This Read-Along couldn’t have come at a more perfect time for me (you too perhaps?). For whatever reason, the enemy’s lies are coming at me loud and strong, and I’m sorry to say that I’m believing a good percentage of them.
“Your bad attitude ruined Christmas for your family.”
“Once again, you failed to truly honor your Savior’s birth this season.”
“You’re doomed to another year of falling further and further (farther and farther?) behind. In EVERYTHING.”
“You will never, ever remember the difference between ‘further’ and ‘farther.’” (that one might actually be the truth)
“You’re a rotten mother, a mediocre wife, and a lousy friend.”
Have you believed any lies lately? Already this morning maybe?
I’m excited to read this book with all of you, because I think it’s going to be a catalyst for change, for healing, for renewal and restoration and a host of other great re- words. I want so desperately to do great things for the kingdom, to empty myself on behalf of the poor and hurting and lost.
But I get so bogged down with my own junk.
I’d love for us to deal with some of this crap, if you will, and move on and into the amazing plans God has for our lives. And I don’t mean plans to make us rich and happy and fat and famous. I mean God’s big plans to bring glory to himself through us.
I don’t want to get in the way of those killer plans.
How about I start us off with a prayer and we get this show on the road?
God, thank you. For your faithfulness when we’re unfaithful. For your love when we think we’re unlovable. For your new mercies and fresh starts and grace that never runs out. Thank for you for this online community, for a group of people we can read with, learn with, grow with, seek your face with. Thank you for this book you had Kary write. Thank you for all the stories flooding in from guys and girls who are finding healing and wholeness in you through this book. Please help us to seek you with all of our hearts, because that’s the only way we’ll ever discover who you created us to be. Bless our time together. May we edify each other and bring you glory with every word we write. We love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Okey-dokey, artichokey! Here we go!!
Here are some things we’d like to know about YOU today!
1. Your name. (full name, first name, nickname, pseudonym, whatever)
2. Where you are. (city/state, just state, country, general location, exact GPS coordinates, whatever)
3. A one-sentence bio. (again, as little or as much as you’d like to share)
4. How you knew God wanted you to read this book and/or what you’re hoping will happen as a result of reading it.
5. Your given name(s) if you feel comfortable sharing (you can find a list here).
Don’t feel overwhelmed by these questions. If you just want to say, “Hi, I’m Mary from Spring, TX, and you’re making me nervous,” that’s perfectly fine. The important thing is that you take a step of faith and commitment and say, “I’m in. Come hell or high water, let’s do this thing.”
*REMEMBER: we’ll be meeting back here next Tuesday, January 4th to chat about Chapters 1 and 2. If you want to write your own post, please do! You can link it up here (thank you, Mr. Linky!), and you’ll be entered to win an awesome (trust me on this one) book from Zondervan.
Your Secret Name Facebook Page is another place you can chat with your Fellow Readers-Along and get news and stories from the author.
Take it away, friends! I can’t wait to meet you!!
[...] writing this post as part of the Your Secret Name read-a-long hosted by Marla Taviano. This week the chapters were 10 and 11 from the book Your Secret Name by [...]
[...] post is part of the Your Secret Name Read-a-Along hosted by Marla [...]
[...] For the first time in my life, I’ve joined a book club. Sort of. It’s actually a blog read-along. [...]
[...] this week’s Your Secret Name Read-a-Along, I am taking up Marla’s questions. I have copied from her post about the two 2 chapters with [...]
I’m a missionary wife in Eastern Europe originally from St. Louis, MO who seems to think that my secret names must be multiple to match my many moods, or “selves”, whichever you’re comfortable with. Loving the concept of this book, and really looking forward to delving into its specifics! Little late to the party myself, but up-to-date on the reading.
I’ve signed up and am reading — now what happens????
Come back tomorrow to Marla’s website and be ready for some fun times.
My name is Amy. I live in Dublin, Ohio. Wife, SAHM of 10 month old boy. Daughter is with Jesus. My names – overwhelmed, self reliant and broken. Totally behind because I am just now joining and haven’t even ordered my book!
Hi, I’m Deena and I’m a frustrated pastor’s wife. I live in Northern California, and I’m going to be a bit behind as I haven’t got a copy of this book yet, but I’m curious.
1. Beth
2. Dublin, OH
3. Wife, SAHM of 2 VERY active boys (6 and 4)
4. Dear friend Amy led me to this study. Exactly what I’ve been searching for – I have felt for quite a while that God has something in store for me, but I can’t seem to break through the “noise” to discover His plan….this is a step in the right direction. Thank you!
5. Scattered, Disorganized, overwhelmed, distracted (I’m sure I could come up with more, but I’m too distracted to focus…)
I am new and eager to join in. i am doing this read along at the invite of my daughter. I live in North Highlands, Ca
I’m Pam from Columbus, Ohio and I’m not sure what to expect but I’m looking forward to this fun new experience of reading and sharing with you all. I knew God wanted me to read this book because he had Marla encourage me to do so.
I’m from Aurora, Ohio & my friend got me this book to read along with her! I’m excited to get started
Dean, and I really am from Spring, TX! (And you’re really not making me nervous.) I’m a little late to the party but I’m looking forward to reading with y’all!
[...] not join the 50 day Secret Name Read-Along group and start your New Year off right? (0) [...]