Archive for the ‘Spirituality’


FM: Simplicity

Mini #130

In this week long study we explore what Scripture reveals about simplicity in life. Our study focuses on how letting go of emotional and physical clutter opens us up to experience more joy, true abundance, and God’s Grace.

Faith Matters: The Gospel of Matthew

Mini #117
Opens 5/5/10

In this Faith Matters Study we work through the Gospel of Matthew. The study is broken down into sections to work at the pace of about one chapter per day. Reflection questions focus on applying the Scripture to your daily life as well as retaining the messages of the Gospel and understanding the book in its ancient setting.

This is the first of four studies to take us through the Gospels.

Priority Planning Workshop

Mini #115 - April Featured Mini

One of the ways to maximize your time in the Make Today Matter program, and your time in general, is through a routine of Priority Planning. While it takes a little time, this planning is key to helping us stay on track throughout the month. Done thoroughly, this planning allows us to stay focused in  spite of adversity and to focus on what truly matters.  Priority Planning also reduces stress and helps us manage our time better. The five steps of Priority Planning can be accessed by all MTM Members in Phase II by following the link in the blue “quick links” menu. This Mini is an additional workshop that provides an audio version of each of the five steps, and also provides a location to share and encourage one another with our plans!

FM: Practicing the Presence

Mini #106
This study will open on 1/10/2010

For many people practicing spirituality can get into a set routine– Sunday’s at Church, Bible Study, or a blocked off prayer time. In this Faith Matters Study, Brook explores simple ways we can work to constantly connect and unite our daily steps with God throughout the course of the day. The study is comprised of simple connection-techniques to use and reflect on throughout the month. In addition to an increased closeness with God, these techqniues help us reduce stress and keep perspective inside the demands and pace of daily life. These techniques can be especially useful for those who are looking to increase their closeness with God but are unsure of where to begin.

Life Profiler Mini * Featured Mini

Mini Makeover #105

If you are ready to do an in-depth analysis of your strengths and weaknesses to help you “go beyond the Snapshot” then this is the Mini for you! Brook developed the Life Profiler Mini to help people pinpoint what specific steps they can take to improve life areas of concern. The Profiler includes over 200 questions and can be downloaded in Microsoft Excel format. After answering the questions, you will be able to see how well you score in 17 different life areas as well as learn what MTM solutions and strategies can help you improve! This is a great in-depth review to do once or twice per year.

FM: Managing Your Moods

Mini #95
A Faith Matters Study

It is no secret that women tend to experience a wide variety of emotions. Within a single day we can go from upbeat to discouraged and then some. Inviting God’s presence and God’s word to guide us can enable us to increase positive, growth-providing emotions and decrease those that are harmful and limiting to both ourselves and those around us. This Faith Matters Study will guide you through self-reflection, insight from scripture, and finding God’s wisdom for managing your moods and emotions.

Faith Matters: Love Is…

Mini #91
Available 9/3/09

One of my favorite Bible passages comes from 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13: 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails

In this Faith Matters Study we explore what Love Is and how to live each day with love– love of God, love of life, love of self, love of others.

FM: Exploring the Psalms

Mini #86

In this Faith Matters Mini we will be exploring a portion of the Book of Psalms. The study is comprised of daily readings from the Books of Psalms along with reflection questions and information about the Psalm authors. We will explore how we can learn from the Psalms to enhance our own prayer lives and deepen our relationship with God.

FM: Power of Prayer

Mini #79
Available 5/2/09
17 pages

In this Faith Matters Study we explore the Power of Prayer and how to enrich our prayer life day - to - day. In addition to reflection questions on God’s Word, we explore practical instructions for keeping a prayer journal and using prayer time to enrich our connection with God.

FM: Applying the Parables II

Mini #75

“He began to teach them many things in parables.” (Mark 4:2)

Stories have always been a way to relate and share to one another. Jesus used simple word-pictures, called parables, to help people understand who God is and offer guidelines for living God’s word. According to Don Schwager, “This was Jesus most common way of teaching. His stories appealed to the young and old, poor and rich, and to the learned and unlearned as well. Over a third of the Gospels by Matthew, Mark, and Luke contain parables told by Jesus. Jesus loved to use illustrations to reach the heart of his listeners through their imagination. These word-pictures challenged the mind to discover anew what God is like and moved the heart to make a response to God’s love and truth. Like a skillful artist, Jesus painted evocative pictures with short and simple words. A good picture can speak more loudly and clearly than many words. Jesus used the ordinary everyday to point to another order of reality — hidden, yet visible to those who had “eyes to see” and “ears to hear”. His parables are like buried treasure waiting to be discovered (Matt. 13:44)”

In this Bible Study, the second in a series on the Parables of Jesus, we will work through four parables to explore the meaning and understand the message these treasure hold for us today. (You can work through these studies in any order. For Parables I see #69)

FM: Renew Your Mind

Mini Makeover #72
28 pages

In the Book of Romans we are instructed, “…do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” When I first read these five words–the renewing of your mind– something stirred deep within me.

What does it mean to “renew your mind?” The answer can be found in the full verse: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

This verse was a springboard for me to ask some tough questions:
How often does my attitude and thinking align with God’s Word?
Am I a willing participant in directing my thoughts and attitude toward the will of God?
Do I let autopilot take over in my life?
Is my mind constantly renewed and fed with God’s Word or is holding onto unhealthy messages?

As I sought to answer each question, I realized that the best place to feed and renew my mind was with God’s Word. I began scouring the Bible for verses that address thought and attitude. In the end I compiled 21 verses to create a “Renew Your Mind Month.”  I plan to review this renewing twice a year as a compass to live in the light of God’s instruction.In this study I share the verses and reflection question to offer a path to Renew Your Mind.

FM: Applying the Parables I

Mini #69

“He began to teach them many things in parables.” (Mark 4:2)

Stories have always been a way to relate and share to one another. Jesus used simple word-pictures, called parables, to help people understand who God is and offer guidelines for living God’s word. According to Don Schwager, “This was Jesus most common way of teaching. His stories appealed to the young and old, poor and rich, and to the learned and unlearned as well. Over a third of the Gospels by Matthew, Mark, and Luke contain parables told by Jesus. Jesus loved to use illustrations to reach the heart of his listeners through their imagination. These word-pictures challenged the mind to discover anew what God is like and moved the heart to make a response to God’s love and truth. Like a skillful artist, Jesus painted evocative pictures with short and simple words. A good picture can speak more loudly and clearly than many words. Jesus used the ordinary everyday to point to another order of reality — hidden, yet visible to those who had “eyes to see” and “ears to hear”. His parables are like buried treasure waiting to be discovered (Matt. 13:44)”

In this Bible Study, the first in a series on the Parables of Jesus, we will work through four parables to explore the meaning and understand the message these treasure hold for us today.

#61 Faith Matters: A Reason for the Season

Beyond the big meals, holiday sweets, commercialization, and wrapping paper is the biggest gift any of us could ever receive — the gift of Christ and of God’s love. In this study we countdown to Christmas with a daily verse, study, activity, reflection or challenge to keep Christ in Christmas.

Some of the topics covered include:

  • The Meaning of the Manger
  • The Christmas Story
  • Give God the greatest gift
  • The Advent Tradition
  • Creating your own Scripture Countdown Calendar
  • The Nativity Story
  • A Star in the Night
  • Sharing the Meaning with Children
  • A Christmas Candle
  • Hymns of the Season
  • What we can learn from the Wise Men
  • What we can learn from Mary
  • What we can learn from Joseph
  • The Spirit of Giving

Easy & Economical Holiday Decorating

Mini #58

15 pages

Tis the season to deck the house and this Mini will walk you through quick, easy and economical ideas to create a winter wonderland.

Within this Mini we will look at:

  • 6 ideas for Creating Holiday Centerpieces
  • Cornerstones of Holiday Decorating
  • 4 simple necessities to add a festive touch
  • Christmas Cards as Decoration
  • Garlands Galore: 10 Creative Ideas
  • Often Overlooked Decorating Ideas: Sounds & Scents
  • Pomanders
  • Advent Wreath Tradition
  • Christmas Crackers

The Mini includes additional links and resources for celebrating the season!Adapted from the 10 Weeks of Christmas Course

Faith Matters: Character Counts

Mini #56
Please note this Mini will not be available until November 7, 2008

My daughter Sammy and I were having an interesting conversation about values and character the other day. (She is thirteen.)

“How would you define character?” I asked.

She paused for a moment and said, “Character is how you define yourself, which in turn defines you.”

I loved this definition and it led me down the path of thinking carefully about character. Character is the real “you”– it is who you are when everyone is looking, and maybe more importantly, who you are when no one is looking.

In this Faith Matters study we look at fifteen important character traits found in the Bible and see how our character does (or doesn’t) embody these traits. This realistic character self-portrait provides a spring board for healthy changes.

FM: Straight to the Point

Mini #50

Includes Wisdom Worksheet
2 Key Verse Cards

One of the many Bible books that I read repeatedly is the book of James. A short five  chapters this book offers 54 direct commands, without mincing words on living the  Christian life.

The simple and straightforward approach of this Jerusalem church leader and brother of  Christ covers a wide range of conflicts, topics, and wisdom with clear guidance and a hallenge to put our faith into action. The writing and topics explored touch on the core  of today’s challenges–facing difficulty, doubt, adversity–and are as relevant now as in 50.A.D. (making it one of the earliest books of the New Testament–perhaps even the
first.)

In this study we will explore the five chapters of this book in depth and apply James wisdom to our lives while also exploring the self-reflection prompts through the book.

Practicing the Proverbs

Faith Matters - Mini #46

In this Faith Matters Study we explore 15 Proverbs. Each Proverb exploration includes a call to action to put the Scripture into practice in your own life. There are two implementation ideas for each Proverb for a total of 30 ideas to implement over the course of the month. The study is designed as a printable journal to record your experience of practicing the Proverbs.

Faith Matters: Words to Remember

Mini-Makeover #42

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds… Deuteronomy 11:19

Dallas Willard, professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, wrote, “If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs.”

Chuck Swindoll wrote, “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.”

In this Faith Matters study we will learn the basic of memory verses, share favorite verses, learn memorization techniques and tips, and create memory verse cards. Includes a printable page of 8 business-card sized-memory verses.

Faith Matters: Living by Example

Mini #039

Okay… so we might all agree that the Bible makes a great guide for living and that God’s word and the examples of Jesus are timeless principles that offer a ray of light to all who strive to follow these footsteps.

Yet how do we bring these words alive in our own life? How do we go from reading God’s Word to LIVING God’s word? What can we learn from the teaching of Jesus that can guide us day-in an day-out as we face conflict, stress, difficult choices or confused emotions?

In this Faith Mattes Study we will read through timeless wisdom of the Bible and work to live by example by incorporating this wisdom into our own life. Includes reflections and challenges for practicing each nugget of wisdom in your daily life.

Living by Example: Guidance for Living God’s Word
28 pages

Okay… so we might all agree that the Bible makes a great guide for living and that God’s word and the examples of Jesus are timeless principles that offer a ray of light to all who strive to follow these footsteps.

Yet how do we bring these words alive in our own life? How do we go from reading God’s Word to LIVING God’s word? What can we learn from the teaching of Jesus that can guide us day-in an day-out as we face conflict, stress, difficult choices or confused emotions?

In this Faith Mattes Study we will read through timeless wisdom of the Bible and work to live by example by incorporating this wisdom into our own life.  Includes reflections and challenges for practicing these nugget of wisdom in your daily life.

This study is divided into 21 daily doses of devotion. Topics of exploration include:

  • Selflessness
  • Memory Verses
  • Putting Others First
  • Communication & Conflict
  • Watching Your Words
  • Advice on Daily Living
  • Living in Faith
  • Seeking Wisdom
  • Actions and Preparations
  • Navigating Life
  • From Confusion to Clarity
  • The Garden or Life
  • Guidelines for Living and Loving
  • Opinions
  • Following Christ

    Bonuses:
    Special God’s Guidance Printable
    2 Key Verse Cards

Faith Matters: A Path of Purpose

Mini #034

A Path of Purpose
18 pages

Welch poet David Whyte wrote: “I don’t want to have written on my tombstone, when finally people struggle through the weeds, pull back the moss, and read the inscription there: ‘He made his car payments.’” While humor is found in Whyte’s quote, great truth is also revealed. My guess is he struggled with the questions that loom over so many of us:

• What is it all for?
• Why am I here?
• What am I supposed to be doing with my life?
• How will I know when I’ve made the right decision?
• What is my calling?
• What is my purpose?

I have had many women come to me seeking one-on-one help and the most common area they want to cover is purpose.

“I know I should be doing more with my life—but I don’t know what that more is.”

Other times people know their purpose but fear or lack of confidence is holding them back. It doesn’t take much to see the widespread dissatisfaction with purpose in today’s world. How many people have you heard say they are in the “wrong job?” How many people do you know who are looking for a career change or long to pursue a dream if only…

In this Faith Matters study we will explore similar struggled faced throughout the Bible and the wisdom God’s Word can shed on purpose.

  • Includes 18 days of study

  • Includes one wallet-sized Faith Card

  • Includes regular sized Faith Card

Between the many demands on our time, the opinions and influence of those around us, and the choices available in today’s word it can be challenging to discover our purpose. Yet living “on purpose” is a key ingredient of a balance and meaningful life. In this study we explore women of the Bible and God’s Word to help us ask and answer the questions to lead us toward purposeful living.

* In June Brook will lead an online discussion on the last Sunday of the month at 4:00 PM CST.

This study includes 15 daily doses of study.

About Faith Matters: Each study includes….

  • Look-Ups (a.ka. Write it Down): Each study contains scripture references around the monthly theme. Look these up in the Bible you are most comfortable with and write them in the provided space.
    Reflection Questions: Work through these thoughtfully. Space is provided in the study guide or you can use the private online journal.
  • Activities: Follow the instructions for the outlined Activities. You may wish to keep a special journal for these Activities.Faith Matters Card Reduced
  • Key Verses: Build a deck of cards to celebrate key verses that speak to you. Each week add one verse to your deck. You can write it on a colored index card, design it on a computer, or decorate a card by hand.
  • Discussion Topics: Discussion topics are highlighted throughout the study . Login to the study area and you will see a thread started for each of these.
  • One or two key verse cards created by Brook Noel
  • Access to the general Faith Matters area where you can share favorite scripture, your own key verse cards, prayers and more.

Any relationship can be challenging to maintain in today’s busy life. Ask a woman how many close friends she has and most women can easily count them on one hand. Why? A close relationship requires a resource in tight supply for many-time. The purpose of the Faith Matters Mini is to provide a way to study what the Bible says on a specific topic and provide a simple way to stay present with our faith.

A few important notes about Faith Matters Minis:
1. Everyone is welcome, regardless of religious affiliation or current beliefs. If you have never picked up a Bible, aren’t sure what you believe, or even if you are angry at God, you are welcome here.

2. These are explorations not “rules” At no point will I say (or can anyone else say) “You should …”

3. Respect for everyone is mandatory, this is not an area to debate God’s Word, but to live it.

4. Scripture references are taken from both the Old and New Testaments

5. All topics explored are POSITIVE. I have talked with many women who have left their spiritual practice because it was driven by guilt, negativity, and punishment. The Bible is so filled with positive inspiration and examples and these are my focus.