Week Two: I Used to Be So Organized
Hello ladies! My name is Heather Bleier and I will be taking over for Melissa this week as she enjoys well deserved time with her family. I am so excited to be here with y’all going through Chapters Four and Five. As I read them last week in preparation, the words almost jumped off the page! Today I’ll simply be posting this week’s assignments and believe me ladies, we have a TON of fun things going on as we dive into these chapters…including another giveaway {who doesn’t love a giveaway??}!
Memory Verse:
This was tricky to pick y’all. In the end I chose I Samuel 16:7b as we focus on our hearts. Starting tomorrow, the verse will be posted each morning on our Facebook Page and Twitter. Blanks will be added throughout the week to help you commit this verse to memory. For now, write it on a few note cards and post them in areas where you will see them often: bathroom mirror, in your wallet, at work, on the refrigerator, etc…
“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
~ I Samuel 16:7b
Monday:
Read Chapter Four, highlight any passages that leap off the page. When you find a Bible verse, copy it into your journal, and highlight it in your Bible. Blog Post “My New Vue”
Tuesday:
Mini-message “Heart Check”
Wednesday:
Read Chapter Five, highlight any passages that leap off the page. When you find a Bible verse, copy it into your journal, and highlight it in your Bible. Blog Post “A Day with Jesus.” Giving away TWO conference Calls!
Thursday:
Mini- message “30 Minute Challenge”
Friday:
Glynnis Whitwer has another Friday post for us! Be sure to stop by!
Come visit us on:
Sponsor a Child
{ 60 comments }
Do you know when we may get our books? This is hard to do without a book and what if you are not on facebook or twitter? Thanks,Pat.
Pat,
, I know there are many who are in your same shoes right now. So many copies have been purchased that the publisher had to make more! How awesome is that! I know it makes it a bit of a challenge when you’re trying to do the study, but hopefully your book will come in soon. 
Facebook and Twitter aren’t required as part of the study. They’re just extra ways to get connected to others doing this study together. I’m sorry you don’t have your book yet
<3 Heather
hahaha…I signed up for an organizational bible study …bought the book on Kindle…put the app on my computer….& found out this bible study is Unorganized.hahahaha….even this weeks partial refrence is not good for scripture memorization….Its an excellant teaching concept….but its taken out of the context context …So Ill be praying some organization occurs for us ALL during the course of this Biblestudy….im still singing the first memorization verse… Seek Ye first the kingdom of God,And His righteousness,And all these things, shall be added onto you, Allelu, allelujah……………Matthew 6:33
Maggie,
I’m sorry you feel we are a little disorganized
, we really aren’t though 
. In fact, this week’s lessons and posts are all complete and ready to go, though we also leave room for changes as necessary. As Melissa said, we have a wonderful team of volunteers who pour out their time, talents, and resources to help make everything run smoothly. That being said, we’re a bunch of humans doing our best to glorify God and at times things slip through the cracks.
I chose this verse because it was one of the verses referenced in Chapter Four, which we will get to this week. I also chose it because God truly looks at our hearts, not our appearance or the number of things we’ve crossed off our to-do list at the end of the day. We will touch on this more when we discuss it in Tuesday’s post. If you have any questions, you can contact Melissa as she said or I am more than happy to talk with you
.
I hope you have a wonderful week as we dive into Chapters Four and Five.
<3 Heather
I wish you could see my face…I am Smileing for ear to ear…When I got home there were 99 emails in my box & most were for this Blog…I down loaded the book to my computer so Im on task & poised at the begining of chapter 4 with Plenty to do this week…My Farmers market season is in full swing & I just picked up a second day of selling so Organization needs to be my middle name to keep up with Homeschool & bgoodstudio..thanks for Babysitting me & My issues…LOL &*-D
OOps ..I didnt read carefully But I obviously hurt feelings without intention & I should proably let you know…..I didnt have any feelings other than JOY…. I didnt list the problems I was exsperianceing because it wasnt important….& as for the scripture I always teach scripture within the text so that the student can defend the text as it stands within the chapter…its a homeschool thing…Night Ladies..this week is action packed
Please do not assign me anymore “Feelings” ladies based on what I posted.I merly stated my opinion about what I personaly was “Exsperienceing” through what I was reading. * First I made a commitment & * I didnt recieve the e-mails for the first 3 days* the Postings came at random times in email & FB* I couldnt provide a book for a friend & she didnt recieve the emailseither * the guest writer on friday, said she had forgotten* & Mellissa went on vacation…….so I was Exsperienceing Unorganization…Not feelings
Wow. Tough audience today.
Pat, call the place where you ordered your book and ask them. If it is Proverbs 31 Ministries, the toll free number is 877-731-4663. I will be there all day tomorrow.
And Maggie, on the contrary, this Bible study is quite organized. If you are having issues with the way it is run, please contact me or the person you have a problem with privately. We are all volunteers in this study, doing this because we love God, His Word, and love studying with other sisters in Christ.
Please call me at the Proverbs 31 office if you’d like to discuss the way the study is run. If you have suggestions I welcome them. I love to talk to ladies who I’m studying with. The number is 877-731-4663.
Finally,Heather, Thank you so much for taking over this week. I will be doing the work right along with you. My oldest son graduates high school this week and we have lots of family and friends in town. Thanks for taking the lead so I can enjoy this time with them. Love you and I love the memory verse. Its one of my faves!
Anytime my sister! I’m thrilled to be able to help and I’m so glad the timing worked out so perfectly for you! I know it was totally a God-ccident when he prodded me to take on this week ’cause I had no idea you had such a busy week ahead of you!
Blessings to you sister! I love you bunches and I can’t wait to finally meet you face to face in July!
<3 Heather
Love you girl! Can’t wait to hug in person! <3
Enjoy this wonderful time and cherish it while your kids are still at home. It really goes too fast! Thanks so much to you and your helpers. The study is wonderful!
I totally agree with Melissa. This is my second study and the first I have been a volunteer leader. I think the study is very organized considering there are thousands of women participating. God wants our heart first and foremost which is what the scripture is discussing. God wants us to look to Him for our source ad whether we become organized or not, thankfully God loves us. I am loving the study and love Melissa. Thanks for all you do Melissa and your team.
I am so thrilled you have joined our team of volunteers! I’ve been with these studies since we studied “It’s No Secret” and I can’t imagine missing a single one! We are truly blessed to have a leader with such a heart for God and for helping women draw closer to Him through these studies!
<3 Heather
Had thoughts on this verse just this morning in discussions with my 9 year old. This portion of the verse was one used in VBS a couple of weeks ago and he really learned by making some new friends that our outward appearance isn’t what counts. Had to remind him of that during church this morning as a snide comment came out of his mouth. We’re all works in progress =)On the flip side, sometimes my outward appearance of, “Yes, I’m fine” hides how much of a mess I am… but God knows!
Thanks, Melissa. One thing I love about the P-31 ladies are how very real and open you are. It’s nice to know that we’re all perfectly imperfect =)
Sounds like y’all did the Sky VBS! I just trained all of my volunteers today and we can’t wait to get started! I had to chuckle as I went through the training this morning and this verse popped up. I just LOVE how God brings a verse before us over and over, especially when it’s something He really wants us to notice {He’s so good!}.
From one imperfect person to another
<3 Heather
I agree the women with p31women as so real. I can relate to them so much.
Wow, tough group. I’ve already read Chapters 4 and 5 once, and I find that the memory verse is just right for the concepts covered in those chapters. It’s not my intention to start an argument, but I would like to know how you think that verse is taken out of context. I’m a Seminary student (just learning), and I find things like this interesting. Feel free to email me privately if you wish. kasey.hand@comcast.net
Best of luck as you continue your studies Kasey! I earned my degree as a Director of Christian Education, it was a lot of work, but absolutely worth all the effort!
<3 Heather
Thanks Heather! I’m trying to tackle New Testament this summer, but I think it’s winning so far!
I first want to thank Heather for taking over this week for Melissa – Heather I love the verses you give us for memorizing. And for taking time out your schedule to do this, especially with all you have going on.
Looking forward to this week and very interested in the upcoming challenge.
As a person on the volunteer team I don’t see how this study is unorganized. I feel we have all been using our gifts and team work to offer a great first week of study. I am sorry Pat that you haven’t received your book – there have been books on back order. I am sorry Maggie that you feel this first week has been unorganized. I encourage you to call Melissa and speak with her. We all are trying our best juggling families, school, full time work, and a host of other things that demand our time. However if you have a suggestion to help us we would LOVE to know it – thanks
You’re very welcome Veronica! As I read the chapters last week, they just jumped off the page, then I read them again and even MORE jumped off the page! I hope I do these truths justice as I do my best to bring them home to everyone doing this study.
Thank you for everything you do for these studies!
<3 Heather
Oh my goodness peeps!!! I am so excited to be a part of this study and this ministry! I actually love that we have to come here each day…keeps me better organized and on task, one step at a time. Love the verse for the week Heather! Speaks volumes! Its not about what others think. God is the only one we need to be concerned about judgement.
I LOVE too that we are all imperfect and it brings me great comfort to know that I am not alone! Whether it’s my neighbor, my bff, my pastor or my ministry…there is HOPE in all of it! Praise God for his GRACE!
Now, I am going to go sit in my mess and praise Him!
Love you Heather!
Lisa, thank you for organizing all of our FB small groups! I can only imagine just how much time and effort goes into making sure everyone is put into groups and organize over 500 women PLUS our fearless small group leaders!
I’m sitting at my messy desk praising God right there with you!
<3 Heather
I have been so blessed with the material this week and was surprised to discover my problem is not only having my mind cluttered but it is also about obedience and lordship in my life! Love getting to the root of the problem. Of course the man pleasing verses God pleasing issue was the topic of today’s sermon!
lovely when God repeats things to me like this, makes me sit up a little straighter and listen. I am pretty sure when I get the lordship issue settled some of the things in my brain will fall into place naturally. I can hardly wait for God to speak to me this week. Getting organized is great…but pales in comparison to getting it right with God. I feel for the first time in Quite a while that I can have victory over my chaotic schedule. God bless you for all the work & time you girls pour in to this. Suzi
Suzi,
. I am so glad you’re here with us!
What you’ve said is SO true! It’s amazing just how much easier it is to tackle the demands of our life and schedule when we have first given God priority in our day and in our life. Later this week, we’ll be talking about keeping God close even when we’re not in church or in our Quiet Time
<3 Heather
Heather i love the joy
and the passion you have in you
to do this
keep it up
blessings to you
Thank you Brittany! I love being able to do this! I thank God that He gives us a chance to reach out, using technology as a tool to glorify His name!
<3 Heather
I, too, give you all lots of credit!! It’s not an easy job organizing a HUGE study like this! With over 3,000 women doing this together, there’s bound to be a snag along the way. Thanks Ladies, for all you do!!!!
Thanks sister! I know we all see those snags as an opportunity to grow and do things better! It’s amazing the snags we’ve been able to avoid as we prepare for each study, but nevertheless, that one seems to always slip through the cracks and keep us not only on our toes, but humble before the Lord. God bless those snags!!
<3 Heather
Oh, my, without these studies my time with God is not organized and not as consistent. My relationship with my Lord has GREATLY benefited from participating in these OBSs. Thank you to so many ladies that make this possible! Also, thank you for being real and honest. If you put on a mask that everything was always perfect with these studies, we would not benefit as much. Enjoy your family this week, Melissa! Thank you, Heather, for making it possible for Melissa to take a break. We all need that sometime.
I’m right there with you! I use these studies to help me stay close to God and supplement my Quiet Time. No masks for us that’s for sure!
<3 Heather
Melissa, Heather, and everyone else running this study,
You are all doing a fantastic job! I don’t understand how some people can be so harsh, but I just wanted to encourage you all and let you know that I’m really enjoying the study! I’m keeping up just fine and everything is very thought out and put together! I’m thinking that some people who aren’t familiar with technology might be having a hard time keeping up, but if they ask on here, we’d all love to help them! Keep doing what you all are doing! You all really have a heart for ministry!
Thank you Megan! We would absolutely help anyone who finds themselves a little lost online. I know technology moves sooooooo fast it can be a challenge to keep up!
<3 Heather
I am LIVING this study by the way!!! It has spoken volimes to me!!!
Loving…meant to say!!!
LOL!!
Living and loving!
I’m living it, too.. And loving it. Even your typo fits, because it’s the story of my life=)
I too am still awaiting my book, but the verse I read while I was with God this morning was Matt 15:18b Evil words come from an evil heart and defiles a man who says them. For from the heart comes evil thoughts.” Then when I backtracked Matt 15:11b says ” It’s what you say and think that makes you unclean”. What they were referring to was the food we eat or don’t eat , and how we worship Jesus.
We have to start with our hearts, are they really in the right place, much like our memory verse its what’s on the inside that counts and is what God looks at. Yea this is a side note and reference verses.
I love these verses Debi! God reminds us over and over that He is more interested in the condition of our hearts than anything else. The best way to get our hearts in line with His is to do what you did this morning…spend a little time with Him!
<3 Heather
Hi Ladies!
May I make a suggestion? Could you please add which version Bible you use?
I looked the verse up in NIV and, with exception of a few word changes, it is right on target.
`The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7b (NIV)
I have not received my book yet, but am trying to follow along as much as possible, which basically means visiting the blog and reading posts and comments. I went ahead and ordered the book for our next study. I guess that means I’m sticking around for a while
Anyhoo, anyone who plans to do the next study may want to order theirs as well.
Melissa & Heather, thank you for your commitment to lead our group.
Also, Melissa enjoy this week with friends and family
Michelle,
I see what you’re saying about the Memory Verse. I used the NIV 1984 version which is just slightly different from the version which came out last year, I just didn’t think to put the “NIV 1984″ at the end of the reference
. I pick them each week, and I’ll try to remember to include the version. NIV1984 is still my default {it’s the one I grew up with}. 
.
I’m sorry your book hasn’t come in
, I understand how frustrating that can be, I’m praying that anyone who is still missing theirs that it will come in within the next couple of days. Like you, I already ordered our next book! I’m so glad you’ll be “sticking” with us when we get to “Unglued,” ROFL!! {Sorry couldn’t help the pun!}.
<3 Heather
very punny, heather! thanks for blessing us as you bless melissa by filling in for her this week! <3
Afternoon, ladies!
I’ve read some of ch 4 and wanted to share a portion that was meaningful to me. “…God revealed that my view of my life and purpose was small compared to his.”
Mel,
What a powerful statement! He sees everything, beginning and the end. I know at times what we’re going through or the mile long to-do list seems to be insurmountable, but compared to eternity…whew!…there is just so much we don’t see. Thanks be to God that He does!
<3 Heather
Looking forward to this week with you Heather!!!!
I know it’s going to be a great week! Hugs
{{Hugs}} to you too Kelley!
<3 Heather
Thanks so much, Heather for stepping up to the plate. We always love hearing from you!! One of my favorite scriptures and always love the message… I have been biting at the bit waiting to get to chapters 4 and 5 … LOVE them!! I am excited to start discussing them in my group and hearing what everyone has to share!!
Warmest Blessings,
Mama Heather thank you for filling in this week, you as well as Melissa & the rest of the team, are amazing!! I love your hearts for God and everything you post is great because you’re a woman who prays first and you allow God to direct your steps & words.
This is my 3rd study as an OBS group leader and I love it and my ladies each time.
I Samuel 16:7b is one of my favorite scriptures and is perfect for this study.
May God bless you (& BB) over and above what you ask, expect, or think as His Word promises.
<3
Thank you Heather and Melissa. This is my 3rd time as an online fb leader and I want you both to know what a FANTASTIC job you do. This study is really speaking to me in a BIG way and I love that we are all imperfect people doing our best to glorify and honor God. My ladies in my group are well aware that I need this study just as much as they do . I love that we are all doing this together helping and praying for each other.
Love you both and so Grateful to you for bringing us these truly Life changing studies. (((((((hugs))))))
This study is amazing. I have so many things highlighted! I have already said “no” to my boss for a special project that he asked me to do (and I know he expected me to say yes because I always do). It felt sooooo good to say no. Every time I would start to feel that anxiety this week, I’d take a deep breath and remind myself that I need to follow God’s agenda for the day, not mine.
I usually have the TV on every morning to hear the news before I head out for the day, but the last two days I’ve left the TV off and spent that time in conversation with the Lord. My days started off so much better. At this point I know I’ll have to keep reminding myself of these changes, but I think it will be easier just remembering how much better I feel every time I remind myself that God is in control, not me. And this is just finishing Week #1. I’m anxious to travel the journey we are on with the study.
Thank you to all your Proverbs 31 Ministry ladies for being obedient to the Lord, for giving so much of your time to help all of us, for being so real and honest about your shortcomings. It makes it so much easier for us. Blessings to all of you. You truly are a blessing to me.
I have a problem of starting lots of things, maybe getting them done, and if so as quickly as posible. I am so thankful that you are spacing things out for me. I have to take my time and be accountable, so I can stay caught up. I am still so overwhelmed that I couldnt answer that 1 thing that I could change…maybe God will show it too me soon cause anytime try to think about it, my head hurts! Haha anyway, looking forward to taking time in this study and letting it sink in.
enjoy family time Mellissa, looking forward to ‘getting to know you’.
Heather and Melissa, you are really doing an awesome job with the study as always. Learning so much from you. I look forward to the posts and assignments. The memory verses are just that memorable. Keep up the good work.
As I read chapter 1 & 2 & 3, I read them …prayed and althought they hit home, when I started on chapter 4, I just couldn’t stop there, I read until part of chapter 6 because these chapters are really hitting home and explaining how I can feel the way I do sometimes. It is an awesome book and now I must go back and just focus on chapter 4. I have done 3 online bible studies here and I love them. It is all about coming back to the site and doing each day as it says and to read the comments and join in and get to know everyone’s thoughts. It is a wonderful way to see how God is leading each and every one of us and I think we need to also focus on why we were led to this study…. God has a plan.
Love the book and thank you so much Melissa and Heather for taking this week. Melissa …enjoy that graduation and your family visiting.
Just thinking about Maggie and her feelings on the study… I pray that each of us can learn from this book and our study and realize why we were brought to it and also the leaders leading this study… We were all brought together for a reason. Sometimes if the bible verse isn’t from the bible I normally read, I just pick up my bible and read that verse and usually go back and read the chapter to put it into context with what was going on at the time ….
I think it is just a great example that we are all different people with different views and through this, sometimes our days don’t go as planned and that creates the dissaray that has brought us to study this book.
Again …thank you ladies for all your hard work you put into doing this online bible study.
Chapter 4 was great! it made me think of Matt11: 28-30. Come, all you who labor and are heavyladen and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and humble of heart. And you shall find rest for your souls, for My yoke is easy and my burden light. I need to keep reminding myself that if its hard and heavy, it’s not Jesus! I’m always aware of God’s presence, but Chapter 4 taught me that I amy not always know His heart! Being is more important than doing! Hmmm-exactly opposite to what I was always taught. Looking forward to more nuggets. Thanks, Heather!
Veronica-
I find interesting that you said that hard and heavy things aren’t of Jesus. I personally don’t think that’s true.
Actually Chapter 4 has helped explain things that have happened for me…the School commission chair, chair of the recruitment committee, Parish Nurse, full time professional, student, mother of 3 teens, wife…until it all came crashing down. “the more I try to control the world around me, the more out of balance I get” resonated with me because of the above. Being Versus Doing also hit me….although mentally I know nothing I do will win me more favor with God I obviously felt I needed to do more in order to be accepted more by God…I lose site of the quote Glynnis borrowed ” He created me, He will always love me, Nothing I do will change who I am.” My challenge has always been to remember this… not comparing myself to others, having unkind thoughts about others, being unforgiving, being judgmental, or believing I am the only one who can get things done will make me more Precious in God’s sight than I am already. Wow!!! Now IF I can only remember that!!!
I just want to tell you how much I love this study. I ordered my book late from my local Bible store and I just picked it up today. I could not wait to get started! Once I started reading I could not put the book down. I decided I was going to get all caught up to Chapter 5. It is now 3:40 am and I just wanted you to know how much it has ministered to me. I really felt like it would minister to a cousin of mine so I sent her a message and she ordered it for her Kindle. I can’t wait to finish the study! Looking forward to what God has for me! Thank you so much!
Hello Ladies, I know I’m late on this but I just finished reading chapter 4 (I have 16 relatives that just arrived here on Wednesday from Puerto Rico and as you can imagine my house is upside down). But I’m really trying to catch up and they just left today to a resort and now I have the time to complete my assignments. I just wanted to share some key points that I can definitely relate to and others that were an eye opener for me.
First, I could definitely relate with the fact that God has been challenging me to match my outsides with my insides. I feel like at times I’ve lost who I really am due to almost living two lives and not being true to myself. Definitely have been reevaluating my priorities and expectations for myself.
Also, OMG!!! for what she quoted from the book: No ordinary Home (which I’m in the process of buying), Being vs. Doing!. “He did everything that needed DOING; I needed to relax and concentrate on BEING. The only thing I need to do is come to grips with God’s way of seeing me”. This has been my eye opener because it truly explains what I’ve done ALL my life. Chapter 3 explained how “Karen” had to “perform” for approval and now it all hits me that, that’s what I’ve been doing. In the process of me doing my “performance” all I worried about was what I was doing instead of being! Just had to wake my hubby to share this word! Amazing.
“God revealed that my view of my life and purpose was small compared to His”. From today on I choose to see God’s view for my life, because He has placed more value on my heart than on my achievements! Praise Him! God is so amazing! This is a new chapter for my life and I feel awesome because I truly feel Him closer to me now that I understand that He’s always been next to me!
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