Last fall I stepped way outside my comfort zone and began a small bible study in my tiny beach house. Currently we are living in 550 Sq Ft, while we build our dream home out in the small town of Seabrook.  You can learn all about here the transition I made from the big city to our small town here.

To say I was scared and apprehensive, was a HUGE understatement.  I mean, I really didn’t have a spacious home to host such a study.  I certainly wasn’t a bible scholar and often am confused by the bible.  However, I knew I was suppose to step outside of my ability and my narrow thinking and do this.

Fellowship over Fear

My heart so wanted to get to know other women in my new town, as well as share the special bond we all have with Christ.  I knew the best way to do that is through small group bible study where space is made to share together.

We had our first gathering last fall, on a rainy night in October.  Over the months since that very first night of study God has been faithful in adding a few more to our precious group.  We started with five ladies and now currently have seven in our second session.  

Do you know the best part – the size of my house didn’t deter anyone from coming!  Nope – God is always one to deliver and be faithful.  Actually, many enjoyed the cozy feel and were just so happy I opened my home.

God began giving me a vision to host a bible study, fellowship retreat in my home.  Fortunately, we were in a season where our family was renting a larger home for two months, in order to start construction on our dream home, so I had space to accommodate the group.  First great answer to prayer!

My vision included having the bible teacher come and teach LIVE in person.  You see, we had been following the bible study sessions through Flourish, a community bible study I participated in located just outside Seattle, where I use to live.  The weekly session teachings Marjie Schaefer does  are recorded and anyone can view them!!  So, that is how I began my study here in my home, I just  followed along and let her teach all my friends.  I truly did just need to open my home!

Not only did I ask Marjie to come and teach in person, she was thrilled to come and pour into these women.  It was such an answer to prayer and also showed her sweet dedication to pouring into women, even those outside the Seattle area.

So, two weeks ago I hosted the first, Flourish By The Sea Ladies Retreat Day.  

Was it outside my comfort zone – YES!

I didn’t know if anyone would come – but I did it anyway.

I had no idea exactly how it would turn out – but God did, so I pushed past my fear and insecurity.

I planend a simple outline for the day, created some invitations, put together an easy lunch menu for us to enjoy and began inviting ladies and waited for God to do the rest.

Because this wasn’t really about me at all  – it was all about trusting Him and what He had planned for the vision he gave me.

You all…. it was just amazing.

We shared stories, worshipped together and dove into Gods word.

What an incredible day for me and to be with these ladies, forever grateful for their desire to come and trust me.

The Glory goes all to the one and only – He gets it all!

However I am truly grateful for Marjie Schaefer and her amazing ministry, Flourish that is a life-line for so many women, not just in Seattle but all over the Pacific NW and country!

It’s dedication like hers where you see Kingdom growth.

I wore this special necklace that day to remember Gods love for me and to help me be Brave. It had been a gift from two special friends, and it has helped me keeping going when things get a little rough.

What about you?  

Are you needing to find fellowship with Christian women?  

Why not host a study in your home?  

You can do just like I did, invite a few friends, play the video and coordinate a discussion.  

You do not have to be a bible teacher, believe me, I am not!  That is not my gifting, however I can invite and create a space to allow women to bloom together and flourish.

Step Out

I will likely post a reminder about hosting your own study in late summer.  New sessions of Flourish start in the fall, and I would love to have you step outside your comfort zone and join me in being the hands of Jesus in your own sphere of influence.  

Start praying now so God can work in your heart and show you how you can make a place for Flourish in your home with a few ladies.

Be brave for His Kingdom!

Kids love celebrating and creating traditions – so why not plan some fun activities for St. Patricks day – you still have plenty of time with these simple and easy options to make St. Patricks Day extra special.

Surprise family friends with a card

This “Super Lucky To Know You” free printable notecard is adorable and perfect for letting someone know they’ve made a positive impact on your family!

It’s available in two sizes and would be great to mail or hand deliver. You could include a handwritten note or adorn with gold foil wrapped candy or other fun accents.  Perfect to send to school for a teacher!

Treasure hunt

Kids will love to search for the “pot of gold” in this super easy and fun treasure hunt! All the work is done for you! The free printable includes all the “lucky” clues and as well as a “treasure” bag topper to staple on the top of the reward (a bag of goodies like gold foil wrapped Rolos or rainbow Skittles). Or create your own pot of gold with a cute Dollar Store pail or basket.

Green puppy chow

A fun twist on a basic snack!  I love that this one uses Young Living Spearmint Vitality oil – yum!!! You can grab some Young Living oils here – you know I love them!  Adding real flavors to food is a passion of mine for sure.

Explore the Irish Culture

Do your kids know who St. Patrick was or why we celebrate him? Share the story with them, then further explore the culture by serving a traditional Irish meal.

Check out this link on the History Channel – or grab this book to read aloud as a family.

Enjoy some Irish Specialties!

How about a delicious pot of Irish Stew to warm the hearts of your family and add a side of Traditional Irish Soda Bread?!!

Since St. Patricks Day is on a Saturday you could easily make dinner preparation part of the fun and involve everyone.

Rainbow crafts

This Fruit Loop rainbow is a lot of fun for younger kids! They love sorting the Fruit Loop colors and arranging them on the rainbow.

And I love the rainbow melted crayon canvas ideas on this page for older kids!

You can make it as simple or challenging as your child wants, and they have a bright and colorful piece of homemade artwork to hang in their room when you’re done.

So, what is on the top of your list to share St. Patrick’s Day with your family?

Valentine’s breakfast

Start the day off with a hug and specially themed breakfast.  This one is perfect, some healthy fruit and I will be adding Gluten Free Pancakes using our favorite mix I buy in bulk on amazon! Do you have a favorite Valentine breakfast idea?

The skewers are adorable, but I will likely just place on a place all together – I will have to practice my heart pancake skills, or order this heart mold really quick!  

Spread the love

Visit an assisted-care home, nursing home, or hospital to deliver handmade Valentine’s.  I can remember doing this as a younger girl, our Girl Scout troop would do this, I still have vivid memories today.

Or you could also visit people those who serve others, like firemen, librarians, police officers, etc., or even in your neighborhood (maybe a package of flower seeds in lieu of flowers and decorate up cute with ribbons, etc., depending on who you visit)

Or another cute idea here, where kids can color and decorate the “pot”.  I do love creative people with ideas that are adorable.  Because this mama isn’t as creative as she use to be!

A fun gift idea good for going to a hospital would be Valentine’s color printable and tie on a small pack of markers or colors.  How fun would that be to deliver to a children’s hospital?

Gratitude jar

Decorate a mason jar or jelly jar for each person in the family. Every day for two weeks, put a short note inside of “things you do that make me smile” or “reasons I love being your mom” or “I appreciate it when you _____” or “I’m glad you’re my brother because _____” or “I feel happy when you _____” or “I love spending time with you doing _____” or “Thank you for ____”.

Then have a family night and take turns reading your love notes.

I loved this simple and easy template for this idea.

Make pink ice cream

Make and enjoy a healthy but delicious Valentine’s Day themed ice cream for a snack or dessert using frozen bananas and strawberries. A Yonanas machine is wonderful for this, but you can use your blender.

Here’s a good recipe that everyone will love to help make – plus it’s 100% healthy and dairy free!

Love notes

Use these free printables as lunchbox notes or plant around the house as little surprises when they least expect them, tape to bathroom mirror, put at breakfast table, put on pillow before bed, etc.  Using these all throughout the year can create a fun environment in your home – not just for Valentine’s Day!

Movie theme gift basket

A more untraditional basket but one that usually pleases! Surprise them with a family movie night. The gift basket helps build excitement.   With Valentine’s Day being mid-week, it would be a fun celebration to have some snacks and a great movie.  I think I am leaning to, “Be My Valentine Charlie Brown.” 

Do you have any fun traditions in your family for Valentine’s Day?