{Storyline} An Invitation for You

I believe in stories. Most of what I write here is me processing life as I seek God as the author of all our stories. So, really, it should be no surprise author Donald Miller's approach to living life as if you're telling a story works for me.

"It’s interesting that in the Bible, in the book of Ecclesiastes, the only practical advice given about living a meaningful life is to find a job you like, enjoy your marriage, and obey God. It’s as though God is saying, 'Write a good story, take somebody with you, and let me help.'"

{Donald Miller in "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years"}

Donald Miller further developed this idea of living out our stories in his workbook called "Storyline: Finding Your Subplot in God's Story." It's a book I've had sitting on my desk, awaiting time and attention. I really wanted a group to go through the book with me so we could discuss our stories along the way.

Last week, God gave me an idea. I found myself asking myself, "What if you lead an online study of Storyline?" As I read the introduction to "Storyline," I found myself thinking of specific dreamer and writer friends. I emailed some of them. This study in this season isn't going to work for everyone. I know that.

But God nudged my heart. And now I putting it out there.

"As a writer, I see the Bible as a story. It's a story about unrequited love. It's a story about a God who loves a world that, for the most part, ignores Him. It's a sad story, but it has a great ending. In the end, God gets the girl back.

In a way, that story has already been written. It mean it hasn't happened yet, but for a God who lives outside time, it's as good as done. And yet, the role you and I get to play in that story is still unfolding. And not only this, but we actually get to decide our little part.

All epic stories have subplots, and each of our lives is a subplot. What we want to accomplish at Storyline is simple: We want to help people live a great subplot in God's story."

{From the introduction to "Storyline" by Donald Miller}

This is your invitation to join us. 

Us is a group of women who believe our stories matter as chapters in God's story. {Specifically, I know my friend Holly is in!} You can be a writer, but you don't have to be a writer. You can have a grasp on some of the details in your story, or you could have no idea what this chapter is about. {And, sorry to you few men who read this blog, this is going to be a women's only group.}

Here's how the online study will work:

SIGN UP :: You'll sign up so I can know who wants to join us. Fill out this Google document. And then order the book. It's available on Amazon and Storyline's website.

FACEBOOK GROUP :: Once I get your sign up information, I'll add you to a private Facebook group. This will be where the bulk of the discussion happens. 

MONDAYS :: Each Monday I'll post a prompt/discussion topic/question that relates to whatever that week's chapter/story module is about. I've broken the book down into 10 chunks so our discussions will begin Feb. 3 and continue through April 7. 

TUESDAYS :: I'm going to blog my way through the book each Tuesday morning. Each post will be somewhat related to whatever that week's topic is. I'll invite others {those going through the study and anyone out there in blogger land} to link up posts that are related to each week's prompt. That means if you're a blogger, I'd love for you to blog your way through the study with me. If you're not, you're welcome to jump in further discussion in the comments or back in our Facebook group.

So, who's in? Please let me know if you have questions. I've lead Bible studies in person before, but this is the first time I've ever done anything like this. There may be some kinks, but we'll work them out. Feel free to pass this along to any other women you think may be interested. And don't forget to sign up if you want to join us.
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With this post, I'm joining Jen Ferguson's Soli Deo Gloria Party, an online place that taught me virtual friendships are real. 

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