Refine

2009-03-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

Tonight we are starting a new study by Beth Moore called "Living Beyond Yourself"- This is a study of the fruits of the spirit. God is going to do a new thing this time around. He has so much in store for us!!

Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version)
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Come expecting God to do a fresh work in you.

It's Panera time!!

2008-12-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

I absolutely can't wait to meet up at Panera tonight!! It's one of my fav. places to eat and I haven't been in FOREVER!! Read chapter 9 for tonight! I love you friends. See you soon. muah!

2008-11-20T09:08:00.000-08:00

What a great night Tuesday! God's presence was so sweet and I really felt strong unity among all of us. Amy's testimony really blessed my heart. She was so real and had some wonderful challenges for us. I loved what she said; "Our circumstances don't Define us, they REFINE us." I really would love for all of you to share our stories. Be thinking about what you would like to share. I'll start taking volunteers next meeting.

Jennie, Monny, Jenny, and Jennifer, we missed you! We are getting all decked out and going out on the town Saturday, December 13 for our Christmas party. We will be going downtown to a restaurant called "Sauces." The theme is Black, White, and Bling. We will talk more details at our next meeting on December 2.

Also: We are set for our Holiday outreach with Youth Villages. We are going to be a "Holiday Hero" for Crisshauna, a 17-yr-old girl who is a resident there. As a Holiday Hero, we will buy gifts from her wish list and drop them off at Youth Villages no later than December 15. Her gifts cannot exceed $75. If we all give $7 we will have enough leftover for some fun wrapping. =) Here are some items from Crisshauna's list. If you have something in mind that you would like to purchase or donate yourself, please feel free to do so. Bring your $7 or your gift by next meeting- Dec. 2.

Crisshauna C.
Age: 17
Favorite Color- Purple
Shirt Size- M Adult
Shoe Size- 8.5 adult
Pant Size- 7/8 adult

Hobbies/interests: Listening to CD's
Favorite Movie: Losing Isaiah
Other: Yolanda Adams "Gospel" CD, earrings, necklace, ring, watch- Getting these four jewelry items would be a good way to go. If we shop smart, we can do something nice here. Give me your feedback!

Love you Girls! Have a great weekend!

Thoughts on Last night...

2008-11-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

Ladies. I was very pleased with last night's group and the discussion. Our subject was very common, but very important to be refreshed on. I hope that God continues to speak to you and change you as you grow and read this wonderful book. It's so important to remember how valued we are and to allow that to carry over not only in our reltaionships with people, both men and women, but also our relationship with the Lord. Allow him to love on you and tell you how beautiful you are. Really believe in yourself and become confident in the fact that you are worth all that God has for you... his very best! Hang in there.. don't give up. Keep praying for his will and allow him to surround you with his prescence and his love. I can't wait to hear of your testimonies next time we meet. Our Nov. 18th meeting is going to be all about praise and thanks. I absolutely can't wait! I love you!

2008-10-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! I just wanted to let you know that bible study is cancelled for tonight. Amy Lindberg is having a shower and I figured most of the girls in our group would want to go. I am a hostess along with Traci Spain and we've had the best time shopping for her gifts. It's going to be a great shower. I hope to see most of you there. Love you girls!!

Take some time to pray for the presential elections this week and next. This is a crucial year. The results could change America forever! Pray for John McCain and Sarah Palin.. they need God's strength in the midst of all of these attacks. (Espically Sarah). I believe that she is God's chosen woman for this time in our country. I have heard of countless people that have felt led of the Lord on her campaign trail to let her know that she is like an Esther cosen to help her people in a time of trouble for her people. God has sent someone to help us and we must help fight this spiritual battle in prayer. Check out my blog: christalivininlove.blogspot.com to read a very powerful e-mail that I got.

Song "Refine Me"

2008-10-21T16:24:00.001-07:00

I quoted lyrics from Jennifer Knapp's song "Refine Me" on my most recent post on my blog. Jennifer-Goodwin, not Knapp ;) - asked me to post a video of the song on here. The video only features a picture but it is Jennifer Knapp singing. She has been one of my most favorite artists since high school. Her lyrics are always deep and thought-provoking. She speaks of spiritual struggles that most Christian artists don't sing about.

Jennie

Love, Jackie

2008-10-16T07:50:00.001-07:00

Hello ladies
Just a quick hug and thanks for the opportunity to be with and share with you last night.
It was so cool! We will continue to hold each of you and your families in prayer.
If there is any way that we can be of service to you please feel free to give us a shout!
God richly bless you.
Love and prayers
Jackie

One more thing...

2008-10-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

Last night very well demonstrated my heart and my desire for our group. I want all of us to be open and to feel safe in sharing what we are really going through and experiencing. That's what these groups are for. Like Joy said last week, we will never grow if we don't open up and allow God not only to speak through us, but to change us. I want this group to be unlike any other group you are involved with at First Assembly or whatever church you may go to. Don't be afraid to explore the deeper levels of God and of yourself and what he has for you. Dwell in his safety and in his prescence and be ready for the amazing things he will do in you.

Christa

2008-10-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

Oh friends, we had church last night didn't we? It's funny that Jennifer talked about prayer for refreshment. I really sense (and know) that many of us are weary and needed some soaking in God's prescence. God loves us so much, that he sent two sisters in the Lord who know little to none about us and he encourged us with their words and through the scriptures. The scriptures are solid, never shaking/never-changing. That is the best way to hear from God, it leaves no doubt in your mind. As Jenn said, take the word you received last night and hide it in your heart and don't let satan take it away. No matter how he tries to discourage you, don't let him. Yell at him.. stomp him out.. play your praise music and sing at the top of your lungs if you have to.. Don't let Satan try to steal your joy or make you doubt in the promise that God sent you through his word. God is amazing and I have no doubt that he will continue to work and move in our midst.

I encourage you all to enjoy your Cd's and just get alone with God. Allow yourself to slow down long enough to hear from him and let him minister his love to you. I was so so blessed last night and I absolutely can't wait to hear from you all next meeting and what God is doing. I love you and I am praying for you.

Christa

WOW

2008-10-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

I hope this finds all of you having an amazing day. How can we not after an amazing night last night, in the presence of the Lord? I prayed on the way there that we would all be refreshed, and I know I was! I have never participated in a 'soaking' like that...well not in a group, anyway. It was powerful! I was blessed and humbled by His presence last night. I love you all and am praying for you today. Remember what God gave us last night...take that word that you got, and tuck it into the very center of your heart~cling to it. Be encouraged and blessed by HIM today. I love you all.

~Jenn~

upcoming...

2008-10-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

See you ladies tomorrow night! Jackie Ashpole and her friend Hebzibah will be our special guests. Come with an open heart and mind, ready to be blessed by the Lord. I love you all and I know that God is working.

Bring your munchies and let me know if you can come for a fun night of Pumpkin carving next Tuesday at 7:00 (see below) . Love y'all!

Christa

BYOP!!

2008-10-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

Ok.. so i'm thinkin' it's fall.. One of my favorite times of the year.. what do y'all thinking about having a fall party on our off night? Tuesday, October 21?! I'm thinkin' i'm going to have one. We'll carve pumpkins.. eat fall treats, and roast marshmellows.. y'all game? OK we're having a fall party!! Tuesday, October 21!! BYOP (bring your own pumpkin). I'll be in touch with you all about food. =)

Challenge

2008-10-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

I got this devo through a dailly e-mail that I receive. It is definately a challenge that I want to extend to you. I can't wait to see you all next Tuesday. Love you girls! Rememer, submit any requests that you have for prayer.

Exodus 20:3 - (New International Version) You shall have no other gods besides Me.
(The Message) “No other gods, only me.” Ex 20:3
Remember the old Abbott and Costello skit, “Who’s on First?” For those who may be too young to remember, there are several versions on youtube.com. Abbott tries his best to inform Costello of everyone’s name and position; but with the terms used in the questions, the answers seemed, well, ambiguous. Hilarious miscommunication ensued and we all felt a bit stressed for both of the guys!
It doesn’t matter too much who is in what position in our lives until we settle the matter of who is on first. In other words, we need to know who is in first place in our lives. This issue must be settled! If anyone, or anything, occupies first place in our lives ahead of God, than our lives are out of control and out of balance. This is the gist of the 1st Commandment and God’s Original Formula for us.
The Israelites had just come out of Egypt’s polytheistic culture, where many gods were both acknowledged and worshipped; and today, we are no less bombarded with cultural choices that would compete with God’s absolute Lordship in our lives. When He has His rightful place in our lives—FIRST—He promises we will have all we need.
Matthew 6:33 - “Seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
So……who IS on first?

Christa

Tomorrow is Tuesday!!

2008-09-29T13:18:00.000-07:00

Hey ladies! I am so excited about tomorrow night. Our Tuesdays can't come fast enough. =) Tomorrow night's food theme is "favorites" Bring your favorite of anything.. (not too messy!) Also, a beautiful young lady named Joy is going to be sharing Tuesday night. Joy is from Uganda and has such an amazing love for the Lord. She shines with the love of God. I am greatly looking forward to hearing what she has to say.

I am praying for you all and I know that God is continuing to work in all of you. He's got you and don't ever forget that! He has your best interests at heart, and no matter how bleak things may seem now, he will not leave you hanging. Hang in there.. fight that fight. God is in control!

Christa

Much Love!

2008-09-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies! I hope you all are having an amazing week! I hope that you all are keeping up with your chapter and homework. I love you all and absolutely can't wait until next Tuesday!! I love you all! Don't forget to share any needs you may have.

Christa

Prayer Request

2008-09-22T05:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, well, I have a prayer request I would like to share with all of you (I don't share a lot of these!). There is a job opening at my children's school for a part time position managing the students while they eat lunch...the "cafeteria lady" as I love to call it! My friend just resigned from this position, and I am interested. I have prayed about it and talked to my husband and kids, and they're all very excited...especially since I'm there everyday with no pay, so this will be a nice treat~being paid for my time there! I want to be in God's will, so please pray that if this is not what God wants, that the doors will shut firmly. I am taking in my application tomorrow to the Shelby County board of education, and hopefully will be interviewed while there. I should know something pretty quickly...at least I pray for that. I'm not good at waiting. So if you would just pray for God's will for my life right now, I'd much appreciate it!!!

I hope you all have a blessed week! There is something to be said for new weeks; I love the fresh start. I particularly love Monday mornings when there are so many opportunities before us. I am always praying that God will use me in some huge way, and I am still doing that today...I will pray that for all of you. Love to all of you!!! Cannot WAIT for the next time we meet!

Jennifer

Christa's notes

2008-09-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

Ladies. I am so so excited about our meeting last night and the positive feedback I got from all of you. I pray that we all continue to be open with each other and really be there for each other.
I really appreciated what Amy had to say about how you can all come to any one of us with ANY need you may have. No judgement. Trust me, no one is perfect and everyone has been through tough times. I didn't emphasize this point much last night, but I love what Mike Smalley said, "It's not about the urgency of your prayers, but the persistency."

Here are your questions for Chapter 3:

1. What is it that hinders you from feeling truly valuable and treasured?

2. Pick out a few qualities of the Proverbs 21 woman that you feel are your weak areas and record them here, then surrender them to God.

What are your strengths that you share with the Proverbs 31 woman? Thank God for them!

3. Describe a time in your life when you were more intimte with God and contrast it to a time when you were not.

4. Are you more concerned about your physical appearance or spiritual?

Love y'all and I'm praying for you all.

Christa

Priscilla Speaks Live

2008-09-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hey ladies! I wish that you all could have come last night to The Life Church to hear Priscilla Shirer. She was 9 mo. pregnant, but still full of life and had sooo many amazing things to say! She talked about being in the wilderness and how we are REFINED through the wilderness. Sometimes God takes us through a tough time on purpose so we can grow. She talked about Moses and the Israelites and how they got through their wilderness. Moses took these folks throuogh the wilderness on purpose!

There are three things to remember when in this time of trouble.

1. Always remember to look back on the blessings God has showered upon you in the past.

2. Establish your spiritual identity. Remember you are stamped by the King of Kings as his daughter, and no one can ever take that away from you.

Satan knew that God had his hand on the Israelites and that is why their time of enslavement was so harsh. God miraculously delivered his people and they were blessed in the long run, but not without their own trials.

Don't ever let anyone try and give you and identity, it is up to God to do that!!

3. Surrender yourself to the Lord and never be in a rush to get out of your wilderness- you may miss out on what God wants to teach you and how he wants to grow you. I know it can be tough.. believe me.. i know, but God is always there and he will never leave you or forsake you. He knows how you struggle and that the wilderness is a tough and sometimes lonely place, but hang in there, God's blessings are on the way!!! His miracles are on the horizon!! I love you all!! Can't wait until tomorrow night. Kisses!!!

Christa

Bring your requests and your burdens...

2008-09-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

I am sad that we aren't having bible study tonight! I will miss it! Please feel free to post your prayer requests so we all can pray. That's what we are for.. to lift one another up in prayer and encouragement! I love you all and am praying for you.

My prayer requests are:
1. My mom mom is going in for a test on Wed.
2. a friend of mine is very sick in the hospital
3. another friend is in need of strength to handle a tough situation.

Christa

Thinking Of You All

2008-09-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

In reading a devotional this morning, I read this quote and wanted to share it:

"But oh! The blessing it is to have a friend to whom one can speak fearless on any subject; with whom one's deepest as well as one's most foolish thoughts come out simply and safely. Oh, the comfort~the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person~having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away."
~Dinah Maria Mulock Craik, A Life For A Life~

It's not too often that we, as women, feel comfortable in sharing our deepest thoughts...I know I don't, anyway. But, whatever is said in these meetings over the next few weeks or months, I can promise you, will STAY within those safe walls. I am thinking of you all, and praying for you all today. If you have a need you would like prayer for, can we pray for you?

Ecclesiastes 4: 9, 12 "It's better to have a partner than go it alone, share the work, share the wealth...by yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three stranded rope isn't easily snapped."

Jennifer

Strong Beauty

2008-09-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

I love blogging! I think someone should work on getting Sarah Palin to come and speak at our bible study! I bet her journey has been incredible what a woman. I had tears last night as I watched her speech. Seriously!! I'm doing my homework on her.. Parul is good at getting stuff done.. i'll put her on the job. =) Praying for y'all.

Treasures

2008-09-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

In my quiet time today, when thinking and praying for this Bible study, I keep on thinking of the word TREASURES. I am not sure why, or where this thought is coming from, but I decided it would be kind of cool to go to Biblegateway.com and type in the word Treasures and find what God had to say about that word. In doing my search, I chose the New Living Translation, but it would be neat to see the other translations of the Bible, as well. Here is what I found...a few of them jumped out at me so much, that I got chills all over. I just started praising God for what He has to say about this...I don't know about you, but very few times do I myself, feel treasured. Of course I know I'm loved, but treasured? O.k. enough with me, onto God's Holy Word! All emphasis on the word treasures is mine.

1 Chronicles 29:3 And now, because of my devotion to the temple of my God, I am giving all of my own private treasures of gold and silver to help in the construction...

Ezra 8: 28~30 and I said to these priests, "You and these treasures have been set apart as holy to the Lord. This silver and gold is a voluntary offering to the Lord, the God of our ancestors. 29 Guard these treasures well until you present them to the leading priests, the Levites and the leaders of Israel, who will weigh them at the storerooms of the Lord's temple in Jerusalem." 30 So the priests and the Levites accepted the task of transporting these treasures of silver and gold to the Temple of our God in Jerusalem.

Psalm 68:13 Even those who lived among the sheepfolds found treasures~doves with wings of silver and feathers of gold.

Proverbs 2:4 Search for them as you would for silver, seek them like hidden treasures.

Isaiah 45:3 And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness~secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the One who calls you by name.

Haggai 2:7 I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord of Heaven's armies.

Matthew 6:20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.

Colossians 2:3 in Him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Isn't God's Word beautiful? I love all of these verses, but the ones that stick out the most to me are found in Ezra, Proverbs, Isaiah and Haggai. I also think the reference to gold and silver is cool...that leads to us being the Jewels in God's crown. I love that God's Word jumps out at us in different ways each time we read it. God has a lot He is going to show us through this Bible study, and I can't wait to see what happens!

On a lighter note, I was so happy at our turnout last night! I know a few of you, but am excited at the prospect of getting to know the ones I don't. I know we prayed for several things last night, I just wanted to let you know that I am going to continue praying for these needs at least until our next meeting. Keep us posted with things that change, or needs that come up. I always tell Christa, if there was only one thing I could do, it would be to pray. I will do the same as I have needs that come up, as will Christa. And yes, I am speaking for her right now! She's at work, and I'm at home. =)

Dig into this book if you haven't gotten the chance yet...it is so good that I keep re~reading chapter one. I don't want to miss anything! If one of the above verses jump out at you, I want to encourage you to write them down, maybe in your book or in a journal. I think we all need to be reminded occasionally of how much God treasures us! I hope you all have a blessed day...and Happy Birthday Amy!!! We love you and wish you the best day ever!!!!

And We're off!

2008-09-03T09:21:00.001-07:00

Happy 28th Birthday Amy!!!

I cannot tell you how excited I am about how well things went on our first night. I was very encouraged to hear how timely this study is for so many of us. Hearing story after story of how many of you have been wanting to come to a group and feel dried up and desire to grow deeper was just confirmation of this group starting at the right time. We don't alway get that confirmation right away, but God really showed up and said YES! It's time!

I was taking a walk and praying last night, as I usually do, and God gave me an idea. Since our theme is shaping into being refined, I want to bring in women of different ages, special guests if you will, and have them share with us their own process of refinement. I made a list of 12 different women from all walks of life to invite to come. If you know of anyone who has a really great story.. let me know and we'll invite her to come one night. I am excited about what God is doing!

Dive into your reading and really think about your answers. Since I didn't make up questions for Ch. 2, go ahead and answer the questions in the book. We will share our answers in the next group on Sept. 16. Love y'all!

Now Begin

2008-09-02T10:47:00.001-07:00

Jennifer and I have been praying for this group for the past several months. It was probably about 6 months ago when I first had the desire to start a group. My dream is for this group to be so much more than just a bible study. I want the ladies that attend to be able to come to a place where they feel welcome and they can be open. I want to develop a support system for women who are just wanting to be real and to grow deeper in their walk with the Lord. I want this to be God-led and saturated with his presence. I can see us going out together in the future and ministering to the community. I can see us being mentors to younger girls in our churches and in the community. This is all down the road. For now, lets go for God and as I pray his will is done in this group, join with me in this plea to the Lord. I can't wait to get started. We are going to grow together as we experience his love and grace. It's not up to me, it's between each individual and God. He's up to something... that's all I know.