| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| mellaisbella |
Posted - Jun 24 2008 : 11:03:50 AM
Has anyone read the book called "The Purpose Driven Life"? I just got it and would love to have someone else that is reading it so perhaps we could discuss some of it together.
"learn to watch snails" SARK |
| 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 30 2008 : 6:52:46 PM
Great question about how to read the Bible......my readings have come mainly from bible studies I have done. Beth Moore and others.
They methodically go through the scripture and lead you into it. In this study, if you get your bible out while you are reading each chapter and see the references in the back of the book, and go to the chapters and verses....you will learn a lot.
I have also gained a lot from reading a chronological bible which has daily readings through a one year time period that takes you through the whole bible. These type of disciplines are easier than trying to read the bible from front to back without help. That can be very difficult. There is so much background knowledge needed to help you understand the culture and the links between the Old Testament and the New Testament.
In the back of The Purpose Driven Life, there is a guide to all the scriptures referred to in the book. Get your bible out each time you sit down and read a chapter. Never just depend on the book - go to the bible verses and read it for yourself. In time, you will become comfortable with the Word. But it is always a new message. That is why it is called the Living Word.
And it is not discouraging - it is an adventure without end.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| mellaisbella |
Posted - Jun 30 2008 : 10:15:14 AM
Great response Shirley (or do you go by Jeannie?)
One of the things that stayed with me is such a simple thing and really goes back to the basics (from page 20) "the easiest way to discover the purpose of an invention is to ask the creator of it. The same is true for discovering your life's purpose: Ask God"
ASK GOD..... what a simple thing...I tend to make things more complicated then they are.
I too liked the part about this not being a self help book... the market sure is flooded with those!
You mentioned that you spend time reading the Bible. How do you know what to read? Do you randomly read pages?
this is great to have this discussion...thanks!
"learn to watch snails" SARK |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 30 2008 : 05:02:42 AM
Good morning! Well, I did not get my thoughts posted yesterday on Chapter 1....but here are some on this Monday morning.
I found comfort in reading this first chpater because it immediately told me that lilfe is not about me.....that may be alarming in some ways, and contrary to my tendency to think of "me" all the time, but is also so comforting. The weight shifts from my shoulders to God's. One sentence on page 18 states: "Life is about letting God use you for his purpose, not your using him for your own."
HOw often do I sit down to pray with my agenda in mind? Asking Him to come along side of me and my needs.... Too often! Do I sit down to pray and immediately ask God what He wants me to do for Him? I am trying to learn...and trying to hear what He wants me to do. That is a life long struggle for me. Hearing. Not talking. But the questions in me were not left unanswered by the author. How do I find my purpose? HOw do I know what God is telling me? The author suggests we can find our purpose through the Bible. Turning to God's word, and not the world's wisdom, as the book says on page 20.
I first studied this book in 2003. Since then I have spent a lot of time in God's Word. It has not failed me yet. But it is still a struggle for me, and will always be. On page 19, I loved the paragraph that said this book is not a how-to or a self-help. IN fact, it will lead you to do less in life - by focusing on what matters most. I like that! Simplifying. Focusing. Both things are designed to help one hear and know.
Here is what I wrote in my journal in 2003. "Is it one great accomplishment, many acts, or each minute that defines what we do for God during our time here? I am attempting to learn and understand that my life is in control, with me or without me, so the challenge is learning what I can do for God. Read Colossians 1:16.
What were your thoughts on Chapter 1?
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| mellaisbella |
Posted - Jun 28 2008 : 06:27:39 AM
Sounds good Shirley....Whoever is ready...let's start with chapter one and we will post our thoughts tomorrow:)
"learn to watch snails" SARK |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 27 2008 : 08:51:19 AM
I am ready anytime, too. I got my book off the shelf.
Melanie - should we start with day one and discuss it over the week-end? It is meant to be done on a daily basis, over a period of 40 days, but that can get intense trying to keep to that structure. What do you think? I will go with the flow!
Oh, and anyone can join in as we go, too, don't you think?
If someone does not have their book yet, don't let that stop you from joining in when you get it.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Jun 27 2008 : 06:37:00 AM
How about now?? HA!!
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
FARMGIRL #90 |
| mellaisbella |
Posted - Jun 27 2008 : 06:08:51 AM
When would y'all like to get started?
"learn to watch snails" SARK |
| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 6:02:46 PM
I thought I had this book but when I went to check, the book I have is called "The On-Purpose Person" by Kevin McCarthy. Not sure if it is on similar track to "The Purpose Driven Life."
I will have to search out Melanie's book so I can join in!
Jo
"Wish I had time to work with herbs all day!" |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 12:53:40 PM
The best idea ( for your own personal study) would be to get a copy of your own. The chapters are not long, but I think you would want your very own copy to make notes in. This would be wonderful if we all read a chapter and discussed it - it would be like doing a bible study together!!! And this particular study.....if you did it once a year, you would get something different from it each time.
I am in!
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| Prairie Princess |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 12:46:36 PM
Oh, if you do that -- each get a copy and go through it a chapter at a time -- I'll join in, in a couple weeks after my move. So if you go ahead and start, I'll just catch up.  Sounds fun to me!
~Jodi
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt |
| mellaisbella |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 10:44:56 AM
WOW!!! This is great gals.....so how do we want to do this? Shall we all get a copy? it is one day at a time type of reading...should we read one chapter and then post our thoughts, ideas?
"learn to watch snails" SARK |
| kissmekate |
Posted - Jun 24 2008 : 7:41:26 PM
I just started re-reading it. I would probably participate in a discussion from time to time.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Jun 24 2008 : 7:08:13 PM
Can someone post the first lesson and let's get discussing???
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
FARMGIRL #90 |
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Jun 24 2008 : 7:02:23 PM
I have this book several times and enjoyed it. Yes it is easy reading and thought provoking....I would jump into the discussion I am sure.
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
" Plant goodness, harvest the fruit of loyalty, plow the new ground of knowledge. Hosea 10:12 |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Jun 24 2008 : 4:38:11 PM
It is funny because today I felt a great weight fall off my shoulder once I realized I was being a bit selfish about certain things and that I am serving a purpose greater than myself. Hit me hard but feels fantastic!!!!
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
FARMGIRL #90 |
| Prairie Princess |
Posted - Jun 24 2008 : 3:33:48 PM
Hmm, I might read it. Is his writing style an easy read? I have a hard time focusing on harder stuff lately with my mind crammed full of things to worry about....
~Jodi
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 24 2008 : 2:39:32 PM
The author is Rick Warren. He is a conservative pastor to a huge church in California. The first sentence of the first chapter is: It is not about you. In other words, the purpose of your life far exceeds that of your own personal fulfillment.....you are here for HIS purposes.
It will make you think - some of the thoughts will be ones you have had forever, and some of what you read will make you rethink what you already know and refocus yourself in a new way. It has sold many millions of copies.....
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jun 24 2008 : 2:06:42 PM
I will be looking for this one for sure..sounds wonderful!!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 24 2008 : 12:13:30 PM
I not only read it, I facilitated two classes on this book. Once to a Wednesday night bible study for women and again for adult Sunday School class. I highly recommend getting the jounral that goes along with it. You can then read a chapter and journal your way through. That helped me tremendously when I was preparing to lead the classes. And it is a nice way to do a bible study and have quiet time for yourself.
So I will join in the discussion as it unfolds, too!
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Jun 24 2008 : 11:24:19 AM
I read it a few years ago, if you prompt a discussion, I can probably give some input.
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
FARMGIRL #90 |
