tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.comments2022-11-02T03:54:41.100-07:00In Search of the Whole-Hearted LifeBonnie Jaecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06739965129362937315noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-79770093379931275112012-11-04T16:44:43.877-08:002012-11-04T16:44:43.877-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Bonnie Jaecklehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06739965129362937315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-7711224546747877362012-11-04T14:09:00.068-08:002012-11-04T14:09:00.068-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Charly Oakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10111501520280964810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-56419562593194191832012-08-03T17:37:16.481-07:002012-08-03T17:37:16.481-07:00Interesting thoughts in your post. You're righ...Interesting thoughts in your post. You're right, it all depends on how we look at issues.quietspirithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-12916483446562789952012-07-28T09:51:28.699-07:002012-07-28T09:51:28.699-07:00Good verse! Actually a few yrs ago I received a n...Good verse! Actually a few yrs ago I received a note from the wife thanking us for helping them and said, "Our daughter commented the other day, "I don't know what happened to you two, but you act like a couple of love birds and I love it!" Isn't God wonderful! Thanks for your comment!Bonnie Jaecklehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06739965129362937315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-38709241559370760462012-07-20T12:45:45.538-07:002012-07-20T12:45:45.538-07:00"Till we all come in the unity of the faith, ..."Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the MEASURE of the stature of the fullness of Christ"<br />[Ephesians 4:13]<br />With hope that the couple is doing better since the revelation of their true measure in Christ.Marshallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03504426822748951069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-26537343467677608672012-07-12T11:47:35.138-07:002012-07-12T11:47:35.138-07:00Thanks for your response, quietspirit. I think I ...Thanks for your response, quietspirit. I think I notice it sooner than I have yrs in the past, but it is still easy to fall into the trap. Blessings to you!Bonnie Jaecklehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06739965129362937315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-48137983831006562242012-07-12T10:27:30.293-07:002012-07-12T10:27:30.293-07:00A very interesting story. Yes,we all have been in ...A very interesting story. Yes,we all have been in God's driver's seat scene. Funny, sometimes it takes me a while to realize my mistake.But,now I'm more grounded in my faith and try not to do that.quietspirithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-43839761378936403922011-12-19T18:44:45.640-08:002011-12-19T18:44:45.640-08:00I would like to rebut your statement regarding the...I would like to rebut your statement regarding the prayer for healing. I looked up the James 5:15, and 5:16 verses in multiple versions and translations. It really does mean for us to pray for one another to be healed. If someone doesn't get healed I believe that the "Prayers" gave up too early. There is also the verse where Jesus told his disciples that "this kind cometh not out but by prayer and fasting". That means it takes a while if fasting is involved. Today's church is in too much of a hurry to attempt the hard stuff.<br />God bless you,<br />EdEd Mayfieldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17873253167404482592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-16799341598479112892011-06-21T12:36:47.162-07:002011-06-21T12:36:47.162-07:00Thanks for your encouragement and prayers! Please...Thanks for your encouragement and prayers! Please stay tuned. I'll be posting updates and specific prayer needs (each Thurs.) My husband Gary & I leave for the Philippines July 2 and will be gone atleast 2 months working on this issue with the House Churches there.Bonnie Jaecklehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06739965129362937315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-2368702629410864272011-06-21T11:52:14.103-07:002011-06-21T11:52:14.103-07:00God bless you for bringing up these very sad issue...God bless you for bringing up these very sad issues that affect the children of the Philippines.<br /><br />It is heartbreaking to think of their futures being compromised and destroyed like that.<br /><br />I'll pray that the Lord's leads you to make a difference in sosme way. You already have, by bringing it to my attention. I will include those kids and young people in my prayers. And you, as well.<br /><br />Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-26672497240787616102010-12-16T06:09:11.653-08:002010-12-16T06:09:11.653-08:00Tod, Welcome to the Whole-Hearted Life blogspot! ...Tod, Welcome to the Whole-Hearted Life blogspot! May you be richly blessed! Thank you so much for your encouragement!Bonnie Jaecklehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06739965129362937315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-16337044950880271762010-12-16T05:26:01.267-08:002010-12-16T05:26:01.267-08:00Bonnie-
Thank you so much for an early Christmas p...Bonnie-<br />Thank you so much for an early Christmas present-for reaching out to your friends at SimpleChurch. I'm afraid I have neglected all of you. I have been using Twitter (e4unity) to insert some of the themes of my blog. Your "whole-heartedlife" looks great. I was surprised to see some of my old friends in your library-Alexander R.Hay. One of the early books I got in my missions training was "The New Testament Order for Church and Missionary". Introduced me to a lot of great ideas about the church back in the late '60's. I have a post somewhere on your theme here-the longing for true community. May you have a blessed Advent season and prosperous 2011 in Him.w/ His people.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-21030688520581883602009-08-07T13:21:14.536-07:002009-08-07T13:21:14.536-07:00I agree. We must remember we live in the kingdom ...I agree. We must remember we live in the kingdom of God, not the church. The church is in the kingdom. The kingdom relationships God our Father gives us by making us His children and heirs and giving us the inheritance are glorious. Our Father enables us to relate is such harmony, with His Son and with one another, that our very lives bring glory to Him to all ages forever (Eph 3:21). Kingdom relationships fulfill our deepest longings to be useful and productive in the noble things of eternal importance on this earth today. At the culmination of God's plan, He will make a new heaven and a new earth and live with us and we will live in this glorious kingdom that is to come in our glorified bodies and we will relate in the harmony of heaven on earth (Rev 21& 22).Bill Bremerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02246066176274616627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-62582227292783494892009-04-28T20:48:00.000-07:002009-04-28T20:48:00.000-07:00I really think that if we go to the Lord and ask h...I really think that if we go to the Lord and ask him for help with our emotions he will send someone to us. Someone we can talk things through with someone objective and someone safe. Someone who will mentor and deciple us, someone who will go to the Lord with us and for us. James 5:16 says to confess our sins to one another that we should be healed. This has been true in my own life.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11415081973436919372noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-1461826701510717722009-03-07T21:21:00.000-08:002009-03-07T21:21:00.000-08:00I am so intrigued and fascinated by the fact that ...I am so intrigued and fascinated by the fact that God is a God of history. Not only is He very much involved in the intricate details of my daily individual life which just amazes me, but He is also very much involved in the political and historical world scene as well. As I read through the Old Testament I see the incredible stories of how God used not only Godly but very pagan kings and individuals and kingdoms for His purposes and His glory. Every time Israel would turn from God to worship pagan gods and do what was evil in His sight, they would soon find themselves in captivity at the hand of God. And when they would cry out to the LORD, he would deliver them. He raises up kings and kingdoms and He removes them. <BR/><BR/>God uses history to tell His story. The history of the Old Testament is God’s woven tapestry pointing to the Messiah, while the history of the New Testament on through to this very day is God’s woven tapestry pointing to the return of Jesus and God’s final judgment. He uses the kings and kingdoms of the world, the events of the world, and the things of this world as His Kingdom calendar unfolds. It is fascinating to watch.<BR/><BR/>As the world’s economy continues to collapse before my very eyes, as I watch life savings and retirements disappear, as I watch more loss of homes and jobs, and experience a real threat to the way of life as I have known it, I am forced to look at where my hope and my security does lie. I admit that it has rested in my country and its leaders. But our president is only a man; he is not God. Our country is only of this world; it is neither infallible nor invincible. I have lived in its illusion and it is painful to crack open illusions. It seems that when the props that support our lives fall away from under our feet we become more wiling and ready to turn to God and discover the one kingdom that is unshakable — the kingdom of our God and of His Son. What is shakable will crumble to dust. Our only true security is found in Him.<BR/><BR/>Because our lives and identity have become so entangled with jobs, promotions, status, material possessions and stuff, maybe we will begin to value what really is important – family and friends and relationships – and turn our faces and hearts to God.<BR/><BR/>It is not by accident that I was born in this country at this time in history. That was God’s doing. It is an exciting time and frightening time. I find great comfort knowing that no matter what happens on the world scene or in the private sector of my life, God is in total control.Mary Leahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09772473369868045483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-14978025896478229722009-03-07T17:35:00.000-08:002009-03-07T17:35:00.000-08:00Unfortunately, the Church today is far from being ...Unfortunately, the Church today is far from being the Church God wants it to be. The church is very vulnerable and easily ensnared by Satan into the enticements and trappings of the world and its values. Of course Satan would make the local church and God’s Church his #1 target in order to render it ineffective for God and His Kingdom work. But despite its faults and failings I love the Church and my local church, and I see in it the potential for transforming the world. <BR/><BR/>When I lived in Milwaukee, I attended a non-denominational church called Harvest Community Church. I do believe that it started with several families meeting in a home but they quickly outgrew the home space. They held worship services in a school until they outgrew that space. They purchased a Racket Ball Court and renovated the space into the building it is today. It is a place for believers to gather for worship, for teaching and making mature disciple of Christ, for the building up and encouragement and caring of each other, and for outreach into the community and beyond to make a difference for His Kingdom. The work that God is doing through that body inside and outside that building is Kingdom work. <BR/><BR/>God is not anti-building. Yes, these is always the danger of mismanagement of God’s money and His resources, of not seeking God’s will but instead forging forward in our own way, own strength, and own power for our own glory. When we do, we become ineffective for God and play right into Satan's hands. <BR/><BR/>The Church needs to become a loving, caring community so that its message to the world might be presented with maximum power and effectiveness. The finest communicator loses his credibility if his integrity is in doubt. Oratorical skill without a caring heart adds up to nothing. A big fancy building is of no use to God if our hearts are not seeking His and we are not following Him. Although it is true that we probably wouldn’t build big, fancy, expensive, elaborate buildings if our hearts were in-line with His, there is nothing wrong with gathering in a nice building. God is a God of beauty, of design and of color. He is the Master Artist and Creator, and we are made in His image.<BR/><BR/>The Church will always have its problems and difficulties, but it will endure. So no matter how troubled our own Christian community is, God has committed Himself to bringing true believers through to victory. The Church has a confident future because it belongs to God, not to us: whatever its present struggles, in the long term it’s a winner!<BR/> <BR/><BR/>Love you, Mary LeaMary Leahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09772473369868045483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-45570397665254234322009-02-26T09:33:00.000-08:002009-02-26T09:33:00.000-08:00Amen Bonnie! Can we stop all this silly nonsensica...Amen Bonnie! Can we stop all this silly nonsensical national pride as Americans. Folks, the enemy has done a masterful job of deceiving Chrisitians in this country into believing that patrtiotism ranks right up there with our faith in Jesus. What a lie this is of the enemy! Yes, you heard it right. It is a lie of the enemy. Go ahead, get mad, and stomp and sputter around. When you are all done, pray about it and ask God to lift the veil on your heart to see this.<BR/><BR/>We, as Christians who live in the United States, are not unlike the Israelites who were captive in Babylon. Yes, they physically lived there, but did not consider themselves citizens of that country. I live in this country (I have to live somewhere after all) but I do not consider myself a citizen of this country. My allegiance is once and for all in the Kingdom of God. My king is Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites did when they were in Babylon, I have to abide by the laws and rules as a resident of this country (note I said "resident' and not "citizen"). Think of it this way. We are like resident aliens, citizens of one kingdom, while we live in another.<BR/><BR/>Once you can come to realize this, you will begin to see things in a new light. It no longer matters who the President is, it no longer matters what laws are passed, it no longer matters if the ten commandments aren't displayed in public buildings, it no longer matters if the nativity scene is taken down on public property, and the list goes on and on. Don't you think it is possible that the enemy has worked this deception among Christians in the United States in order that we lose sight of what God really wants us to be concerned about? Despite the well meaning efforts in the name of national pride by some Christians, have things really gotten better or worse in this country? I for one will no longer operate under this deception by the enemy. He had me going long enough and now it is time to cast my eyes upon Jesus.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15648301957727020118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-19402319904877769092009-02-09T19:04:00.000-08:002009-02-09T19:04:00.000-08:00Speaking from my vantage point of working in healt...Speaking from my vantage point of working in healthcare for over 30 years, I have seen many, many people suffering with both acute and chronic disease. The most interesting thing I have seen is the response of different people to the same disease. I have worked with many cancer patients suffering from chronic pain and horrible side effects to their treatment. Some have been bitter, depressed and angry. Others have used their disease to grow and become a new being. <BR/>So much of the disease we see is produced from a sinnful world. So when you ask if suffering comes from Satan, I would say suffering comes from the sinnful world in which we live. Does God use this suffering for his plan and glory - absolutely. It has been an honor to be able to walk side by side with these suffering people and extend compassion for the pain which only they can understand. I agree our "healthcare system" is broken. Please know though, that there are dedicated healthcare providers out there though that have given their lives to relieve as much suffering as possible and sometimes just to be able to be there when no one else can be. I could go on and on, but I would probably ramble.mountaingirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04558898436749627649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-71141089199994065222009-02-07T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-07T08:00:00.000-08:00This is an interesting topic. My initial response ...This is an interesting topic. My initial response when I read this consisted of a few questions:<BR/><BR/>1) Which comes first, the chicken or the egg? If you're in physical distress/severe pain, should you stop and first seek His wisdom and guidance before pursuing a course of action? In some cases, this could be dangerous, i.e. appendicitis. I would think for a medical professional there is a bit more insight into illnesses that would provide guidance as to whether or not immediate action needs taken for the sake of a persons life. How does that fit for the average individual? <BR/><BR/>2) Do you also apply this to mental illness? <BR/><BR/>3) In asking if it is possible that offering physical healing is not His greatest concern for us, do you believe that He chooses for some of us to live with physical suffering indefinitely? Or, do you believe that once He takes us to the next spiritual level, that we will find healing or rather just learn to live with the physical suffering as part of His plan? <BR/><BR/>4) If we do not seek Him and allow Him to lead us into the spiritual fulfillment He desires for us, will He then continue to let us suffer or isn't it possible that God of mercy and love will, by His grace, relieve the suffering of his children? <BR/><BR/>5) Does this suffering come from God or is it of satan and God merely uses it for His plan?<BR/><BR/>I know I have posted a lot of questions, but there is a lot to think about.wtngforwngshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03133877127693805295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-35134080333401996412009-02-05T19:12:00.000-08:002009-02-05T19:12:00.000-08:00I grew up in a small local church; it was the only...I grew up in a small local church; it was the only church life and teaching I knew until I left during my college years. I can now look back and see how lacking it was in solid biblical truths and teaching, and yet God is using that to shape me today. It was a church of very nice people and still is even though it is falling deeper into the worldly values and ways of today.<BR/><BR/>I have attended many other churches: some large, some small, some in cities, and some in small communities. The people have been from all walks of life and from all different background and life experiences: some are mature believers, some of us just babes, some not walking in the Way at all, some just lost and passing through.<BR/><BR/>I found myself disillusioned and struggling with the “church”: its fallibleness, its failings, its imperfectness, the power struggles and dissensions, the pettiness and shallowness, the lack of Truth in teaching or the lack of Spirit in worship, the deadness and dryness, the hollowness and loneliness. The church kept falling off the pedestal I kept trying to put it on, and the people kept falling off the pedestals that I kept trying to put them on. I couldn’t find the perfect church. Imagine that!!!<BR/><BR/>I took a leave of absence from the church. I now see it as a God ordained leave because He did a mighty work on my heart in the interim. I have come back with a much more open and softened heart, with a little more grace and less judgment and criticism, with a little more humility, kindness and empathy and less of a “self focused” attitude.<BR/><BR/>I think there is great danger if our focus gets stuck on the “institution” and all that is wrong with it. Satan would love to have us trip over the “institution” and miss God’s work through and with His people. He loves it when people trip over religion and throw out God with it.<BR/><BR/>Yes, the “institutional church” is far from perfect. The sin of power, greed, and self creeps in. Man-declared doctrines distort the truth and teach error. The world and its enticing ways and values seep through. Yes, there is corruption and manipulation and deception. But the young church in the New Testament struggled with the same issues; why would it be any different today? In fact, as the time for Jesus’ return draws closer we should only expect more testing and struggles, more division and strife.<BR/><BR/>But there is good: the institutional church reaches out into the world and the community. There is incredible outreach through the organization of the institutional church and Jesus can be found at work within it in powerful ways. <BR/><BR/>I believe change begins with me and it begins with you. It is about building up and not tearing down. It is about reaching out, touching others, and speaking truth in love. It is about being a testimony for Christ with our individual lives through caring and empathy, and being messengers of hope in this dark world. The world needs to see Jesus lived out in our lives and not just in empty words. It begins with ones own heart – a transformed heart that touches other hearts that touches other hearts.<BR/><BR/>Love you Bonnie. :)Mary Leahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09772473369868045483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-21973295326207323042009-02-05T17:53:00.000-08:002009-02-05T17:53:00.000-08:00And challenge you she will! She has often challeng...And challenge you she will! She has often challenged me and I have not always liked it! But I know that it is all done with love. I also know that all she want for all of us is to come into a closer relationship with Jesus!kelpenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05522017053717944292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-37891629212370918532009-01-24T14:12:00.000-08:002009-01-24T14:12:00.000-08:00Dear Joanie, I've been where you are. As I have st...Dear Joanie, I've been where you are. As I have studied to know and understand what the "true" meaning of "the" church is, I have discovered there has been a mountain of disillusion from the institutional church teaching that I've recieved. I too long for the friends you speak of. I know there are people "outside" the walls who are in the same place because I have read about them. The scary part is....who is "safe"? I walked away from the institutional church more than a year ago but, have not been "brave" enough to reach out. I am still searching and praying.Rerunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15924047648584623388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-85936175592692468272009-01-23T20:35:00.000-08:002009-01-23T20:35:00.000-08:00we christains at times forget the true meaning of ...we christains at times forget the true meaning of the church,the body of christ. i never was told that the church is the body of christ outside the walls of the church.i long to have friends outside of the walls of the chuch, to learn with and grow in christ.so many times i sat in the pews and wondered what is this all about? and am i truly hsppy where i am in the body of christ.Joaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10443760800326988704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-76774857327657386282009-01-11T14:55:00.000-08:002009-01-11T14:55:00.000-08:00Hi, Mountaingirl!Thanks for joining us! I pray th...Hi, Mountaingirl!<BR/>Thanks for joining us! I pray that you will be blessed! Please, if you know of anyone who is struggling in the "institutional church" encourage them to join us. I believe with my whole-heart that the Lord has His hand on this and that they will be blessed. Thank you for your love and prayers. Hope to see you this summer! <BR/> Love, BonnieBonnie Jaecklehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06739965129362937315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836744790343031527.post-16696408007630841352009-01-11T14:09:00.000-08:002009-01-11T14:09:00.000-08:00I would like to comment starting with a couple of ...I would like to comment starting with a couple of questions.<BR/>1) How do you break free of the disillusionment?<BR/>Or better worded; <BR/>2) How does one erase the old illusion of the church in the mind?<BR/><BR/>I am not sure why I thought that just because people who were all joining together in a building bought and built in the name of Christ would be without fail, and that the ones who had been in that church “forever” would act like true representatives of Christ. I guess I simply trusted because the church had been there for over 100 years. The peace I longed for was just not there. As I started searching my heart I began to realize that I didn’t “love” the church that truly existed. I loved an illusion. There was no peace within me from attending church. All I could focus on was the man made rules and orders of worship, some of which I had issues/disagreed with. It was then that I began to realize the emptiness and turmoil I felt inside had grown to great proportions and I had to walk away. I received a huge relief after I walked away. But, where to go after I walked away was the question. I believe my expectations of the church have kept me from loving the real church. But, my bigger problem is that I’m still not sure I know what the real church should look like. I continue my search.<BR/><BR/>As you have probably already figured out, I am one of the “disillusioned” that you speak of. It seems I’ve lost track of my center since leaving the institutional church as I have known it. I know in my heart that in order to mature I have to move beyond the “disillusionment” of what church is. Lately I seem to be spending more time being disappointed and disgruntled than living in hope. Trying to figure out where I should be monopolizes my thoughts, energy and time. It also prevents me from seeing or acting in hope. I have my own worship time with the Lord on a daily basis which is wonderful, but those guilt feelings still creep in when people from my old church ask, “Where have you been?” I want to move beyond and be free from this too. Are there any ideas/suggestions out there?<BR/><BR/>I know that I am the one who needs to change, but how? Help………………!Rerunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15924047648584623388noreply@blogger.com