Chapter 5 - living room intimacy continuation

I wanted to say more about this section because the Lord put some thoughts in my heart that I didn't have time to fully express the other day, even though I talked as much and as fast as I could in the limited time we had.  Plus I wasn't feeling up to 100% Monday for some unknown reason.  That said . . .

We talked about the fruit that is produced as a result of our being part of the vine which is our connection to Christ.  HE is the vine and we are the branches right?  Probably heard that quite a few times over the years.  Have you really sat still and thought about what that means?  We being the Church and all its members and Christ, the saints, etc. Are all part of the same living whole.  We are seamlessly connected to God (if we choose to be - He will never force His will on us.) therefore we are truly connected to each other and when part of the vine is sick it affects the whole.  Or it can infect the rest of the plant.  We leave the pruning to God of course.  He is the judge of who is and isn't allowed to remain.  And as a branch of this plant, if we choose to stay healthy and connected we will eventually produce spiritual "fruit."

Now what this fruit is is individual I think and will change according to your state in life but it is a natural result of keeping attached and growing with the Lord.  Our hope should be that when our time comes to join the Father in Heaven that he will look back over our lifetime, however long or short that maybe, and see an abundance of fruit, piles of it and that he will say those words we long to hear, "Well done my good and faithful servant."

***********
Some things to think about for the new year. Answer if you want or just think about it when you get a moment to yourself, (Ha ha as if!)

*What is some of the spiritual fruit you have seen in your life so far?  What if anything did you do to contribute to its production? 

*Have you ever had a "conversion experience" where you went from being a lukewarm Catholic going through the motions of mass etc. to a more deeply involved, step further in your faith kind of Catholic?  (and its just my opinion but those of you in class seem to me to be people who have already had this kind of conversion at some point, taking personal responsibility for your spiritual growth)

Note - I am not implying in any way shape or form that those of you who can't or don't want to come to the class have not done this.  I just know those of you who do pretty well after all these years that's all!


*What do you think the fruit that you produce now is compared to how it might look in a different stage of your life say 20 or 40 years from now? (Yes I plan on still being here God willing!)

*IF you could CHOOSE what fruit you would like God to produce in you this next year, what would it be?  Is it something you could maybe ask God to help you with as a sort of new years resolution?

I am going to post a list of suggestions on things to try this year.  Be thinking about something you have been interested in trying but were afraid to try.  I am referring to spiritual things not illegal things BTW :)  Feel free to add to the list in that post.

Chapter 2 - "Lord Don't You Care?'

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8

     I can really relate to this chapter (I have a feeling I may say that every single meeting so sorry!)  I have said those exact words on many occasions.  I still do not know why God sometimes offers instant answers to our prayers and sometimes seems to hold a deaf ear.  Of course we know that He knows our hearts inside and out and that He understands every want, need and desperation of our souls, but sometimes it seems that this isn't the case.  Sometimes time reveals the answer, sometimes it seems as though the answer may only come at the end of time.

    The only comfort I get sometimes, is that my feeble attempts at planning out my life are just that, an attempt and no matter how well-laid the plans God always knows best and He always has a much better ending to the story than we could ever create in our minds.  Faith and trust go hand in hand so don't get too bogged down in the details.  He really does care, more than you could ever imagine. Think of the person or people you love most in the world whether they are alive or in your past.  That ache you feel when you think of them?  God feels that way about you, a thousand times over.  You want the best for them right?  Why wouldn't he care about what's best for you?  His love is infinitely more constant for us than ours is for Him or for our most-loved ones. 

   **  Do you have an unanswered prayer that makes you feel as if no one is listening?  You don't have to share specifics, but feel free to if you want.

   ** Prayer requests until we meet again? ( Monday October 24th at 9:30ish)
 
***vote in the new poll to the right if you want.

Blessings,
Bonnie

Time to get this thing started :)

Hey guys,
It's time to get our yearly bible study underway (is that a word? maybe it's two?)
Anyway, please check out the following options we have selected (we being the amazing Katie Kolodzy and myself, the not so amazing but trying hard to keep up - Bonnie Morris.)

Each link goes to a book we have previewed.

* Check them out then make your selection on the poll.  If you can't then leave a comment.

* Also answer the poll on the time and day of the study.

* We will begin the last week of September if that's ok with you Katie and everyone else.

* We can start without books and get them ordered that day or soon there after.

Can't wait to see you all and get started.  If you have any suggestions, comments, new ideas or anything at all please let us know.  Leave a comment or put a note on Facebook group.

 ***This study is open to any women of the parish so bring a friend if you want :)

Choice 1. A practical-application : Staying focused on what's important
Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

**If this book is chosen it can be purchased used or downloaded to your e reader (not that I have one yet ugg!)








Choice 2 Liturgical Option  - goes along with Sunday readings.  We would focus on the Gospel section each week and the rest would be optional for you to work on as you wish (or don't wish.)

The Bread of Life

**For some reason the site won't let me upload a picture of the cover. 
This is a multi volume set of books for each cycle year however, there are places that sell them separately.

Choice 3 Liturgical also - Foundations of Faith -
**With this choice there would be no book to purchase.  I believe Katie said it is what they use in RCIA so it probably has a good Catholic base of knowledge.  We would probably have handouts or something to go along with the readings.  Not sure yet. 

Choice 4 - Creative Option - this may not be a great idea but WE WING IT
by that I mean we can choose topics each month, use Faith and Family magazine articles, different people can speak or share their stories.

We plan on asking one of the priests to talk to us about the changes in the liturgy before the end of November, any other speakers you want to hear?  I like hearing different people speak even though I am fond of hearing myself as well. 

We will meet approximately twice a month.  We need to consider childcare.  Aimee's girls availability is a big factor though we will possibly get help from Kelli (haven't contacted her but know she works some) and from taking turns when necessary.)  Also Katie and I have to take our kids to therapy on certain days and moms with nappers will want morning times. Phew . .  :P

I'd like to continue in the manner we did last year with passing the prayer requests book around each time we meet.
Ok, try the poll now.  Thanks!
P.S.  New people are ALWAYS ALWAYS WELCOME! Pass the word.

Blessings,
Bonnie Morris