Hey guys, I'm so sorry for not updating for a while.
I do have chapter 8 in the works, but I'm trying to figure out where I'm going with it right now. I should have it out soon, so bear with me.
Anyways, yesterday in church our sermon was about friendship and it got me thinking about my life and this book quite a lot. I thought a lot about my friends -- specifically K, and we'll refer to the other as E.
I took notes on the sermon and realized how important these people and so many others are to me. I spend quite a few hours in the day talking/listening to them, and sometimes talking/listening through the phone until 2:30 AM*glances pointedly at E* just to make sure they're okay.
I'm glad that I can impact them and help them, and that I know I can count on them when I'm struggling. Though I know we don't go to each other about everything, I know that we still count on each other sometimes more than other people. It's nice to know I have that as part of my purpose.
Going back to the notes and the relation to this book, I realized when reading through my book layout that it paired pretty well with the direction of my story, and a lot of the bible verses had me doing double takes when I realized that's exactly where I was headed.
I did my very best to take as many notes as I could on the sermon, even though someone *glances pointedly at E* was tying my shoe to multiple things with the shoelace and a string and messing with my sock.
But hey, I got free gum in the end as ransom for E's phone that I stole.
I decided after a bit that I'd share my notes from the sermon as well as the verses, just so it's out there for anyone to read, if they so wished. I hope if you read it that you reflect and take up the challenge, just like I'm going to. I think it'll help direct me better as far as where I've headed recently.
Anyways, I'll try and get chapter 8 finished soon for you guys!
K and E, as well as @TangledPie, I love you guys! You're amazing! You guys make me move forward. You're the best! <3
~The potato that flew around the room
(*snickers to myself*)
The Notes!
Q: What is your favorite memory from your life?
-Lots of good memories involve other people
1 Thessalonians 2:8 -- "So we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."
Some of Paul's missions were a loss, but he enjoyed the time he spent with his friends and God
All friendships are not created equal
1 Corinthians 15:33 -- 'Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."' --> Paul quoted their culture
Friendship is not God's only goal. He wants us to engage in community
When God looked at Adam, he said it was not good because man was alone, so he created company for him.
God doesn't tell us that things are bad because he's mad at us, he says it because he wants the best for us.
Friends should strengthen each other's faith and encourage one another. They help us through tough times by remaining loyal and keeping us loyal. We should help carry each other toward God's ultimate goal for us.
Galatians 6:2 -- "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 -- "He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." --> Awake (Alive) or Asleep (Dead), we were created for Christ.
Q: Are we showing up and not encouraging each other?
Jesus didn't die for just you or me; He died for all of us. Jesus didn't just take a nap for us. He died for us.
We won't go to heaven and just be alone with Jesus. Heaven is a shared community where he wants us to be together.
God doesn't want us to just encourage one another every once in a while. He wants us to encourage each other all the time.
How I understand God impacts how I relate to other people.
We should be selective about who we invite in to impact our lives.
Proverbs 13:20 -- "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."
Relationships we have impact us more than we know.
We undervalue what lasts forever and overvalue things that are temporary.
Philippians 1:3 -- "I thank my God every time I remember you."
Challenge: Write something to a friend that emphasizes the message in Philippians 1:3. Recap details of ways they supported you or impacted you.
Don't do it in a way that can be joked about, cast off and laughed at. Make it meaningful and impactful.
Are you up for the challenge?
P.S: E, if you're reading this, you looked great yesterday, and I don't want to hear you say anything different, or you'll owe me double sushi and 20 put ups. No joke. Fight me. <3
YOU ARE READING
Our Paradise
Fanfiction"Why are you so nice to me? Hate me, Keith. Hate me." "I care too much." *** Keith never expected he'd stumble onto another's broken path in the way he had. And in the beginning, neither of them thought he'd want to help mend it.
