Almost Finished!! Can you believe it?

Hello Ladies,

I have to first start off with apologies as I have not posted in some time. As we all know, sometimes you can get side tracked and busy with life. But I'm back!:)

I hope the reading is going well for you all! I can't believe that it is almost time for us to finish the book. I would love to hear from you all. Any suggestions on how to improve the book club, next book suggestions? Chime in:)

So since I have been MIA, theres so much I have to talk about. :).  Hmm where do I start?

I will start with Day 10 where Rick Warren discussed the 3 barriers that blocked our total surrender to God. (fear,pride,confusion). Oh how no matter how many times you read this, I'm pretty sure you can identify with one.  What I've come to realize is total surrender does involve taking that leap of faith that in all of your good doings and relationship with Christ he has the wheel. He has predestined us for greatness. However so often we fear letting go of some things or people in our life(who/which are ultimately blocking us from surrending). I'm speaking as a person who is still dealing with some things that are preventing me from giving it ALL.  It's a process indeed.

Day10-14 were very special to me as Warren discussed drawing closer to God and just becoming a friend. Sometimes we often make something so simple so complex. I'm guilty of it. Once upon a time a tried to be perfect(bad move). I got so busy trying to avoid doing wrong that I forgot the simple things. I forgot to just be a friend to Jesus. I think is extremely important. I love the days of just talking to Him. You know? You're in your car or cleaning the house and you're just having conversation with Him. I believe that's what He wants most. Its often said relationship over religion. The relationship, personal relationship, we have with Jesus is significant to our walk. It's where we can come with all honesty and humbleness.

Day 15-21 focused on the family you have in Christ. What I found to be interesting was when Warren said "Your spiritual family is even more important than your physical family because it will last forever". Moment of transparency- I have not come from the most functional family by far thus causing a lack in close relationship. When I found my church home in Ormond Beach, I became friends with people that I went to college with but never spoke to in college. How ironic. Those friendships are still strong today. Some of these women are just as close to me as my actual sisters. It's amazing how God provides you with a spiritual family to support you and hold you accountable for you during this walk. Warren saids "God never intends your relationship to Christ to be private". We are to fellowship with one another. We are to share testimonies and lift each other up in Christ.  We are called to be involved and serve. We are not to keep what God has revealed to us to ourselves.

Day 22-28-  Obedience, Temptation. Something that we will deal with until the end of our lives here on earth. The minute we decide to give our life to Christ, it's as if the devil gets an email(our generation;) stating "New Person Committing to Christ". Am I alone with this? All kinds of tests come flying your way.  I love , love, love Warren's quote "every tempation is an opportunity to do good". Now  we're not always going to get it right. We might fall, however, it's an opportunity.  I believe the more we choose right over wrong we grow stronger. What stuck me was when he mentioned there are no shortcuts to maturity and that we are slow learners. Oh how I've been there thinking, "yup I learned my lesson , boy did I" only to make the same mistake again. Can you say thank God for Grace!!!!! But it is so  true. Sometimes we have to learn something 50 times before it sticks. Like Warren said "God knows better". Thats one thing we can't do is fool God. He sees ALL and knows ALL. He knows we are going to mess up before we do. However, His Grace is sufficient. Next topic Obedience?

I'm going to close for now , will continue later as I have to leave the house. Talk to you ladies soon. Love You,
Erica

P.S. Please excuse typos.

Hello Hello Ladies 7/22/12

Well, it has been a week thus far reading this marvelous book. I have to say I am very excited that we are embarking on this journey together as women. Kimyatta, your post was AMAZING, (on point). I have to say that reading this book for a second time is  bringing revelations that I had not received the first time around. It is causing me to re-evaluate my thoughts, actions, and emotions . Can you believe it's only WEEK ONE!!  I love the quote from day 2 "But it was allowed to shape youre heart, So that into his likeness you'd grow". My God. From the time I first read the book until now; life had thrown me many curve balls and reading that quote just reminded me that it was all for me to grow and love God on a level that I'd never experienced before.  As Kimyatta mentioned, the reading causes me to stop daily in my tracks. LOL. Also, as K mentioned(told you your post was on point!); we are holding each other accountable by committing to reading in a book club and guess what? Bringing God Glory at the same time!!! I can go on, and on, and on. lol. I will post again during the week. Look forward to hearing from everyone. Also , don't forget to send me your email address to goody07106@yahoo.com.

Love you all and I pray that your week be Blessed:)

JUST A REMINDER

This Sunday, July 22, is the first day to post your views on the book and its effect on your life. I'm excited to read the posts as well as share how this reading is affecting my life. I will have an official count of how many women are reading after Sunday's post. Empowerment One Page At A Time!!!!!! God Bless you all:)

Check this out!! Thanks Nod!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A61gBvtgTA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Ladies!!!

Hi Ladies I'm so excited! More ladies have committed to reading!! Just awesome. If you can , send me your email addresses. Send them to goody07106@yahoo.com. Pray your day goes well:)

Almost Time to Start!!

Hello Ladies, Just checking in. I just realized I was posting comments & not actual posts. I'm a little new to this :). We Weill start this Sunday July 15th. I hope everyone has their books. You can purchase the book at Walmart(probably cheaper), Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, etc... I encourage you to post at anytime.However, I would like us to have a set day for everyone to post. That day will be Sunday. On this day I would like everyone to post how the book reading is coming along & any changes that are being seen in your life. Also, having a journal(notebook) is highly recommended (especially with this book). Any questions? Post or email me : goody07106@yahoo.com. With Love, Erica~

Welcome!!

Hello Ladies, I would just like to say welcome to "Empowerment One Page at a Time". I am overly excited about the future of this online book club. It was placed on my heart to do this some time ago. I pray that this book club allows woman all over the U.S. to be united and empowered. The first book will be "Purpose Driven Life". Some of you may have read this book. If you have; I'm sure you will agree that it is one that could be read over and over again. In the meantime, please post book suggestions here and we will conduct a group vote to decide the next book. Tentative start date will be July 15, 2012. This will depend on a variety of things(getting everyone together, everyone selecting purchasing their book, etc...). I would like everyone to start the book at the same time. Please post any questions or concerns. Or email me at goody07106@yahoo.com. God Bless~~~