
Ohhhhh, y'all. Our Bloom fall study of Let's All Be Brave? It's going to be sooo good. Wasn't our announcement video SO stinkin' fun? Quietly taking notes during the video shoot with Annie, Jessica and Angie…well, I can testify that these next few weeks of reading in community is going to inspire and challenge you to do (and not do) things you've never imagined. We can't wait to hear your stories! Is this your first Bloom study? Let us know in comments. Are you returning? DO ...

Are you getting excited?? Next week we’ll officially kick off our study of Let's All Be Brave by introducing you to Annie Downs on Monday, and then reading the first few chapters on Thursday. Before we jump into the giveaway awesomeness, here are some quick tips on how to participate in the Bloom Book Club {since we’ve received that question a few times}. Here's how to join us: Purchase a copy of Let's All Be Brave (you can order it here at DaySpring - and if you order 2 or more copies ...

We haven’t even officially begun our fall Bloom Book Club, but it feels like we’re well underway. You, our wonderful reading community, have meaningfully engaged in comments on Bloom posts and taken off over at our Bloom Book Club Facebook Group! Need an incentive to join us over there? Behind the scenes we’re trying to come up with a few special treats for those who join the Facebook Group for Let's All Be Brave. Once the study kicks off on October 16th, we’ll change the group to Private, so ...

Author introductions are always the perfect way to begin a Bloom study. You get a candid glimpse of the person behind the words, before she starts walking with you through her book. It's the next best thing to sharing a cup of coffee (or tea) with her face to face. Today meet Annie Downs, author of Let's All Be Brave and long-time (in)courage contributor. To know her is to love her! {Subscribers, please click here to view video.} We'll be back Thursday with our first book discussion ...

Read Foreword A Note From the Author Chapter 1, An Honest Moment Chapter 2, Just Start Chapter 3, Believe {Pages 13-48) Watch {Subscribers, please click here to view video.} Discuss Isn't it fascinating to learn how Let's All Be Brave came together, that the book we've held in our hands (or scrolled on an e-reader) didn't initially look like it does now? Annie's vulnerability in sharing that process adds so much to what we've read already, doesn't ...

Read Chapter 4, Nashville Chapter 5, Edinburgh {pp. 49-70) Watch {Subscribers, please click here to view video.} Discuss Q1. Annie's, Jessica's and Angie's conversation about hearing from God was a great reminder that listening requires intention and practice. Do you have an example in your own life where you had a "Move to Nashville" type of nudge from God where you knew you were called to action that didn't make sense when you heard it? Were you mad? Excited? ...

Read Chapter 6, Your People Chapter 7, Your Talents Chapter 8, Your Words {pp. 71-98) Watch {Subscribers, please click here to view video.} Discuss Q1. Before reading (and listening to) Annie's words, I had never before considered that I needed other people to help me be brave; had you? Tell us about some of the people in your life who've helped you be braver. Do you simply follow their own courageous examples? Or is it because they encourage you to take brave ...

Read Chapter 9, Say Yes Chapter 10, Say No {pp. 99-120) Watch {Subscribers, please click here to view video.} Discuss Q1. Do you have a harder time "saying yes" or "saying no"? Share how you arrive at your answer. Are you motivated by guilt or by what you feel like you're "supposed" to do? Do the opinions of friends and family matter more than the opinion of God? What are the "little yeses" that require discipline in your life? Q2. Tell us about a time ...