What to Study?

Summer is over.  School starts this week for most kids and the routine changes.  It is a great time to begin new habits.  One area of my life that can always use improvement: Prayer and Bible study.  If that is true for you as well, but you don't know where to start I have a few suggestions for Bible study plans that will keep you accountable and help you to grow!

1. Mom's Toolbox hosts the Bible in 90 Days which begins this Monday, August 20.  I completed this program twice last year and by reading through the Bible in a relatively short time it is easy to see the big picture and understand how every part is important in God's plan.  This takes abut 45 minutes a day, depending on how quickly you read and is 7 days a week.  It is a commitment, but worth it!  There are groups with mentors to keep you going!  You can sign up at Mom's Toolbox.

2. Good Morning Girls is beginning their fall Bible study in the book of Colossians.  Sign up is happening right now and the study will begin September 17.  It is an 8 week study, Monday through Friday.  They follow the SOAP method of studying Scripture.  The best part of GMG studies: writing out every verse I study!  I read it, I write it. I think about it. I pray about it.  I learn and grow!  This study can take as little as 10 minutes a day or you can chew and mull over the Word, checking out parallel passages and commentary for as long as you'd like.

3. Precepts Bible Study has taught me to love the Word!  And to learn from it myself!  Our local group in Branson, MO is studying 2 Timothy this fall.  Let me know if you want to attend and I will get you details. If you are in another area you can find a study near you!

What is your favorite way to study the Bible?

Overwhelmed

I've been feeling overwhelmed. Nothing major. Just an increasing number of small issues.

• We are refinancing our house, so there are phone calls, appointments, faxes, emails, paperwork.
• I am starting a business venture, {side note: If you or someone you know in the Branson area would like private swimming lessons, let me know!} and with that need part time childcare, advertising, liability insurance.
• Somehow we inadvertently made an in-app purchase on the iPod and I don't like to be out money, even if it's only $1.99.
• My summer job is, apparently, already starting.

For the last 16 hours I just wanted to cry and sleep, but I have two small children. So I prayed as often as I could remember.  Praying without ceasing is a work in progress.  In the last hour God has worked out more of my "issues" than I would have thought possible. He truly is faithful.  Today I am grateful to see it so clearly in my life.

Some Motivation for Thought

Last week I bemoaned about being frugal, and some of you are with me.  It's hard to keep saving money when it seems like EVERYONE around you is spending it.  I came up with a few things that make a difference to me. 

• Recieving the mortgage statement when MORE money was going to principle than to interest.
• Student loans one and two GONE in one summer.
• Seeing the saving account grow little by little every month.
• Knowing that there will be hundreds of dollars a month to save and give and invest in just a few years.
• Trusting that being responsible with the material goods I have been entrusted with is acting in obediance to God.

What are some of the "little" things that keep you going strong on spending little?

Keeping On

Andy and I (or maybe just mostly me) have a lot of steep financial goals.  Even without these goals we are on a tight budget. My husband is a junior high teacher and my income is small to nonexistant.  I know in the long run I'll be glad, like when our house is paid off before I'm 35.  But right now it's hard. Seven years of sacrifice; I feel like Jacob waiting for Rachel.
I want to buy groceries without worrying about the cost of pasta or broccoli.
I want to buy new clothes.
I want to eat out.
I want everything.  I want whatever is easiest and "best".
But really, I don't.  And when I have it all, I am not happy. So how do I stay motivated?

I am not

I am not the most beautiful person
But I am pleasant to look at

I am not the best wife
But my husband adores me

I am not the most patient mom
But my children love me most

I am not an outstanding vocalist
But my Lord loves my praise

I am not a professional chef
But I feed my family and friends

I am not a seamstress
But my loved ones are clothed

I am notI am not

But He is

God is all. All I need. All I can ask or hope for.