Long Time, No See

I am still certain that I am writing to myself, but just in case there is one person out there dying to read my next blog, well, this one's for you! But seriously, we have one week left of "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things" and let me tell you, it has been a journey. One that I will coninue on for the rest of my life. So much to think and pray about and let "sink in". I am still wrestling with some of the challenges Beth presented. But, the last week of homework is just the right medicine the doctor ordered! I am awed over and over again by the patience, mercy and grace bestowed to us by Almighty God. I believe He protects us in a lot of ways from really truly grasping how really really big and powerful He is because I am convinced that we would not be able to utter a word, walk a step or even think a thought other than that amazing fact. We would be obsessed with the fact that a God so huge and powerful would actually acknowledge my existence, bother to care about me at all and for heaven's sakes, allow me to breathe another breath! But, as we find in Scripture, He does, and so much more than we can imagine. Although Paul writes that he wants us to "grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled t othe measure of all the fullness of God" (Eph. 3:18-19). I am convinced that we can only grasp a small bit of that, hopefully more and more knowledge of it every day, but nonetheless, not enough to knock us on our knees and not be able to utter a sound. We need to read God's Word, and let it get to our marrow as Beth says, let get in deep and believe it! Oh how I pray that for myself! God is GOOD! HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES YOU! This is enough to live on.

So, that brings me to our next study..."The Inheritance" again by our familiar teacher, Beth Moore. We previewed the first DVD session last night and you will absolutely LOVE IT! Although this is a NO HOMEWORK study, you can certaily dig a little deeper with it during the week! She throws out several Scripture references for us to look up and ponder, plus she did throw in a memory verse! It is not a big one, so don't panic! I hope you can join us for the 9 week study about our Inheritence in Christ, it is a perfect next step after our last study!
We start on April 4th!

Enough for now sisters....Love  in the Holy, MIghty, Powerful Name of Jesus Christ!

New Year

Well, it's a new year and a new opportunity to know God in a more personal, deeper way. We are starting off this year with "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things" by Beth Moore. We are so excited to bring this study to you. We need it more now than ever!

We were so excited to give Calli some books for her new baby's library, or some of us gave a donation to the Expectations Women Center in her honor! Some gave both! She is so cute with her little belly. Never in all 3 of my pregnancies could I have been described that way!!!

We also had the privelege to pray for our sister Barb. Prayers continue for her as she takes the next step in the process. We love you Barb!!! We also love you Frank and pray for you as well, as we know you are both in this together!

I also want to update you on Shannon and her growing family. Ben is doing great at his new job and Shannon is wanting to get into high gear with her photography business. Brennan is involved in wrestling, basketball and is signing up for baseball. Isaac is doing great and both boys miss Williamsport and they LOVE Claire! Claire is about 6 1/2 months now and she is crawling! I have added a little video for you to watch. She had a cold, so she isn't quite herself. And I (Nina) took all the kids some Steelers clothes to watch the big game in! Isaac was so excited he took his clothes off immediately and put on his new stuff! That is why you will see him without any pants on! Never a dull moment! I miss them already, but will be seeing them again soon! Enjoy!

Christmas Gift Ideas

Tis the season...so here is a few Christmas ideas for you to leave that legacy!!!!

1. I buy Nativity Sets for my grandchildren. I have bought Brennan and Isaac a couple and Claire is getting her first one this year! Fisher Price has such a cute one! I buy ones they can actually touch and play with.

2. I bought Claire a Hallmark ornament that is like an Advent kind of thing. I can't remember the actual name of it, but you can find it. I am told the ornament with the book is not a great thing to buy as they "water down" the story.

3. I also had a recommendation from Esther Burroughs when we went to Asheville. It is called the Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name. I bought one for Isaac and one for Claire. Brennan sometimes reads to his brother, so he will be reading it too. Mom is getting one for her grandkids too.

4. I bought Brennan a Kay Arthur Bible study called "Discover 4 Yourself Children's Bible Study Series: Jesus in the Spotlight" (John Chapters 1-10) It is for 8-12 year olds.

5. Another idea for some older kids:
  a. Christian Music that matches their style, so you can introduce them to some stuff that they may not know exists. Lots of choices out there!
  b. Devotionals that are age appropriate
  c. A new Bible with study notes. They have so many Bibles out there that have a lot of extras and that are 'cool looking'.
  d. A Bible study...again look for one that is age appropriate, and maybe offer to make dates with them to go over it together.
  e. A Biography on a missionary (for older kids, maybe in college.)

OK, so I am out of suggestions..what are some of yours? Leave a comment so we can all share.

Don't forget to look at the post regarding the challenge we issued our last night of Measureless Love. What a great study to end with for the year...Christmas is always a great reminder of His love for us!

Love you all, Merry Christmas!

Challenge

1. My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers


2. God Is Enough by Hannah Whitall Smith

3. Streams In The Desert by L.B Cowman

4. Mornings With Tozer by A.W. Tozer

5. The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions

6. Morning & Evening by Charles H. Spurgeon

7. Daily Readings for Your Spiritual Journey by J.I. Packer

8. You Set My Spirit Free by John of the Cross (also Dark Night of The Soul)

9. Prayer: A Holy Occupation by Oswald Chambers

All can be found on cbd.com and most on Amazon.com some can be found in the modern language

Online Devotionals


rbc.org/devotionals-again

Intouch.org/magazine/daily devotional

Utmost.org

www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/morningandevening

www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/desert

www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/prayingnamesgod by Ann Spangler

Challenge:


If you read 3 chapters of the Bible everyday, you will have read the whole Bible in one year!



Buy a One Year Bible…they have it set up as a mix of Old and New Testament



Go deep and wide with the Bible.

Home

All I can say is "WOW!". Mom and I are home and now the work begins. But first, we need to take time to let it all sink in. On our way home, we were able to really express some of the things we have taken home and put into our hearts...but, there is much more to gather up and absorb so that we can pass it on to you. Please pray for us, that we will take what God wanted us to hear, seal it in our hearts and then allow us to express it to all of you. It was a time of reflection, renewal and learning new things. It was a lot of fun sharing this adventure with you. So much to tell you. We will see you soon!

Love Pam and Lisa

End of the Road...Almost

Well...here we are, almost at the end of the road...we are in VA right now, cause I cannot drive one more mile. We will head for Shannon's and home tomorrow. here is some more pics and vids for you to enjoy!
I caught a pic of Amanda, Beth's oldest daughter.

 Coffee line....30 + minutes in line! Mom's first Starbuck's

 
 Curtis Jones,  Beth Moore's Son in Law

 Me and Esther Burroughs....LOVED HER!!!!!!!! She is 74 and dresses way cooler than me!

 says it all!

 us with Stephanie Edge, one of the "break out speakers"

 this is us with a new friend from Michigan!

Beth and "More"