Hiding God's Word in My Heart

Let me introduce myself, I am Shawna. I'm kind of the "middle child" of the group. I'm not the oldest and not the youngest. I have been married for 15 years to my best friend in life and I have 2 daughters, ages 9 and 11. I grew up in church, but didn't really commit my life to Christ until my late teens, early twenties. Since then, it has been an ever growing process of maturing in my faith. I admit, I am far from perfect and don't spend enough time each day in prayer and study. I have found, though, that when I'm consistently in God's Word and committing scripture to memory, the more I learn to live with purpose and unbelievable joy! Somehow, it seems that Janet and Christina secretly voted me as the unofficial leader of the group by leading us in prayer and TRYING to keep us on task of reviewing the scripture we're on.

Write now we are studying my absolute favorite author from the new testament, the Apostle Paul. I have studied Paul's letters several times and I'm always amazed how I learn new things every time that I didn't catch before. This past Wednesday we focused on Colossians chapter 1. Paul reminds us in this chapter that our focus needs to be on advancing the kingdom of God and not getting caught up in the Old Testament Laws. When Christ came, He broke the chains that bound us to the old laws and instead, offered us salvation through relationship with Him. This all ties into something I often share with people: I am NOT a "religious" person, rather, I'm a follower of Christ. There are many religious people out there that know the law backwards and forwards, but don't have a relationship with Christ and know Him as their personal Savior. I urge you to really think and pray about this. If you are going through the motions of going to church and putting in your time, that is not enough. God wants a personal, intimate relationship with you. Please take the time to pray about what God wants for you.

Now, a quick statement about this past week's coffee shop, The Coffee Klatch in San Dimas. The shop is tastefully decorated and very intimate and comfortable. The coffee and treats are delicious, you have to try the carrot cake. My only complaint, it's small. They only have one table that 4 people can sit at and spread out their "stuff." Overall, I really liked it and want to go back.

Encourage one another

Yes, I'm the oldest woman in our group. I've been married for almost 19 years and have two children. I started studying God's word through a Beth Moore bible study several years ago. Since then, I have participated in two more of her studies at two different churches. I still feel very new to the idea of bible study. It takes dedication to set aside time each day to read His word. I can't always say that I do. Other things come up and I find myself putting it off so I can get other things done. Also, I've found that sometimes it's just hard to get in a "prayerful" state of mind. Often I have sat down to study the bible and have been so distracted that I can't even comprehend what I'm reading. That's the wonderful thing about our small group. We keep each other on track, and encourage each other. It's great to study God's word with other women! "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

Add 2 Shots of Gods please...

Today we meet up in San Dimas at the Coffee Klatch. I love these outings with my sisters in Christ. Colossians ch 1 v9 We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and give you spiritual wisdom. This really stood out to me because i discovered at a young age of 27 i have gained a lot of wisdom through my experience in life which today as a follower of Christ i can share with others. I am very grateful God has put wonderful women like Janet and Shawna in my life among other women who i admire and add to my life.
^v10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully.
God is definitely amazing!!! Now about the Coffee Klatch. I ordered a creme brulee double which was delish! I had to order it with coffee instead of espresso because i am still breastfeeding my 6 month old boy. I enjoyed it any who, until we meet next week.....HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!! Christina