Thank you for joining me again this week. I am having fun, and I hope you are too. I really like this chapter. I have so many “so true” statements, it will be hard to decide which one will make the blog! One thing I love about Debbie’s thoughts on success is that success is good, and it should be something we expect as Christians. On page 62, when she is talking about Bible characters who were successful, she says this and I wholeheartedly agree. “They worked from God’s principles and God brought them success. I believe that success is a blessing from God-why people frown on it, I don’t know.” I think we should be excited for the success God gives us, and excited for the success God gives others. Let’s embrace it! As much as we hear in the world about people looking for “the secret” to successful living, God laid it out pretty plainly in the Bible. In a simplified explanation, the secret to successful Christianity basically has to do with sowing and reaping, and believing, meditating and speaking God’s Word. (Gal 6:9, and Josh 1:8). BIG SECRET!!!! Don’t forget to tell everyone! When we keep on doing what we know is right, we will reap in the long run. Be consistent in the small things….they pay off in the long term. Do what is right when no one is looking, because some ONE is looking all the time!
If you desire to successfully reach the dream in your heart, make sure you remember the 4 things a successful woman does: she trusts herself, accepts responsibility for herself, invests in herself, and she thinks about success. I am impressed and challenged by Debbie’s organized method of goal setting. I encourage you to follow her SMART plan (pages 71-72) and then incorporate her ABCDE system for prioritizing your own tasks (pages72-73) Obviously, successful women plan! We may as well learn from someone who has put it into practice and has the success to back it up!
I love Debbie’s encouragement to be positive about life. There are enough Eeyore’s to go around. Why not be a Tigger?? Show some excitement, be passionate about life and live life abundantly with some bounce in your tail! Debbie’s personal formula for success is simple but profound: BE proud of who you are, BE persistent, BE bold, BE grateful, and Be yourself. If “yourself” needs an attitude makeover, choose to live life positively!
In conclusion, never think of success as a dirty word. It is God’s desire above all else that we prosper (have success) and be in health, even as our soul prospers. (III John 2). So let’s have a prosperous soul, and see God’s idea of success come to pass in our lives!
So true- Statement
“Stay positive and surround yourself with upbeat, constructive people. Enthusiasm and ambition are contagious. Positive people condition us for success the same way positive thinking moves us forward to reach our goals.” (page 77)
Highlight Scripture:
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed Prov 16:3 (NIV)
Discussion Questions – Homework!
1. How do you describe success?
2. Have you considered making a mission statement for your life? I love the verse Debbie chose as her mission statement in Gen 12:2, that God will make her a blessing. Our Ladies Ministry mission statement is Col 1:10 that we might walk worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. As Ladies of Grace, we want to walk strong, please God, be fruitful and know God more intimately every day. Do you have a life verse? If not, find a verse for your life this week!
3. Debbie says the key to success is to start with the basics. How can you implement either her SMART plan or the ABCDE task priority plan into your life?
4. Name at least 3 E’s you can eliminate. Then make a commitment to DO IT! Say not the good, so you can say yes to the best!
5. As a woman thinks in her heart, so is she! (Prov 23:7) Yes it is in the Bible, and to be a successful woman takes thinking successful thoughts. (page 76) Is that a thought bump for you? If it is, how can you confidently begin thinking and believing that God wants, desires and even longs for you to succeed?
Knit Together Challenge:
Do you know someone who has had a recent success? Why not help them celebrate. Find a way to rejoice with those who rejoice. Tell and show them how proud you are of what they have accomplished! Celebrate their success with them. (This could be a hard one, especially if you have a tendency to measure yourself up against others. Celebrate anyway!)
My Prayer for you:
Father, in Jesus Name, I thank you for the wonderful women who are joining me on this blog study. I thank you Lord, that your desire is for success for each one of them, and You are helping them see that it is possible to reach their dreams, despite any obstacles they must overcome. I ask you Lord to help each of us realize that you have blessed us to be a blessing, and that is ultimate success in life. Give us courage to live passionately and positively. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Chapter 3: Created for Risk
I love the quote that Debbie starts with this chapter. Hudson Taylor said, “Unless there is an element of risk in our exploits for God, there is no need for faith.” As believers we know that it is faith that pleases God. We are in a faith walk, a faith fight, a this life is a life of faith. Faith is required for believers! The things we are believing for, take faith in action….and that applies to dreams as well. To pursue the dream that God put in our heart, we get to put our faith in action!
It is easy to settle for much less than God has for us. God wants us to experience life to the full. Abundant life – the kind that is abundantly above all we could ever ask or think. So often we settle for good, when God wants us to experience great! I love this quote I heard long ago from who knows where, “Say no to the good, so you can say yes to the best.” Sometimes we get so caught up doing lots of good things, that we miss the great thing(s) that God has for us. Life is all about perspective and balance. Let’s quit wasting time on unnecessary things that keep us out of balance, and get God’s perspective for our life.
So have you decided to be a risk taker? Why not give risk a different title! I love this thought! Instead of terrifying, try challenging… instead of foreign, try intriguing… instead of a problem, try potential to grow. Instead of looking at things from a negative perspective, turn it around to the positive. It is a great way to encourage yourself and remember that God is always with you and He believes in you! His promises are yes to you. You may need to encourage yourself on a regular basis (hourly if necessary!), and you can do that by encouraging and building yourself up in God’s Word.
Overcome fear, and believe in yourself. Fear can stop you in your tracks. It can produce pain and even paralyze you. (Think of childbirth or public speaking!) Fear has all the same properties as faith, except it is going in the opposite (negative) direction. Turn your fear to faith, and overcome any negative self doubts, and live fear-less. You can live confidently! So as we reach the end of Chapter 3 remember: Play your song! Sing your song! Write your song! Live your song! It is risky, but worth every bit of the risk!
So true- Statement – “Sure there are those who get lucky-people whose success falls right into their laps. But I would say there is something important about learning to work for what you dream. It teaches persistence, endurance, and the value of determination in the face of obstacles.” Debbie Macomber
Highlight Scripture- John 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Discussion Questions – Homework!
1. What is the greatest risk you associate with pursuing your dream?
2. How can you systematically work through that risk to reach the reward?
3. The three thoughts on page 51 from the Power of Positive Thinking are great keys to getting out of a negative rut, and living positively and victoriously. Why not copy it (I believe I am divinely guided, I believe I will always take the right turn in the road, I believe God will make a way where there is no way- by Norman Vincent Peale) or even the Optimist’s Creed and put in on your mirror to read them out loud as you get ready each morning. What is the advantage to speaking words like these out loud?
4. What are the negative words that you say about yourself that you know you need to change? What positive words can you say in exchange?
5. Setting goals is an important factor in reaching our potential. How can you make your goals more attainable? Why not list 3-5 of them and put them in your Bible to reread daily.
Knit Together Challenge: Think generationally when it comes to believing in yourself. Your kids (or others you influence) will believe in pursuing their dream when they see confidence, endurance and persistence in you. They will be much more willing to take risks and overcome fear when they see how you have done it.
My Prayer for you:
Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus and ask that you help us to walk stronger in you. We desire to live confidently and fearlessly and truly enjoy this adventurous journey of life. I pray that in You we would know that taking risks to pursue the dream you have placed in our heart is worth the effort. Give us the courage to get up when we fall, and the perseverance to keep going when the going seems tough. I pray that we could live joyfully knowing that your Word is at work within us, helping us accomplish Your will in our life. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!
It is easy to settle for much less than God has for us. God wants us to experience life to the full. Abundant life – the kind that is abundantly above all we could ever ask or think. So often we settle for good, when God wants us to experience great! I love this quote I heard long ago from who knows where, “Say no to the good, so you can say yes to the best.” Sometimes we get so caught up doing lots of good things, that we miss the great thing(s) that God has for us. Life is all about perspective and balance. Let’s quit wasting time on unnecessary things that keep us out of balance, and get God’s perspective for our life.
So have you decided to be a risk taker? Why not give risk a different title! I love this thought! Instead of terrifying, try challenging… instead of foreign, try intriguing… instead of a problem, try potential to grow. Instead of looking at things from a negative perspective, turn it around to the positive. It is a great way to encourage yourself and remember that God is always with you and He believes in you! His promises are yes to you. You may need to encourage yourself on a regular basis (hourly if necessary!), and you can do that by encouraging and building yourself up in God’s Word.
Overcome fear, and believe in yourself. Fear can stop you in your tracks. It can produce pain and even paralyze you. (Think of childbirth or public speaking!) Fear has all the same properties as faith, except it is going in the opposite (negative) direction. Turn your fear to faith, and overcome any negative self doubts, and live fear-less. You can live confidently! So as we reach the end of Chapter 3 remember: Play your song! Sing your song! Write your song! Live your song! It is risky, but worth every bit of the risk!
So true- Statement – “Sure there are those who get lucky-people whose success falls right into their laps. But I would say there is something important about learning to work for what you dream. It teaches persistence, endurance, and the value of determination in the face of obstacles.” Debbie Macomber
Highlight Scripture- John 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Discussion Questions – Homework!
1. What is the greatest risk you associate with pursuing your dream?
2. How can you systematically work through that risk to reach the reward?
3. The three thoughts on page 51 from the Power of Positive Thinking are great keys to getting out of a negative rut, and living positively and victoriously. Why not copy it (I believe I am divinely guided, I believe I will always take the right turn in the road, I believe God will make a way where there is no way- by Norman Vincent Peale) or even the Optimist’s Creed and put in on your mirror to read them out loud as you get ready each morning. What is the advantage to speaking words like these out loud?
4. What are the negative words that you say about yourself that you know you need to change? What positive words can you say in exchange?
5. Setting goals is an important factor in reaching our potential. How can you make your goals more attainable? Why not list 3-5 of them and put them in your Bible to reread daily.
Knit Together Challenge: Think generationally when it comes to believing in yourself. Your kids (or others you influence) will believe in pursuing their dream when they see confidence, endurance and persistence in you. They will be much more willing to take risks and overcome fear when they see how you have done it.
My Prayer for you:
Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus and ask that you help us to walk stronger in you. We desire to live confidently and fearlessly and truly enjoy this adventurous journey of life. I pray that in You we would know that taking risks to pursue the dream you have placed in our heart is worth the effort. Give us the courage to get up when we fall, and the perseverance to keep going when the going seems tough. I pray that we could live joyfully knowing that your Word is at work within us, helping us accomplish Your will in our life. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Chapter 2: Created for Dreams
Airborne or crash. That is what can happen with dreams. They can soar or they can plummet! They can succeed or they can fail. That seems to be the challenge with dreams! They have the potential to be absolutely fulfilling or a dismal failure. Thankfully we know that God wants the best for us! If He gave us the dream, it can come to pass. Too often we think the opposite; that dreams can never come to pass, or only come to pass for a very small percentage of the population. I have heard it said that if your dreams don’t scare you spit-less, they aren’t big enough. There definitely is a measure of risk with dreams, but we were created to dream big dreams! So what are your dreams, and how can you see them realized?
I love the questions Debbie McComber tells us to ask on page 26. When we think about our dream, if we are determined to get to our destination we should ask these tough questions. Those 7 questions really give you a good idea of what it will take to achieve your dream. After that kind of honest assessment, we can count the cost and really begin going after the dream that is in our heart.
I think it is encouraging to know that others have had big obstacles to overcome and have made it to their dream. (Golda Meir, Gerorge Bernard Shaw and Benjamin Franklin were her examples of 3 who didn’t let their age deter them from destiny.) Obviously we know that there are lots of people who go to their grave without accomplishing their dreams. Let that not be us!
Can you imagine the failure Debbie felt when the editor told her not to revise her manuscript, but to just throw it away. I love how God was there to comfort her, and encourage her, even with the enemies echo still in her ear in the quiet of the night. She opened her Bible and came to the scripture in John 14 and read the entire chapter. The first verse said, let not your heart be troubled, and the last verse said Arise, and let us go from here. So she did just exactly that, and kept on persevering.
Isn’t it odd that as women, we so easily believe the lie, instead of the truth? It is time to do just the opposite. When we know the truth and believe the truth, truly we can live free. When we are free in Christ, truly no limitations can hold us back. No negativity can hold us down. No lie from the enemy will ever keep us in bondage again. We are free!
We can see God move in for us and change the absolutely NO, to absolutely no problem! Limitations, boundaries, and ceilings will crumble. So keep on dreaming. That’s what we were created for!
So true- Statement – “God wants the best for you -not the average and not the mundane. He wants your future to be full; he wants your gifts to be used! He wants to see you prosper and flourish as you use the skills and talents and gifts He has given you.” (bottom of page 29, and top of page 30)
Highlight Scripture - John 8:32 You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.
Discussion Questions – Your Homework!
I love the questions Debbie McComber tells us to ask on page 26. When we think about our dream, if we are determined to get to our destination we should ask these tough questions. Those 7 questions really give you a good idea of what it will take to achieve your dream. After that kind of honest assessment, we can count the cost and really begin going after the dream that is in our heart.
I think it is encouraging to know that others have had big obstacles to overcome and have made it to their dream. (Golda Meir, Gerorge Bernard Shaw and Benjamin Franklin were her examples of 3 who didn’t let their age deter them from destiny.) Obviously we know that there are lots of people who go to their grave without accomplishing their dreams. Let that not be us!
Can you imagine the failure Debbie felt when the editor told her not to revise her manuscript, but to just throw it away. I love how God was there to comfort her, and encourage her, even with the enemies echo still in her ear in the quiet of the night. She opened her Bible and came to the scripture in John 14 and read the entire chapter. The first verse said, let not your heart be troubled, and the last verse said Arise, and let us go from here. So she did just exactly that, and kept on persevering.
Isn’t it odd that as women, we so easily believe the lie, instead of the truth? It is time to do just the opposite. When we know the truth and believe the truth, truly we can live free. When we are free in Christ, truly no limitations can hold us back. No negativity can hold us down. No lie from the enemy will ever keep us in bondage again. We are free!
We can see God move in for us and change the absolutely NO, to absolutely no problem! Limitations, boundaries, and ceilings will crumble. So keep on dreaming. That’s what we were created for!
So true- Statement – “God wants the best for you -not the average and not the mundane. He wants your future to be full; he wants your gifts to be used! He wants to see you prosper and flourish as you use the skills and talents and gifts He has given you.” (bottom of page 29, and top of page 30)
Highlight Scripture - John 8:32 You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.
Discussion Questions – Your Homework!
- What is your biggest dream of your life? Have you said it out loud? Why not do it now, and then tell someone else?
- What limitations or invisible barriers have kept your from soaring toward your dream?
- How can you use the Word of God to tell the difference between the truth and the lies the enemy whispers?
- What reminder can you give yourself to stop talking when you begin to speak negative words over your life?
- So what is stopping you from going for your dreams? Now that you know that it is not just who you know, that you’re not too old, and that it isn’t too hard, why not go for it! Go after your dream. I know you can do it! What action can you take today?
Knit Together Challenge: Look around at people in your life, and ask yourself this: How can I help motivate or encourage my friend, family member or loved one not to give up on their dreams? If you are a mom, be a good example to your kids through your words and actions that the dreams they have can come to pass too!
My Prayer for you: Dear Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you that you have given us dreams and visions for our life, and that they can come to pass. I pray that we would have courage to make today the day that we believe that all things are possible. I thank you that your Word says we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. I believe that our faith will be made into sight as we continue to trust you. Thank you for reminding us that because we know you, we have the most important connection we will ever need. We believe we are not too old and it is not too hard, because You live big on the inside of us. Thank you for your tender love for your children. In Jesus Name, AMEN!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Chapter 1: Created for Purpose
One of the most fabulous ways to be productive in life is to know that you have a purpose. Life is too short, and life is too long(!!!!) not to find and fulfill your God given purpose! We are Created for Purpose!
I enjoy how Debbie introduces herself in this chapter. She has a way of making you feel like you know her personally, because she seems to be so much like us in so many ways. She began to see her need to fulfill her own purpose when she already was a wife and a mom, leading an average life. She longed to figure out her purpose and reach that seemingly unreachable dream of becoming a writer. During this time, she found Christ, and was introduced to a ladies Bible study where she grew to love the Word of God. She began to grow in faith. I believe that where she started is the best starting point for finding our purpose. When we begin to know who we are in Christ, we want to make our life count for the kingdom. We find out who we are in Christ as we read and study the Word, and consistent Bible Study is a great catalyst for that. Through her cousin’s death, she received the revelation that she could no longer just dream about fulfilling her purpose of being a writer someday. She had to be one now. I hope that same kind of passion is rising on the inside of you….no more waiting, do it now!
I love the analogy of purpose being our suitcase, passion being our carry-on, and patience being our garment bag. Since we are on a journey, let’s determine to enjoy it. You are where you are at this moment. Where you want to be may seem totally out of reach. If we want to make it to our destination, we have to put one foot in front of the other, and begin where we are. One of my friends says this: start where you are, it’s your only choice! If our dreams are always tomorrow, we will never go anywhere. If we are dependent on everything being perfect to begin, it will never happen! If we aren’t convinced that fulfilling our purpose is not optional, but God’s mandate for our life, we will flounder and live mediocre lives, dying with a long list of regrets. I don’t know about you, but for me that is not an option! Let’s learn to make the most of now. This moment in your life can be the first step toward your destiny!
Oliver Wendell Holme’s statement… that “most of us go to our graves with our music still inside us”, was a light bulb moment for me. For those of you who know me personally, you can probably know that worshipping God is my passion. I love writing songs, singing and playing for the Lord. I have written hundreds of songs and poems that could be set to music, and all of them are hidden in my heart or hidden in my file cabinet. So I am telling you all, and God that I get the hint….no lightning bolt needed! I will let the music out. I encourage you to do the same. Find your music….whatever it may be, and sing your song!
SO TRUE- Statement- page 3, 2nd half of first paragraph…. “We were designed for something special. I believe that something special is reflected in the strong desires God puts in our hearts through our dreams, our passions, and through the things that bring us joy.”
Highlight Scripture: Galatians 6:1, 4-5 (The Message) Live creatively friends… Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.
Discussion Questions – (Your Homework!) You can do this on your own and respond to in the comment section of the blog if you desire.
My Prayer for you: Dear Father, I come to you in Jesus name, thanking you for sending Jesus to fulfill his purpose on the earth, so that we can know you. I thank you that we are created for purpose and that you place talents, abilities, and gifts in us so that we can passionately live out our purpose on the earth and promote and impact the Kingdom of God. I ask you to bless each one who reads this with favor and blessing as they follow after You and find their purpose in You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN
I enjoy how Debbie introduces herself in this chapter. She has a way of making you feel like you know her personally, because she seems to be so much like us in so many ways. She began to see her need to fulfill her own purpose when she already was a wife and a mom, leading an average life. She longed to figure out her purpose and reach that seemingly unreachable dream of becoming a writer. During this time, she found Christ, and was introduced to a ladies Bible study where she grew to love the Word of God. She began to grow in faith. I believe that where she started is the best starting point for finding our purpose. When we begin to know who we are in Christ, we want to make our life count for the kingdom. We find out who we are in Christ as we read and study the Word, and consistent Bible Study is a great catalyst for that. Through her cousin’s death, she received the revelation that she could no longer just dream about fulfilling her purpose of being a writer someday. She had to be one now. I hope that same kind of passion is rising on the inside of you….no more waiting, do it now!
I love the analogy of purpose being our suitcase, passion being our carry-on, and patience being our garment bag. Since we are on a journey, let’s determine to enjoy it. You are where you are at this moment. Where you want to be may seem totally out of reach. If we want to make it to our destination, we have to put one foot in front of the other, and begin where we are. One of my friends says this: start where you are, it’s your only choice! If our dreams are always tomorrow, we will never go anywhere. If we are dependent on everything being perfect to begin, it will never happen! If we aren’t convinced that fulfilling our purpose is not optional, but God’s mandate for our life, we will flounder and live mediocre lives, dying with a long list of regrets. I don’t know about you, but for me that is not an option! Let’s learn to make the most of now. This moment in your life can be the first step toward your destiny!
Oliver Wendell Holme’s statement… that “most of us go to our graves with our music still inside us”, was a light bulb moment for me. For those of you who know me personally, you can probably know that worshipping God is my passion. I love writing songs, singing and playing for the Lord. I have written hundreds of songs and poems that could be set to music, and all of them are hidden in my heart or hidden in my file cabinet. So I am telling you all, and God that I get the hint….no lightning bolt needed! I will let the music out. I encourage you to do the same. Find your music….whatever it may be, and sing your song!
SO TRUE- Statement- page 3, 2nd half of first paragraph…. “We were designed for something special. I believe that something special is reflected in the strong desires God puts in our hearts through our dreams, our passions, and through the things that bring us joy.”
Highlight Scripture: Galatians 6:1, 4-5 (The Message) Live creatively friends… Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.
Discussion Questions – (Your Homework!) You can do this on your own and respond to in the comment section of the blog if you desire.
- What is it that gets you excited? What do you love to do? What are you passionate about?
- Did you try the experiment on page 14? What are your P-words and S-words?
- Write down 5 goals that seem totally out of reach. Seal them in an envelope for later.
- What can you do, at this moment, as a first step toward fulfilling your purpose?
- Have you had a light bulb moment in regard to purpose? What was it and how did it affect you?
My Prayer for you: Dear Father, I come to you in Jesus name, thanking you for sending Jesus to fulfill his purpose on the earth, so that we can know you. I thank you that we are created for purpose and that you place talents, abilities, and gifts in us so that we can passionately live out our purpose on the earth and promote and impact the Kingdom of God. I ask you to bless each one who reads this with favor and blessing as they follow after You and find their purpose in You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Introduction Week
Greetings to you! Thank you for participating with us this summer in our very first blog Bible Study. This is an experiment that we hope really is fun. Thanks for being a guinea pig!
If you know me, you know how much I love to read. I really enjoy books that challenge me to grow in different areas. I was given the book we are using as a resource, Knit Together, by Debbie Macomber, as a Christmas present, and really didn’t get a chance to read it until Easter or this year. When I did, I thought it had some great life lessons that really are basics of Christianity. They are good foundational thoughts that one can build their life on. Because summertime is sometimes unstructured, having regular Bible Studies in one place at one time becomes difficult. So, because we know the importance of studying the Word, even during vacation time, here we are, doing this fun experiment.
The author, Debbie Macomber, seems like the kind of lady you would want in your friendship circle. She is a motivator, who presents practical steps to making your dreams a reality. She keeps your feet to the fire, and continually reminds us that God has given us gifts, abilities and tools, but it is up to us to do something with them. She has experienced the joy and reward of diligence and perseverance, and realizes that becoming successful at anything takes work. If you apply the principles of her book, you will have no excuse to become all that God has for you! So get prepared for an adventure in finding out how we can be knit together in the body, to effectively accomplish something great for the kingdom of God.
Next week we will start with Chapter 1. If you are like me, you will probably read the whole book at once, and then start again and go chapter by chapter. That works! Get a good overview if you want, and then we will go through the chapters with a fine tooth comb. There will be some Discussion Questions and a Highlight Verse to memorize or meditate on for the week. I will highlight my SO TRUE statement from the chapter we are discussing, each week. I’ll also include a Knit Together Challenge and My Prayer for You at the close of each week. You are invited to comment and give feedback on any and all, from my comments on the chapter to your answers to the questions, to any revelation you may have received each week. I’ll have some of my awesome Bible Study leaders help each week to give their feedback as well. So let’s go for it…..and be knit together on in the internet! Are we high tech or what!!!
P.S. Someone told me you can purchase the book very inexpensively at barnesandnoblebooks.com. Used hardback and paperbacks start at $1.99. You could buy one for yourself, and some friends too!
If you know me, you know how much I love to read. I really enjoy books that challenge me to grow in different areas. I was given the book we are using as a resource, Knit Together, by Debbie Macomber, as a Christmas present, and really didn’t get a chance to read it until Easter or this year. When I did, I thought it had some great life lessons that really are basics of Christianity. They are good foundational thoughts that one can build their life on. Because summertime is sometimes unstructured, having regular Bible Studies in one place at one time becomes difficult. So, because we know the importance of studying the Word, even during vacation time, here we are, doing this fun experiment.
The author, Debbie Macomber, seems like the kind of lady you would want in your friendship circle. She is a motivator, who presents practical steps to making your dreams a reality. She keeps your feet to the fire, and continually reminds us that God has given us gifts, abilities and tools, but it is up to us to do something with them. She has experienced the joy and reward of diligence and perseverance, and realizes that becoming successful at anything takes work. If you apply the principles of her book, you will have no excuse to become all that God has for you! So get prepared for an adventure in finding out how we can be knit together in the body, to effectively accomplish something great for the kingdom of God.
Next week we will start with Chapter 1. If you are like me, you will probably read the whole book at once, and then start again and go chapter by chapter. That works! Get a good overview if you want, and then we will go through the chapters with a fine tooth comb. There will be some Discussion Questions and a Highlight Verse to memorize or meditate on for the week. I will highlight my SO TRUE statement from the chapter we are discussing, each week. I’ll also include a Knit Together Challenge and My Prayer for You at the close of each week. You are invited to comment and give feedback on any and all, from my comments on the chapter to your answers to the questions, to any revelation you may have received each week. I’ll have some of my awesome Bible Study leaders help each week to give their feedback as well. So let’s go for it…..and be knit together on in the internet! Are we high tech or what!!!
P.S. Someone told me you can purchase the book very inexpensively at barnesandnoblebooks.com. Used hardback and paperbacks start at $1.99. You could buy one for yourself, and some friends too!
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