&Savor EstablishA Bible Study Through

Philippiansf o c u s i n g o n

Thankfulnessb y M a c K e n z i e M o n r o e o f B o l d T u r q u o i s e . c o m

Savor & Establish- A Bible Study Through Philippians Focusing on Thankfulness

Copyright © 2015 MacKenzie Monroe of BoldTurquoise.com All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of MacKenzie Monroe. The only exception is for brief selections to be quoted for the purpose of review. This guide may be stored on your personal computer and one copy may be printed for your personal use.

This Bible Study Guide is available free of charge to all email subscribers of Bold Turquoise. Rather than directly emailing this study to friends and family, please encourage them to subscribe to the site in order to obtain their own free copy.

Scripture from ESV.

Cover Designed © by MacKenzie Monroe Editors: Erika Oeding and Betsy Pool

Dedication

To my wonderful husband who loves and supports me and is a true partner in this ministry.

To all the ladies in the Cultivating the Lovely community who encourage and inspire me every day. I am so thankful for each and every one of you!

What is this Savoring & Establishing business all about?

Introduction

Savor and Establish. Those were my words for 2015. The words that imprinted on my heart for what I wanted this year to look like and the core of what I wanted to accomplish. I wanted to savor my faith; my time in the Word and prayer. I wanted to dive deeply into the rivers of scripture, to be consumed and surrounded by it, and for my family to as well. I wanted to savor my family, to cherish every moment, to have big conversations with my kids and fully enjoy them exactly where we are.

Moreover, I wanted to establish all of this as a pattern in our lives. I yearned to have our family sitting solidly, smack dab in the middle of our faith and striving to follow hard and well after Jesus. I longed to be walking out this life that He has given us with the deepest commitment.

I wanted to be cultivating the kind of family culture that ran deep in our family’s bones. The kind that kids remember when they are grown and gone and enjoy coming back to. The kind that leaves a legacy for generations.

Savor and Establish.

That is what I wanted for 2015, and my life, and that is what this study was born out of. The idea behind this little guide is to take us from that sense of accomplishing quiet time as an item to check off our to-do list and instead make scripture and time with Jesus something that is woven throughout the fabric of our days, without which the threads would have nothing to cling to. It’s that never ceasing to be in prayer, rejoicing always and constantly being thankful that Paul so passionately talks about in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. It is the practice of what St Patrick so thoughtfully penned-

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.

And in the midst of all that Jesus is where we will grow our families and our legacies for Him. Won’t you join me?

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How This Study Works In order to really allow the Book of Philippians to ruminate in our souls- to know it inside and out and have a lasting memory of what it contains- we are going to be reading it over and over again throughout the month, focusing on a different aspect of the book each week. Along with reading we will be actively memorizing verses that pertain to each week’s focus so when we walk away we have not only fed our minds but hidden God’s very Words in our hearts and souls.

Here is a little breakdown to give you a better idea of where we are headed-

Week 1- What God has done for us, who He is for us, and how He fills and uses us 

Week 2- Who God has put in our lives

Week 3- How God has provided for us

Week 4- What instructions God has given us

Each day is broken into four components- • Bible Study • Scripture Memory • Thankfulness • Prayer

You will need- • Bible • A small journal or pad of paper to keep your notes each day. • A pen • 4 different colored pencils or highlighters • 3x5 cards or scrapbook journaling cards • Stick Notes

Let’s dive in!

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Week 1 Focus: This week is all about who God is for us, what He has done for us, and how He fills and uses us

Memory Verse: Philippians 2:14-16 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Day 1 -Read through the entire book of Philippians today. As you read, pay special attention to verses that talk about our focus this week, which is all about who God is for us, what He has done for us and how He fills and uses us. For instance, Philippians 1:2 tells us that God is our Father. These will be the kinds of verses that you will be making note of as we progress through the week, but it will be helpful for you to pay attention to them as you begin to read today.

Keep your Bible out in a prominent place in your house that you walk by regularly- perhaps on your kitchen counter. Each time you pass it by, purpose in your heart to stop and read a few verses to remind yourself of what you have already read today.

If you work out of the home then you may want to consider downloading an app, such as YouVersion, and have it cued up to the Book of Philippians so that you can easily open it if you get a chance throughout the day. The key to savoring the Word is that you want to try to keep it flowing throughout your day as much as possible, constantly coming back to it and re-centering your heart on it.

Encourage your family to be involved with the reading and other activities as well. Perhaps you can read one chapter to them at each meal today and the final one to them just before bed. Bring them along with you as you walk through this journey in Philippians and help them establish the same practices you are, as much as possible.

-Today we will also be introducing our first scripture memory for the month. Write down these verses in your own hand, as there is truly something about physically writing

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something down that helps cement it in your brain. Recite them out-loud a number of times and do so with your children as well.

Try attaching the practice of reciting your verse to something that happens repeatedly in your day so that you can ensure you are re-reading it more often. For example, you could tape the card with some cute washi tape up on your bathroom mirror and every time you wash your hands you can read the verse out-loud again and again. You’ll have it down before you know it!

-In your journal for today write down three ways you are thankful for God being active in your life. Thank Him for being your loving Father and for any of His other attributes that stood out to you today in your reading.

-Coming to God in thanks brings us to the final piece of our day- prayer. Just as you are repeatedly trying to come back to the Word throughout the day, you can also be setting little reminders for yourself to be entering into prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 Paul says,

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Keep a 3x5 card in your back pocket or employ that trusty sticky note again to remind you of a few prayer requests that you are wanting to bring to God throughout the day. Sometimes I will set a couple of alarms on my phone, or try to have in the back of my mind that I want to pray every hour on the hour, in order to establish prayer as more of a habit throughout my day. I try to make it a priority to pray with thankfulness and then request, remembering that He is a good, personal and Holy God who is with me at every moment.

Day 2 -Read Chapter 1 again today and write down or mark in a special way all of the verses that talk about who God is for us, what He has done for us, and how He fills and uses us. You may want to pick one specific color or a special symbol that you will use in your Bible for all of the verses you read this week that focus on that main theme we are mining for.

You may want to reread Chapter 1 a few times throughout the course of the day to see if anything different stands out to you and to keep His Word at the forefront of your mind. Before you go to bed you might consider reading over it one last time so that God’s true and beautiful Words are the last thing that your heart and mind are settling on as you drift off to sleep.

-Be sure to practice your memory verse no less than three times today. The more times that you say it out-loud the more secure it will become in your mind, and if you are able to write it down again as well, all the better. Be sure to always recite the scripture reference with the actual verse as those can be pretty handy to know when you are trying to recall the verse at a later time.

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-Today in your journal write down three specific things you are thankful that God has done for you. If you can’t think of them all at once then just keep your journal on hand so that you can jot them down throughout the day as they come to mind.

-Have that little 3x5 card at the ready again today so that you always have a reminder of what and who you are wanting to pray for. Remember to start with thankfulness and praise, moving on to the requests you have. Try to enter into prayer with your kids at non-meal times throughout the day so that they get used to prayer being a main vein through their days as well and something that they naturally turn to in both times of rejoicing and times of need.

Day 3 -Read Chapter 2 today and follow the same practice of writing down the verses or marking them in your Bible, maybe you even want to do both. Just think of how pretty and used your Bible will be at the end of this month! What a fun legacy to be able to pass on to your children one day.

-Practice that memory verse again today! Take special note of the times that the Lord starts bringing this treasure of your heart to the forefront of your mind in everyday situations now.

-Write down in your journal today thankfulness for three ways that the Lord fills you.

-Include the three things you are thankful for on your note card today and be sure to set aside even just a few minutes to pray at least three times today.

Day 4 -Today you will be reading and marking or writing down verses from Chapter 3. Be sure to keep your Bible handy and continue coming back to the Word throughout your day.

-Recite that memory verse with gusto! A great way to help lock it in your brain, and the brains of your kids, is to create hand motions to go along with it. The more active you are in your memory time the more solid it will become.

-In your journal today write down three ways you are thankful that God uses you.

-Today pray for ways that God can continue to use you. If the habit of prayer is still hard for you to get into, then make a point to pray each time you wash your hands today.

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Day 5 -Today you are in Chapter 4. Read and mark or write down your verses as you have been through the rest of the week. You may also want to glance back at what you have learned throughout the week and see if any of the verses you made note of particularly stand out to you now.

-That memory verse should be well locked into your heart by today, so recite it with gusto!

-Today for your journaling write down how you are thankful for the way God sees you- as loved, whole and forgiven. You are His beloved child, relish in that today and be sure to share in that with your family too.

-As you wrap up the week today, pray that God would hide all the truths that you have learned in the recesses of your heart and that you would feel His closeness to you. Try writing out your full prayer to Him today in your journal as well as setting aside shorter snippets of time to be conversing with Him throughout the day.

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Week 2 Focus: Who God has put in our lives

Memory Verse: Philippians 2:1-4 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Day 1 This week we will be mining for all of Paul’s interactions with others throughout the book of Philippians. Be paying attention to how he speaks of fellow believers, the care he has for them and how he instructs them (and us) to be interacting with other people.

For instance, in Philippians 1:3-11 Paul talks all about how he thanks God for the believers in Philippi, how he feels about them and what he hopes and prays for them. These are the kinds of verses we will be paying attention to this week and making note of.

As you did last week, decide on a color or a particular symbol to use to denote verses that speak to this topic.

-Read all of the book of Philippians again today. Keep the week’s theme in mind as you read through it again in this new light. You may be surprised what stands out to you now that you have shifted your focus.

-Read through this week’s memory verse several times today and be sure to write it down in your own hand as well. A helpful way to get it in your head and the heads of your children is to read it with them call-and-answer style. Put the verse to a beat, you loudly reciting a line and them doing it after you. Your family will be able to hide away large chunks of scripture shockingly fast using this method.

-This week’s thankfulness is all about people. Each day you will be writing down in your journal three different people who you are thankful for and why. Feel free to take this a step further and write a little note to these people to encourage and thank them

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throughout the month. A handwritten card or letter is even better! And hey, if your kids get in on it too, just think of all the handwriting practice they will get!

-Pray for those same people you are thankful for and give thanks to God for them. You can follow Paul’s lead for how he prayed for the Philippians in Chapter 1 if you don’t have specific prayers to pray for these individuals.

Day 2 -Today you will be reading Chapter 1. Go ahead and mark the verses in your Bible about Paul’s relationships with the people of Philippi as usual. However, instead of writing out each verse, start to make a list in your journal of the different ways that Paul was thankful for them and the hopes and prayers he had for them. You can add the verse references to this list.

-Say it out-loud! Your memory verse, that is. Say it, say it, say it!

-Today focus on the ways that you are thankful for your husband. Write down specific reasons you appreciate him and ways that he has blessed you lately. Even if it is hard, find at least three ways that you appreciate him and then TELL HIM! Sometimes our husbands are the hardest people to share those things with but they are the ones who often appreciate it the most.

-Pray for your husband today. Thank God for Him and pray for any specific burdens that are currently weighing on your husband’s heart. Pray less about changing him and more about God working in his life. You may even want to surprise him and pray for him before he leaves for work in the morning or before you go to sleep at night.

Day 3 -Read and mark Chapter 2 today. This chapter is rich with relationship! Between Paul and Timothy, as well as Epaphroditus and his relationship with the people in Philippi, there is plenty to dive into. Make specific notes on how they related to one another and longed for each other. Pay special attention to Paul’s relational advice in verses 1-4 and write down a list of “best practices” in regards to how we live with other believers.

-Write down your memory verse again today. Try writing it down without looking and see how much you get correct. Another fun thing you can do with your kids is write the verse down on a chalkboard or dry erase board and read it collectively aloud many times, erasing a few more words each time until you have to say the whole thing by heart. This practice can be especially helpful for visual learners.

-Today, write down how you are thankful for your children. Write down specific attributes of each one of them that you are thankful for and try to remember actual incidents when they displayed them. Be sure to then also share those things with them throughout the course of the day.

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-We should be praying for our children every day, but I know that I often don’t pray for them as intentionally as I would like to. Make a point today to pray out of thankfulness for them as well as praying for specific guidance in parenting each of them individually. Keep your heart open to listen to what God is telling you about your children and be ready to jot things down as they come to mind. Our God is so personal and, if we are ready and willing to listen, He can offer up that still small voice that will speak directly to our circumstances.

Day 4 -Today you will be in Chapter 3. While the relational aspects of this chapter may not be as apparent as they were yesterday, you can pay heed to Paul’s warnings about who you should beware of as well as encouraged by what Paul says in regards to the kinds of people we should model our lives after.

-Today as you work on memorizing your verse you could try writing it down on a sticky note and placing it right on the screen of your phone. That way each time you go to pick up your phone you have a physical reminder to reread your verse, one that you actually have to deliberately move before you can get on your phone. Smart, huh?

-Today as you think about thankfulness, consider people who have acted as mentors or guides for you in your life. Mothers, older friends, ladies in your church, who do you have in your life who has helped shape you into the wife, mother and woman that you are? Write them down and then try to schedule a coffee date with them so that you can let them know.

In our culture we have a vast deficit for these kinds of people, so even if you can only think of women who have spoken to you through their writings, podcasts or even scopes, make note of who they are and why you are thankful for them. Reach out to them, no matter how big their name, and tell them how thankful you are. You might just be surprised by how much they need to hear it!

-Pray today for those mentors that God has placed in your life. Also, think of what a blessing you could be back to them if you asked them how you could be specifically praying for them.

Day 5 -Today in our reading of Chapter 4 Paul mentions relationships again but in a much different tone. Today is all about reconciliation as well as sharing in each other’s burdens. Mark the verses surrounding this theme and make note of what you learn about living at peace with others and helping others in their distress.

-You’ve got that memory verse down pat now, right? Awesome! Try to find ways throughout your day to use it and share it with others.

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-Today’s thankfulness practice may be a bit of a challenge, but a good one. Think of people who you have had trouble with in the past or you may even currently need to be reconciled to. Now, think of a way that you can be thankful for them, even if it is only for the lessons you learned as a result of their relationship with you.

-Pray today for the people in your life who you have been at odds with. If you need to still be reconciled, pray for God’s wisdom in the matter. Also be praying that God would show you if there is anyone in your life who you could help by coming alongside them in their distress..

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Week 3 Focus: How God has provided for us

Memory Verse: Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Day 1 This week as we read through Philippians again we will be doing it in the light of how God has provided for us. In some chapters the “things” aren’t as apparent as they are in other chapters, but I trust that as you dive deeply into this theme you will find it in unexpected ways.

-Today read through the entirety of Philippians once again, paying special attention to any time gifts or provisions are mentioned. Of course, the obvious provisions are spoken of in Chapter 4 when Paul expresses how he has learned to be content in every situation, but let’s try to look for other ways that God has provided for us as we read through the experiences of Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus and the Philippian believers as well.

-Write down this week’s memory verse and stick it some place prominent!

-Thank God today for all the ways He has provided for you, both physically and spiritually. Be sure to write three of them down in your journal. Keeping notes of these ways God has taken care of us can be wonderful reminders in the future for us to keep putting our trust in Him, even when things get hard or we become doubtful.

-If there are specific ways that you need God to be providing for you right now, present those requests to Him. You can be praying for Him to provide for others in your life as well. Don’t forget to also thank Him for all the ways He has already taken care of you.

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Day 2 -Today you will be reading and marking Chapter 1 again. In this chapter Paul specifically talks about how remaining alive allows him to be fruitful and helpful to others in their walks with God. Paul cuts right to the meaning of life- to bring glory to God, helping others follow Him. As we read today, take note of how thankful Paul is for the life God has given him and the gratefulness he has for being right where he is supposed to be.

-Sometimes it can be fun to hide little scripture memory cards in unexpected places to remind you in the future of God’s good Word, or even surprise and bless your family. Today write your memory verse numerous times on 3x5 cards and then go around tucking them into shoes, coat pockets, school notebooks and any other place your family might stumble upon in a very regular moment of life. While you’re at it, you could include a little note of why you are thankful for them!

-Today, write down in your journal how you are thankful for the life God has given you. Bear in mind how God has very personal plans, just for you, to help draw others to Him, then give God thanks for where He has you right now.

-Pray today that your heart would be keenly attuned to the opportunities God has for you to be bringing Him glory right where you are. Thank Him for this time and place and your current circumstances.

Day 3 -In reading Chapter 2 today, pay attention to how Paul is thankful for fellowship and good health, and how they are both being used to further the gospel.

-Make it a point today to share your memory verse with a few people so that you are forced to say it out-loud. Speaking your verse is key to locking it away in your brain and sharing it with others, even just your kids, will help you tie emotion and more personal meaning to it.

-Write down specific ways you are thankful that God has placed fellowship in your life. Whatever it looks like, be thankful for the fellow believers who encourage you in your walk with God. -Pray in thankfulness for the fellowship that God has provided in your life and pray also that He would point out ways you could be encouraging someone else in their walk and helping provide that fellowship need for them. If you are feeling void of fellowship right now, then pray that God would fulfill that need for you. After all, if even Paul needed encouragement in his faith then certainly we do too.

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Day 4 -Today you’ll be reading Chapter 3. This chapter reminds us of the ultimate provision that God has given us, the thing that all other gifts mean nothing compared to- Salvation. Make note of how Paul views everything in his life in relationship to the saving knowledge of Christ and how the rest of his life flows out of that knowledge and God’s power.

-Say it again! Just keep saying your memory verse and be sure to do it with your kids too!

-Prayer and thankfulness are going to be combined today. Try to sit down for a bit and write out a prayer of thankfulness to God for the salvation that He has so lovingly given you. Thank Him for His grace and your wholeness in Him. To wrap it up, also pray for some people in your life who do not have the knowledge of salvation yet. Pray for their hearts to be softened and opened for the Holy Spirit to move in their life.

Day 5 -In Chapter 4 today we really get to the goods of being thankful for what we have been given! Pay close observance to the way that the Church at Philippi met Paul’s needs and take note of Paul’s view on contentment in all situations.

-Alright, it’s day five! You should have your memory verse down! Say it out-loud to someone and have them check to see how accurate you are. Also, be sure to review your verses from the last few weeks so that they stay fresh in your mind as well!

-Today write down in your journal three specific things that you are thankful God has provided for you. Try to put reasoning behind your thankfulness instead of just blanket statements like “my house” or “food.” Get personal and particular!

-As you walk through your day today try to remain in an active state of thanks to God for all He has provided. Whisper prayers of thanksgiving for everything around you from dawn until dusk, remembering that He is the ultimate provider of it all. Place little reminders in your space, such as sticky notes, to keep this practice in the forefront of your mind today.

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Week 4 Focus: What instructions God has given us

Memory Verse: Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Day 1 -Ok, today you will be reading through the entirety of Philippians one more time! This week we will be doing it through the lens of God’s instructions for life to us as believers. We have already talked about some of these things, but this will be the final sum up of how He wants to see us walking through life.

It is important to remember that these instructions are not rules to bind us but rather loving principles that He has provided us with so that we can live the best, most thriving life possible. It isn’t about legalism, but rather a loving response of obedience to our personal king who came and died for us because He loved us so much and wanted a relationship with us.

If you don’t already, consider playing an audio Bible through some speakers in your home as you go about your tasks this week. It is a great way to subliminally be filling the Word into your whole family. Hearing the Word spoken with someone else’s tone and inflection can also help you take notice of things you may not otherwise have.

-Drink deeply of this week’s memory verse and let it wash over you as many times as you can today. You have learned lots of tricks for hiding scripture away in your heart this past month, so pull out your favorites and really invest in this life-giving practice.

-Today you are going to combine thankfulness and prayer practices into one again. Write out a prayer of thankfulness to God for His instruction and guidance in your life. Make note of specific times when His principles have proven beneficial to you and kept you from bad decisions.

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Day 2 -Today you are reading through Chapter 1 again. Start a list in your journal of all the different ways that Paul calls us to live, making sure to list the reference to the verse as well. Also, don’t forget to mark these verses in your Bible in a special color or with a significant symbol so they will be easy for you to spot in the future. These are, after all, Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (or B.I.B.L.E.).

-Put some rhythm to your memory verse today! March around the house with your kids as you all recite it together. Get up and have fun with it! You can even do some Googling to see if you can find a song that contains this scripture, which would help your memorizing efforts even more! -Today in your thankfulness focus on how thankful you are that you don’t have to accomplish these instructions on your own, but rather you just have to turn to Jesus in full confidence that He began the work and He will finish it. Write out a prayer of thanks to Him for being the source of your strength and ask Him for His continual filling in your soul.

Day 3 -Read and mark Chapter 2 today and continue your list of instructions for Christian living. Remember, it’s ok if some of the things are repeats of verses we have discussed in previous weeks. This is just your master list and you want it to be as complete as possible.

Also, don’t forget that the aim with this study is to be bathing in the scriptures all day long. Be sure to leave that Bible open and try to read and reread these verses throughout your day, placing key ones on sticky notes and then in strategic places throughout your home to be constantly reminded of them. After all, Deuteronomy 6:8-9 instructs us,

"You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

-Write it, read it, say it! When you are speaking your memory verse aloud, always think of the inflection that should be used in saying it. Try to hear in your head how Paul would have said it when He was writing the letter. By making the verse conversational and “real-sounding” it will become more personal to you and easier to memorize.

-Today, write down three ways you are thankful that sacrificial obedience in your life has helped encourage someone else in their faith. There is something holy in being humbled, and if we can recognize how the challenges we have walked through while keeping focused on Christ can be beneficial to someone else’s walk, then it can give more meaning and purpose to what we have had to endure.

-Ask Jesus to help you walk humbly, even in the hard times, and ask Him to reveal purpose in your pain. The reasons won’t always come and we should keep loving and

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following Him no matter what (in the full assurance that He is a good and loving God) but there is no wrong in the asking.

Day 4 -Today will be your last reading of Chapter 3. Read and mark it as you have the other chapters this week and continue your list of instructions for Christian living.

-Today would be a wonderful day to share your memory verse with family. Sometimes it can be difficult to stay positive and avoid family drama, but allow this verse to encourage you to continually set your mind and mouth on things above.

-Today, instead of writing in your journal, get out a 3x5 card and write down the most pressing things in your life that you can rejoice are in your past and do not define you. Choose to forget those things by tearing up that card and throwing it away! Now, reach forward to what is ahead in Christ Jesus, pressing on toward the goal, and thanking Him for the new life He has given you.

-Pray today that God would truly help you not allow yourself to be defined by your past but instead be defined by who you are in Him. Ask for His strength to run this race and follow hard after Him.

Day 5 -Your final day! Can you believe it? Once you have completed today’s reading you will have gone through the book of Philippians eight times in four weeks! Read, mark and add to your list as you have other days this week. Also take some time to look back over all you have learned this month and what treasures God has surfaced that we should cling to throughout our lives!

-Have a Memory Verse Bee with your kids today and see who can most accurately remember the verses that you have learned this month. Make it fun and maybe even offer up a surprise like a special treat when you are all finished. Remind yourself and your kids that, as Corrie ten Boom said,

“For that which is in your heart can never be taken from you.”

-Today write down what you are most thankful for learning in this study. How has the Book of Philippians changed you as you have allowed God’s Words to soak deeply into your soul? List the top three take-aways you will move forward from here with.

-Write out a final prayer of thanks to God for the work He is doing in your heart and life. Pray for His continued strength and renewal of your mind. Pray that the truths you have learned will stay embedded in your soul and fresh in your mind. Most importantly, thank Him for His saving grace and that He loved us enough to give us His words to live by.

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Conclusion

It is my sincerest hope and prayer that this past four weeks has been a blessing to your soul and an encouragement to your faith. I am so thankful for each and every one of the ladies that God has brought into my life through this ministry and I deeply appreciate all the love and support that you all have given to me. I am, and have been, offering up my heartfelt prayers for all of you and will continue to do so.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at boldturquoise@gmail.com and remember that you can always find the latest updates on what is happening in the Cultivating the Lovely Community by visiting BoldTurquoise.com.

Thank you again and be blessed!

MacKenzie

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Acknowledgements I couldn’t finish up this guide without making mention of a few people who have been integral to the development and growth of this ministry.

First of all, my family. My husband, who listens to so much chatter from me about social media (that he really doesn’t care about but is so gracious to let me talk to him about anyway for hours on end). He is the love of my life and I can’t imagine being in ministry without having him to bounce things off of and celebrate with. I’m also so grateful to my four kids who (most of the time) are fully supportive of mama having an online presence that requires her time and attention as well.

This ministry was just an idea and a hope, way back in the recesses of my heart, that four particular ladies helped draw out and inspire. My Holy Space Voxer Girls- Katie, Andi, Jenny and Chelle are the women who have taught me what friendship really means and looks like. Thank you girls for doing life with me and always graciously allowing me to be honest.

There is another subset of online friends who have been an incredible resource to bounce things off of and are always there for support and a mutual understanding of what this online life even means. Mystie, Pam, Dawn, Amy, Kristi and Crystal- I am so grateful for you ladies and your practical encouragement to make things happen.

Lastly, all the amazing women in the Cultivating the Lovely Community. You will never know what it means to me to join you every morning and talk about Jesus-things and real life with all of you!

And, not to Jesus-Juke, but thank you God for taking me on this wild ride that I never expected. I had hoped for it but never thought it would actually happen. Your plans are so much bigger and more beautiful than anything I could muster myself and I am beyond blessed to be Your daughter. This is my meager offering of thanks for Your salvation and guiding hand in my life.

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