Wow, today (week 1 day 5) is the first day in the study where Jen does NOT ask us to read a chapter in the book. Instead, on page 165, she says to “turn to Psalm 119. Except for verses 1-3 and 115, this psalm is addressed to God. As you skim through the psalm…, compile two lists in your journal. While there are many options, look for seven to ten verses for each list (see questions 1 and 2) that uniquely represent your desires. 1. "First, copy verses or even just phrases that demonstrate your … [Read more...]
Have you ever had an ‘awe ha” moment?
Today was Week 1 Day 4 and Jen Hatmaker had us read chapter 4 in her book A Modern Girl's Guide to Bible Study. On page 56 she wrote, "We must do our part to grow beyond salvation by allowing what began in our hearts to infect our minds.... as the Creator is well acquainted with our questionable habits and propensity to wander, but we have to respond with due diligence." Page 60, "Journaling forces our minds to engage with the Holy Spirit in Scripture. We listen as we read; we respond as we … [Read more...]
Week 1 Day 3
Jen has some pretty awesome titles for each one of her chapters in this book. Today we were asked to read chapter 3. Title: "Codependency That Doesn't Require Therapy". The subtitle is "Learning to Lean on the Holy Spirit." Now isn't her title very fitting but adds a cute dimension to it. On page 40 she asks, "Would you believe that you already have everything you need to study the Bible with discernment?" If you're anything like me, you're shaking your head at that one because studying the … [Read more...]
Week 1 Day 2 (my journey continues…)
I like what Jen Hatmaker had to say in chapter 2, page 26, "...the truth is, we approach God's Word without any strategies to make it come alive." When I first read this I realized just how true that statement is. I've always look at the Bible as something, obviously, very important. I knew God had given it to all of us as sort of a manual for how to live our lives, how we should treat ourselves as well as others, to know how to get to know Him more. It's a book like no other out there today. … [Read more...]
Week 1 Day 1 (On my journey…)
Today there were some really great insights the author, Jen Hatmaker, made in chapter 1 of her book A Modern Girl's Guide to Bible Study. On page 16, "God never intended for His Word to be tidy, hands-off package with crisp edges and a wealth of mysteries that we set aside until Sunday morning." And on page 14, "The insights of the Bible are not reserved for pastors, their wives, and Billy Graham." Psalm 119:130 NIV "The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the … [Read more...]
A new journey for me…
Wow, it's hard to believe that the last time I wrote on here was on April 18 of this year. I think most of you know that when it comes to writing on Mari's dedication site I've always only posted things when I felt led to it. I don't want to be untrue to what I created this site for, although it's continue to evolve from when I first created it. I no longer need to write on it on an almost daily basis, sometimes more than once in a day. This site helped with the healing process of … [Read more...]
Knowing when a joke isn’t funny
I think back to the last time I wrote something on here and it was for Mari's 14th birthday back in December. In only two and a half short months my life permanently changed seven years ago. July will always hold a place in my life of sadness. However, at least I have hope because I know through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus that I will get to see her again one day. I feel blessed that I am a believer because then I know I will get to see her again once I join her in … [Read more...]
The Journey with Renee Blare #acfw #thejourney
Please welcome this week's guest Renee Blare for The Journey. She answers the question: How have you seen God work in your writing journey? One Step at a Time 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV) “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” When I became a Christian at eighteen years old, I made a discovery. One that I use many different ways. I learned how to walk by faith. Now, I’m not talking about walking down the aisle, although I did make that trip; several times. But I’ll tell you about that … [Read more...]
The Journey with Cathy Elliott #acfw #thejourney
Please welcome this week's guest Cathy Elliott for The Journey. She answers the question: How have you seen God work in your writing journey? Bloom Where You’re Planted? When I finally answered the writer call, it was with the words, “What shall I write?” The desire had long been nestled inside, popping up every so often, tapping me on the heart. But the nudge seemed playful, without purpose. Now, at-the-ready, I felt lost before my journey even began. At my first writers group meeting, … [Read more...]
A Light in the Wilderness, Jane Kirkpatrick
Book Review by Jean Ann Williams Book Blurb: Letitia holds nothing more dear than the papers that prove she is no longer a slave. They may not cause most white folks to treat her like a human being, but at least they show she is free. She trusts in those words she cannot read—as she is beginning to trust in Davey Carson, an Irish immigrant cattleman who wants her to come west with him. Nancy Hawkins is loathe to leave her settle life for the treacherous journey by wagon train, but she is … [Read more...]