Happy New Years Eve

Hi Gals,

Can you believe it's going to be 2012 in less than 24 hours? Wild! I remember when 2000 hit and we thought Y2K was going to blow up the world. I also remember that was the year my family got our first computer. It was huge. Likely comparable to a tank and here I am on my little MacBook Pro. Dah! Babies born today will grow up knowing Facebook, Twitter, Smartphones, and Kindles as the norm. Gosh, that makes me feel freakishly OLD! Y'all are younger than my youngest brother. WEIRD!

Enough with my sap and on to you and Jesus. I'd love for you to focus your time with the Lord today on Psalm 100. As you read through this text, dig deep and contemplate over these three things:

1. What does this Psalm say about who God is?
2. What does this Psalm say about people in general?
3. What does this Psalm say about me (how does it apply to me)?

With 100 in mind, I'd love for you to write down 100 things that you're thankful for from 2011. You'll be surprised at how easy this is and will give you an optimistic and focusing on his faithfulness (v. 5).

On the Planning Note...

Yesterday Kendra gave some very good insight into planning for the new year. I'm a HUGE planner by nature. FREAKISH actually. You could call me "Type A". I mean, I'm the TSC coordinator. My job is one constant plan. I plan almost everything, but have learned (on most days) to hold them with an open hand and to be flexible. One message that influenced my thinking about planning is Proverbs: Planning by Mark Driscoll. I'd recommend it because it gives a very clear picture of what it means to plan biblically and even gives some practical tips (which I always appreciate)!

We all know plans change. So, if something isn't working for you and it's in your power to change it (and you're feeling the Lord give you the "go ahead") then just do it! For instance, Joel and I have done a year-long bible reading plan the past two years. It's been awesome to read through the Word, have some accountability and to read together on some days of the week. However, after getting through 1/2 our plan this past year, my husband felt overloaded (He was working full-time ministry with growing responsibilities and was getting his Masters of Theology) and felt like he was reading his year long plan to get it done instead of reading to know God more, fall in love with him, and obey Him for His glory. So we stopped and changed our plans. I jumped into an in-depth study and he headed through some New Testament books at a little slower pace. That said, hold your plans with an open hand and be diligent to seek the Lord when creating them. Lets be honest, the only constant in life is change! One of the clearest relational examples of us with God in the bible (like we just read in Ch. 9) is marriage. If Joel and I don't plan to spend time together or plan to go on vacation, etc... it won't happen! If you don't put some effort into planning out your relationship with the Lord for the coming year, you'll end 2012 disappointed. Spend some time praying about where the Lord would lead you this year (if you haven't already) and ask him for direction.

Over the past month I've sensed a deeper desire to really dig into the life of Jesus. To know Him more (as silly as that may sound).

I have a variety of "plans" (personal, marriage, friendship, home, family, etc), but here are my "relationship plans" with Jesus for 2012:

1. Do the Beth Moore study "Jesus the One & Only" with a TSC gal (Spring)
2. Read & discuss "Jesus + Nothing = Everything" with my Leaders Group (Spring). 
3. Most often, listen to the bible in the car (iPhone App). I'll be focusing on listening and re-listenging to Psalms, Proverbs & the gospels. 
4. Memorize 1 verse/every 2 weeks (see link below).
5. Create prayer cards for particular people I'm committed to praying for (and choose a verse to pray over them for the year, also written on the card). 
6. Be a constant reader and learner. Make more reading/studying plans as the year goes on and adjust as needed!

Yesterday, Kendra mentioned that I've been doing a scripture memory "plan" for the past year. It's been really encouraging! I found this "plan" on Beth Moore's blog. I'm a HUGE Beth Moore fan. If you've never heard of her, click here.  I've done a ton of her bible studies (and am doing another one starting in Jan), read her books, follow her on twitter, and when I have time to read blogs-- I read hers! Not ONLY does she love Jesus and hold tightly to His Word, she is HILARIOUS and so REAL! You can find the in's and out's of the scripture memory plan here. Even if you've tried a million different things and none of them have really worked or you've never stuck with it, I HIGHLY recommend this and use a similar structure for some Salt gals I lead regularly.

Make a Plan!

Going to take another quick break from the book...

So.... December 30th today... REALLY????

In looking forward to a new year, I feel expectant! I feel some anticipation in what 2012 will hold. I also know myself too well to know that it's only to my benefit to have a plan (to some degree or another). Having a plan, in itself, isn't going to make or break your year... but in Proverbs it says, "The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (16:9) Take some time today & think about this next year... how do you want to grow spiritually? What are some goals you have... in terms of your prayer life, your friendships, your time in the Word? Some may be measurable, others more subjective... but I'd encourage you to put some thought into this next year!

I almost hate to say this, because of fear of failure, but I have to! I'm taking another shot at doing a one-year bible read through! I tried this a couple years ago, but started to dwindle off in the summer. I hate that I gave up & didn't persevere!! I'm SO intimidated to even start, but I'm determined! Have a little extra Christmas money and am going to BAM (yes, Ames got a new bookstore, next to Best Buy :)) tomorrow to pick up this one-year Bible. So that's my plan to get myself into the Word in 2012... going to spend some time today praying and thinking about my prayer life, memorizing Scripture, the mentors in my life, my friendships, & much more! Spend some time in prayer, write out some thoughts, goals, visions for the new year!!

I'll attach a couple articles & links to a couple one-year Bibles I'd recommend!

Make a Plan! ...Desiring God
"Conclusion: Very specifically my plea to you this new year is that you take time to plan the most important things in your life." Notice that he wrote this article in 1984?! Ha! Time-less truths.

Reading Plans

This one may be information overload, but some great ideas here!

One Year Bibles -- 15 minutes a day

One-Year (Chronological)

One-Year ESV, NLT (OT, NT, Psalms & Proverbs every day)

Engage Scripture 2012
This is from The Journey -- a great church in St. Louis. They have some fun & tech-savvy ways to follow their Bible reading plan!

**Sarah, you should share your Scripture Memory plan with us tomorrow!! :)

What's your plan?!

Chapter 9:: God is our Savior, Example, & Bridegroom

Hey Girls! You're doing such a fabulous job of sticking with us! Can you believe we are OVER halfway through this book? Crazy! I hope that you've been as challenged by this book as I have been!

Wendy does an awesome job of dissecting these three characteristics of God. I'm not going to reiterate her explanations, but am going to trust that you've read the chapter. As you saw from Kendra's previous post, we'd like to continue to encourage you to highlight, star, underline, etc-- whatever helps you learn best!

More than anything Wendy, Kendra, or I say, we want the Bible to guide your study of God. Sometimes when I read a book, I have a tendency to think more about what the person has to say than what they are trying to direct me towards in the Bible. Today, I'd love for you to focus your time on the verses Wendy mentions about Jesus. When I get "a list of verses to look up" I tend to either skip over it, or do it quickly just to check it off my list. I'd like to encourage you to see this as a very rich, worshipful time that causes you to know and fall more in love with Jesus! How blessed are we to get to have the word of God in so many forms (hard copies, internet, phone apps, etc)?

Intro

• Matthew 11:27
• Hebrews 1:3
• John 1:1, 14
• John 10:30

Identity of Jesus

• Matthew 14:33
• 1 Peter 2:22
• Matthew 4:1
• John 21:17
• Luke 2:52
• Romans 5:8
• John 1:10-11
• Matthew 13:54-58

Kenosis

• Philippians 2:3-8
• Ephesians 4:32

Our Example

• Luke 22

Justification

• 2 Corinthians 5:21
• Romans 5:12
• Ephesians 2:1-5
• Isaiah 61:10
• 1 Peter 3:18
• Isaiah 64:6
• Hebrews 10:19-20, 22

Glorification

• Romans 8:29-30
• Romans 3:23
• Ephesians 5:25-27
• Hosea 2:16, 19-20
• Revelation 19:7-8

Now, I'd again love for you to pick one of these verses to continue to think about this week and memorize. Please post it as a comment to today's post too (your name and the verse). Let's encourage one another towards Christ!

Chapter 8:: Our Father Disciplines Us

Let's first ask ourselves these questions...

If  'yes' to that, then 'yes' to this...

What about you?

What's your response to discipline?

Are you being disciplined right now?

Knowing that you WILL be disciplined, because He loves you, how do you want to respond?

Lord, I want to care more about becoming like You than what it will cost me. I confess that my understanding of discipline is often wrong. I equate discipline much more with punishment, which creates a wrong view of You. There is now no condemnation for me... in Christ. God, thank you, for caring for me enough to discipline me. Make me more like You. 

Chapter 7:: Our Father is Sovereign, Compassionate, & Wise

Gals, I hope this finds you snuggled up at home (maybe near a fire), enjoying family and a rest-filled break. 

Today Joel and arrived home from spending 4 days with family (2 days with his family and 2 days with my family). Overall we had a splendid time! It was so good to get to catch up and watch others get excited about the gifts you've given them! Though Joel and I would have never expected this prior to getting married, our immediate families have been the biggest challenge in our 2.5 years of marriage. Regardless, it is such a BLESSING to see God changing us and giving us his perspective-- making each time we spend time with family better than the last! Praise to Him alone! 

The perspective changer for me going into our Christmas "family time" was reading Chapter 7. Here are my "Top 10 Highlights" from Chapter 7.  

• He answers to no one, while all answer to Him. 
• Contemplate what it means that your Father is the supreme authority over all circumstances, involved all people, for all time. 
• Our Father is truly a rock in the midst of the raging storms of life. 
• Our Father is sovereign over the good actions of men, the wicked actions of men, and so-called accidental events. 
• Genesis 50:20 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
• Examine yourself for a moment. What does confidence in God's sovereignty look like in your life? Do you demonstrate trust in God's plan and purposes or become fearful and anxious when circumstances spiral our of control? Do your reactions to the hard things in life reflect confidence in God's promise to work even when the bad situations for your good? Or do you become frustrated and depressed when circumstances don't turn out as you think they should? Is your first reaction to trials to think fast and do something or to rest and wait patiently for God's hand to work? 
• The key to overcoming with joy in this life is to align our responses to hard things with what we know to be true about our heavenly Father. 
• "In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge." Prov 14:26
• His judgements are trustworthy because they are always right. God doesn't make wrong choices. He sees the end from the beginning and leads us accordingly. 
• He has compassion and pity for his children, and all his actions toward his children are consistent with his compassion, love, and wisdom. 

Meditating on the above thoughts and verses that Wendy mentioned was SO helpful (amidst much else that the Lord is teaching me through His Word!). I have a tendency to "think fast" when I think a situation should be different. It was encouraging for me in the moments that I would normally "think fast" to bring my feelings about my circumstances to Him, lay them at His feet, and ask Him to remind me of who He is and thus how to function as He would. Praise HIM! He was so quick to answer and remind me, HIS child, how to function in HIS love to those who desperately need HIM! 

Today I'd like to encourage you to examine yourself based on the questions Wendy mentions... 

What does confidence in God's sovereignty look like in your life? Do you demonstrate trust in God's plan and purposes or become fearful and anxious when circumstances spiral our of control? Do your reactions to the hard things in life reflect confidence in God's promise to work even when the bad situations for your good? Or do you become frustrated and depressed when circumstances don't turn out as you think they should? Is your first reaction to trials to think fast and do something or to rest and wait patiently for God's hand to work? 

Now, spend some time praying through your answers and ask Him to realign your responses to hard things with what you know to be true about Him, your heavenly Father. 

Blessed to be on this journey with you!

Part 2, Chapter 6:: God Is Our Father

Merry Christmas!!! --> Just had to ;)

Part 1: It is to our great benefit & joy to get to know our God! 

As we study who God is and what he does, we are equipped to deal with the big & small issues of life. Knowing God and acting in faith in light of those beliefs is key to a life that is pleasing to God. (Pg. 61)

So if we agree that it's important to get to know God, Part 2 will lead us to explore some of His attributes. Before we totally dive into that... How do you feel about the statement at the bottom of page 63? Yikes... Can't skip over that too quickly! Have you ever really considered this...

What do I mean by a "right view of God"? Well, many of us come to God with unbiblical notions of who he is and what he does. We've let our culture and upbringing, rather than the Bible itself, determine the character traits we attribute to God. 

So if you're like me... might need some serious, on-going thought & searching of yourself! It's hard, a shot to our pride, to admit that we might be wrong... that we might believe something that's false or distorted. 

Our Father...

So how might that reality -- that our unique circumstances affect what we believe -- be true in this specific way: viewing God as our father & ourselves as daughters of God? I've thought about this a lot the past several years and continue to wrestle with this stuff! 

What about your dad? Is your dad stingy? Is he always angry & disappointed in you? Is he just passive? So rigid? Does he protect you? Speak well of you? Build you up? Affirm you? Does he provide for you? Spend time with you? Just love you?

This isn't an opportunity to highlight & magnify everything your dad isn't/hasn't been for you & then throw yourself a pity-party, which does nothing positive or beneficial! But those things you that you can identify about your earthly father... do you impose those same attributes to God? What a crafty way for satan to keep us from knowing & experiencing the full benefits of being a child of God! All of those things you're longing for in a Father are already yours! They're yours! If you know Jesus, then whether you realize it and live it out or not, you have a Heavenly Father who is everything you could ever yearn for & more! 

Want some affirmation from God about who you really are?! Park it in Romans 8 for awhile!

Have some extra time today?! On the topic of adoption... I'll attach some blogs I follow & would recommend to you!! As you think about being adopted into the family of God, think of the parallels for these kids... they've received a new last name, everything about the trajectory of their lives has been altered! 

• The Lees... a family from Cornerstone who recently added 3 kids, to their previous family of 3! Jen was a mentor to me throughout college & LOVE reading what she's learning through the process of adoption. 
• The Scotts... Such a sweet family, also from Cornerstone, who adopted 2 little ones this year! 
• Katie Davis... not your average early-20s American girl -- the mother of 13 daughters. Something about her story tells me that she gets it; not completely, but I think she's headed in the right direction!

Pause

We're going to push pause on our book for a couple days... pick back up on the 26th, so feel free to get caught up, or check out these articles about Christmas I found today! 

This is interesting! Have you ever wondered how December 25th got chosen to be Christmas Day?!
Article
12 Reasons for Christmas...
Article

Humility this Christmas? Hmm... this is convicting! “Humility is so shy. If you begin talking about it, it leaves.” Yikes
Article


Highly recommend browsing through these websites for a bit... they have tons & tons of sweet, free resources!

I'm also going to spend some time in Luke 1 today... very aware of my need to fix my eyes on Jesus & the true meaning of Christmas! So hard to not get swept up into the hustle & bustle, the gifts & all the busyness!!! 


Praying for you girls!!

Chapter 5:: Practical Theology Needed!

Ladies! How is your break going? I hope just wonderful! After work today Joel and finished our last minute Christmas shopping and then spent the evening wrapping gifts. Christmas time is here! Don't you just love saying "Merry Christmas!" to people? I. LOVE. IT!

Wendy uses chapter 5 as a sort of review and recounts how she has begun to see times of trial as precious treasures that point her to Christ. She sums up Part 1 by hitting the nail on the head with...

"Theology at its most basic sense, is simply the study of God. Proper theology is not complex, but it is fundamentally important for all believers, because knowing our God and understanding his character are essential tools that enable us to exercise wisdom in our daily lives. As we study who God is and what he does, we are equipped to deal with the big and small issues of life. Knowing God and acting in faith in light of those beliefs is key to a life that is pleasing to God. Know him, and then act like you know him. That is faith."

In response to part 1, use today as a sort of "review". The key to all learning is repetition (that's a Cody Cline quote), so take some time today to re-read what you've highlighted, underlined, and journaled since our time together began.

I know God is shaping me through our readings and I'm just dying to hear how He is sanctifying you! Now, please offer your response to the following question and post it as a comment to this blog post (http://abideoverbreak.blogspot.com/). Please limit your response to 1 paragraph.

After reflecting over the journey thus far (Part 1), what (if anything) lasting and of God will you take away from it? 

I will be praying the following verse for you as you think through this question and respond.

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." 1 Thes. 5:23-24. 

Merry Christmas!

Chapter 4:: Appropriating What You Believe

AKA: when the rubber hits the road!!

Stop

When I read this little section on page 52, the words SELF-CONTROL are just glaring at me, begging me to give them a shot! I looked up self-control in the dictionary, this is what it says...  control or restraint of oneself or one's actions, feelings, etc.  How often is 'just stopping' not even an option because we simply can't control ourselves? We aren't able to put the pencil down. We aren't able to shut our mouth because nothing beneficial is coming from it! We aren't able to steer our minds away from every worst-case scenario that could happen. So, how do you gain self-control? Jesus, period. He's our only hope for anything! "After Christ saves us, we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6). We do not have to obey fear & anxiety as if they were our masters. Get off the emotional roller coaster!" (pg. 52) Amen! It's because of Jesus! It's because Jesus not only came that we might be justified (made right with Him), but also that we be sanctified (made more like Him)! Now that's good news!! 


Lord, you know my heart. You know that I'm so quick to give in to fear, anxiety, worry. It simply shows a lack of faith--that I don't trust you. Would you make me self-controlled? I want to be one who is able to just stop, take a deep breath & seek to gain Your perspective. But the first step -- pushing pause -- is sometimes the hardest part. So Lord, would you help me? Change me? Make me more like Yourself? You're self-controlled... would you teach me? 

Refocus

It's often the case that I just need a new pair of glasses. They're fogging up... things are getting a little blurry... or there's a glaring crack strait down the middle! It's ONLY by the grace of God that He lets us see from His perspective... that He gives us a glimpse of Himself & of what's to come -- an eternal perspective! So often I find myself holding --every so tightly-- onto something, someone, a situation, a thought, whatever it might be... Step 1 (stop) might mean looking down at my hands & recognizing there's a problem... I'm clenching onto something of this earth and it's idolatry! Step 2 (refocus) might look like loosening my grip, opening up my palms & offering that something, someone, or whatever it is to the Lord. It's humbling to read the section in Hebrews 11 & realize that, "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." Wow. They got it! It wasn't about them... it was about the Story God's writing throughout all of history. From Genesis to Revelation -- that's what it's really about! 


Lord I want to really consider myself a stranger on this earth, constantly looking toward my heavenly home, my eyes fixed on you. Why would I seek things on earth? I've died & my life is hidden with Christ in God! This reminds me of the C.S. Lewis quote-- I'm far too easily pleased. (pg. 39) Sometimes I just don't get it. I'm so entertained by the things of this world, even entertained by the worries of this world -- I'm far too easily pleased! Lord would YOU capture my heart? Would you give me an eternal perspective? Would you burn into my heart & my mind that YOU are the strength of my heart & my portion forever (ps. 73)? God, I thank you & rejoice that You're patient with me! You know, & yet You love me all the same. Your love & acceptance of me is not dependent on my ability, or lack there of, to be self controlled or to fix my eyes on you... but it's out of deep love for me that You long to guide me into something sooooo much better. You're so good to me!!

Practice

Let's be honest, I feel like the 'Practice' section is the same as the 'Refocus' one! Maybe it's just reinforcing the fact that this is an on-going process. It's done daily, even moment by moment & often at a time when your journal & pen aren't conveniently prepared to receive the dump truck full! Life gets hard! Love the illustration on page 56... "When my two dogs get excited, usually due to the presence of a cat or squirrel in their vicinity, they do not respond to anything I say. Often the only option I have for getting their attention is to grab their little chins & turn their faces back toward me. Only then do they get the message I am trying to communicate. Similarly, when I get excited and consumed by the emotional roller coaster of life, I need to figuratively grab my chin and turn my head back toward God. I need an eternal perspective that sees God as the ultimate reality. All else will pale in comparison when viewed against the backdrop of his eternal purposes." Amen! 


So what about you? Are their areas in your life, or situations you currently find yourself in that you need to stop & refocus? Get before the Lord... He looooooongs to meet you right where you're at & just love on you!


Many of the things God's teaching me as I've gone through this book line up & actually build upon what He's been teaching me the past couple months.  I recently read a book called Jesus + Nothing = Everything... I wrote on my blog about some things the Lord was teaching me through that book (strikingly similar to what He's teaching me here!). If you're interested... here's a link to my blog!

Chapter 3:: Faith Works!

Hi Ladies! This is Sarah Vint again. Can you believe that Christmas is 4 days away?! Joel and I just finished up our Christmas shopping and what did we walk out of the mall to find but a lil' sprinkling of snow! It was so movie like. Nonetheless, I'm certainly not a gal that enjoys that white stuff (shoveling, bundling up, freezing cold, dry skin, cracked lips... yuck). I LOVE summer. LOVE. IT. The heat. The pool. The tan. The smell of sunscreen. Did I mention that I live 2 blocks from the pool (I know, right?)?! Regardless, it is SO odd to me that we don't have ANY snow yet! Zilch. I'm just praying to the Lord Jesus that this doesn't mean we'll have snow until May. My COMPLETE sanity might be at stake! You may be wondering why I still live in Iowa. Hmm... great question! It all started when I, a native Minnesotan, said "I'm NEVER going to live in Iowa & I'm NEVER going to marry someone from Iowa". Take Justin Bieber's advice and never say never. Just sayin'.

But again, we didn't come to talk about me (or life preferences for that matter), we came to talk about faith that works. Coincidentally, Kendra & I just finished a semester long study on the book of James titled "A Faith that's Real". Whew. Talk about raking a girl over the coals! Oofta. This chapter was SUCH a good reminder of many of the things that I learned and thought I understood (but clearly don't) from that study. I'm so thankful for the Lord's great patience and new mercy each day (Lam 3:22-23) and that he is so faithful to help me learn to actually fix my eyes on Jesus step-by-step!

In my mind, Wendy uses this chapter 3 to do three things: 1) Give us clear examples of actions that give evidence of a lack of faith and 2) Give us clear examples of actions that evidence faithfulness & 3) Cause us to reflect on our lives and challenges us to walk in faith that works.

Again, I'd love for you to journal a few things about what you read:

1. What Old/New Testament examples of acts of unfaithfulness stand out to you? What were the practical effect) of their lack of faith?
2. On p. 44 Wendy asks, "Do you find it disturbing to read about the link between a lack of faith and sin? Would you rather think of your lack of faith as a weakness?... God calls a lack of faith sin." How have you thought about faith and doubt in the past? Read James 2:14-26. How does what you read in the book and reading these verses change your perspective? 
3. On p. 46 Wendy states, "We see the problem of provision and forgetfulness over & over throughout the New Testament-- and over and over in our own lives. God does something big, and we simply forget." Take some time to reflect over the past semester or year. List as many ways as you can think of in which God provided, whether it was external (like new friends or someone to sit by at lunch) or internal (he gave you a new perspective about your circumstances). I find that as I look forward I can do so with anxiety and fear until I look back and see the literal fingerprints of God in my life-- His loving hand providing every step of the way (even if it doesn't turn out how I originally thought it should).
4. Now, using that same list, list next to it what your initial reaction was to that situation. Maybe you were really anxious about coming to college (I was!). Maybe you were afraid to change you major (also me x2!) or maybe you were anxious about not ever dating someone in college (and again, me!). Now, take some time to thank God for how He has provided. Isn't He faithful? Now, lift up the things you are initially tempted to be anxious or fearful about that are in the "near" or "distant" future (maybe still some of the same things from the past year/semester). Lay them at His feet, ask Him to provide in His way, ask Him to help you fall even more in love with Him and align your desires with His, and ask Him to help you "work out your faith" in these situations. 
5. What examples of acts of faithfulness that are mentioned stand out to you? What was/were the practical effect(s) of their faith?
6. Ok, last one (I promise!). At the beginning of the chapter Wendy asks, "Who in your life do you consider to be a man or woman of faith?... What is it about them that demonstrates authentic faith to you? What have you noticed about how they responded to trials and struggles in their lives?" Spend some time thinking about this and answering these questions. If there is someone that sticks out in your mind (and they are still alive), would you write them a quick e-mail, Facebook message, or letter to encourage them? Use some of the examples and scripture references you've learned. Heck, even ask them to pray that He'd help you to fix your eyes on Him-- the author and perfecter of our faith! Ready, Go!

Writing this post is so deeply challenging to me. I have a a difficult situation going on in my life that seriously makes my skin want to crawl. Most of the time I'd rather shave my head bald than enter into the situation (I know that doesn't really sound all that extreme for most, but I care WAY TOO MUCH about my hair!). I'm praying that we REALLY, REALLY would fix our eyes on Him (Heb 12:2). We can't "work it up" within ourselves to walk in faith and certainly can't earn His favor by even doing so. But I SO want us to know that He is faithful, that in the end we will look back and see that He used these things for good, and for us to make our Daddy, our Abba, smile. He does delight in us. Isn't that so stinkin' cool?!

So grateful for you and can't wait to enjoy a few more chapters with you and another great post by my friend, Kendra!

Chapter 2:: What Is Faith?

Yes! LOVE the story that kicks off this chapter -- football coach bringing his players back to the 'fundamental concepts' of the game. Love it because it's SO effective! Right in that paragraph Wendy says, "In a similar fashion, many Christians focus so much on the minute details of their problems that they lose sight of the fundamental concepts that govern life for a believer in Christ."

This has actually been on my mind a lot this past week or so! I just finished a book, Jesus + Nothing = Everything (highly recommend it!), which said something that stuck & really made me think!

We never leave the gospel, ever -- even as we move into deeper theological waters. As Tim Keller says, the gospel isn't simply the ABCs of Christianity, but the A to Z of Christianity. All theology is an explosion of the gospel, a further articulation of the gospel in all its facets, meticulously unfolding all it's liberating implications and empowering benefits.

That's convicting! I'm so eager & quick to "move on". I so often need to pause, get back to the basics of the gospel!

Wowza, sorry about the tangent! So, faith... being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. I think this fits very nicely under the category of things we're tempted to 'move on' from and tempted to believe that we 'get it'. When I think of what this might look like, it makes me think of the constant battle of identifying & believing truth vs. lies (about yourself, about God, the world, your life, etc.). When we choose to believe truth, we agree with God and almost convince ourselves of what 'we do not see'. Yeah, I might feel _____, but what's true is that God says ___, ___, and ___ about me -- in faith, I choose to believe truth. We can get so lost, confused, distracted by our circumstances that we forget what's true. When you realize something is false, you can't help but be convinced about only what is true.

So what about you? Be honest! I have a long list of these myself (from top of pg. 33). Pray & ask the Lord to search & expose what's really going on in your heart. Then ask Him to tell you what's true about Himself, about your situation. Jot them down in your journal...

• I may not have ____, but      (what's true about you, God, your life, etc.)     .
• My life may not be ______, but _________. 
• I might never _______, but __________. 
• I'm not happy with ______, but ____________.
• I feel _________, but ___________.

He loves you, dear sister. He longs to capture your heart & mind with His truth -- His truth will set you free (John 8:31-32)!

Ah! This chapter was so good!! I'll leave you with some things I'll be pondering today...

God is, and His existence alone puts the rest of life in perspective. (Pg 33)

When God heats up our lives, working out our pride, selfishness, and general wrong thinking, the resulting purified life is so much sweeter. (Pg. 36)

When we face uncertain times, we must sift our responses through the filter of this truth. (Pg. 37)

"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." (Pg. 39) -C.S. Lewis

Part 1 Intro:: "What is Theology?" & Chapter 1:: "Why Should I Care?"

Well hello Ladies! You have been on my mind this weekend and I am ecstatic that you guys have joined us for this journey! I could not be more delighted to be spending winter break with you. There’s just nothing like doing something like this TOGETHER. When we go solo, the temptation to set a goal aside when it gets confrontational or challenging can be almost too much to resist. The accountability and community you can experience in a group with a common objective like this can make the difference between really doing the thing or wishing you had.

Opening the blog yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Kendra had so kindly introduced me. I nearly fell off the couch I was laughing so hard! Yes, it is true... I just so happen to have "Bieber Fever"! Though it is mostly just a joke, I've never enjoyed a more fun way of starting conversation with middle schoolers (my husband just so happens to be the Youth Director at Cornerstone)!!

I thought I'd also share a recent, rather flattering, picture of Kendra and I from the TSC Fall Retreat Dance. Purty, huh? Just in case you are under the impression that women who love God can’t have fun, stick around a while. We’d be delighted to help change your mind!

Working alongside and being friends with Kendra over the past year has not only been FUN, but an answer to prayer. She is a constant encouragement, always pointing me to Jesus and the truth of scripture. We also happen to share MANY of the same hobbies including Pinterest, cooking, baking, sewing, reading, organizing and decorating (just to name a few!).

Fortunately, you didn't come here to just learn about us, so let's jump into Part 1 & Chapter 1. If you haven't read Part 1 & Chapter 1, go ahead and do so! After you're done, please spend some time focusing in on these questions and jotting down your responses in your journal...

Part 1 Intro: What is Theology?

1. Do you tend to view the Bible as two separate tracks (1. Simple, practical, everyday application stuff for the average Christian 2. Higher level of spiritual study reserved for pastors and seminary graduates)? Describe how the Intro to Part 1 challenges this type of thinking. 
2. How were you encouraged and challenged personally by Wendy's description from Question 1? Spend some time praying that the Lord would continue to encourage you towards knowing Him more deeply. 

Chapter 1: Why Should I Care?

1. "Theology" can seem like a big, heady word. In your own words, explain what it means and why you should care. 
2. What is wise, practical daily living preceded by? How does this challenge how you've studied the bible in the past? 
3. Wendy mentioned a variety of verses. Which one about wisdom sticks out to you the most? Why? Write it down, spend some time thinking even more deeply about it, and memorize it! 
4. Wendy describes "the priesthood of Christ". Explain what this means and why it should make a difference when we think about the study of theology. 
5. Close your time by thinking about Ephesians 1:17-20 (it often helps me to write it down). Pray this scripture over yourself, inserting your name...

"I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give ______ a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him..." 

Kendra & I will also be praying these very verses over you and ourselves. I'm delighted to be on this journey with you and to have even more discussion about what He teaches us!

New Addition!

Want to introduce you guys to Sarah!

She's obviously obsessed with Justin Bieber... she caught the fever after she met him this Halloween! Okay, just kidding, she's not obsessed with JB and she definitely hasn't met him -- only his look alike, Joel, who happens to be her husband!

She's going to join me, and possibly some others, in leading us through this book. I'm super excited about this! I met Sarah (I think) my freshman year -- she was a sophomore on Salt leadership & was around at Freshmen Group. It wasn't until last year when we both came on staff that we really got to know each other. I've been really blessed to have her in my life! She can tell you a little more about herself later!

Sarah Vint, Sarah Smith, myself & Jill Paullus 

Sooooo thankful for these girls on Salt staff...

If you find yourself with some extra time tonight or feel like being a little crazy, you should shoot her an email! Introduce yourself, tell her something special, your God story, another fun way to 'meet' someone over the Internet!! (sarahannevint@gmail.com)

Have a great night!

Preface: Who am I?

Check back in after you've read the Preface --> really cool story of God's grace over Wendy & her husband...

________________________________________________________

Are you not compelled to get to know this God more? The God who provides, who is faithful, who heals, who is steadfast!!

"As you will see in the following chapters, it is my deepest conviction that what God teaches about himself in his Word is of utmost importance to the issues of my personal daily life. That's the heart of my ministry to women. As you read this book, I hope you too catch the vision of the power of theology to transform us as women where it counts most."

I want to learn from this woman!

It's hard to be really honest with myself about the reality that life will get hard. I'll have to deal with REALLY hard stuff. I can catch myself reading stories like this & thinking, "that's soooo sad... how could she handle ___ ... well that really sucks!" all the while convinced it would never happen to me. And maybe you find yourself there right now! It's times like this, where you feel your world's falling apart, that things get really simple and what you really believe about God gets exposed. So what about now? How am I to live, day to day, that transforms what I really believe about God, that equips me to face trials & temptations?

I want to land at John 15 today... focusing on verses 1-11. Try to build a bridge between John 15 and Wendy's story we just read. Take some time to read through this passage a couple times, process through some things in your journal, and answer these questions...

• What does it mean to abide (remain)?
• How do you want to abide in Christ moving forward?

If you're looking for some guidance, here's where John 15 took me today...

A little 'get to know you" game...

If you're honest with yourself, it's likely that your favorite/most dreaded day of the semester is Day 1!

Why it's your favorite: nothing except your very presence is required in class. Why it's the most dreaded: you have to play that lame, embarrassing & awkward "tell us your name, major, and something unique about you" game!

Okay, maybe this hasn't been your experience and you're not as traumatized by Day 1 as I am... but for the sake of redemption from my past, you have to know what's coming...

Describe your fall semester in one word! Tell us why!!

Let's be honest... 
I've never done this!
You've probably never done this!
I want to get to know you!
And I want you to get to know each other!  

Email your response to kendragustafson@gmail.com -- I'll post your responses tomorrow- Sunday! 
(If you're late, still send it to me & I'll edit the post to add your info)

Schedule

Aaaaand we're back! 

The majority of you probably find yourself in the comforts of your home, or at least done with finals & feeling pretty free... and the 3 of you still truckin along just got a little angry in your heart, but don't worry... the finish line is sooo close!! Love the feeling of wrapping up a semester... there's soooo much work, stress, late nights, time, energy, etc. that goes into it. Crazy feeling that it's now all behind you now!

Hope you're as excited as I am to get into this book... lot of anticipation in my heart, knowing that He wants to change me, dig up some yuck that's in my heart & just grow me. Practically, here's how this will work: the blog will be updated daily to lead you through the book. There's a schedule below, to keep you on track with where we'll be at, on which days.

As you sit down to spend time with the Lord, I suggest you bring:

Your Bible
Journal*
Practical Theology for Women
Cup of coffee in your favorite mug -- Idk about you, but a hot cup of joe always hits the spot for me!! (Optional, of course ;))

*If you've never tried using a journal, I'd really suggest giving it a shot (or another shot ;)! Everyone uses them a little differently... so don't get caught up in the maintenance of it, but let it be a place where you're able to congregate what you're learning & what God's doing in you. Maybe you'll want to write out a verse that really stuck out to you, or write out your answer to a question we post... bottom line: feel free to use it however you wish :)! I personally use my journal to record what I'm learning, pose/answer questions, and to just talk to God. Although my journal isn't my mediator to God -- Jesus is! -- it's a great way to keep me focused, tunnel my thoughts, keep track of what I'm asking & how He's providing!

Schedule

12/18    Preface
12/19    Part 1, Chapter 1
12/20    Chapter 2
12/21    Chapter 3
12/22    Chapter 4
12/23    Chapter 5
12/24   
12/25   
12/26    Part 2, Chapter 6
12/27    Chapter 7
12/28    Chapter 8
12/29    Chapter 9
12/30   
12/31   
1/1        Chapter 10
1/2        Chapter 11
1/3        Chapter 12
1/4        Part 3, Chapter 13
1/5        Chapter 14
1/6        Chapter 15, Conclusion
1/7   
1/8   

*Where there isn't a chapter listed, we'll post something fun for you to read, reflect on, or do! (Yes, I keep saying "we"... more to come on this tomorrow ;) )

Tips to following a blog...

I'd suggest following this blog by email. Whether you're familiar with following blogs or not, I think following by email will be the best choice for this occasion. It's probably more likely that you'll check your email daily (and find an email of what's been posted) than randomly clicking it to check if it's been updated (speaking from experience, ha!). If you look to the right column of the blog, you'll see a green box that says Follow By Email. Enter your email address & follow the directions. You'll receive an email every time there's a new post, which will take you to the new post.

Praying for you!

While breaks are often marked by regret, disappointment, or wasted time... I'm excited for what God might do as we press into Him, dig into the Word & ask Him to make knowing Him change the way we live! Praying for you girls as we begin this journey together!

If you have ANY questions, please feel free to let me know!!

Join me!

It's been almost a year since I graduated from Iowa State & came on staff with the Salt Company -- I can hardly believe it! In reflecting upon my time as a student, I find nothing more valuable than the growth in my relationship with God & His transforming work in my life. I'll never regret the time & energy I spent seeking the Lord, getting into the Word & pursuing Godly friendships. It's cool to look back over the years & find tangible change... God making me more & more like Himself!

I can remember the feelings of anticipation in approaching a Christmas/Summer break... the relief that comes from classes wrapping up, excitement for life to slow down a bit, having time to reconnect with family & friends... the list goes on & on! I can also remember feeling a bit nervous... wondering what would happen to my faith & relationship with God over break. Would I stay in the Word? Would I give in to temptation and fall into old sin patterns? I've found over the years that breaks either catapult me towards the Lord & refresh my spirit or stunt my growth & leave me feeling discouraged. Becoming a learner of myself, I've found that I MUST think ahead!

What about you? How was your Thanksgiving break? Maybe you found yourself energized by your time in the Word & relationship with the Lord over break. Maybe you feel defeated... you fell into old sin or gave up an opportunity to share your faith with a friend. Maybe you just feel complacent... you didn't even think about God, let alone spend time in the Word. Think ahead! How do you want to spend your Christmas break? How can you set yourself up to stay in the Word, keep yourself accountable & remain in fellowship?

Consider reading the book Practical Theology for Women by Wendy Alsup over Christmas break with me & other freshmen girls!!

From the back cover -- Have you ever wanted to understand the deep things of the Word but been put off by the intimidating vocabulary of theologians? Have you assumed that studying the attributes of God is for seminary students only? Or maybe "just for men"? Have heavy doctrinal themes felt beyond you and your everyday world? If so -- if you've ever thought theology was too deep, too impractical, or too irrelevant for your life as a woman -- this book is for you. As Wendy Alsup explores fundamental theological issues you've always wondered about -- minus the daunting vocabulary & complex sentence structure of academic tomes (had to look that one up! Ha!) -- she brings them into real life... into your world... and reveals the heart of true theology.

I read Practical Theology for Women this summer... I was confronted, encouraged, inspired, equipped, & drawn into a more clear understanding of the character of God & how knowing God affects my everyday life. I want to lead & implore you to let God do a similar work in your life! You can follow this blog as you read... I'll share what I'm learning, ask questions, & whatever else comes up (you never know!). 

Interested? Email me, kendragustafson@gmail.com. 
I've ordered books & can get you a copy for $10.  You can also purchase it online, click here.