Saturday, May 18, 2013

Fitting In

This week we covered Chapter 3 The Hunger To Belong.

People were not made to be alone.  We all long for companionship.  I can well remember the days of feeling like an outsider.  Wishing and hoping to belong.  Thankfully these days, I face that struggle less.  Although it does still rear its ugly head.  Friday I got a little taste of it.  It was not pleasant, but I think served as a reminder to me of -a- how far I have come and -b- to perhaps be on the lookout for "lonely" people specifically women who may need a friend.  To be that person I used to wish would come alongside me.

It's risky to be known but it is what we were made for and anything less is not freedom.  You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.  It is a promise.  (Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God, p 240).
You have sent widows away empty,
And the strength of the fatherless was crushed.
Therefore snares are all around you,

And sudden fear troubles you,
 Job 22:9-10 NKJV

  • Describe a time when your words have been similar to the words in the verse above.
    Sometimes I feel like I always feel that way.  It is so easy to get discouraged and see nothing is getting better.  To fear you will always be in that place.
Read John 8:31-36

We talked about how it is important to be transparent with others.  Sometimes simply knowing another person is going through the same situation is all the encouragement you need.  To know you are not alone is a powerful thing.  You help one another and there is hope in knowing that others have made it through.

Its also important to be transparent before God.  I think He waits for us to be honest to call to him with an open albeit hurting heart.  THEN He can help us to truly heal.

Jesus already knows everything about you.  He loves you because of and in spite of it.  He will welcome you with open arms.  No matter what you have done.  Or where you are.  He loves you.

Things to think about~ (Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God, p 242).
  • God knows everything about you and loves you.  What is keeping you from trusting him with your past and following him?
  • Describe a spiritual breakthrough you would like to experience right now.
  • Summarize the instructions of John 8:31-36 by completing the following statement:
    Because Jesus said______________________________ I will__________________________.
  • Now write a prayer asking God to give you the breakthrough you described above.  Keep praying and believing God for the answer as you spend time with him in the days to come.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

See I am Doing a New Thing...

Today we started our "Beautiful Things" Bible Study.  It felt so good to be back around the table.  To be praying and studying God's Word with my friends.  To have a *new* friend join us! {Welcome, welcome Abby! I am so glad you were here!}

I had thought {foolishly} that perhaps we could cover two chapters a week.  Thus finishing up our study before summer really set in.  I realized today as we talked, prayed, shared our heart, struggles and triumphs that we will just go at whatever pace suits.  You can't put God in a box or on your timetable. ;~P

We covered chapter One today- Why Am I So Afraid?

This is the way God works.
    Over and over again
He pulls our souls back from certain destruction
   
so we’ll see the light—and live in the light!
Job 33:29-30 MSG

Read Joshua 1:1-9

Things we took note of~
  • How many times God repeatedly told Joshua to be courageous.  Three times at least in this brief passage.  WHY?? Probably because just like us Joshua worried and fretted and trembled with fear instead of firmly resting in power of God.
  • Verse 5: As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.  We talked about how we can learn and be encouraged by seeing those around us who have gone through similar circumstances.  How if God saw them through; He will be with us as well.  And in turn we will be that light and encouragement to those that come after us.
  • Verse 7 & 8: Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  We must follow God's Word.  He will Show us His way.  He will make us strong, courageous, prosperous and successful if we are following His Word.
  • We talked about times we have been courageous, times we needed more courage; things we are going through now that "cause our hearts to race and emotions to spin out of control." (Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God, pp237).
Things to think about; journal this week:
  • Consider your present situation; rewrite Joshua 1:1-9 as if God were speaking directly to YOU.  What instructions would He give?  How many times would He repeat those instructions.
  • What do you need to change in your life so you can be more focused on God and less focused on the situation.
  • Write a prayer expressing your desires.  Throughout the coming week use this prayer has part of your conversation with God.
    (From the Chap 1 Bible study guide on p 237)

Next week we will meet at Jessica's.  We will be covering Chapter 2; An Open Door.

I would still like to perhaps take turns leading, if anyone is interested.  If you would like to lead study next week FB me, email me, txt me, talk to me on Sunday...whatever.

I will be praying for you this week.  Be Blessed my friends.

A little bonus...our snack today Snickerdoodle Scones! I found this recipe via pinterest on Sweet Pea's Kitchen. It is delectable, and one I plan to make again and again!
snickerdoodle scones photo DSCN1131_zpsfccc2061.jpg 

For the Scones:
1/2 cup sour cream
1 large egg
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter

For the Cinnamon/Sugar Topping:
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Spiced Glaze:
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream and egg; refrigerate until needed.
In a separate small bowl, make the cinnamon/sugar topping be stirring together the sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, pulse together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cream of tartar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined about five 1-second pulses. Add butter and toss with a fork to cover in flour mixture. Pulse until mixture looks like coarse cornmeal flecked with pea-sized bits of butter, about 10 to 12 pulses. Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl.
Add sour cream mixture to flour mixture; fold with spatula until just combined. With rubber spatula, transfer dough to lightly floured work surface. Knead dough 6 to 8 times, until it just holds together. Shape into an 8-inch circle. Sprinkle with cinnamon topping. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges.
Place wedges on prepared baking sheet and bake 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
While the scones are cooling, make the spiced glaze. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix until you achieve a thick icing. Drizzle over scones and serve.