Sunday, March 27, 2011

Show Up

It's a "no brainer" and yet it is one we often forget. To create, grow, or nurture a relationship, we have to show up for it. We have to put in the time.  Make the connection.  Put forth some effort.  Reciprocate.

The same is true of our relationship with Christ.

Oh don't get me wrong - God is the initiator. Always, ever the initiator. He calls. He woos. He first loves us. But we respond. And the more we respond, the deeper the relationship goes. (Matthew 13:11-13).

That's why I'm so excited that so many of you - over 800 that I know of - have chosen to show up, spending the next 6 weeks studying God's Word through the online Bible study of my book It's No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know. I'm even more thrilled that we can do this together.

If you haven't heard about the study, consider this your personal invitation to show up for it!



Side Note: Apparently so many orders for It's No Secret came through Amazon last week that they are currently saying it will be 1 to 3 weeks before they're able to ship new orders out.  If you haven't bought your copy yet, click the books tab at the top of my blog for a list of stores that carry it. Or check your local bookstores. Or order an electronic copy from Amazon and you can download it instantly to your computer, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android ... you can also get it for your Nook. 

Better yet, order a copy from Proverbs 31 Ministries (the proceeds go to the non-profit) and I'll sign it for you before we mail it to your door.  And in the meantime, on my "books" page you'll find a link to read the intro and first chapter free so you can get started with us.

The beauty of an online study is its flexibility. While our hostess Melissa is setting forth a weekly reading plan, you can move at your own pace. You're not going to be late to any meetings. Plus you don't have to go out in the cold or the dark to gather. (I hear many experienced a late spring snowfall this week!)  You'll get to meet women from around the world, and you can do it in your pajamas and slippers if you want. Do you smell like the baby's spit up?  We don't mind - we can't smell it!

While all this flexibility is a great thing, I do want to urge you to show up consistently and stay with this. Commit to making the effort for the next six weeks. Arrange your life to see this study through.  Think about where and when you'll do your reading. Set yourself up with a bookmark, a notebook and your favorite writing instrument. (I'm partial to #2 pencils.) Consider blogging about what you're learning - I'll be hosting a link-up carnival here each Friday so we can meet each other and share insights - I look forward to reading yours!

Later this week I'll post a picture of a certain ring you might want to see. For now, I'd love for you to post a comment and tell me your first name and where you are joining us from - I want to pray for you by name in these next six weeks.

I'm off to celebrate my hubby's birthday tonight.  I've made him homemade mudslide for dessert.  We'll stick just one candle in the gooey chocolate mess and I'll sing happy birthday to him. You'll find out in this week's reading why he might be wishing I wouldn't!

58 comments:

  1. Hi! My name is Lorie and I'm in WA state. Happy birthday to the hubby!

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  2. Oh, and for Amazon...my order was originally going to take a week but they changed it to ship out right away so they may be getting ahead of the game. :)

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  3. Hi Rachel and friends! My name is Kris and I'm in northern VA. Thank you for your prayers. :)

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  4. Hi Rachel~
    My name is Colleen and I am from Massachusetts. So excited for this study:)

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  6. Hi! I'm Kristina and I live in northern MN. Happy Birthday to your hubby and I already read through the intro and first two chapters so I can't wait to see the picture of your ring. :) Thanks for the prayers!

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  7. My name is Kathy and I am from Indiana. I struggle with depression. I tend to become overwhelmed and drop out of Bible studies, but I so want to succeed this time!

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  8. My name is Sylvia and I'm from Houston, Tx.

    Am so excited to take part in INS!! This is my first Bible Study and so thrilled to be a part of 800+ women around the states.

    I have read through the Intro and some pages of Chpt 1. Can't wait to pick up on my reading again tomorrow. I downloaded the Kindle for PC at home and at work.

    I am struggling with a few things in my life and so need this closer connection to God and His Wisdom.

    Happy Birthday to the hubby! :)

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  9. Jill from south Carolina! I'd love to join in using my iPad but can't seem to find it on this platform. Do you have any suggestions?

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  10. Hi Rachel -

    Amy Tedrow from Pennsylvania. I am looking forward to reading your book and studying with everyone!

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  11. Hi Rachel! My name is Vicky and I am in Alabama. Thanks for the prayers.
    Can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts and insights!

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  12. Just read the introduction to the book this afternoon, and I am so excited to read the rest! Happy birthday to your hubs...

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  13. Jennifer from northeast tx. so excited to get started. ordered my book friday from p31. hope to get it soon!

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  15. Rachel,

    I'm thrilled to be joining you, Melissa and the other 'sistas' for this study! Please pray that I stick to this study to the end and that I don't let the 'stuff' of life distract me from my studies. Thanks!

    Dale
    Brooklyn, NY

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  16. Hi Rachel~
    I'm Elle from Las Vegas, NV. I'm excited to be a part of this study with my sisters in Christ. I'm looking forward to growing in Christ!

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  17. Hi Rachel, My name is Jenny. I am from IL near Chicago. I hope you and your hubby had a great birthday celebration. Can't wait see your ring!

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  18. Hi Rachel. My name is Janet and I live in New York. Thank you for your prayers. Happy Birthday to your husband :)

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  19. Hi! My name is Heather P. I live in Arlington, TX. I don't remember if I signed up for the study, but am willing to participate. Thanks for the prayers!

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  20. Hi, I'm Johnna from Dallas. Just found out about this study so I am ordering book from P31 today.

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  21. Hi! My name is Carol and I'm from Indiana. I have such good intentions on Bible studies and then I let life's "busyness" get in the way. I would love some prayer help to see this one through!

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  22. Hi there!
    This is Selena from Virginia!

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  23. Hi Rachel! My name is Kerri and I am from Binghamton, New York. I am excited to be a part of this bible study and thank you for sharing your insights with us!

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  24. Blessings to your ministry, Rachel. My name is Jane and I live in central Iowa with our busy family of three teens and all sports started last week after spring break so I will try my best to keep on track. Love all you P31gals and your ministries. I'm going to begin reading now.

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  25. LyTysha from Orlando Florida

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  26. Hi, my name is Darlene and I live in Louisiana. I can't wait to get started. I did the MTC with Melissa, she is awesome. Thanks.

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  27. Hi Rachel!
    My name is Amy Flees and I'm from Southern California. I read the first two chapters of your book and I'm very excited to see what I will learn through the bible study!
    Thank You for the prayers!

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  28. Hi Rachel,
    So excited to read your book.
    Lois Power, San Angelo, Texas

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  29. Kelly from Birmingham, Alabama and I have read the book but can't wait to really "study" the book with Melissa. P.S. I've seen the ring!!!!

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  30. Hi Rachel! My name is is Angie and I am in KY. I am looking forward to the study. I am excited about what I have read so far and look forward to using my secret decoder ring!!!

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  31. My name is Kathy and I am from Texas...A big ole "Howdy" to all of you out there. I'm so excited to 'meet' you and share in studying God's word.

    Happy Birthday to your Hubby!

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  32. Hi Rachel and ladies. My names Debi from Kansas City Kansas and I am looking forward to seeing what God will revel to me through INS, Happy Birthday to your hubby.

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  33. Hi Rachel,
    My name is Laura and I'm in Iowa. I'm really excited about this study, for personal reasons, and because I've been feeling God leading me to do something like an online study in our church. I had no idea how to start or how it works and I believe God led me to Melissa's study and your book. I'm anxious to experience this study and get started with one here at home. Thank you for the prayers!

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  34. Hi Rachel, my name is Toni. I live in Florida. So excited for this bible study. First online study I have done. Thank you for your prayers.

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  35. Rachel and INS Girls,

    I know I keep saying this, but it's the truth! I am SO EXCITED about this study! I have such a feeling about the movement God is making in us. His Word is alive and we are going to discover these Truths for ourselves.

    Rachel, your availability to these women is just amazing. I mean when does someone get to study a great book with the actual author of the book? What a treat and blessing we are in for. Thank you so much.

    Can't wait til our first conference call with Sam and Carol tonight!!!

    Love you :)

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  36. I'm so excited about this Bible study! My name is Susan and I'm from Atlanta, GA

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  37. Heatherly from Massachusetts!

    Thank you for praying for us!

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  38. Hi Rachel, I'm Phyllis! I live here in the North Carolina Piedmont and am so excited about the 800+ women that will be going on this journey together. Thank you for your prayers as we pray for you also. Happy Birthday to your hubby and enjoy the evening! I received my invitation and will Show Up!

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  39. Hi Rachel
    So excited to do an bible -study with an book you wrote..
    Your short devo's of woman in the bible and the study together inspired me than and i can read and taste..LOL...now the same with "INS"
    My name is Bernice and i live in The netherlands
    The p31 ministry brought so much encouragement trough the years and i can't be thankful enough for all the work and effort all of you are putting in this ministry!
    Look forward what God has in store for me joining in this 6 week Journey.
    Have an great and blessed day Rachel and everyone!

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  40. Hi, I'm Maureen from NC. I really believe this is a great way to read a book (as a group). Thanks!

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  41. Ruth from South Carolina
    Thank you for your prayers!

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  42. My name is Davilyn & I live in East Texas :)

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  43. Hey, my name is Lauren from Kentucky. I've read the intro and first chapter and my Kindle went on the blink... I've decided there must be something good for me in this study! God bless you and all of the P-31 crew!

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  44. Hi Rachel! My name is Kara and I'm from Tennessee. I am so excited about this Bible study :)

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  45. Hi, I'm Adrienne. Waking up early every morning here in WA to join the Bible study. So excited!

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  46. Hi, I'm Adrienne. Waking up early here in WA to join the Bible study. So excited!

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  47. Good Morning Rachel and everyone! My name is Debby and I live in North Dakota. I enjoyed Rachel's online study of Women of the Bible and am really looking forward to INS!

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  48. Missy from texas! So excited! First online study and I love you guys!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!!!

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  49. Hi! Robi in Bagram, Afghanistan and this is my first Bible Study! Thank you for 'showing up' and for your prayers.

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  50. Hello Rachel! I love the concept of just "show up". That has gotten me to the party many a time, and reminded me it's not about ME!!! I'm so thankful for these online studies. Blessings in Jesus!
    Caroline in WA

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  51. I'm Paula and I'm from Katy, Texas.

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  52. Hi Rachel:

    My namis is Tami from Shingle Springs, CA. Excited to be in the study!

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  53. Hi! I'm Debbie from Colorado and I'm excited about this study. Pray for my perseverance as I am bad at dropping out. Thanks for all your study in order to help us fond our way.

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  54. Hello! My name is Libby and I live in Rock Hill, SC. Really looking forward to this study.

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  55. Hi Rachel, My name is Dana. I'm from Nesbit, MS. I bought your book several months ago and read most of it-just loved it. Then, I got a nook and failed to finish it. I was so excited to learn of this study and I definitely showed up and am so excited to re-read and complete it. I can so identify with you in many ways!!!

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  56. Hey! Barbara from North Carolina, and so happy to have found Proverbs 31 and all you lovely ladies. Went through to Chapter 2 today, and I am completely captivated. Thank you Lord, for leading me here.

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  57. Hi, I'm Laurie in St. Joseph, MO. I just received my book yesterday and I love it! I read the introduction and first chapter. I can sure sympathize with the loss of your mother. I lost mine when I was 29 and it was devastating. Thank you for your passion for women's ministry, and for your prayers. God Bless.

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  58. Hi, my name is Kim and I'm in NW Indiana. Looking forward to this study!

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