Finding Myself in Lovely A’s 56 Questions

*Disclaimer! This is extremely long! 56 Questions answered! Please know I am not trying to be pretentious, pushy, do better than anyone, or any of the things I sometimes hear when striving to keep God first everything in my life. If you are not interested in scripture, you may want to click away now. If you don’t have time to read it all… I understand! Having said that… Lovely A, it felt like a very diligent bible study challenge! It made a very laborious work so exciting to do! I had fun! ❤ If anyone wants to check out her post Find Out Who You Are (56 Questions), it can actually make you think. God loves you!*
PS… #25 was so many verses to choose from Psalm 119 that I shared with you a link to a friend’s friend who does music that is like reading the whole chapter. I love it!

1.Do I believe that everything is meant to be, or do I think that things just tend to happen for no reason at all?
“I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” – Ecclesiastes 3:17

2.Do I forgive and forget? Or do I forgive, but always remember?
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32

3.If I could give one piece of advice to everyone in the world, what would it be?
“For God so loved you, that He gave His only Son for you, that if you believe in His Son you will not perish, but that you will have everlasting life.” – John 3:16 paraphrased for you to know God loves you so much!

4.Do I think that people can change, or that they just are who they are?
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

5.Would I consider myself to be religious or spiritual?
Both are good, but I consider myself to be His.
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” – James 1:26-27
“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.” – Proverbs 16:2

6.Would my 10-year-old self be proud of me?
My 10 year old self would not know who I am. She doesn’t exist.
“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” – Proverbs 13:10

7.What do I think is the best revenge?
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” – Romans 12:19

8.What would I change about myself?
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” – Romans 7:18

9.On the flip side, what would I never change about myself?
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:10

10.Can I confidently say that the path I am on in life right now is the one that I (and no one else) would want for myself?
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

11.It’s the year 2040. Where am I?
In the future. 😉
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” – Matthew 6:34

12.Am I a morning person or a night owl?
“I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.” – Psalm 16:7

13.Would I consider myself to be more creative or more logical?
“Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.” – Job 13:3

14.What could I do to be a healthier person?
“Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.” – Acts 27:34

15.If time and money were no object, what would I do with my life?
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

16.Is it all about luck or hard work?
“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” – Proverbs 13:11

17.Should I live with no regrets, or learn from my mistakes?
“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” – James 5:19-20

18.How would I describe myself in only five words?
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

19.Family first, true or false?
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” – 1 Timothy 5:8

20.Can discipline be learned?
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” – Hewbrews 12:11

21.Am I as loyal as I think I am?
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” – Romans 12:3

22.How could people be a better friend to me?
“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.’ – Proverbs 18:24

23.How could I be a better friend to people?
“Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” – Mark 5:19

24.Is conformity a good thing or a bad thing?
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – Romans 12:2

25.What is a book I read that completely changed my outlook on life?
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” – Psalm 119:71
“My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.” – Psalm 119:81
“O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” – Psalm 119:97
“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” – Psalm 119:103
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” – Psalm 119:105
“Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.” – Psalm 119:119
“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right;
and I hate every false way” – Psalm 119:128

26.How can I be generous when I am not rich?
“If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well.” – James 2:8

27.How can I improve dialogue and communication with those I deeply disagree with?
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” – Ephesians 4:29

28.If I had to make a list of my top 10 most important values, what would they be?
The Ten Commandments
I.Thou shalt have no other gods before me…
II.Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image… thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them…
III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
IV.Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy…
V.Honour thy father and thy mother…
VI.Thou shalt not kill.
VII.Thou shalt not commit adultery.
VIII.Thou shalt not steal.
IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
X. Thou shalt not covet… any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
Exodus 20:3-17 Summary

29.What are my deal breakers for romantic relationships?
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14

30.Do I love myself?
“If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.” – John 5:31
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” – Acts 20:24

31.If not, how could I find a way to love myself?
“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. ” – 1 John 4:10-11
“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” – John 15:9
“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” – Psalm 139:13-14
“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.” – Psalm 139:17-18

32.Is trust always earned, or is it a given until it’s broken?
“Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.” – Psalm 26:1
“He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.” – Proverbs 16:20

33.If I could apologize to one person, who would it be?
“For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.” – Psalm 38:18
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

34.And what would I say to that person
“that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” – Romans 10:9-10

35.If I was able to say one thing to my ex, what would I say?
“Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.” – Ecclesiastes 7:10
“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.” – Isaiah 43:18

36.If I could have one person apologize to me, who would it be?
“For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.” – 1 Peter 2:19

37.And what would I want them to say?
“Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?” – 1 Corinthians 6:7

38.Do I ghost people or do I give them a reason for breaking ties?
“Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly? 
Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? Oh that I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me! 
But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost. 
Who is he that will plead with me? for now, if I hold my tongue, I shall give up the ghost. But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?”
 – Job 3:11, 10:18, 11:20, 13:19, 14:10

39.Do I believe in karma?
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will… in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:” – Ephesians 1:3-5, 11

40.How do I show I am angry?
“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness” – 2 Peter 3:11
“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:1
“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving… that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” – Colossians 4:1-6
“for the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.” – Luke 12:12

41.In my opinion, what are my greatest strengths?
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:13

42.In my opinion, what are my greatest weaknesses?
“For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.” – 2 Corinthians 13:4

43.If I could go anywhere in the world, where would I go?
“If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” – John 12:26
“But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.” – John 14:31

44.Is work-life balance important to me?
“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” – Proverbs 16:3

45.Is family important to me
“Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.” – Proverbs 17:6

46.Is friendship important to me?
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13

47.Is romantic love important to me?
“My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.” – Song of Solomon 2:10

48.If I could have one talent, what would it be?
“My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” – Psalm 45:1

49.What is one part of my life I miss and why?
“And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” – Mark 10:17
Because I miss running… for exercise… for work… for the joy of it… daily… but more importantly I miss kneeling in reverence to my Lord and Savior at the altar. (Side note: I miss having a real altar to kneel at! Not steps! Praise the Lord for the last one I know of, should I ever be blessed to be able to kneel again… especially to linger with my Jesus as long as I want! ) ❤

50.What are elements from that time I could incorporate into my present?
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

51.Do actions really speak louder than words?
” What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
 – James 2:14-26

52.Am I happy with my career?
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33

53.If not, what could I change about my job to be happier and more satisfied?
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6

54.What’s more important to me, self respect or being right?
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

55.Do I learn from the past or live in the past?
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14

56.When I die, what do I want to be remembered for?
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” – Hebrews 11:5
“Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.” – Matthew 26:13

My God (He Understands)

He’s gentle and kind,
loving and understanding.
He’s never too scornful,
nor too demanding.
He understands the pain
I feel when I’m hurt.
He knows that I’m human
and am made from dirt.
He knows I’m a sinner
and do the evil things,
but He knows I’m a believer
in all that He brings.
——
He doesn’t expect miracles
when I’m down on myself.
He doesn’t disown me
when I know I need help.
He doesn’t defriend me
when I abuse His love for me.
He doesn’t try to push me
when I’m too scared to see.
Instead, He is there
to show me He cares
and that my heartache and pain
are my feelings He shares.
—–
He gives me His word
and provides it with blood
to say that it’s as worthy
as it was of the flood.
He hears me in prayer
and accepts my apology,
doesn’t betray me
or says He forgot me,
takes my hand and
leads me to light,
holds me and comforts me
to help me through the night.
—–
And when I am scared
or feeling alone,
He doesn’t abandon me
to face it on my own.
Instead, He is there
to say, “I’m here,”
to comfort my soul
and dry my tear.
He won’t be ashamed
or laugh at my fear.
He’ll erase all the clouds
and make everything clear.
He won’t be angered
to see me in doubt.
He won’t deny me
or throw me out.
Instead, He’ll always love me
and lead me by the hand
because He’s waiting to take me home
and tell me why He understands.

3-26-91 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)

A Closer Look

A pen and some paper,
together with a writer,
bringing the world laughter,
hoping to make it brighter.
A rose and a thorn,
together with a hand,
bringing the world love
through a pain to understand.
A clown and a circus,
together with a crowd,
to relieve some tension
by screaming out loud.
A love and a hate,
together with care,
to bring the world moments
by letting us share.

3-8-91 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)

Jesus’ Song for Gail (taken from Song of Solomon 3)

1. By night [from heaven] I sought [Gail], but I found [Gail] not. 2. I will rise now, and go about the [earth to and fro], I will seek [Gail] whom my [Spirit] loveth: I sought [Gail], but I found [Gail] not. 3. The [angels] that go about the [earth] found me: to whom I said, Saw ye [Gail] whom my [Spirit] loveth? 4. It was but a little that I passed from there, but I found [Gail] whom my [Spirit] loveth: I held [Gail], and would not let [Gail] go, until I had brought [Gail] into my [Father’s] house, and into the [presence] of [the Holy Ghost] that conceived me. 5. I charge ye, O ye [children of God running about tending to God’s harvest] that ye stir not up, nor awake [Gail], till [Gail] please. 6. Who is this that cometh [through the fiery trials of her life shining with the light of God upon her]? 7. Behold [Gail lays upon her bed], a [host of angels] are about it, of [the angels of God]. 8. They all had swords, being expert in war: every [angel] hath his sword upon his thigh [to protect Gail from things of the night]. 9. [Gail is a vessel of the Lord]. 10. [Gail is made of God, and is adorned with God’s mercy and grace, so that Gail can carry God’s love for all of God’s children]. 11. Go forth, O ye [children of God], and behold [Gail] with the [glory] wherewith [Gail’s Father glorified Gail] in the day of [Gail’s salvation], and in the day of gladness of [Gail’s] heart.

This poem does not belong to me or anyone, yet it is written for every single one of us! It is Song of Solomon 3. I merely placed my name wherever the word was talking about me (us). Please take a moment, when the Lord allows, to replace my name with yours to read the love your beloved Savior has for you! It is the most beautiful love letter! ❤

That I Might Stay True

Lord, as I read of your people
and hear their many struggles of obeying,
I want to avoid jumping to judging,
and sincerely begin praying.
Please help me to keep my eyes,
mind, heart, soul, and all on You.
Help me to never take Your glory,
even if I didn’t mean to.
Keep me faithful, pure, and just,
that my holiness glorifies You.
Help me to resist society
that I might stay true.
Finally, Lord, I pray You stay
and never have reason to turn.
I really don’t want any more
ungodly lessons to learn.

11-8-11 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)

Listen for God’s Messages

God sends messengers to relay His message.
May be a prophecy or to quote His passage.
But in those words are what He is saying.
He doesn’t want editing or someone playing.
He especially hates when someone flat out lies,
saying it’s from God just to add to their disguise.
This misleads the people and angers God.
When they say, “He said” and He did not.
To cause people to rebel or go stray
will bring judgment eventually their way.
So it’s important to guard our hearts
and keep our relationships strong with God.
That way we will be able to hear
“Walk not with them” or “Do not fear”.
Stay in His word and remain just.
God is mighty and able to trust.

10-28-11 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)

Clinging to God’s Word

Clinging so tight to God’s word,
I cling to His heart.
I hold onto His promises
that He will never depart.
His word does not fail us
like we fail Him.
When He makes promises,
He keeps them.
Endurance, mercy, patience
He knows so well.
In His presence
I long to dwell.
Jesus said He prepared
a place just for me.
I believe so strong.
I’m eager to see!

10-26-11 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)

The Bugler Is A Minister

Who would’ve thought
the bugler is a minister,
called to serve God
amidst the sinister?
Heading out to war,
he is to make the call.
It draws God nigh
and makes the enemy fall.
Irving Berlin
and all his songs.
God bless America
keeps us strong.
Thanks for the song,
the alarm, and words.
Such an awesome way
to say You’ve heard.

10-24-11 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)
Inspiration: Numbers 10:9 KJV

Hand in Hand With You

You’re leading. I’m following,
or at least I’m trying.
You’re speaking. I’m listening,
or at least sighing.
Your pathways can be many,
yet one at a time.
Your lamp is shining.
Help me follow the light.
You’re teaching. I’m learning,
or trying to be discerning.
You’re guiding. I’m trailing
while trying to avoid failing.
Stay close by with guard rails.
Your perfect love never fails.
Hand in hand with You,
I know we’ll make it through.

10-6-11 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)

Abundant Want

So often I have felt so burdened
to have so much need.
I struggle to discern,
is this a test to contend or plead?
I do not want to insult God,
nor profane His name to any.
I know there are commands to ask
and commands to know I have plenty.
Yet 2 Corinthians 8:14
says my want is to be a supply
from those He’s blessed abundantly,
to show that all comes from on high.
And likewise my abundance
is to supply someone else’s want,
so that all those who witness
know it all comes from One.
May I seek to be content
and fulfill Your perfect plan.
I want to be a blessing,
even when I don’t understand.

10-1-11 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)

I Read

I read.
I read for comfort, for entertainment, for pleasure.
I read to learn, to grow, to discover,
and I read to absorb the art of God’s treasure.
The written word is such a drug for me.
There is so much to read.
This is not just a way to pass time.
This is a genuine need.
There are times reading needs a break.
To find the time to read is the true conflict.
I pray for the moment to come
and praise my Lord when I finally have it.
Now there are times I avoid reading
because I want to reject the world in every way,
but sooner or later I am drawn in by the word
and just have to know what the writer has to say.
I read.
I read because I have a need to read.
Writers, please continue to supply my joy.
God, thank you, for this artistic breed.

6-21-01 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)