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Family Matters:  Bible Study #1- Women of the Bible  |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 13 2010 : 11:28:23 AM
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Thank you. A childhood friend passed away on Friday, she had a heart attack. She was only 54 and in the last dozen years or so had kind of lived more hermit like. She had some alcohol issues which may have attributed to it but she will be missed for the gal she was.
Will get back to business here within a day or so. In process of re-arranging!! Yipppeee moving freezer to garage which will open up some space as well as some other things. Good way to do some MAJOR cleaning here is my little abode.
God Bless you all
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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julia hayes
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
julia
medical lake
wa
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Jun 13 2010 : 12:07:33 PM
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Rae....this is a heavy moment in your journey. I am pausing thinking of the sacredness of her, her family and friends and you. When you are ready.. When you are able. When your spirit feels like it..until then I am with you...~j
being simple to simply be
Farmgirl #30
www.julia42.etsy.com
www.about-aria.blogspot.com |
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classygram
True Blue Farmgirl
1812 Posts
Brenda
Pleasant Hill
Mo.
USA
1812 Posts |
Posted - Jun 13 2010 : 4:33:14 PM
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Dear Rae, losing a close friend is like losing a part of ourselves. Because we have shared our true self to each other. You and her family will be in my prayers and thoughts.
Hugs, Brenda
"What lies behind us, and what lies before us are small matter compared to what lies within us."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Seek reasons to Love..In every sigment of everyday-look for something that brings forth within you a feeling of Love-Abraham Hicks |
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knittinchick
True Blue Farmgirl
1854 Posts
Megan
Wisconsin
1854 Posts |
Posted - Jun 13 2010 : 5:00:18 PM
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Rae, my prayers and thoughts are with you! How terrible to have that happen to you. I will keep you in my prayers.
God's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
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staci860
True Blue Farmgirl
838 Posts
Staci
Newville
PA
USA
838 Posts |
Posted - Jun 14 2010 : 09:08:45 AM
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Rae, I'm praying for you.
It's good you've found a project to keep your body busy while your mind/heart grieve and heal.
Blessings, staci FG# 973
:o )
Joshua 24:15 - ...choose this day whom you will serve,...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Jun 16 2010 : 11:53:35 AM
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Many warm prayers and thoughts headed your way Rae!
Hugs,
Channah
Farmgirl sister #1219
Just a small town country girl trying to live her dreams. :) |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - Jun 16 2010 : 12:54:46 PM
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HI all!! Someone go ahead and post on Samuel. I started to read and will respond but if someone would start this time for me that would be greatly appreciated.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jun 16 2010 : 6:06:20 PM
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Okay, I hope no one minds, I will give it a try.
I Samuel 1:1 through 2:11. The story of Hannah. The devoted mother. Hannah's name means gracious. She married Elkinah, a Levite from a town several miles north of Jerusalem. Levites assisted priests in religious rites. They were admired among the community. Her husband followed the common custom of polygamy. However, it seems he loved Hannah the most, and cared for her deeply. Hannah was devoted to her marriage, even though she could not concieve. Her husband loved her even though her womb was, as it is said, "closed". Hannah had a faith strong enough to petition the Lord, and then let herself feel at peace. God gave her a son, Samuel. When she had weaned him, she took him to a temple and he remained under the tutorship of Eli, the priest. She was able to see her son only once a year. But she remained devoted to God. Samuel grew to be an outstanding prophet. How foreign these things are to us! But what are your thoughts? What characteristics best explain her style of mothering? (I am getting this info from my book on Women of the Bible.)
By the way, an interesting note: It was customary to nurse a child for three years or longer in these times and in this part of the world, as there was no way to keep milk fresh and sweet. So Samuel was probably three or four when HAnnah took him to Eli.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
Edited by - jpbluesky on Jun 17 2010 07:05:26 AM |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jun 18 2010 : 06:23:12 AM
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Rae - how is life going? We miss your posts. I gave Samuel verses a running start above, and I hope that is okay.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - Jun 18 2010 : 08:07:43 AM
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Thank you for getting it started! I need to finish reading and will join in. Doing ok, funeral was yesterday and was very nice. It was as Cindy requested with our Pastor there which warmed my heart as she had not been to church in years 
Thank you all, will join in discussion now soon!!
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Jun 18 2010 : 11:24:51 AM
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Oh, I love the story of Hannah! I will have to read along with you on this one. She was such a strong women.
Hugs,
Channah
Farmgirl sister #1219
Just a small town country girl trying to live her dreams. :) |
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staci860
True Blue Farmgirl
838 Posts
Staci
Newville
PA
USA
838 Posts |
Posted - Jun 18 2010 : 1:28:24 PM
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I read this last week and will need to refresh. I'll be back. It's been a very hectic week and I've missed you ladies.
Rae- I'm glad to hear that the service brought some measure of warmth and peace to you.
Blessings, staci FG# 973
:o )
Joshua 24:15 - ...choose this day whom you will serve,...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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Singing Tree Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Cari
Chase
Michigan
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Jun 21 2010 : 5:55:57 PM
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Okay, I see not many have posted on Hannah. To be honest, I was hoping to avoid this one and not have to be honest and open.
In some ways I can totally relate to Hannah. I, too, was unable to get pregnant. I remember the pain and guilt, and crying out to God. Her desire to be pregnant and have a baby was so great she would willingly have him with her for a short time. Possibly only two years. When she had this baby boy it must have been such joy and yet a heartache knowing she would give him up. It is good she kept her word to God Ecc. 5:4-5 "When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed- Better not to vow than to vow and not pay." She obviously had a great trust in God. Her prayer in 1 Sam. 2:1-10 is totally focused on God's sovereingty.
I had two wonderful healthy children, then I lost three. (Each child was a seperate pregnancy). Because of this I have a struggle in my heart when she gives her son to Eli. My desire is to clutch them all to me, not giving them up. Even though I have given my children to God, I would not want to physically give them up. I think Hannah understands that her son belonged to God, and in the culture and custom of the day she was able to rest in that.
Another thing that I find interesting further on in the story, is that Eli's own two sons are rebellious and bring judgement on themselves. Eli himself and his house forever were judged because Eli knew of his son's iniquity and did not rebuke them. Wow, that's something that makes me as a parent think. It's also interesting to me how differently Samuel and the son's turned out.
All of creation sings Your praise! |
Edited by - Singing Tree Farm on Jun 21 2010 6:49:56 PM |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2010 : 07:17:15 AM
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Finally read the story, whew!!! That was certainly one of those lessons in patience!! God is always trying to get that through my head! I was impressed how Hannah kept her word and gave her first born to God. She did go on to have other children, I have a study Bible. You know there was also the lesson of the fact that our children really are God's and we are given the privilege of loving them and raising them.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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staci860
True Blue Farmgirl
838 Posts
Staci
Newville
PA
USA
838 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2010 : 08:32:16 AM
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Cari, thank you for sharing and being honest. I can't imagine giving up one of my children either. And I know that although spiritually I have given them back to God I still struggle to trust Him with them physically. My story differs a bit from yours - while I had no trouble getting pregnant, I had a very difficult time staying pregnant and also struggled with guilt and pain and became somewhat obsessed with having a child.(God did bless us with 2 healthy, babies who are now teenagers.) 
I suppose the cultural factor had much to do with Hannah's willingness/ability to give Samuel back to God. And though our society has come a long way in valuing women for more than just our wombs, in her day so much of her self-worth would have come from being a mother.
I also admire Hannah's restraint when it came to her dealings with Peninnah. Even though she allowed herself to become filled with despair and bitterness (mostly self-directed), it doesn't seem that she took any action against Peninnah. (I personally would have wanted to knock her on her behind and/or rub her nose in the affection that Elkanah showed for Hannah.) Ultimately, Hannah's faith is revived and she waits and is justified in that waiting.
It would also have been upsetting to have the high priest, Eli, jump to conclusions and question her behavior. (She answers Eli in what seems a gentle response - another lesson for me.) Besides the lesson I'm trying to learn and teach my children - don't assume anything about anyone from their appearance and behavior - "cut them some slack" so to speak.
There is so much in this reading and I look forward to hearing from more of you ladies.
Blessings, staci FG# 973
:o )
Joshua 24:15 - ...choose this day whom you will serve,...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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Edited by - staci860 on Jun 23 2010 08:39:59 AM |
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buffypuff
True Blue Farmgirl
1183 Posts
Claudia
Deer Park
WA
USA
1183 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2010 : 11:37:00 AM
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Well, there is so much in this that it is hard to know where to start. Hannah was a wife with another wife. Yikes, can you imagine living with that...name calling, bickering, neener neener moments. Polygamy was allowed, but God had said that a man should leave his family, cling to his wife & the 2 should become 1. He didn't say you could share. In scripture, we always see contention when there has been 2 wives. Where was that husband Elkanah? Why didn't he tell Peninnah to close her lips? Did not Elkanah love Peninnah? Says he loved Hannah. That wouldn't have made me feel happy if I were Peninnah. Carrying on the family name is even talked about today when one has a boy. It was more so back then. To bear children was an important thing. Hannah couldn't. God closed her womb. OK, ultimately He did, but we know in modern times, there is a bevy of reasons women cannot conceive. How did tnat make Hannah feel that "God closed her womb?" Did she go through depression wondering why? I suspect so. Did it disappoint her, even anger her toward God? I might have. Did she pray, really believing God would answer with all these emotions, questions popping up? . Turmoil in our life causes us to move...either toward God in prayer, or away from God in anger in his not answering the way & time we think He should. Our heart gets a little cold...even though we may outwardly go to church, pray with our lips, not our heart etc. I've been there..have this past year to some extent. Who does that hurt? Me! This is the point I want to make here with this post. These times of disappointment, turmoil, bad circumstances, pain etc....these things become an opportunity to pray, get closer in our relationships to God and then wait. How many times in the new testament does it say to pray...turn it to God..pray, & then stand. Jesus said in Luke 18...pray & not give up.Hannah did that...casting all her cares on Him. God was never far away from her, but I think there had to be a change in heart, because she went home happy. It was only then that she conceived. There is a lot to say if she hadn't had samual, but... my point is...too often I hear people (even Christians) griping about the economy, their mate, their neighbors, the government. These are all disturbing things. However, if we used just half the energy we use in griping to pray...we might see some change, and true answers to prayer. Hannah is an admirable woman, but if we use her example in our everyday lives...we too can be admired.
Off my soap box. I am preaching to me. Thanks for allowing me to talk to myself.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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julia hayes
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
julia
medical lake
wa
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2010 : 5:52:56 PM
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I'm still thinking about this one. You know how I do. I grind.
I have loved these responses however..so insightful. What I appreciate most is a present day view upon an ancient tale. The objectivity this lends is by far the most instructive. I will post soon. I hope to be brief, but this is definitely not a strength!
My love and light to you, ~julia
being simple to simply be
Farmgirl #30
www.julia42.etsy.com
www.about-aria.blogspot.com |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2010 : 05:31:09 AM
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Claudia how true!! We do need to pray, constantly. This country needs to wrapped in prayer and so often we forget to bring it to God, the good, bad and ugly. Thank you for reminding me!
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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staci860
True Blue Farmgirl
838 Posts
Staci
Newville
PA
USA
838 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2010 : 07:01:18 AM
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Hey. Claudia - thanks for preaching to me, too. I have sometimes wondered where I would be in my walk with God, if I wouldn't have had my children. Would I have learned to be content in that circumstance? I hope I would have found peace but when I really consider it and what I know of myself, the honest answer scares me.
I agree, prayer is vital. Having an open dialogue with our Father, trusting Him for all things and finding our peace in Him in ALL things and ALL circumstances.
Blessings, staci FG# 973
:o )
Joshua 24:15 - ...choose this day whom you will serve,...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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Edited by - staci860 on Jun 24 2010 07:02:15 AM |
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Singing Tree Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Cari
Chase
Michigan
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2010 : 3:56:10 PM
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It is absolutely imparetive to be in prayer, communion with our Father. We must know (and do,1 Samuel 2:35) His heart and His mind and the truth of His Word. Abiding in the vine as John 15 says.
Staci, what you said about trusting Him for all things is exactly right.Godis really reaching out to His people right now. I know this is true in the places around my state that I have been to, and also in Nicaragua where I have been and they have been up here, so I am presuming God is doing this elswhere, too. He wants us to come to Him, look to Him, and trust Him in all things. Then we can have the peace as we are trusting Him. In ALL things and ALL circumstances.
It's so easy to get distracted from the simple devotion.
All of creation sings Your praise! |
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knittinchick
True Blue Farmgirl
1854 Posts
Megan
Wisconsin
1854 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2010 : 5:32:03 PM
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I like this one. Many women today are faced with not being able to have a baby, and Hannah was willing to give up her son to the Lord just so she could have a baby.
I also like the idea that God lifts up those who are suffering. I think it gives us hope that even though we or our loved ones may be in a tough spot, God will raise us up. He will lift us up of the "ashes" and make us new.
Claudia, I like what you say about prayer. I do agree, that as a society in whole, we complain a lot. If we turned all that complaining into praying, I society would be a lot different.
God's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2010 : 4:59:08 PM
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Claudia, WOW!! Just read your post and does it hit home with me, more than you could ever know. Thank you for the thoughts you shared and the insights that the Lord used you to convey!! Blessings, linda
Country at Heart |
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classygram
True Blue Farmgirl
1812 Posts
Brenda
Pleasant Hill
Mo.
USA
1812 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2010 : 8:04:31 PM
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Oh I know that we must go to God with all our concerns and leave it with him knowing that he will take care as he sees best. But, Boy am I struggling. I feel like the last month I'm in consent prayer with God. With Tom still unemployed and no unemployment now, I'm not able to go to work right now, we are at a lose as to what to do. We have nothing, have had to use everything that we had put away. Can you be looking for his answers to the point of not seeing what and where he wants us to be? Tom and I are holding on to each other tightly, believing in our faith in God that things will work out. Yet struggle and frighten as to what is ahead of us. Please pray for us that we will keep our faith strong and see the answers. I have always thought I was one that would hand trials over to God, But I guess that this is the first time our true survival depends on everything we do. I do so much enjoy this study and that we can come here with our fears and struggles knowing that we are understood.
Hugs, Brenda
"What lies behind us, and what lies before us are small matter compared to what lies within us."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Seek reasons to Love..In every sigment of everyday-look for something that brings forth within you a feeling of Love-Abraham Hicks |
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buffypuff
True Blue Farmgirl
1183 Posts
Claudia
Deer Park
WA
USA
1183 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2010 : 9:27:39 PM
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Oh Brenda, I wish I knew what to say. It is easy and somewhat trite to just give you a pat answer & say "trust God." We know that with our head, it is our heart that worries, & breaks questioning whether we are making the right move or not. In the midst of this study, we here all have trials...maybe not as great as yours. But we have the opportunity to pray for one another...something I am not sure Hannah had. We may not be a priest as Eli, as sinful as he was, but we can pray for each other and our trials. We can specifically pray for YOU now, and as Eli said to Hannah... "May the God of Israel grant you what you have asked."
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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Family Matters: Bible Study #1- Women of the Bible |
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Bible Study #1- Women of the Bible
