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!
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.
