In BETWEEN ...

I have begun recently reading a new form of "blogging" called Substack (which is my interpretation of it. I don't thing that Substack would call it this). I've encountered & discovered many "writers" and podcasters, etc. and quite often have wanted to share their writings here. Of course, I'm not at all sure of the copyright infringement, etc. yet I'm sure that I can link to them without any problems (at least I hope so). So many of them are so good! 

I'm going to start off with a Pastor from the Presbyterian Church {that I know nothing about} but he also lists "Franciscan" and "Walker of the Way". I'm a little familiar with the Catholic Church "Franciscan" that follow after St. Francis of Assisi (the Franciscans were founded & inspired by him). I'm not sure about what he means by "Walker of the Way" & a search was not helpful, however I definitely like it and would hope to classify myself as one who is a walker of the Way - being Jesus' Way (John 14:6). He shares reflections from scripture, calling them "Words on the Way". His name is Jody McKewen. {perhaps I should link him to his Church where you can read more}

[image credit: agents of light]

There's no particular reason, I chose his Substack first to share, except for the reason that this one stuck to me today when I got to the ending of a colorful splash with "We Need You" written on it, and although the first part of this title does not apply to me {perhaps it might for you} but the last part most definitely does "... A Word to the Hurt, the Weary and the Wanderer" and I certainly needed to hear what he shared & the part I underlined in the splash of color [it was Adobe Stock image] like painting splashes of 4 bright colors. 

His words in the beginning don't quite apply to me; the next part, 🌿I needed to read ... 🕊"The Gospel is personal but it's never private" and as he continued, I began to openly listen to the words written ... being spoken through a gentle Spirit. And I definitely agree with "... the Kingdom of God is the remedy." 

I really do hope that "WE are building a kingdom of love" because I totally agree with him that "Jesus didn't come to escape the world. {although in these last few days, that's my thinking but not in the way that many choose to escape in substances, etc. but literally "escape" as in the flight response, but that's a complicated & messy story that no one needs, just one of those physiological reactions we humans have - (on an interesting side note: I also learned that it's been extended to more than just the original 2 of "fight or flight" and the 3rd one I recently encountered of "freeze" (which I totally get) but now another one has been added "fawn" which I have not experienced or know much about, but back to the content} ... (Jesus) "came to transform ..." (the world) and "He left us here not to be spectators, but builders." Yes, He did ... we are meant to be part of His Kingdom Builders. The words that follow by Pastor Jody are the words that I pray every believer would HEAR that follow "We are building a kingdom of love" ...

I really thought we were ... building God's Kingdom.

This, however, is not at all what I have seen or witnessed in this last decade. And now, as I look back, I seriously question this and if we are or ever were. It isn't doubt or disbelief, it's what I have been watching in complete stupefied society and the world unraveling & becoming more & more divided, divisive & so utterly deceived filled more & more with downright hatred & cruelty; blatant lies repeated & such distortions that I shake my head, hoping I will wake up from this horrendous nightmare ... but after last weekend here in Minnesota with the devastating, horrific tragedy upon tragedy that occurred against our lawmakers & intended for many more ... just leaves my jaw dropping in awe of such appalling & continuing to mount daily more & more unnecessary violence against other human beings that no longer have any sense of being decent, moral or humane. Certainly not like Jesus - at all! I weep & am numb from the complete shock as WE dehumanize one another. Certainly, not building the Kingdom that Jesus/God hopes that we would. I am overwhelmed and my heart breaks. Yes, I am Hurt. Yes, I am Weary. But, it really hurts to admit that I am now a Wanderer. I pray that I do wander as I try my best to follow Jesus' Way, because I do sincerely believe that "HE is the Way, the Truth and the Life ... " I know I'm not the only one drifting. How my heart aches to watch & hear the stories of people in LA & throughout our country, brought to their knees & face down to the ground by government officials (hardly any with compassion) and now our military under orders of ... {pray, Peggy, pray}

So I continue to read and seek uplifting people anywhere standing up for one another, truly loving like Jesus taught us. I need a Church that cares! I need to see a Church that is transforming this world. I need to see a Church separate from politics, but I don't mean that they are not people involved in politics - just not partisan or preaching a party but Truths from God's Word & than action that aligns with Jesus' teachings (certainly not with the Pharisees or Evil). What has happened to US? 

I close (and I hope it's ok because I certainly don't want to infringe on anyone's rights, copyright or other constitutional (human) rights) with the Prayer from Pastor Jody's well intended & heartfelt timely words from back in May.

"Jesus, Heal what hurts in us from the past. Stir what still hopes in us for the future. Gather us again—not as perfect people, but as people still learning how to love. Build Your Church with our questions and our courage. And let us find one another again in the breaking of the bread. Amen."

I also read a few "posts" from Christopher Hale todayabout Pope Leo XIV"Letters from Leo"{you know that I delight in this new Pope}
and 
quite a few others that inspire, encourage & offer truth
<>
One of the ones that led me to Substack besides
Asheritah & Kelly
was
Bruce Cooper, Canadian{caregiver to his wife Peggy with dementia}
(but he has had to "step away" for awhile now)
It's OK, I have plenty to read...
plus I truly enjoy reading
from Viktor K."Ukrainian. Living a war. Writing, sharing, turning raw experience into words. Here, the unfiltered expression of a life transformed.""War, Love & Survival in Ukraine"
Please keep him, his country & those living in Ukraine in your🙏Rhonda & Mark Blessings(missionaries)too
<>
As I move forward in the 

I am looking at doing 

BETWEEN

Day 1

(September 17, 2012 in Jim Branch's Blog Archive)
since I'm lingering 
"in between"
Jim Branch's Reading for Reflection from back in October of 2005shared on day 1 linked above or page 210 in book
Hoping to continue
ABIDING in Jesus
but I've finished the YV plan of 14 days and another one.
<>
*If you need more of the BETWEEN day links,let me know for days 2-7.
<>
I was hoping to write about 
June 21st today
but decided for now that
this was more appropriate for y'all. 
{especially when I heard the war news}

[Timeless Hebrew Tunes]

A PRAYER FOR PEACEfrom Pastor Jody McKewen also

MY ONE WORD SONG for 2025 in SPANISH

[You Tube]
Can you guess this song?
{I know the tune will make it easy to guess}
I'd love to share more but it's one of those weeks
CONFIARÉ

EN TÍ
Yes, Lord ... I will, I do ...

[You Tube]
I really like this one - for my 'other' One Word
the scenes & lyrics
but
I have not chosen this (yet)
Hope you enjoy this 
as I do
<>
I was searching for The Blue Book playlist
because I wanted to find which song was the "Tender Mercy"
that is the song for #26 GRASPING.
I believed that I shared it once
and
two websites for Jim Branch somewhere but...
Today
I found THIS in the archives of Jim Branch's Room to Flourish
for Core Leadership in September of 2012
IF ONLY...
I discovered this sooner
<><><>
Guess, I am/was
GRASPING
("... at thin air" or "... straws")
or unable to
"GRASP things quickly"
{and I'm not the one who's receiving caregiving, I'm giving the care}

• grasping, day 1

• grasping, day 2

• grasping, day 3

• grasping, day 4
• grasping, day 5
• grasping, day 6
• grasping, day 7

ABIDING in JESUS ...

the *LGG summer study starts June 9th[*Love God Greatly]
"Abiding in Jesus: Bearing Fruit that Lasts"

[image credit: LGG]

{a bit expensive for me. but LGG offers a solution}
As for me, I will just start with the You Version 2 week sampler and I've already looked ahead:
WEEK 1
ABIDING in JESUS:
TRUSTING the GARDENER'S WORK {both of my 2025 One Words}
I am so thankful that I can depend on the Great Gardener (Master Gardener)
the True Vine
John 15:1
because, for sure I know little to nothing about gardening, or even recognizing
the difference of weeds from the actual plants & all the other necessary knowledge
for 'gardening', planting, weeding, watering, transplanting, bugs, etc.
{similar as I noticed to the confession of the writer of the first devotional at YV; day 1}
but I had not yet read that as I began this post.
So rather than rewrite what's available
in the YV (LGG) plan of day 1
I hope you'll go read it.
<>
I really enjoy (no, it's more than that) delight in Jesus/God, when the Holy Spirit moves ahead of me (and any plan I might plan or thoughts in my head) like this God-incidence (at least to me it is) when I just finish sharing that I'm strongly led to 2 One Words in 2025 (explained in previous post revealing this) then decide/choose to go in one direction - in this case, pursuing "ABIDING in JESUS" and in the very first day of at least the YV plan of LGG's 6 week summer study since I don't have the actual book study THAT right away appears both of these 2025 One Words in Week 1 (note the Title) "Abiding in Jesus: TRUSTing ..." which again confirms as it also reminds me not to forget the TRUST part as I move forward with ABIDE. Then I receive a few more reminders along the way, noting that TRUST is still part of this. [I plan to share that at another time.] I do understand clearly (now) that ABIDE and TRUST co-exist. How I must TRUST, in order to ABIDE! In order to allow our Master Gardener free range to tend to the "garden" in our hearts and life, to take care and prune away that which is preventing new life, change or growth; I (we) must TRUST & this truly will help us "remain" close to the source and ABIDE in Him through His Word and work in us. Since HE is the True Vine, I need to be connected as a branch does to grow and receive the "nutrients" with all the added sources of Light and Water, and if I'm not, how can I grow? How can I change?

 I must wrap my life around the True Vine and cling ever so closely; to guard against being deterred and allow the Master Gardener, our Father, to truly nourish and prune away that which needs to be gone. Oh, how the Master Gardener desires to see us "bloom" and "flourish"! Life lived fully while ABIDING and TRUSTING. Doesn't seem to get any easier or more clear than this! To bear more fruit, we need the Vine daily and the touch of the Master's hand & the voice of His Spirit speaking life all around us, in us, and through us to the other branches; we need to be grafted to the Vine each day and receive the fruit ourselves and nourish others too.

"The term "abide" in the Bible is often used to convey the idea of remaining, dwelling, or continuing in a particular state or relationship. It is a word that signifies endurance, steadfastness, and a deep, ongoing connection. In the original languages of the Bible, the Hebrew word often translated as "abide" is "yashab," meaning to sit, dwell, or remain. In the New Testament Greek, the word is "meno," which means to stay, remain, or continue." Topical Encyclopedia

Yes, this is exactly what I need "for such a time as this".All the words that "ABIDE" convey & signify,especially to do so "in JESUS" "with Jesus"
I plan to "sit, dwell & remain"all the rest of my daysthis way<>
DAY 1 Conclusion

"... As we abide in Him, we find everything we need for a Fruitful life that brings Glory to God." 🙏 from "Abiding in Jesus", Love God Great

and PRAYER

"Dear Jesus, thank You for being the True Vine. Help me to stay connected to You to receive the nourishment I need to produce spiritual fruit that blesses others and glorifies You. Amen."

Reminder to head over to
LOVE GOD GREATLY
Monday, June 9th
(and/or You Version)
to join in & be inspired throughout
your week & summer
<>
An extra resource: Daily Effective Prayer(available on You Tube, Ministry, Podcast, Facebook, etc)with an actual Prayer Warrior, Daniel
"ABIDING in God's Presence..."
and another example how God speaks wherever I go😉but truthfully, I try to listen DAILY to Daniel's Prayerspraying with him and others, finding these prayers pertinent, encouraging, & so very helpful!
<>
💚
So much inspiration of FAITH this past week
from verses to song to favorite reflection!
Thank you for joining me
and
building my
FAITH
and
a dash of
TRUST
too!
🙏
Now to
ABIDE
dwell, remain, stayand
Live in Him, Make my home in HimJohn 15:4 (MSG)

JUNE with ABIDING

Today, June 1st

I turned the page of my calendar from May

to this quote and scene for June:

..."Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

which in simple terms means "don't follow the crowd"
From the Bible,we would turn to the Proverbs for such wisdom:
Proverbs 3:6
and
Proverbs 3:5-6
then with confidence
Psalm 23:3
But as we ABIDE in Christ and He ABIDES in us
John 15:4-5
we would hopefully not venture down just any pathmade by others without checkingand as we make our pathfollowing Jesusthe trail thatwe leaveshouldbeabetter choicebest for us & othersaccording to the teachings ofJESUSand the path He leaves in His Word
Isaiah 30:21
<>
John Piper wrote at Desiring God
"What Does it Mean to ABIDE in Christ?"

..." First, I think the essential meaning of our active ABIDING is the act of receiving and TRUSTing all that God is for us in Christ."

"The word "Abide" in our text (John 15) connotes the idea of remaining in a place; to continue to be present; to not depart, etc. Therefore, when Jesus told his disciples to abide in Him, He was simply urging them and commanding them to remain in vital fellowship with Him. According to John Piper, abiding in Christ is us trusting Him to meet all our needs and be all our treasure hour - by - hour. This is a most profound truth worthy of meditation. Most times we look away or become drawn from Jesus when we do not trust Him to meet all our needs, or don't regard Him as the treasure of our life and the fountain of our living. Indeed, the Living Christ is our Source and our Sustainer. We must daily remind ourselves of this blessed truth. We have no life outside of Him and we have no power nor wisdom apart from Him. This is why The Lord announced that "... For without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5b). Our heart must daily trust Him. We must trust in Him hour by hour. There is a hymn that sings thus: "I need Thee, oh! I need Thee. Every hour I need Thee. Bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee." This is what abiding in Jesus looks like. It's a life of complete trust in Him who is the fountain of our life; and even more profoundly, He is our life. (see Colossians 3:4)." day 1 of 7 in a You Version plan "Abiding in Him"

Proverbs 4:26-27
26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
or even better
Matthew 25:31-46
as a present day version of
Jesus' teaching to us
for such a time as this in 2025
from Rev. Benjamin Cremer Substack (Into the Gray) newsletter

"This isn’t a left or right issue. This isn’t a republican vs democrat issue. This isn’t a conservative vs progressive issue. This is about opposing cruelty. This is about stopping a bill that directly harms the most vulnerable among us. This is about pursuing the common good for ALL people. This is about upholding human dignity. Especially for those of us who follow Jesus, many of those who have written, proposed, support, and passed this “Big Beautiful Bill” are claiming to represent us while actively going against the very heart of Jesus’ teachings and harming the very people he called us to serve. All of us who share this county together have the opportunity to stand up for one another, especially the poor, the sick, the hungry, the stranger, and the imprisoned among us. I just want to encourage you to take this opportunity to do so. Raise your voice and ask your senators and faith leaders to stand up for us all and oppose this bill. In Matthew 25, when Jesus returns to judge the nations, he doesn’t say, “empathy has led to your downfall.” Jesus doesn’t say, “you failed to make sure your nation was dominated by Christians in power.” Jesus doesn’t say, “you failed to make your nation abide by traditional Christian values.” Jesus says, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’” -‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭41‬-‭45‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Compassion isn’t a weakness. It’s the embodiment of truth." May 24, 2025, Rev. Benjamin R. Cremer, "Into the Gray"

[I was not sure if you can read on Substack so I added it here, but there was no copyright infringement intended by sharing his message that stuck me so profoundly when I read it, in lieu of the world events]
<>
As I pondered entering into ABIDING this June forward and read the Emerson quote on my calendar, it made me recall Rev. Benjamin Cremer's words and message from Jesus again & reflect on Matthew 25. Some commentators do not regard Matthew 25:31-46 as a Parable of Jesus, but I agree that "such decisions require a narrow definition of Jesus' parables". I consider this a Parable - the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, as part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse and one that we had better pay close attention to the words & message for us, in these days. There is much to consider in how we ABIDE. I pray that as I TRUST and ABIDE in 2025, I will draw closer to understanding & following the path that Jesus leaves ahead of me at all times to choose the path that is worthy of Jesus and one that I would leave for others to want to follow to Jesus, by choice - not by force. 

I have to listen to the message again of Pope Leo XIV again for today, June 1st (World Communications Day) but from what I heard in the background while the Mass plays behind me, I believe I heard him speak a message grounded in love and peace with unity as has been his theme, on this Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparent and Elderly closing Mass.

Indeed the words shared in the Jubilee link indicate as I've written that in this day, there is a call to ABIDE in Christ Jesus' Peace, Unity & Love.{I had to add this when it came in my email}

[image credit: Sarah Young, Jesus Calling 📧]

Isaiah 26:3 NLT

The book I have for 31 Days of Prayers (I got for July, shared at the end of my blog 5/21) focuses on ABIDING in the Presence, ABIDING in the Provision, and ABIDING in the Power of God in all areas of our life - as the book shares "Scriptures to Pray for Your Life..."; covers all aspects in our lives. Day 1's Prayer - The Power of Connection (John 15:5) (the Introduction Part 1 of 3 Chapters is "An Invitation to ABIDE") with Chapter 1 on "What is Abiding?" so this will be my central focus in JUNE & JULY Praying ... to accept the invitation to ABIDE (as I hope I've been doing but if not, I will improve & be doing better, in Jesus' name & with Jesus!🙏As my last post indicated, June is the beginning of LGG "ABIDING in Jesus" starting June 9th {we can start with the 14 day plan in You Version} and then JULY 31 days of ABIDING🙏...

Let's explore what it "truly means to ABIDE" in Jesus together!

{and if not, or unable, ABIDE in Spirit & Pray}

Thank you! Blessings!

Abiding in Jesus,

💙

True Meaning ...

This past week
I have really been focusing on 
THE CROSS
and 
leaning into JESUS!
<>
I've looked at the true meaning of the CROSS, the message of the CROSS, the history of the CROSS, and the purpose of the CROSS, especially how all of this personally is for me, as I reflect & read all that's in The Blue Book (by Jim Branch)

and all that a *precious sister in Christ 💚shares in scripture verses & songs

{I even ventured into Sacred Texts archives momentarily}-best to scroll quickly & catch what might appeal to your view-
<>
{there were a few Substacks that caught my eye this week, also on The CROSS}
I read the one by Pastor Rich, which made me explore furtherNot sure if you can read them without a Substack

Substack Articles:
"The CROSS, the Crook and the Crown"Tony, Christianity Now
"Christianity without a CROSS"Stephen R Briar, The Abbey
"The Garden Beneath the Cross"Pastor Rich Bitterman, Old Paths & New Roads
<>
My conclusion is that I cannot summarize or frame in my own words, 
the powerful place of the
CROSSofJESUS CHRIST
for me, to me
better than one of the choruses of the famous hymn*shared by my sis

"... So I’ll cherish the old rugged CROSS, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown."

there are others and more than these listed:

"Beneath the CROSS of Jesus""In the CROSS of Christ I Glory""The CROSS we all were There""Fore'er Victorious CROSS"(Forever)"Take Up the CROSS""Lift High the CROSS"
{I'm sure that you can think of many more}

[even Spotify ] [image credit: Lifeway Worship]
Some Newer Ones:
"Lead Me to the CROSS" (2007)"At the CROSS" (2008)(2014)"Mighty CROSS" (2017)"To the CROSS I Come""Thank You for the CROSS""The CROSS of Christ" (2015)"The Power of the CROSS" (2022)

"The CROSS" (2024)

"... Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16

Anyways, the reason I came to share today was not to share on "The CROSS" but if you need a summary "10 Things You Should Know about The Cross" (Crossway) will cover it. I choose to linger in listening to the various "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" as I look forward to an upcoming summer study with Love God Greatly (LGG) on one of my 2025 One Words, and it will start June 9th ... there's a teaser sample of 2 weeks at You Version. And of course, there are others on this at You Version (bible.com) like this 31 day one. This was my reason in coming to Blog today ... but because The CROSS is so predominant in my mind & heart this week, I spent my time there "At The CROSS" with Jesus! {not sure which one I like better - by Hillsong, or Chris Tomlin?} However, I really should have shared more on the personal meaning yet I know that each of us have our own "story" of the true meaning, purpose and message of the CROSS of Jesus Christ in our lives. And it's unique to our inner beliefs and living. There was one person I heard of long ago, now gone on to be with Jesus, who personally carried the Cross around the world. His name: Arthur Blessitt! You'll be blessed if you read about his journey, or refresh your memory of him. I know that each of us bear a different kind of CROSS - maybe not a physical one like Arthur's, but another kind of physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual cross, leaving scars or wounds that need His healing, and still (sorry to say) hardly compares to The CROSS of Christ & the suffering He endured for us, to no fault of HIS! HE became an Innocent sacrifice exchanged for our redemption & our eternal life with God! Oh, for the CROSS! Christ's victory over sin & death completed in His Resurrection.

What a Savior!

ABIDE and TRUST (2025)

As I begin with my 3471st post, I was not sure if I had disclosed my 2025 One Word(s) officially: so I have decided at least to mention these as I continue into 2025, even though I have not yet pinpointed which one is THE One Word, I have decided that they co-exist and relate to one another.

[image credit: dayspring (in)courage] after quiz

ABIDE was the One Word that was given to me when I took the quiz that (in)Courage offered & I'm not sure how that actually works (like "are there only certain One Words encompassed in this quiz?") but I took the quiz, then prayed about this One Word as I started 2025 and leaned into listening. I also focused on one verse (or at least the chapter in John, which contains much on ABIDING) John, chapter 15 in different versions and then I tucked ABIDE away in my heart & mind & waited to see or hear. I read and reread the couple of emails that I received from (in)courage about One Word at the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 when I took the quiz. Not knowing for sure, I kept that One Word, as I quietly continued into 2025 and began to hear my other One Word: TRUST. I'm strongly considering re-doing the Quiz just to see. Yeah, definitely need more TRUST, from the smallest to the biggest parts of my life!

Now TRUST, kept showing up everywhere and to me that spells "confirmation"; so I asked God over & over again, if TRUST is the One Word or is it ABIDE? Or maybe, just maybe, God - are TRUST and ABIDE related? and do I need to understand how they relate? Clearly, God reinforced that I should TRUST Him and so I continued with thinking that TRUST was the 2025 One Word that God & I could agree on. I, for one, know that I need lots of work when it comes to TRUST, however, I thought it was only an issue with people in my life, surely not in my relationship with Jesus/God/Holy Spirit. As this year presses on, I began certain resource books & prayers on TRUST, but have yet to finish any. I focused on Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 26:3 as my TRUST verses and then waited, watching for TRUST verses to show up here & there & storing them. Also, I have a 365 day devotional book, not even on TRUST, but related to another consideration for my One Word, and it keeps showing up there in the prayers & devotions.

Is it possible that God intends for me to have these two One Words in 2025? and notice the connection between ABIDING and TRUSTING or TRUSTING as I ABIDE. I have begun to consider this as God leads me for 2025, so I have left my other considerations behind and holding on to both of these One Words together, knowing God is not limited by our One Words as HE will use any WORD in HIS WORD to draw us closer. I am rereading the articles from (in)courage: "How One Word Can Help You Receive God's Best?" by Becky Kiefe (Dec, 2024) and "One Word to Help You Hear the Good Shepherd in 2025" by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young (Jan, 2025) I do know that the Good Shepherd hears me, cares about me as I care for another, and He leads me as I TRUST & ABIDE, so I am confident that He is leading me into 2025 with both One Words, emphasizing that He is with me, as I am with Him & stay close every.single.day! Starting & ending my day with God, have not always been enough this year as I am finding that I definitely need Him every moment so I take time to pause & spend time in between or whenever I can get a chance throughout the day & night. After all, HE'S my God 24/7! 

[image credit: Knowing-Jesus]

Based on this (similar to my other books begun but not finished yet), I am starting a Study Guide (streaming course) called "The ABIDE Bible Course" by Phil Collins (no, not the one that comes to your mind & mine) and Randy Frazee (yes, the pastor). There are 6 sessions (or videos) and starting now will allow me extra months, in case I start but don't finish to return and hopefully complete. Since I do consider myself a follower of Jesus throughout 7 decades, as I read the description of *Abide Bible Course, I am quite familiar with this:

"Followers of Christ abide with Him the way a branch dwells on a vine—in a life-sustaining connection. The Abide Bible Course features Phil Collins, the director of the Taylor University Center for Scripture Engagement, and Randy Frazee, the architect of The Story and Believe Bible engagement programs. They introduce us to their favorite methods of interacting with God, including contemplation, journaling, imagination, praying Scripture, and works of art. Discover your own preferred method and make it a part of your daily practice of engaging with God and abiding in His Word." Study Gateway

Session One

Since there are 5 methods mentioned of interacting with God (in italics), I am sure this is an Introduction or Overall view for this course. It begins with the verses in Chapter 15 in the Book (Gospel) of John (NIV is used in the course, but under that, I've included The Voice as well)

"5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." NIV The Voice 5 I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you abide in Me and I in you, you will bear great fruit. Without Me, you will accomplish nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is like a branch that is tossed out and shrivels up and is later gathered to be tossed into the fire to burn. 7 If you abide in Me and My voice abides in you, anything you ask will come to pass for you. 8 Your abundant growth and your faithfulness as My followers will bring glory to the Father.

Instead of "Bible reading" or "Bible Study"this course uses the phrase"Scripture engagement"(where we engage with the text rather than just read it)
ABIDE[translated by scholars as - ]
to remain
to dwell
{to stay}
or
to make your home in

"... Just as you would get to know someone relationally by listening, interacting, and sharing experiences to-gether, the same is true of Scripture Engagement. As Jesus told His disciples, "Abide in Me"(John 15:4 ESV) ... This is the essence of Scripture Engagement."

There are 6 basic ingredients in the process of Scripture Engagement "1: Prepare your heart to be open to the Holy Spirit.  2: Read the Bible.  3: Meditate on the Bible.  4: Talk to God about His Word.  5: Talk about Scriptures with others.  6: Commit to obey what the Word says. "

After watching the Session 1 video, it mentioned these 5 practices forSCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT:(which are the content of the remaining Sessions 2-6)1. Praying Scripture2. Engage through Art3. Journaling4. Picture it5. Contemplate

<>

Now to begin to understand this and apply, right?
{I think I do most of this already, but I guess it's the degree that I do it}
yet I'm open to learn again and more as I continue in this course.
<><><>
I don't know why this happens but often now when I think I'm closing a blog post (because I've certainly shared enough to pique your interest & be accountable for mine), shortly after closing I end up discovering another book, or resource (and hope it's available on author's blog somehow, so I don't purchase yet another - but too late, I got me a used copy, coming in June). I receive emails from Jodie Berndt so for some reason, she interested me before (perhaps back when she featured this on her blog as a prayer challenge or when it was published). Anyways, she has a wonderful book (not yet read but ordered) "Praying the Scriptures for Your Life: 31 Days of Abiding in the Presence, Provision, and Power of God" (now this definitely is more my style) so when I read this blog post (besides wondering where I was in 2021 & 2022, because I don't usually miss extra special opportunities with authors I know & follow; AND FaithGateway events like this - maybe it's when I started receiving her emails). Anyways, my cousin loves Italy & after reading Jodie's blog post, I can see why. {Then add my new interest with the new Pope (lol)}, I needed to check this out better. I know that I have one of her other books on "Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children..." {Excellent!} but I just noticed the subtitle, or the part that follows that in her title, which jumped off the cover at me "... TRUSTing God with the Ones You Love" {oh my (sigh)} that's such a BIG ONE, Lord! I better pay better attention to my FaithGateway's Devotionals Daily. Already preparing myself to do those 31 days this July 2025, a few years later (I love her calendar linked to 31 days) and I couldn't believe what I read was her plan for August (back in 2022) and the book on Abiding was released in 2021. I think she did much of the Prayer Challenge on Facebook or Instagram (which I don't do) thus, the reason I fell into my temptations yet again of buying it.

<>
*Because this ABIDE Bible Course is 3 years old, I found this You Tube available to give you a taste & saw some others, like Session 2  (which is a little longer than the 1st link) and is on "Praying Scripture".This is a valuable lesson and one that I put into practice more & more for years.