Bible Study Wednesday

Good Morning!  This morning I am off to bible study.  After about two years of not participating in a real live bible study it is awesome to be back in God’s word with other women.  It’s a great group of women all coming together from 7or 8 different dominations.  We are in the 5th week of a 7 week study called “Missing Pieces” by Jennifer Rothschild.  Oh is it so good. 

Some things you will learn how too:

• Experience unexpected peace in spite of unexpected heartache
• Move forward when you feel stuck in your circumstances
• Strengthen your faith when you feel beat down by life
• Gain stability when tidal waves of emotion hit
• Trust God more than your feelings

Over the years I have been involved with many bible studies.  Lately I have been doing online studies (I’ll share a couple of great sources in the future) which I have loved, but there is just something about going and fellowshipping (is that a word) with other like minded women.  I love spending time learning about our Heavenly Father. He has so much to teach us if we will just stay teachable.

Proverbs 13:18 - Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

Proverbs 9:9-Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

Blessings,

Cindy

Romans 8:38-39“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

What am I most thankful for ?

What am I most thankful for this Thursday?

 










The gift of eternal life.  Thank you sweet Jesus for making a way for me to live eternally with you.

In the last several months since moving back to Kentucky, I have witnessed much sickness and death of loved one (older friends). And I am witnessing another slow and agonizing death of a dear friends husband (hence why I wasn’t on here at the blog yesterday).   And I am just thankful to know that when our end here on earth is over, it’s NOT over for us that believe.  God made us a way to never die.  I am so thankful for that assurance and gift.

Onto other happenings around here, today is my check-in.  Buy that I mean that I started working out on the treadmill several weeks ago, and last week I decided to take my measurements (inches).  So today I will check to see if the inches have melted away.  LOL….no really, not expecting any major progress, but I know some of my clothes are fitting a bit different so either way I am happy, and looking in the mirror I can see some difference….so it might take it some time to reflect in the actually measurements, I don’t know.







Since I am still unemployed, I will be spending my morning on the treadmill and with my bible reading.  I really enjoy this time.  I have read the Bible through twice now and this is my third go around.  I picked up a book by Dr. Henrietta Mears to accompany me in my reading the bible this time.  



This is the back cover.




It helps me to better understand why things happened as they did.  I’m also taking the time to learn the books of bible in order, I have learned the first 27 books in order now to learn the rest.

Couple of questions here.  Do you have any great resources that help you with reading your bible or for bible study that you would like to share?  I’m always looking.
And also, what are planning to do today?  Please do share.

Hebrews 11:1“[Faith in Action] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Many hugs and blessings,

Cindy

Today in my world

Good Morning Ladies, here we find ourselves at the end of the week and another summer weekend on the horizon.  I am so thankful for my weekends, I love them, mostly because it is a time that my hubby is home and we can spend time together.  I always LOVE that.  Granted this weekend will have some little jobs that need to be done but for the most part nothing real pressing.

Today is filled with alot of little things I need/want to take care of.  Just a few little housework chores, but my big focus today is going to be on getting my “quiet time with the Lord” better organized. In recent post I have shared about my struggling with things and one thing I have come to realize is that my time with the Lord has been sporadic of late.  This MUST come to a stop. I am a person who NEEDS that nourishment every day.   I miss my quiet time on a daily basis and I do hunger for it.  But I  can get so sidetracked by life and the computer that I don’t seem to get around to it.  But I feel God calling me back to it, and nudging me to get myself back on track.  So I plan to start back with it faithfully on Monday.   (Although) I will get sometime in today, but normally my quiet time will be spent in the mornings with a devotion or inspirational reading before bedtime.  Not sure about you, but I am a list maker and I like structure and organization.  Those things help me keep my mind focused and on track.  So that is the main reason for putting together my portable desk of study materials.  I like having all my things in one place.

I love devotions and I have found two really good ones that I subscribe too and will be incorporating them into my quiet time.  If you are looking for or are in need of some great devotions check out the  Proverbs 31 Ministries and sign up for their devotional to be email to you daily.  How easy is that?   Another great devotion, you can sign up for is AnGel Ministries by Anne Graham Lotz.

My study time is more than just reading my bible.  As I have grown as a Christian, my quiet time has changed over time, Now I HUNGER for the word and the truth. I like to really research and get to meat of what God is trying to tell me.  My quiet time/study time looks something like this.  In my Bible time tool kit you’ll find:

• My Bible –  I usually use my NIV Scofield Study Bible, because this bible is marked up with side notes and any other pertinent information I have gathered over time.  It is highlighted throughout with passages that have “spoke” to me over the years.
• Pen and highlighter
• Journal – I record specific things God teaches or shows me from His Word. Then I can go back and review them. I also write down things He tells me to do. Writing them down makes me feel more accountable! And writing prayers or the main points of what I’m praying about helps keep my mind from wandering.
• Bible Reading Plan – I have tried several different ones, I have done Topical Reading Plans, Chronological Reading Plan, but for now, I think I will be continuing on with daily Proverbs reading, while hitting some topics
• Scripture Memory Cards – I usually write a verse that speaks to me on a index card, and meditate and try memorizing it through out the day. 
• Prayer Snapshots – Sometimes but not always I put a photo or a article or something tangible into my pray list.  This way it’s harder for me to forget it. 
• Also a book that I might be focusing on….Right now I am studying “The Power of Prayer to Change your Marriage” and “ The Power of Praying for your Adult Children”, both by Stormie Omartian.
• Prayer (I have tried many methods of prayer over the years, so that I cover all those situations, people, etc  using a schedule  ie Mondays-family, friends, marriage, Tuesday-sick, grieving, military, country, Wednesday, well you get the idea) but I think I am going to try a Prayer Calendar this time.  There are so many people and situations to be in prayer for I am scared I will forget…this way I can stay more focused.  Granted, I always pray for a specific need when it is needed.  To get a better idea of the approach I am talking about Teri Underwood has a great post on it here

If you are in need of some awesome helpful tips on your study time check out Kathy Howard, she has given us some great discipleship tools to use, and I recommend printing them out for easy access.

Ladies, even though we live in a troubled times with all that goes on around us.  We also live in a amazing time with all the technology that is afforded us.  The internet is such a great way to connect with our Christian sisters as well as finding the tools we need to be better equipped in our daily walk.  I encourage you to seek these places out and let God grow in you. Be all that God wants you to be. 

“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you.” Psalm 119:10 – 11

Hope you have a blessed day!

Colossians 2:9-10“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Something is on my mind

and today I want to share it with you.  If you have been keeping up with me here, you know for the most part for a while now I have been struggling with much.  Either through post that I have written or lack of written post. 

I feel as though my whole world has been under attack lately.  Now I know this isn’t true, but the feeling remains the same. When times are like these, I just want to cling to God and his word and promises, but for some reason, I have been struggling with that too.  Maybe because sometimes, I just don’t get it.  But let me tell you a about a little find I have found.  It’s a book written by Lysa Terkeurst called “Becoming More than a good bible study girl”.  Wow…I have just started reading it and it’s wonderful and answers so many of my questions about my relationship with God. 

Take a peek at one of her videos

Just in the first part  of the book  “In My Heart”, she talks about….

1. Trying to Be Good Enough
2. Flitting To and Fro
3. When I Feel like I Don’t Measure Up

If these are topics that you can relate too, then you have to read it.  With each page I turn I am eager for her help in getting out of this “rut”. The rut of desiring and knowing God more intimately, and not knowing how to get there.  If you feel this way, then perhaps this would be a good read for you too.

If any of you have read it, I would love to know if and how it affected your “knowing God” better. 

Ok…off to have my quiet time now.

 

Oh BTW…

Courtney of Women Living Well, is hosting this challenge for wives. Every Monday, June 7 - August 9, Courtney will be sharing biblical principles about how to be the woman your man needs. Mark your calendars and join me in becoming the women our husbands need.

Studying the Word of God

Hi ladies, if you noticed several post back I discussed some of my goals for this year, and digger deeper in to the word of God was one of them.   I read a wonderful article providing us with some wonderful tips and thought I would share them with you today. 

1. Suit yourself
Pick a course of study that suits you and stay with it. There are many excellent daily devotionals and study guides available. To find one, ask your friends or pastor to recommend their favorites. Also, salespersons at Christian bookstores are happy to help you make a selection.
Spike and I rely heavily on Barclay's commentaries for our teaching. I also find myself returning time and again to Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest for meditation. It never fails to challenge me to do deeper with God.
A current favorite of mine is a small volume of daily meditations on the four Gospels entitled Becoming Fire. In it, author Jeanie Miley draws the reader into each New Testament drama as an on-the-scene participant, relating our own thoughts and struggles to those of the Bible characters.

2. A fresh word
Try reading a favorite passage of Scripture in a translation you are not used to. See how fresh insights spring to life. Try, for instance, reading 1 Corinthians 13 in the J.B. Phillips translation: "Love has good manners and does not pursue selfish advantage. It is not touchy." The meaning here is so accessible! (Overall, this is a beautiful and poetic translation of the New Testament--worth adding to your library.)
Pam, my Bible teacher, teaches from the Amplified Bible, which is excellent for providing additional adjectives and expanding meaning.
Or try one that our whole family is enthusiastic about, the Bible paraphrase by Eugene H. Peterson entitled The Message. Though a paraphrase is not meant to replace a translation, it can bring invigorating new insights to familiar passages.

3. Praying your way through the Scriptures
"Pray your way through" a chapter or book of the Bible. This is one of the best ways I know to appropriate the truth of God's Word for our everyday lives. Verbal or written prayer can be used (I prefer to write). Here's how it works:
As I read through whatever book of the Bible I'm studying, I stop at every verse that speaks personally to me and write out a prayer pertaining to that verse. I try to make these prayers as personal and relevant to my own life as I possibly can.
Here's an example, using Romans 8. First, read the verse or verses:

For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:5-6).

Next, write a prayer in simple, conversational words of your own, pertaining to what you have read:

Lord, it's real easy to tell when I'm living "according to the flesh" by what my thoughts keep returning to--what my mind keeps dwelling on. If my thoughts return time after time to anything other than You, I'm usually not "in the Spirit." Sometimes I get totally stuck on shopping for clothes, or redoing the house or something like that. Then, before I know it, I have squeezed You right out of my mind. There's nothing wrong with clothes or wallpaper-- I know that. It's just that when they take over my brain like that, they start competing with You. Father, teach me to live "according to the Spirit." Everything else is dying. Only You are life and peace. Those are the qualities I hunger for! Amen.

4. Character study

Do a study of one particular Bible character. Trace that person's life in Scripture. Read other books and commentaries on his or her life. Try to "get inside this character's head" and figure out how he thought and why he did the things he did. In what ways is he or she like you? Different from you?

5. The acts of your life

Realize that though the Bible is complete, the Book of Acts (the story of God's church) is still being created in the lives of each one of us who follow Jesus. Write out your own story. Who are you and how is your life affecting the coming of God's kingdom on earth? Don't over glamorize yourself, but try not to be too hard on yourself, either. Make your story as factual and complete as possible. Someday you will be asked to give your testimony, "to give an account for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15), and you'll be prepared!

6. Consider the benefits

Go through Psalm 119 and make your own inventory of the benefits mentioneed that are available to the man or woman who studies God's Word.

This tips can be found at Christian Woman Today

Where to start?

This is what I woke up to this morning.  I'd say Winter has arrived!

That is how I feel.  I don't really know where to start. Here we are in a new year 2009, and I can't seem to get my thoughts down.  I have been taking things a bit slower and also starting a new system.  I guess you can say that is one of my new  goals for this year.  There are many things that I want to achieve and work on this year that will benefit me and my family.  Most of which are simply personal.  Here is a small portion of some of the things that are rolling around in my head.

1. One, being a better blogger buddy.  I haven't been doing all that great.  Life seems to have  a mind all it's own.
2. More quiet time with God.
3. Spend time with God daily in prayer.
   
4. Digging deeper in my study of the Word/bible study.
5. Reading more spiritual books for guidance/resources purposes that allow me to dig deeper
   
6. Focus on the simple things in my life and be grateful.
   
7. Spend more quality time with my family and friends.

This year I started reading "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren,  I am enjoying it greatly.  I am on Day 7 and I am working through th Purpose Driven  Journal too.  It is a great accompaniment to the book.  I have had this book for several years but just couldn't find the time to read it....so decided there was time like the present.  A great way to start off the new year.
As you can see most of my goals  are of spiritual nature but I feel a strong push toward this this year.  Last year my goals were oriented around organizing and even though I didn't master that, I still plan to work on it.  Believe me, there is ALWAYS something to organize at my house. I also wanted to start journaling my simple pleasures so I joined Peggy at the Simple Woman's   Daybook. You can check out my new blog for my Journal. I think it makes it easier to just recognize the simple things that we are grateful for.  This is a just a fun way to remember.

I am running a bit short on time at the moment, but wanted to let you know that I hope to get my blogging pattern down soon.  Since the holidays and getting the Christmas Decorations down, I have kinda like that "sparse" feeling....so I have carried that over to my computer time as well.  I am decluttering my blogs, making some changes, and cleaning and better organizing my computer files.  My inboxes look better than they ever have, and I set myself up a system on responding to emails that I need too, so that things don't get lost.   One of my other helpers, and it is a big one for me is my day planner, I couldn't do anything without it. Everything goes in there, from appts, what's going on with Tori and with whom, dinner ideas, shopping ideas, even blog ideas,  I use it for everything.  I also use one on the computer so if I need to, I can print it out and go.

Possibly soon, I will blog about some of the resources I like to use to keep me on task...but until then, I should go.  I didn't mean to write a book, but it has been awhile since I have posted.  I will try to get around to visit with you all soon.

Hugs!
Cindy
BTW, I still haven't gotten Christmas pictures off my camera, but once I do...I will post them.  Most likely I will post them to my Christmas Blog and then direct you there to see them if you want. 

Racing thoughts

Good Morning Ladies, just wanted to drop in here and do a little update, before I get to far along in my day. I am sitting here in a quiet house and the weather is simply gorgeous outside. The birds are singing and it is the first real tease of Spring. Oh was a wonderful gift it was this morning to be home and get to enjoy it. Today I am feeling on top of the world. Life is busy but oh so good. Praise God. He is so good to me.

As some of you know from reading my last post (reading Wedding Plans) the wheels are in motion. Michael and I have lots to do before the big day. I have been blessed with lots of friends back home and my mothers church that said they would do whatever needs to be done so that I don't have to worry about getting everything done long distance. What a true blessing this will be.

Michael and I are heading to Houston on the 29th of February for a couple of days and then on the way back we will stop in Russellville (fly into Nashville) to make some arrangements and speak with the florist, caterer, and pastor, as well as the cake decorator. So it will be busy why I am there. I will also take along a list of things for the women at the church that intend to help my mom. I never dreamed I could be this excited or happy again about a wedding, but God is putting everything in place. So I am simply trying to enjoy the journey. At this point because of work restrictions, we most likely will not do a honeymoon at this time, but later in the summer, we may try to take a cruise or vacation. This is fine with me because our main goal is to have this wedding before his mom can no longer travel. Bless her heart. Not only does she have our wedding to attend but two grandchildren that are graduating from college and she wants to attend thier graduations during this whole time frame. We feel that as long as she has things to look forward too, this may be the best medicine for her. She is a remarkable woman.

Today is going to be full of getting my house together and ready for a new full week of activity. I spent the morning cleaning my kitchen (again) and hitting all the hotspots in the family room. The house is picked up and cleaned and so I am going to work on a few of the things I had listed for my Household Managemet book. I am going to also download something that I found online yesterday. Which is going to be the site I am going to feature this week. (excert below taken from the site)

e-Sword is a fast and effective way to study the Bible. e-Sword is feature rich and user friendly with more capabilities than you would expect in a free software package. The fact that e-Sword is free is just one of the blessings and does not speak of the quality of the software. I make my living writing software and I believe I have put forth my best effort in this endeavor. The real work, however, was put in by the godly men and women who devoted countless years creating the texts that have been made available for our benefit.
In His service, Rick Meyers

So if you are interested in this download follow this link and find the download here.

Also one of thing I did accomplish this weekend was, I posted my cooking blog. It is no where near finished but you can find the link under personal sites in the left hand column. I hope you will drop by and leave me a little note.

K...ladies, as you can see, I got lots to do, so going to get at it. Thanks for all your well wishes. Hope you have a blessed day. Love you all.

Creating a Prayer Journal

What am I going to blog about today? Prayer Journals.

I think I have decided that since you all know from reading some of my recent post that I have been spending alot of my time reading devotions and books on prayers plus commenting that I worked on a prayer journal over the weekend. Seems like I can't get enough information on praying. (This is something that I have been in prayer for, for a good while) I feel that God has laid this desire on my heart to learn how to create a better avenue of worship with him. Since I pray everyday, several times actually I want a way to track my prayer request and praises and answered prayers ,for a while many years ago I kept a prayer journal in a pretty journal book, and wrote each request that came my way, but after a while I became bored with it, because it didn't inspire me. Is that bad? Anyway, this time I want something that will inspire me to keep it up and use it daily.

So I went on a hunt for something, wasn't sure what until I found it. I found a site that had some wonderful help in getting started.

The top 5 Reasons to Start a Prayer Journal (http://www.squidoo.com/personalized-prayer-journal)

You Need One More Than You Know!

You'll Develop a More Intimate Relationship With God!


Have you ever written a love letter? It is something about putting your feelings down on paper that makes them more real to you. The same is true in your relationship with God. When you take time out to just sit down and focus on Him, the reality of who He is to you expands.Do this on a regular basis, and you will be amazed at how much deeper your connection to the Lord with run.

It Will Revolutionize Your Faith! When you are going through a trial, it is great to have the Word of God there by your side. You can meditate on the countless times God came through for His people.But, having your own book of answered prayers from the Lord can be even better. Your prayer journal can be a ready reminder of God's faithfulness to you when you need it most.

It Makes God's Word Real! Using a prayer journal is an excellent means of Bible Study. When you journal on the things God reveals to you personally through studying His Word, the letters no longer just sit on the pages. It allows Him to reveal what they mean for you exactly where you are today.

You'll Be More Focused During Your Prayer Time! Have you ever been praying. Next thing you know, you're thinking about today's To Do List or something else totally off topic?Writing your prayers down keeps your brain focused where it needs to be - on spending time with your Heavenly Father.

You'll Create A Legacy of Faith! Over time, your prayer journal will develop into a beautiful love story between you and the Lord. It will hold all of the truths that He reveals to your heart throughout your journey with Him, and His great provision for your family through the years. A legacy of faith - Wouldn't that be something to pass on to future generations!


Short List of Supplies

• A journal. An actual journal is not a requirement. You may like these free printable prayer journal pages. Or even a simple notebook will do.
  
• Sticky Tabs. To separate the various sections of your Prayer Journal.
  
• A Favorite Scripture. To refocus your mind on God each time you open your journal.
  
• A List of Journal Categories for Your Table of Contents. You'll learn more about that next.
  
• An Open Heart to Receive from God. Trust me - He'll show up!

Now For the Fun Part!

Designing A Prayer Journal Just for You

To create your prayer journal, start by taking an honest look at your own relationship with God. What do you need to make it flourish into all that God desires it to be? It may not necessarily be prayer.Do you need more of God's Word? A chance to get to know what He has already said so that you can believe the things He is saying to you today. Then design your journal with an expanded Bible study section. As a jumping off point, you may want to consider using free online Bible study courses and keeping a journal of what God reveals to your heart as you progress through them.Do you need more time alone just sitting in His presence? Then focus your attention on Revelations from God's heart and your own personal Love Letters to Him.Once you have figured out where your journal should focus, pick out a scripture that captures the essence of what your journal will be about. You can either type it up and tape it to the inside or outside of your cover, or write it at the top of the first page of your journal.Then, you will want to create your table of contents page. On your journal's first page (under your scripture if you put it here), list out the sections that you picked for your journal. Put them in the order that you decide the sections with actually go in.Use the sticky tabs to section off the journal into the appropriate number of sections. The size of the sections should vary. They should be a reflection on where you feel your journal should focus spiritually.Write the name of each section at the top of that section's first page. If you want, pick out a scripture related to each of your sections for inspiration whenever you write.Now You Have Your Very Own Personalized Prayer Journal!


If you are planning to create a prayer journal, I hope this article will help you. Check out some of the links that are offered through this article. The free christian journal pages are very nice. I know I will be printing some of them for mine. I also found a Online Bible Study Notebook. This is way KEWL. I wish I had of used this when I was deep in my bible studies over the years. What a wonderful way to keep track of your studies. It is definitely a favorite.

Ok, before I close, I have a prayer request. Could you still remember Michael's mom in your prayers. Michael is flying to Houston in the AM to spend with her and his father. Although this trip is quick and short, I pray that it will be quality time. His mother got her last test results on Monday and they have also found cancer on her lungs. She is going to start chemo tomorrow for the cancer on her lungs and liver, but they have told us they can't do anything for her pancreas. So if you could please remember her, we all would greatly appreciate you lifting her up to our Heavenly Father. Thank you!

Good Night and God Bless!