Dear Jennifer,
I am currently leading your Me, Myself, and Lies study. The ladies and I are enjoying your study. I have a question about Week 4, Day 2. Is the statement “Every thought we think is not necessarily our own,” saying that Satan is able to read our thoughts or put thoughts into our minds? If so, how is this accomplished? Also, what scripture would back this up? We had been talking about this subject some weeks ago and I know they will ask about this.
Thanks, Barb
How many times have you heard a mom described as having “eyes in the back of her head?” Often, right? It’s a picturesque way of illustrating that a mom can see what her kids are doing, even when they’re doing it behind her back.
But, have you ever thought about God having “eyes in the back of His head?”
Of course, God is Spirit and utterly omniscient, but think of what that picture could represent. Does God see what is behind Him? Does He willingly observe that which is behind Him? What about your sin? Is it before Him or behind Him?
When King David committed adultery and was confronted by the prophet Nathan, he was devastated. If you read Psalm 51, you sense that his devastation isn’t because he was caught, but because he realized the blackness of his act. “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.”
This summer, we’re hoping to head to the beach. But before we arrive, I will have already spent quite a bit of time underwater because of the book I’m enjoying this month.
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is a classic science fiction novel published in 1870 by French writer Jules Verne. The novel is set in the mid-nineteenth century where a French professor and his two companions, who are trapped aboard a fantastic submarine as prisoners of Captain Nemo, come face to face with exotic ocean creatures and strange sights hidden from the world.I laughed, was mesmerized and even learned a thing or two from this brilliant man and his pen. I admit, I did get lost in the classifying sometimes, but I loved reading about all the different underwater cultures the Nautilus encountered. Several years ago, I loved reading The Mysterious Island, the sequel to Twenty Thousand Leagues, so I dived into the sea adventures out of order!But again, I was charmed by Verne’s characters. They are gentle, wise and intriguing. Give this book a taste test-but I warn you, the classification lists can go on and on. Just skim those and keep reading!
Dear Jennifer,
I wanted to ask for your input and guidance, if you don’t mind sharing. I am speaking at a women’s event and am working on preparing for that. This is my first teaching opportunity, so it’s new territory for me. When you are preparing a new talk, what are your practices? I’m unsure where to start.
Sherry G., Tennessee
Jennifer’s Answer
For about ten years now, Katharyn, Lori, and I have met for a girls’ weekend. Beach condos, New York City hotels, and even our homes have all played host to our once-a-year estrogen-charged escapes.
This year, we chose Kansas City for our latest installment. We arrived late Thursday night to discover our lovely suite overlooked the Country Club Plaza, yes; my expectations and excitement were brimming. The only thing I anticipated more than the shopping was the emptying of my brimming bladder; yes, it had been a long drive.
After checking in, I raced into our hotel bathroom and quickly shut the door. Well, I tried to shut the door. Something had lodged beneath it and the door was jammed. I reached down to dislodge the assumed washcloth, grasped a wad of fabric in my fist—and screamed. Katharyn and Lori rushed to the scene for a “sight” inspection. I knew for certain when Katharyn yelled, “Gross!” and Lori groaned. I held an anonymous pair of men’s underwear in my hand. We all marched from the restroom to the phone. I pressed zero and connected with the young man at the front desk.
Dear Jennifer,
I have been reading your book, Lessons I Learned in the Dark, and you say that one should rejoice in their suffering. All I seem to do is get frustrated and depressed. I have the same trials day in and day out–people making fun of me or dismissing me because they see I have a disability.
I feel that I always have to prove myself to everybody, even though I have become a success. As you say in your book, I have become very independent, but I feel isolated. I feel that socially; I have not experienced what others have experienced at my age. I try to pray, but feel I make little progress. Your book makes it seem this whole thing has been a pretty smooth ride for you, with a few bumps in the road, in which you are able to conquer most everything.
Thank you, Wendi
Jennifer’s Answer
