Debbie Swindell

Here’s a ministry update for you. Today, I share news about my blog site, discipleship, Bible study, and the spring workshop.

A New Look at debbieswindell.com 

First, let me share that I’ve done work on my blog site. Please look around and utilize the links. Let me know if something needs to be fixed. While you are there, you might find something worth sharing. 

As a reminder, my site serves as a support for discipleship, mentoring, and counseling. The words I write are to encourage women to read wisely, think deeply, and live biblically. 

I am writing to challenge Christian women to seek the Lord Jesus Christ: Looking to Him, knowing His ways, pondering His promises, and obeying His commands. I aim to have my own words point readers to a better Word, Jesus Christ.

The About Me block of each page is new. It reads: “I’m a professed theology nerd who is confronted daily with the belief that the more I learn, the less I feel I know. Through study and application, I understand how theological views affect life. 

I am an Arkansas woman serving her family, church, and small-town community. They call me a Bible teacher, counselor, mentor, and disciple-maker. I’m an everyday theologian. To better understand, you will want to read my story.” 

With the new theme, I’ve placed my blog writing on the front page for easier accessibility. I’ve been more disciplined in writing blog posts more often. For those of you who let me know that you benefit from my writing, I appreciate it! 

Discipleship

God has blessed me with ladies I see for one-on-one discipleship. I’ve paused our meeting times until post-surgery. Those ladies I have met with regularly have made great strides. I’m encouraged that we will continue.

If you recall, the ladies I mentor met me for a planning session in December. Decision-making for 2024 was done promptly and has been bathed in prayer and meditation. I trust that when we do so, our plans will likely align with what God has in store. However, the unexpected days of life require us to be flexible if we approach our calendars in a way that honors God and His better plans for us.

God has graciously allowed us to come together as a team to lead the ladies of our local church in Bible study and education-based workshops. I am thankful for this opportunity.

As part of the mentoring, I have seen the younger ladies grow as they have led studies and taught in our fellowship hall. Like myself, each has better understood their gifts and abilities. A plus for the January semester is we’ve added Juliana. You will enjoy getting to know her.

Bible Study

The Habakkuk study will begin on January 17th. Jennifer, Julianna, Ginger, and Jennifer will lead the study. As usual, this will be an inductive study, and you are encouraged to bring any Bible tools you might own: Study Bible, Bible handbook, commentary, Bible maps, etc. 

The prophet Habakkuk reported a dialogue he had with God concerning the sovereignty of God and the wickedness of events on earth. What the prophet saw and heard in the presence of God is nothing short of profound! Plan to dig into the scriptures themselves to gain a deeper understanding. I plan to join as I am able with my post-op recovery. 

Spring Workshop

Next on the calendar is the April 13th spring workshop, Cultivating Christian Friendship. In our time together, we will explore our need for friendship with Jesus and others: The Necessity of Friendship, The Gift of Friendship, The Redemption of Friendship. Most people have friends, but few of us know true friendship. 

This world is full of sorrow because it is full of sin. It is a dark place. It is a lonely place. It is a disappointing place. The brightest sunbeam in it is a friend. Friendship halves our troubles and doubles our joys.

– J.C. Ryle

The workshop will encourage women in their old and new friendships. We will look to Jesus as the ultimate friend. Come with plans to make a new friend or two while we laugh, worship, pray, and study. 

Mark Your Calendar

Mark your calendar now as you plan to attend these opportunities for study and fellowship. Please get in touch with me if you have questions about the Habakkuk study or the spring workshop. If I am unavailable, I will get back as soon as possible.