We’re here to help you learn and grow, so naturally, we share affiliate links for products that we use and love. When you click on one of these links, we will earn a small amount of money, at no additional cost to you, which we’ll use towards keeping the lights on here! You can read our full disclaimer here.

Good morning sweet girl.  How was your sleep?  I pray that where you are the sun is shining and you have an opportunity to go and enjoy the glorious creation God has entrusted to.

This week we’re embarking on our mid-way point of the study.  It’s hard to believe that we’re already here and yet it’s amazing how much we have learned in these few short weeks.

Are you enjoying getting to know God and yourself a little bit better?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  {Jeremiah 29:11}

This week we’ll be focusing on some key items that will help us to be successful in going out and making things happen.   You may be surprised by how simple they are.  Be open to what we learn this week and see how you can begin to take small steps towards the life God has called you to live.  Remember, it is when we surrender ourselves (our plans and our desires), we open ourselves up to a whole new game plan, one that will lead us down paths filled with grace to a place of satisfaction.

What you can expect

• Weekly Schedule – Bree will share the weekly schedule which will be pinned to the top of the Facebook Group page for easy access.  This post will be updated daily with links to the most relevant information and where they can be located in the group.  This will be a great way for you to catch up at the end of the day on information you may have missed, all at a centralized and easy-to-locate location.You can also download the full Spring 2015 Study Schedule to use as a reference for all seven weeks of the study!
• Prayer & Praise – Becky will be sharing a post in the Facebook group where any and all of you are welcome to share prayer requests or praise reports throughout the week.  This post will be easy to find by accessing the Group Photos (found in the top toolbar of the group page), in case you need to share or want to go back and spend some time in prayer over what others have shared.
• Photo Challenge – Amy will be sharing a video of this week’s photo challenge.  This challenge is OPTIONAL, but a fun way to connect with fellow community members in sharing what you’re learning through the weekly reading.  Share more than once throughout the week using the hashtags included in her video.
• Study Buddies – Now that the Facebook group has settled on an even number of members, Study Buddy assignments have been finalized.  Be sure to check in with your buddy periodically throughout the week to provide encouragement as we begin this journey in making things happen!  If you need a reminder of who your buddy is, visit the Group Photos (found in the top toolbar of the group page).  New buddies will be assigned tomorrow, May 4th.
• Verse Mapping – As a way to be intentional in focusing on growing our faith, we want to provide you ample time to work on your verse mapping.  This week’s scripture is Jeren.  Bree will be sharing a video tutorial as a reminder with tips of how to break down this particular verse on Thursday.
• Facebook Discussion – What a blessing it was to gather with sixteen of you this past Thursday!  This time together, sharing and learning from one another is really the heart of the Intentional Filling and I pray that it will continue to be a blessing to you in the weeks to come.  We’ll be gathering again this Thursday at 9 p.m. EST for a more in-depth look into our reading assignments (hopefully everyone will have their books soon), how we can apply what we’ve learned and a fun giveaway!
• Fill Me Up Friday – At the end of the week, we sometimes feel depleted of energy that has been used up in our various responsibilities of life.  Fill Me Up Friday is a great way to restore some of that fire inside of you through sharing of inspirational images, scripture, YouTube videos, blog posts, etc. This is also a great time to catch up on what you may have missed earlier in the week.

[divider type=”dashed” color=”red”]

Remember: you will NEVER be judged or made to feel unwelcome to participate in activities or our weekly discussions if you have not completed the readings.  Though the book is valuable, your time spent with community and learning from others can be just as valuable, if not more.

[divider type=”dashed” color=”red”]

This week our journey in surrendering fear will continue.  We will learn more about what a life surrendered to Christ looks like and what power there is in making the decision to accept the title of being a child of God.

Before we head out on the next leg of this journey, take a few minutes and listen to the words of the amazing Ann Voskamp as she discusses trust and being thankful in all circumstances.

[divider type=”dashed” color=”grey”] [row-start] [three-fourths]Bree Blum is a 32 year old cardigan-wearing blogger who loves Jesus.  She lives in Wheeling, WV where she serves in her church as a sign language interpreter and works full time as an Administrative Assistant for a technology firm.  She has a passion for women’s ministry and speaking life into others despite her own introverted tendencies.

You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.[/three-fourths] [one-fourth][/one-fourth] [row-end]