Day 1-- Welcome to the Faith Dare Journey!

Good morning ladies,

Day 1--First I want to continue to encourage us to 'live out loud' with courage and love each day. Yes, I know....easier said than done. I have been definitely spurred for these two
purposes lately.

In the "Pre-reading" pg. 30 "Faith" comments reminded me of what it's
about. I felt an unction from God reminding me of how faithful He
has been when I simply take the small steps of faith/trust--not just
the large leaps. "Baby Steps" for those "What About Bob" fans.
* Pg. 33 Another reminder of how productive "trials/tests" have been
to help me mature as a person of faith. Our lives are so much
bigger when we release our faith to God's plan.

At the bottom of pg. 48, the last paragraph says it all....IF we want total life change, we have to be willing...... Are we willing? I am and I hope we can all join our lives to encourage each other to live with a desire for a new heart daily for the next 30 days.

TODAY'S DARE: Ask God for a new heart. "Acknowledging where we are is the first step to living in faith and truth"-Debbie Alsdorf

Today's dare spoke to me: "What does my heart look like to God?" What are the areas I still need to completely surrender to Him? Am I willing to reach into the darkness of my soul with God's hand and grab them together? (ie., like losing my keys in the dark) Am I willing to allow Him to get His 'mega-watt' flashlight to let the Light reveal the darkness? Can I pick up those "keys" within my heart and cast/give them over to Christ? He has a different set of "keys" He wants to give to me. Keys to freedom of living my life as He desires...with joy, purpose, love, hope; freedom from junk that bogs me down.
"Teach me your way. Give me an undivided heart." Psalm 86

God's asking me to: Let Him give me the "perfectly cut keys" for my life.

My challenge is to: Allow Him access. Receive.

Today I believe....God promises to show himself strong on my behalf.

Ladies I went a little long today to introduce you to the blogging process. The last half is shorter and more typical. Share what you are pondering. What speaks to you and how you think it might stir up the faith in someone else. The main thing is to share...trust in the process of growth. I pray we will all be stronger in our faith, love, daily walking out of that love, joy, FOCUS for change in God's purposes within our lives....not simply our own self-purpose. BE reaL!! Be brave and join in.
Blessings on your day,

~Shauna

August 1, 2011 11:37 AM 

Day 30--When It Depends On You

Dare: To Be The First One To Change

Living out the Faith Dare this month has been revealing. Revealing my weaknesses as a human in process and my strengths. I am reminded of the giftings God created me with from birth; for his purposes. Sometimes I forget to look 'face on' at the blessings and strengths I have to utilize. It is the very gift of administration/teaching which has given me the courage to continue to pursue the dreams God gave me many years ago.
There have been detours, roadblocks, construction sites along the way, but God has been rekindling the calling within, during this summer of clarification.
                                     For YOU (God) are who YOU say YOU are.
                                     YOU can do what YOU say YOU can do.
                                     I am who YOU say I am.
                                     I CAN do all things through Christ.


   Debbie wrote, "The Christian life is about being filled with the Spirit and operating from that place. And if that's the case, then why shouldn't we be the first to make a move toward change?"
   This past year and a half has been all about change for my entire family. Change is not always what we anticipate or easy, but change is a constant in our world. Change can be the very thing that catapults us into our destiny. In the midst of this 'blending of our family', I somehow have lost my unique identity, the woman I am in Christ. I have the faith to believe that with God all things are possible. I am not staying in this 'pit'--- because I am climbing out. Other people can stay in the miry  clay, but I know in my spirit that I am called to renew my mind, my spirit each day; to be the new creature in Christ he sacrificed for me to be for His glory, not his regret. I can pray, encourage and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit for others, but ultimately they are on their own personal/unique path--I pray they will see that God has given us to one another as part of that plan.

   "Sometimes it's not possible to MAKE peace. Often others refuse it. But that refusal doesn't get us off the hook. We must do our part, make the first move, do what would bring peace and healing in the relationship. The Faith Dare began with "The Miracle of a New Heart" surrendering our hearts to God. And now we end with the same. We need to surrender our hearts, attitudes, and works to God in practical ways---practical ways that will stretch us, even when our pride does not want it. Especially then." (page 223)

II Timothy 2:20-25

Ps. 139:23-24
   "Search me, O God, and know my heart;
          test me and know my anxious thoughts.
    See if there is any offensive way in me,
          and lead me in the way everlasting."

Ruth Harms Calking wrote in Lord, Could You Hurry a Little?;
   Whatever our hands touch--we leave fingerprints!
    On walls, on furniture, on doorknobs, dishes, books,
    There's no escape.
   As we touch we leave our identity.
   O God, wherever I go today
   Help me leave your heartprints!
   Heartprints of compassion, of understanding and love.

Today's truth is speaking to me.......
   Leave the past and move into experiencing a beautiful, content future with God directing my path daily. Dare to be brave, strong and of good courage.

God is asking me to.....
   Be strong! Shake it off.
   Move forward, plugged into the Holy Spirit....looking up, living well.

My challenge is to.....
   Continue to walk out the "faith dares" as part of my growth process. Reminding myself that I can't control people's responses, but I can expect my response to be lead by humbling myself before God, daily. I desire to learn, to grow and serve all the days of my life. Somehow this year I lost track of that simple truth. I have had to repent, learn from this experience and ask God to get me back on the right path. He is faithful! His mercies are new every morning. I'm so thankful He is my Redeemer.

Debbie wrote:
Today's prayer
   Lord, I want all that you have for me. I realize that to honor you means that I must be open to allowing you to flow through  me with your love and care for others. I desire to be your touch in this world that I live in. Make my life a heartprint of our Holy Spirit and a reflection of your pure and unselfish love of others. Do in me what I cannot do on my own."


Colossians 3:2-3
   Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your new life is now hidden with Christ in God.

   In closing remarks Debbie wrote, "I want to develop the art of looking up. I want to make a habit of intentionally choosing my focus. I want the focus to be on Jesus Christ, who he is, how faithful he is, who I am in him. I want to surrender to his plan. I want to look up." (page 228)
   "And I pray for you to experience God's love and presence on the journey! And I pray that all of us learn to challenge ourselves daily--dare to follow after a God who cannot be boxed up and figured out, a God who calls us to follow him on a journey of love, peace, joy and real life change. Here's to life!"(page 230)

   Thank you for sharing your thoughts through emails, tweets and phone conversations. I believe we can all agree we have been changed for the better, through the passages of God's Word and the helps of Faith Dare. May the Lord bless you and keep you and cause His face to shine upon you. I will always treasure this time together in the Summer of 2011.
Journeying Together,

~Shauna

Day 29--Having All We Need

Dare: To Choose Contentment in Your Relationships

We will have thousands of relationships in our life-time. Some close, life-long. Others brief, for a specific purpose at an appointed time. How I choose to view my relationships is a daily occurrence. I need to remember Paul's encouragement to be content in all circumstances.

Philippians 4:4-19
In the midst of "situations", I must keep my focus on what Jesus wants me to do. I can't control what others will do, but I can decide in advance how I am going to behave. God's ways are not man's ways. Sometimes it seems odd to operate by the Word's direction. But it is always for our betterment, a closer relationship with Him and others.....and Satan hates it. Satan is the father of lies and loves chaos, confusion and strife. Jesus worked toward peace, love, joy of the Holy Spirit....contentment. This life is a journey in which we are never promised tomorrow. So let's make the most with what we have be blessed with--let''s share our lives through peaceful relationships.

Today's truth is speaking to me.....
     Keep building relationship when the opportunity presents itself.

God is asking me to.....
    Rise to the challenge. Through Him I am able to overcome any obstacle.
Be wise with boundaries, guard my words and heart. Let go and LET GOD!

My challenge is to.....
   Let things drop into Jesus' hands.
   Move forward from hurts, don't get stuck in people's junk. Sometimes I can love too much--care too much.

"Today's Prayer--
    Lord you are perfect, and I put my trust in you. I am learning that my disappointment can be used as your appointment for personal growth, shaping and maturing. May your will be done in the story of my life. You supply my every need--physical, material, emotional, spiritual. Thank you."   (pg. 220)

Philippians 4:19  " My God will supply all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Today I believe......


"God is aware of my need for his strength to be accepting of and content with people who are different from me, upset with me, annoy me, or otherwise push my buttons."(pg.220)

It's difficult to believe we are sharing our final day of Faith Dare tomorrow. Cheers to a blessed day looking up--giving thanks and living out.
~Shauna

Day 28--Live Unselfishly

Dare to Seek Another's Best.

"A stripping of selfishness seems to hit most in our relationships with other people. God created us for relationship, so it makes sense that he strips us and changes us the most while we are in relationships."(page 210) So true. God is always working in and through us, because He loves us. Change is a must throughout life. The sooner we learn that principle, situations will become easier and more fruitful.

Luke 6:27-31 gives us direction for practical application. After you read it.....ask God to strengthen you to walk it out. I am having to pray for large doses of this strength right now.  Debbie writes a brief summary of this passage on page 212. I'm summarizing even more:
*Love them
*Do good to them
*Bless them
*Pray for them
*Give to them
Do to them what you would want them to do to you.
Sometimes we are able to see what would benefit someone else when they aren't able to see it clearly themselves. I am glad I have friends who share, call me out, and seek God's best for me; even when it's something I don't really like at the moment. Those are truly the ones who love you with the love of Christ.....they understand it is the Truth that sets us free. It is their selfless act of true friendship which is a treasured gift.

Today's Truth is speaking to me.....
   Create in me a clean heart oh God, and renew a right spirit within me.....I NEED YOU LORD!
This isn't always easy....although I know it crucifies my flesh.

God is asking me to.....
   Guard my heart, but love in practical ways. Remember, as I am offering practical ways to love others and they reject me...they are really rejecting the love Jesus is sending their way through others. It goes back to the beginning. God uses relationships.....when we are in a selfish mode, we often isolate and feel sorry for ourselves. So I choose to love in practical ways the Holy Spirit directs and I will continually choose to love--even when its difficult--in your face difficult.

Day 27--Measure Out Goodness

Dare: To Be Generous in Love an Practical Kindness

We are soon to begin a Life Group at our home for "blended families". Our  Cornerstone church body is reading and reviewing the John Ortberg's book, "The Me I Want to Be".  I am praying it will be a haven of  Truth, love and practical kindness.  We are given direction in Galatians 6;  'as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people..."

Debbie throws out some very practical Biblical based applications on page 207.

Today's truth is speaking to me....
   Keep on blessing.

God is asking me to.....
   Make some meals for our new Life Group for the first week.

My challenge is to....
   Make sure I plan accordingly--ie, time slots with previous commitments.
   Accept rejection when people don't receive my love and practical helps---"oh well".  I need to continue to  walk in obedience of love to God and others. He is at work. I am called to serve as Christ's disciple.

"Keep on loving each other as rothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."
                                                                     Hebrews 13:1-2

Lord today I believe.....
   "It is God's good plan for me to bless others, give to others, and find ways to show God's love in tangible ways to the people in my life."

Day 26--The Humble Heart

Dare: To Walk in Humility and Grace toward Others.

In our modern society we are prone to  "me-first" agenda vs. an "others-first" agenda. On page 200, Debbie wrote, "Humility involves shadowing the life and nature of Christ. We need a humble heart if we are going to live in love toward others and if we are interested in honoring Christ."

One of my favorite scriptures listed is I Peter 5:5-7
   "Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast ALL your anxiety on him because He cares for you."
We must daily allow ourselves the opportunity to humble ourselves in the Presence of God.
"A woman who has properly placed her cares in God's hands has more space in her mind and heart to humbly love others."(pg. 202) This is a wonderful truth which is not being passed down through the generations as it should. I feel compelled to make this a priority which can change our focus/heart and motives.....making positive daily lives as Christians.

   Again all of the dares listed for the day are ripe with opportunity. Which one have you chosen? The last one is my dare of the day: to actively look for the needs of others.

Today's truth is speaking to me....
   Reminding me I need to "clothe" myself in humility. What does my humility look like? Is it ragged, torn, dirty, smelly and not very attractive? or is my humility clean, pure in motive, has a sweet aroma and is attractive to those I encounter?

God is asking me to....
   Let Him clothe me this day....afresh, anew with His truths....from the Word of God and basking in His presence.

My challenge is to.....
   Be real without bitterness or a chip on my shoulder. Be real with humility. No victim mentality. "Real humility" is appealing and draws others to us and more importantly to Him. False humility stinks and repels.
Page 203, "Lord, teach me your way. Show me how to walk as you walked, as you loved, live as you lived--humbly, obedient and yielded."

Day 25-- The Power of Words

Dare: To Use Your Tongue to Bless and Build Up Others.

Ok, today I have been challenged with this before I typed the blog....before I got dressed.
Debbie wrote (pg. 195), "Truth is, trigger words can still threaten my peace and quickly alter my attitude. Yes, words hurt. We all need to realize that our words can deeply wound others. Things we say can start so innocently and end so terribly.....Become accountable to God for your mouth, and get excited about the flip side of the negative---the positive effect uplifting words can have." I'm so glad there is a flip side.

The scriptures on page 196 were encouraging!
Ecclesiastes 10:12
   "Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips." I desire to be the best that I have been created to be.

All of the options for the dare of the day are fabulous. This is a dare challenge that should never end.

Today's truth is speaking to me.....


   Sometimes it's easier for me to process out loud/on paper. But I need to be more guarded about my sounding boards while processing...sometimes people take them out of context.
   Listening more and acting in more constructive mannerisms--practical acts of encouragements. Tangibles; ie. notes/cards/emails/calls

God is asking me to.....
   Give more love away in practical ways each time I want to say something negative. If I'm listening, I will hear a person's needs. Then I will be able to bless them in surprisingly personal and practical ways.

My challenge is....
   Not have my feelings hurt or be offended by others actions/words. I can only control my responses.

Today I believe....
"Pleasant word are healing, and I will seek opportunities to use them and to give others courage to face the day."


So ladies, Cheers to a beautiful day!  Let's use our words the way the Holy Spirit is guiding us this day that the Lord has made....with all honesty, integrity  and LOVE. Lord, we need you more than ever.
Thank you for your word God. Your words bring healing to  my soul.