4 Valuable {easy} Bible Study Tips

April 23, 2013 by 4 Comments

biblesI’d like to share with you four of my favorite Bible study tips.  We should always be learning and growing in the Truth and these are a few things that I have found to be helpful.

 

Read Multiple Versions

I am not a Greek or Hebrew scholar so reading the Scripture in the original language is not an option for me.  I do know that these languages have more descriptive words than the English language, therefore sometimes a word could be translated with several different English words and still be correct.  Reading different versions helps me get a fuller picture of what the Original really meant.

Something to keep in mind though is that not every translation/version is the best (they are translations after all).  Try to pick accurate versions that stay close to the original text.

The KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, HCSB are all literal translations and those who do know how to read the original language tell me they are very solid, accurate choices.

Some other versions aren’t necessarily wrong but some are paraphrases or general thoughts instead of detailed translations.  These can be good for getting a broad brush stroke but I wouldn’t say they are the best for deep study.

Read the Same Book Multiple Times

Reading the same book or same passage over and over again has been SO helpful to me!  Sometimes I miss things on the first go around and I learn more after reading the book five or six times.  This also helps me internalize the Truth better and I find myself meditating on the book and remembering to apply it to everyday life more easily.

Often times I will read the same book or passage in each of the versions I mentioned above.  Never think there is a big rush to read through the Bible.  Take your time and dig down deep.

Read Multiple Commentaries

Again, I’m not a scholar so I like to hear what other wise people have said about the Text, people who have studied the time period and culture as well as the original language.  Different commentaries have different perspectives or word things in unique ways.  You can really learn a lot by comparing commentaries. You can find many free commentaries online.  I highly recommend John MacArthur’s commentary and study Bible.

Just be careful that the commentaries you are choosing have a solid Biblical foundation.  There are many false teachers out there.  Also, keep in mind that even the best theologian is not perfect.  Make sure to lay everything against the Word of God to see if it is true.

Talk About What You Learned Multiple Times

After reading a book or passage multiple times I naturally begin to see how it applies to my life and the lives of others.  When I see these principles I try to share what I’m learning with others.  Sometimes this is in a conversation with a friend, in a letter of encouragement or in a blog post.  When I verbalize or write out what I’m learning I find it sticks with me better and I continue to meditate on it for a longer period of time.

There are so many good Bible study tips and I didn’t even begin to mention them all but I hope these were helpful to you.  I know they have been very beneficial to me.

What is your favorite Bible study tip?  

blog hedder pics 006

Filed Under: Devotionals Tagged With:

Key To My Heart Necklace {+ $50 Origami Owl Giveaway}

April 21, 2013 by 34 Comments

 

key necklace

 

Laurel from Origami Owl contacted me a couple of weeks ago and asked me to review one of the beautiful necklaces she creates!

You seriously need to check out the Origami Owl website.  All of the jewelry is completely customizable!  You can pick from a verity of chains, beautiful glass lockets, dozens of unique charms and dangles.

Origami Owl allows you to tell your story through jewelry!

I picked out this lovely glass locket and placed a small heart inside.  Then I chose a pearl dangle to symbolize purity along with a key to my heart.  My plan will be to give this key to my future husband and ask him to wear it in his boutonnière on our wedding day!

I definitely recommend this beautiful jewelry!  You can buy your own here.

Now I’ve got exciting news!  Laurel is giving away a $50 credit to the Origami Owl website so you can create your own custom jewelry!

origami owl

Enter below for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends Sunday April, 28th 2013.

blog hedder pics 006

Filed Under: Giveaway Contests Tagged With:

“Haven’t Even Kissed” Song Review

April 18, 2013 by 3 Comments

The other day I received an email from a reader suggesting that I take a look at a beautiful song from Moriah Peters’ almum “I Choose Jesus”.

She had read my post “Should You Kiss Before You’re Married?” and thought I might want to hear it.

I enjoyed the sound of the music and I LOVED that the lyrics promote saving your first kiss.  Rarely can you find a love song that encourages purity and patience.  I think this song is a real gem!

I really don’t know that much about Moriah but what I’ve heard I’ve been impressed with.  Her music is on the lighter side but it still contains some good notions and I absolutely love her voice and music style.  You can take a look at Moriah’s website here and watch her testimony here.

I hope you enjoy the song! 

blog hedder pics 006

Filed Under: Music, Singleness Tagged With:

Coconut Oil Hair Treatment

April 17, 2013 by 4 Comments

coconutThis week I tried out a new hair experiment, a coconut oil hair mask!

Coconut oil does 3 things for your hair:

 

1.) Promotes hair growth

Studies show that coconut oil strengthens your hair shafts and encourages hair growth.  Are you a long haired girl?  Want to be a long haired girl?  You might consider using coconut oil for your tresses.

2.) Improves dry scalp

Do you struggle with dry skin?  Using coconut oil can moisturize your scalp and cut down on dandruff.

3.)  Makes hair shine

I can speak from personal experience on this one.  After using the coconut oil treatment the very next day I had someone comment on my shiny hair!

 

Using coconut oil in your hair is easy!

  • Simply take 1-2 Tbs. of coconut oil and melt it down until it is a warm liquid.  Work the oil into your hair roots, body and ends.
  • Take a shower cap or plastic bag and wrap your head.  The heat from the oil and your head will become trapped and will help with the nurturing process.
  • Let your hair set for about 30min to 1hr.
  • Wash out your hair in a warm shower with your normal shampoo.  I recommend lathering your hair with soap before you hit the water.  The oil should wash out easier this way.  I found that for my long hair I needed to shampoo and rise a couple of time to get all of the oil out.
  • It is recommended that you do this treatment 1-2 times per week for a healthy hair boost.

 

So what do you think?   Would you give this a try?  I personally was happy with the results, especially the shine!

blog hedder pics 006

 

 

 

I’m linked up to:

Filed Under: hair tutorials, Health and Beauty Tagged With:

The Idol of Men {Video}

April 15, 2013 by 7 Comments

question in skyI’ve decided to start answering some of the reader questions from this form in video posts!  This is the first time I’ve done something like this so please bare with me!  I’m still learning this video thing and working on being comfortable in front of the camera.

I received a question asking how to overcome the struggle of making an idol out of a man or relationship.  In the video below I tried to give some suggestions as I have struggled in this area myself.

Recap:

When we make something an idol it is because we believe this thing will make us happy, happier than God will.

We need to replace this wrong thinking with right thinking.

As humans we ARE deficient and these deficiencies need to be filled with Christ and His character.  For every deficiency we have there is an atribute of Christ that can fill that need.  Do a study and learn about a part of God’s character that specifically combats the deficiency you are struggling with.

Practical tip:  When you take something bad out you must replace it with something else.  Replace your idol with more knowledge of Christ.   Keep busy creating goals for serving Him and others.  There is a big list of job and ministry ideas in the “Single Girl” ebook if you are interested.

God created women to desire a relationship with a man and in and of it’s self that desire is not bad, we just need to make sure our desire for Christ comes first.

Do you have any additional thoughts or suggestions?  Should I do another video?  Leave a comment!  Do you have a new question to ask?  Submit it to this form.

blog hedder pics 006

 

 

 

I’m linked up to:

Filed Under: Devotionals, Singleness, Videos Tagged With:

Unredeemed

April 11, 2013 by 2 Comments

Life breaks.  Shatters.  Falls apart.  

Lay the pieces before the Lord and know it will not be unredeemed.

I sang this song in church last Sunday.  I love the words, so full of humanity yet pointing to the Redeemer.  May this be an encouragement to you in whatever struggles you may be facing today.

“The cruelest word, the coldest heart

The deepest wound, the endless dark

The lonely ache, the burning tears

The bitter nights, the wasted years

Life breaks and falls apart

But we know these are

Places where grace is soon to be so amazing

It may be unfulfilled, it may be unrestored

But when anything that’s shattered

Is laid before the LordJust watch and see,

it will not be unredeemed

For every choice that led to shame

And all the love that never came

For every vow that someone broke

And every life that gave up hope

We live in the shadow of the fall

But the cross says these are all

Places where grace is soon to be so amazing

It may be unfulfilled, it may be unrestored

But when anything that’s shattered

Is laid before the LordJust watch and see,

it will not be unredeemed

Oh, He will wipe every tear

It will not be, be unredeemed

Places where grace is soon to be so amazing

It may be unfulfilled, it may be unrestored

But you never know the miracle the Father has in store

Just watch and see, it will not be

Just watch and see, it will not be unredeemed”

-Selah

Filed Under: Music, Singleness Tagged With:

Mentoring and Being Mentored

April 10, 2013 by 1 Comment

A couple of weeks ago I asked what topics you would like to hear more about.  One answer was mentoring/being mentored.  I’m not an expert on this topic but I’ve put together some thoughts below.

What is Mentoring?:

Titus 2:3-5 calls older women to come along side younger women to encourage and teach them in the ways of the Lord. Very simply put, biblical mentoring is when a person builds a relationship with someone younger (or not as far along in their faith walk) and purposes to share the biblical and practical wisdom God has been teaching them.

Every woman is an “older woman” compared to someone and everyone is a “younger woman” in relation to someone. We should all be seeking to build relationships where we can learn from those who are a little bit ahead of us and share with those who are a bit younger.  There are many ways of doing this but participating in a Bible study or Mentor group could be a good option.

 

How Do I Start a Mentoring Group?:

There are two options for starting a mentoring group. 1) You can seek out an older woman that you love and respect and ask her to teach you or a group of your peers or 2) you can build relationships with younger girls and ask them if they would like to get together on a regular basis to talk about life and study the Word.

When looking to start a mentoring group, just look around you. Who are people you already have relationships with? Who are people that you have casually enjoyed meeting and would like to get to know better? Try to find people you enjoy and can connect with first and then reach out to those you know less well.

These types of mentoring opportunities need not be extremely formal. Just let them be a regular time of talking about the Lord’s working in your life.

 

How Do I Lead a Mentoring Group?:

The most important thing you can do is build relationships. Let people know that you are their friend and confidant. Be vulnerable. Share what God has taught you. Sometimes the best way we can teach is through sharing our past painful experiences and how the Lord grew us through them.

Let your mentor group time be less about a strict structure and more about cultivating friendships and pointing each other to Christ.

 

 Below is an example of how you might consider leading a structured group:

  • Have everyone read one chapter out of a study book or book of the Bible at home during the week.
  • Take time at the beginning and end of the group time to fellowship and have fun.
  • Ask each person what they thought of this week’s chapter. What stood out to them?
  • Read through the questions in the Bible guide or come up with your own question.  Give each person a chance to respond.
  • Have someone read a Scripture passage from the guide. You should be prepared to expound upon and discuss on what it means.
  • Take a moment to share what you thought about the chapter and ask if anyone else as any additional thoughts or questions.
  • Discuss how each individual or maybe the group as a whole can start living out what was discussed.
  • Have a prayer time where each person is free to share a request or praise note.

 

Example of how you could lead an unstructured mentoring relationship:

  • Regularly grab a cup of coffee or tea and talk about what is going on in your lives during the week for both of you.
  • As the normal joys and stresses of life come use it as a time to rejoice or point each other to Scripture and share practical everyday solutions you have found to be helpful.
  • Share prayer requests with each other.
  • Follow up on prior prayer requests or struggles and joys.  Use this as a time to reflect on God’s goodness, as encouragement in the trails of life or as impromptu practical and spiritual teaching moments.



Helpful Tips:

  • Be a true friend to the those you are mentoring, someone who they can feel free to share their hearts with.
  • Let the girls know that if they are ever struggling and need to talk alone, you are there for them.
  • Have fun. Don’t be so caught up in structure that you forget to just laugh and have a good time.
  • Make sure you look over the book chapter and study guide before your group meets. Take time to gather some thoughts so you can share effectively.
  • Have a few conversation starters, icebreakers or general questions on hand if the girls in your group are shy.
  • Engage people but try not to put them on the spot. Not everyone is comfortable reading or praying out loud. Be sensitive to this.
  • Consider planning fun activities that are unrelated to the study time such as a movie night, shopping trip or outdoor activity.
  • Bring snacks for the group each week or ask each person to take a turn bringing a dessert or snack.
  • This is the age of technology. Use it! Set up a Facebook Group to communicate during the week. You could post announcements, reminders, encouragement or even Bible verses.
  • Pray for each girl during the week.
  • Pray for yourself. Ask the Lord to grant you wisdom and discernment.

Did you know that the “Single Girl” ebook talks about mentoring and also has a FREE Mentor Group Guide you can download?  This is a Bible study tool to assist you in your mentoring opportunities.  The guide includes many of the tips mentioned today but also a set of questions to discuss after going through each chapter in “Single Girl”.

I’m using this tool in a Bible study with a few sweet young ladies from my church.  We’ve really found it to be a lot of fun.  Perhaps you could consider using the “Single Girl” ebook and “Mentor Group Guide” to lead a study or ask an older woman to walk you through it.

Do you have any suggestions about being a mentor or finding a mentor?  Leave a comment with your idea!

 

 

 

I’m linked up to:

Filed Under: Biblical Roles, Devotionals

The Dig

April 10, 2013 by 7 Comments

I’ve got another review and giveaway for you!

This time I’m giving away an ebook called “The Dig”.  This book is a part of a series and is a Bible study resource to help children walk through God’s Word.

As I reviewed this ebook I was impressed by the way the author, Patrick Schwenk (you may know his wife Ruth of The Better Mom), creatively articulates deep truths and doctrines in a way that is easy for young children.

In “The Dig” you will find 34 short lessons from the Gospel of Luke.  Each lesson points you to a scripture passage and then provides you with a kid friendly explanation of the verses you just read, along with a few discussion evoking questions.

This ebook devotional is doctrinally sound, Gospel centered and is an excellent resource for teaching children in a fun and memorable way!

While some of you may have families and children probably a lot of you are like me, serving the Lord during our time of singleness.

Why would I be recommending this ebook to predominately single women?

It occrued to me when I first heard about “The Dig” that this isn’t a book just for parents.  This would be a wonderful mentoring tool for those who teach children in Sunday school or for those who want to hold Bible clubs as a witnessing opportunity in their neighborhood or city.  It would also be a great idea to use this Bible study as a fun, learning activity for the children you Nanny or babysit for!

As a single woman you can really be used to have a big impact on the lives of young children.  I would encourage you to consider using “The Dig” for this purpose!

I will be giving away a copy of volume 2 of “The Dig”.  You can find Volume 1 here and I recommend checking it out but volume 2 can be used as a stand alone Bible study.

Enter below for you chance to win!

Buy the book here only $2.99!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Giveaway Contests Tagged With:

Preparing for Motherhood Gracefully

April 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment

I’m guest posting at The Better Mom today on Preparing for Motherhood Gracefully.  Stop by for a visit?

Filed Under: Guest Post Tagged With:

Clean Enough

April 4, 2013 by 1 Comment

Just had the opportunity to read the new ebook “Clean Enough”!

“Clean Enough” is different from any other cleaning book I’ve read as the main focus is relaxed, grace filled cleaning.

I loved how Jenni talks about accepting YOUR limitations and defining YOUR clean enough standards vs. feeling guilty about not living up to someone else’s standards.

This book is a helpful but quick read and Jenni even says at the beginning “Feel free to find the chapters that cover what you want to learn the most and start there if you desire. There is no need to read it in order if you don’t want to!”

My two favorite tips (though there were so many good ones) would have to be:

  • Identifying our stress areas and then make a plan to avoid feeling stressed about these cleaning areas.
  • I also thought the suggestion about creating evening and morning routines was especially good.

Favorite quotes:

“Your position and responsibilities are sacred. When you strive to develop a proper mindset toward your role as a homemaker and align your attitude with the Word of God, housework can become worship. As a Christian, your desire should be to bring honor and glory to God in all that you do, which should then be reflected in your daily routines and housekeeping tasks.”

An Overview (what you can expect to find):

  • Chapters focusing on Management Skills
  • Cleaning & Organizing tips
  • A ‘Matters of the Heart’ section
  • Free printables and cleaning solution recipes

You’ll find this and more in the relaxed, grace filled ebook, “Clean Enough”!

This ebook would be great for young or experienced house wives as well as women like me  who are preparing for a future family.

“Clean Enough” is affordably priced at $4.99.  Get your copy here.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Filed Under: Book Review Tagged With:
«Older Posts
Newer Posts»