Green pastures, our souls restored, a banquet set before us, goodness & mercy following always... these images from Psalm 23 paint a picture of what it looks like to Flourish. We have been studying spiritual disciplines and practices all season long to teach us how to begin, and this episode shows us how we might know when we have truly begun to Flourish: when we follow the Shepherd, our "cup overflows," and we will have confidence that we will "dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

The ESV is used by Stephanie in this episode. Psalm 23, contrasted with Psalm 69.

Our constant attempts to flourish without really hearing from God are like trying to grow a plant without sunshine. And just think of the things we might miss out on if we don't hear His voice! We believe that God's plan for us to flourish not only includes a sensitivity to His direction, but chances for us to hear Him speak love into our lives. We hope to do more in this episode than simply encourage a practice that will allow us to know the path ahead, but also to build a relationship with the One who walks beside us. Join us as we talk about practicing silence, from implementing a "quiet time" into your day all the way to the practice of absolute silence (as unfamiliar to us as it probably is to you! If you are an expert on this, we want to personally hear from you because we need some tips!) Here, we challenge each other to identify the things that are noisy in our lives - externally and internally - and to take them captive to a reverent hush so that we can hear God's voice.

For further reading & reference, explore the following verses: Libbie and Stephanie are reading from the NASB. John 10:10, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Psalm 46:10, Exodus 14:14.

Whether you are listening for the first or second (or third!) time, please enjoy this recording from our live at the Gathering Event. Here, Libbie speaks to us about how we are all being formed into someone simply by living. With our goal to be formed into the image of Jesus, she invites us to examine the things that form us, and implores us all to understand the ways we can be intentional about it. This is not something that happens overnight, but over a lifetime. Explore with us the difference between trying and training, and learn together with us to honor the process of formation. 

Whether you are listening to this episode while on your feet, driving around from errand to errand, or (wishfully) relaxing at the beach, your heart is in need of the rest that the Savior alone offers. How do we do all that is asked of us and still find time to rest? Join us as we redefine things like peace, work, and rest by diving into our Bibles. Take a deep breath with us as we remember that God created both work and rest, and experiencing rest doesn’t have to wait until our work is finished! For further reading & reference, explore the following verses: Libbie and Stephanie are reading from the NASB. Ephesians 4:22-24; Psalm 46:10; Exodus 14:13-14; Matthew 11:28-30; John 10:10.

We saturate our schedules, our minds, and our attention spans all while our souls cry out to be satisfied and saturated with Jesus. Join us as we talk about slowing down, living our lives with rhythms that are modeled by Jesus, and about how one of the ways the devil comes to steal and destroy is by stealing our time and destroying our effectiveness in kingdom work. John 10:10

For reference and further reading:

1 Corinthians 1:18

Matthew 18:3

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, by John Mark Comer

Redeeming Your Time: 7 Biblical Principles for Being Purposeful, Present, and Wildly Productive, by Jordan Raynor

Whether you are listening for the first or second (or third!) time, please enjoy this recording from our live Christmas at the Gathering Event. Here, Maggie Buchanan covers us in prayer and speaks to us about the hidden work that God does in our hearts when we spend time in His presence. As in God's physical creation, our spiritual lives reflect seasons. Even in the seasons where we feel as though we have little to show in terms of personal ministry, God asks us to rest in knowing that He never stops His sovereign work in our hearts.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Love, Libbie & Stephanie

Just as there is no bloom without soil, seed, and sunshine, there is no flourishing without digging into God's Word. Our Bibles provide us the living and active ingredients that set us apart as followers of Christ, keeping us rooted to our Lord instead of binding us to this world. Join us and Maggie Buchanan as we continue to talk about the Difference Maker! Let us not simply grow, but let us grow to reflect the beauty and characteristics of our God. 

Be sure to follow @gcc_sanfordwomen on Instagram, and connect further with Maggie @maggieyowbuchanan

Maggie and Stephanie discuss the Parable of the Sower, found in Matthew 13: 1-23

Libbie shared a quote from the following book: Wiersbe, Warren W. The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament. Published by David C. Cook, 2003.