1) It has been a little while since I blogged, huh? I write blogs in my head all the time (...a lot while driving actually). Literally, plan them out and phrase my thoughts, ideas and feelings into blogs but never sit down and actually write them...and if I have the time and energy to write them, I forget what I wanted to say. Sometimes, I surprise myself with how often I think in terms of social media...my thoughts often come in 140 characters.
Some of the blogs I didn't write were called "Why Did She Wear That?" "Empty Rooms" "Sometimes You Should Keep Your Mouth Shut" "Lucky Intern" "Sand" "Jealousy of Things God is Blessing" "Really, the Church?" and last but not least, "Put Some Pants On."
2) Seasons of struggle are very isolating. I love that I have a group of women to study the Word with who are willing to love me and offer grace in the middle of struggle whether I share part or all of what I am going through. I love even more that they are willing to share their struggles as well. Confession brings healing (James 5:16)
3) Speaking of James, I think I want to study it at least once a year in some form or another.
4) The study of Nehemiah was absolutely amazing. I will admit to not knowing much about Nehemiah beyond it being a good book to preach through during a building campaign or while training leaders before this study. But what I found was the practical application of the book of James. The study was designed to encourage us to seek out what God is asking us to do (like Nehemiah did). We talk a lot in Bible studies about our purpose in Christ or our destiny...acknowledging that we have one or preparing ourselves for whatever it is, but this study set us on a pursuit of what He is asking of us. As much as I loved it, until the very last week I was pretty much lost. I had no idea what He wanted from me...what is He asking of me? I was frustrated until prayer and study led me to realize that I am doing what He is asking of me right now. He has called me to serve the church...and I am. It was so freeing.
5) Twitter is FANTASTIC. I read somewhere that Facebook is the people you actually know and Twitter is the people you wish you knew =o) I love that because it is so true. I enjoy keeping up with my friends and family on facebook, but I LOVE the opportunity to be encouraged by and exposed to the thoughts of people who are further along on the same path I am traveling. I tend to follow people in ministry and am constantly encouraged by their faith, their leadership thoughts, their struggles. It feels a little like the social media take on iron sharpening iron.
I really hope you're having a fantastic week.
PS - There is at least one blog coming called for Your splendor
