My Favorite Scripture

Hey girls!! I just wanted to share with all of you my favorite piece of scripture. It really made me come into check with where I was in my walk with God a few years ago, and has been really special to me ever since.

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Love you girls!! I hope this really resonates with some of you :) See you all tomorrow!!

wednesday bonfire!

Hey girls, I know not everyone gets a chance to check this so I posted on facebook too.


What all are you guys thinking of bringing on wedesday night for our bonfire? (By the way I am pumped. There was a bonfire here the other night and it got me so excited for ours!)
I will have things for smores and a main dish. Any suggestions?

Also if you guys need to use the kitchen to bake or cook anything feel free to come over early! I will be home after 1pm so you can stop by anytime after that. My number is 309-712-6056

love you girls! Have an awesome first half of the week!

The Proverbs 31 Woman

<sup>Proverbs 31:25-31

25</sup> She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
   and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
   her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
   but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Michelle brought up this scripture last night at group - and I think it is a great re-focus-er!  Look at how she is described: clothed with dignity and strength (vs.25), faithful and wise (vs. 26), she is BUSY -but faithful! (vs.27). Then, look at the wisdom offered at the end - a woman who FEARS the LORD is to be praised (vs.30), and the goal is for her busy works to bring praise to the city - or, GOD! (vs. 31).

So, Women, Where is your focus today? Are you taking on this description? YOU can be the Proverbs 31 woman that God wants you to be, just seek him today in your actions and busyness =].

Let WISDOM (Christ's Wisdom!) Win today!

Dear W.A.G.H. - you are great. No, really, I mean it. I walk away encourage every Wednesday from small group - and I have each of you to thank for that. Community is a beautiful thing, and I love seeing us grow into one. Thank you for having hearts not only for Christ, but also for each other. Keep striving after HIM, and he will guide and direct you =].

Just some thoughts from last night...

Proverbs 8 (1-8, 17-21, 32-36)

Wisdom’s Call

 ¹ Does not wisdom call out?
   Does not understanding raise her voice?
² At the highest point along the way,
   where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
³ beside the gate leading into the city,
   at the entrance, she cries aloud:
⁴ “To you, O people, I call out;
   I raise my voice to all mankind.
⁵ You who are simple, gain prudence;
   you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.
⁶ Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
   I open my lips to speak what is right.
⁷ My mouth speaks what is true,
   for my lips detest wickedness.
⁸ All the words of my mouth are just;
   none of them is crooked or perverse.

¹⁷ I love those who love me,
   and those who seek me find me.
¹⁸ With me are riches and honor,
   enduring wealth and prosperity.
¹⁹ My fruit is better than fine gold;
   what I yield surpasses choice silver.
²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness,
   along the paths of justice,
²¹ bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me
   and making their treasuries full. 

³² “Now then, my children, listen to me;
   blessed are those who keep my ways.
³³ Listen to my instruction and be wise;
   do not disregard it.
³⁴ Blessed are those who listen to me,
   watching daily at my doors,
   waiting at my doorway.
³⁵ For those who find me find life
   and receive favor from the LORD.
³⁶ But those who fail to find me harm themselves;
   all who hate me love death.”

I would encourage you to read Proverbs 8, specifically the sections here that talk about wisdom. At group we talked about following God's direction instead of rejecting it for our own - what does Proverbs 8 say about listening to God's wisdom? Look at the contrast between people described as wicked and righteous, what separates them? And finally, in vs. 32-36, what happens to those that follow the Wisdom of God and those that do not? To me, this is a HUGE wake up call.

Please Be My Strength

Beautiful. True.

Take some time this weekend to reflect on JESUS. He alone gives you what you need each day, thank Him for it, praise Him for it! Have a blessed weekend, ladies!

Beautiful, Wonderful, Great, Grand!

This has been a fabulous week - I hope all of you can say the same! I loved small group last night, you all are seriously a blessing in my life and the lives of each other. Since we ended in an individual type prayer on Wednesday, we didn't get a chance to share a lot with the group about our prayer requests for the week. I think one of the most important functions of a small group is to encourage each other by praying for each other - so if you would like to comment on this with how we can be praying for you, I would love that =].

Also, If you are meeting to 'read in between the lines' of 1 Samuel, I will see you tomorrow at Einsteins at 10:00 am! (Joran and Brittany for sure will be there!)

in HIS grip - Amber

Come Thou Fount

This is one of the most beautiful hymns I have heard - It is the one we sang at group tonight. Let the words this week be your prayer, Go to God - your help (Ebenezer!)

(Mumford and Sons is not a Christian Band, but this version is fantastic! ha)

Awkward Family Photo

Here are some photo examples =]. Obviously we don't have clothes like this - but you all get the idea =]. We are going to be over the top cheesy and stereotypical girls ha. Can't wait!

Fall is Fabulous!

Fall is Fabulous for many reasons - but I am going to give you to specifics for now =].

1. FALL RETREAT! I am fresh off of fall retreat - as are some of you - and I am on quite the God high at the moment! He met us in a real way, and I am sitting here completely in awe of his creative ways of getting to our hearts. If you would, join me in praying for the individuals (in our small group and out) that were on the retreat - alot of times when we experience God in real ways, our enemy tries to attack us and tear us back down. I am just praying a prayer of protection, that the growth that happened this weekend for everyone would continue - and not hault or backslide. 

2. STARVED ROCK! This trip is going to be taking place on Sunday, October 9th - a week from today! I am really excited, this will be a trip for only our small group. We will drive down together, and then spend the day in the state park hiking (we can make it as intense or easy as you guys want, don't worry!) and really getting to know eachother =].  Plan on about 12:30 to 7:30, and I will send more details to you girls soon! Please comment whether or not you can come (I picked this date because almost everyone said it worked for them =]).

I pray that you all experience God in a unique way this week - seek him, and you WILL find him =].