St Oswald's Magazine StOM 1610 | Page 3

Letter from The Sofa (Curled up with Ashley)  Listen, my [ children]: accept my words, and you’ll live a long, long time. I have directed you in the way of wisdom, and I have led you along straight paths. When you walk, your step will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go! Guard wisdom, because she is your life! Proverbs 4:10-13 The discipleship study is fast drawing to a close; we are almost at the end of the study on the book of Acts. I haven’t been with the group which meets on a Monday evening, all of the time, but the times I have I must say I have been so encouraged by the level of honesty, humour and trust shown by each and every person. It has been more than a study of a book of the Bible, it has been a study of human relationships with each other and with God. I don’t know why I am amazed, this always happens each and every time Ashley and myself or one of us has begun a group. It doesn’t matter which study books we have, it doesn’t matter if we have written it ourselves; it just seems to ignite a hunger for deeper sharing, deeper meaning and deeper friendships. And That is God showing us that He is pleased, and I am not as useless as I sometimes feel. Lol. This particular study grew into a shared experience with the St Aiden’s church family, and what a blessing they are. They, in turn, have invited us to join with them as they carry on with a new study throughout the winter months: evening, time and venue to be arranged. I would encourage any of you who want to go out on the dark bleak lonely nights of winter ( oooo I am supposed to encourage not discourage you lol) to please go along. I honestly think it will be a delightful gathering). Studying God’s living word is a must not a choice, and if you must study let it be in friendship with a cuppa and cake and great friends. For those not wanting to risk the transport in the dark snowy rainy cold…did I mention rainy snowy. I am going to buy study books that you can use at home. Called the images of Christ. They are part of the ‘Life Builder’ Study books from scripture union. So there is no need or excuse not to go deeper into why you are following the ‘way’. For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures. Romans 15:4 The books are around £4 each. Please ask for one. Lesley-ann StOM Page 3