Loved. This. Study.
I cannot put into words just how much I adore this study.
Not only was this study absolutely phenom...but the women I was surrounded with, challenging me, encouraging me, and inspiring me along the way, totally made it all the more amazing.
A picture of some of us on the night my sister made us all our own custom aprons. We were talking about how Paul was so filled with the Spirit that people would touch his apron and be healed. These were a fun reminder of that study!
I could recap this study for you, but that wouldn't do much good. Beth Moore did an incredible job and my advice would be if you haven't yet gone through it, please do so. It will rock your world.
Together, we ripped into, tore apart, and learned the book of James. Some of us even took up Beth's challenge to memorize the whole book. (I was not one of those. Maybe next time.) This study will undo you and then put you back together in the most precious way. It's just so good.
We drink apple cider out of the most random glasses, or vases. Either way...lol!
My very favorite part of this study were the relationships that were made. The girls! We actually named ourselves "The Upper Room" girls. For one, we loved the story in Acts about Jesus' disciples being filled with he Holy Spirit in the upper room, but also, because that's where we met...literally. The guys in the basement, and the girls upstairs, in the "Upper Room". Anyways, you get the point, these girls are bomb. They love Jesus, and we love each other. No judgment, no gossip, no crap. Just women who love to grow and help others do the same.
Ummm...Yes, please!!! This is our cheese plate and muffin spread...it comes highly recommended.
Here's my point... Get together with some women who want to grow, learn, and encourage each other. Talk about Jesus, the scriptures and pray. Pray together often. Also, drink lots of coffee and eat some really great food. The combination is ridiculously awesome and you won't regret it. I promise.
Here are some thoughts on making it happen..
1. Find a great study. But, keep in mind, sometimes reading through the scriptures together is the best option. Don't get under pressure to find the perfect "study." I loved this particular one, but reading through the scriptures together and praying together were some our our very best nights gathered.
2. Have some great snacks. For real! Again, don't get all pressured, but women like good snacks, and we like things to look pretty. Well, at least I do. There is something about atmosphere that can make it or break it for some. Do whatever works for you and your girls, but either way make it nice and inviting. Have some coffee available, some bottled water and something to snack on. Our favorites seem to be cheese plates and muffins. Nachos go over crazy good, too.
3. Allow no gossip! Zero, zip! There is no room for gossip in our group. It doesn't help anyone...it only hurts. Therefore, it's not allowed inside or outside of our gatherings. We all commit to this every time we gather seasonally. Often as a reminder to the newbies. I cannot stress this enough. Do not allow it. Nip it in the bud fast if it does arrive and if needed have a personal convo with someone who seems to struggle with it. Protect your tribe.
4. Keep the main thing the main thing. Our main thing when we gather is Jesus. Of course we get real, and talk things through with each other. We laugh and cry and laugh some more. It's just really important that things don't get "negative" because that's no fun for anyone and that's not who Jesus is. He is love and joy! Keep Him the main thing, and you will never have to worry.
5. Pray for each other when gathered and when scattered. Encourage everyone to pray for everyone each day. We send everyone home with a list of names of all the girls in our group. We encourage everyone to pray for everyone on that list by name daily. It only takes a few minutes, and it makes a world of difference. There is something so special about knowing your girls are praying for you. We love this and have actually had a few girls join our group because they wanted to get their names on this list. We would have prayed for them anyways, but are so thankful they're a part of our group now.
6. Be real and laugh a lot. Authenticity and fun are two things people crave. Be sure to provide an abundance of both.
We'd love to pray for your gathered group. Let us know below who you are and we'll add you to our list.
Much Love,
Di