1 Peter - It's all about community

It's all about community!    

(From Kregel and/or Sue Edwards) We have reached our sixth week of study already! I'm encouraged by how much we've learned about our priestly calling, about the Holy Spirit, about how to have a luminous faith. And I'm refreshed by the fun we've had too. I don't know if any other study has ever given me the chance to talk about chocolate, beauty, AND men :-).

This week we discuss what we all want during troubling times: PEACE. In the introduction to this week, Sue says, "If we are to survive in hostile times, we must learn to get along and to love one another as brothers and sisters in the family of God." I don't know about you, but I don't always find this easy. I'm looking forward to the challenge of pursuing peace this week!

Week 6 Instructions

What does the word harmony mean to you? Whether it is at home, work, or church, what is a practical example of how you have embraced harmony in your own life? Harmony to me is everything working together, without strife or complaining. It's when you each work together (whether at home, work, church) with a common goal in mind. Like - Saturday morning is cleaning day. You know it's cleaning day, so you each go about your tasks - without grumbling - and work together to get the house cleaned up for the week. (Ok, this doesn't happen in my house, but I think it's good example of harmony!) I feel a sense of harmony when we have worship services on Sunday. We're all there to worship the Lord, praise Him and hear from Him. (While there may be grumbling at some point, it's not during the service.) It's harmonious. I have been enjoying this study and this blog tour. We're almost done! Thank you Kregel Publications and Sue Edwards for allowing me to participate in this blog tour!

1 Peter - Week 5

Strengthen the Sacred Mix!  

Week 5

What are the two qualities that Peter instructs women to emulate? Illustrate how you or someone you love embodies those qualities. 1 Peter 3 Peter instructs women to emulate purity and reverence. Your beauty comes from the inside - not from being adorned on the outside. The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth in God's sight. I have tried to put this instruction to use, especially around people who aren't Christians. God desires people to be won over without words but by my behavior. I have a tendency to put things out there in my own way and those ways don't always show who my heart belongs to - the King of kings and Lord of lords. I'm grateful that we have gracious Father whose grace and mercy extends to all of us, especially when there is just too much of me! Father, more of You and less of me. Thank you Kregel Publications and Sue Edwards for allowing me to participate in this blog tour!

1Peter, weeks 3 and 4

Week 3 of 1 Peter, Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times
by Sue Edwards

I have been working through 1 Peter study. This post will incorporate weeks 3 and 4. (I have trouble blogging on my iPad and I haven't had time while at work computer (off-clock) so I'm a little behind.

Week 3 is based on 1 Peter 2:4-10, Rejoice the You Rock.

The ministry I have been called to do is women's ministry. Women's ministry is such a broad ministry that I am constantly asking God to help define and refine what He desires for me to do. By His grace, I am part of the United Methodist Women, Sunday school class, small group studies. Recently, a door has been opened for me to be a part of a human trafficking ministry. Seems God is opening the door a little wider!

Ms. Sue also asked if we had any special nicknames. Besides the ones of Mom or Mommy, I am sometimes referenced as the energizer bunny. This one cracks me up because I love to nap but I guess I'm seen differently.

Week 4
Shadow the Servant
1 Peter 2:11-25
This is a harder lesson to blog about. It's a lesson on how we are supposed to live, all to the glory of God - not because of how we think we should live.

I worked with a precious woman of God a while back. The people she worked with directly did not act like godly people. She was accused of wrongdoing on a continual basis. The thing was - she always talked about how blessed she was and how God was in control. She didn't bad mouth or slander her boss(es) or fellow coworkers who were also not godly. She and I prayed together and encouraged each other, so I was more in the know than most. However, even on her worst day, you would not know how bad things were. She also did her job to the best of her ability and to God's glory. I think of her example of godliness when I am having a rough day. Unfortunately, I do not think I handle myself as well as she did. Thankfully, the grace of God carries me!


Follow along - Week 1

Thank you Kregel Publications and Sue Edwards for the opportunity to participate in this review and study process of this book!