DD anyone?

We will be meeting tomorrow night at the Chitt DD :D 7:30-8ish

We will be covering chapter 8...maybe discussing ideas for the rest of the summer and the fall.

We have 5 chapters left.  We may meet sporadically but I would really like to finish up the book over the summer.

Come on out and join us. :)

Where Do We Go From Here??????

Our little group has been on a bit of a hiatus.  I started my new job as church administrator.  Leaving little time for Bible Study. :( This makes me sad and I am realizing again how much a cherish our group.  Not just for the fellowship but also for the accountability, being stretched, growing. 

The past two weeks I have missed it.  I checked the blog realizing I never even posted after our last meeting which seems like eons ago.  So  much has happened, do much has changed in my life.  I picked up the study book this morning, flipping though our last chapter. We are about midway through our "Beautiful Things" Study. We need to finish.  Find a time and finish.  Then go from there.  Perhaps the fall will bring more changes.  We are thinking about maybe moving to an evening study.

Here are some thoughts, observations and such from chapter 7--The Life of Christ in Us

Some of the most influential people are quiet, never standing on a stage or in a spotlight, never directing companies of thousands or managing caches of millions.  By that same token, some of the greatest legacies are simple-- not the great empire built or outstanding records set, but the laughter given, passion spent, and compete love and trust left.
(Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God, pp 98)

Read Psalm 16

• How would you characterize the mood of the psalmist as he wrote these words?
• On a scale of 1-10, with being the highest, rate the psalmist's trust in God
• Using the same scale, rate your trust in God
• Explain the difference
• Review verses 9-11 and rewrite them as your expression of your trust in God.  Be completely honest as you express your trust.

When we have and an encounter with the risen Christ, and he transforms our lives, he changes our hearts too.  We want to serve, love and show mercy-- these things are evidence of a maturing faith, especially when the things that move the Son of God move our hearts too. (pp 109)

• Does your life refelct the transformational power of Christ?  Do you want to serve, love and show mercy?
• Summarize the instructions of Psalm 16 by completing the following statement:
  Because the psalmist said_____________________________________ I will _____________________.
• Now write a prayer expressing your desire to trust God even when the circumstances seem impossible.  Use this prayer as part of your daily time with God and as an expression of your desire to follow him even when the path is uncertain.

Confession time...I feel like I should have been doing this.  Rereading this scripture and this chapter everyday of the past couple weeks.  It is important to keep your eyes on Christ and not on the uncertainty all around.   I know that He can and will see me through...after all... Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God!

Our next meeting time and place is yet to be determined.   We shall come up with a plan ASAP.  Suggestions and ideas welcome!   Maybe even an late evening study out at DD ;)

Chapter 8 is Trusting God With Your Fear.

On a Side note: Jess made the most delicious soft pretzels for our snack! You can check out the recipe here.

Lavish

Read 1 John 3:1-3

• Describe the depth of God's love for his children
  One word. Lavish.  The definition of lavish is this- to expend or give in great amounts or without limit: That's God's love for us.  Continually pouring out on us.  It never ends.  It pours out on us.  Overflowing.
• What is the hope we have (verse 3)? We are purified.  He makes us new. No matter what we have done.  God Can turn it all around.  Make us into a completely new person.  Set us on his track.  Accomplish mighty feats through us.  Just look at Saul/Paul.  He went from killing and persecuting Christians to being one of the ultimate Christian examples. (Acts 9)
• Paul was given a new name, a new purpose and a reassigned passion.  What do you think God is doing in your life right now?  What does God want to do through your life?

(Beautiful Things Happen When a Women Trusts God, pp 249-251)