A good report from RRDave

We got email from Dave today:

Hi Liz, Deni, Everyone,

I want to report a good thing for a change. Yeah! My stomach is working again. Please pray as it does so, that I also lose weight. I miss everyone. I go to the chat room during the day mostly, nights are the worst for me. Someday I might surprise everyone. :) Also please pray for pressure in my spine, hip and legs, the pain in them has increased so walking for me becomes difficult or standing up. I am not sure what this means. God is though, please pray He reveals this to the doctors and others. Does this mean more medical tests? Another answer to prayer to report is that I know where the pain from my back comes from. I have a problem with the T5 in my spine it is intro, whatever this means. I also have spinal cord nerve damage, degenerative disc, and sciatic problems. All this helps explain why I spend so much time offline. :( One doctor said I had broken bones in my kneecap. :( Arthritis in my hip and bursitis also. Right hip might need a total hip replacement as well. Wow so much for good news, sorry. :(

If you want to email me please feel free to email. I would love to hear from a friend right now. Not sure if i will email you or voice email you with a microphone, depends on your computer lol.

Your friend and brother in Christ Always,
Dave

PS. I am able to do more things offline, on small scales anyway. TG for ps2 someday a WII, Lord willing, and karaoke as well as music of course. :-) And most importantly Jesus for keeping me going.

mushie's chat

We meet on Sunday at 3pm eastern and noon pacific.

Today we covered 1 Corinthians verse 4 "love is patient, love is kind". Next week we will continue with verse 4.

We had a very good discussion of what we think it means "love is patient"and "love is kind". We will continue with the discussion of how we interpret what the scriptures say bout love. As the weeks pass we will look at what we interpret as what Gods love is.

I look forward to seeing you. It is never to late to join in the chat.

mushie

Mushie's chat tomorrow!

Mushie's chat tomorrow (Sunday) is going to be about 1 Corinthians 13:3-11. The chat is at 3 pm eastern, 2 pm central, 1 pm mountain, and noon pacific. Please join us!

The second Hinds Feet chat will not start for a couple more weeks, after all. Please let Deni or I know if you're interested in coming.

J34 is ok but keep praying!

Jessie (J34) asked me to let you all know she is ok. The flooding is bad but she's not out of her apartment yet. Looks like that might happen soon. She appreciates the prayers for safety. We need to pray for that whole situation- the flooding is the worst they've ever had it seems. I got a email from our church - our pastor knows a pastor there - and things are difficult at best.

Questions for March 30 Hinds Feet Study on Chapter Six

1. Please read Psalm 51:17 and be ready to apply it to this Chapter “Detour Through The Desert.”

2. How did M.A. initially respond when she saw the path ahead of her? How do you respond when life takes a sudden and unexpected detour?

3. What was her next reaction?

4. What does the Shepherd ask M.A.?

5. Why do you think M.A. build an alter? Have you ever had to build such an altar?

6. What is the Scriptural significance of the memorial stone?

7. Why do you think all of the Shepherd’s servants go down into Egypt?

8. What lesson did they learn? What is the “secret”?

9. How do you interpret the vision M.A. had?

10. What can we learn from the granary? (Please read 1Thes. 5:18 and be prepared to comment.)

11. Do you identify with the furnace. Why do you think it was on the highest floor?

12. What was your reaction to “Acceptance-with-Joy”?

13. What do you think M.A. has learned so far? (Be able to summarize in two or three sentences!)

[Made minor corrections 3/28/09 -Liz]

Transcript for Last Nights Study 3/23

What a great study last night! Thanks all! Here is the link for the transcript if you missed the study time or would like to review what all was talked about! I'll be posting the questions for next week. As it is a longer chapter, we will just cover chapter six. Looking forward to it!

Flooding predicted near Jess next week

Jessie (j34) lives near Fargo, ND and they are predicting flooding worse than what they had back in '97. They're predicting the water will 40 feet which is 22' above flood stage, so it could cause a lot of damage. Jess's apartment is on the 3rd floor, so she should be safe there. But she had friends who live on the flood plain and are in danger. The community is sandbagging like crazy.

Pray for Jess, her friends, their community, and that the dike holds. Thanks!

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

[Updated Sunday night to correct the expected water level and add a couple details.]

New admin!

We now have a new admin to help out in our chat room, Mushroom. I am grateful for the help she's been in the room and am glad she can help in this way, too.

Congrats, mushie!

Hinds Feet Transcript Chapters 2 and 3

I forgot to post the link to last nights chat transcript! Here it is

Questions for Chapter Five 3/23 Hinds Feet Study

We will attempt to get through chapters four and five this coming week!

Encounter with Pride

1. How do Sorrow and Suffering help Much Afraid? What does she learn?

2. Who does she meet on the journey?

3. Why do you think the Fearing was chosen?

4. Why was M.A. vulnerable to this Fearing?

5. What doubts does he plant in her mind?

6. What stops M.A. from turning back? What can we learn from this?

7. How do we know that M.A. is growing even at the beginning of her journey?

8. What chastisement does the Shepherd have for her?

9. What is the first important lesson M.A. learns.

10. What were the consequences of her actions?

Questions for Chapter Four 3/23 HInds Feet Study

Start for the High Places

1. What did M.A. learn about love from the wild flowers beneath her feet?

2. What lesson does the Shepherd say M.A. needs to learn while she is still in the valley?

3. M.A. is taking a journey to the high places. Where does the Shepherd say the real start of the journey is? Why?

4. Did M.A. realize what He was talking about?

5. What different nature “languages” did M.A. become aware of as the journey started? Are we in tune to the nature languages around us? What lessons can we learn?

6. Why does the Shepherd not take M.A. to the high places himself?

7. What happens when M.A. looks back to the valley. Does this ever happen to us when we look back in our lives?

8. Who are M.A.’s guides and what does she think of them?

9. Does God give you “unrecognizable guides” on your journey to the High Places?

10. Who does M.A. remind you of when she says to the Shepherd, “To whom else would I go?”

11. How does M.A. find comfort in the fact that others have gone before her in her journey? Do you derive the same comfort?

12. Why do you think the development of hinds feet is a “secret process”?

Closing your day with the Shepherd

It is not quite dusk yet, but you know that in a few moments, it will be. Flowers are starting to close, colors are growing dim. You look to the sky at the setting sun. A wave of peacefulness sweeps over you. Another day is done. It is time to go to the Shepherd once again. The hurry is not as great this evening. You enjoy watching the world around you as the shadows deepen. You walk through the fields, once again following the bubbling little brook until you see the dim form of the log bench by the pond. The Shepherd has yet to arrive. You smile as you sit and watch and listen. The frogs are chirruping in the pond – the ducks and geese are making their way to their nests. Almost lost in thought, you hear the gentle bleats of the sheep as the come forward for their final drink before they too settle down in the pasture for the night.

Your eyes strain to see Him. Suddenly, He is there beside You, looking at you with a bit of curiosity, yet a gleam of satisfaction in His eye. “Good evening, little one. Tell me, how was your day?” You bubble forth with the days adventures, much like the brook as it bubbled it’s way to the serenity of the pond. You explain your day. The ups of it – the downs of it. The successes – the failures. He beckons for you to sit next to him on the bench. Gladly you do so. Just to be near Him. You sit comfortably together, listening to the evening sounds.

“Thank you for meeting me here, Shepherd, night after night.”

“Oh, you are so welcome, child. It is a joy to sit and hear about your day. I delight in your successes, I encourage you in your failures that tomorrow, when it comes, may give you other opportunities to share.”

You look into his eyes, not wanting to go, but knowing you must get your rest if you are to meet Him again in the morning.

“Shepherd?” you ask.

“Yes?”

“Will you be awake all night with the sheep?”

“Yes child, I will be awake all night watching over them, protecting them from harm.”

“Shepherd?”

He does not wait for your question this time, but smiles lovingly at you.

“Yes child, I will be watching over you tonight, as well. Watching and protecting you. You may rest easy in that.”

Sighing, you walk slowly away, turning back now and then to reassure yourself that He is still there. His figure fades into the darkness, yet a warm glow has settled inside of you.

“He is my shepherd. I will not want.”

You walk slowly home and slip quietly into bed. You close your eyes and remember your Shepherd’s face – His voice. You drift off to sleep, knowing you are loved beyond measure.

Mornings with the Shepherd

The sun is just beginning to rise in the eastern sky. The early morning air is damp, dew settled comfortably on the blades of grass and spring flowers. You quietly slip into your clothes as not to waken anyone else in the house. You find your shoes and quickly lace them up. You know where you are going and who is waiting for you. You smile inwardly in anticipation of the greeting waiting for you. You begin to hasten as you see His shadowy figure ahead of you. You hear the sounds of the brook leading to the small pond. There He is! He is always there, waiting for you. His face breaks into a smile as He sees you approaching! You begin to run as you get closer, yet you slow down to a walk those last few steps. The sight of Him standing, staff in hand, is always so majestic. You come to him slowly, smiling. “Good morning, little one,” he says softly. You raise your eyes to him and gaze upon him. “Good morning, Shepherd.” You reply. You both begin to walk over to the log bench next to the pool. The sun inches it’s way from the horizon. The duskiness of dawn begins to fade. The sheep begin to stir and walk slowly towards the pool for their morning drink.

“What have you for me today, my Lord?” you ask. “I am here to do Thy will.”

He gazes at you compassionately, “I am glad you asked.”

“You know I need your guidance, Shepherd. Without You, I know not what to do. Or if I try, I do not succeed. I only meet frustration. You know I need You, Lord.”

“Yes, I know you need me. I am pleased that You are beginning to remember this, and come to me each morning.” He smiles.

You listen as He begins to tell you about your day and helps you order it according to His will.

New Chat time and Hind's Feet study addition

Hey all! We are going to be adding a scheduled chat session in the "den" at 12:00 noon Pacific Time (1:00 Mountain, 2:00 Central, 3:oo Eastern) on Sundays. Mushroom will be hosting the chat and QuietSoul51 will be co-hosting. The chat will start on Sunday March 22! We are really excited about having a scheduled chat time again and really appreciate Mushroom's decision to host!

Also, we will be adding a second "Hind's Feet" Study on that same Sunday. It will start immediately after the hosted chat. (1:00 pm Pacific, 2:00 Central, 3:00 Eastern). The study will be held in the (ta-dahhhhh) study room so those who prefer to stay and chat informally in the den will have an opportunity to do so.

Everyone is welcome to attend both the chat time and/or the book study. Hopefully this addition will accommodate those whose time zone differences make the Monday night study difficult.

If you are going to attend the Sunday book study, please let an admin know so we know how many to expect! The first Sunday will be more of an informal introduction to the book, it's settings, and main characters. Hope to see you at one of the studies and/or the new chat time!

Link to devotional for Hinds' Feet on High Places

Google books also has a copy of a devotional for Hinds Feet on High Places which may work if the last one I posted does not. You might also try this.

Looking for Hinds' Feet on High Places?

Google books has a copy of Hinds' Feet on High Places. You can start reading it there but it's copyrighted, so you can't read the whole thing there.

I was able to buy a copy for $7 US at a local Family Christian Store. You may well be able to get a copy from a used book store as well. This book has been in print for a long time. If you want to buy it online, try Amazon.com which has some used copies available as well as new.

Hinds Feet on High Places Chapter 3 study guide

Flight in the Night

1. What awakened Much Afraid and why? How did she feel?
2. Have you ever had pangs of disobedience? What did you do about them?
3. There are several “songs” and “Canticles” quoted in the book? Where do you think these come from?
4. Where does Much Afraid go – and when? Was it hard for her to do? Why was she able to do it?
5. Where does she go next?
6. Do you think this shows Much Afraid’s trust in the Shepherd and why?
7. What does Much Afraid say to the Shepherd? Does she give an excuse for not following him when he passed her cottage? Did she assume she knew the Shepherd’s timing for leaving for the High Places?
8. Do you ever let failure to do what you think God is asking you to do stop you from further action out of fear of condemnation?
9. How did the Shepherd respond to Much Afraid?

(Edited the post so the questions are in it. - Liz)

Hinds Feet on High Places Chapter 2 study questions

Questions for 3/16/09.

Fearing Invasion

1. What does your morning song sound like?
2. Did Much Afraid really believe the Shepherd was able to change her?
3. What allowed the Fearings to be able to invade Much Afraids home?
4. Why do you think Much Afraid was not able to call out to the Shepherd when He walked by?
5. Are their opportunities we miss because we don’t seize them, out of fear?
6. Have you ever experienced subtle lies from the enemy overwhelming you until you found yourself locked in a prison cell or cottage?
7. What “provisions” are you feeding the enemy?
8. Who came to Much Afraid’s rescue? Why do you think she was able to cry for help this time? What brings you help or comfort when you use it?
9. How important are names in this book? What do you think of Mrs. Valiant. Can you surmise anything about her relationship with the Shepherd? Why do you think she lives in the Valley of Humiliation?
10. Why did Mrs. Valiant not scold Much Afraid for allowing her fearing relatives to come in and take control?

Hinds Feet on High Places Study 3/9 Summary

Our study on "Hind's Feet On High Places" last night was enjoyable and a growth experience for all those involved. We discussed Chapter One and talked about our own fears that stop us from growing closer to God. Childhood events, unhealthy relationships, prayers that seem unanswered are all things that seem to keep us from God. We learned we need to trust in God even when we "mess up" and realize that God looks upon us with compassion. We learned that each of us must journey to the High Places and that God has many promises for us. We also learned it's not an easy trip - right from the start, our we must learn to face our fears. If you are interested in the transcript - it is posted here. If you'd still like to join the study, we will be looking at Chapter's 2 and 3 next week. The study guide questions will be posted shortly! Please feel free to join us in our journey! Reading past transcripts can allow you to "catch up" to where we are! Be Blessed - deni

Prayer Request for QuietSoul's Niece

Please be in prayer for my niece, Jessica. She is extremely anorexic. She has been in inpatient treatment and was sent home a few weeks ago because of no insurance. She is down to 90 pounds and became ill at school. She was taken to the ER - her heart rate keeps dropping below 40. Her skin has a grey-ish ashen hue and she has developed a foul odor to her body. Please pray they can stabilize her enough to get her from Lafayette to Indianapolis where her specialist is. She is 16 and has been searching for God, but she is not a Christian.

Study Guide Questions for 3/9 - Hinds Feet on High Places

Chapter One:

1. What are the first words the Chief Shepherd says to Much Afraid? How well does the Chief Shepherd know Much Afraid? Do you think He knows what a challenge those words are to her?

2. When Much Afraid says "I cannot resist them", what is she telling us about her belief system?

3. Why does Much Afraid have to ask to go to the High Places? Why didn't the Chief Shepherd suggest it himself? Can you find a supportive scripture?

4. Why do you think Much Afraid will receive a new name?

5. What do you think the seed of love represents?

6. What do you think about the author's choice of the size and shape of the seed of love?

7. Who does Much Afraid meet on the way home? What is her response? Why do you think she forgot the Shepherd's words so quickly? Can you apply this in your own life?

8. Why was she afraid to look at the Shepherd? What would she have seen had she looked? What does this mean for us?

9. Can you relate to Much Afraid? In what ways?

10. What is your "Craven Fear"?

Happy reading and see you next Monday!

Hinds Feet on High Places Study 3/2 Summary

We had a great time Monday night as we started our journey in the "Hind's Feet on High Places" study. As some folks were still getting their books, our first study looked at how the book may have gotten it's title, the main settings of the book (the Valley of Humiliation and the High Places). We talked some about the main characters names - Much Afraid- and the Chief Shepherd and the family of Fearings. Already folks are seeing similarities in their own lives and the journey portrayed in the book! We had a great time seeing some old friends and making some new ones, too! Here is a link to the transcript.

http://peaceinchronicillness.ning.com/forum/topics/hinds-feet-on-high-places

I will be posting some study guide questions for next Monday night. Don't worry if you missed the first session, or even miss some along the way. The transcripts will be available. If you need a book, please let one of the admins know and we will get one to you if you can't afford one. Amazon has great deals on used paperback editions. Come join us!

Oh, we are considering starting a Sunday afternoon study for those who can't do the late evening one. If you are interested, please let me know by leaving a comment below!

Be blessed!

deni aka QuietSoul51

New chat rooms!

We have new rooms now.

• porch - when you click the blue button, you'll land here.
• den - casual chatting.
  
• study - Deni's book study, future Bible studies, etc, will be here.
  
• attic - private chats; if not empty, pm someone in the room and ask if you can join them (see below).
  
• basement - for silly stuff.
• chapel - for prayer.
  

When you arrive in the front porch, you'll see the list of rooms on the left. You can then double click a room name to go to that room.

If you want to know who is in which room, click on the Roam menu at the top and then "Room List". Click on a room name to see who is in that room. You can then click "Join" at the bottom to go to a room or you can click on a user name and "Chat" at the bottom to private message (pm) that user without going to the room.

If you need an admin, you can look for one of us (liz4cps, QuietSoul51, or craftingrama) thru the Roam menu and pm one of us. You can send the wolf sound to the pm, if we don't respond right away but do type a message in the pm as well. Note that you will not hear the wolf sound nor will you get a message that it was sent, but we will hear it and see the message. If you can't find us, try sending wolf to the porch or ask around as a lot of the regulars can reach us thru aim/msn/yahoo, etc.

If you have questions or suggestions, let us know.