I Second That Emotion – Session #9 & #10
WELCOME BACK to this week’s lesson from Chapter #9 (Breathing Space) and Chapter #10 (Imagination Station) from the “I Second That Emotion” book.We’re having a great time unpacking the suitcase of our “zany emotions” with this study and I pray that you are taking the time to do these three things: 1) read the book, 2) answer the study guide questions, and 3) go through the lessons we’re doing in Mel’s World.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book, the study, and the online group…this has been a great adventure and I am thankful to be on this journey with you all!
Let’s jump right into the study, shall we?
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Read Hebews 13:1-6
p.66 ~ We all need breathing space from our routines, relatives, and other relationships. But here’s my biggest struggle: how to get away from ME. I often get on my own nerves. When I start to gripe at myself, I sometimes head for the beauty parlor, maybe because it’s such a girly thing to do. Of course I enjoy the personal attention and usually the results. Besides, it gives me a mini breathing space.
Page 67 ~ I think every woman should have a “lost in space” place. It needs to be something you do and somewhere you go that not only pleases your sense but also results in satisfaction.
Question ~> When you need some “Breathing Space” where’s your “Lost in Space” place?
Page 67 ~ Yet sometimes what I need most as a woman is to plug into others. One way I do this is via e-mail. Actually, girlfriends are a lifeline. Yes, they can contribute to some of my emotional knots, but more often than not they resuscitate me.
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It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like, “What about lunch?” ~ Winnie the PoohQuestion ~> How often are you getting to spend time with your girlfriends? Which one of your girlfriends do you need to call TODAY to catch up with?
What FRIENDS are to me;
F ~ Finding the
R ~ Right
I ~ Individual to
E ~ Encourage you to
N ~ Never
D ~ Depend on
S ~ Someone other than Jesus
a. They bring a different perspective to the equation. They help you see the BIG picture.
i. Who are the friends that help you think? __________________
2) Friends help us hear our inconsistencies and pinpoint blind spots
a. We ALL need accountability!
i. Who is that person who will speak the truth in love to you even if it hurts (you and her)?
a. They applaud our gifts, and they celebrate our good fortune. When good things happen in your life these are the people you call first!
a. It’s important that we not abuse our friendships by expecting them to do for us what Jesus plans to do another way.
Page 69 ~ People not only will disappoint us, but many also will leave us and we them. We humans never are prepared for feeling rejected, abandoned, or replaced, but quite honestly, it’s part of the human dilemma. We don’t expect a friend to clock out, but it happens…and perhaps for the best. That’s hard to grasp in the midst of misunderstanding and hurt.
Read Psalm 118:6
Find the “Reason, Season, & Lifetime” story and read it.
Page 71 ~ Yes, friends were mant to be part of God’s resuscitation team…Don’t miss the blessing out of fear of conflict or failure. People who insulate themselves against closeness and withdraw into solitary worlds will become mentally and emotionally rickety. Don’t go there. Instead, take a deep breath and reach out as many times as it takes to find friends. I agree with Emily Dickinson, who said, “My friends are my estate.”
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Genesis 1:4
Revelation 22:5
Matthew 5:14
Ephesians 5:8
John 8:12 ~ There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly ~ Buckminster Fuller
Page 76 ~ Color is paramount to art, and the wonderful thing about color is it can be splashed across all of life’s offerings; our attitudes, our speech, our clothing, our gift giving, and our emotional lives. Question ~> If you had to pick one color to describe you, what would it be?
Page 76 ~ We are hardwired to respond emotionally to the wonder of art. I believe God has given us many elements in this life that help to heal us, inspire us, and remind us of our Creator, as well as enlarge our interior worlds. Art might well top the list of contributors to those benefits.
Review Page 76 for the Favorites and take some time to really sit down and think about what your personal favorites are!
Page 76 ~ Sometimes unplugging from our routines and losing ourselves in life’s art is the most healing thing we can do for our stretched out emotions.
– Take a new route home
– Stop by a flower shop just to smell the flowers (hey, while you are there buy yourself some too!)
– Go to a pet store and love on the animals for a little bit!
Question ~> What form of art makes your heart skip a beat?
Just an idea…why not sign up for a cooking class, book club (hey, that’s us!), pottery, something fun and creative.
Page 81 ~ Remember that artistic endeavors can be therapeutic to our uptight bundle of emotions.
Read Psalm 139:13-14What are you going to do to get your “Creative Juices flowing”?
– Art Classes
– Cooking Classes
– Museum
– Dance Class
– Parks
The God of the universe is wonderfully creative…now is your chance to take into His creativity!
Like I always say…DREAM BIG, God does!
Page 164 ~ Pray and commit every moment of your life to God for His purposes and see how his plan unfolds. Truly spend adequate time before God with this. Don’t rush it. Just rest knowing that God knitted you in the womb, knows every hair on your head and every rubber band in your stomach, and he knows the future He has for you!
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Meet us back here NEXT Friday, April 3rd, as we wrap up this study by going over Chapters #11, 12, & 13. I can’t wait to hear what you’ve been learning from this book. Be Blessed!
