Spreading Joy

Can you believe how close to the end of the Bible we are?  It has been a fun time of learning, reading and just grounding our faith.  I hope these studies has helped you see things in a different way, that you’ve had several “ah – ha” moments and that your desire to continue to dig deeper into God’s word will grow.

This week’s reading schedule:

• Day 78 Acts 6:8 – Acts 16:37
• Day 79 Acts 16:38 – Acts 28:16
• Day 80 Acts 28:17 – Romans 14:23
• Day 81 Romans 15:1  – 1 Corinthians 14:40
• Day 82 1 Corinthians 15:1 – Galatians 3:25
• Day 83 Galatians 3:26 – Colossians 4:18
• Day 84 1 Thessalonians 1:1 – Philemon vs 25

Faith is a funny thing.  For many of us, it can seem like it changes a lot.  One minute our faith seems unsakable and we feel 100 % certain about God, Christ or the Holy Spirit.  But, if we are completely honest withourselves, many of us will admit that every once in a while there’s this lingering question mark in the back of our minds. 

As  we read the Gospels, faith is a core issue that gets a lot of attention.  In the Gospel accounts we meet various people who could be plotted in a wide range on the Faith-O-Meter.  (The Meter being – Perfect Faith; Big Faith; Middle Faith; Little Faith; No Faith)

1.  Based on Matthew 14:25-31 & Matthew 26:69-75, where do you think Peter should be plotted on the Faith Meter?

2.  Can you think of some individuals in the Gospels who deomnstrated greater faith than Peter? Who were they? Where should they be plotted on the Faith meter?

3. Has Peter’s faith changed by the time he addresses a crowd of Jews in Acts 2:22-24?  If so, Why? Where would you place Peter on the Faith Meter now?

4.  In general, what happens to the faith of the disciples after Jesus’ resurrection?

5.  What does Matthew 9;29-30 suggest about the benefits of Faith? Does one’s degree of faith seem to be important?

6.  Discuss Matthew 17:19-20. What does it tell you about faith.

7.  What does Matthew 13:58 tell us about the consequesnce of a lack of faith during Jesus’ ministry? What does this suggest about the relationship between faith and God’s use of his power to, say, move mountains.

8.  Where would you place YOUR faith on this faith meter?

9.  How would you apply Jesus’s statements in Matthew 21:21-22 to the “mountains” in your life? Based on your reading to date, is there a qualification to the promise in verse 22? If so, what is it? how do you or could you apply this in your everyday living?

10.  For a moment, try to imagine setting aside all of your doubts and limitations.  What would you do if you had perfect faith?

Books you’ll encounter this week:

Romans – The first of Paul’s Epistles, this is a letter from the apostle Paul to the early church in Rome. In it, he covers several foundational themes such as faith, life in the Spirit and God’s acceptance.

1 Corinthians – Paul appeals to the church in Corinth to avoid division by following Christ rather than competing disciples. He then describes what it means to be followers of Christ and encourages people to give themselves always to the work of the Lord.

2 Corinthians – In a second letter to the church at Corinth, probably written within a year of 1 Corinthians, Paul is replying to an evidently chilly reception by the Corinthians to his previous letter.

Galatians – In this letter to the church in Galatia, Paul establishes his authority before warning the Galatian to accept no other gospel than the gospel of Christ.

Ephesians – Writing to the church in Ephesus, Paul focuses on unity in Christ and living as children of God.

Philippians - Paul core message to the church in Philippi is to imitate Christ’s humility.

Colossians - Paul writes to the church in Colosse regarding rules for holy living.

1 Thessalonians – Following a positive report from Timothy about the church of the Thessalonians, Paul writes to encourage them to continue strong in their faith.

2 Thessalonians – Writing soon after the first letter, Paul reiterates that the Thessalonians should stand firm and not be alarmed by false prophecies.

1 Timothy – Paul writes to his protege Timothy to instruct him in his leadership while in Ephesus.

2 Timothy – Paul encourages Timothy to preach the Word, since all Scripture is God-Breathed and prepares Christians to be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Titus – Writing to another young disciple, Paul gives him qualifications for ordaining church elders and instructions on what must be taught to a variety of groups.

Philemon – In this brief letter to his friend Philemon, Paul asks him to free his slave Onesimus and charge anything Onesimus owes Philemon to Paul.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. Week 12: Paul There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

At this point, my Bible reading wil be the Bible in 120 days.  But, seriously, how bad can reading through the Bible in 120 days be? I generally read through it over the course of the entire year, but am finding this to be more helpful in getting me to read more.  Even reading through the Bible 2 or 3 times a year has got to be very beneficial.

This weeks reading schedule:

• Day 57 Jeremiah 33:23 – Jeremiah 47:7
• Day 58 Jeremiah 48:1 – Lamentations 1:22
• Day 59 Lamentations 2:1 – Ezekiel 12:20
• Day 60 Ezekiel 12:21 – Ezekiel 23:39
• Day 61 Ezekiel 23:39 – Ezekiel 35:15
• Day 62 Ezekiel 36:1 – Ezekiel 47:12
• Day 63 Ezekiel 47:13 – Daniel 8:27

Biblical prophecy is not just about predicting future events.  Much of it serves a distinctly different purpose.  It provides an inspired perspective on current events.  Keep this in mind and as you think about the following 2 questions.

1.  Use a word or brief phrase to capture Jeremiah’s description of godly people in the following verses:

• 7:23
• 9:24
• 22:16
• 24:7
• 29:11

Do you agree with this list? What would you add or subtract from it?

2.  What attributes of God are found in the following passages from Jeremiah?

• 27:4-6
• 31:1-4
• 31: 34b
• 32:40

Add in 2 other attributes of God not described in the passages above. 

Isaiah  58 describes “fsting”.  Many Christians have never fasted.  Have you ever fasted? If so, what was it like? What kind of fast did you do? If not, would you consider fasting?  Is the sacrifice worth the effort?

Books you’ll encounter this week:

Lamentations: Poetic laments concerning the destruction of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel: Initial prophecies warn of fall of Jerusalem. After the fall, he offers oracles of hope.

Daniel: Daniel and his 3 friends are exemplary representatives of God while in exile in Babylon. While there Daniel pens a number of long-range prophecies.

Are you behind in your reading? If so, keep moving.  The main thing is to finish.  It doesn’t matter how long it takes you, just keep reading, enjoying, learning and soaking up God’s wonderful word.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. Week 9: Daniel There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

When I began listening to the audio version of  A Place of Healing by Joni Eareckson Tada I listened, knowing that she had an amazing ministry to disabled people.  I expected this book to be directed to towards physical healing, but quickly found out that it spoke very loudly to my heart.  I have no physical disabilities, but found that healing is necessary, so I listened with an open heart and mind. 

Listening to this book from a view point of hurt is painful, regardless of what kind it is; will help you to begin the healing that your heart requires.  You may need physical healing and this book can and will speak loudly to you. 

You may require other kind of healing, such as healing of your heart that is discouraged, discontent or depressed.  You may need healing due to trust issues with someone you love deeply.  You may need healing from knowing God’s will for your life and fear has gripped your soul so much so that you are afraid to step out and go forward with the plans that God has in-store for you. 

One of my favorite quotes from Joni is:

I pray for strength to bare my pain, grace to benefit from it and devotion to offer it up to God as a sacrifice of praise. 

Again, pain – regardless of the “kind of pain” hurts.  Joni reminds us that God’s power always shows up in weakness and that pain and trials can lead to a heightened thirst for Christ.

Joni didn’t sugar coat any of the painful truth about living with chronic pain, daily hurts and disappointments and the question of how can this great pain benefit anyone, much less bring glory to the Lord?  This book provides an honest look at dealing with any kind of hurt that you may need healing from. 

If you are battling wave after wave of pain, hurt, sorrow or just feel like your heart will never sing again, I hope you’ll get this book, listen to it from a standpoint that hurt needs healing, regardless of what kind of hurt it is, and then – let the healing begin as you listen to an honest look at coming to a Place of healing. 

This book is read by Joni, which is a treat.  It’s very nicely done as she is use to speaking, teaching and talking to large groups of individuals. 

Thank you to christianaudio for a complimentary copy of this book via the Reviewers program.  I am not required to give a positive review of this book. 

Christianaudio has a free audiobook for your downloading pleasure each and every month, as well as gift certificates for the audio book enthusiast in your world.

I don’t know what the day will bring
can’t even face tomorrow
Right now, all I know, is that my heart will sing
regardless of the sorrow.

The trials come and go in waves
The battles seem never ending
But joy and smiles can fill the days
so much that laughter is always pending.

The little things in life are key
to what really matters the most
for when you treasure these amazing things
your heart will easily float.

So take those little things that make your heart smile
and treasure with all your might
for there you’ll find the strength and love
to make it through the night.

It was my honor and pleasure to be a guest on the Setting Boundaries and Finding Sanity Blog Talk Radio with Diane Viere. 

Setting Boundaries knows when we love an adult child whose life is out of control we can often feel helpless and hopeless. How do you step back into joy when your heart is filled with sorrow? Regardless of the type of sorrow you are feeling, there are ways of finding joy.

Finding joy among chaos and the feeling that your world is falling apart is completely possible and it was my pleasure to speak with her on that topic. This is a very honest and candid talk about being joyful – even through tears.

Setting Boundaries & Finding Sanity Blog Talk Radio Interview

Easy steps to Finding JOY when your heart is sorrowful:

• Give JOY – This should go without saying, but we often forget that it IS better to give than to receive. When we give anything to anyone, our hearts are often flooded with joy. Giving back doesn’t have to always be expensive, huge gifts.  Cards, smiles, hugs – simple pleasures are just as joyful as other gifts.
• Smile – Simple, yet can often can make a huge difference to a heart that is sorrowful.  
• Do not compare – Don’t do it.  Comparing things, dwelling on the “have nots” is asking for sorrow.
• Notice and count the JOYs that are swirling all around you.  – So many little things make our life big, yet we tend to miss it because we are counting our “sorrows” instead of our joys. One easy way to do this is by journaling.  When you write down the JOYs, the happiness, the smile starters – you have something you can look at to remind yourself of the good times.
• Plan JOY – We plan meetings, Dr appts, visits here and there. Plan some joyful things. Plan a family night. Plan a walk in the park. Plan it and then expect joy. The only rule is that there is no discussion of the sorrow that surrounds you.  PLAN and COUNT the joy.
• Remember, this too shall pass.  We will have trials, tears and sorrow, but it won’t always be this way.  Look ahead into the future. Joy is coming.

Some Favorite quotes:

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. Thich Nhat Hanh

Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. Fyodor Dostoevsky

 I could talk for days on end about finding joy, spreading joy and the like.  I hope you’ll be encouraged by listening to the interview and you’ll start finding joy.   Once you start looking for ways of spreading joy, you’ll easily begin to notice opportunities for making a difference. 

To easily get started, take the 30 day challenge. One act of joy a day for 30 days, to get you in the habit of spreading joy.  If you think you can not afford to be spreading joy, think again!   Here are 50 ways of making a difference without spending a penny.

Are you ready to find joy? If so, you’ll soon realize that “There is NO joy like Spreading Joy!”

Follow Diane on Twitter http://twitter.com/partnerinSANITY as she regularly has free webinars and documents to help you while you are on the road to sanity!

So, tell me.  How do you step into joy when your heart is sorrowful?

How are you spreading joy?  Do you try to make a difference with someone at least ONCE daily?

Did this interview encourage you to find true joy, even through the tears? I can’t wait to hear YOUR story of finding and spreading joy!

{{{HUGS}}} yall

Talking with Grayson about Angels Watching over him.

I believe there are angels among us.  Plain, simple – true.  I’ve had too many instances that should have not ended well, but was protected.  Just last year, when I was walking in my neighborhood, two huge dogs came charging across the road at me.  It was happening so fast!  I could hear the growling, the anger and then their size did not help my fears.  The only thing I knew to do was stop walking and I uttered out loud, “Dear Lord, I need an angel!”  I stood there as the dogs growled and circled me.  I was fearful and felt the tears streaming down my cheek.  I stood still, paralyzed with fear.  The dogs quieted and simply walked away.   There was no doubt in my mind what had just happened.  An Angel stood between me and the dogs.  I had been protected.

In December, my best friend’s daughter is in the hospital having her first baby.  This is special to me as well, not just because she is my best friend but because I had a part in this young lady’s life.  I spent weeks and weeks playing with her and her sister because I wanted to as well as being their babysitter.  It has been my pleasure to remain a part of this wonderful family.

We are all chatting away, watching and waiting for baby Grayson to make his appearance.  He is taking his precious sweet time.  I see the monitor.  His heart rate races extremely high.  I walk over, not saying anything and put my hand on her tummy.  I love rubbing pregnant tummies.  Then I see the heart rate drop, alarming so.  Still, I don’t say a word.  I pray.

Lord, please set an angel in flight to cradle baby Grayson and protect him.

I know the nurses are monitoring her and do not want to alarm the family.  So I continue to rub and pray.  The nurses do come in.  I kiss my sweet girl, tell her I’m praying and that I love her with all my heart.  The soon to be grandparents see the concern on the nurses faces as they say they are going to call the doctor.  The nurses leave and I tell them what I had just witnessed.

I give my best friend and her husband hugs as I leave and promise to pray.  These girls in this family are like my very own children, so my hearts desire for baby Grayson is nothing but the best.

Several hours later, I receive a text – along with a picture of a precious little boy, safe and sound.  Prayers answered.  BUT …..that is not the only reason I believe.

I visit the next day – as I have to see this wonderful bundle of joy.  He is not even 24 hours old yet.  I get to hold him. We are discussing how he opens one eye, but not yet both and just how adorable and brand NEW he is.  I’m holding him to where I can just gaze into his precious face and start talking to him.  I whisper quietly:

Grayson, you gave us a scare little boy. Did you feel the angels holding you last night?

At that point, he coos at me and opens both eyes.  Instantly.  I smile, he closes his eyes.  I start talking about the angels again, and immediately he opens both eyes.  At this point, the tears of joy are streaming down my face.   I have NO idea what is going on around me because my heart is consumed with the fact that I KNOW this child was cradled in the arms of an angel just hours before birth.

It is later that I find out that my best friend took a picture of me during all of this.  You can see Grayson’s expression as well as the tears on my cheek.  She sends me the picture stating that he looks like he is going to tell me something and I’m all ears.   At that point, I excitedly tell her about how me and this precious soul were discussing how wonderful it was that an angel took care of him just before birth.  The photo speaks volumes.

I’m not sure how you feel about angels, but I’m glad they are here.  I’m glad they will protect us, shield us and hold us when we need it.

What do you think about angels?  Do you believe there are angels among us?  Do you feel that you’ve been protected by an angel?

{{HUGS}} y’all

A friend of mine reminded me of something today that I know and unfortunately – I know it all to well.  Love hurts!  It truly does. 

No matter who it is that you love, you run the risk of hurting because of that love.  Sometimes it’s done intentionally, other times it’s by accident and sometimes there is absolutely nothing that can be done at all.  We’ve all spent countless hours with tears falling because someone we love has hurt us, or someone that we love is hurting.   

When you give your heart away you run the risk of having to pick it back up, one piece at a time because someone has torn it into a million pieces.  You don’t know if your heart will be treasured as much as you desire.  But still, you take the risk and give it away.

Love hurts when parents don’t care or value their children as much as they should. Love hurts when we’ve taught our children to do their best, make wise choices and they still decide to do what will completely destroy their life.  Love hurts when you are sitting in the hospital room and the doctor tells you to do what you want to do because you’ve only got six months to live.  Love hurts when that person looks at you after hearing they only have a short time to live and says….”what do you think?” At that moment LOVE is killing you and ripping your heart to pieces and all you can mutter is, “I love you and I’m going to miss you deeply.” 

Love hurts when you watch your loved one slowly forget what they’ve known all along as well as how to do simple day to day things.  Love hurts every single time you leave them at the nursing home because they can no longer take care of themselves nor do they remember who you are.  

Love hurts when you do your very best but you hear that your best isn’t good enough. Love hurts when you no longer fit in because aren’t as nice looking as the rest of the group. 

Love hurts when you are holding a limp body that is convulsing with pain because it has been through so much and your only desire is for the pain to be placed on you, but you know differently. You can’t help them; all you can do is hold them and weep because love hurts so much. 

Love hurts when you get a phone call that says “there was an accident” or “they had a heart attack” and you think back to the last words that you said.  Love hurts as you are numb with grief and try to remember if you told them just how much you loved them. 

Love hurts when you’ve tried and tried but fail.  You look upon your friends and wonder when will it be your turn.  You love them, but love hurts.  Love hurts when your best friend is on the phone, crying and the words won’t come.  You have no comfort to offer her, so you listen in silence and cry with her, wishing your heart would speak to you so you could help her. 

Love hurts when you realize that “I’ll always love you” doesn’t mean forever anymore and love hurts when “I’ll never forget” ends way too soon.    

Yes, my beautiful friend. Love DOES hurt.  But Love also does many other things.   

Love comforts the heart that has been torn into a million pieces because the heart is an amazing thing and love is so very powerful.   It is the comfort of sending an emergency text requesting prayer and having that text replied to at 2:30 in the morning saying that others are praying as well.  

Love brings peace on the other end of the phone that simply says, “I’m sorry and I love you. I can not let you hang up until we laugh!”  and then simply talking until the natural effect of love takes place and the laughter simply oozes out.  

Love gives delight and puts a gleam in the parent’s eyes for a visit from a “complete stranger” at the nursing home.  They don’t have the memories anymore, but the time spent right now fills their heart with delight! Love is coming home to a parent that says welcome home, your room is waiting and even though you don’t deserve one single solitary nice thing from your parent, the forgiveness is greater than all that awaits you, because you know you don’t deserve that love or forgiveness anymore. 

Love assures the child and reminds him or her that he doesn’t have to pretend or be fake because their parents love them, just the way they are.  Regardless of weight, looks, IQ, status in school or the kind of career they end up in. Love is real and unconditional. Love is stomping through mud puddles while holding someone’s hand and laughing because this opportunity doesn’t happen often.  

Love is an opportunity to say I will miss you when these few short months are gone, but you have made my world far better than I could have made it without you.  Love is an opportunity to share and laugh at the little things that make life big. We can’t always count on being wildly successful or the greatest, but we can make the most of each opportunity brought our way, no matter how small. 

Love restores hope when all hope has been lost.  It lifts the head of the discouraged, it lights a fire in the eyes of the depressed.  Love motivates, encourages and inspires others to love and usually in a greater fashion.  Love shows the beauty of disfigurement, the tenderness of the aged, the passion of the brave and the power of the fearful.  Love thunders its power through the pain and sickness of cancer and the many diseases that grip our hearts with uncertainty.  Love whispers reassurance that no matter what, I’m right here with you.  

Love divides the pain and doubles the JOY.  Love is patient, kind, enormous, caring, abundant, boundless, dependent as well as helpful, responsible, peaceful, thoughtful, calming and serious. 

 Love will allow a mom to step between her child and danger without consideration of the outcome.  Love will wake a friend in the middle of the night without worry of what might be said later. Love brings music to the heart during the worst trial and allows you to sing even though tears may be falling.

Love is the mile wide smiles that are painted on faces because of the sparkle in the eyes of another.  Love is the hug that doesn’t let go right off the bat because the moment, the instant the hug is given the heart is flooded with spectacular joy from such a simple, yet wonderful gift.  Love is the joy that fills the soul when good nights or even good byes are exchanged.  Love is the tears that are shed because you wonder how in the world you ever made it through the day without their love to begin with.  

Yes, it is true.  Love does hurt and the risk is great.  But with all the wonderful things love does, I say go for it!  Love and love deeply!  Love is worth the risk as the returns are so much greater than the pain. 

Will you risk love?

Is it worth the risk?

{{HUGS}} yall

Lao Tzu said “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”  I have found that sometimes we take that first step naturally, other times it is quite by accident. Then there are the times that we are forced into taking that step with no control over what is happening, no look into what will be happening or no clue as to why it is happening.

That first step can often be scary, confusing and downright difficult.  When we are facing a new direction, a new journey of yet another thousand miles, sometimes it is so easy to over look the positive because we are afraid or focused on the unknown.  Instead of checking out the scenery along the way of our journey, we are focused on the “what ifs”.  We need to eliminate the “what if” game from our life and enjoy our journey, enjoy the beauty that is surrounding us and know that even with challenges that lay ahead, joy is swirling all around us, waiting to be noticed and appreciated. 

As my life takes a new direction, I’m not fearful, I’m not worried – I’m excited!  The last 4 years of my journey has been such a hodge podge of emotions, challenges and events.  When I embarked on that journey in April of 2006, I was fearful. It was the most difficult challenge I had ever faced and I literally stood, looking at my virtual mountain and thought “ok, swallow me up, get it over with….I’ll never be able to do this, NOT in a million years.”  The only thing that was consistent was change and I had never been presented with so much to learn all at once.  I was afraid of an epic fail. 

Not only was there NOT an Epic Fail – but it was the best four years ever. Challenges presented themselves. People came into my life, securing a permanent place in my heart, new things were learned, old ideas were tossed out the door.  New friendships were made, faith was increased. 

My new direction is in employment.  At my last assignment, there was lots of smiling, singing, problems and mercy – the food and gatherings were always such fun!  There were projects that seem to never end and then the easy ones that made you feel as though you accomplished something right away.  There was the infamous 3 day work week *ahem* and the immediate “NO” (with a big smile) as certain people came through the door looking for stuff.  There were those that brightened the day with their laughter, smiles and hugs, as well as the 2 that made my path smell wonderful as I journeyed down the halls.  There was the direct leadership, that was always appreciative, realistic and supportive and made the day enjoyable, regardless of the challenges and ocean of paperwork that continued to grow.

Has your direction changed recently? Are you standing at the bottom of the biggest mountain you’ve ever faced and are thinking, go ahead…swallow me up? Are you moving towards the unknown? 

What are you doing to appreciate the journey? Are you noticing the little things that make life Big while you fight your way down this road? I hope so, because the JOY is there, swirling all about you – begging for you to notice and appreciate it.

Go ahead! Take that first step….your next thousand miles awaits you!

{{{HUGS}}} Yall

As we near completing our first month of Bible reading, I’m excited that this goal is actually possible.  I’m still a little behind, but working diligently to catch up.   I hope that you are still on track and are enjoying your journey.  If you are behind, still work on it.  Think about it…how bad its it to have read through your bible in 100 days? hmmm? 

You can do this.  I have faith in you.

Bible Reading Schedule for this week:

• Day 22 1 Samuel 28:20 – 2 Samuel 12:10
• Day 23 2 Samuel 12:11 – 2 Samuel 22:18
• Day 24 2 Samuel 22:19 – 1 Kings 7:37
• Day 25 1 Kings 7:38 – 1 Kings 16:20
• Day 26 1 Kings 16:21 – 2 Kings 4:37
• Day 27 2 Kings 4:38 – 2 Kings 15:26
• Day 28 2 Kings  15:27 – 2 Kings 25:30

In the early 1990’s H. Jackson Brown wrote Life’s Little Instruction Book. His son was going to college and he watned to share some gems of wisdom that he had gleaned over the years. He collected 511 gems of wisdom that were to guide his son’s life.  For instance – learn to make great chili, never buy a house without a fireplace, overtip breakfast waitresses, be brave – even if you’re not, pretend to be – no one can tell the difference etc etc.

His son responded enthusiastically and the document made its way to a publisher and became a best seller. It’s hard to know whether anyone was transformed by this  – but the Bible…that’s a different story.  Billions of people have been changed by its message of hope and salvation.

Books you’ll Encounter This Week:

1 Kings – The book opens with the region of Solomon, a time when Israel enjoys a great deal of influence, wealth and worldwide recognition.  Yet, even as the world’s wisest man, Solomon is corrupted by worldly matters and the faiths of his wives and concubines. At his death the kingdom becomes divided.

2 Kings – Continues the account of the kings and the divided kingdom through the fall of Jerusalem

Reading Tips:

Many new people and names are introduced that can be hard to distinguish from one another.  Some events are described more than one and the kings of Israel and Judah are handled in rapid-fire succession.  To minimize confusion, slow down, read attentively.  Notice the patterns of behavior by the various kings.

Discussion:

1. Why do you think there is such a disconnect between modern Christians and the Bible?

2.  How is your perception of the Bible changing as you read each day?

3.  What questions evolved from your readings this week?

4.  Our reading shows us many instances when Israel only partially follows God’s commands. What are some examples and the results?

5.  Based on our reading to date, talk about what God tends to do whan a society turns to him for help.

6. List the tragedies and unfortunate events that befall Naomi and Ruth in the Book of Ruth. Does any good come from all of this?

7.  What are some examples of tragedy or hardship from which good has emerged?

8.  Do you have any “life instructions” you’d like to share?

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

My Last pic that I took with my Dad. I miss you Daddy!

I need to write more about him, as he was the original Joy Spreader.  Always giving to others, $20, here – candy for bank tellers there, helping out the guy that had a truck load of watermelons by purchasing them all and GIVING them away. Doing all the things I dream of doing.  Making a difference the way I dream of making.    

Until last year with Megan, I can not remember writing any poetry of any kind.  But these words flooded my heart this past week and it’s with tears of joy and sorrow, I’m sharing them with you here.    

No Tomorrow

The times of love, smiles and hugs
The times of grief and sorrow
All have a special place deep within my heart
For with him, there is no tomorrow

I sit and think and smile inside
I wonder what you would say and do
My heart longs to see, to touch and hear you,
To tell you, once more….I love you

Father’s Day is bitter sweet
As you are finally free of pain
My heart and soul realize the miles
As my loss is heavens gain

I love you Dad, I miss you deeply
Your laughter, your love, your smile
This time of separation, free from your hugs
Will make the wait…. all worth the while.

 

Me and my DaddyI always loved kisses from my Daddy