Lessons into everyday lives

[mrbones]

Hi Everyone,
I just finished reading (or rather listened to) the Shack a few weeks ago.  And I'm curious to learn how others are putting these lessons to work in their everyday lives. 

I am trying to increase my daily communion with God.... not just a prayer with my two kids before bed, but to pray several times a day.  The goal is to pray constantly and continually, but I'm not there yet! 

I am also trying to be less judgmental of others.  There are a few people in my life who have caused, and are causing me pain and disappointment.  This is a greater struggle for me. 

Peace to you all, and I look forward to your responses!

John

[Sioux Maiden]

WELCOME JOHN.
You have come to a home where Papa live and has brought people from around the world together.Hundred of thousnads of people from all faiths shareing and no fighting.
You mention you are now talking with Papa more. I have Papa with me from the moment I wake up till I go to sleep at night.
I see Papa as I would another. We talk and I disagree from time to time and it all comes very natural.
John I look for the many small blessings I receive during a day and just say (Thank you Papa)
I have had people upset me and in the past I would react. Today I just turn and walk away and silentley ask good things for them. The only way I can be upset now is if I grab a piece of their anger and then it becomes my anger.
I would judge others till a loveing friend told me to always look for something good in everyone. It works.
Be good to John and don't take John too serious-(LOL)Take each day as it comes and listen for the soft voices and blessings and you will walk with a smile.
                                   Blessings to you  (Buff)

[Son of Adam]

Hi there mrbones and welcome to the Shack forum and the family.  One thing I have learned after so many years is that we cannot make any changes in ourselves with lasting results.   It is simply allowing Jesus to live His life in and through us.  In other words, get out of his way and let him make the changes in you from the inside out.  Trying to change is like trying to live up to the Old Testament Law, which only showed the futility of our own efforts to meet God's standards.  Most often, trying to change from the outside in just doesn't work, at least in the long-term.  It's so much easier if we just tell Jesus to do what he does best and begin an inward change in ourselves. 

Glad to have you here with us.  May you find love, joy, peace, grace, forgiveness, and hope here.  Blessings.

[rainbojo]

Welcome John.  Prayer is very good, to consciously make an effort to speak to God.  To praise Him and thank Him for all of our blessings, to ask for assistance or help in areas, and to seek forgiveness.  It's a lifelong journey and a wondrous one at that!!!  God bless you John.  Thank you for posting. 

[ggoodwin1]

Hi John,

Welcome, we are glad you are here.  After reading The Shack, I have begun to visualize my relationship with Papa, Jesus and Sarayu as my three closest friends that are CONSTANTLY with me.  I am forever talking with them and seeking their guidance.  This book has enabled me to finally begin to have the intimate and personal relationship I have always desired with my Heavenly Father.  I now know that is what He has always wanted too.

In His love,
Gena

[mrbones]

I appreciate all of the kind words.  This forum is a special place, and the Shack is a special book.  For the first time in my life, even after years of church while growing up, reading the Bible, etc, I see what it is like and how it is possible to truly have a personal relationship with God.  

I've had my share of trials over the years, but haven't always turned to God in times of need.  That's going to change, too.  Of course, the trick is to learn how to turn to God in times when you don't "need" anything!  I'm working on that!  

I'm trying to formulate another question relating to loving, judging, and expectations of someone close to you.  It seems to me that "expectations" are part of a loving relationship (I'm talking about a relationship between two people rather than God/me).  For example, you expect someone to be kind, caring, trustworthy, and compassionate.  Sooner or later, they will let you down because they are human, after all.  And you will be hurt when this person doesn't live up to your expectations.  So, does that mean that expectations aren't a "desirable" part of love?  Should we try to eliminate expectations as part of a loving relationship?  And just be pleasantly surprised at the good things people do?  That just doesn't make a lot of sense to me.  But expectations and judging seem to go hand in hand.....you can't really have one without the other.  

John

[arus]

You have a very good point John - and welcome, by the way! 

Judging people never works - how can we judge, when we are often just as guilty, if not more so, as our fellow man.  And expectations are the same, in my opinion.

If we "expect" something from someone, we are going to be let down - no two-ways about that, as our expectations and theirs are probably miles apart.

If I am having a hard day - should I "expect' you to know that?  And how would you know it, if I don't tell you?  And then, when I don't tell you, and you give me no support because I am having a bad day - I get annoyed with you!!

See where "expectations" get you?

I don't agree with expectations - or judging people. I have been wrong far too many times when I judged!!

But this is just my opinion

[Sioux Maiden]

Hello. Very short reply for the moment I allways accept another as they are. I do not expect them to change their lives for me or I for them. Will add more later. (Buff)

[rainbojo]

Hi John.   Great questions.  Expectations seem to be part of human nature yet truly are not healthy in a relationship.  You are 'expecting' someone to behave a certain way.  To let go of ones expectations of another is an unconditional act of love.  In my opinion...   Have a wonderful day

[mrbones]

Thanks for all the responses.  This is a work in progress!

[Son of Adam]

As has been said, expectations are rules, laws, regulations that we put on others in order for us to accept them as friends, husbands, wives, children, etc.  Jesus had no expectations from anyone.  He simply loved, even those who we would consider the dregs of society today.  In a marriage, for example, the Apostle Paul stated that we men are to love our wives as Christ loves the Church and gave his life for her.  No expectation from the Church, the body of Christ.  Jesus simply loves in spite of our rebellion, flaws, bad habits, etc.  Wives, Paul said, are to submit to their husbands - not the submission that we like to think of, a hierarchy where the husband rules over his wife, but rather it is being a part of that circle of relationship - Christ, the Church (all believers), husbands, wives, children, and so on.

When someone says, "I'll be your friend 'if' you....." that is no friendship, that isn't relationship.  That is putting law on someone and limiting them from being who they are in Christ.  It is clipping the wings of a bird which is meant to fly.  And judging is another form of expectations.

[mrbones]

Thank you, Son of Adam.  That was expressed so beautifully, and directly touches on some issues I'm facing in my personal life today!