Discernment 9/27/11

We had a blessed evening of fellowship and a lesson on discernment. Discernment is a skill in separating the good from the evil and understanding the bigger picture.

We began the lesson with a fruit tasting activity. One girl from each small group was blindfolded and asked to identify 7 different fruit samples. These girls had to discern what fruit they were tasting. It was a fun and silly activity to illustrate what discernment is.

The three main ways we can use discernment in our lives is:
1. Knowing truth so we can discern false teaching.
2. Discerning between influences which honor the Lord and those that dishonor.
3. Handling people with discernment, knowing how to best show love rather than a critical attitude.

We must know the truth in order to discern what is not honoring to the Lord. Because of this, I challenged the girls to establish a discipline of Scripture in their lives by reading their Bibles everyday until our next Bright Lights meeting. I'm looking forward to seeing who sticks with the challenge.

After the lesson, the girls divided up into small groups for discussion, prayer and accountability. We ended, as always, with tea and dessert.

It was such a joy to see everyone again! I'm looking forward to our next meeting on October 11th. Until then, pursue holiness & shine BRIGHT!

Holiness 9/13/11

Today was our first official Bright Lights meeting of the semester! We had a great time together as we adjusted to the group's doubled size.

Eagerly awaiting everyone's arrival.

The pile of shoes by our front door.

This evening we started outside with a game of "speed friending." Each pair of girls had about 30 seconds to discuss their answers to a get to know you question before everyone had to switch to the next person in the circle.

It was a fun and quick way to learn a little something about half the girls in the group.

Our lesson for the evening was on holiness. I shared with the girls what holiness is and why we, as believers are called to be holy. I also challenged the girls to examine their lives & consider whether or not they make decisions based on what is common to society or based on what God says about it.

During the lesson, some of the girls acted out the story of King Asa found in 2 Chronicles 14-16.

King Zerah of Ethiopia attacks King Asa.

King Asa is a good king.

Being attacked by the Ethiopians

Seeking the Lord.

Being attacked by King Basha of Israel.

The story of King Asa was used as both a good example and a bad example. When the Ethiopians attacked, King Asa trusted the Lord rather than worldly wisdom. However, when he was attacked by King Basha, he turned to man's wisdom and died.

After the lesson, we broke up into our new small groups. Finally, we ended with tea & dessert.

Overall, tonight was a wonderful start to a busy year! After months of prayer & preparation, it was so exciting to see everything come together. I look forward to seeing everyone again on September 27th!

Leadership Retreat

This morning, a group of enthusiastic young ladies gathered together to spend a day training & preparing for serving as small group leaders in our Bright Lights group this year.

We were graciously hosted by Jessica & Jenna's family. They did so much to make the day go smoothly and I really appreciate their hospitality!

We started the morning with prayer, singing & Scripture sharing.

Each of the leaders took a lot of notes as they prepared for the year ahead.

Twice during the day, the girls met privately with the girls they are co-leading with and prayed for their small groups, planned discussions & brainstormed ideas to make their small group meetings special.

We also took some time for some games, fellowship & lots of laughter! :)

The girls watched two leadership training DVD's by Sarah Mally on discipleship & being a servant.

 We also enjoyed a delicious breakfast & lunch together.

It was such a joy to spend the day with such a wonderful group of young ladies! I am so privileged & blessed to have them serving alongside me this year. I believe I speak for everyone when I say the day made us all very excited in anticipation for what the Lord is going to do in the year ahead!