Monkey See, Monkey Do

Julia decided she too could lead a Bible study. So when Isaac met with his friends, Julia sat down with Nathan (Peter and Samuel's little brother) and Caleb to read them a Bible story. The night before she also prepared some questions to ask about the story she chose (the birth of Jesus or Jejus as she still says it). So very adorable!

These are the questions she wrote on her own.

Translation:
1. Why did God send the angel?
2. What was the wonderful news?
3. Why was the shining star there?
4. Pray
Snack

Isaac's Request

Isaac asked Gabe and I a few months ago if he could host a Bible study with his friends. Kind of blew us away that he would want to do this at such a young age. We immediately knew we would do what we could to support him. He has watched Gabe lead and teach Bible studies his whole life. I think part of his motivation is to be like his Papa. And if I am honest with myself, Isaac also has a hankerin' to be in charge. He is a first born!

The T2 Bible study group meets at our house on Tuesdays at 2. Including Isaac there are 4 boys between the ages of 7 and 11. Isaac has been reading in the book of John recently, so this was a logical place to start. With a little guidance, Isaac prepared some questions from the first 9 verses of John. On the day of the first study, he and his friends kind of got out of control. Isaac was struggling with wanting to lead them through the study and wanting to just be silly and show off. I tried to stay out of it and let Isaac lead, but had to step in a few times to calm the kids. At one point, Isaac got so frustrated that he left the group. I don't know how much actual Bible study was accomplished that day but Isaac did learn some valuable life lessons. They met again yesterday ,studying verses 10-15, and it was much of the same. There may not be a lot of actual Bible study going on during their meeting, but Isaac does get a lot from the preparation and prayer time beforehand.

I am so proud of Isaac. I know I am a bit biased, but Isaac is such a wonderful boy. He struggles sometimes, as we all do, but deep down he does want to follow God and glorify Him. I am so impressed with the boldness he has and his willingness to step up and lead. As Isaac has clearly demonstrated, we don't have to wait until we are "grown up" to serve God.  And that makes my heart sing!!!

Samuel, Peter, Isaac, and Dillon

Silly Boys!

How awesome is it seeing young boys gathered around a table with their Bibles open?!!

Popsicles in the Playhouse

Hearts on Fire

I just finished up a study on Jesus the One and Only by Beth Moore. This is actually my second time to complete this study. 6 years ago I did this study with my sister Karen and now I am doing it with the Ladies (singles/early career) Bible study that I host on Tuesday nights. It has been a blessed experience both times. The same words, lessons, and scriptures touch me and teach me in a whole new way now 6 years later.

There is simply not enough time in this earthly life to fully soak in all of Jesus. My soul will ever yearn for Him more. We have been on a journey with Christ this last couple of months striving to know Him better, fellowship with Him more, and learn to live our lives as a mirror reflection of the life he lived on earth. But I don't need a study to join Christ on this journey. All I need is Him.

Are you ever struck by scriptures that you have read a hundred times and suddenly you see it differently, you understand it more fully, you experience the meaning of God's Word in a whole new way? I can not count how many times I was struck by God's Holy Spirit revealing nuggets of treasures hidden within His Word throughout this study. But the thing is, they are not hidden at all are they? We may hide ourselves from His Truth, but God speaks His love for us loud and clear. Will we stop and listen? Will we take a moment to soak in the Light of His goodness? I am guilty of the same. I hurry through life , prayer, and through scripture missing what He has in store for me. Missing out on an intimate relationship with my Savior, my Father, my Counselor. Why do I do this?

Here is a quote from the study by Beth Moore .....

"You can always know what causes a heart to burn in the presence of Jesus Christ. Some may say, 'But I've said prayers before and attended Sunday School many times and my heart didn't burn for Him'. I'm not referring to popcorn prayers and drive-thru lessons. I'm talking about entering into a love affair of prayer with Jesus Christ, where you talk to Him throughout the day as if He, the unseen One, is a far greater reality than those within your vision. I'm talking about opening up the Word, throwing back your head, face toward heaven, and saying, 'Thrill me with Your Word!' (Ps. 119:18)....... I'm talking about the meshing of two lives, yours and Christ's, increasingly engulfing and igniting the whole of heart, soul, mind, and strength. God is more than anxious to give you a heart full of fire for His Son. Tell Him that you want it more than blessing or your daily bread ...... When Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, the Author and Finisher of our faith, takes the wheel, you won't lack excitement, amusement, or a seat with a view. He has nothing less in mind for you than a great adventure. A wild ride awaits you."

I am left feeling more full but still quite empty. Does that make any sense at all? God continues to pour Himself into me, yet I know I will ever seek Him more. I can not be totally satisfied and content, I need Him more and more and more. Jesus is the One and Only. He is my One and Only. I desire for my heart to burn for Him always.

"My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous - insatiable for your nourishing commands"
Psalm 119: 20