So today we are NOT starting to talk about the first chapter, no, not just yet.  I wanted to provide us with a chance to get a little organized first.  First of all, it is great if you have your book already!  That way, if you are planning to break this down into a daily routine, you can begin today by answering questions 1 and 2 in the first chapter, “Intellectual Strength”.  You can answer two questions per day (weekdays) and then check the bible study page for the blog post next week (better yet, sign up for the RSS feed to get it in your mailbox!).  So I guess you could say our “due date” for chapter one “Intellectual Strength” (too many ” ” ?) would be next week, January 18.  But if you do not have the book yet, that gives you a little cushion – you can still get it and have the first lesson finished by next Wednesday!  My husband loves bullet points whenever I write him a note because I am so wordy.  So here are the bullets about our bible study:

• Please plan to be prepared by completing the first lesson by next Wednesday, January 18
• You can do it all at once early and ruminate over it till we are ready to post about it
• You can do it all at the last minute or even late and still weigh in on it
• Or you can do what I am doing: 2 questions each morning.  I am working a bit ahead so I am already enjoying this!  Since the questions are so packed with bible verses, I can concentrate on them better if I limit myself to two.  It also keeps the topic in the forefront of my thoughts through the week
• Please get in the habit of checking out the end of the chapter at the beginning of the week (that’s like letting yourself have dessert first!).  The last sections are called Strength Training, Ponder and Pray, and Bonus Activity.  Sometimes these require you to do something related to the topic throughout the week so saving them till the end of the week would be kind of pointless!
• Please check the Calendar Page or the right sidebar on the Bible Study Page for assignments if you get off schedule.
• Please, please commit to participating in the conversation.  God means for us to be in fellowship with each other as we study together! 🙂

So, though we are not starting our bible study, here is an encouraging Word that the Lord gave me today to share with you:

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;
and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.  Isaiah 55:1-3

His Words are life…as we study them together we will find Life Abundant!

JustaGirl…just like you