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  <title>Latest topics from “Stepping Stones”</title>
  <subtitle>Latest topics from “Stepping Stones” board.</subtitle>
  <link href="http://stepforums.bethany.org/index.php" />
  <updated>2009-10-15T10:06:33Z</updated>
  <id>http://stepforums.bethany.org/index.php</id>
  <link rel="self" href="http://stepforums.bethany.org/generate_feed.php?content=topics&amp;global=1" />

			<entry>
			<title>Blind Faith (Long, but GOOD!)</title>
			<link href="http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=19080"/>
			<id>http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=19080</id>
			<author>
				<name>Onni521</name>
			</author>
			<published>2009-11-21T10:05:36Z</published>
			<updated>2009-11-21T10:05:36Z</updated>
			<summary type="xhtml">
				<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">I was really down yesterday, not depressed, just disappointed. I felt quite a lot like I do when a hpt signals &quot;not pregnant.&quot; It was awful to hear and see sign after sign that this cycle was &quot;washing out.&quot; Or... that was how I felt yesterday, this morning my entire perspective changed.<br />
<br />
God speaks to me through my mental process of trying to understand what happens to me. I know that it is the Lord when I feel peace. I felt peace this morning. I woke up this morning feeling VERY bloated after taking the HSG shot last night. I can feel the pressure in front and in my back. I checked SS posts, and saw the info that Kristi has OHSS - sorry, girl, be there - done that, it does stink! Fluids, fluids, fluids... okay back to topic. I realized then that God has been in all of this... this time last year I was hyper-stimed, and if my estrogen level had gotten much higher, I believe that Kristi and I would have been going through this together. So... this morning I am thankful.<br />
<br />
DH and I spent time with some very close friends last night. They felt the Spirit calling to them to lay hands on us and pray. I have been longing for someone(s) to pray for us, not by our asking, but by the Spirit's prompting... so this was truly a &quot;God-thing&quot; to me. These friends are also experiencing some rough life events, so it has been good to come alongside one another and walk our journeys together - even though the issues are different.<br />
<br />
So... I called my friend &quot;A&quot; this morning to see how she and her husband were doing. She then asked how I was, to which I responded &quot;bloated!&quot; She picked up on the fact that this is kinda of a good thing. And I explained to her the revelation that God gave me this morning. Then, I know that God began to speak through me, because the words I was saying was causing a physical reaction within me as I said them. I was not saying them to &quot;A&quot;, but it was Jesus speaking to me - using the conversation with my dear friend as an avenue for his blessing. Here is the crux of this post:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #000080">Jesus reminded me that by believing in the promises that He has spoken to my DH and I that we are exercising blind faith. Blind faith to the Christian is accepting and trusting that God's yes is yes and His no is no... that he is an unwavering God. Jesus further clarified to me that blind faith to the non-Christian is accepting the sacrifice that He made and believing blindly that Jesus is their atonement. Many times it is presented as if this is the &quot;alpha and omega&quot; of blind faith. That after accepting Jesus that there is no more &quot;unknowns&quot; that we must accept. However, Jesus made it clear to me that this first act of blind faith is only the beginning of a very long journey of <span style="font-style: italic">choosing </span> to continually place our hope, trust, faith, assurance on the promises He has made to us - both through the Bible and to us personally. Blind faith continues to be an act of worship by the Christian. We know not what God has planned for us, but we can choose to believe, if only blindly, that His words are true and steadfast.</span></div>
			</summary>
		</entry>
			<entry>
			<title>PTL!!!</title>
			<link href="http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=19029"/>
			<id>http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=19029</id>
			<author>
				<name>Smilin93076</name>
			</author>
			<published>2009-11-16T12:42:36Z</published>
			<updated>2009-11-16T12:42:36Z</updated>
			<summary type="xhtml">
				<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span style="color: #008000">The last 2 weeks have been so trying for my DH and I.  I never would have thought we would have gone through all that we have been through.  I know that God and the prayers of wonderful friends like you are what got us through and continue to help us.  I have a few reasons for writing this post but put it here because my main reason for the post is to praise the Lord that my DH is alive and doing well.  A week ago today at 10:15 at night when I was finally headed home from the hospital it hit me...I easily could have been a widow at 33; I almost lost my DH just when we truly found each other again.  This is really one of the biggest reasons I have been given to praise the Lord.  Second, I wanted to thank all of you for your prayers and support.  I love you all.  I am trying to work my way back.  I currently have bronchitis and am having a lot of trouble breathing.  I am exhausted but can't sleep at the same time.  It has been so much easier for me to mindlessly play games on FB but I am really working on coming back.  Trust that none of you were far from my mind and my prayers.  Third, I wanted to let you know, if you are interested, I posted the timeline of the last 2 weeks in my blog.  The address is <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://smilin93076.blogspot.com/">http://smilin93076.blogspot.com/</a><!-- m --> .<br />
<br />
Again, thank you for all the prayers!</span></div>
			</summary>
		</entry>
			<entry>
			<title>God said No</title>
			<link href="http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=18910"/>
			<id>http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=18910</id>
			<author>
				<name>hollyncasey</name>
			</author>
			<published>2009-11-05T10:17:17Z</published>
			<updated>2009-11-05T10:17:17Z</updated>
			<summary type="xhtml">
				<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">I asked God to take away my habit. <br />
God said, No.<br />
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.  <br />
<br />
<br />
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. <br />
God said, No. <br />
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary. <br />
<br />
<br />
I asked God to grant me patience.   <br />
God said, No. <br />
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned. <br />
<br />
<br />
I asked God  to give me happiness.. <br />
God  said, No. <br />
I  give you blessings; Happiness is up to you. <br />
<br />
I  asked God to spare me pain. <br />
God  said, No. <br />
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me. <br />
<br />
I asked God to make my spirit grow. <br />
God said, No.   <br />
You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful. <br />
<br />
<br />
I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. <br />
God said, No. <br />
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things. <br />
<br />
I asked God to help me  LOVE others, as much as He loves me.<br />
God  said... Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.</div>
			</summary>
		</entry>
			<entry>
			<title>Give Daily Thanks: November</title>
			<link href="http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=18896"/>
			<id>http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=18896</id>
			<author>
				<name>hollyncasey</name>
			</author>
			<published>2009-11-03T13:41:16Z</published>
			<updated>2009-11-03T13:41:16Z</updated>
			<summary type="xhtml">
				<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Our local Christian station challenged us to something this month.  They challenged us to write down one thing every day in November that we're thankful for.  I thought this would be the perfect place to do that!  Even though I'm starting a few days late... <img src="http://stepforums.bethany.org/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=":wink:" title="Wink" /><br />
<br />
So...today...November 3rd...what are you thankful for?<br />
<br />
**I am thankful for my health.  After being sick a few weeks back, I am praising God for my health this week. **</div>
			</summary>
		</entry>
			<entry>
			<title>Quiet Time/Devotional Time</title>
			<link href="http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=18845"/>
			<id>http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=18845</id>
			<author>
				<name>southernbelle69</name>
			</author>
			<published>2009-10-28T15:53:35Z</published>
			<updated>2009-10-28T15:53:35Z</updated>
			<summary type="xhtml">
				<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">I try to have my quiet time when I get up in the mornings. I'm currently going through the Beth Moore study of Esther. (If you have the chance to do it, I highly recommend it! It's great!) And I used a monthly devotional magazine called Journey when I'm not doing a bible study but my subscription lapsed and I haven't renewed it.<br />
<br />
All that to say, I'm looking for something new to use. What do you typically use for your quiet time?</div>
			</summary>
		</entry>
			<entry>
			<title>Like a pumpkin...</title>
			<link href="http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=18806"/>
			<id>http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=18806</id>
			<author>
				<name>mandycarr01</name>
			</author>
			<published>2009-10-23T16:37:26Z</published>
			<updated>2009-10-23T16:37:26Z</updated>
			<summary type="xhtml">
				<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Got this in an email today and thought it was nice for fall...<br />
<br />
Being a soul on the planet is like being a pumpkin.  God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.  He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see.  <br />
<br />
<img src="http://stepforums.bethany.org/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" title="Smile" /></div>
			</summary>
		</entry>
			<entry>
			<title>A big step for me.</title>
			<link href="http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=18793"/>
			<id>http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=18793</id>
			<author>
				<name>ChelleRae</name>
			</author>
			<published>2009-10-22T11:40:27Z</published>
			<updated>2009-10-22T11:40:27Z</updated>
			<summary type="xhtml">
				<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">DH and I are youth sponsors at our church, and we have been for quite a while. Last year, we took one of the girls into our home for a little while because her home was not really a safe place for her. Well, long story short, she lied to us, and took advantage of us. I was so angry, and so hurt. She didn't come back to youth group for several months, but started coming off and on during the summer. Now for the last month or so, she has been there every Wednesday night. It's been a real struggle for me to deal with the feelings I have towards her. But, I don't want to be a bitter person, and I want to show her the love of Christ, so I'm trying to reach out to her. Last week, I was able to hug her and tell her I love her. Then, last night after the message, she went forward. It was difficult, but I went up, hugged her, and prayed for her. It felt really good. It totally wasn't me, because I didn't have the strength to do it on my own. <img src="http://stepforums.bethany.org/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" title="Smile" /></div>
			</summary>
		</entry>
			<entry>
			<title>The Only Appluase That Matters October 21, 2009</title>
			<link href="http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=18784"/>
			<id>http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=18784</id>
			<author>
				<name>Smilin93076</name>
			</author>
			<published>2009-10-21T09:44:27Z</published>
			<updated>2009-10-21T09:44:27Z</updated>
			<summary type="xhtml">
				<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span style="color: #004000">I try to catch <span style="text-decoration: underline">A Word With You</span> with Ron Hutchcraft every morning.   I find that they are quick and such great words.  Todays really snagged me so I wanted to share it with you.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you/your-personal-power/the-only-applause-that-matters-5943" class="postlink">The Only Applause That Matters</a></span></div>
			</summary>
		</entry>
			<entry>
			<title>Is it just me or is it exceptionally sad around here?</title>
			<link href="http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=18774"/>
			<id>http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=18774</id>
			<author>
				<name>loquat</name>
			</author>
			<published>2009-10-20T15:28:00Z</published>
			<updated>2009-10-20T15:28:00Z</updated>
			<summary type="xhtml">
				<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">My intercessions for others during my morning prayers are getting longer and longer--why are we all going through such hard times right now? And I'm certain that there are people I'm forgetting to pray for (because I'm like that). It makes me sad that so many of us are going through such tough situations right now, and it's hard not knowing what God has in store for all of us. Just gotta keep praying and hoping for the best. <br />
<br />
One of my favorite things about November at SS is that we all list the things we're thankful for. I'm not sure I can wait till November this year though.  Anyone else want to talk about the things they're thankful for in spite of the yuck of life? It can't hurt, right?</div>
			</summary>
		</entry>
			<entry>
			<title>wow</title>
			<link href="http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=18729"/>
			<id>http://stepforums.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&amp;t=18729</id>
			<author>
				<name>karenh</name>
			</author>
			<published>2009-10-15T10:06:33Z</published>
			<updated>2009-10-15T10:06:33Z</updated>
			<summary type="xhtml">
				<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=19fd9c84c942a08316e0&amp;amp;mui=6974c0a9b90143e37db255f6dee6ff9d" class="postlink">http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=19fd9c84c942a08316e0&amp;amp;mui=6974c0a9b90143e37db255f6dee6ff9d</a><br />
<span style="color: #BF0000">This is sometihng i need to hear every day</span></div>
			</summary>
		</entry>
	</feed>