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...]
VotD
I was sitting at my desk this morning and looking at the new flip, desk calendar I have sitting off to my right. I needed to flip the page from yesterday's date to today. On each page is a Bible verse, but I typically don't read the verse and just flip the page (even though I know I should :) ). Well, today was different. I decided to take a moment and read what the verse had to say. And then it hit me. I could share my verse for each day with all of you. Today's verse is just the one I needed … [Read more...]
Day 170: The Dangerous Place
It's interesting but if you think about it the life of a writer is one of being solitary, alone, by yourself for long periods of time. Can you handle being along like this for anything length of time or would it drive you crazy. When you have any kind of job from home or business from home, you ultimately have to work by yourself as there isn't anyone around you pushing you to do whatever needs to be done. As a writer this is even more so. Who's going to tell you to write. Typically, just … [Read more...]
Day 160: One-Hair Brushes
It means to let yourself go. To be free to what you want to possibly get a better result than you could have expected. I love this quote, "Technique alone is never enough. You have to have passion. Technique alone is just an embroidered potholder." - Raymond Chandler I think writing is that for me. throughout the last five years I've done different things with my writing which has allowed me to become more and more open with it. I'm able to share more about me and who I am as a person. I try … [Read more...]
Working with Your Own Children
I feel honored to say that I get to work with my niece/daughter almost everyday. I have the privilege of being able to homeschool her. We spend more time together now than I could ever have been able to when I was working full-time. I mean, I ended up changing my schedule so that we would drop her and her brother off at the before school childcare program that was on Fort Knox. This enabled me to be able to be home when they got home from school. But I wanted so badly to be able to be a … [Read more...]
Money, Time, or Expertise?
Which of these is more important: money, time, or expertise? Well, if we are fortunate enough I'd go with all three. However, most of us aren't or maybe we aren't will to give of one of those listed. For me, I think time is the most valuable. No amount of money in the world can make someone feel better. To have more experience in something might be good but would it really help. However, time, you can always give of your time. Even if it's just five minutes to say a kind word to someone who … [Read more...]
Laura Story
I sit here this morning doing homeschool with my niece/daughter. I have KLove on in the background. I just started doing this yesterday. It’s nice to have uplifting, encouraging music in the background during the day. As I sat here moving my paper planner for the school year into a program on my computer, a song came on the radio that I have heard played many times before. I know the words and almost always sing to the song as it flows out through my speakers. The funny thing is the words … [Read more...]
Day 83: Retyping the Best
This is an interesting concept. Have you ever thought about taking one of your very favorite books and retyping it out? That's right, the entire thing. Nope? Well, I hadn't either until I read about today's phrase. Here is a small excerpt from the book: "When Donald Ray Pollock turned forty-five, he decided he wanted to do something different with his life; he was going to learn how to write. He began by retyping stories by writers he liked —John Cheever, Richard Yates, and Ernest … [Read more...]
