Happy Birthday Christy

This year, for our Christy Miller birthday party, we gathered in the park for a picnic and fun.

Celebrating Christy's birthday with a giant cake!

Playing games like Splat and Pterodactyl. 

Ultimate Frisbee time!

Forever With You

Forever With You, Robin Jones Gunn's newest book and the first in the Christy and Todd Married Years series,  released this week. Reading it was like meeting up with old friends. It was wonderful to reconnect with so many familiar forever friends characters. For those who haven't read the older books in awhile, Robin artfully melded in flashback scenes to remind you of familiar stories. And for those of us who recently read and reread and reread again all the Forever Friends books while we anxiously waited for news about what is going on in their lives, we are not disappointed.

In this book, we follow Christy and Todd through a difficult and dark cloud of an unknown future while trusting that God has them in his hand and is forever with them. Through it all they remain faithful witnesses of God's promises, while still struggling as all humans do while faced with uncertainties and scary times. I enjoyed seeing Todd's familiar weaving of analogies and wonderful insights from his time digging in the Word. As I often am, when reading Robin's books, I was reminded of the beautiful word pictures of Rich Mullins.

Christy is so easy to relate to as she rides the  rollercoaster of dips and turns that life brings us. She remains a steadfast supporter and partner in marriage while navigating happiness, faith and trust, fear, anger, and forgiveness. There is definitely signs of growth and maturity in both Todd and Christy as they are learning to navigate marriage, family and life.

To be sure, though they are dealing with some hard stuff, it is not a downer of a book. It was fun and a joy to read. When your faith and trust is in the God who holds it all in His hands, you learn to find the joy and the sun shining through the darkness and find that God uses all things to work together for his good and that is definitely the case in this book. Todd and Christy definitely are examples of riding the waves with their heads up and making the most of the life that God has graciously given them.

I noted comments from readers and Robin on what brought joyful tears to their eyes. For me, it was the moment that Aunt Marti took marker in hand. And you will have to read the book to find out what that means. ;-)

I laughed, I smiled, I cried, I anticipated and now I anxiously await the next installment!

Click HERE for a sneak peak of chapter 1.

Order the book at Robin's Shop or your favorite book distributor. It is also available on many ereader formats. I have to admit, that I didn't have the patience for my hard copy to show up and ordered it on my ereader!

Exciting news from Robin!

Robin posted this video this week with exciting news about the new series. 

April Meeting

April Meeting:

Friday, April 25, 2014

7:00-9:00PM

First Baptist Church of St. Charles

Discussion:

A Promise is Forever

Video from the live release party for Spoken For.

Meeting reminder

Just a reminder that we will be meeting next Monday, April 21, to discuss the last book in the Christy Miller series, A Promise is Forever. Next month, before we start in on the Sierra Jensen series, we will read and discuss Robin's newest book Spoken For, which she co-authored with Alyssa Joy Bethke. I will have copies of the book available for each family at the April meeting. Let me know if you need one.

See you soon!

ETA: Looks like we will need to reschedule the April meeting. Too many scheduling conflicts that day. Will update when new date is settled upon.

Spoken For: Embracing Who You Are and Whose You Are

Spoken For: Embracing Who You Are and Whose You Are is the newest book by Robin Jones Gunn, author of the wonderful Christy Miller series, as well as Sisterchicks and many more. She co-authored the book with  the lovely Alyssa Joy Bethke. The story of how these two came to collaborate on the book is itself inspiring as we see how God orchestrated the timing and circumstances to get these important words on paper.

Robin and Alyssa both share from their hearts and experiences as they impart important truths about who we are in God's eyes and our worth to him. Both of these authors write not only to their audience, but to themselves, as they remind us that even in the broken times, even when it seems all is lost and we feel alone, that we are children of God. We are the Bride of Christ. We are Spoken For. In each chapter, they take turns sharing their stories. Stories of pain, and stories of hope and love. They share the words that God spoke to us in his precious Word to break down the lies of the enemy that are often so easy to believe and replace them with the truths that God wants us to know about ourselves.

As the chapter headings show us, they remind us that each of us is wanted, pursued, loved, have been called, are of great value, are peculiar treasures, are set free, are covered, promised and spoken for. Whether we are single, married, found Mr Right or are still waiting, no matter what our circumstances, these words hold true for all of us.

If you need reminding of how precious you are, how loved you are, how much our Lord and Saviour is pursuing you has His very own, this is the book for you. And who doesn't need to be washed continually in these beautiful truths? This book is a great encouragement. 

Listen here as Alyssa Joy Bethke shares her heart about this message:

Check out their blogs as they shares about the book: HERE and  HERE 

This book releases today! Please check it out because you are so precious and you are SPOKEN FOR!

Discussion Questions for Sweet Dreams

Christy Miller’s senior year is delicious, especially the time she spends with Todd. But her best friend, Katie, is struggling—she’s realized she needs to break up with Michael. It’s not easy! Fortunately both Doug and Disneyland help Katie to cheer up. Christy is learning to let go and get out of the way so that her friends can become who they’re meant to be...even when it jeopardizes her own sweet dreams. 

* Why was Christy's friendship with Katie stressed? What did Christy decide to do about it?

* Have you ever had a time when a friendship was struggling? What did you do?

*Why was Katie so surprised when Christy showed up at her car? Why did she react like she did?

*Have you ever had a time when God spoke clearly to you and you didn't like what he had to say? Have you ever been mad at God or thought He was unfair? What happens when we disobey God?

*What was Todd's advice to Christy about how to handle the situation with Katie? Was this good advice? How did it help Christy relate to Katie's problems? Have you ever had a time when you had to let go, stop trying and just wait for God to take care of things?

*Todd tells Christy that he always prays for her. How does this make Christy feel? Have you ever been in a relationship with someone who prays for you?

*Have you ever tried to witness to someone and they just won't believe? Why does it seem like some people are easier to witness to? Why did Fred respond differently than Michael or Bob and Marti? Who really changes hearts?

*Why wouldn't Christy tell Katie to break up with Michael?

*Why do you think God didn't want Katie to date Michael?

*How did Michael react when Katie broke up with him the second time? Did he react like she expected him to? Why? How did it affect her witness to him?

*What was Todd's dream/call? Did Christy share the same dream? Did she think this was a problem? Do you think it was?

*What was Todd thinking about in the treehouse? Do you think his call was changing or did you think he was just getting a clearer picture of God's purpose for him?

*What did Todd tell Christy on the boat? Why did he react so strongly to her wanting to be with him?

*How did Todd get Bob and Marti to go to church? How did they react to the service? Where they able to receive the message? Why?

*The Pastor preached on Jesus's message that there is no greater love than when a man lays down his life for a friend and that we are truly Christ's disciples when we obey to the point of giving up what is most precious to us. How do we see this type of love acted out in this book? Do we see it in more than one scenario?

*What did Katie and Christy learn from the incident with the police officer about consequences? How did Christy apply that lesson to Katie's situation with Michael?

*What are Todd's thoughts on the prom? What do you think about that?

*What decision does Todd make about his future? Why do you think he made that decision? What did Christy do about it? Why? Do you think she did the right thing?

*Why didn't Todd want Bob and Marti to get too comfortable at the church?

*Is it always easy to do God's will? Are we spared from pain by doing the right thing? Does it always feel right? Why?

February Meeting

February meeting

UPDATE:
February meeting cancelled due to lack of numbers.
We will discuss Sweet Dreams in March. 

Feb 17, 2014

7:00-9:00pm

Family Vision Library

We will be discussing 

Sweet Dreams
This is the 11th book in the Christy Miller series.
It is also found in Volume 4. 

 

We will celebrate Valentine's together with some snacks.

Please bring valentines for everyone!

Discussion Questions for A Time to Treasure

From the Publisher:  For Labor Day weekend, Christy Miller is on a houseboat at Lake Shasta. What could be better? She’s about to find out! Before they know it, both Christy and her best friend, Katie, are receiving some unexpected male attention. But somehow these best friends are at odds just when they should be having the most fun together. Christy soon realizes that sometimes you have to stand back and let people make their own decisions, even when they’re headed for a fall. And although life is never perfect, this is definitely a time to cherish.

 
1. Why is Doug upset about Todd and Christy being a couple? Have you ever experienced a time where friendships changed when boys came into the picture? How did that feel? How can you ensure that there is a healthy balance between your relationship with your friends and with a boy?
2. Katie begins to doubt God because she doesn’t have a boyfriend. Have you ever felt like maybe God doesn’t have someone in mind for you?
3. What happens when Katie finds someone who gives her attention? How does her relationship with God change? Why does she let that happen? For those who have read the Katie series, what do we know God has in plan for her? Why is it hard for us to wait for God’s plan?
4. Later in the book, Todd tells Christy that there is value in everything that happens and not to have regrets. What value was there in Christy dating Rick? What value is there in Katie dating Michael?
5. What advise does Todd give Christy about Katie? Can you think of a time when you had to watch a friend or someone close do something you thought was wrong or destructive? How did you handle it?
6. What does Christy give to her dad? How did he respond? Have you ever thought of writing down your thoughts for a family member or friend to bless them?
7. Why didn’t Christy like Fred? What did she learn as she got to know him more?  What happens when she reaches out to him? Often times those who bug us the most, are the people who need the most love. Can you think of anyone that reminds of you of Fred? Why do you think they might be that way? How can  you show love to them?
8. Todd quotes C.S. Lewis and says “Anger is the fluid that love bleeds when you cut it.” What do you think of this quote? What does it mean? What do you think should be opposite saying? What flows from nurtured love?
9. Why does Todd not share his innermost thoughts with Christy? What would happen if he did?
10. Todd says he appreciates that Christy lets him take the lead in the relationship and does not come on to him. Why? Why is her innocence and modesty attractive? What happens when a girl flirts and pushes herself at a guy?
11. What do you think it means to cherish someone or time together?
12. Katie warns Christy that she might get hurt. Why does she say that? For those who have read farther, does this come true? Do you think Christy should have done anything differently? What value was there in what happened?
13. What lessons did you learn from reading this book? Has it changed your perspective on anything?
14. What was your favorite and least favorite parts of the book?
15. What advise would you give to any of the characters?

January Meeting

Our next meeting will be January 20th at 7pm at the Family Vision Library.

We will be reading A Time to Cherish. This is the 10th book in the Christy Miller Series. If you are reading the Volumes, it is the first book in the 4th Volume of Christy Miller.

December meeting

Instead of our usual meeting, we will be having a caroling party for December. This will include other friends as well as the more the merrier!

Please join us for a

Caroling Party!

When:

Monday

December 16, 2013

6:30-9:00pm

Where:

The Outlaw Hideout

(Our Grandparents’ House)

Ask for address as I don't want it posted on the blog! 

What:

Caroling

Gift Exchange

Minute to Win It Games

Christmas Games

Prizes

What to Bring:

Dress warmly for caroling

Please bring a treat to share.

A gift for the gift exchange.

(Gift should be inexpensive and appeal to boys and girls.)

We will provide:

Hot cocoa and fixings

Jingle bells and Music

Gifts for the houses we visit.

PLEASE RSVP!

We need to know how many to prepare for so

Please call or email to let us know if you can come or not.

Jennifer.guyer@gmail.com

Discussion Questions for Seventeen Wishes

Seventeen Wishes
It’s summer, and that means the beach and other adventures. And Christy Miller’s best friend, Katie, is always full of ideas. They’ll be camp counselors! But when Katie can’t go, Christy is bewildered and overwhelmed by her fifth-grade girls, who have boundless energy for anything except what Christy wants them to do. Do they even hear a word she says? Soon they’re playing matchmaker between Christy and Jaeson, a handsome counselor...and he doesn’t seem to mind. When Christy’s seventeenth birthday arrives later in the summer, just what will she be wishing for?

1. What was the jar for that sat on the shelf in the guys’ apartment? Have you ever sponsored a child in another country? If so, what are some things that you enjoy and have learned from that experience? What country do/did your children live in?

2. Have you ever thought about having your own apartment and how you would decorate it?

3. Christy thinks about the “invisible rope” that connects her to her parents and how, the older she gets, the more rope they let out and let her experience on her own. Do you ever feel like that? Does the rope seem confining or comforting to you? Or both? What kinds of rules do you have right now? How are they different from when you were younger or what older siblings have?

4. Do you find it hard to fit in to a new group as Christy did at the God Lovers meeting?

5. What rule did Christy almost break after the God Lovers meeting? Why was she tempted to break the rule? Have you ever been tempted to disobey a rule because it was awkward to go against the crowd? How did Christy’s friends help her? How will true friends behave when you try to do what’s right, even if it’s inconvenient?

6. Why was Christy concerned for Katie? Why do you think Rick treated Katie as he did?

7. How did the guys seem similar  to the different animals that they gravitated toward?

8. Why do you think Todd seems to hold back in his relationship with Christy at this point? Why doesn’t he treat her romantically like Rick did? Why do you think Christy keeps wishing for more instead of appreciating him as Katie suggests?

9. What does Todd mean when he says he won’t deliberately arouse a desire in Christy to he can’t follow through on honestly before God?

10. What surprise did Christy get about camp? How would you have reacted to that surprise?

11. Christy’s cabin girls responded positively to touch and positive attention. Christy also responded to these things from Jaeson. What does this tell us about the power of touch and attention? How can we use these for good? Can we sometimes give the wrong message with our touch or attention? How does this tie back into what Todd told Christy about why he takes things slow?

12. What was the advise that Jessica gave to Christy about counseling her girls? What was the most important thing she could remember? Did Christy find this advice to be true?

13. Do you think it was a good idea for Christy to try to have a camp romance with someone she would only know for a week? Do you agree with Jaeson that no one gets hurt if they both know it’s a game? What did Christy decided about this in the end?

14. What is Todd’s blessing? What does it mean to love God above all else? Do you think you have that kind of love for God?

15. What does Christy tell Sara about kisses? (p134)

16. Christy felt that the ant attack was one of her worst experiences. Has anything like that ever happened to you? What was one of your worst experiences? Did anything good come from it?

17. What did Dean Ferril suggest Christy do during her recovery time? Have you ever used a time of illness to draw closer to God and to pray? Robin tells about how she did this in a recent blog entry. http://www.robingunn.com/quiet-time/

18. What did Dean Ferril say Christy had accomplished during this week? Do you ever feel like you have failed at getting through to others about spiritual matters?

19. What did Christy learn about her dreams and God’s dreams for her? (p 154)

20. How does Christy tell Sara how to accept Christ? Have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior? Do you have any questions?

21. Robin, Katie and Sara accepted Christ at camp. Do you remember where you were when you accepted him as your Saviour? Who helped you to learn about salvation? How can we teach others about Christ? How did Christy teach the girls? What made the most influence in reaching her girls that week? 

22. What was your favorite/least favorite part of this book?

23. What lessons did you learn from reading this book?

Just for fun. Songs from the God Lovers meeting

November Meeting

Monday, November 18, 2013

7-9PM

Family Vision Library

We will be discussing
Seventeen Wishes

Important meeting information

Just a reminder that our October meeting is on Oct 28 at Great Skate from 6:30-8:30pm.

Also, starting in November, we will be meeting at Family Vision Library. 

Fall Schedule

Ok. After a trial run at the new meeting schedule of 4th Mondays, it seems that is not going to work, so I have asked to have our meetings back on the 3rd Monday. So, our next meeting will be Sept 16th.

However, in October, instead of meeting at our usual time and place, we will be meeting at Great Skate Roller Rink on Oct 28th, which is the 4th Monday. Hopefully that will work for most.

Here is the schedule for the Fall:

Sept 16, 7-9 pm Starry Night 
(Book 7 OR Christy Miller Volume 3: book 2)

Please turn in your Read a Thon pledge sheets and pledges at the September meeting!

Oct 28 6:30-8:30pm Great Skate Night ($5 entrance, $1 skate rental)

Nov 18, 7-9pm : Seventeen Wishes
(Book 8 OR Christy Miller Vol 3: Book 3)

December Date and Time to Be Determined: Caroling Party

Discussion Questions for Starry Night

Starry Night It’s Christmastime, and Christy Miller has so much going on: family time, work, and maybe, just maybe, going to the Rose Bowl Parade with a bunch of friends. If only she could answer Uncle Bob’s tough questions. Todd’s buddy Doug gives her some insight, and she starts to appreciate him in a whole new way. Rick Doyle shows up again...but is he pursuing Christy or the cutest elf at the mall? Through it all, will Christy find someone special to count the stars with?

* What did you think about Jon asking Christy not to say Merry Christmas to the customers? What did you think of Christy's response? Do you think you would have been brave enough to do the same? What was the result of Christy standing up to Jon? How was that a witness to him?

*Why does Christy get so upset about her family's plans for Christmas and Katie being able to hang out with her friends without her? Christy has learned not to behave poorly when things don't go her way. How did she learn that? How does that help her in the end? How do you behave when your parents don't agree to your plans?

*Why does Christy want to talk to Rick? What did she accomplish with her talk? Do you think it is possible for boys and girls to be friends after they have dated? What helps or does not help that to happen?

* Doug says that Christy is irresistible to others because of her love of God. Why do you think he said that? Why does that make her irresistible? Do you think he is right about Rick's response to Christy? Think about the image you portray to others. Do they know you love God? Do you stand up for your beliefs even when others may give you a hard time, like Jon and Rick? How do you think that makes others feel about you?

*Christy wondered what it was that made her and Todd close but her and Doug just friends. What do you think the difference is?

*In a world that doesn't believe that abstinence only education is realistic, do you believe it is realistic that a guy would not kiss a girl until their wedding day? What do you think of this standard? How would it make you to feel if your boyfriend waited till your wedding day to kiss you? How do you think it would make you feel to know that your boyfriend never kissed anyone but you? What is Todd's standard for physical affection? Why do you think he set that standard? How were Todd's kisses different than Rick's?

*Have you thought about your standard for physical affection?

*Think about how Rick and Doug handled Christy's relationship with Todd. How were they different? 

*Why do you think Rick was jealous of Todd?

*What do you think is happening with Rick and Katie? Why did Katie get upset about the talk about "virgin lips"?

*Todd said he was not afraid of anything in creation because he knew the creator. What did he mean by this?

*What did Todd mean when he said five of the surfers had laid down their weapons and surrendered to God?

*Why didn't Todd go the the competition after all his preperation? What did he say was the reason for going to Hawaii? What did he find more important: winning the competition or winning souls? What did you think of that? Have you ever been in a situation like that?

*Have you ever felt like God made a promise and then disappeared? What reminders does God give you to show that he is still there and will keep his promises? Do you find it hard sometimes to wait for God's timing? What promise was Todd having faith in? Why was it hard sometimes to trust in that promise?

 *At the beginning of the book, Robin dedicates the book to Rich Mullins, Margaret Becker and Bryan Duncan, who all wrote songs that helped inspire this book. Listen to this song by Rich Mullins and relate it to what you read in the book.

Discussion Questions for True Friends

1. What characteristics do you believe make a true friend?
2. What made Todd a true friend?
3. What made Katie a true friend?
4. Was Christy a good friend?
5. Do you want your friends to be as honest as Katie, even if what they say might be hard to hear?
6. Do you think you would do something like skiing, even if it wasn't your thing, for a friend?
7. Christy liked the quote from Constantine that says, "My Treasures are my friends." Do you agree?
8. Christy's youth group leader said, "Each of us is a missionary right where we are." How can you be a missionary where you are? What are some things you can do?
9. What did you think of Katie calling the ski trip a mission trip? How was it so?
10. What does it mean to be in the world but not of it?
11. Have you ever made a "hit list" of people to pray for and witness to? Think about who you might include.
12. Do you have trouble thinking of how to approach others with the Gospel like Christy did? Do you have suggestions to share with others?
13. Christy's youth leader had them thank God for something they never consciously thanked Him for. Can you think of something like that to thank Him for?
14. Have you ever been tempted to betray a friend just to fit in with the crowd?
15. How do you think you would have handled the situation with the girls on the ski trip?
16. Christy never specifically shared the Gospel with anyone in this book. Do you think she was a witness to anyone?  How does the way we live our life speak to others about God?
17. What were your favorite and least favorite parts of the book?
18. What lessons did you learn from this book?

Upcoming meetings

Don't forget that we are now meeting on the 4th Monday of the month!

August 26, 7-9 pm True Friends

Sept 16, 7-9 pm Starry Night 

Please turn in your Read a Thon pledge sheets and pledges at the September meeting!

Oct 28 7-9pm Great Skate Night

Peculiar Treasure Girls at Christy's 2013 Birthday

We gathered today to celebrate Christy Miller's birthday with a Garden of my Heart tea party. We all had a delightful time!

 

Scroll down to the next post for more pictures from the party!