Connecting: Online Bible Study

One day, while perusing my Google Reader, I learned about Beth Moore's summer book study of Kelly Minter's Nehemiah:  A Heart that Can Break.  I shared the idea at church, and another lady friend purchased the workbook also.  (We will "officially" sign up as soon as we meet and choose a name.) Beth Moore Launch and Registration here at the Living Proof Ministries.

Beth Moore will create a video and release every two weeks and release on the above mentioned blog and the first one is now available there.  I truly appreciate videos, especially when I help coordinate studies.  For instance, I lead our church's Sunday evening Discipleship Training class, and so far, the Lord tends to direct me to studies that include videos, for which I am so thankful, for I am learning right along with the class.  Plus, that's right...videos take up chunks of time!  :)

Then, I discovered Bible Cafe for Women, and they, too, are studying this book. Yes, I signed up there, also!  I am in Group 10; still learning about this and am beginning to receive emails with greetings from the leader and another group member (discovered her blog...A Quiet Place...see link to the right...AND more importantly, please pray for her as she is completing chemo...she has endured her test and her testimony is growing!).

I know our local group is small...just two so far...(still inviting friends to join), but the Word says "where two or three are gathered, I am there in their midst."  So, yes, I am excited and looking forward to my upcoming spiritual blessing.

I purchased my workbook here on author Kelly Minter's site (while there, I also purchased her workbook on Ruth...a book of the Bible to which I feel drawn).  Then, I discovered (on one of these sites!) that I could purchase Kelly Minter's videos to the Nehemiah for $2.99 each on Lifeway's site, so I purchased two to see if we might be interested in these (thinking that we will!).

This study is meant for me.  Here is an example of how God works:  In Discipleship Training, we have been working through a study of Andy Stanley's entitled Discovering God's Will.  The last two weeks' of that study were based on Nehemiah 6:3. So powerful!  "I am doing a great work, and I can not come down."  Just be still and content where God has placed you...and say "no" when encouraged to leave that place.  Talk about perfect timing!

Interested in such a study as this?  Please join us...women across this nation coming together to study God's Word.  A true blessing!

M & M Blessings

This morning, I hosted the annual brunch for my church lady friends.  This year's theme centered around M & M's:  Mentors and Mentees.

I had hoped to use this theme for a ladies' retreat (and will in time), but the timing is just not right for our church right now, so I borrowed my own theme!  This theme came from one of the books Face-to-Face with Naomi and Ruth:  Together for the Journey that  I purchased as I originally began working on the ladies' retreat theme.

Then, I journeyed over to Creative Ladies Ministry and discovered  many ideas to support this very theme also.  From there, I borrowed the following poem (made a few minor additions to personalize for this brunch).

M&M Ladies’ Brunch Poem 
(Originally titled "M & M Christmas Poem)

As you hold these candies in your hand,
And turn them, you will see.
The M becomes a W,
An E, and then a 3. 

They tell an awesome story,
It's one I'm sure you know.
It took place in a stable,
A long, long, time ago.

The E is for the East,
Where the star shone so bright.
The M is for the Manger,
Where Baby Jesus slept that night.

The 3 is for the Wise men,
Bearing gifts, from afar they came.
W is for Worship.
Hallelujah! Praise His name!

So as you eat these candies,
Or share them with a friend,
Remember the meaning of Christmas,
and friendship of the M & M’s,
It's a love story that never ends.

Author Unknown

Nice!  No one in attendance had ever read/heard this.  So interesting!

I wonder if the ladies noticed that after we discussed the importance of mentors and mentees and the roles we play in each...then, one of the ladies began to share some of her personal concerns, and several of us began to offer support and Biblical teaching for this fairly new Christian?  God is good!

Before everyone left, we chose a song that began with m to sing for special music...so in the morning, the M & M's will perform "More About Jesus."  Now, that is just very sweet!

As shown above, I created a M & M tablescape...yes, of course, centered around M & M's  This was fun...and unique, I do believe!  Several years ago, my husband blessed me with an original creation of his...an eight-foot dining table...that I enjoy decorating...very much...for such occasions as this one.

During the brunch, I promoted Beth Moore's Summer Book Club study of Kelly Minter's Nehemiah:  A Heart That Can Break.  So far, one other friend has committed to this study...I am excited.  Looking forward to delving into this book with lady Christians across the nation, across the world.

I pray the Lord is blessing your gender group in your church, for these groups are an important support group for the many mountains and molehills that we will inevitably encounter.

Blessings!

I purchased Lysa TerKeurst's Made to Crave in January 2011 in hopes of finally beginning a diet plan that would this time really work.  Well...in December (yes, eleven months later) I came across her website and remembered the book and determined then to finally read the book, solo. I would loose the weight in secret.  Just myself.

Until....I read the chapter three, page 39:  "...think and pray for some friends to join you on this journey.  I have to tell you, having friends to walk through the same healthy eating plan as me has been such a help.  Getting a plan is the first crucial step; getting a friend or two to join you is the next."

I resisted.  I was doing enough at church.  Life was busy.  My plate was full.

Then, I followed the Lord's leading and shared at church that I was reading this book, and if anyone was interested, I would be glad to meet on Wednesdays.  The group grew...to eight!  And what a blessing it has been...getting to know other ladies, other "Jesus girls" (as Lysa refers to us), ladies I have known for years...or thought I had.  Jesus Girls, ones who are attempting to loose weight together, the spiritual growth of these relationships has been invaluable.

Have we lost weight?  Yes.  As much as we wanted?  No.  But we are learning and growing and sticking with it.

Now...back to the book!  I really appreciate Lysa' writing style, her voice.  Because we are also using her video series within our study (yes, inspired by the synergy within the group, I then purchased Made to Crave Action Planfor us), I could almost hear her voice as I read.  She is such a sincere, down-to-earth, Christian lady.  An inspiration.

As I completed the book this evening, I became re-inspired, touched by several of the Biblical scriptures, and gained new insight to my battle with weight.  As Lysa says, "Having a weight issue is not God's curse on us.  It is an external manifestation of an internal struggle."  Honestly, I struggled (so to speak!) with that expression.  Then, the revelation came! As I reflected upon reading the chapter entitled "Emotional Emptiness," I could pinpoint when I began gaining weight and the reason for the weight gain, and I am now praying that I can begin "parking my mind in a better spot."  Time to let that go, begin to heal, and move to a healthier parking spot. 

This is a book that I plan to begin a re-read of...soon.  The book is packed full of spiritual nuggets that I need...again and again. 

Involved in a struggle with your weight and want a plan that does not involve a diet plan?  Then, please consider this book as one of your resources...below is the book trailer.








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Also posted at Mrs. G's Book Reviews.

My Christ Closet

 

I borrowed this from KLOVE's Facebook post this morning...‎"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3:12 

With a closet full of clothes, all of a sudden, I feel too revealing!

I can list several personal situations in which I need to enact this scripture:  yesterday, I wrote about my church face; today, I picture other "faces" on which I should display all the attributes listed above.

First, right now, I find myself fairly content to hole up in my nest called home.  Throughout this Spring Break, I have thought much about and missed my mother who eased into Heaven in late January.  Fairly certain, that my busy life has delayed such think-time.

My mom was a Christian who loved her family above all else, after God, that is. For the last couple of years, the disease from which she suffered had removed most, if not all, memories of me from her mind.  I really thought I had already grieved enough before she died, but that grieving process is simply that:  a process.  A process that takes time.

My mom was clothed in mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, for she loved her family.  That woman also had tough love, also!  Yes, I do remember going out to that peach tree in our backyard and removing my own limb for the punishment that I was about to receive!  No, I was not beaten...honestly, I do not even remember the spanking; I just remember hand-picking that peach tree limb!

She was our example of mercy.  After my dad passed, many people, even friends, owed my dad money, yet she allowed those debts go unpaid, allowing God to take over in that area.

She was our example in kindness.  I recall the bags of goodies and supplies that we delivered to my sister when she was going through some very tough times.  The many glasses if iced tea I had to deliver to the men working in our family-owned business on those very hot Arkansas summer days.

She was our example as she literally wore humility.  She taught me that one could wear home-made clothes and items purchased at the many yard sales that she and I went to...btw, I was voted "Best Dressed" in high school wearing such items!  Those clothes kept me humble in many ways, though, for I wore others' cast offs, but because of that, I also probably had more clothes that three or four other kids combined...for we always were looking for those bargains!  And we found many!

She was our example of gentleness as she cared for us all when we were sick, cooking for us whatever we craved.  Yes, fried chicken for me when I would come home on weekends from college.  No one can cook friend chicken like my mother did!

She was our example of patience as we had company for Sunday lunch for months and months as our church transitioned from one building to another and peopled traveled miles to attend these services.  I look back now and wonder how she tolerated my teenage years (for I am beginning to re-live them through my soon-to-be thirteen year old!).

I miss her, yet I am so appreciative of where she is today.  May I live by her example...now to clothe myself with these attributes as I go to Wal-Mart today, to church later this evening, and as I spend time with family and friends.

And, did you notice, these clothes do not come from yard sales, they are God-made...what an honor to wear them!

Blessings!

My Church Face

I receive a daily e-newsletter from Daughters of Promise...here's today's.  Interesting topic...the face we wear to church.

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9
Our God is an awesome God...yet I continue to be amazed at how He ties all the pieces I am reading together...all written at different times by different people in different situations: my daily Bible readings, my Sunday school lessons and the curriculum for our discipleship training class, our Made to Crave study on Wednesday evenings, Journey:  A Woman's Guide to Intimacy with God (a monthly mini-magazine, compliments of our church), such newsletters as the one above.

When the Lord wants us to learn a lesson, He certainly can immerse in just the right places in His Word.

Last night, our church had a "discussion," and I was so proud of all the sides that came together in just the right spirit.  As with any division, there are usually three sides:  right and left...and those in the middle who just did not realize that a division was occurring.  Everyone that wanted to speak spoke, and two sides left chatting.

I like to believe that others in my church are immersing themselves in God's Word, and because of that, His Spirit hovered there with us, for "real" church faces were present there...during and afterwards.  May we continue to stay close to His leading.

I encourage you to take some time to immerse yourself in various Godly readings and see if God just might have an answer, a leading there for you.  He does work in all kinds of ways His wonders to perform...

One by One

Last night as I prepared for class church, I was just a bit disappointed at the number in attendance.  With five minutes until starting time, only five people sat, waiting, chatting.    Please do not get me wrong...I firmly believe that where two or three are gathered in His name, there He is with us (Matthew 18:20).  Truly, it is not about the number but about the Holy Spirit that is there.  But still...we usually average 15 or so.

Then, they began to arrive.  One. Two. Three at at time.  My last count = 23.  (Plus, we were missing several that are normally there.)  I wish you could have been there!  Some of my final words:  "I so love this sweet spirit I feel here.  I sure hope you can feel it, too."  From their expressions, they were feeling it, too! The Lord met us during our concluding study on the three of the ancient disciplines in the Bible:  meditating, fasting, and having quiet time.  Blessed we were.  Blessed we are.

I shared earlier that our theme song for this unit has been Casting Crown's song "Spirit Wind," and that as the song encourages, God is raising an army in our church.  I believe it...and I plan to testify about it right here...so please keeping visiting me as I share our growth.

These past two months have been about each member and God...getting closer, being selfish.  Now, we begin a study of The Controversial Jesus.  As I shared with the group last night, the Lord has a plan, I believe, to activate.  This may have already started...for before our class, several gathered to write notes to church members who need to hear from us.  Seven ladies doing a work for the Lord...with such a sweet, sweet spirit.

God is good...all the time, and all the time, God is good.  How is God blessing you?  Please leave a comment.  I would so appreciate hearing your testimonies!

Craving Fish Oil?

Our weekly study and previewing of the Made to Crave video series continued last Wednesday night (just had short thirty minute meetings due to business meeting and WMU nights).  One focused discussion on the video was the very many benefits of fish oil.

As I prepared the night before for this class, I became motivated...so the next morning following breakfast, I swallowed two vitamins and a fish oil capsule.  Ugh...yes, that's right...ugh!  Within an hour, I was so nauseated!  Thanks to the input from a student-teacher observer in my classroom, I soon learned that fish oil pills should be taken at night, for the often cause indigestion.  Oh, my! 


Learned a few lessons:

 

1. One cannot get fit in three pills. I was disgustingly reminded how quickly medicine can also make me sick!  Double ugh!
2. Moderation is the key.  Steady is the pace.
3. I wish I had this same "get-it-done-right-now" attitude in all areas of my life.  (Yes, that includes dusting that furniture that this morning's sunlight is proudly displaying!  Praying, meditating on the Lord...in so many areas!)

Now, unfortunately, I have still have yet to recover from my day spent with the Fish Oil Capsule and have yet to take another one.  Tonight, I will.  I think I can.  I think I can...for the benefits of this supplement are tremendous (my husband does not like fish; therefore, I will never cook enough to not need this supplement.)

The oil in certain kinds of fish is highly enriched with cardio-protective and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats.  This is one instance when consuming large amounts of fat is equated to dramatic benefits in health.

Unless you're going to eat a serving of oily fish every day, or a lot of oily fish every other day, you probably need a supplement.   It's very difficult to eat a Western diet - like we have in North America - and get enough omega-3s from food alone.

If every American consumed sufficient omega-3s, the research indicates we would cut the rate of cardiovascular disease by about 40%.

I want to be a part of that 40%!  Heart disease is so prevalent in my family.  This is definitely one of the messages that God wants me to take from this week's study.  Take fish oil; just remember, though, that all things good for me are not always pleasant to the spiritual palette.

Staying healthy, getting healthy, maintaining a healthy state of being takes work and a committed frame of mind, just as staying spiritually healthy also demands such stamina.  Reading the Bible.  Praying.  Listening to the Lord.

The scripture from this week's book study of Made to Crave (chapter 9, page 91, "But Exercise Makes Me Want to Cry") comes from 1 Corinthians 6:19:  "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body."

Oh, my!  Much too often I do not measure up to this ideal, this expectation, this request.  My body...Tammy's body...is a temple of the Holy Spirit.  I am blessed that God placed this study of Made to Crave in my life, for it has been much too long since I meditated on what a "temple of the Holy Spirit" means to me, what it means to this physical body of mine.  This humbles me, to that state of being where I should always stay.

If fish oil helps me take care of this temple, then I will take it...at night, though!

I encourage you to roam around Lysa TerKeurst's website, watch her video clips.  You will be blessed...and inspired.