We heard from Ann on the video what it was like for her to write in her 1,000th gift and how she felt all the other gifts led her to that very special one. She talked about difficult times in her life and how she went back and looked at # 947, 352, etc. This is what we have to look forward to . . . a time when we will go back and let the joy flow through us over and over.
We don't have to wait until we are finished to do this - if you are having a low day or just an "eh" day - pick up your list of gifts and enjoy them over and over. We talked about little kids with lots of presents - they can't wait to tear into the next one . . . without even enjoying the one they just opened. Let's take time to savor each and every one.
Some have purchased Ann's book (we are only using the Study Guide and DVD for the class) and are enjoying her very flowery writing style. She is so descriptive that we feel like we are reading and listening to a poet.
In the video she shared the time her son, Levi, got his hand caught in a large fan blade and the rush to the emergency room. When she returned her Mom was waiting (yes - the same Mom who experienced the death of her toddler through another accident when Ann was only 4). While the injuries were severe enough to require future surgery - they counted 10 fingers on 2 hands - THAT WAS A GIFT! But, Ann said . . . what if the hand wasn't saved? We talked about that - and from her Mom's perspective she still would have seen that as a gift because the child was saved. So . . . sometimes it is hard to find the gift during a difficult situation and requires us thinking outside the box - but the gift can always be found.
THIS WEEK:
- If you haven't started writing your gifts (we were up to 25 by last night), I hope that you received some ideas and encouragement from the ladies who shared. You will be surprised at how meaningful this will be so . . . get started!!!
- If you didn't get a chance to review your blanks from last week - please do that. It's a short study and you will want to make the most of it.
Session 2 "Grace In The Moment"
- We briefly discussed the Intro on page 29 - please read if you haven't.
- We talked about some of the items in the "Video Discussion and Bible Study" on pages 31 to 35. Please make sure you read the Scriptures (# 2, 3, 5) and fill in the information as we did not get a chance last night.
"Between Sessions" is short - pages 36 - 38. ENJOY writing 10 more gifts which will put you at 35 (it's okay if you are ahead ;-) BE PREPARED to share some of your gifts - let us get to know you better through your gifts. We had fun last night and even heard about "silk panties" as a gift!!!
Please remember to review the Prayer Requests throughout the week and keep those in prayer. Let Judy W or me (Judi C) know if you have any new ones that should be added / updated.
Please consider bringing in non-perishable food items for our weekly donation to the CUMC food pantry.
May God continue to bless you as you bless others.