these hards truths come from a gracious God who loves me.

I know I can't possibly be the only person who has encountered this.  Those of you traveling through the book of James this summer have no doubt felt compelled to look at yoursleves in the area of judging.  Most of us know what the Word says about it.  We quote the verses often, but mostly when we feel judged.  Are we just as willing to supply them to ourselves when we are on the judging end of the stick?

James 4:12  There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy; but you- who are you to judge your neighbor?

Matthew 7:24  Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgement.
( look that one up and take in the whole context you'll be glad you did)

Matthew 7:1-2  " Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others,  you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "
( yep, been there)

Ecclesiastes 12:14  For God will bring every deed into judgement,  including every hidden thing whether it is good or evil.
(God will not me...DUH Penny!)

Romans 14:13  Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.  Instead, make up your mind not to put a stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.

James 2:13  because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

Mercy triumps over judgment!  Praise God, I need mercy for my short comings and mistakes!

Lord forgive me for being judgmental, please replace that judgment with an overflow of mercy,
kindheartedness, and compassion for the hurting people around me.

  Romans 8:1 says "Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus".

  If Jesus isn't willing to condemn us then we probably shouldn't be condemning each other.  We will stand before a perfect judge one day. Until we are perfect ourselves let's stop throwing each other under the bus, even if it's only in our minds.  Let us work out our OWN salvation with fear and trembling.  Me especially.

"Between the Rains" -

This week's James study encouraged us that dry times with God have a specific purpose to test our faith. Beth Moore helped us to see what attitudes to develop so that we can embrace the journey. Celia brings us a surprise illustration from her back yard:

My Little Lobelia

I went out my back door to hang my towels on the line. Eyeing the brown grass and my crisping hostas, I sighed as I smelled the garbage bin from the gas station next door.

The heat was oppressive, my body was sweating, and my heart was also wilting.  
 

As I turned to go back into the house, I noticed a tiny little flower in the stone edges next to the door. I was surprised to discover that one little lobelia came up from the seed of last year's pot. I examined this little wonder. The plant was about one and one-half inches tall, and had an especially delicate little stem. Right on top was a perfect little blue flower, glowing away, as if it didn't even know a drought existed. Its life was speaking its own "not-so-little message." As I thought about it,
I saw that this posy was beating the odds.

First of all, lobelia do not like heat, and they also do not like dry weather. Plus, as if that were not enough, there were rocks with the black fabric underneath which is supposed to subdue plant growth. I smiled and thought to myself, 

"If that little lobelia can bloom in this, - so can I".

Bloom "between the rains".

Celia


Thank you Celia  for this wonderful guest post and encouragement to remember God is always working,   -  both beneath the scenes and between the rains

VBS is coming!

SO excited!!!!!

Monroe Bible Church will be offering Vacation Bible School this summer!!

             Vacation Bible School can have such an impact to the kids who come.  I will go as far as to say it can have life changing impact.  I know because when I was 9 years old I was invited to go to a Vacation Bible School and in that one week I met Jesus and trusted him as my Savior. 

             I am God's beloved daughter because a neighbor down the street from where I lived growing up invited me to go to VBS at her church.  All it took was the invite.  My heart was ready and ripe and God did the rest.

             Let's do the inviting!!!
            Even now the harvest is ripe.

Here's the details and a quick video to catch the excitement.

 AUGUST 6-10           9:00-12:00            Ages 4-6th grade


             

 Preregistration Online http://www.monroebiblechurch.org/documents/MBC.pdf

 Preregistration helps us lots !! , but you can also register any of the days of VBS

For more information contact the church office @ 325-3966 or office@monroebiblechurch.org

Preserving Children

      Recently I came across a "recipe" in an old church cookbook 

I was planning to donate to a garage sale.  I glanced through it just

to check if anything caught my eye to make for supper before giving it away.
The cookbook's date was 1977 and although the hundreds
of recipes (99% contained cream of mushroom soup)

didn't get me to stop and make a grocery list, it was the last

three pages of "recipes" that caught my attention.

       The three pages contained the homemakers wisdom passed down
in a clever, creative way which were then titled as "recipes". 
These recipes created a hunger in my soul and caught my heart's attention
 to want to "make" them in my life.

There was a recipe for  "A CAKE OF HAPPINESS",  "A HAPPY
HOME RECIPE",  A RECIPE FOR SPRING, and another one on
"HOW TO PRESERVE A HUSBAND".

        The recipe that touched me most was "PRESERVING CHILDREN".
Reading the ingredients brought happy tears to my eyes because
of the memories I have of summertime when my children were little.

                RECIPE FOR PRESERVING CHILDREN

1 large grassy field
4-6 children (all various sizes)
3 small dogs (rat terriers preferred)
flowers
Deep blue sky
Narrow strip of brook (pebbly)
Hot sun
1 praying momma

Mix children with dogs and empty into field, stirring constantly. Sprinkle the field with flowers. Pour brook gently over the pebbles. Cover all with deep blue sky and bake in hot sun. When children are well browned, they may be removed. They will be found right and ready for setting away to cool in the bath tub, ready for praying momma to enjoy.

  I have 2 grown children and 2 middles schoolers so my summers
are filled now with more travel activites such as baseball games or visiting
my daughter in another city. 

         But way back when,  there was a different season of my life when I
remember my children  as toddlers and we spent many happy summers
just being outside and playing at home.  Here is a picture of
my 22 and 20 year old when they were 2 and 4 laying in a hammock discovering
a bug.

      It is a sweet memory to me but also a  reminder
of what was really valuable in the lives of my children as they grew up.

      They needed to be children, --in God's creation, ---in fellowship with
other people, ----discovering God's mysteries.

      Sure we did summer programs, swim lessons, and little league as
they grew up but I am very thankful,  by God's grace, 
He helped me give them times like these. 

      Since God calls me -His Child, - perhaps remembering this
 simple thought is as valuable now to me as it was to them then.

       I need to remember , I'm His child,  -- in His creation  ---
 in fellowship with other  people,  --- discovering His mysteries.

       Maybe then I will awake with peace, will love other people more
and will be filled with wonder

..........as God helps me see His mysteries each and every day.

                       

My 22 and 20 year old children...on a recent trip in God's

creation....discovering God's mysteries.

 

Err on the side of Mercy

People are often unreasonable and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people will accuse you of ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you.

Be honest anyway.

If  you find happiness, people may be jealous.

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough.

Give your best anyway.

For you see in the end,

it is between you and God.

                                                                Mother Teresa

LIVE IT

Mercy Triumphs ~ Session Four

Isn’t it awesome when we discover a biblical promise?  This week Beth Moore shared the NET version of James 1:25, our memory verse:

“The one who peers into the perfect law of liberty and fixes his attention there,  and does not become a forgetful listener but one who lives it out - 

he will be BLESSED in what he does.”

One who lives it out - this is what James is all about.  Just as Nike tells us to “just do it” James tells us to “JUST LIVE IT”.

I love it when God reiterates a point He wants us to hear.  Sometimes it gets verified in our personal devotions, a sermon on the radio or our pastor speaks on the subject.  How very fitting  that last Sunday Pastor Dan challenged us to be diligent to deepen our relationship with Jesus in ONE significant way for the next 90 days.  To DO something. 

So I will leave you with two questions Beth Moore asked us this week:

Are you still changing because of the power of the Word of God?

When was the last time scripture changed you?

LET’S LIVE IT LADIES!

Prayer of a Passerby

Prayer of a Passerby

Daily, I pass all kinds of people,

Whom often, I do not know,

May never again encounter,

Prayers for them are the seeds I sow.

With some, our paths cross often

For a limited span of time;

My frequent petitions shower their lives;

To believe in God’s love; with hope shine.

For others, I may see them just this once,

But for this moment, a difference I make,

By asking my Heavenly Father to work

In their hearts for his kingdom’s sake.

Each moment, though brief is important,

My compassionate glance to a soul;

Silent whispers bridging heaven and earth;

Each one’s heart, through its troubles, be whole.

May I never pass through time and space

Without leaving some prayers behind,

That the people I see on my path each day

Will God’s truth and salvation find.

Teresa Wright Page

October 15, 2011

Journey in James: Taking The Initiative

2 Peter 1:5

 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (KJV)

One of my favorite devotionals is Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest".  His words seem to be exactly what I need to hear.

Oswald points out that the word "add" in this verse means we have to do something.  We cannot save or sanctify ourselves, that job belongs to God.  We can however, do what we have been called to do.   God doesn't "make" us choose right.  We must form good habits of our own.

I have a tendency to relate everything to athletics because sports have been a very large chunk of my life.  I am grateful for the many lessons sports have taught me.

In order to get a stronger body, I had to work out.

 In order to get started, I had to make the decision to get off my couch.

Sometimes, just making that decision can be a big deal; but putting that decision into action is an even bigger deal.

How many of us have tried to lose weight and spent what seems like eternity just 'thinking' about doing something about it?   Once we decide that enough is enough - we make a plan to DO something about it.

I believe that our Christian walk is very much the same.

In Philippians 2:12, we are told "to work out your salvation with fear and trembling".   God has called us to be spiritually fit and we need to get busy doing it.   Starting new habits can be hard - but I've heard it said, "well begun is half done".

Oswald finishes his devotion with this great wisdom:  "We have to get into the habit of carefully listening to God about everything, forming the habit of finding out what He says and heeding it.  When a crisis comes, if we instinctively turn to God, we will know that the habit has been formed in us.  We have to take the initiative where we are, not where we have not yet been."

Today I am going to make a plan of action for my spiritual life.   I will start with making sure I spend time EVERY day talking with my Lord and listening for Him to lead me.   This sounds like such simple stuff, but is it really?   I can spend time reading my bible every day, but am I listening??  Have you ever heard a loved one talk to you but you aren't sure what they just said?  I do that to my husband too often (another habit I am working on changing!).

I don't want to be a hearer only, as James warns us,
  "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22

I believe that in order to be a doer of the word I need to spend time listening, not just hearing.

Lord, help me to carefully listen to You about everything.   Help me to form the habit of finding out what YOU are telling me.   Help me to DO what it is You want me to do.   I thank you Lord, that when a crisis comes, I am able to turn to YOU as my first instinct.

But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:25