Stress Management and the Purpose Driven Life

[ms_n]

I've called together a Bible study at work during lunch break on Wednesdays. We'll be going through "The Purpose Driven Life" together -- comparing notes, sharing insights. My hope is that we'll be able to encourage one another offering support through the normal, daily stresses of life and work by remaining focused on what is important to us. From picking up a crayon to saying "Hello" to a kid, we serve the Lord. It isn't always easy to see how it all fits into the big picture. But, every minute and every act counts towards eternity. Now all I have to do is figure out what the heck I am doing. I am not a leader.

Any suggestions for a successful group Bible study?

[frazzledspice]

I'd always start and close in prayer, have some discussion questions ready...if the group is large it might be good to divide into small sharing groups for part of the session.

My friend just loves this book. Good luck!

[murasaki]

Food. But that's just me.

--naomi

[ms_n]

Thanks for the suggestions. I want it to be really cozy and informal where I am just a moderator. So food sounds good. Teachers are real snackers. I only know of about 4 who are coming, so I'll make it light this time (I think I can, I think I can...).

I'll start out with prayer, an ice-breaker, finding out what everyone expects to get from the study, and cover the first chapter while emphasizing the key points and asking for input. I have a chalkboard to write stuff on! Then, I'll close with a prayer over the main point. I need to sit down and think about this some more.

Then, I think I'll ask everyone to cover one lesson each day and write reflections in a journal until we meet again.

I think I'll be okay in this semi-leadership position I didn't mean to put myself in. I just wanted a get together to lift one another up. Being a natural pessimist, I find that centering around the positive keeps me going. I hoped that this would be a positive thing for others too. But, I really hadn't given it much thought. I figured we'd just get together and share.

One teacher came to me on Friday and asked for a reading level on one of her RSP students. Then, she started talking about 40 questions for the purpose of life. I didn't catch all she said and didn't make the switch in our conversation. I thought she was asking me if I had administered some sort of test with 40 questions to this student. I said blankly, "I don't know what you're talking about." We laughed. But, that was a clue that I needed a little more preparation and focus!

Thanks again. I appreciate any suggestions.

[lynnzop[$]]

ms_n said

Thanks for the suggestions. I want it to be really cozy and informal where I am just a moderator. So food sounds good. Teachers are real snackers. I only know of about 4 who are coming, so I'll make it light this time (I think I can, I think I can...).

Don't put it all yourself Our adult Sunday School class alternates who brings treats. That way it's not all on one person and they get some variety.

Sounds like an interesting topic and I'm sure you will lead them well!

[ms_n]

I just wanted to thank you again for your input. I wasn't in a particularly great place, which made it all the more meaningful for me to be there. It turned out really well. We just shared and tried to focus ourselves on what is important. I realized that we may not agree on all things, but the basic reason for us being there is that we believe that we are forgiven, that Jesus accomplished the will of God, and that we are to worship God with all our hearts in everything we do. That's where I God wants me.

Another great thing is that I am not a leader -- just part of the group. This leads into where God has been telling me to be -- in a position to just listen. I am so grateful. In teaching, sometimes, the kids start thinking and you can actually see their gears moving before you've finished giving instruction. You just ask them to stop thinking. Listen! Except God is perfectly patient in His instruction.

I told the women that when I am God centered I feel like someone clothed in the full armour of God, right down to the feet shod with the Gospel of peace.
When I'm not God centered, I feel like the Little Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe. Those were the life metaphors that came to mind when the book asked for us to think about them. Ha. I just want to worship and love God.
This group is a blessing and an answer to prayer.

One of the two women who showed up offered to bring snacks next week. She really likes crackers and cheese.

Thanks again for you suggestions. They helped. This was a real step out of my comfort zone. And, I'm glad I jumped in.

[Redlass]

I'm glad it was a good experience for you!

The church my parents attend are also doing small group Bible studies on this book. My dad is leading one group (which my mom is in) and my brother is attending another one with the singles group.

I'd be happy to ask any of them to e-mail you if you'd like, but it sounds like you are now in a good place with the group and are finding it rewarding and fulfilling.

[ms_n]

It really is nice. If your folks have a minute to send some suggestions on, that would be great. I'm open to anything to improve the experience and give it a greater focus.