Becoming His...

Lazarus Awakening - The DVD Study Launch Team

2015-04-10T19:25:00.001-06:00

I'm so excited to be at the very last stage of finalizing the master discs and study guide pages for Lazarus Awakening: the DVD Study which we filmed in Israel!

The eight-week DVD curriculum will release in JULY 2015, but we'll also be formally launching the other two studies as well - Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit.

After working for two and a half years on these three projects, I can't tell how special it is to finally have them finished and on their way to finding their place in the world. But I'd love to enlist your help in getting out the word!

If you'd like to join the amazing group of people who have already agreed to be part of my DVD Bible Study Launch Team, just send me an email at joannaweaverbooks@gmail.com. I'll send you an invite to the private Facebook page where I'll be posting ways you can be involved. That's where we'll provide graphics, quotes and video pieces you can share on your social media, blog and/or website.

If you have a well-established blog, I'd love to have you apply to be part of the "21-Day Roll-Out Launch" we have planned for July1st - 21st. With all kinds of material available to use (Q&As, excerpts, video pieces and web graphics), we've tried to do a lot of the work for you. Email me for an application.

Thank you for considering how you might be a part - whether it's blogging, sharing tweets and tidbits or covering this launch in prayer - I hope you'll be a part!

Blessings,
Joanna

Using My New DVD Bible Studies!

2015-02-26T22:37:00.001-07:00

Lazarus Awakening filmed in Israel
Coming in June!

I'm getting such great feedback from groups who are using the DVD curriculums for Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit! We are just finishing up the final edits for Lazarus Awakening which will release in June - so exciting!

Each DVD Study Pack comes with three DVDs that hold the teaching sessions as well as bonus videos. It also includes a detailed Leader's Guide, promotional materials, and a retreat option guide that allows you to use the teaching sessions to create a special event.

Unfortunately, there's been some confusion about how to use the curriculums. Especially because each book already has a study in the back. Well, here's my attempt to clarify the details!

The Book & Study Guide Format

To get the most out of the study, we suggest using the book and study guide. The study guide has been filled with lots of extra material and tools to help you go deeper in God's Word, but it will also help you glean important truths as you read the book.

Participants will need:

Book
Study guide

Leaders will need:

DVD Study Pack
Book
Study guide
DVD Study Leader's Guide

You'll find the Leader's Guide on the third DVD or at the corresponding book website. (Go to www.YearinBethany.com to see all books). The Leader's Guide gives a tips for leading the study, a detailed guide giving step-by-step directions for using the study guide and video pieces. It also includes a retreat option which gives you the tools to turn the video sessions into a special event!

The "Book-Only" Option

Because not every group can afford both the book and study guide, we've created a "Book-Only" study option. It uses the 12-Week Bible study in the back of the book.

Participants in the "Book-Only" study will need:

Book
"Book Only" Student Workbook
"Book Only" Video Viewer Guides

Leaders of the "Book-Only" option will need:

DVD Study Pack
Book
"Book Only" Student Workbook
"Book Only" Video Viewer Guides
"Book-Only" Leader's Guide

The "Book-Only Student Workbook" uses the same questions found in the back of the book, but provides space for participants to write their answers. The "Video Viewer Guides" go along with the ten video sessions. The "Book-Only" Leader's Guide shows you how to combine the videos with the original study. However, I suggest you thumb through the DVD Study Leader's Guide as it gives helpful tips creative ideas for leading the study.

Which One to Use?

Before deciding to use the "Book-Only" option, you might want to consider the price involved in printing and providing a binder for each participant. It may be that you can get the book and study guide for a price that is fairly comparable.

Either way, I am so honored that you have expressed interest in my studies. If you have any further questions, please post them here. I'll do my best to answer them. You'll be in my prayers!

UPDATED COVERS - Because we are freshening all of books with a new cover to match the DVD Study Curriculum, several people have asked if they can still use the previous versions. The answer is: "Yes!"

However, when it comes to Lazarus Awakening, it's important to know that the original hardcover edition does not include the bonus chapter included in the paperback and new cover editions. But never fear! You can download the bonus chapter here or by going to my website: www.joannaweaverbooks.com

Congratulations to the Giveaway Winners!

2015-01-05T11:04:00.002-07:00

Congratulations to Carol G and Gina C! They have each won a copy of the "One Year Chronological Bible." Thanks to everyone who entered!

By the way, if you haven't joined us for "Thru the Bible Chronologically 2015" at my Facebook page, we'd love to have you be a part. Just click on this link and "Like" or "Follow" to get the daily reading assignments.

You can also download a copy of the complete reading program at http://oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan.asp?version=51&startmmdd=0101

Hope you'll be a part!

It all starts tomorrow...

2014-12-31T21:07:00.001-07:00

Well, it all begins tomorrow - a New Year and a new chance to go deeper in our walk with God as we read "Thru the Bible Chronologically" in 2015!

I thought I'd give you a preview of how it will work. Each day, I'll post that day's reading assignment on Facebook and Twitter (you can follow at @joannaweaverbks).

Some days the reading assignment will feature a single scripture portion, such as: "January 1- GENESIS 1:1-3:24". Other days will feature multiple portions in order to bring Bible events together chronologically. For instance: "January 2 - GENESIS 4:1-5:32/1 CHRONICLES 1:1-4/GENESIS 6:1-22".

As you are reading the assigned portions, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart. For He is the "Spirit of wisdom and revelation," as Ephesians 1:17 tells us, and He wants to help you "know [God] better."

When something sticks out to you, write down the verse and reference and how it spoke to you. I suggest using a journal to do that. There is something about writing down the Word of God and my response to it, that makes it come alive in my life.

Well, that's what we'll be doing over the next 52 weeks! Just fifteen minutes a day and we will have read through the Bible together. I'm so glad you've chosen to join me!

See you in the morning, my friend!

One Year Chronological Bible Giveaway

2014-12-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

To celebrate our new Bible reading challenge on Facebook, I'm giving away two copies of the One Year Chronological Bible which features the format we'll be using throughout 2015. Be sure to take advantage of all the ways you can enter!

Then join us at www.Facebook.com/BecomingHis where we'll be sharing what we've learned through our reading each day. It's going to be lots of fun!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Starts January 1st!

2014-12-30T17:55:00.004-07:00

Just fifteen minutes a day....that's all it takes to read "Thru the Bible Chronologically" in 2015. It's a small investment of time with incredible benefits - both in this life and the life to come!

Come experience the Word of God in a fresh new way as we begin reading the Bible together January 1st at www.Facebook.com/BecomingHis.

We'll be using the One Year Chronological Bible reading program. You can find more information in the post at the top of my FB page or at my blog (www.joannaweaver.blogspot.com)

Be sure to invite a friend - everyone is welcome!

"Thru the Bible Chronologically 2015" with Joanna Weaver

2014-12-28T15:51:00.002-07:00

Have you ever wondered how the Bible fits together? Well, wonder no more!

This year, we are going to read through the Bible using the One Year Chronological Bible reading plan. Most chronological reading plans place books in the order they were written, but this plan attempts to piece together scripture in the order it happened.

For instance, we’ll get to see what was going on in David’s life when he wrote many of his Psalms. We’ll also read eye witness testimonies of Jesus’s ministry as we read different gospel accounts of the same story.

I’ve been looking forward to this time together ever since we finished reading through the Bible in 2013. I believe the Bible is going to come alive to us in brand new ways as experience the Word of God as it happened. I hope you’ll join me on this journey!

As always, we’ll post the reading assignment each day. But you may want to download a copy of the plan to keep with your Bible. You can access it here: http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan/oneyearchronologicalbiblereadingplan.pdf
.
After doing your reading, I hope you’ll visit my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BecomingHis) and post your comments. It’s always so rich to hear what the Lord has spoken to you!

Be sure to invite a friend – it’s going to be a lot of fun!

Congratulations!

2014-10-14T20:44:00.000-06:00

Drum roll, please! Congratulations to Eliza Elliott who just won the Having a Mary Spirit "Bible Study in a Box" giveaway! Eliza, you'll be receiving12 copies of both the book and study guide plus a set of DVDs and nummy goodies to celebrate the release of the new video curriculum!

Special thanks to everyone who shared the video and entered the contest. It was a lot of fun!

Last chance to win the "Bible Study in a Box" Giveaway!

2014-10-13T12:17:00.004-06:00

Just wanted to let you know that we will be choosing a winner for the "Bible Study in a Box" tomorrow! If you'd like to be entered, just share this PROMO VIDEO link, then come back and let me know where you shared it.

The "Bible Study in a Box" GIVEAWAY includes:

- 12 copies of the book

- 12 copies of the companion study guide

- 10-session DVD study pack filled with bonus material, including

optional RETREAT format

- PLUS a bunch of nummy goodies to help host the study!

Share the link, then leave a message letting us know where you shared it at www.facebook.com/BecomingHis or at www.joannaweaver.blogspot.com and we will enter your name.

WINNER will be announced Tuesday night!

More details on the new DVD Bible Study....

2014-10-07T19:33:00.005-06:00

As a pastor's wife, I'm always looking for new Bible studies and so, as I worked on these curriculums, I tried to provide everything a group might need. The new Having a Mary Spirit DVD Study Pack is designed to be used with the paperback book and the companion study guide we've created to help women get the most out of their time in the Word. Here's some more details...

The three-disc DVD set includes:

Twelve 18-22 minute videos - featuring all-new material taught by Joanna
Short "Tool Time" videos - filled with practical tools for cooperating with God's grace in transformation
A detailed leader's guide filled with tips and ideas
Memory verse cards and other handouts
Promotional material including: promo video, posters, flyers, presentation slides, etc.
RETREAT OPTION: a retreat guide shows how to use the material as a special event!

Designed to be used with the book, the companion STUDY GUIDE helps women get the most out of their Bible study. Less time consuming than many studies, it requires about 60-90 minutes of reading and homework each week.

Purchase the DVD Study Pack here

NOTE: For groups on a limited budget, consider doing the "Book-Only" option. Each woman needs a book and a copy of the original study found in the back of the book, You'll find a downloadable workbook and detailed guide for the "Book-Only" option at my website - COMING SOON at www.havingamaryspirit.com

My new DVD Bible Study releases today!!

2014-10-07T07:27:00.000-06:00

A HOLY MAKEOVER...

Do you long for a soul-deep transformation that leaves you forever changed?

I know I do! In fact, that life-long desire caused me to write Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change Us from the Inside Out. It is a prayer I pray every single day! "Lord, whatever You do, don't leave me the same!"

That's why I'm so excited to introduce you to my brand new 12-week DVD Bible study. For I believe God wants to meet each of us in a profound and transformational way as we study His Word together!

To celebrate, I'm hosting a "Bible Study in a Box" giveaway at my blog and Facebook page. All you have to do is view the video below, then share it via social media. Leave a comment at my blog or on my FB page and your name will be entered again in the drawing!

Having a Mary Spirit Promo Video

The prize, you ask? Everything you need to host a Bible study: a DVD study pack - 12 books - 12 study guides - plus some goodies to munch on!

Enter now, and invite a friend to do the same!

WORD OF GOD SPEAK 2014 - Praying God's Word

2014-03-31T19:15:00.000-06:00

I have so loved our time together in “Word of God Speak 2014”! It’s been so exciting to hear the many ways the Lord has spoken to you through Scripture. One of my favorite parts of studying God’s Word is that it not only becomes a part of us – it becomes a vocabulary with which we commune with Him. Check out this “Praying God’s Word” Word Time video from my new Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World DVD Bible study….

First Things First | Joanna Weaver

2014-02-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

In his book First Things First, Stephen Covey tells the story of a man teaching a time-management seminar. In order to make a point, the man picked up some fist-sized rocks and put them in a wide-mouthed gallon jar. Then he looked out at the class and asked, “Is the jar full?”

Some of the students blurted out, “Yes.” The teacher laughed gently and said, “No, it’s not.” He pulled out a bucket of pea gravel and began to pour it in the jar. The class watched as the pea gravel filtered down between the rocks until it reached the top.

“Now, is the jar full?”

The class was a bit reticent to answer. After all, they’d been wrong before. The man poured a bucket of sand down among the pea gravel and the large rocks. He shook the jar gently to let the sand settle, then added more. He asked again, “Is the jar full?” They said, “Probably not.”

Now the teacher poured a pitcher of water in the jar. It filtered down until it was running over. “Is the jar full?” the time-management consultant asked. The class answered, “We think it is.”

“Okay, class,” he said. “What is the lesson in this visual aid?”

Somebody said, “No matter how busy your life is, there is always room for more!”

“No,” the teacher said as the class broke into laughter. “That’s not it!”

“The lesson is this, class,” he said, “if you don’t put the big rocks in first you’ll never get them in later.”

It sounds like the same point Jesus made when He said, “Seek first his kingdom… and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

—Having a Mary Heart

READ: 2 Chronicles 1:7-12
REFLECT: What did Solomon set as his highest priority, and what was the result of that choice?

Special Note: This post is an excerpt from my devotional At the Feet of Jesus, which pull readings from Having a Mary Heart, Having a Mary Spirit, and Lazarus Awakening, as well as unpublished outtakes from all three books!

The Word Behind the Word--Are You Tired of Waiting for Your Fruit-Producing Season?

2014-02-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been so frustrated at waiting for a fruitful time in your life that you said to the Lord, “When is the fruit-producing season ever going to start in my life? I’ve worked, believed, and waited, but I am a little tired of waiting to see the fruit I long to see in my life. How long do I have to wait, Lord?”

I encourage you today to stay on track and refuse to give up, because you’re about to reach the greatest period of fruitfulness you’ve ever known. Before a fruit-producing tree reaches a time in its growth when it blossoms and bears fruit, first it sends its roots down deep into the earth where it can draw on a constant source of nourishment….

During the life of that tree, it must endure the elements of every season—the heat, the cold, the sleet, the rain, and the snow—before it ever blossoms. Because those roots are deeply tapped into a continuous source of strength, nourishment, and energy, the tree is able to outlast all the seasons and eventually become a fruit-producing tree….

In light of this, consider what the apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 2:7: “Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” I want you to especially notice the word “rooted” in this verse. It comes from the Greek word ridzo, which means to be firmly and deeply rooted, making the object fixed, steady, stable, and strong. This is the picture of a strong tree whose roots go down deep and reach its source of nourishment. The tree is also held securely in place by those roots, regardless of the weather or the environmental opposition that comes against it.

Rather than complain that it’s taking too long for your fruit-producing season to arrive, you need to thank God for this time in your life! Take this time to send your roots down deep and tap into the strength of God’s Word and God’s Spirit. If your roots are securely fixed in Jesus Christ, you will outlast every season, every foul climate, and every storm. Eventually you will enter into the finest fruit-producing season of your life, your ministry, your family, or your business.

Honestly, you need to thank God that things haven’t happened faster in your life! Have you ever seen someone who reached success too quickly? That person usually loses his success just as quickly as he gained it because he didn’t have the roots and the experience necessary to maintain the success he gained.…

So take this time to work on your personal life, your mind, your thinking, your discipline, your finances, your weight, your relationships, and your behavior. While you are waiting for that fruit-producing season to come to pass in your life, use this time to put off the old man and to put on the new man (Colossians 3:9, 10)...

If you use your time wisely, there will be no wasted time in your life. But if you just sit around and complain that it’s taking too long to get where you want to go, you will waste time. Sitting and complaining doesn't make anything happen faster—and it often further delays the manifestation of the answer you've been waiting for….

Instead, look at this time in your life as a blessing sent from Heaven to help you get yourself rooted deeply in Jesus Christ! Then send your limbs upward and outward as you tap into the power of God. Eventually you’ll begin to see blossoms budding in your life, signaling that you are about to enter your long-awaited season of bringing forth much fruit!

Special Note: This excerpt is from Sparkling Gems from the Greek by Rick Renner

When God's Word Speaks

2014-02-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

Leaving his young son in boarding school in Great Britain was the hardest thing Rev. James Dunlop Liddell, Scottish missionary to China, had ever done. But Eric thrived like a hare in the highlands. He studied hard. He loved sports, particularly rugby. He joined a Bible study, attended church regularly, and...began his lifelong habit of early morning Bible reading and prayer.

Eric advanced to the university, joined the track team, and won races like a thoroughbred. Every week he brought home more prizes and trophies until he soon ran out of storage space. His legs became a Scottish national treasure, and all the world followed him to the 1924 Olympics.

All the while, Eric’s Christian life continued on the fast track as well, and his newly-found fame gave opportunities for preaching and witnessing. At the Paris Olympics, his faith was put to the test when his chosen venue, the 100 meter race, was scheduled for Sunday. Eric, who didn’t believe in competing on the Lord’s Day, opted out. He entered the 400 meter run instead as the world watched and wondered.

In his dressing room just before the race, Eric unfolded a small bit of paper that had been given to him by the team masseur. It read: “In the old book it says ‘He that honors me I will honor.’ Wishing you the best of success always.” Eric knew the verse well. It was 1 Samuel 2:30. He smiled and made up his mind that, win or lose, he would honor God.

His time that day was 47.6 seconds. He won. He set a new world record. He and the Lord had honored each other.

Special Note: This is an excerpt from From this Verse by Robert J. Morgan

The Day Love Was Born | Joanna Weaver

2014-02-05T05:30:00.000-07:00

The angels saw it all. Creator spoke, and suddenly the dark, swirling chaos of the cosmos disappeared, leaving an ordered universe in its place.

Night. Day. Land. Water. Word by word, day by day, the plan of Creator unfolded before the heavenly host, each creation more wonderful than the last. The Father spoke. The Spirit moved. And the angels applauded.

"Marvelous!" cried one angel. "Incredible!" said another.

The brilliant blue and green planet beckoned with beauty, nestled against the black night sprinkled with stars. Layered with lush forests and soaring mountains, it was a palace fit for a King. As though God himself would dwell there.

"Unthinkable!" cried one. "Ludicrous!" said another.

And yet it was so. Each evening Creator left his throne and walked in the garden he'd created, visiting the man he'd formed from the dust of this new world. The man created to fellowship with almighty God.

Why? the angels wondered. Never had such an honor been given. And yet somehow they understood. The heart of Creator was so large it ached to love. The adoration of angels and their unrestrained praise filled his ears but failed to touch his heart. He longed for love. Not worship. Not fearful reverence. But love. Laughter echoed across the garden and into heaven. The fellowship was sweet. Creator smiled as Created named each animal, exulting in every one.

Together they explored the secrets of Eden and the wonder of this new friendship. But as the days passed, a growing conviction gripped the heart of Creator. A bittersweet realization that there was still more to give.

Each creature had a mate. Another of its kind. But the man was alone.

"It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helpmate."

And in that moment love was born. Not in the creation of the woman, but in the Creator's willingness to share the man. In the Creator's willingness to give. For God so loved…he gave.

Though it meant sacrificing the single-minded devotion of the man, God gave. Though it meant sharing the communion meant only for him, God gave. Though it meant the willful disobedience of man and woman would someday cost Creator the life of his dear Son, God gave.

We, too, must give if we endeavor to love. Love holds no room for selfishness. It is only in laying down our life that we find it. It is only in losing that we win. We can learn a lot from the day love was born.

Special Note: This essay was taken from my gift book: With This Ring: Promises to Keep

Word of God Speak 2014-Philippians & Colossians

2014-02-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

Our time in the gospel of Mark has been wonderful! Thank you for sharing the things the Lord has been speaking to you – it’s been rich. We're going to switch gears and spend the next month in two of my favorite books of the Bible: Philippians and Colossians.

Here's a few things to remember:

Before you begin reading, ask the Holy Spirit to remove any preconceived ideas so that you can receive a fresh word from the Lord.
Read slowly, and then only until something speaks to you.
Write down the portion you read, such as “Philippians 1:1-6.”
Note the verse(s) you want to meditate on, and then write the verse word-for-word, including the reference.
Respond to what you sense God saying through His Word.
Tomorrow, start where you left off in your reading and repeat the process above.

Remember, the goal is to read slowly and prayerfully, listening for what God wants to speak to your heart. I suggest reading the first chapter in the first half of the week, and the second chapter in the second half of the week. If you make it through a chapter without finding something to meditate on, go to the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds to that day’s date.

As always, stop by my Facebook page and leave a comment! Can’t wait to hear what God has to say through you!

Set Free | Joanna Weaver

2014-01-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. Romans 16:20

Mark 5:2–5 describes the scene when Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake: “When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet Him.… No one could bind him any more, not even with a chain.… Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.”

What a sad, eerie picture of a tormented life. When the man saw Jesus, he ran and fell at His feet. “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” he shouted. “Swear to God that you won’t torture me!” (verse 7).

Isn’t it amazing how the very thing we need is often the last thing we want? When the man encountered the one and only One who could deliver him, he didn’t call out for help. Instead, self-preservation was his first response. “What do you want with me? Don’t torture me!”

Now, I realize it was the demons in the man who spoke these words. Yet Satan often uses the same arguments to keep us from surrendering to the work of God in our lives. It will be too painful, he hisses. Why doesn’t He just leave you alone? There’s no hope for you anyway.

It’s much easier to stay in bondage, he suggests. Sure, you roam the graveyard of your past day and night trying to find answers. Sure, your mind is tormented by the pain. But that’s a whole lot less painful than what God has in store for you, the deceiver insinuates. Who knows what God might make you do if you allowed Him to set you free?

Does any of this sound familiar to you? I know it does to me. For many of us have spent more time among the tombs than we’d care to admit.

—Lazarus Awakening
READ: 2 Corinthians 2:11
REFLECT: Though this verse is connected to the danger of unforgiveness, what other schemes does the devil use to outwit you and keep you from God's love?

Note: This post is an excerpt from my devotional At the Feet of Jesus, which pull readings from Having a Mary Heart, Having a Mary Spirit, and Lazarus Awakening, as well as unpublished outtakes from all three books!

Perfect Love | Joanna Weaver

2014-01-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

Don't you love it when a scripture changes your life? One of the verses that has impacted me - especially in the area of fear - is found in 1 John 4:16. I write about it in Having a Mary Spirit and I thought I'd share it with you as we start "Word of God Speak 2014." It's my prayer that you find scripture that changes your life as deeply and profoundly as God's Word has changed my own...

Because of Jesus, perfect love has come. The power of fear in our lives has been destroyed. All we have to do is receive the gift. How do we do that? Well, this may sound kind of silly, but one way I do it is by falling backward onto my bed.

On those difficult, overwhelming days when I’m struggling with fear—when the heat waves of my failure obliterate my awareness of God’s perfect love—I make a conscious choice to both repent and then believe I am forgiven in spite of what I feel. And not just forgiven, but cherished. Beloved. Protected. Held close with a love that far surpasses anything we could ever experience here on earth.

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us,” I say, repeating 1 John 4:16 with the italicized emphasis, throwing open my arms, and falling back on my bed. There I lie—safe and received, welcomed into the forgiving arms of my heavenly Daddy. When I get up, I purposely take with me that delicious sense of being loved and cared for. Fear loses its grip on my heart as my mind delights in God’s grace.

“In this way, love is made complete among us,” verse 17 says, “so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment” (emphasis mine). The only way to experience the perfect, dread-banishing love that casts out fear is to know and rely on what God tells us He’s already given.

For when we trust His love—when we take the plunge and fall backward into joy—we no longer give way to anxiety. We are “made perfect in love” simply by resting in the One whose perfect love drives out fear.
—Having a Mary Spirit

READ: John 3:16
REFLECT: Read this familiar portion aloud, replacing the words “world” and whoever” with your name.

Note: This post is an excerpt from my devotional At the Feet of Jesus, which pull readings from Having a Mary Heart, Having a Mary Spirit, and Lazarus Awakening, as well as unpublished outtakes from all three books!

Happy Anniversary to the Best Parents Ever!

2014-01-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

Mom & Dad on their Alaskan Cruise

Today is my mommy and daddy's anniversary. In honor of this couple who have taught me so much about forever love, I wanted to post an essay that I included in the first book I wrote. A wedding gift book called With This Ring: Promises to Keep.

Thank you Cliff and Annette Gustafson for giving me a front row seat to an epic love story - not a stale script acted out on a screen, but a vibrant romance lived out before me every single day!

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD
For forty-six years [now, fifty-three!], Cliff has carried the scrap of paper on which his "Yakima Peach" wrote her name and number the day they met, carefully laminated and readily available. To all who will listen, he recounts the story of their meeting and the marvelous gift God gave him when his sweet Annette said, "I do." The voice of the tall, lanky, former dump-truck driver catches with emotion and his eyes grow misty when he speaks of his tiny bride.

I've lived surrounded by Cliff and Annette's love. A love that goes beyond "to have" and embraces "to hold." Each evening, as far back as I can remember, my father has held my mother in a blue velvet rocker. Sometimes they talk. Sometimes they pray. Sometimes they simply hold each other, whispering things without speaking a word.

Early on, my siblings and I loved to interrupt their kisses and caresses, eager for some of the affection so tangible in our home. Mom would laugh as Daddy reached down and picked us up, piling us one upon the other until we were a pyramid of little arms and legs all tangled up in their love. Then, we'd rock in the dusky hours of early evening. Laughing and telling stories. Loving and being loved.

I have been given a rich dowry of demonstrative love. I've received the gift of touch. The shelter of an embrace. I've witnessed the joy of a kiss. The strength found when two people meet, then turn to face whatever comes, hand in hand.

Some nights when it's cold and dark and the fear of tomorrow claws at my throat, choking all hope, I reach for my husband. "Just hold me," I beg. Something mysterious happens as I lie wrapped in his love - a transfer of strength. I can't explain it. The words that come to mind seem too trivial on one hand, too mystical on the other.

I only know what it means to me. Secure in my husband's love, surrounded by his prayers and safe in his arms, I surrender to sleep, knowing I'm not alone.

So much is lost when we settle for "to have" and miss the "to hold."

- From With This Ring: Promises to Keep
(WaterBrook Press)

WORD OF GOD SPEAK 2014: The Word Behind the Word

2014-01-13T05:30:00.000-07:00

NOTE FROM JOANNA: As we journey through the Bible this year, we’ll feature a special blog each month focusing on the richness of its original language. I hope you enjoy this excerpt from Rick Renner, a highly respected leader and teacher within the global Christian community. His devotional, Sparkling Gems from the Greek, is one of my favorite resources and I’m excited to share it with you.

HE’S STILL THE LORD OF THE WIND AND THE WAVES!

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the sip, so that it was now full…And He [Jesus] arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

MARK 4:37, 39

Anytime you are on the front lines of battle doing something significant for the Kingdom of God, the enemy’s attacks against your life will escalate….Jesus came under this kind of intense attack when He was crossing the Sea of Galilee with His disciples on His way to cast a legion of demons out of the demoniac of Gadara. This demon-possessed man was an important weapon in Satan’s arsenal….

So as Jesus and His disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee that night, violent and destructive winds seemed to come from out of nowhere to capsize Jesus’ boat and drown Him and His disciples in the middle of the sea. Mark 4:37 says, “And there arose a great storm of wind….”

The phrase “there arose” is taken from the Greek word ginomai, which in this case describes something that happens unexpectedly or something that catches one off-guard. This plainly tells us that Jesus and His disciples did not expect bad weather that night….

To let us know the size of this storm, Mark uses the Greek word mega, which denotes something of massive proportions…The word “wind” is the Greek word lalaipsi, which means this was a turbulent or terribly violent wind. The word can also be translated hurricane, cyclone, tempest, gale, windstorm, a furious temper or a fierce squall….

But that night in the midst of the storm, Jesus arose and took authority over the situation. The Bible says that when He exercised His authority over this unseen turbulence, “…the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39)… This potentially deadly situation provided a great opportunity for the disciples to learn that Jesus Christ is truly Lord over all!

Rest assured – Satan will certainly try to attack you with unexpected turbulence from time to time. His attacks against you will probably escalate whenever you’re right on the edge of a breakthrough, as was the case with Jesus that night. But just as that event provided an opportunity for Jesus to demonstrate His power and authority, you need to see each demonic attack against you as an opportunity to rise up, take authority, and demonstrate who you are in Jesus Christ!

Rick Renner – Sparkling Gems from the Greek: 365 Greek Word Studies for Every Day of the Year to Sharpen Your Understanding of God’s Word

WORD OF GOD SPEAK - This week's focus

2014-01-12T22:38:00.002-07:00

THIS WEEK'S FOCUS: Mark 3 & 4

So, today we move into the next two chapters of Mark. But before you begin reading, remember to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to remove any preconceived ideas or biases so that your heart is ready for the wisdom and revelation the Spirit longs to give you.

Then, reading slowly and meditatively:

1. Read only until something speaks to you.
2. Write down the portion read, such as ...“Mark 3:1-10.”
3. Write down the verse(s) you want to meditate on and the verse, word- for-word, including the reference.
4. Respond to what you sense God saying through His Word.
5. Tomorrow, start where you left off in your reading and repeat the process above.

Once again, I suggest reading the first chapter in the first half of the week and the second chapter in the second half of the week. If you make it through the chapter without finding something to meditate on, go to the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds to that day’s date. Looking forward to hearing what God speaks to your heart today!

Transformed by the Word

2014-01-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever asked God for a specific word? Direction for your life. Comfort for your soul. Or just confirmation that He sees you and cares about what you are going through?

I certainly have. Many, many times. One of my favorite verses of all time is:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

What an incredible promise! As I look back over my life, I can see that God has answered my cry for wisdom and need of comfort over and over again. Not always as quickly as I would have liked and rarely in the way I expected. For the voice of God rarely shouts. We must tune our hearts to His voice. And that takes time and practice.

I think that's why I'm so excited about this year-long journey we are embarking on together. For the Bible study method that I've introduced to you will do just that - it will tune your heart to God's voice. When I learned how to record the scripture that spoke to me and took time to respond to what I sensed God saying, a holy dialogue began to develop between my heart and my Savior. And nothing has ever been the same.

That's my prayer for you this year, my friend - that you, too, will discover the sweet intimacy God longs to share with you.

Be sure to visit here each Monday for a special feature: guest blogs, "Word Behind the Word" posts exploring the original language, devotional excerpts and more. And if you haven't already joined the conversation at my Facebook page, please come and join the fun! I'd love to hear what God is speaking to you.

Thanks so much for being a part of "Word of God Speak" - I'm honored to be on this journey with you.

"Word of God Speak 2014" - This week's focus

2014-01-05T05:30:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that we start the regular format we'll use this year in “Word of God Speak 2014.” Rather than reading a chapter a day as we have the past few days, we will focus on two to three chapters over the space of a week. The portions will be announced each Sunday morning.

This WEEK’S READING FOCUS is Mark 1 and 2. Here's the steps I'd like you to follow:

1. Read only until something speaks to you.

2. Write down the portion read, such as “Mark 1:1-10.”

3. Write down the verse(s) you want to meditate on and the verse, word-for-word, including the reference.

4. Respond to what you sense God saying through His Word.

5. Tomorrow, start where you left off in your reading and repeat the process above.

Remember, the goal is to read slowly, asking the Lord to speak something fresh to your heart. I suggest reading the first chapter in the first half of the week and the second chapter in the second half of the week. If you make it through the chapter without finding something to meditate on, go to the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds to that day’s date.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Looking forward to hearing what God speaks to your heart today!

"Word of God Speak 2014" - Further Instructions

2014-01-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

I'm absolutely loving all the comments everyone is leaving at my Facebook page! It's so rich to hear other people's insights concerning the chapters of Proverbs we've focused on these opening days of January.

Beginning Sunday, rather than focusing on a chapter a DAY, we will assign two to three chapters as our focus for the WEEK. How will that work, you may wonder? Well, I'm so glad you asked!

Let me use yesterday as an example: I stopped reading after verse 5 in Proverbs 2 because that verse really stood out to me. So I entered it in my Bible Reading Highlight page and responded to what I felt God saying to me.

Had that chapter been part of the focus of the week rather than a single day, I would have continued reading from verse 6 on. And then, once again, I would have read only until something spoke to my heart. And the next day, started up from there again. With a book as rich as Proverbs, reading a chapter slowly like this could take many days - even a week - to plumb all its depths!

So that's how it works. I hope that you are not only posting your comments here or on Facebook, but also writing them down somewhere. A journal, a notebook, your computer - somewhere! Believe me, this particular exercise will be one of the most important disciplines you learn on our journey together. You don't want to forget the nuggets God drops in your heart along the way.

Can't wait to hear what the Lord speaks to you today!