Tag: Robin Gonzales

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Painting by Jesus Lugo
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)

Merry Christmas friends! What a glorious time to reflect on the beautiful gift of eternal life given to us through the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

I encourage you to schedule intentional reflection time within the next few days and simply thank the LORD for His glorious love. As I began my scheduling, one question kept coming to mind, “Where would I be without this gift?” That statement really humbled my heart and encouraged me to carve out a special time with our Heavenly father over the next week. I hope it inspires you as well.

Refining Leader: Robin and her husband, Edward

Count down to 2022 is upon us! What is your vision for your spiritual journey in the year ahead? Now is the perfect time to ponder the new year growth steps for you. It is so important to be purposeful and deliberate when wanting to mature in Christ. What are your aspirations? What are God’s goals for you? What are some actions and commitments that it will require in 2022?

Refining Leader: Mandi and her spouse, Lee

As you begin thinking about the next steps in your spiritual growth, we want to help you discover practical and authentic ways to deepen your relationship with God. Here are a few of our commitments to you in 2022:

  1. We will continue offering discussion study sessions over books of the Bible because we are committed to deepening the knowledge of the LORD with you.
  2. You direct our serving ministry! Thank you for your encouragement to invest in a social media format to better serve you. Your following on Facebook and this blog is appreciated.
  3. We realize everyone may not be in a season to attend our online Bible studies, and that’s ok! Therefore, we plan to offer other avenues. Just like you, we are pondering, praying, and planning for 2022.
  4. SO, let me be the first to let you in on part of our plans…(drum roll please)…Refining is thrilled to introduce a “Notable Faith” focus AND our BIG kick-off will begin with a Note Booking RETREAT!

We are inviting you to participate April 21-23 for a getaway in Glen Rose, TX. This intentional time will be extremely laid-back. I promise this is less compact than any other retreat we have held. The setting alone will be a chance to get away, enjoy nature, and carry out some growth intentionality.

If you love Bible journaling, scrapbooking, visual art, or simply want to leave an illustrated legacy of a life in relationship with GOD this is the retreat for you. Listen, you don’t have to be crafty at all! We will share very practical steps, tips, and tricks to creating an illustration of “Notable Faith” from your Scripture intake.

Be on the lookout for more information soon!!!

Refining Founder: Genna (that’s me!), husband Shawn, and son Ryan
My other twin son, Kyle, his wife Shayla, and our adorable grandchildren: Jude & Sydney

Until then-MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Much love,

The Refining Ministry

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Comparison (guest writer: Robin Gonzales)

Photo by Maksim Goncharenok on Pexels.com

Now while they were on their way, it occurred that Jesus entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha received and welcomed Him into her home. And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teachings. But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]!” But the Lord replied to her by saying “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

For my sake–can we camp here awhile? Why? I would like to share several things God had me unpack based on this Scripture. 

God met me at a ladies retreat many years ago and had me take a closer look at this passage. He had a message for me, just like He did for Martha.

It was a busy time in my life with work, church, family, etc. I was too busy and not happy with the way my life was going. (Have you ever experienced this?) I could see other people getting to do things and go places–all the things my heart desired to do and all the places I dreamed of going. Yet, I did not seem to have the time!! I wanted more time in my life and above all I craved a deeper relationship with God.

I was playing the Martha (martyr) roll well. When would it be my turn? Why does everyone else seem to be receiving what I desired? 

I, like Martha, took my complaint to God and He answered me much the same way He answered her.

Let me share four points the Lord revealed for me:

  1. Everyone has the same number of hours in their day. It is up to you and you alone to decide what you do with yours. First, make time for ME and everything else that matters will fall into place. Stop trying to work ME into your schedule. 
  1. Did anyone ask you to do all the things you have filled your time with? If they have, there is a tiny little word “No” you need to include in your vocabulary. Check in with Me. I will assist you in determining if it is in My plan for you–we will only do these things. 
  1. Stay in your own lane and stop comparing your life to other people. Each life is unique and has blessings and hardships that are specialize for their journey. Lessons to be learned and an individualized timing. Learn to be content where you are and what you are doing right now. Be present in every moment.  
  1. Nothing apart from God is perfect. Stop worrying about appearances and what other people think. You are perfectly and wonderfully made.

Digging down into this verse and gaining God’s perspective helped me apply it to my life situation and daily living. What a blessing it has been. I still have my moments when I let things in life creep up and overwhelm me, but the Holy Spirit is there to remind me of the lesson. He reminds me that we have already walked through together and I can now take the short cut–I do not have to walk the long trail around that Martha mountain again. I have to release my control and remember the four tips from Luke 10 God unpacked for me.

My overall takeaway from God’s message:

Seek Him, give my burdens to Him, and regroup with the Lord’s strength.

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