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Living The Solution – Online Newsletter |
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July 3, 2008 ISSUE |
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Opening Thoughts:
Living the solution in life means that
we don’t dwell in the negativity of our problems.
Of course, I don’t mean we take a Pollyannaish approach
either. Problems can be real and very challenging. But
when we look for the solutions and focus on them we find
a way to face and deal with our problems.
One of the things we all must do at times is to ask for
and accept help. We are not in this life to live on our
own will power. We can’t control everything and God
also wants very much to be part of our lives, if we will
let Him. The help God provides very often comes to us in
the form of other people.
I came across an article by Eugene Peterson about his desire
and search for a spiritual director. He was aware of his
need long before he finally chose one. After he worked
with his spiritual director he gained clarity about his
need. One of the most insightful things he mentioned was
that while he was knowledgeable about prayer, scripture
and Christ, he discovered he didn't want to give up control
of his inner spiritual life. So he resisted for a long
time having someone to guide him. You can read
this article online at Christianity Today.
Peace and joy,
Tom Gilbert
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IN THIS ISSUE
Feature Article: What I Am, Who I Am and Why
In The Spotlight: Sonshine Music Festival
Daily Thoughts: Making Time for God
Prayer & Sharing Requests
Quotable: I See America |
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| FEATURED
ARTICLE |
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What
I Am, Who I Am, and Why
Article by Tom
Gilbert
God said to Moses, “I
AM WHO I AM.” This is what you are to say
to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to
you.’”
(Exodus 3:14)
“I Am the
Alpha and the Omega” says the Lord
God, who is and who was and who is to
the come, the Almighty. (Revelations
1:8)
“I am
not in this world to live up to other
people’s expectations, nor do
I feel that the world must live up
to mine.” (Fritz Perls)
Discovering who
and what I am is a constantly evolving
and changing thing.
At the core, the
essence of who and what I am is unchanging.
That is because I, like you, have been
created by a loving and caring God.
Sure, I am a product of heredity and
I have the genes of my family tree.
Still, I am a unique individual. So
are you. There is no other just like
you and never will be.
You’ve heard the
saying, “life is an inside job”.
There’s a great deal of truth in
this. Each of us must do the work to
discover who we are. Some of that is
based on how we’ve grown up, what
we’ve learned and done and what
we believe. Any change that we need to
make is going to start by taking honest
stock of ourselves and shouldering the
responsibility to make the changes we
need to and can.
Read the full article here.
More articles here.
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| IN THE SPOTLIGHT |
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SONSHINE
Music Festival
Now in its 27th year, the
Sonshine Festival gets underway July 16 with a free
concert by Jars of Clay. The festival in Wilmar, Minnesota
continues through July 19 and features many of the
top Christian music acts, plus opportunities for worship
and fellowship.
Big festivals like this are often a highlight of the summer...or your life, especially
for young people.
Details
Here
Be sure to visit our
Spotlight Specials page for other special resources and causes.
Our Living the Solution online store
has resources to help you grow spiritually. It’s
secure and extensive with many great gift ideas!
Visit our
online store
There is something for everyone. When you shop with us,
you support our ministry – thank you!
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DAILY THOUGHTS & REFLECTIONS |
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Making Time for God
While it was still night, way before dawn,
he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed. (Mark 1:35 — The
Message)
I have talked about the importance
of keeping our hearts connected with God, keeping our
relationship with God intact and healthy. It is a healthy
relationship with God that is the foundation of our faith.
All that we are to do and all that we are to be must come
as a result of our relationship with God. It can only
come from that relationship. The question is how do we
do that? First let’s remember we are to be imitators
of Christ. Jesus came not only to rescue us, heal our
broken hearts and forgive us of our sins, but He also
came to show us how to go about living our daily lives
in a way that will give us the power and strength that
we will need. He enables us to do the things we must do
to be victorious.
Jesus took many opportunities, or better said, Jesus made many opportunities
to get alone with God, to spend time with Him, talking and listening to Him.
This is how Jesus knew what to do and what to say. It was by keeping His life
and heart connected to and submitted to God the Father.
Our relationship with God is not something we just add to our already busy lives.
It must be our life and we must make a lifestyle change to make Him our life.
We must make a lifestyle change to keep our hearts connected with His and keep
our wills surrendered to His. This will probably mean we will have to give up
some other activities, but the truth and reality is we are too busy not to spend
time with God. There is too much going on, too much bombarding us each and every
day for us not to be connected with God. Therefore, we need to know what He is
doing and what He wants us to do in any given situation.
If you do not have a time set aside for you and God make one. If you already
do, guard it with all that you have for there is nothing more precious and needed
in your life than time spent with God your Father.
Live intentionally, purposely, free and with passion,
Pete Reinbold
Get daily inspiration with a Scripture verse and commentary
at
Daily Thought
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PRAYER REQUESTS & RESULTS |
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Prayer works. It really does.Submit your prayer
requests and we will pray for them.
Of course, we keep your information confidential.
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My thoughts are shared regularly on the pages of
our web site, especially on
the Journal pages.
We welcome and appreciate your feedback. If you would
like to submit an article please see our writer's
guidelines.
It is our hope that the content of Living The Solution will
stimulate you to deepen your faith. That is certainly a result for us in both
our writing and reading. If you would like to see articles on a particular topic
or you have comments please let us know.
Send an email
Quotable: I See America
"I see America, not in the setting sun of
a black night of despair ahead of us, I see America
in the crimson light of a rising sun fresh from the burning, creative
hand of God.
I see great days ahead, great days possible to men
and women of will and vision."
— Carl Sandburg
Copyright 2008 Living the Solution, all rights reserved.
Tom Gilbert
Editor/Web-servant
Living The Solution
www.livingthesolution.com
P O Box 25584
Albuquerque, NM 87125-5584
Toll free 1-800-399-2564 (US only) or 505-247-3232
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