This is an old video that I created some time back when we were studying chapter 10 of the Thin Within book.
What if we were to renew our minds and think God’s thoughts about the value of a moment? It is amazing what happens when even one small moment is given to the Lord.
What are some “marbles” that you have in your jar? What are some moments when you have made choices for the Lord?
This message is as powerful to me today as it was when I first heard it a few months ago, and it’s a good reminder of the benefits of repeating the study materials. When I am busy squinting my eyes into the sun searching for the next “nugget” of wisdom I forget the “pot of gold” already in my possession – my marble jar! Thanks for the reminder Heidi.
Oh my goodness, Heidi! How God uses you to speak to me in my life! This past Saturday I started something new for me. A chart, a weekly chart, shows each day, hour by hour, from 5 AM to 10 PM, a chart. I’ve color coded things that I want to accomplish each day. Bible study time, God Quiet time, listening to Him for guidance, sleep time, the times I eat, and other things I do throughout the day, and I’m keeping a chart, so I can see if I’m spending my day as I would hope to, as I believe God is leading me to. I don’t know if this makes sense, but in a way, I’m keeping track of my moments that I’m behaving as God would have me behave. And then your message about the Divine Marble Jar comes along. In my mind, the two represent the same type of thing, and I’m blessed by your words. (As I reread what I just typed, I’m not sure it will make any sense to anyone, but the point is, Heidi, you are such a blessing and God uses you daily in my life. Thank you!!!)
Aw…Dalena…you are always such an encouragement. THank you for sharing what God is doing in your life!
What an awesome idea Dalena! I may have to create a chart for myself to see exactly how I’m spending my day and what changes need to be made. Thanks so much for sharing!
I love this image, Heidi. I have felt unfocused and disobedient lately and I also traveled last week with family (stressful). Here are a few moments that I can think of where I chose God over my flesh-
Re: my recent disobedience/unfocus – I spent yesterday reading over the blog lessons and listening to the class. I read my goals, renewed my mind, scripture, etc today. I read my God list for about 5 minutes before eating lunch.
Came home from work (at a 0) and planned to eat a bowl of cherries while watching the video. Thought about the recent lessons and decided to stay in my boundaries – ate sitting at the table.
One night last week, I was in a real emotional swivet. I woke the next morning and listened to my Renewing of my Mind playlist during a run. I spent the time praising God and thinking about my blessings and all the things He does instead of stewing about emotional stuff. I turned my mind toward heavenly things. What a difference!
Even when my heart is hardened and my emotions are ruling the moment, God is there – ready and waiting for me to turn to Him. I am never disappointed when I choose Him over myself, but boy do I wish I did it more often! That’s something to pray about!
Oh, one more thing – I started a gratitude list on my evernote. So fun! It was much more than 3 things and I included a picture of my children.
As I thought about some things to write about, I realized how much God has changed my heart over the past few months. Praise Him!
Hi, Carrie. I hope that now, almost a full week after you posted the above, you are finding yourself more focused and leaning on the Lord, enjoying his presence. Yes…God has definitely changed your heart a LOT! Just our time doing the coaching made that perfectly evident!
Heidi I just wanted to thank you for this bible study! I started late, as its already September and I’m only here now. But this marble jar analogy really touched my heart. Coming from a eating disordered background, I’m so hard on myself. Never really taking stock of all the victories that God has brought me through! Thank you so much for all your Devine inspiration!
Hi, Carrie. I am so glad that you are starting now! In fact, that is why I have it here at the blog. The studies aren’t going anywhere that way. People can join at any time. I hope others will join you, in fact! 🙂
PS I’m a different Carrie to the previous Carrie lol.
LOL! Got it! 😀