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Subject: Preparing for the Seasons of Our Lives
Date: March 15 & 26, 2001
Preparing for the Seasons of Our Lives
It seems that once you have finally exhausted each book written for the
season of life you find ourselves in, you complete that season move on to
another level of learning. As exciting as this can be, it is also
frustrating. Many differing dynamics influence us and we at times wonder how
to cope. Please join us as we discuss and share tools on how to maximize
each season of our lives
Discussion questions:
1. What are some distinct seasons or a woman's life?
2. Every season presents challenges how can we rise above them?
3. How is God there for us through the seasons?
4. How can we best help others through seasonal difficulties?
5. How does our attitude affect the outlook we have on seasons?
cwt
Hi everyone welcome to tonight's session on preparing for the seasons of a woman's life
inspired
hi
cwt
glad you could all join us
inspired
glad to be here
cwt
let's begin with prayer
cwt
Lord we thank you for this opportunity to honor you in this way, we open our hearts to you and ask you to
minister to us by your Holy spirit, amen
inspired
amen
cwt
our first discussion question is, what are some of the seasons of a woman's life?
inspired
could one of them be a "season" of self doubt?
cwt
I am thinking of the different phases that I have already been through personally... singleness, married without
children, and now married with teenagers, also career days...that is a different way of thinking of the seasons, good
point inspired
cwt
we often have phases of self doubt in our lifetimes, or seasons of grief, of busyness'
cwt
any other ideas?
Inspiration
Those are the major seasons in each of our lives
cwt
how about empty nesters, any of you at that stage?
cwt
what stage are you each at?
inspired
I'm single, and ready for marriage, in that right before stage in my serious relationship its hard sometimes
cwt
so are you in a serious relationship right now?
inspired
oh yes definately
cwt
great, so you are in a stage of great anticipation maybe?
inspired
anticipation and struggles with temptation--its hard to remain pure
cwt
yes, those would be very real struggles, at that stage, but there are struggles of some nature at every season we go
through
Inspiration
What struggles
inspired
so sorry emergency phone call gotta go promise to return
............................ inspired left.............
cwt
anyone else want to share what season of life they are in?
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cwt
quiet room tonight, but that is alright...
cwt
so you must be young in age inspired...
Inspiration
Right now I'm at the stage of trying to decide on a career and if I should have mor kides, my job demand so much
of my timne
inspired
I am 27
cwt
yes, 27 is young! inspiration, how many children do you have?
Inspiration
Iam 30 years with one daughter age 7
inspired
i think you have inspired and inspiration mixed up inspired has no children
cwt
yes, I am tryinig to get your identities, this is great... inspiration, you have joined us before, so what is your job that
you are involved in?
cwt
and inspired what job are you in, or are you in school?
Inspiration
I am an Accounts Coster in a large WHolesale Establishment in the Bahmaas
inspired
you don't live in the us?
Inspiration
I am responsible for pricing all landed foreign good for sale
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cwt
yes you live in that wonderful place we would all love to visit someday!! that sounds like a job with alot of
responsibility
Inspiration
No I live in the Bahamas (sunny Bahamas)
cwt
so your challenge right now is to decide to add to your family and continue with your career?
Inspiration
It sure is there is only two costers and most of our good for sale is purchase in FLorida nad New York so it get's
crazy for the two of us especially for closing on Fridays
cwt
wow, and adding a another child would make life even busier for you
cwt
how do you overcome the challenges right now that you encounter with balancing work and family?
Inspiration
Right now I know that I must work to asist my husband with various bills and achieving goals but my husband is in
his own business and I assist him with the clerical part of that as well
cwt
your plate is full!
cwt
owning your own business is also another whole bag of responsibilities
Inspiration
It's very difficult sometimes I feel as though my husband forgets all the different roles I am involve in because
sometimes he is so unreasonable
cwt
how do you find time with your husband and your daughter, is it a challenge to slot them into your schedule at
times?
cwt
that is very difficult for you I am sure
Inspiration
My daughter told me some weeks ago that she don't think this job is for me because on weekends I'm unable to
do certain things with her
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cwt
so she feels the strain of your workload too,
cwt
welcome shanaban
cwt
we are discussing the challenges of the seasons of a woman's life
Inspiration
She sure do, normally I would work late during the week so that I wouldn't have to go in on weekends
cwt
it is certainly difficult to meet all the needs of a family at times,I am in the season of life with teenagers in my home.
it presents lots of demanding challenges as well
cwt
how about you shanaban, what season are you in?
shanaban
Type HEREsounds about the same as you
cwt
do you have children then?
shanaban
three
cwt
what ages?
shanaban
two are christians 13 and 15 and one that is 18
cwt
I find that raising kids, what ever the age, takes much of everything we have to give, it is an extrememly
demanding job
cwt
that is great if they know Jesus personally, it seems like you can relate at a different level with them then,
cwt
do each of you have believing husbands?
Inspiration
Rasing children alone is a hand full I always says GOd promised not to put more on me than I can bear
cwt
yes, He does promise that
shanaban
i find it difficult to relate to the one that is 18
cwt
yes, the older teens are more independant and trying hard to establish that identity
cwt
it also is hard to let those apron ties go...
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Inspiration
My husband is not a christian, but I constantly pray and I know one day he is going to come over, we live in a
christian nation and he believes there is a GOd but he has not given his life over to him as yet
shanaban
my husband is not a christian and that can prove to be difficult as well
cwt
God knows your every need, and isn't it great to know that He is the one who changes people's hearts, not us, we
don't do the changing.
shanaban
same he doesn't feel like he needs to live the "life"
shanaban
i find it hard to wait until his heart changes
Inspiration
It can be difficult , when I got married I wan't a Christian and I think my husband likes the change
cwt
the most we can do in a situation like that is to pray, pray, pray... and let God do His thing in His time., but yes I
agree the hardest part is to be patient in waiting
shanaban
I know my life would be so different if he was a believer
cwt
do you each have a support group or a ladies Bible study to get your accountabillity and growth in?
Inspiration
Shanaban you must wait and believe that in God's time don not force it on hime because you will drive him away
shanaban
why is it that men seem so resistant to change
cwt
yes, we are to model God's love, the unconditional love, that can only be done through the power of the HOly
Spirit
Laurie
That is so true. My husband is not a believer and if I start pushing he shuts right down and won't listen to anything.
cwt
I don't think that they are necessarily resistant to change, I think many men struggle with pride though ,and giving
God control
cwt
many people, men or women., don't see their need for God
cwt
do you agree?
Laurie
That makes sense. My husband thinks I am a weak person so if he gives control to God he will then think he is
weak.
cwt
if you don't see your need, or your problem with sin, then you don't need God
cwt
maybe your prayers could change to help your husband see his neediness
Laurie
That is true. He doesn't see a need for any of this.
Inspiration
You know when we see the need for GOd when our backs our aginst the wall and sometimes God leads us ther
to get our attention.
shanaban
mine thinks that it shows a weakness to need anybody else
cwt
that is a definate indication of a pride problem, very common, and we all do it at some time in some form or
another, it hurts God to see us not need Him...could we pray for your situation right now?
Laurie
Yes
shanaban
yes
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Bobbie39
Hi All!
cwt
Lord we pray for the ladies right here in this room who have husbands that are resisting you, we ask you to break
the cycle of pride, or arrogance they may have in their live, we ask that your Holy Spirit would do a mighty work
to humble them and help them to see their need, desperate need of you. Lord we know that it is your desire that
none should perish, that all should come to know you so we ask this in faith beleiving you will answer, amen
Inspiration
I am about ten years younger than my husband so I try to show him that we can still have fun and I always share
with him all the difficulties that come my way and he realizes that it must be a GOd who helped me. I especially
share real critical issues with him when I know there is nothing he or anyone else can do for me and he must
believe that ther is a God
shanaban
h
cwt
welcome bobbie 39
cwt
we are just discussing the seasons of our lives
Bobbie39
Deep subject.
cwt
we were just praying for some here who have unbelieving husbands
Laurie
Thank you for praying cwt.
Bobbie39
That is to put it mildly a bummer not to have believing husbands.
cwt
many challenges in that stage, but God is always with us to help us, to guide us, to give us patience and wisdom
Bobbie39
But.........that too can make one even stronger in their faith!
shanaban
besides prayer what advice do you have
Bobbie39
Me?
shanaban
anyone
cwt
good advice inspiration, to stay positive to your husband who does not believe yet, to keep instep with the Holy
Spirit and exhibit the fruits of the spirit of love, patience, kindness. self control
Bobbie39
Good advice cwt!
cwt
also to love unconditionally, through acts of service, through words of encouragement, through dating, times
together
Bobbie39
Always keep asking if he would like to join you in religious activities.
Laurie
That is so true. If our husband sees how we have changed and how good that is then maybe the Christian life will
become more attractive.
Bobbie39
Even if he continually says no.......someday.......he might say yes!
cwt
our actions will win them over, when they see the difference God has made in our lives, they will be attracted to id
Bobbie39
That is so true Laurie!
cwt
yes Laurie, right on!
Bobbie39
He will see the changes that come over you........because those changes will have an impact on him as well.
shanaban
I believe he has seen some evidence of that, I hope so anyway
Laurie
My husband has already noticed a change in me, but he says he can't quite put his finger on what it is that has
changed in me.
Inspiration
Sometimes it's hard, but I believe for most men if they see a positive change in their wives , one who does not for
CHrist on them (let us remember that no one forced christ on us so let us just kill them with love and affection and
share those moments that we experience with christian friends and at church with them
cwt
I have been reading an excellent book recently, on discovering the Love Languages of People, be it our spouses,
or our teens, and then to fill up their emotional tanks with love that reaches them to win them over, just as Christ
has won us over with His love
shanaban
He encouages me and the kids to go to church but he won"tcome with us
Bobbie39
Hold on everyone. brb. Going to get my sister in here.
Bobbie39
bye for the moment.
Inspiration
My husband do the same
cwt
would he be open to a small group study in the home or something like that instead of an actual church building?
cwt
bye bobbie 39
shanaban
not a chance
cwt
so he is just watching you
shanaban
I think christians intimidate him
Laurie
Mine would probably go out for the evening if I told him I was going to hold a Bible study.
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shanaban
mine too
misscarly
hello
cwt
hi misscarly, welcome to our session tonight on the seasons of a woman's life
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cwt
what season are you in?
Bobbie39
Hi All.
Bobbie39
Back
cwt
that was quick, glad you are back!
shanaban
he says church is good for me but he does't need it
Bobbie39
Thanks!
Bobbie39
Still waiting for my sister to get it.
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Bobbie39
Hey sis!!
Bobbie39
There she is Becky 45!
cwt
so to pray for a heart change would be the best thing
cwt
hi Becky 45, welcome
Inspiration
My husband did some volunteer work for my church, and my Pastor really likes him, I know one day I just know
it. Every morning I get up and watch Creflo Dollar and Joyce Myers and he sometimes listen in if I ask him and
my daugher to join me in mopring devotion he comes in but he would never lead us in prayer he always says he is
a quiet prayer
Bobbie39
Hey Becky!
Becky45
Hi - Thak you pleased to meet people here in this room
Bobbie39
see, this was easy huh Becky!
Becky45
Looks like a nice site here. ?
Bobbie39
VERY nice site.
cwt
that is wonderful if he contributes and takes part like that
Bobbie39
I agreee cwt
cwt
becky 45 what season of life are you in right now?
Becky45
season of life?
Inspiration
But agree with me above all that I can for I wish to see my husband save.
Bobbie39
I'm kinda lost with that question as well.
misscarly
what are the choices?
cwt
yes, single, empty nest, married with teens etc
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misscarly
married with one teen and one 8 year old
Becky45
oh - empty nest
Bobbie39
OH.........lol married with a teenage son.
Shantacius
Type HERE Hello everyone :-)
Becky45
cwt - how about you??
Bobbie39
Hi Shantacius!
shanaban
actually hi
cwt
absolutely, we agree that we want to see our husbands know Jesus personally, he sounds like he is just beginning
his journey towards that though
Inspiration
Hi
Becky45
Hello Shtantacius!!
cwt
I am married, with two teens, older teens,
Bobbie39
Hey Inspiration!
misscarly
my husband hasn't lost faith in God, but mankind is not fairing as well
Shantacius
This is my first time at this site, what are we talking about?
Bobbie39
My teen will be graduating next year.
cwt
we were discussing how the various seasons of life bring different challenges into our lives
Becky45
my 1st time also
cwt
glad you could join us
Inspiration
Hey Bobby married with one 7 year daughter I am 30
Bobbie39
Hey........does anyone here watch the TV show "7th Heaven"?
Becky45
Oh that's the truth -
Shantacius
My life has a lot of challanges......
cwt
we have sheduled one hour chats on Monday and Thursday nights at this time
Becky45
used to and loved it...suremiss it though.
cwt
what kinds of challenges chantacius?
misscarly
must go, may all of you find peace and happiness in your lives
Bobbie39
you too misscarly!
Bobbie39
bye
shanaban
maintaining values in teens is also a concern today with all the influences they havefrom the internet and tv and
friends
Shantacius
Well, for one I see that a lot of people here are married with kids.........I'm not but I sometimes wish I
was........My job doesn't help anything either......
Bobbie39
How old are you Shantacius?
Bobbie39
If you don't mind the question.
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Shantacius
22
Becky45
Has anyone of you read the book "The prayer of Jabez" by Bruce Wilkinson--It's awesome and teaches a new
way of praying according to Jabez' prayer in 1 Chronicles.
cwt
I find that in the season that I am in right now, I have more emotional challenges than physical, dealing with teens
seem to bring that
Bobbie39
Oh......you have lots of time to have kids.
shanaban
Iv'e heard a lot about it recently
Shantacius
I know, but I wanted to start by the time I
Bobbie39
Not me
Shantacius
m 25
Laurie
What kinds of emotional challenges do you find with your older teens?
cwt
yes, you certainly do, do you enjoy your job?
Becky45
I agree Shantacius with Bobbi 39 - The Lord will bless you with the right mate at the right time.
Shantacius
I hope so........sometimes It seem that I'll be single forever............
Bobbie39
Well.........sorry this is so short, but I alwasy tune in to 7th Heaven....and it's about to start.
Bobbie39
Great family show.
Becky45
God loves to bless us, even with a mate.
cwt
my emotional challenges with my teens involve praying for them to make the right choices in todays world with all
the temptations out there, marrying the right person, defiantely knowing the Lord in a deep personal way
Bobbie39
Have a great evening everyone!!
Becky45
Oh enjoy Bobbi39 - you're fortunate you can still view it.
Bobbie39
God bless you all!!
Becky45
bye Bobbie39.
Shantacius
Bye Bobbie
Bobbie39
That's what a "dish" is for!!
cwt
bye God bless and thanks for joining us
Inspiration
Bye Bobby
Bobbie39
Have fun Becky!! You will like it in here!
Bobbie39
Great people, love and christian faith!!!
Bobbie39
Tootles!!
Becky45
cool :)
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Shantacius
Ok........so what about those people who never get married?
cwt
I find that God is there for us at each season we encounter, I can't imagine raising kids without the Lord to talk to
and leave them in HIs hands
Laurie
I pray for my teenager as well. He is only 14 so I guess that is just the start of what is to come.
cwt
that is fine to be single, don't get us wrong here!
Becky45
The Bible tells us it's sometimes better not to marry, for those who marry experience many troubles too.
cwt
yes, Laurie, keep them bathed in prayer and in the armour of God from Romans
cwt
yes Becky 45!!
Shantacius
I hope that doesn't mean me becky.............
cwt
I am happily married, but God calls some to be single, look at Paul in the bible
Becky45
My Uncle finally married the mate for him at 70 yrs old-and they are having fun now at their "season of life"
enjoying God's creation around the USA!
cwt
wow, what a neat story that is
Shantacius
Wow, that's cool :-)
cwt
just keep seeking the Lord, for everything from your job, to your friends, to a mate
shanaban
it's never too late
Becky45
The Bible also says, "It's not good for man to be alone. I will prepare a helpmate for Him?
Becky45
Also it says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your Heart."
Inspiration
You must find happiness with yourself before you can try to bring happiness to someone else, use this time to do
things for you and to get to a level in CHrist I know if I was not married with a kid I would be able to give God
soooo much time
Becky45
It may not have happened yet....however, the power of prayer can change circumstances big time for
cwt
yes, you must also find God as your first friend and love Him first, a hard lesson to learn
Becky45
it says "the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective." For now, let God be your sufficiency.,
Shantacius
Thanks a lot ladies :-) Please pray for me so that I can learn to be patient.......
cwt
yes, God is our everything, and we must do everything possible to keep Him first
Shantacius
Amen
shanaban
it may not seem like it but you have a lot of time
cwt
sometimes in the dating process, we tend to put the boyfriend first
cwt
certainly do have alot of time
cwt
don't rush anything like marriage ever
Inspiration
We all need to remember that sometimes CWT it is so sad that sometime we put GOd on the back burner
Shantacius
Yeah, I know some people who have done that......
cwt
we all seem to do it, but wow, He is such a forgiving God, isn't it awesome that when we ask He forgives !
Becky45
Oh don't feel bad Shantacius, I struggle with patience a lot. You're not alone. :)
Becky45
When you let the Lord choose the mate for you, He will bless you with His best.
Shantacius
Thanks, that makes me feel better :-)
Becky45
He is eager to bless you abundantly, far above all you could "ever ask or imagine"..
cwt
that is for sure, also never let your standards slide when looking for a mate, just wait
Inspiration
I needed that myself when we share with each other we sometimes really get answers for our own questions from
advise we give to others and I need to remember in all that I do put my God first
Becky45
And when it happens, it'll be for life. Because that's God's will for you in marriage.
cwt
John 10:10, He wants us to have that abundant life!
Shantacius
I'm glad of that!!!!
Becky45
Amen, he sure does. Amen.
cwt
yes, inspiration,. we always need to remind ourselves to keep gazing at God and glancing at circumstances
Becky45
Earlier, I mentioned the Prayer of Jabez Book by Bruce Wilkinson.
Inspiration
God wants the best ofr us Becky
cwt
yes, a great book, a wonderful challenging prayer
Shantacius
What is the book about?
Inspiration
each step takes us closer to where he wants us to be
cwt
I would encourage you to read it, a small prayer tha tGod answers in amazing ways
Inspiration
Don't get dicourage take one step at a time
Becky45
I encourage each of you to purchase this little book ($6 to $9 -) can even find it at Walmart, Here in my area,
they can't keep it on the shelves--it's being read by so many already.
Shantacius
I think I'll look for it
cwt
the book basically quotes Jabez praying to God to ask HIm to bless him, increase his boundaries, to protect him
and his family in the process
cwt
it is a hot one here in Canada too!
Becky45
It's based on 1 Chronicles 4:10 - that's right cwt. Have you read it?
cwt
yes, and have prayed it a lot
cwt
God is increasing my boundaries too!
cwt
He is an amazing God
Becky45
And people are praying this little prayer and seeing lots of miracles and blessings from God. He loves you and is
so wanting to bless you always -
Becky45
AMen, he sure is.
Shantacius
Amen
shanaban
what kind of boundaries
Becky45
There is a web address with lots of testimonies about this also.
cwt
well our time is almost up, this again has been a great discussion, I encourage you to stay on and chat, the room is
always open for that
cwt
let's just thank the Lord for being with us here
Becky45
Your ministry boundaries - opportunities to be used of God to witness and be God's instrument of love and grace,
etc.
Inspiration
God want us to prosper above all things and be in good health
Becky45
Amen, thank you Lord.
Inspiration
Just as we want the best for our children, we are his children he wants the bes tfor us
cwt
Lord we do thank you for encouraging us here on the chat tonight, thank you that as we focus on you we are
reminded of how great and awesome you are, continue to bless and direct these women as they seek your face,
amen
Becky45
Well, good nite all. Here's the web address: www.prayerofjabez.com
Shantacius
Lord please bless everyone here today, and thank you for their kind words
Becky45
Amen, Lord, I agree in Jesus name. Bless us all according to your riches, and protect us from evil so we never
cause anyone pain.
cwt
thanks becky45! God bless each of you, join us on Thursday same time, to discuss " Encouragement"
cwt
have a great evening!
Becky45
Oh cool,. Great subject cwt.
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______________________________
t hi everyone
car Hi cwt!
mamaboone did he get out of the catholic religion
cwt how are you all tonight?
mamaboone good...how about you
cwt I am fine, thanks
cwt where are you all from?
mamaboone where are you from
car good! he wasn't really practicing for years!
mamaboone i'm in Cinci Ohio
mamaboone what faith are you now carol
mamaboone I'm baptist
cwt long ways from me, I am up in northern Canada
mamaboone wow
mamaboone how old are you
mamaboone i'm being inquisitive...lol
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cwt looks like you are having a good chat tonight, I dont want to disturb but our session will begin in about three minutes or so
cwt hi Laurie
mamaboone hello Laurie
cwt welcome carol
carol guess who got bumped off again ! Now I am Carol again!
mamaboone lol
mamaboone i asked what faith you were having
cwt sometimes we have those problems. that is not a good thing!
carol hi laurie! paulette are you still there?
mamaboone yes
mamaboone what is the session we are having...i'm confused
cwt tonight our topic is Preparing for the Seasons of Our Lives
carol I have to get going but give Nikki my email addy and I will try to get in touch with her! It was GREAT chating with you!!!
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cwt we have a scheduled one hour chat on Mondays and Thursdays
cwt looks like carol is having problems
mamaboone oh ok
carol ok I'm game! what do you have
mamaboone Carol are you still there
mamaboone are you the mediator of the chat room cwt
carol yes, I would like to discuss our topic for a while
cwt yes I am, is this your first time in here?
mamaboone yes
carol mine too
cwt how did you find out about it?
mamaboone off the christian women today.com site
mamaboone i love this site....
cwt great to have you join us
carol me too
mamaboone one of my favorites
cwt yes it is a great one, super articles and features
cwt well we can get started now, we always open in prayer
mamaboone ok
carol ok
cwt Lord we thank you for this time we can havve tonight with you and with each other, we ask that You would guide by your Holy Spirit and that you would nudge our hearts to be more obediant to you, amen
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mamaboone amen
cwt welcome again Laurie
Laurie Hi everyone!
carol hi laurie
mamaboone hello
cwt so as we discuss the seasons of a womans life, lets begin by discussing what are some of the distinct seasons that we may go through...
mamaboone by season's what do you mean...i think i know but i want to make sure i'm on the same length as everyone else
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carol hi sister
mamaboone hello sister
cwt we are thinking of time periods of different times, such as raising young children or then empty nest...
cwt hi sister
cwt welcome to our session on seasons of our lives
cwt another one is singleness...
cwt any others?
Sister Hello everyone.
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mamaboone hello shey
cwt hi shey, welcome we are just beginning the session tonight
Shey Hi
cwt another season might be the season of raising teenagers, that can be a tough one!
mamaboone i'm in the raising kids session
mamaboone a preschooler and a 1st grader
Laurie So am I. And the raising a teenager.
cwt wow those are busy years and fun!
mamaboone you've got that right
carol I think the seasons come at different age for every one I have kids 7 and 3 and just turned 40
Sister I'm homeschooling a 10 year old boy.
cwt I am a raising teenag stage as well, I have two of them
cwt yes the age certainly doesnt mean anything but the season of the circumstances certainly does
mamaboone what do you mean
cwt also soloing can be a season, before one is married and young and single , or later in life and widowed
cwt we can be any age where these challenges come in our lives, as carol said her age is 40 with young ones, I am just over 40 and have two teenagers
mamaboone oh i gotcha
mamaboone well i'm 27 with young ones
cwt every season of life can present challenges
mamaboone terrible two's...lol
cwt what sorts of challenges do you face?
mamaboone actually we are in trying threes
cwt I remember that one!!
Sister I just turned 40 and have 1 year old grandson.
mamaboone wow
cwt wow, look at us all 4o yr, olds!!
Sister Awesome ain't it?
mamaboone mine is discipline and having my kids listen to me
cwt you are in a different season yet with the grandmothering rold
cwt yes, a constant challenge with the discipline issues, are they complacent kids, or demanding?
mamaboone kate is demanding and johnathan needs to always be intertained
Sister Unfortunately, my grandchild lives too far away. Feel I'm missing out on something very special.
carol am sooo sorry! I hav to go God Bless you All!!!!!
cwt so you are a busy mom
cwt sorry you have to leave carol, join us another time
mamaboone very hard to please...gives me a guilt trip when i'm not spending time with him all the time
mamaboone bye carol
carol I will!!
Sister Goodbye Carol
mamaboone i'll email you
carol great!
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cwt the busyness of raising young children brings the challenges of not having much time to yourself
cwt do you find that?
mamaboone yes...
Sister My son is with me most of the time.
cwt how about you shey? and Laurie? how old are your children?
mamaboone i get upset because i'm a sahm and i need breaks now and again or i'm not good for anyone
Laurie 14, 11 and 9.
cwt sorry mamaboone I didnt get your sahm...
mamaboone my kids are always at my feet....more my 3 year old but she is good at entertaining herself but my 7 year old needs to be entertained all the time...how do you deal with that
mamaboone stay at home mom
Shey mine are 6,4 and 18 months
cwt wow Laurie you are in a very different kind of season with that age group, what are your challenges?
cwt gotcha
mamaboone sorry
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Laurie The 14 year old is a good kid, but doesn't think I know much anymore.
cwt shey you have got to be quite tied down... do you find that a challenge at times?
mamaboone i feel tied down and i only have two kids.....
Laurie The 11 year old sometimes can be difficult because it is hard for him to have an older brother and a younger sister.
cwt Laurie that is just the beginning of the teenage yrs of independance
Shey actually we get out lots the baby only naps in the afternoon
cwt yes, middle child syndrome so they call it
mamaboone i think at one point or another we all experience feeling tied down
cwt good for you shey, so the baby must be a good one!
Shey he is although he is starting to have a will
mamaboone or overwehelmed
cwt good point mamaboone, even with teenagers you can feel very tied down emotionally if not physically, there are challenges that can overwhelm us at any stage
mamaboone that's what i have heard
cwt so how can we rise above these challenges?
mamaboone I rely on Jesus Christ to get me through
Sister Praise the Lord
mamaboone somedays are better then others though
Laurie I think we need to recognize that these particular stages won't last forever.
mamaboone that's forsure but i don't know where I would be if I didn't have him on my side
Shey that's the truth
cwt it is so true that a personal relationship with Jesus is the answer, He is the crutch that we need to walk through the seasons with
Sister There are mountain tops and valleys throughout our entire lives
Sister They don't stop when the kids move out.
mamaboone seems like once we get through one season we are entering into another one
Laurie So true.
Sister They just turn into something new and challenging
mamaboone i get to where i think i'm on my way and boom something else comes up to deal with
mamaboone i'm not good with change
cwt I cannot imagine raising teenagers in this day and age without knowing Christ and that He is there to hear my prayers and give wisdom
mamaboone or in the patience department
mamaboone i get worked up really easy which is something that I have really prayed about
cwt that is such a true comment that we will have the mountain tops and the valleys, Jesus says in this world we will have trouble but take heart I have overcome the world
mamaboone God is seeing me through and helping me and I rely on him wholy and know with him I will make it through the other side
Sister Amen
cwt it is so comforting to know that God is there for us throughout the tough times, we cannot do it on our own. He has left us the power of the Holy Spirit to help us
mamaboone that's so true....
Sister I need to start my day off in prayer and scripture reading
mamaboone i try to sometimes I can't get to it till my Kate takes a nap in the afternoon
mamaboone i'm not a morning person so it's hard for me to get moving and i do better come 1-2 in the afternoon
cwt that is such a good point sister,but if you have those little ones our times with God in the Bible need to be snippets whenever we can get them
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mamaboone hello cubamarsh
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cwt now with teenagers I find that my prayer times may be best very late at night, when I feel burdened for them
cwt welcome inspiration and cubamarsh
mamaboone hello inspiration
cubamarsh Hi everybody! Just got back from Bible study at church...whatsup?
cwt we are discussing the seasons of our lives and the challenges they present
Sister Hello inspiration and cubamarsh
Inspiration Type HEREHello Ladies
cwt what season are you just in, raising little kids, grandmothering, soloing...?
cubamarsh I just turned 50, empty nest, menopause, changing jobs from teaching 15 yrs. enough changes?!? LOL
Inspiration I have a 7 year old daughter and I am now 30 years old
cwt wow yes!! new challenges for you I would imagine!
cwt wonderful fun age , and time to enjoy her...
cwt what sorts of challenges are you presented with ?
mamaboone is anyone else a sahm
mamaboone stay at home mom
cubamarsh God is definitely in control in my life; I'M certainly not!!
cwt I am, and have been for years
Shey I am mamaboone
Sister I don't understand sahm
cwt good way to have it cubamarsh!
mamaboone stay at homemom
cubamarsh God continues to humble me!
mamaboone home mom
Shey it is the best
mamaboone he has a way of doing that...lol
Sister Oh, yes
cwt there are a few of us stay at home moms them, it is certainly a privelege to be able to do that these days
cubamarsh I was a SAHM before my kids were in school; then teaching made it nice for kids hours
cwt and holidays
cwt how many children do you have cubamarsh?
Sister Any homeschoolers
mamaboone i'm not sure what i want to do once Kate starts school...i'm really struggling with that
mamaboone really seeking God on what I want to do....
cwt that does present a different season of life, when our kids go to school.
cubamarsh However I had severe behavior disordered, learning diabled, mental, emotional, substance abuse high school students and it was tough after a day at that coming home to my own
cwt because then we can go back to work, or do more ministry minded things
Laurie I still stay home even though my kids are in school.
Inspiration Great for you
Laurie Society seems to find it acceptable to be home with young children, but everyone wonders
mamaboone i feel like i should be but then i feel like i'm being selfish or something
cwt my goodness cubamarsh you must rely on Gods strength to do that job
Laurie what I do with my time now that they are not there all day.
cwt yes Laurie, such a true comment almost not accepted if one does stay home now
cubamarsh yes, it's ONLY God's strength. I do inner city ministry with abused children now
mamaboone what do you do when they are in school all day
mamaboone that's an awesome job....
Laurie Cleaning, help at the schools, activities, etc.
cwt great question for all, what do you do if you are in the seasoon with kids in school?
mamaboone was it a hard decision for you
Shey I'm hoping to go back to school and become an accountant
Laurie No. I really like being home.
cwt I was involved with prayer groups for my kids schools for 11 years, it was a wonder ministry and the Lord honored so many of our prayers, have any of you ever done this?
mamaboone my hubby supports me fully but i get alot of slack from my family (extended family)
mamaboone no
cubamarsh my daughter and son, now 26 and 23, graduate Master's degree and BA from North Park University in Chicago the same ceremony in May and I have to deal with "loss" issues of empty nesting and all
mamaboone i help out as much as i can at school with johnathan but with kate it's hard
Shey I am a part of group like that cwt
mamaboone that's got to be so hard...i dread that day
cwt in the US these are calle Moms In Touch Groups, in Canada they are called Mothers Who Care Groups
mamaboone how do you find out more about them
cwt how are you handling the empty nest idea?
cwt there is a website for Mothers Who Care under that name, it is a great site
cubamarsh I feel myself totally unprepared for this transition in my life....am going to counseling with a Christian counselor from New Life Clinic to gain Biblical perspective
mamaboone i will have to check it out...thanks
mamaboone i love those boyz
mamaboone they are incredible
cwt yes I would really encourage you to do that, the answers to prayer were so amazing
mamaboone i listen to them allmost everyday
cwt so cubamarsh how are you handling the idea of the empty nest?
mamaboone i've even called in a few times and they really helped me
cwt good for you cubamarsh, to get some good Godly counsel
cwt how is your husband doing with the idea of no kids at home?
Inspiration It is so amazing how each of you contributes to society in one way or the other
cubamarsh my counselor really impressed upon me, just last session, the importance of the "discipline of silence" when it comes to prayer....we prayer and want instant gratification in answers without "being still" and letting God speak to us
mamaboone wow..i'm guilty of that
cwt so true, Psalm 46:10...be still and know that I am God
mamaboone that's awesome
cwt we are all guilty of that in the busyness of our lives
Inspiration True my Pastor says prayer is a two way communication between you and God, so when you speak you should be silent and wait for him to speak to you but how many of us wait to hear from him
cubamarsh honestly, I spent so much time concentrating on my children for so many years, my husband and I are strangers in ways I didn't even predict....my counseling is addressing some of this
cwt you will have more time to be still before the Lord when the kids are all gone , and to spend in prayer, but I truly beleive that our hearts go with our kids when they leave, and that we will pray even more for them!
mamaboone it's hard to know if what we are hearing is what we want to hear or if it's him talking to me to...i really struggle with that
cwt I am sure that you are not alone in having that kind of struggle cubamarsh
Laurie Sometimes I wonder about that too.
cubamarsh You know, I really, esp. NOW, need other women in my life more than ever
mamaboone how can you really know
cwt many of us are guilty of spending more time with the kids than the husband and dont even think that the day will come when we will be a couple again
cubamarsh I think there should be more
Sister Yes, it is important to spend time with our husbands.
cubamarsh oops....I think there should be more "Mentoring" programs in churches for young and older women
cwt yes, that is Biblical and it doesnt happen enough
mamaboone i wish i had a mentor
Sister Absolutly cubamarsh
cwt it is so important to pass on what we have learned to the youngs ones
Inspiration I am telling you, that is why it is so important to remain close to each other because the day will come when it will be just you and him
mamaboone sometimes i wish i could relate to someone or have someone understand me
cwt actually you can do mentoring online now, in fact this website does it
mamaboone really
mamaboone how
cubamarsh As a teacher for years and mother, I think "busy" has become somewhat of a "status symbol"
Inspiration how
cwt I know the girl who administers the mentoring program and she is the most Godly woman
mamaboone that's what i want people to say about me
cubamarsh We have to stop being too "busy" too STOP and mentor others in need
cwt the mentoring information would be availble on the home page of this site
Inspiration Do you have a set schedule for this
mamaboone i've really had a breakthrough in my life in the past two weeks and God has turned me around and set my feet on solid ground and i'm ready to get moving on my walk with him
cwt no, you are matched up with someone, check it out
cwt praise the Lord for that mamaboone!
mamaboone there is so much i have to learn and could use some christian guidance from people that have been there done that type thing
cubamarsh years ago, there were extended families of generations to mentor eachother in many ways...now we are such a transient society
mamaboone i've been a christian for almost 6 years but really struggled in alot of different erea's in my life
cwt I can just picture the Lord watching all of us, and getting so frustrated when He sees us busy in the wrong types of things and not taking the time to listen to Him and to worship Him
cubamarsh If you're a Christian and DON'T "struggle," then you're NOT a Christian!
mamaboone that's right....
cwt we all have struggles in our Christian walk, but the key is to keep focused on the promises, and not the problems, and to keep gazoing at God and glancing at the situation at hand
cwt and the most important concept is to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit
Inspiration It reminds me a verse in a song that paints the picture so clear of how he gets so excited when he see his children worshipping him]
cwt without the Holy spirit directing our lives we live defeated Christian lives
cubamarsh I think we all need to have more GRATITUDE
mamaboone Depression had me held captive and i can now say that I have been set free and I'm on my way....God is awesome and he can do mighty things in our lives if we will just surrender and let him but it seems like surrendering is such a hard thing to do
Inspiration The right thing is always so hard
mamaboone i had the tendency to surrender but then i would take it back and try to make it work on my own
cwt I find I need to keep short account with the Lord, confessing sin immediately and asking for forgiveness, then asking the Holy Spirit to take control once again
mamaboone it always failed
cubamarsh mamaboone, I have clinical Depression in both sides of my family and God is always there through it!
cwt when we do it on our own, it just doesnt wotk
cwt sorry work
Inspiration But we know that he never promised that it will be an easy road to walk but we know if we do things his way how victorious we will be in the end
Laurie So true. I was always trying to direct my own life. What freedom when we do ask the Holy Spirit to take control.
Laurie I feel like a new person.
cwt depression can be such a difficult thing I am so glad to hear that you are doing better, what helped you the most mamaboone?
mamaboone i am really praying about starting a support group at church for people like me and am waiting for an answer for God
cwt super idea, to help others when we are through the difficulties ourselves, that is wonderful
cwt many women suffer from depression at all ages
mamaboone getting on my face and just giving everything to God....i help onto a lot of hurt and pain from my childhood and wouldn't let God just take it from me and I had to just give it to him because I couldn't take it anymore
cubamarsh We pray for physical illnesses; there is still a stigma attached to mental illness, but I do believe it is changing. I know now in church, we have started praying for those with Depression, etc.
Inspiration What better person to talk with than someone who has went through the same thiing a person is now faced with
mamaboone I wept and prayed like I never have before...i prayed for 21/2 hours two weeks ago sunday and that was when I had my total breaktrhough
cubamarsh Think of the prophets.....they were ALL understandably depressed and still proclaimed God's Word.
cwt that is so true, what a story of the Lord intervening and complete surrender!
Sister Good for you mamaboone. Praise the Lord!
cwt yes praise Him
mamaboone God is good but it took me surrendering everything....
Sister That is what it takes
Inspiration Certainly
cwt isnt that always the way though, so many of us struggle with so many different things but the bottom line is complete surrender to God
Sister God can't do a work until we totally hand it over
cubamarsh Isn't it ironic with surrender: you have to "give all" to "get all"
cwt God cannot work until we hand it over to Him
cwt good point!
Inspiration So true
mamaboone that's so true...and the freedom that we receive by doing that
cwt so if it is so easy why dont we do it all the time?
mamaboone because it's not that easy
cubamarsh I think we have to daily die to our old sinful nature
mamaboone that's true to....daily is the key word there
cubamarsh "morning by morning new mercies I see" as the song goes....God is faithful
Inspiration It is like we have to be reminded of what GOd has already done for us for us to continuously give it to him
mamaboone i'll brb
cwt yes, yes that is the truth,... also I think sometimes it may have to do with our level or depth of faith, if we truly knew God and His magnitude we would have no trouble giving everything over to Him
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cwt welcome salbear
Sister When we are going through rough times, it is important to remember past miracles that the Lord has done in our lives
cwt we are discussing the seasons of our lives
Inspiration Welcome
Salbear Type HEREHi there!
Sister Hello Salbear
cwt yes that is good sister, to keep even a journal of how God has helped us in the past is so encouraging
mamaboone I need to go my hubby just came home from work
cubamarsh there's a book out by J.B. Philips: "Your God is too Small" and that is correct in so many ways
mamaboone it was nice chatting with you all
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mamaboone thanks for the encouragement
cwt great to have you mamaboon, join us again we are on Mondays and Thursdays
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Sister God Bless mamaboone
cwt God bless!
cubamarsh blessings, mamaboone
cwt hi nmabernethy
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mamaboone thanks i will be back...God bless you all Ladies
mamaboone Good night
Inspiration Good night and God bless
cubamarsh Hi NMabernethy!
cwt good night and look forward to having you again
NMABERNETHY Hello, I am new here
cwt so back to our discussion
Salbear Where is everyone from?
cubamarsh great to have you with us!
NMABERNETHY Indiana, and Thank You very much
cubamarsh I'm from a NW suburb of Chicago
cwt how does our attitude affect the outlook we have on the different changes or seasons of our lives?
Inspiration I'm frp, tthe Bahamas
Sister Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada
Laurie Alberta, Canada
cwt I am also from Canada
Salbear I am from Ontario Canada
cubamarsh some people have said "atitude is everything" that may be!
cwt great way to have a discussion ladies... from sea to sea
Sister Ontario is my homeland
cwt attitude certainly affects alot
cubamarsh attitudes are difficult, but not impossible, to change
Sister Our attitude can reflect what is in our hearts!
Inspiration Most definetly
NMABERNETHY Change is hard, different seasons of our life are so hard, I think attitude can make the difference between, depression or life
cwt if we are controlled by the Holy spirit then our attidue reflects that, one of a Godly woman
Sister Amen
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Inspiration So true
NMABERNETHY Right!
cubamarsh we need to adopt the attitude Jesus had toward God and eachother
cwt the Bible says as a man thinketh so is he... in other words, what is in his heart is showen by the outward actions
NMABERNETHY Jesus also had changes to deal with
cwt yes Jesus as our model, we cant go wrong!
cwt true, Jesus had to deal with much change and tribulation, so He certainly knows what we go through
cubamarsh Jesus had an "attitude" of obedience
Sister Yes, He understand our every need
Salbear Jesus loves everyone no matter what we do wrong....like a parent loving their children
cwt How can we best help others going through difficult seasons of their lives?
NMABERNETHY encouragement in the Lord
Sister Praying with them
Inspiration THat's why he can sit at the right hand of his father and petition for us because everything we are going through he has already went through
cubamarsh obedience to the Father and that's where He was "coming from" in word and deed
NMABERNETHY Pray for them!! Yes, intercede
cwt these are great ideas, I like the mentoring idea that we talked of earlier as well, if we make ourselves available to women going through things that we have been through, we can encourage them
Inspiration That's true
cwt prayer is of utmost importance
Sister This is why testimonies are so important
Salbear I went through a very rough time and I can't believe the support I got from so many
NMABERNETHY I can testify, in my life, that had it not been for the intercesion of prayers......
NMABERNETHY I would still be fearful, confused, .......and lost
cwt also to help them out physically, if say they have small children and feel housebound
Inspiration I like when persons share similar experience with me and show me how God came through for them
cwt it is always so encouraging to hear of how affective prayer is
cubamarsh midlife and transitions continually teach me that I need to depend on GOD for my strength not husband, children, etc. because GOD is truly in control and the only UNchangable factor in my life
cwt great to hear of that nbmanerthy
Sister that's right cubamarsh
NMABERNETHY I am a nurse, and the elderly, any physical help,
cwt great point cubamarsh, thanks so much for shairng that
NMABERNETHY we have more elderly , and housebound elderly, who need so much
cwt God is our main focus our most important relationship that we must protect and continually nourish
NMABERNETHY That is such an important statement cwt!!!
cubamarsh yes, God has his way of "bringing us back" to Him when we put people or things before Him
Inspiration We must nourish our relationship with him
cwt no matter what may influence our circumstances, God will always be there, He will never leave us, nor forsake us, what a promise!
Inspiration True to his word
Salbear cubarmarsh...you are so right he sure was there for me
cubamarsh He is Sovereign; that's a comfort
cwt He will understand what we go through too, because He created us and allows all things
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Inspiration We can always depend on him, it may not come when we want him but he is always right on time
cwt this has been such an encouraging time sharing together
cwt thanks to all of you for participating!
Sister Well, ladies, I have certainly enjoyed writing with you. However, I must say good bye, may the Lord pour out His blessings upon each of you tonight! Praise God!
cwt lets close in prayer and thank the Lord for being here
Sister That sound great
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cwt Lord we give you all the thanks and all the glory for the great discussion here tonight, thank you that you are always there for us, thank you that you are our God, thank you for sending us your son Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins. Now as we go our separte ways we ask that we may live lives that honor you Amen
Sister Amen
cwt may the Lord bless your week, and may you go in His strength!
cubamarsh Gratefully, in His grace and mercy.....Amen.
Inspiration Amen and God bless each of you
cwt thanks ladies for participating tonight, and the great conversation, God bless!
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Inspiration Good night
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cubamarsh Blessings to all.
