Significant

Every Fall & Spring semester I've participate in a ladies bible study at a local church for over 10 years. I learn so much and grow not only in my faith but in friendships too.

This Summer my dear gal pal and I wanted to find a study that would keep us in the Word, not too strenuous (while there is no school the season is FULL!) and was interesting. I found this study on an online search and it immediately got my attention. I started studying women of the Bible with my high school class on Sunday mornings 2 Summers ago and we all really enjoyed it. I find it relevant and important!

SIGNIFICANT BIBLE STUDY

This is a 6 week study on 6 women in Jesus' genealogy! There were 5 lessons each week, with questions and relative content from the author.  

My friend and I would gather at the pool, at our houses, whenever we could and discuss each week.

I have to be honest, towards the end of summer with our misaligned vacations we were less disciplined on our discussions. We both completed the book and were delighted we did!

Note: I found it interesting that we both gleaned takeaways from our own perspectives, specific to our own lives but in sharing them we made each other think. 

Here are the gems I gathered from learning about each woman ...

SARAH

I always love the story of Sarah (partly because I love having a biblical name - my Mamma gave all four of us one) but mainly because she was patient, and that's so hard!

Well, I learned a lot more about her (and Abraham) than I ever had.

She was willing, beautiful, trusting but also flawed with lies, taking matters in her own hands and unkind.

She's a human like us that struggled but in the end loved and grew in faith.

I was very inspired to work on having a gentle, quiet spirit.

LEAH

Life seemed very unfair for her. It's important to remember what God thinks of us is most important, NOT others or how others treat us! His love is better than anyone's on earth.

God was with her in her brokenhearted state and blessed her. 

We as women do not need to see each other as rivals, comparing & competing in our lives but rather rest in the security of God's love for us.

I was reminded that God is doing something bigger, better and more eternal than my own plans.

TAMAR

You won't find her story in a children's bible - it's racy! 

This story shows that bad company will corrupt good character and that going your own way doesn't pay!

It also shows that God brings unimaginably beauty from ashes. 

Tamar was far from perfect but she showed us how to be loyal. 

My confidence in who I am has grown knowing that we can be used for his purposes despite our past mistakes!!!

REHAB

She had a not so pretty past but it did not disqualify her from a life of faith. 

She was strong & courageous!!! She did many things that were wrong, but her faithful actions were praise worthy. She pressed forward and trusted God. 

I am working hard to make my faith in God the foundation upon which everything else in my life is built!

RUTH

She really touched my heart. She chose the narrow path, and it wasn't easy but it was worth it! Ruth had grit and was dedicated to tenaciously following God! She worked hard with humility and kept moving forward. And because of this God provided beyond her expectations. 

I want to immolate Ruth in being humble, tenaciously clinging to God (not myself or the world), and having faith in His provision.

BATHSHEBA

She was a woman of influence.  She had situations of grief and loss but God used it for our gain.  She was intentional and spoke up when it mattered most. She lived faithful in the roles of her life and it was used to make profound impacts. 

I am motived to stop striving for the roles I don't have but live faithfully in my life & daily moments,  knowing He will grow my influence right where I am in ways only He knows!

This study helped me grow in confidence in the significance 

of who I am & my purpose!

GOD USES THE ORDINARY 

TO DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS!

Dress Beautifully Knowing 

YOU are SIGNIFICANT

XOXO Sarah Louise

Quiet Time

Quiet time is essential. I don't know anyone that doesn't value it. But no matter what your season or schedule looks like, it can be challenging to obtain.

I just started back in a new semester of bible study after a long winter break and I've had to make adjustments to get alone and peaceful time to focus. 

Here are some tips and things that I've implemented to help make sure I get quiet time each day ...

SCHEDULE

Making quiet time a priority is the first key step. Think of treating it like a doctors appointment that is imperative, you can't reschedule or be late for. Often times we let other happenings around us take precedence but I believe putting this time at the top of your list will make the most impact.

I chose 5am (I know that's crazy for most) but in the early morning is when I am fresh and full of energy. It's also when my home is very quiet. Lunch time, nap time, and post dinner time are also great options.

SILENCE

Removing distractions will help you be present in your time. First and foremost start with your phone. Turn it on silent and even place it in a room or drawer that's out of sight. (Same goes for your computer) Also, be thoughtful about the time of day that's the least interruptive. 

SPACE

My favorite space is outside where I can hear the birds singing, feel the warm sunshine and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. I take full advantage when weather allows. In this case I often move my quiet time to the afternoon. 

Maybe it's a comfy chair in the corner of your room or at the breakfast table with a cup of coffee. Find a space where you can cozy up with all your things that's calming.

Note: I find that a space that's away from clutter and view of chores is beneficial. 

We share the same scrunchie face when we smile big!

I encourage you to make your quiet time an intentional practice each and every day! 

Dress Beautifully in Quiet Time

XOXO Sarah Louise

Summer List

Since I was a little girl my Mamma always sat down with us and we created our 'Summer List' of all the places we wanted to go and things we want to do/accomplish.  She was set firm that we were not going to sit idle during the Summers and I'm eternally grateful she didn't let us.

Life is a priceless gift not to be wasted but to be cherished and enjoyed.  In my 20's & early 30's I really came to appreciate the gift of Summers because I didn't have much free time outside of the office. And now that I have Vivian Louise, I'm going to make the 18 Summers with her count.
I'm not sure how much longer I will be home with her so I'm going to give her my very best this year.

This list is not one of  'To-Do' but more a list of goals and experiences.  Summer is a great time to refresh, slow down and to delight in the things that bring you joy.

I plan to do a lot of my reading right here in our backyard laying in our hammock

I've been teaching Sunday school for middle schoolers (bless my heart) for several years now and I've passed this tradition on to them and surprisingly they have loved making their goals and have been quiet creative.  The perimeters were to have a spiritual, physical and learning goal.  I also participated.  They could add however many other things they wanted. I chose those 3 because our relationship with God is #1 in life and it can be challenging for them during the school year to add daily growth/study outside of Sundays and for me during the Summer with the absence of a weekly bible study. The physical goal is to keep them moving. Taking care of your body, staying strong and healthy is of upmost importance!! The learning goal is super fun, they really stretched their imaginations and I saw their talents and interests come to life. Trying new things is exciting and stretches us, opening up so much opportunity.

My brave little girl

Labor Day is the day for reaching our goals, a total of about 10 weeks and we will check in with each other in July.

I encourage you to make your own Summer List and to share with me what you chose and how it worked out :)

Dress Beautifully while Enjoying Your Summer

XOXO Sarah-Louise