Midday Connection Forums

Dee, just listened today to your past program on Midday Connection 4/3 about "Mary's Alabaster Box" - that was beautiful. I love the idea of the alabaster box, I never knew what it meant, and how significant and loving that act was. I especially like the idea that perhaps Christ could smell that on the cross, a reminder of Mary's love for him and what a comfort that might have been. That was powerful Dee, thank you for sharing that! I would recommend anyone reading this to check it out - thank you that was excellent!

Nikki
Love it that you are listening to Tim Keller. I was very convicted by that series and loving God's stuff more than Him. So good. Thanks for sharing about that.
Dee

Thanks Vanessa!

Nikki, I would also recommend 'Because He Loved Me' by Elyse Fitzpatrick. I am currently in a bible study group reading this and it is life changing. Our lives can change dramatically when we live in His love. And be encouraged that you are not alone in the struggle to find a balance. In His Grace, Vanessa.

Thank you Dee. This morning I was listening to one of Tim Keller's messages on the prodigal, I think it was the 1st message in that series - (I know you suggested listening to his sermons to someone here, good suggestion!), anyway, after listening, I was convicted in my own heart of wanting "things" more than wanting him. And also what it made me think about was only when we "are right in that", I don't know how to explain that very well, but when He is first - does he fill those empty places, and instead of looking for our fulfillment in other people or things, we become people who have something to give. He said something like if we don't do that we're setting idols up in our hearts, addicted, or looking for our fulfillment in others.

Thank you, your advice is well received Dee. It is really good advice, because I do tend to 'monkey' with things sometimes. And my motives aren't purely unselfish, sometimes, I hang unto things which I think I need and like you said, God may be moving me on and I have to trust Him in this.

Thank you again Dee.

Nikki
Good question. I love how you said you hate to let a true friend go. Dawson Trotman, the founder of Navigators, says he takes everything before the Father to sift out what is true and what is not. I think if you are aware of anything you did wrong, even if it is 10 per cent of the problem, to confess it and not accuse her of her part. Then lay the friendship down and leave the door open but don't keep monkeying with it, like monkeying with a scab. Pray for it to heal. It may -- or God may be having you move on for reasons only He knows. I love your heart.
Dee

I was wondering about something today and I have a question - How do you know what is true in relationships with people. With God it is simple, if God says it, it is true, because that truth is based upon God's character, and if we differ in our opinion we must come back to his because what He says is true.

God's character is trustworthy, but people are people. I am in a difficult relationship with a friend. I want to know what is true in our relationship - but I don't know what is true. And because I'm not either dealing with the truth or facing the truth or unsure of the truth - I don't know how to deal with it properly or get beyond it.

One of the difficulties in the relationship, is that it is long distance. But it is a friendship, that has been a friendship for about 30 years. I don't know whether to reach out or let go. My friend went through some things these last couple of years, and we didn't really agree, and her communication with me, just seems to be less and less. Though she has said, if there's ever anything I am upset with you about I'll let you know - though there has never been anything she has said like that - I almost wish she would - because it would make things more clear. I just wish I had more clarity. I have a battle within my heart, not of letting go, because I don't even think that's the right term - because I'm not sure you "let go" of a true friend. But I have like pain in my heart over this and I want to know how to deal with it I guess, for my sake, for hers, for the relationship. I've tried to write, I've tried to reach out, tried to ask forgiveness for any break down of the relationship on my part.
So, how do we know what is true?

I heard a program the other day about a woman who had lost her young son and she was saying how it had left a hugh hole in her heart. Then this woman went on to say that soon after that she had volunteered at some homeless shelter or some sort of work like that, and how by doing that she said, each day it had filled up the hole in her heart. It kept her going back. I thought how wonderful - is this not also one way to fill ourselves with the Lord - doing what He would do? Perhaps, it's an emptying of ourselves and Him refilling those empty parts.

Isn't it? I've read nearly every Yancey book, and that's my favorite. One I need to keep reading! Thanks, Shelly.

Been reading the book, "What's so amazing about grace," - really good book, thanks for the suggestion Dee!

How nice to wake to your prayers and blessing, Mary!
Dee

Just up early for work Dee - checking my e-mails - and praying for the Lord's blessing on you today! Thanks for being a "woman of influence" - thanks for being a godly woman! I think I speak not only for myself but others as well! Praying for the Lord's blessing on you today Dee! (Numbers 6:24-26) "The Lord bless you, and keep you;
                    The Lord make His face shine on you,
                    And be gracious to you;
                    The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
                    And give you peace."
Be blessed today Dee - you have been a blessing! =)

You are so right Dee. Knowing myself full well, or knowing enough about myself to know I am deeply flawed and to realize He loves me still - makes me love Him more. There is no great reason for Him to love me - except that He does! It's pretty marvelous! Thank you Dee.

Oh Jo -- I see His beauty in you.The real truth is, we are all failures, but deeply deeply loved.And as we begin to grasp His love for us,  a transformation takes place in us, making us like Him. It hurts so much to lose someone you love, but it also helps us, if we trust, cling more tightly to the One who will never leave us or forsake us.

I see His beauty in you. I really do.

Thanks Dee! Your such a cool person, encouraging, warm, engaging,empathic, and you always point us back to the Lord! Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions. It is hard because I value the relationship and it's a bit hurtful. But your answers are good! How do I not feel like a failure?

Jo -- the break-up of a kindred spirit friendship is akin to the pain of a divorce. Yet if you have done what you can and they don't want to reconcile, you must lay it down. Your good question, though, is how to get over it? I know this may sound like a platitude, but it's not -- that void simply has to be filled -- and the only One who can really fill it is the Lord. He may lead you to other good friends too, who will help. When I started praying for my heart to fall more deeply in love with Jesus, changes began to occur. I'd also suggest you listen to some of Tim Keller's sermons on his website Redeemer.com -- they really help you fall more deeply in love with Jesus and increase your intimacy with HIm.
Praying for you.
Dee