You all know what I planner I am, so it should come as no surprise that I have already made a plan for our Fall Bible study. Since schedules can get kinda crazy and because I know we want our Bible study to be intentional in our lives, I am giving you the information about what we have coming up in plenty of time! Thank you ladies for being so faithful to our Bible study. Your encouragement and love has been a blessing that I just cannot explain. You all are amazing!
The study I have chosen for the fall is "Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed." (which I'm sure I'll shorten to ATR.) It is a seven week study and concentrates on the life of David. This study came out of a Deeper Still Conference by Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore and Kay Arthur a few years ago. There is video teaching by all three ladies. I have just started it but have talked to several ladies that have completed it and they loved it. So, I am praying that it will be very meaningful to all of us. I will give you some updates as I get farther into it.
Here is our schedule so you can mark your calendars now.
Start date: Monday, August 23 - Week 1
Monday, August 30 - Week 2
Tuesday, September 7 - Week 3
(meeting on Tuesday because of Labor Day Holiday on that Monday)
Monday, September 13 - off (I'll be out of town)
Monday, September 20 - off (Celebrating Cindy's birthday on Tuesday the 21st)
Tuesday, September 28 - Week 4
(meeting on Tuesday because Monday is Darrell's birthday)
Monday, October 4 - Week 5
Monday, October 11 - Week 6
Monday, October 18 - Week 7
As you probably noticed, I have a couple of Tuesdays mixed in the schedule because of Monday conflicts. If Tuesdays are not doable for any of you, please let me know. Also, ladies, it seems this season of my life as just gotten a little crazy. I am committed to our studies so I promise I won't let that go but I just may have to ask that we continue to meet at the church, at least for a little while. I'll just see how it goes. I don't want this to be a burden on any of us so we might also consider making our dinner at Longstreet a standing appointment before we head to the church. What do you think? I'm certainly fine with whatever all of you want to do. Just be thinking about it.
I will be glad to get the workbooks. PLEASE respond as soon as possible so I'll know how many books to get.
I am so looking forward to all of us being back together again!
"As iron sharpens iron, so one (wo)man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another . . . " Hebrews 10:25
Monday, July 26, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Photo-ology Class by Emily
Hi Ladies!
Emily and I saw Melissa yesterday and we were discussing our photo class. We had talked before about Emily doing a class for those of us who are less-than-computer-savvy when it comes to organizing our digital photos as well as creating photobooks using the on-line services that are available. I can honestly say that even the very little I do know, I have learned from Emily. Thank goodness she has the patience of Job when it comes to teaching her momma how to do anything.
So, she and I started comparing our calendars and came up with a date, time and place for what we are calling our Photo-ology Class for the Iron Roses. Here are the specifics:
When: Wednesday, August 11th at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Wonderful Events Office at Main Street Market
What to Bring: 1. Your Laptop and its power cord.
2. Your photos whether they be on a CD, your camera and/or your laptop.
If your photos are on your camera, be sure and bring the cord that
connects the camera to your computer.
3. If you are interested in learning how to do a photo album, come prepared
with a concept in mind of the book you would like to create, i.e. vacation, year
in review, wedding, Christmas, etc.
Emily is more than willing to just answer questions as to how best to organize your photos, how to save them on your computer - whatever you want to know, she will try to answer. She might even teach us how to comment on the blog!
If you can come, please let me know either by commenting here, by email or give me a call!
Love you all!
Emily and I saw Melissa yesterday and we were discussing our photo class. We had talked before about Emily doing a class for those of us who are less-than-computer-savvy when it comes to organizing our digital photos as well as creating photobooks using the on-line services that are available. I can honestly say that even the very little I do know, I have learned from Emily. Thank goodness she has the patience of Job when it comes to teaching her momma how to do anything.
So, she and I started comparing our calendars and came up with a date, time and place for what we are calling our Photo-ology Class for the Iron Roses. Here are the specifics:
When: Wednesday, August 11th at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Wonderful Events Office at Main Street Market
What to Bring: 1. Your Laptop and its power cord.
2. Your photos whether they be on a CD, your camera and/or your laptop.
If your photos are on your camera, be sure and bring the cord that
connects the camera to your computer.
3. If you are interested in learning how to do a photo album, come prepared
with a concept in mind of the book you would like to create, i.e. vacation, year
in review, wedding, Christmas, etc.
Emily is more than willing to just answer questions as to how best to organize your photos, how to save them on your computer - whatever you want to know, she will try to answer. She might even teach us how to comment on the blog!
If you can come, please let me know either by commenting here, by email or give me a call!
Love you all!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Broken Dreams
Last night I read this poem to some of you ladies at Bible study. It's short. It's simple. But it touched my heart in a way I just cannot describe to you. I had picked up the book "When Mothers Pray" by Cheri Fuller off my bookshelf yesterday morning and almost immediately found this poem. No coincidence there, mind you. My heart has been heavy about several things that I won't go into now but just suffice it to say, this poem hit a chord so loud within me that I could have cried. Oh wait, I did cry.
This book is amazing and one that I refer back to often when I hit a dry spot praying for my children. Sometimes I feel like I pray the same thing using somewhat different words but God consistently uses this book to speak to me deeply. Sometimes we just have to let go and let God. We have to release the lives of our children to their Heavenly Father who loves them more than we do, if you can imagine that. And oh, how hard it is to do that. But then, I remind myself: God has a plan and it is perfect! God is the God of right now! He is the one who knows the end of the story! No, I will probably never stop the constant thought train that barrels down the tracks of my mind concerning my children's well being but I've learned that if you have time to worry - you have time to pray.
Another thing that God gave me in His grace and mercy yesterday morning was to write in my journal specific Scriptures to pray for Garrett, Emily and Nick. I already knew some verses that I wanted to include but then I realized that God would give me the rest in due time. I only mention this as just an idea that might be helpful when praying for your own children. It is very powerful to pray Scripture over your loved ones. And don't forget to pray it for yourself. Certainly cuts down the guesswork, doesn't it? You know if you're praying Scripture that you are aligning yourself with God and His work.
So without further ado . . . "Broken Dreams"
As children bring their broken toys
with tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God
because he was my friend.
But then instead of leaving Him
In peace to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help
with ways that were my own.
At last I snatched them back and cried,
"How can you be so slow?"
"My child," He said, "what could I do?
You never did let go."
Author - Unknown
This book is amazing and one that I refer back to often when I hit a dry spot praying for my children. Sometimes I feel like I pray the same thing using somewhat different words but God consistently uses this book to speak to me deeply. Sometimes we just have to let go and let God. We have to release the lives of our children to their Heavenly Father who loves them more than we do, if you can imagine that. And oh, how hard it is to do that. But then, I remind myself: God has a plan and it is perfect! God is the God of right now! He is the one who knows the end of the story! No, I will probably never stop the constant thought train that barrels down the tracks of my mind concerning my children's well being but I've learned that if you have time to worry - you have time to pray.
Another thing that God gave me in His grace and mercy yesterday morning was to write in my journal specific Scriptures to pray for Garrett, Emily and Nick. I already knew some verses that I wanted to include but then I realized that God would give me the rest in due time. I only mention this as just an idea that might be helpful when praying for your own children. It is very powerful to pray Scripture over your loved ones. And don't forget to pray it for yourself. Certainly cuts down the guesswork, doesn't it? You know if you're praying Scripture that you are aligning yourself with God and His work.
So without further ado . . . "Broken Dreams"
As children bring their broken toys
with tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God
because he was my friend.
But then instead of leaving Him
In peace to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help
with ways that were my own.
At last I snatched them back and cried,
"How can you be so slow?"
"My child," He said, "what could I do?
You never did let go."
Author - Unknown
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Iron Roses have a BLOG!
I've set up this blog for us - The Iron Roses. Several of the IRs (wow that kinda looks like that dreaded government agency, doesn't it? :) ) are blessed to see each other most Monday nights to be in Bible Study together. But to those of you who aren't, no worries. You are welcome to read my posts about Bible study or ignore. I'll try not to let them monopolize the blog. I'll use this site to post things about what's going on with Bible study as well as other items that might interest our little bouquet of Roses. I hope you enjoy it. And PLEASE post a comment every now and then. It gets really weird doing all the talking when you don't know what everyone else is thinking.
Today's post comes at the end of our Bible study by Priscilla Shirer, entitled "Discerning the Voice of God." Wow-o-wow, what a good one it was!
Ladies, we sure learned something about discerning the voice of God over the past few weeks, haven't we? So now that we know what we know, let's do what we need to do. And that is listen for the voice, discern the message and then obey with radical obedience!!
Remember when Abraham was called by God to leave his country and all that he knew, he didn't say, "hang on just a minute, I've got a meeting tomorrow and the dry cleaning will need to be picked up." What did he do?" He did it; packed up the camel and moved to Canaan.
What did he do when God called his name in Genesis 22? He said "here I am." Again, not hold the phone, the kids are crying, and my wife Sarah just told me to take out the trash. Nope, he listened and whew, did God have no small message . . just the littlest Big Test of All Time - sacrifice your son. That same son you and Sarah waited 100 years to have. I've often wondered - what do you think Abraham said to Sarah about this whole situation? "Um, honey, I was talking to God today and He asked me to do something. And you're probably not going to like it." Now, Abraham and Sarah had both seen God work in mysterious and marvelous ways over the course of their lifetimes, but are you kidding? Sacrifice "your only son, whom you love." (Gen. 22:2). Hmmm . . . now is it just me, or does this sound familiar? Did our God the Father not make a similar sacrifice? Praise Him, yes! He sacrificed His "only begotten son" to save us from our sin and through His grace and mercy, allow us a path to eternal life!
So, in my mind, what choice do we have given the example of this earthly father and our Heavenly Father? Sit around on our rears watching reruns of "Say Yes to the Dress?" I think not.
Now remember two things: First: Satan will try to manipulate the word of God into something false. John 10:10 says, that "the thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill and destroy; but I have come so you may have life and have it to the full." If there is one thing I want, it is to live life to the full!!! So be mindful that you don't let Satan rob you of that.
Second: In the profound words of Priscilla: "We usually refuse to follow God's direction when we think what we have to give up is greater than what we will gain. As a result, we miss God's blessing, experience His judgment, and break the intimacy that allows our spiritual ears to hear what He has to say to us in the future. Obedience will always produce benefits that outweigh the consequences of disobedience. In the short run it may appear our way is best, but we will soon see that obedience would have given us access to His supernatural power." Ladies, the benefits and blessings will always outweigh the costs. No, it may not seem so sometimes but if given the choice, I'll think I'll go with God. Kicking and screaming sometimes but still with God. I don't want to be trying to pick up the pieces when I've done my own thing (believe me, I've done that and it's not pleasant).
So girls, get out those cute high heels and dig into the Word of God. It will never let you down and you can take this to the bank, God Will Speak To You Through His Word! If you think you are hearing the voice of God, search His Word. He won't contradict it. Then you'll be able to answer that old nasty devil when he whispers in your ear like he did with Eve, "did God really say that?" You can say, "YES, yes He did! And just to spite you, I'm going to do it." And Ladies, the blessing will be more than we could imagine.
Always remember: "Call to me and I will answer you; and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
So now, let's do something fun. Since we won't be in the Word together over the next couple of months, let's do some online chatting about what God is doing in our lives. Don't leave me hanging out here. Please comment. If you have trouble with it, let me know. Emily will know how to help us. :)
Love you all!
Today's post comes at the end of our Bible study by Priscilla Shirer, entitled "Discerning the Voice of God." Wow-o-wow, what a good one it was!
Ladies, we sure learned something about discerning the voice of God over the past few weeks, haven't we? So now that we know what we know, let's do what we need to do. And that is listen for the voice, discern the message and then obey with radical obedience!!
Remember when Abraham was called by God to leave his country and all that he knew, he didn't say, "hang on just a minute, I've got a meeting tomorrow and the dry cleaning will need to be picked up." What did he do?" He did it; packed up the camel and moved to Canaan.
What did he do when God called his name in Genesis 22? He said "here I am." Again, not hold the phone, the kids are crying, and my wife Sarah just told me to take out the trash. Nope, he listened and whew, did God have no small message . . just the littlest Big Test of All Time - sacrifice your son. That same son you and Sarah waited 100 years to have. I've often wondered - what do you think Abraham said to Sarah about this whole situation? "Um, honey, I was talking to God today and He asked me to do something. And you're probably not going to like it." Now, Abraham and Sarah had both seen God work in mysterious and marvelous ways over the course of their lifetimes, but are you kidding? Sacrifice "your only son, whom you love." (Gen. 22:2). Hmmm . . . now is it just me, or does this sound familiar? Did our God the Father not make a similar sacrifice? Praise Him, yes! He sacrificed His "only begotten son" to save us from our sin and through His grace and mercy, allow us a path to eternal life!
So, in my mind, what choice do we have given the example of this earthly father and our Heavenly Father? Sit around on our rears watching reruns of "Say Yes to the Dress?" I think not.
Now remember two things: First: Satan will try to manipulate the word of God into something false. John 10:10 says, that "the thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill and destroy; but I have come so you may have life and have it to the full." If there is one thing I want, it is to live life to the full!!! So be mindful that you don't let Satan rob you of that.
Second: In the profound words of Priscilla: "We usually refuse to follow God's direction when we think what we have to give up is greater than what we will gain. As a result, we miss God's blessing, experience His judgment, and break the intimacy that allows our spiritual ears to hear what He has to say to us in the future. Obedience will always produce benefits that outweigh the consequences of disobedience. In the short run it may appear our way is best, but we will soon see that obedience would have given us access to His supernatural power." Ladies, the benefits and blessings will always outweigh the costs. No, it may not seem so sometimes but if given the choice, I'll think I'll go with God. Kicking and screaming sometimes but still with God. I don't want to be trying to pick up the pieces when I've done my own thing (believe me, I've done that and it's not pleasant).
So girls, get out those cute high heels and dig into the Word of God. It will never let you down and you can take this to the bank, God Will Speak To You Through His Word! If you think you are hearing the voice of God, search His Word. He won't contradict it. Then you'll be able to answer that old nasty devil when he whispers in your ear like he did with Eve, "did God really say that?" You can say, "YES, yes He did! And just to spite you, I'm going to do it." And Ladies, the blessing will be more than we could imagine.
Always remember: "Call to me and I will answer you; and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
So now, let's do something fun. Since we won't be in the Word together over the next couple of months, let's do some online chatting about what God is doing in our lives. Don't leave me hanging out here. Please comment. If you have trouble with it, let me know. Emily will know how to help us. :)
Love you all!
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