We Picked One

Well, our "group" that did Unglued together has picked a new study.  We needed something that would be approximately 6 weeks.  Oh my...what to pick???  There are so many wonderful studies out there.  How in the world do you pick one. 
The simple.
The basic
The DVD driven.
The no homework (we didn't see one of those)
The little homework
The MAJOR homework
It was a little overwhelming when we first looked at our list.  We had so many great writers and authors.  We had so many different styles of study.  It was quite a list. Just to give you an idea, this is what it looked like.......

Community Bible Study (They have a great little book they use)
Disciplers Bible Study (Written like BSF)
Beth Moore Study
Anne Graham Lotz study
Lysa TerKeurst study
Kay Arthur
Priscilla Shirer
Beth, Kay and Priscilla Study
Prayer Notebook Assembly (Putting together a Prayer Notebook)

We were completely honest with time and time management and what we could commit to.  That was soooooo important.  We narrowed it down to........................................................................... drum roll please......................................................................................
DISCIPLERS Bible Study!!!!!!!!!  Then we had to narrow it to what book of the Bible to Study.  We knew we needed 6 weeks. 

JAMES!!!  I love this book.  It can be step on your toes difficult but you can never read it and learn it enough. 
I was so excited about this I could have just busted.  What thrills me about it is this.....
There are 6 days of homework.
There is a commentary to read that is about 4-6 pages.
There is NOTHING ELSE TO READ!!!!!!
This what I a LOVE about BSF, Disciplers and Community Bible Study.  It requires you to read your scripture.  Dig in the scripture. Listen for the Lord.  Let Him teach you.  I was so excited!!!!!
THEN IT HIT ME>>>>>>>>>>>  that little voice of doubt.......I would be responsible for the teaching part.........Maybe we should rethink this.......then I get sweet encouragement from my Husband, and others.  This is going to be WONDERFUL!!!! 
Here's the key.  If I walked in thinking that "I can do this", I completely missed it.  Here it is...."I can't BUT He CAN" is my thinking.  My fear subsided and my excitement has completely taken over.  The great part....we are going to do a "Prayer Notebook" Assembly the first night we kick it off.  Everyone will bring their list of supplies and we will put them together and use them during the 6 weeks.  Some are going to bring their teen daughters!!!!!!  WHOOT!!!!!!  Happy Holy Dance Here!!!!!!! 
I hope you will join us in the journey into His Word.........it is so RICH and so POWERFUL!!!!!!

Prayer Life

Well, that word usually sends people to look down at whatever is in their laps and all you see is the tops of their heads, especially if you question them about their prayer life.  Oh please don't do that.....haha.
This can be a tough and a touchy subject.  The question is,,,,Should it be?

Your prayer life is personal.  It is personal time that you spend with the Lord.  I think sometimes we don't know how to do it. 
Maybe we have never been taught.
Maybe we don't know what to say.
Maybe we are afraid we will do it wrong.
Maybe we are afraid that He will ask us to do something we aren't wanting to do.
Maybe we don't think He will answer.
Maybe we don't think He will answer the way WE want Him to answer. 

I am not here to tell you that mine is perfect. I'm not here to tell you that I know all the answers.  I'm here to encourage you.  Encourage you to spend time with Him.  I've learned a lot of methods, if you will, on prayer.  The key is that you have to figure out what works for you and your time with Him. 

Let's spend some time on this topic and see where we end up.  We can do this over the next few days.  I think it will be exciting to talk about and share.  I know that a lot of people do better with a method or fill in the blank type or even certain things to pray for on certain days works for some.


 I treasure prayer time.  It is one on one time with the Lord.  Could there possibly be anything more precious than time with Him.  Let's think about this for a minute.  You, yes you, have the full attention of the Lord.  Let that sink in for minute.  REALLY SINK IN!!!!!  Why in the world would you want to miss it!!!!!  The other thing that we have to remember is that prayer is communication with the Lord.  COMMUNICATION is 2-way!  That means that we don't pray/talk the entire time!!!!!!  It requires us to BE QUIET!!!  This can be VERY hard and VERY difficult.  What we have to remember is that He has something to tell you.  He has something to share with you.  SSHH!!!  Listen!  Don't miss it!!!!!!

I can tell already....This is going to be a great journey!!!!!  Hang on to your hats and let's get ready to ride!!!!!!!!

Here's a Peek!!

This is what my table looks like when I'm getting ready to study and have my time with the Lord.  Organized chaos to some I am sure.  Yes, I have my coffee to.  I also usually have a pack of tissues....never know when that may come in handy.....

Yesterday I talked about an index card with a "Legend" on it.  I took a picture of mine.  I don't know that you can see it very well.  I can try again if there are questions.  It is such an awesome tool to use.  It's from Kay Arthur.  Different words or groups of words are marked a particular way. 

Now you have a peek inside my time!  What does yours look like?  If you are just getting started or have questions, please feel free to post them... Would be happy to help you out.  Other questions, feel free to use the CONTACT button on the side.  Tomorrow we start on how to study.......YEAH!!!!!!

Instruments

So, now that we are ready!  But you may ask....What do I need?  Well, that depends on you.  I have what I have always used and many are very different.  Some don't use much and that is fine.  Some use much more than me and that is fine as well.

First- PRAYER!!!  The line of communication should be wide open and ready!  Look for Him to speak.  Ask Him to clear your mind. Clean your heart.

Second-Your bible.  What ever version that you use and that you are comfortable with. 

Third- Pen- I know that sounds silly but you know how it is when you are writing and the pen doesn't "flow" like we want.  You have blobs of ink. It won't write at times. It can be a complete distraction so make sure that you find your favorite one.

Fourth- Index Cards- These can be used in several ways.  The first is to use just one to make notes on how you are using a legend while you study.  I will attempt to post my "card" that I use.  I have a color for words such as blood, sin, heaven, will and numerous others.  It makes such a difference when you are making notes as you go. 

Fifth- Colored Pencils- If you can find a set that has erasers, you will be happy you paid a little extra.  Color coding your Bible is such a treasure.

Sixth- Notebook of your choice.  It can be as simple as a one of the 70 page spiral composition notebooks or you can use a pretty journal.  Another option is just loose leaf paper.  It's whatever you are comfortable with.

Seventh- Questions- We will discuss that tomorrow..........Get ready!!!!!!!  I hope you are ask excited I am!!!!!!!