Oooh, can I introduce a friend to you? This is Laura Dingman.
Laura is one of my favorite writing buddies. We challenge each other, laugh inappropriately now and again, and no matter what I know that she has my back. We met when Brian and I shared our story at The Creek in September 2013 (watch her interview us by clicking that link) and now I feel like I’ve never not know Laura. She’s just one of those people who is a servant to the core and at the same time bold, brave, and driven by the calling God has given uniquely to her.
Laura just released the I Am Found Bible Study a couple of months ago. I love this book, friends. It opened my eyes to my own soul and helped me identify ways I had been hiding from God. I just know you’re going to love it, too. Since a regular ‘ole give away post is boring, I thought I’d ask a few questions of Laura so you could get to know her a bit better.
What’s your favorite breakfast cereal or dish?
I love breakfast, so that’s a tough one. Cereal would be Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Frosted Flakes—both of which we NEVER have in the house. Otherwise, I’m a French toast and bacon kind of girl. I believe bacon goes with everything.
What’s your favorite television show that’s no longer on the air?
I grew up watching the Dukes of Hazzard with my Dad and brothers. Abigail, Matt and I have been known to binge watch this on occasion.
Why did you feel called to write I Am Found and who did you hope it would impact?
Shame was something I just couldn’t get away from. It seemed to follow me everywhere. Regardless of what I did, I just couldn’t shake it. Never feeling like I was enough even though I was constantly striving. Through a lot of letting go and learning from the Word and some wise women around me, God taught me there was another way. I’ve always felt compelled to share truths I’ve learned with those around me and I love to teach, so the study was born.
My greatest desire with this book is for others to find the freedom I’m discovering in living like I am found. Found by the One who breathed life into me from the beginning. Found and seen. Found and known. Found and held. Found and deeply loved. I believe when we know these things, our lives look completely different. We live more like Jesus intended.
You explore the concept of shame throughout the study. What message of hope do you have for men and women who might feel ashamed of their current financial situation?
God is constantly at work to redeem and restore everything. That means ALL of it. Whatever mess we have made of things, He is greater. He is stronger. He is above it, but not above getting in it with us in order to set us free. When we surrender to Him, follow His plans, and trust Him with our future, He sets it right. It takes time, but He is faithful. And He always finishes what He starts.
How can busy moms (and dads) study the Bible without feeling overwhelmed by their lack of time and knowledge?
At times I think there can be a strange benchmark in the church where we expect ourselves to be grander theologians the more we grow in Christ. The reality is we don’t have to become scholars in order to get something out of the Bible. I believe God wants us to simply meet with Him on the printed pages of His Word. Start small, but start. Consistency is more important than anything. Our spiritual life is a marathon not a sprint. If you’re overwhelmed and afraid you won’t understand, pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you through what you’re reading. One of my favorite simple Bible study methods is the SOAP method. S is for Scripture—simply read the Scripture. O is for Observations—what do you observe about what you’ve read? A is for Application—how is God calling you to apply the truth in this Scripture to your life right now? P is for prayer—what can you pray as a result of what God is calling you to do in what you’ve read?
If you don’t know where to start reading, I’d recommend starting with the Psalms or Ephesians or the Gospel of Luke or John. Get into the life of Jesus. You won’t be disappointed.
If a reader could take away only one point from your study, what would it be?
God pursues you relentlessly. He won’t ever quit. His love cannot be contained. Even if you hide from him, He will come after you. There is not a place so dark that He will not go. You mattered to Him enough for Him to send His son to die in your place so you could have life and be found. So tell that story. Your story of redemption. People need to hear it.
You guys? I love Laura and I LOVE this study. Whether you choose to gather a group of friends or just dive in on your own, I think you’ll find that this study helps you dig deep and discover more about just how much God loves you. Moody Publishers has not only given me 3 copies of the I Am Found Bible Study to give away but also a Starbucks gift card to go with each one of those studies. Because who doesn’t love a yummy drink as you dive into a great book. Hit the Rafflecopter below to enter to win. I am already excited for whoever snags this great book!
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
I haven’t participated in a Bible study since starting my full time job a couple of years ago. I miss digging into the Word and would love to have this study and share it with others.
This book sounds amazing. Would love to win it to dive further in to embracing that I am His completely.
I am taking a break from BSF this year and could use a new study to keep me growing in God’s Word.
This book sounds really good!! God is working on me with some of these issues already and this sounds like something I need to read!
It sounds like a great book. I would love to win a copy.
I would love to win this book because I am looking for a bible study for my 23 yr old daughter and I to do together.
Thanks for another giveaway opportunity! Your giveaways are my favorite:)
My wife would love this! Both book and Starbucks!
It has been a really long time since I was in a Bible study. This sounds really good and I’d love to share it with my friends.
Would love to read Laura’s book! She’s such a great worship leader and has a great heart for the lord and women!
Sounds like an excellent study. Thanks for the give away!
I would love to win a copy of this book so I can do a study for Me. I homeschool my kids and always teach them, yet in all honesty often fail to make the time for my own Bible studies.
Thanks for the chance to win!
It has been on my mind to find a Bible study I can do individually and this one looks lovely. I already know the two other women in my life with whom I would share it.
Love doing bible studies!!