BarbaraLynnSeibel 18 - Barbara Lynn Seibel

February 20, 2022February 20, 2022

RESPONDING WITH OBEDIENCE

My husband and I have raised five dogs thus far.

Most were usually quick to respond with obedience.

Our current dog, Meghan, in general is obedient except when told no.

Not that she is disobedient when told no.

Rather, she comes towards us with the question “why?” on her face.

When asked to do something do you respond with obedience?

Does your desire to respond with obedience depend on who is asking?

Are there times you respond with obedience but in a begrudging manner?

What determines your desire to respond with obedience?

February 13, 2022February 13, 2022

HE LAUGHS

Consider the following synonyms for the word laugh:

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Noun

How many of these synonyms describe your laughing tendencies?

What triggers your laughter?

Have you ever responded with laughter when God speaks to you?

February 6, 2022February 6, 2022

STILL WAITING

Did you get the pay raise or promotion when you were promised or are you still waiting?

How about promises made by friends or other family members?

What about promises you made to yourself?

Is there any value in being in a state of “still waiting”?

January 30, 2022January 30, 2022

WHEN GOD SAYS NO

For as long as I can remember, something inside of me wants to immediately prove people wrong when I they tell me no.

Especially if it is about something I deeply want or believe I can accomplish.

I have observed that a no response challenges most people.

Humans are not alone in this response.

Our eldest cat is quite brazen that no is an unacceptable response for her desires. Hissing, growling, meowing, and pouting in addition to repeated attempts to get what she wants are the normal response from her when told no. Giggling.

And our current dog comes toward us with a bewildered “why not?” expression on her face when told no. We realize it is not because she is stubborn or brazen like the cat though. She genuinely does not understand why usually. Giggling again.

But what about when God says no?

January 23, 2022January 29, 2022

BOOK AND MOVIE REPORT

I recently read Francine Rivers novel, Redeeming Love.

Today I had the privilege to attend the movie adaptation of this novel along with close friends.

The subject matter is difficult. Dark in fact.

Having read the book, I was pleased with how closely the movie version stayed true to the author’s vision.

How does this relate to Bible study?

January 17, 2022January 17, 2022

SNOW DAY!

I enjoyed a snow day on Sunday, January 16th.

Living in South Carolina snow is a rare treat for this Midwesterner.

Because snow days are so rare in this area our city shuts down except for emergency workers and those dealing with any power outages that occur.

Thankfully, my household never lost power. We were able to enjoy watching the snow fall from the safety of our warm home.

I chose to not work on a post yesterday because I wanted to cherish the snow day.

Today, as the winter storm has finished dusting the earth with this fascinating white frozen water and the sun is starting to melt it away, I decided to share with you some favorite references to snow from scripture.

January 9, 2022January 9, 2022

MAKING LISTS

Have you been making lists recently?

What kinds of lists?

Do you write your lists down or just think about them in your head?

Or do you use a computer program or other fancy technology for making lists?

Are some lists more important than others that you make? Why or why not?

Or are you someone who eschews making lists of any kind?

What does making lists have to do with Bible study?

December 19, 2021December 19, 2021

O Christmas Tree: Part Three

A Sublime Lesson

Spending time pondering the meaning of a familiar Christmas carol, O Christmas Tree, has revealed a depth of meaning to this tree song previously overlooked.

In everyday conversations I seldom hear the word sublime used.

The first definition of sublime is: lofty, grand, or exalted in thought, expression, or manner.

Lesson, though, is frequently used in a variety of ways.

But did you know that the first definition of the word lesson is: a passage from sacred writings read in a service worship?

Why does verse three of O Christmas Tree use these two words?

December 12, 2021December 3, 2021

Christmas Tree: Part Two

Last week we learned the first verse of the carol O Christmas Tree is celebrating the birth of the Christ child we as Christians are named after.

The tree we use to celebrate this birth by decorating it and singing about reminds us of the loyalty our Heavenly Father has demonstrated by sending Christ.

The color of this tree reinforces our hope in our Heavenly Father who has brought to fulfillment promises made concerning the arrival of the Christ child.

What can we learn from verse two of O Christmas Tree?

December 5, 2021December 3, 2021

O Christmas Tree: Part One

I have pointed out before the intention of God’s landscaping the earth to bring us and himself pleasure. Writing now in the month of December our American culture is busy setting up trees and decorating them in our homes, work, and public places. We also decorate doors, windows, mantles, etc. with fresh greenery (or imitation!) Have you ever wondered why we do this? What is all the fuss about dragging trees and greenery out to decorate in honor of Christmas and singing O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree for English speaking people)?