Do you Book Club? I Bloom.

All my life I have NOT, repeat not enjoyed reading.
Maybe because my lifestyle now and always has been so busy, so crazy, just too much going to for me to stop and read a book. However, as I get older... dare I say that, I am enjoying books more and more.

The Bloom {in}courage book club is a place to read, discuss and grow together and I'm so excited to join in on that reading, discussing and growing!

You are just in time to start the new life-changing book called 7 By Jen Hatmaker. Jen took seven months, identified seven areas of excess, and made seven simple choices to fight back against the modern-day diseases of greed, materialism, and overindulgence. Check out the trailer here:



I plan on sharing what I learn, how I grow, and where God is calling me to refine in my life, each chapter at a time. I would love for you to share your growth too.

You can sign up here if you would like to receive emails when new Bloom posts are available.Also you can join in on the Bloom Facebook Page to interact with other readers, as well as in the comments of each post!



My 7:
   Clothes | Shopping | Waste | Food | Possessions | Media | Stress

The Bloom Post Schedule:

Monday, August 27: Introducing Jen Hatmaker/7
Wednesday, August 29: Month One: Food
Friday, August 31: Food-Guest Post
Monday, September 3: Month Two: Clothes
Wednesday, September 5: Clothes-Guest Post
Monday, September 10: Month Three: Possessions
Wednesday, September 12: Possessions- Guest Post
Monday, September 17: Month Four: Media
Wednesday, September 19: Media- Guest Post
Monday, September 24^th: Month Five: Waste
Wednesday, September 26^th: Waste- Guest Post
Monday, October 1: Month Six: Spending
Wednesday, October 3: Waste-Guest Post
Monday, October 8: Month Seven: Stress
Wednesday, October 10: Stress- Guest Post
Wednesday, October 17: FAQ with Jen {more details to come!}


Last spring I stumbled upon http://www.incourage.me/.
It has been a great christian resource for me as a wife, mom and daugther of the King.
I particpated in their bible study/community building weekend called in(RL) Real Life, back in April. Since then, I enjoy getting emails about articles that encourage me and uplift me in life and ministry.
We share a passion for community and relationships. That is how I believe we grow the Kingdom.

Happy Kingdom Building!



Tips on Memorizing Scripture

Why is it so hard to remember things, let alone the gift of memorizing scripture? Because it is in fact a gift, a gift I have not been given in my young adult life. I knew the scriptures as a child and a teen. I could spout out anything you needed to know about the Bible. Then… in late high school and early college I turned away from the truth of scripture… and the thought that it was truth at all. Thankfully the God is gracious. Through a series of events the Lord brought some people into my life and took some people out. I am thankful for that season for it has brought me to where I am today, and who I am today… a Daughter of the King. Since my early believing days I have forgotten most of the scripture I once knew. However through my love for the Lord… and His love for me, I am regaining the hidden word in my heart. Now I still believe that I have NOT been given the gift of scripture memorization, but does that mean I shouldn’t try to hide the word of God in my heart! Oh no, try away!

I have hidden your Word in my heart, so I might not sin again you. Psalm 119:8

Here are some tips to help make that happen in my life and yours:

1. Memorize scripture from a verse of the Bible that you enjoy. The Bible I use often is TNIV, in case you were wondering.
2. Make some note cards of verses that you are trying to memorize.
3. Now carry these cards with you to read while in a waiting line or on your lunch break, or post them around your home in places you’ll see them.
4. Repeat and learn what these verses mean. If you understand them, it will be easier to remember them.
5. Regularly review these verses. Use it or lose it, haha, I’m serious though.
6. Now go and share!

{in}RL Bible Study

I actually haven't been doing "Real Life" with anyone since we have moved positions from our last church in Van Buren, AR. {I miss that small group and the relationships I had there}

So when I came across this little online event looked like something I would love.
And I did. I only wish that I would have been able to share in a group inReal Life!

They have a bible study out now that you can purchase:

I went ahead and bought it even though I don't have that "Real Life" community. I'm praying for God to bring some ladies into my life to share this study with.

 

Reflecting God: Hometown Hero

A hero usually returns home to a parade, a key to the city, and a street named in his or her honor. Jesus was asked to speak in the synagogue on Sabbath. Having heard about the healings, the miracles, and the massive crowds hanging on his every word, the hometown folk expected a little of the same. They were ripe for being impressed. The exact opposite happened.
In his sermon from the scroll of Isaiah, Jesus declared that messianic promises were being fulfilled on the spot. Had he stopped there, he would have been fine. They would have congratulated him at the door on a fine sermon. However, Jesus went on to declare that the kingdom of God was meant for a wider audience than the hometown folk, or even neighboring Jews.
We love it when Jesus comes preaching what we want to hear. However, when he starts loving the pagans around us, that may be more than we can tolerate.