Weekly Bible Study Update ~ 4/10/11

4/3/11-4/9/11

1st Place for Health.  


"God's Purpose for You". 
Week 2 ~ "Respond Wholeheartedly".

Memory Verse:  "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.".  Proverbs 29:18

Day 1:  Running Wild
Day 2:  What God Reveals
Day 3:  Choosing God's Way
Day 4:  Understanding and Obedience
Day 5:  Wholehearted
Day 6:  Reflection and Application
Day 7:  Reflection and Application

This week's lesson was about how God wants us to resond wholeheartedly to obeying His commandments. 

Do we obey grudgingly?  Doing what is right but really wanting to do what we know is wrong.

I have to admit when it comes to food and dieting, that is right where I'm at.  I eat the Special K bar for lunch when I really want a Happy Meal like the rest of the family.

Exercise too.  Sometimes I have to force myself even though I'd rather be in my comfy bed reading a good book.

What about Sunday morning?  Do you get up anticipating a great worship service or do yo"u have to drag yourself out of bed due to a feeling of guilt and obligation?

This week, let's respond wholeheartedly to God and live our lives intentionally for His service.
Next:  Week :  "Desire Real Change"
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"Walking With Women Through the Word" with Wendy Pope. 
One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation.
April 3- April 9, 2011

We're almost to Day 100 in our reading!

This week had so many great stories.

The Judges, Jephthah's Vow, Samson, The Levite and His Concubine (very disturbing), Naomi and Ruth (one of my very favorites), Hannah's Prayer, Samuel's Birth, and then the Capture of the Ark by the Philistines.

So many of these I learned about in Sunday School as a young girl and now my daughters are learning them as they grow up in the Church.

One thing I didn't remember reading before:  After Hannah gave Samuel over to the Lord's service, the Lord blessed her with 3 more sons and 2 daughters.  That made me so happy.  It made me want to say, "In your face, Penninah!"  I guess that isn't very Christian of me but Hannah does say a Prayer of Praise that kind of says that in a round-about way.  GO HANNAH!

I'm really looking forward to seeing what is in store for this week.

Have a great week everyone!

Please see my side bar for the wonderful places I'll be linking to!

Weekly Bible Study Update ~ 3/27/11

3/20/11-3/26/11

1st Place for Health.  

"God's Best for Your Life". 
Week 11 ~ "God's Best for Your Future".

Memory Verse:  "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever".  Psalm 23: 5-6

Day 1:  The Good Shepherd
Day 2:  Blessed to Be a Blessing
Day 3:  You Are Anointed
Day 4:  An Overflowing Cup
Day 5:  A Secure Future
Day 6:  Reflection and Application
Day 7:  Reflection and Application

God answered my prayers and I was able to put my 1st Place study as my morning priority.  I was blessed by doing so.  This week's study was really encouraging and motivating.

Day 7's Reflection and Application talked about Robert Boyd Munger's book, "My Heart, Christ's Home" and asked for us to examine each of our "rooms" to see what needs cleaned out so that it can be redecorated with something better or more Christlike.

The areas were:

-Living Room (where you meet with Jesus daily)
-Dining Room (appetites)
-Library (Your mind)
-Workroom (talents and skills)
-Kitchen (nourishment)
-Yard (exercise, physical activity)
-Basement or attic (hidden hurts)
-Closet (hidden sins)

It was very interesting to contemplate what I would "clean out" and "redecorate" with.


Next:  Week 12:  TIME TO CELEBRATE!

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"Walking With Women Through the Word" with Wendy Pope. 
One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation.
March 20- March 26, 2011

I am relieved to say that I stayed up-to-date with my reading this week!  It felt so much better than being behind.

This week shows Joshua stepping up and the Israelites duking it out with the people who inhabited the land that God promised them.

With God on the Isralites side, the others didn't stand a chance.

Once the land was conquered, it had to be divided up amongst the tribes.  I can only imagine the relief everyone felt to finally be HOME.

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"It's No Secret" by Rachel Olsen.  
Online Bible Studies with Melissa Taylor.

This study starts tomorrow, March 27, 2011!  I'm ready and waiting!!

Sign up at http://www.melissataylor.org/ .

 *****

Have a great week everyone!

Please see my side bar for the wonderful places I'll be linking to!

To celebrate my birthday this past week, I'm giving away a copy of our next 1st Place study book, "God's Purpose for You".   Click HERE to enter.

Weekly Bible Study Update ~ 3/20/11

3/13/11-3/19/11

1st Place for Health.  

Be watching my blog this week!  I'm going to be having a giveaway for our next 1st Place study book "GOD'S PURPOSE FOR YOU".

"God's Best for Your Life". 
Week 10 ~ "God's Best for Your Service and Ministry".

Memory Verse:  "My dear brothers, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain".  1 Corinthians 15:58

Day 1:  A New Body in Heaven
Day 2:  Standing Firm
Day 3:  The Opportunity to Serve
Day 4:  A Labor of Love
Day 5:  The Workers of the Lord
Day 6:  Reflection and Application
Day 7:  Reflection and Application

Day 6's Reflection and Application stepped on my toes a bit.  It asked if I'd been putting on the Armor of God each day and if I had noticed any difference in how my day went.

I had to be honest and reply that I had slacked bit time this week.  There were days that I had to play catch-up doing 2 days or even three days of my study at a time.

I let my schedule and lack of momentum, motivation and determinatino keep me from putting my morning study time above all else.

I did get all caught up Friday and stayed on track with Saturday's study.

I'm praying that I do better next week.

Next:  Week 11  God's Best for Your FUTURE

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"Walking With Women Through the Word" with Wendy Pope. 
One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation.
March 13- March 19, 2011

As with my 1st Place studies I did a lot of catching up through the week.  I felt the guilt from not doing what I knew I should be doing and it felt great to get caught back up.

This week's reading was a lot of repeating of the laws and regulations given to Moses and the Israelites by the Lord.

The Isrealites are finally getting to go into their Promised Land.

Again, I'm praying to make my priorities clearer and stay on track this week.

**********

"It's No Secret" by Rachel Olsen.  
Online Bible Studies with Melissa Taylor.

UPDATE:   DUE TO THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE SIGNING UP FOR THIS STUDY, MELISSA HAS PUSHED BACK THE STARTING DAY TO SO THAT EVERYONE HAS A CHANCE TO RECEIVE THEIR BOOK.

Starting March 27, 2011. 

Sign up at http://www.melissataylor.org/ .

I can't wait to get started!

Book Description

Are you tired of life as usual? Ready to trade your everyday issues and emotional hang-ups for a life of greater intimacy and fulfillment? — Then it's time you join Rachel Olsen and discover some God-sized secrets to successful living. Rachel's writing is lighthearted and fun. But she's serious about helping you uncover biblical secrets to energize your spiritual life and relationships. This book will help you:

* Handle petty conflicts and criticism with grace
* Overcome the competitive urges that leave you lonely
* Grow spiritually despite life's setbacks
* Relax unrealistic expectations in favor of emotional stability* Uncover a surprising means to worshiping God amidst your busy schedule
* Discover how to make what you give away ultimately return to you
* Find adventure as you yield wholeheartedly to God

 You'll explore twelve principals from scripture, and delve into the Bible yourself with end-of-chapter studies. So grab your Bible, your coffee cup, a copy of It's No Secret, and a girlfriend and come discover twelve secrets the world doesn't know that every woman should.

Hope you join in!

 *****

Have a great week everyone!

Please see my side bar for the wonderful places I'll be linking to!

Weekly Bible Study Update ~ 3/13/11

3/6/11-3/12/11

1st Place for Health.  
"God's Best for Your Life". 
Week 9 ~ "God's Best for Your Daily Life".

Memory Verse:  "Joshua told the people, 'Consecraete yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you'".  Joshua 3:5
Day 1:  Daily Cleansing
Day 2:  Holy Living
Day 3:  Set Apart
Day 4:  You're a Saint
Day 5:  It's a Miracle
Day 6:  Reflection and Application
Day 7:  Reflection and Application

The Greek word for "Christian" is christianos, which means "follower of Christ" and is sometimes rendered "little Christ".

First Peter tells us to  "set apart Christ as Lord" and set apart is how to live a holy life in Christ.  "Set apart" is translazted from a Greek word hagiazo, which also can be translated as "be holy", "sanctify", or "consecrate".

We are to be holy, sanctified and consecrated to accomplish God's purpose in our daily lives.
Next:  Week 10  God's Best for Your Service and Ministry

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"Walking With Women Through the Word" with Wendy Pope. 
One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation.
March 6- March 12, 2011

This week was mostly about boundaries and land allotment.  Each tribe received land fairly depending on the size of the tribe.

Only the Levites were not given any land because they were set apart as priests.  They were given towns spread thoughout all of Israel so there would be a priestly presence in each tribe's land.

Wendy had some great lessons on her blog this week.  No matter the subject matter we're reading each day, there is a special lesson to be learned.

**********

"It's No Secret" by Rachel Olsen.  
Online Bible Studies with Melissa Taylor.

UPDATE:   DUE TO THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE SIGNING UP FOR THIS STUDY, MELISSA HAS PUSHED BACK THE STARTING DAY TO SO THAT EVERYONE HAS A CHANCE TO RECEIVE THEIR BOOK.

Starting March 27, 2011. 

Sign up at http://www.melissataylor.org/ .

I can't wait to get started!

Book Description

Are you tired of life as usual? Ready to trade your everyday issues and emotional hang-ups for a life of greater intimacy and fulfillment? — Then it's time you join Rachel Olsen and discover some God-sized secrets to successful living. Rachel's writing is lighthearted and fun. But she's serious about helping you uncover biblical secrets to energize your spiritual life and relationships. This book will help you:

* Handle petty conflicts and criticism with grace
* Overcome the competitive urges that leave you lonely
* Grow spiritually despite life's setbacks
* Relax unrealistic expectations in favor of emotional stability* Uncover a surprising means to worshiping God amidst your busy schedule
* Discover how to make what you give away ultimately return to you
* Find adventure as you yield wholeheartedly to God

 You'll explore twelve principals from scripture, and delve into the Bible yourself with end-of-chapter studies. So grab your Bible, your coffee cup, a copy of It's No Secret, and a girlfriend and come discover twelve secrets the world doesn't know that every woman should.

Hope you join in!

 *****

Have a great week everyone!

Please see my side bar for the wonderful places I'll be linking to!

Weekly Bible Study Update ~ 3/6/11

2/27/11-3/5/11

1st Place for Health.  
"God's Best for Your Life". 
Week 8 ~ "God's Best for Your Finances".

Memory Verse:  "My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Day 1:  Need or Want?
Day 2:  Wisdom or Wealth?
Day 3:  Where's Your Treasure?
Day 4:  Financially Fit or Flat?
Day 5:  Rich in Christ?
Day 6:  Reflection and Application
Day 7:  Reflection and Application

I really thought I knew where this week's lessons would go.  The typical "how to have no debt" study.  I was wrong.

For the most part, the lessons actually focused on teaching NOT to focus on money but TO focus on our riches in Christ.

It did touch on our physical finances and money issues but mostly in a how can we use our money to glorify God.

This is a quote from Day 6:

"Money doesn't fill emotional emptiness.  Only Jesus can fill that hole permanantly and bring satisfaction and peace.  If you have Jesus, you have everything you need.  As one paster said, 'What I 've come to realize is what I have in Christ is far greater than what I don't have in life' "

Day 6 in particular really struck me.

Next:  Week 9  God's Best for Your Daily Life

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"Walking With Women Through the Word" with Wendy Pope. 
One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation.
February 27- March 5, 2011

This week had it all.  Everything from rebellion and the ground swallowing people up to the assignment of who is going to carry what as they head out to a new camp.

God showed the Israelites that He chose the Levites to be His priests and set them apart for service in the Tabernacle.  A rod that blossoms and blooms over night can't be questioned.  Amazing.

This week also told of the 12 spies being sent into Canaan and only Caleb and Joshua had the faith that God would help the Israelites conquer their enemy.  Because of the Israelites disbelief, God told them anyone 20 and older would not get to see the promised land but would wonder through the desert.

There are so many great stories.  Alot of which I learned in Sunday School classes when I was young.

Confession time:  I have been running a day behind on my reading this week.  I'm hoping to get caught up today and start the week out in the right direction.

**********

"It's No Secret" by Rachel Olsen.  
Online Bible Studies with Melissa Taylor.

Starting March 20, 2011. 

Sign up at http://www.melissataylor.org/ .

Book Description

Are you tired of life as usual? Ready to trade your everyday issues and emotional hang-ups for a life of greater intimacy and fulfillment? — Then it's time you join Rachel Olsen and discover some God-sized secrets to successful living. Rachel's writing is lighthearted and fun. But she's serious about helping you uncover biblical secrets to energize your spiritual life and relationships. This book will help you:

* Handle petty conflicts and criticism with grace
* Overcome the competitive urges that leave you lonely
* Grow spiritually despite life's setbacks
* Relax unrealistic expectations in favor of emotional stability* Uncover a surprising means to worshiping God amidst your busy schedule
* Discover how to make what you give away ultimately return to you
* Find adventure as you yield wholeheartedly to God

 You'll explore twelve principals from scripture, and delve into the Bible yourself with end-of-chapter studies. So grab your Bible, your coffee cup, a copy of It's No Secret, and a girlfriend and come discover twelve secrets the world doesn't know that every woman should.

Hope you join in!

 *****

Have a great week everyone!

Please see my side bar for the wonderful places I'll be linking to!

Weeky Bible Study Update ~ 2/27/11

2/20/11-2/26/11

1st Place for Health.  
"God's Best for Your Life". 
Week 7 ~ "God's Best for Your Attitude".

Memory Verse:  "Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7

Day 1:  Lord of All
Day 2:  What's In An Attitude
Day 3:  There's Going to Be a Test
Day 4:  Attitude is a Choice
Day 5:  The Devil Has a 'Tude
Day 6:  Reflection and Application
Day 7:  Reflection and Application

Do I have a positive attitude or a negative attiutude?  I'd like to say positive but if I'm truthful, sometimes that negative sneaks right in.

This lesson has helped me see that my attitude reflects how I feel inwardly, not only about others, but about myself as well.

In this world, I can't control the things that will happen.  I can control my attitude with much prayer and help from God.  MUCH PRAYER!

Next:  God's Best for Your Finances (ouch!)

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"Walking With Women Through the Word" with Wendy Pope. 
One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation.
February 20- February 26, 2011

This week's reading was still in Leviticus.  Meaning lots of commands and then the people of Israel following them or sometimes not.  That meant lots of repetition in some parts.

I loved reading about the Festivals and what they were to do.  It seems like we have turned our "festivals", holidays, into just another work day.  See how much extra stuff we can get done, kinda day.

I especially liked the part about taking a complete day for rest.  (See, my Sunday afternoon naps are a requirement.)  I think this is essential for our well being.  Physical, mental and emotional.  As I call it, we need time-outs.

I'm looking forward to getting into this week's reading and discovering things I hadn't "caught" in prior readings.

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 "Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst.  
Online Bible Studies with Melissa Taylor.
Chapters 16-19

Chapter 16:  Why Diets Don't Work
Chapter 17:  The Very Next Choice We Make
Chapter 18:  Things Lost, Better Things Gained
Chapter 19:  Live as an Overcomer

I have loved this study!  Truly, loved it.  I've been on the "Made to Crave" journey for about 5.5 weeks.  (I got my book a little late) but it has changed how I see so many things about my life and my issues with my weight and food.  Not only that but also issues with my spiritual life that have kept me from overcoming those obstacles.

I tend to have an obsessive nature, so I tried not to go overboard and burn out on my food and exercise plan.  I had to come up with plans that would work for me and that I could sustain.

That being said, I lost 7 lbs during this study and hope to continue forward onto victory.  Not only in weight loss but in spiritual growth.

I don't have to get overwhelmed because my very next choice is all that matters.  Will it be a good choice or a bad choice.  That is up to me.

I know I'll be keeping this book handy and rereading parts of it every week.  I don't want to forget all I've learned.

Melissa Taylors next online study starts on March 20, 2011 and we will be studying "It's No Secret" by Rachel Olsen.  I already have my book and am looking forward to starting the study.  You can sign up for the study over at http://www.melissataylor.org/ .

I GOT DA POWAHH!!   (a little shout out to Melissa!  Thanks so much for leading us in this study!)

*****


Have a great week everyone!

Please see my side bar for the wonderful places I'll be linking to!

Weekly Bible Study Update ~ 2/20/11

2/13/11-2/19/11

1st Place for Health.  
"God's Best for Your Life". 
Week 6 ~ "God's Best for Your Appearance".

Memory Verse:  "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."  1 Samuel 16:7.

Day 1:  True Values
Day 2:  Heart Check
Day 3:  Unique You
Day 4:  Inner Beauty
Day 5:  What's Truly Important
Day 6:  Reflection and Application
Day 7:  Reflection and Application

How do we judge others?  Do we judge them by our first impression, meaning what they look like?

How do we judge ourselves?  We need to look at our heart and make sure it is beautiful and godly.

We were created in God's image and are perfect in His sight. 

Next:  God's Best for Your Attitude

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"Walking With Women Through the Word" with Wendy Pope. 
One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation.
February 13- February 19, 2011

This week got a bit hard to read through.  Especially when it started talking about skin conditions and seeping.  GROSS!!

God gave the instructions for the Tabernacle and for making sacrifices.  The priests then carried out these instructions.  Except for Nadab and Abihu and they met a bad end. 

There were a few days that I had to double up on my reading.  This week was crazy busy and it just seemed like I couldn't get caught up on anything. 

Hopefully this week will be calmer and back to a normal (whatever that is) schedule.

**********

 "Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst.  
Online Bible Studies with Melissa Taylor.
Chapters 13-15

Chapter 13:  Overindulgence
Chapter 14:  Emotional Emptiness
Chapter 15:  The Demon in the Chips Poster

Once again, I had to read the last 2 chapters assigned on Saturday.
I started out strong and read Chapter 13 on schedule.  Actually I read it sitting in the Pittsburgh VA Hospital waiting room while my dad was having a CT Scan.

After that, everything else just seemed to get in the way.  I had it on my list everyday and it just kept getting shoved back.

I did stick to my "plans" pretty well, though.  I have learned a lot in this study.

This is the last week for the Made to Crave study with Melissa Taylor.  Her next online study starts on March 20, 2011 and we will be studying It's No Secret by Rachel Olsen.  I already have my book and am looking forward to starting the study.

We will still be encouraging each other in our MTC journey toward healthiness through Melissa's blog and also on the Facebook page.

I'm going to try to go out with a bang on this study and stay on schedule with my homework not to mention my food and exercise plans!

Say a little prayer for me!


*****


Have a great week everyone!

Please see my side bar for the wonderful places I'll be linking to!

Weekly Bible Study Update ~ 2/13/11

2/6/11-2/12/11

It is so amazing how all these studies seem to correlate to each and work off of each other to really hit me where I need it.
1st Place for Health.  
"God's Best for Your Life". 
Week 5 ~ "God's Best for Your Waiting Rooms".

Memory Verse:  "While we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good."  Titus 2:13-14


Day 1:  Waiting for the Day
Day 2:  Mentoring and Being a Role Model
Day 3:  Eager to Do Good
Day 4:  Wisdom Waits
Day 5:  Getting Ready
Day 6:  Reflection and Application
Day 7:  Reflection and Application

Our lives are full of waiting.  Waiting for things in this world and the ultimate waiting for the Lord to come back to take us to Heaven to spend eternity with Him.

When we wait, do we waste our time or do we use it wisely?

While waiting for the Lord to come, we are to do good deeds, encourage our fellow Christians, comfort each other, make disciples of all nations and be ready.  Be ready so that God will call each of us "good and faithful stewards".

I've had to ask this question of myself this week:  "How do I take care of what God has given me?"  Besides the fact that my house is a wreck right now, tomorrow is cleaning day, I try to take care of our home and my family to the best of my ability.  Lately, though, I've been realizing that taking care of the body God gave me is so very important.  I fall very short there, but am trying to remedy that neglect.

With the Lord's help, I can be productive while in my Waiting Rooms and not sit idly while hiding my talents.
I've been pretty consistent this week in completing my 1st Place study in the morning.  There were a few days that I was later than usual but I stayed current and that makes such a big difference in getting the full effect of the study.

Next:  God's Best for Your Appearances  (oh boy!)

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"Walking With Women Through the Word" with Wendy Pope. 
One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation.
February 6- February 12, 2011

This week's reading was about God's directions for building the Tabernacle and the Instruments.  Then the actual building of the Tabernacle was described.

Some parts got repetitive.  But, the message I get from that is that they followed the commands the Lord had given Moses exactly as they had promised they would.  Exactly as described.

Do I follow the commands the Lord has given me with such dedication and precision or am I haphazard in following the Lord's commands?

I am happy to say that I stayed current on my reading this week.  Nightly, before bedtime.
Come join us.  You can start anytime.

**********

 "Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst.  
Online Bible Studies with Melissa Taylor.
Chapters 10-12

Chapter 10:  This Isn't Fair
Chapter 11:  Stinkin', Rotten, Horrible, No Good Day
Chapter 12:  The Curse of the Skinny Jeans

Our key word for this week was "TRUTH". 

So, I'll tell you the truth.  I did not stay on schedule with my study this week.  I was on time with Chapter 10 but had to get caught up with Chapters 11 and 12 on Saturday.

Let me tell you something.  I paid the consequences.  I had more than one "Stinkin', Rotten, Horrible, No Good Day" and thought more than once "This isn't fair".  I didn't meet my exercise goal and I was very lenient on my food plan.  It all added up to a 1 pound gain instead of a loss.  If I had read those chapter on the days assigned, it would have made a big difference in my attitude and actions.

But I learned a major lesson.  Even though others may not have to watch every bite they eat and exercise every day, I do.  If I want to take care of my body, lose weight and get healthy and then even maintain that healthy weight, I have to work hard. 

Before I had kids, I knew this.  It is hereditary.  Slow metabolism and big butts and hips.  After I had kids, I guess I thought that I shouldn't have to worry so much about maintaining myself.  After-all I had had already snagged my hubby (I'll admit it), I had too much other stuff to do and because of the stress of life I deserved to treat myself.

Not true.  My body still belongs to God and I need to be a faithful steward of what He has given me.  Even if I have to work harder than others to do so.  I can push through those blah days without giving in to stressful eating. 

God is my portion and only He can fill those empty places.  He will also give me the power and the strength to succeed.

Now to reset my thinking and start this next week on the right foot.  Then the left.  Then the right.  Do you get it?  Exercise !  Corny, I know.  Maybe if it were corn on the cob....

*****


Have a great week everyone!

Please see my side bar for the wonderful places I'll be linking to!

Weekly Bible Study Update ~ 2/6/11

1/30/11-2/5/11

1st Place for Health.  
"God's Best for Your Life". 
Week 3 ~ "God's Best for Your Circumstances".

Memory Verse:  "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  1 Thessalonians 5:18

Day 1:  Give God the Glory
Day 2:  Why Me?
Day 3:  Why Not Me?
Day 4:  Somebody's Watching
Day 5:  How Do You Say Thanks?
Day 6:  Reflection and Application
Day 7:  Reflection and Application

Hope is confident expectation that God is in control when we know that we aren't.

Giving thanks in all circumstances is something is very hard to master.  There are times when the last thing on our minds is being thankful.

Something to work on and pondor.

Next:  God's Best for Your Waiting Rooms

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"Walking With Women Through the Word" with Wendy Pope. 
One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation.
January 30- February 5, 2011

This week's reading mainly contained Moses being sent to Egypt to lead God's people out and away from Pharoah.

This included the Burning Bush, the Plagues, the Red Sea and manna.  The plague's were very familiar.  After that, though, it was very interesting reading and I noticed a few things that I don't remember noticing before.

No matter how much we read, there will always be something to learn about or from.

Watching Wendy's vlog and reading my classmates' comments remain a highlight of my day.

Come join us.  You can start anytime.

**********

 "Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst.  
Online Bible Studies with Melissa Taylor.
Chapters 7-9

Chapter 7:  I'm Not Defined by the Number
Chapter 8:  Making Peace with the Realities of My Body

Chapter 9:  But Exercise Makes Me Want to Cry

Our key word for this week was "PEACE".  As I wrote last week, the third week is usually hard for me so having "peace" this week was essential for me to be able to make it through without my anxiety taking over.

All three chapters this week really hit home for me.  I've learned not to define my success by the numbers but to look at how obedient I was throughout the week with sticking to my exercise and eating plan.

Making peace with the realities of my body has been a life-long issue with me.  I've always had low self-steem.  The study has challenged me to look at myself through different eyes.

Chapter 9 came at a great time for me.  I've felt myself slacking on the exercise front and will make a greater effort this coming week to get back on top of my plan with determination.
*****

Now, to watch the SUPERBOWL!  GO STEELERS!

Have a great week everyone!

Please see my side bar for the wonderful places I'll be linking to!

Weekly Bible Study Update ~ 1/30/11

1/23/11-1/29/11

1st Place for Health.  
"God's Best for Your Life". 
Week 2 ~ "God's Best for Your Spiritual Life".

Memory Verse:  "Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from My decrees and have not kept them.  Return to Me, and I will return to you," says the Lord Almighty."  Malachi 3:7

Day 1:  Changing From the Inside Out
Day 2:  Dressing for Battle
Day 3:  Confronting the Enemy
Day 4:  Freedom Through Repentance
Day 5:  Enjoying Your Relationship with God
Day 6:  Reflection and Application
Day 7:  Reflection and Application

I stayed current on my 1st Place studies this week and I'm really enjoying this particular book.

This week it focused on Salvation, Spiritual Armour, Scripture Memorization, Repentance, Praise, Confession, summing up with Our Spiritual Relationship with God.

As the memory verse states, "Return to Me, and I will return to you," requires us to make the first move.  God is waiting and watching.

From the Week 3 Introduction:

"All God has ever wanted from His people is for us to honor, respect, trust and love Him above all earthy things, the same way He loves us.  Everything--physical, emotional, relational, spiritual--stems from our devotion to Him.  Nothing in our life will be right until we get it right with the Lord."

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"Walking With Women Through the Word" with Wendy Pope. 
One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation.
January 23- January 29, 2011

There were 2 days this week that instead of reading my passage for the day in the night, I waited until the next morning.  But I am current and on track!
This week has been alot of back and forth between Job and his friends.  I love when Elihu comes into the picture and gives them, as Wendy Pope titled her post that day, a "Holy What For!"

Elihu was younger and therefore kept his mouth shut until he could no longer stand it then he let them have it.  He defended God and His authority, power and abilities.  I love, love, loved it!

I am enjoying this "class" so much!  I look forward to reading the daily passage as well as watching Wendy's vlog and reading my classmates' comments.

Come join us.  You can start anytime.

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 "Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst.  
Online Bible Studies with Melissa Taylor.
Chapters 4-6

Chapter 4:  Friends Don't Let Friends Eat Before Thinking
Chapter 5:  Made for More

Chapter 6:  Growing Closer to God

Our key word for this week was "DETERMINATION" and, boy, did I need it.  Determination to stick with the exercise and food plan got me through the week.

Traditionally, the third week for me is where it gets the hardest, so I ask for prayers for me to continue with my efforts and not give-in to temptation.  Temptation to eat food that isn't on my food plan and tempation to not exercise.

Chapter 5 has really made me look at myself in a different manner.  Most times we only see our faults and then define ourselves by them.  We then automatically think that is how others see us.  It is a vicious cycle that is false.

I am a child of God.  Forgiven, set-free, accepted, holy, made-new, loved, close, confident and victorious.  All through Christ.  And I am made for more than a cycle of failure ruled by my body's desires.

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:13-14

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Have a great week everyone! 

Please see my side bar for the wonderful places I'll be linking to!

Weekly Bible Study Update ~ 1/23/11

1/16/11-1/22/11

1st Place for Health.  
"God's Best for Your Life". 
Week 1 ~ "God's Best for Your Physical Life".

Memory Verse:  Then Jesus declared, " I am the bread of life.  He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and He who believes in Me will never be thirsty.  John 6:35.

Day 1:  Your Boday ~ God's Gift
Day 2:  Heavenly Bread
Day 3:  Health Watch
Day 4:  Being Fit for Life
Day 5:  Home, Sweet Home
Day 6:  Reflection and Application
Day 7:  Reflection and Application

I managed to stay up-to-date on this study all week!!  Aren't you proud?!  I'm writing this post on Saturday night and our group will be meeting first thing tomorrow morning.  I'm looking forward to a great discussion.

This week focused on our body being a gift from God that we should treat with the utmost respect and care.  (very convicting.)  Sleep, exercise and healthy eating were emphasized.

The ending prayer for Day 6 really  touched my heart.  I have written it in the front of my journal and also on my "Empowered" sheet hanging on my wall.

"Dear God, my Creator, motivate me, guide me, sustain me, rebuild me.  In Jesus Name, Amen."

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"Walking With Women Through the Word" with Wendy Pope. 
One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation.
January 16- January 22, 2011

I stayed current on my reading this week except for one night, but does it really count if I'm reading a day ahead anyway.  I guess it should because it meant I read 2 days worth of reading in 1 day.  Not bad though.

This week's reading was mainly about Joseph's rise to power and his brother's coming to Egypt because of the great famine.  Finally, Jacob and all his family come to Egypt to be with Joseph and lived in the land of Goshen.  Jacob (Isreal) and Joseph both pass away during this week's reading.

Because this is a Chrono Bible, we skip to Job which is traditionally thought to have taken place around the time of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Jacob is tested with his possession and then with his health.  Through the end of the week's reading, Job is going back and forth with his "friends" about his situation and the cause of it.  The last days reading is about Job wanting to argue his case with God and asking how he had sinned.  In my notes I wrote about how very bold this was of Job.

I've really, really enjoyed watching Wendy Pope's daily vlog.  It is quickly becoming one of my activities of the day.  Sometimes, I grab my crocheting and sit back and watch.

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 "Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst.  
Online Bible Studies with Melissa Taylor.
Chapters 1-3

I was so glad to finally get my book on Tuesday, but that meant some catch-up.  Melissa actually has scheduled one day to read the chapter and the next day to do the questions.  To catch up I've done both in one day.  I'll try Melissa's schedule this week and see how I like doing them on separate days.

Chapter 1:  What's Really Going On Here?
Chapter 2:  Replacing My Cravings
Chapter 3:  Getting a Plan

I'm really enjoying this study.  We've discussed our cravings and how to resist the temptations of food that is not in our eating plan.

I like the verse "Everying is permissable'--but not everything is beneficial" 1 Corinthians 10:23.  I keep reminding myself of this as Lisa suggests.

Replacing the cravings is a hard thing to do.  I went grocery shopping and got lots of healthy snacks because that is were my downfall is most of the time.  That and eating out/fast food.  The other day I took a protein bar along when I knew we'd be on the road over lunch and ate it instead of getting McD's like the rest of the vehicle did.  I managed but smelling those fries made it a little harder.  It's a good thing my protein bar is really yummy.

I've already had my plan figured out and have actually put it into action this week especially after the grocery trip.  Lisa uses the example of planting a beautiful garden.  First you have to plan it and then you have to do the work to get it "bloom".  I'm now in the "doing the work" phase.  Lord, help me!  Really.  That is my prayer.

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Well, there you have it.  It isn't too late to start any of these studies.  I'm having a great time with them and am learning alot.  It seemed like everything coordinated this week.  Funny how that happens.

I hope everyone has a good week.  Next Sunday, I'll let you know how I do with my studies this week.

Please see my side bar for the wonderful places I'll be linking to!