Friends and Valentine's 2013

Once a week we get together with some friends and head out into nature with the intent to learn by discovery and observation. It's something that the kids and I (and Robert when he gets to join us) look forward to each week. 

At the beginning of our school year we decided to plan a Valentine's Day party on our scheduled nature study day for this year. So one of the mama's opened up her lovely home and everyone brought something yummy to share and each child participating in making special valentine's for their friends. Both Nathan and Domenic fell asleep on the way home. I'd say they enjoyed their day with friends. :)

Here are some (alot) of pictures from our day!

Good Morning Girls Luke Study - Week 1

Hi! So I've been leading a study through Good Morning Girls and we're going through the first 8 chapters of Luke. If you've never heard of Good Morning Girls studies it's about accountability, getting in the Word every day and growing closer to God. 

I led a Proverbs 31 study last year and pretty much failed. But, it was my first time, I had a newborn and... So I figured I would put it out there (on facebook) and see if anyone wanted to do the Luke study with me and a few ladies said "sure!" so I made a group and post on there every day.

Why I'm telling you all this is because I thought I would share my posts that I share with my ladies Monday through Friday. This will also make it easier for me for reference if I post here on the blog. We also do some group interaction things and post encouraging blog posts, but I'm just going to share my notes here.

So the study follows the SOAP method of studying the Bible. It's Scripture, Observations, Applications, Prayer. I encouraged my ladies to write out their prayer even if they don't share it with the group.

I just have to say that this study has really stretch me. Especially when I get to the application!

Good Morning Girls also has the weekly reading plan and then the 1-3 verses to focus on.




Week 1

Monday

Scripture
Luke 1:1-25 (focus Luke 1:1-4)
1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, 3 it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; 4 so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.
Observations
*It sounds like Luke took a good amount of time to make sure he got all of his facts straight and wanted to share them with Theophilus and all who read the account that Luke gave.
*Theophilus is a name or title of the person that the book of Luke was written to. It means "friend of God" or "Beloved of God".
Application
It was important enough for Luke to take a lot of time to study and get the facts straight so he could share what he knew as truth to Theophilus (all believers). I need to make sure I am taking the time to really learn the Word, what is truth, so I might be able to share without doubting if I know enough.
Prayer
God use me and remind me that I can do all things through You. Though my mind and body get tired and sometimes I don't think I can think straight I know that if I am in the place You want me to be You can use me for Your purpose. Use me Lord!


Tuesday

Scripture
Luke 1:26-38, Focus on Luke 1:37 & 38
37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Observation
* NOTHING is impossible for God.
* All things are possible for us to do if it is God's will.
* Mary a bondservant of Christ (one who willingly chose to serve God) said "Yes Lord, Your will be done."
Application
Oh to have faith like Mary! I know a lot of times God has given me a caution or a "stop" sign in situations and I still continue on what I'm doing, thinking, "well, maybe it will be different if I just..." Nope! I have realized that perceived bad or not ideal situations actually end up being a blessing. God wants to bless us. Do you think that Mary felt honored? Would you have felt this way? In the midst of wedding planning? I'm not so sure I would have responded so willingly as Mary did. So, I need to work on listening and obeying when God speaks to me because He sees the end result, the big picture, and it is always for the best.

Wednesday

Luke 1:39-56 (Luke 1:45-50)
45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”
46 And Mary said:
“My soul exalts the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
50 “And His mercy is upon generation after generation
Toward those who fear Him.

Observations
* Elizabeth called Mary "blessed" because Mary believed what the Lord told her was true and would come to pass.
* Mary's whole being was rejoicing and in total awe of the Lord.
* Mary felt honored and knew that all would call her blessed.
* God's mercy will have no limits, will not run out and does not become less with each generation of believers.

Application
Just reading this and hearing the excitement of their words, how they felt in the presence of the Lord, makes me excited for them. haha. I need to remind myself how honored I am to be able to speak to God whenever and WHEREVER I want. It is an honor indeed! I'm so thankful for His love and mercy!

Thursday


Luke 1: 5-66 (Luke 1:63 & 64)
63 And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, “His name is John.” And they were all astonished. 64 And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God.

Observations:
* Zacharias was very specific, "his name is John".
* Zacharias was obedient and no longer doubted the power of God.
* Zacharias was able to speak again and the first thing that came out of his mouth was praise to God.
* Zacharias was muted not necessarily because he questioned God but because he doubted God.

Application

God wants us to trust and obey and believe. Sounds simple enough... but it usually is not so easy. Even in Zacharias' doubt God still blessed him. I have to remember this when I parent. There are always consequences but that doesn't mean we always have to withhold blessings. To me, this chapter is God saying, "Zacharias, even though you do not believe Me, I still love you and have a mighty purpose for your son. But until you believe and obey, you will have to suffer the consequence of your doubt of My power."

Friday


Luke 1:67-80 (Luke 1:74-79)
74 To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
For you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways;
77 To give to His people the knowledge of salvation
By the forgiveness of their sins,
78 Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,
79 To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Observations:
*Zacharias speaking of the future, what is to come. How John will "...go on before the Lord to prepare His way."
* John will be called the prophet of The Most High.
* John will teach that you can have salvation (the forgiveness of sins).
*Because of God's tender mercy the Son of God will visit us, to guide us.
*Sunrise is capitalized : dawn of a new day. The Son of God's appearance.

Application:
"To shine upon those living in darkness..." and "to guide our feet into the path of peace"

Jesus already came, and what Zacharias said happened. Now WE are to shine God's love to those who do not know Him, those "living in darkness".
And the other part of the verse; when we follow the path (in our lives) God lays out for us He will give us His peace. So regardless of circumstances, He will give us peace.