I’ve been having a hard time keeping our Spring Bloom Book Club selection a secret–I’m so glad Jessica and Angie finally spilled the beans! Jean Fleming’s Pursue the Intentional Life is a life changer. Upon first glance the casual reader might think its demographic is “older” women; but a closer look reveals an important message to all women regardless of age or stage of life.
I cannot say it strongly enough:
By the time you reach the end of this book, the way you view life on earth in light of eternity will be forever changed for the better best.
If you’re a longtime fan of Bloom, we’re thrilled to reconnect. Are you a newcomer? Welcome! Keep reading for everything you’ll need to know over the next several weeks.
Changing things up
Some things will remain the same–
Each week you’ll get to visit via video with Bloom founders Jessica Turner and Angie Smith as they talk through several chapters at a time with the author (you’re going to love Jean!); Robin Dance will continue supporting the videos with blog posts. You can expect new content on Mondays and Thursdays.
Because we hope to hear from many of you, we’re creating multiple ways to connect–
As always, once you view the videos and read the companion posts, you can share your thoughts in comments right here on Bloom. Please don’t be shy!
And new this year, we’re creating a private Facebook Group for those who’d like to to discuss further what you’re learning, how the book and videos are challenging you, and how the Lord is working in your life as you move toward greater intention.
As always, we hope you’ll share your thoughts and responses on your Facebook pages and on Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to tag all your updates with @incourage #inbooks so we don’t miss them.
The beauty of our Bloom (in)courage book club is even if you miss a day (or a week or find us years later…!) the content will always be available here on the Bloom page, enabling you to watch videos and read the posts anytime.
Be sure to subscribe to Bloom (in)courage emails so you’ll receive every update; it really is the best way to keep current.
Buy a Book, Give a Book — and Get Free Shipping!
Head out to your local bookstore to pick up a copy of Jean’s Pursue the Intentional Life or you can purchase a copy from DaySpring.com for the discounted price of $10.99. If you order soon you’ll have it in plenty of time to finish prior to the start of the study on June 5th.
Bloom book club is special for many reasons but perhaps the loveliest is our Sponsored Book Opportunity: If you are able to purchase a book for someone in need, DaySpring has set up a “Sponsored Book” option for you. Wanna know just how much this means to those who receive sponsored copies? Read it in their own words–your generosity makes such a difference!
And when you purchase a copy for yourself as well as a Sponsored Book you can receive free shipping with code BLOOMBOOK. This code is valid on any two-book purchase, so it will work if you’d like to purchase two books for yourself or two sponsored books. DaySpring will take care of delivering the sponsored book to a reader in need.
If you have any questions about the sponsored program, you can visit the FAQ page found here.
Schedule
Thursday, May 22th – Form opened to request free sponsored books (reserved only for those not able to otherwise participate due to financial need). Will close when all books are spoken for or by Sunday, May 25th.
Tuesday, May 27th – Giveaway!!
Thursday, May 29nd – Giveaway winners announced, sponsorship reminder, last minute notes
Monday, June 2nd – Video 1, Author Introduction
Thursday, June 5th – Video 2, Chapters 1-3 (pp. 15-28)
Monday, June 9nd – Video 3, Chapters 4-7 (pp. 29-52)
Thursday, June 12th – Video 4, Chapters 8-10 (pp. 53-74)
Monday, June 16th – Video 5, Chapters 11-15 (pp. 75-104)
Thursday, June 19th – Video 6, Chapters 16-19 (pp. 105-124)
Monday, June 23th – Video 7, Chapters 20-23 (pp. 125-148)
Thursday, June 26th – Video 8, Chapters 24- 27 (pp. 149-172)
Monday, June 30th – Video 9, Chapters 28-31 (pp. 173-194)
Thursday, July 3rd – Recap/End
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Got questions? Fire away in comments and we’ll make sure you have everything you need to know!
Pursue the Intentional Life is unlike any study we’ve ever done. Plus, we think you’ll find this book is an easy, engaging read. And the content? Effective, inspiring and so important, girlieQs.
Please order your book right away, invite a friend to join us, and pray for the Lord to draw you closer to Him in our pursuit of intentionality.
With great expectation,
Leave a Comment
So looking forward to this new book study! I will be ordering book today and trying to get friends to join me!
Kristen,
YAAAAEEEE!!! I love hearing that! I’m planning on inviting friends over to do an IRL book club; hopefully some will say yes :).
Looking forward to reading this book!
Oh, hyperactivelu (your name makes me smile),
I DO hope you’ll be blessed–I can’t imagine otherwise. 🙂
Hi there! Is it ok to participate by getting the Kindle edition of the book?
Hi! Also wondering about the possibility to get this book in kindle format. As I’m living in Zimbabwe it is always a bit more complicated to order books.
Hi JillyHead and Janneke ~
Yes, of course whatever format works for you will be perfect :). I NEED the copy in my hands so I can writer all over it…and put smilies, hearts, and stars. It’s a child’s work of art when I’m done :).
I’m new to bloom. I’d like to participate in the book club. How do I sign up? Thanks 🙂
Well, it’s not exactly a “sign-up” per se, April; you just purchase the book, read along with us, subscribe for updates (so you’ll know when the videos/posts are live), and comment either on the post or in our Facebook group linked above. Make sense?
IT’S SO FANTASTIC!!!!
First timer with bloom! Looking forward to it with friends.
All our first-timers are making me so happy :). Each person will add so much; and I KNOW how much this book will be a blessing to those who read it. I KNOW it!
Looking forward to this study! I am in need of some uplifting and renewed purpose.
If that is your need, this book will accomplish both. It’s an anointed message I’d love to shout from the mountaintops. Seriously.
Oooo! This sounds wonderful! Did a Million little ways with Bloom and really enjoyed that choice, so can only think this one will also be so good!
I so want to do this, but I am traveling in England. How can I get a copy?
I noticed in Amazon it’s available on Kindle; the study part doesn’t begin until June 5, Beth, so when will you be stateside?
Hey, Beth! You should’ve taken me along in your suitcase. 😉
If you don’t have a Kindle, you can also buy the Kindle version and read it with Amazon’s Kindle Cloud reader. That’s how I read all my Kindle books.
I’m thrilled with this pick. Such a good book.
Jennifer,
It IS. And Jean is my new favorite person–she’s an absolute jewel.
First time bloomer! Looking forward to sharing this book with you all and growing together 🙂
Loved this book. So glad it is getting the attention it deserves.
Me, too, Deanne :).
Can’t wait!! I’ve missed the club!
Awww, Heidi, it’s GOOD to have you back (and great to be missed) :).
How do we sign up to receive a sponsored book if we are in need? Thank you
Hey Amanda,
Thanks for asking what others might have missed, too: as scheduled, we’ll open the form on Thursday. It will run through the weekend or until all sponsored books are snatched up :).
Excited about the facebook group that is awesome!
First timer with bloom here after seeing the post on facebook. I’m looking forward to getting to work on two goals simultaneously (reading for pleasure & working on intentionality). 🙂
One quick question not addressed by the Sponsor Book FAQ, though: what happens if there are more sponsored books purchased than there are sponsees requesting books?
Hi Jameson,
Well…we’ve never actually had that “problem” before :). When I checked with my DaySpring boss so I wouldn’t misspeak this, he said we have had to limit the amount of free books sent out; BUT, if that were to happen we would open the request period for longer to let more people join OR carry over the sponsorships to the next study.
That’s great to hear that one way or the other the funds will still be used to bless women who might not otherwise be able to participate. Thanks for taking the time to answer!
I am excited about starting this study especially since I have at least 5 friends that want books as well so that they can do it with me. This will be our first time with you.
Whoa…LOVE that, Gail! Going through this study in community will only make it that much better Great for y’all!
I have this book but haven’t started it yet. I’m looking forward to reading along with a group. I need some encouragement in my older age. 😉
Sandra,
Way to make me smile in the afternoon, girlieQ :). I’m already eager to re-read it…I kinda wanna memorize it.
Robin, I do prison ministry and lead a weekly Bible Study. I am wondering if it would be good for the girls even though they won’t have books or do any chapter reading. I have led studies this way before, and simply review the chapter as best I can and we could watch the video. Thank you for any input you might have to offer.
Cheryl,
What a precious ministry; my in-laws have led prison ministry for 25 years so I have a tender place in my heart for those willing to go into hard places to love on others.
My thought is this could be a wonderful book to share with these women; despite their circumstances, they can make choices that affect the rest of their lives for the better. The book is largely relational–toward God and those around you. It compels you to consider your days in a way that shifts the absorption of self to love of God. I think you can glean content each weak that will bring a significant message of HOPE!! 🙂
First timer here! Can’t wait to join in.
Is it too late to order the book and participate in this study? I feel like I am walking around with a blindfold on in my life, seeking God’s direction. This book sounds like a game changer. 🙂
Hi Becca,
So sorry for my delayed reply, but NO! It’s never too late to begin a Bloom Book Club :). I say jump in wherever we are.
BUT we haven’t even begun the content yet–that won’t be until next Thursday! On Monday, we’ll meet Jean, Thursday we’ll start the chapter studies.
That’s the beauty of Bloom–there’s nothing to “do” other than read your book and engage with our video/post content. 🙂 It’s here 24/7.
DaySpring’s orders ship quickly, so even if you order through their site and choose standard delivery, I bet you’d receive your copy before we begin!! (Plus, it’s discounted!)
Had a sneak peek into the book (okay the 1st 3 chapters) and realizing it’s just what I need.
Looking forward to “clubbing” it with you, ladies 😉
Celeste,
I can’t wait to re-read the whole blasted thing; it’s the type book that would be good to make an annual re-visit :).
Is it too late to sign up for a sponsored book. I cannot afford to purchase 1 at this time and would love to grow in Christ with you all through this study. Thank you
Oh, Michelle…yes, it’s too late to request a sponsored book. Supplies are limited and some studies they can even run out in hours!
Might you request a copy at your local library? Or, please DO enter to win the Bloom giveaway posted yesterday–the prize pack includes a copy!!
Can’t wait…looking foraward to the study & discussion of this book!
I love anything by Jean Fleming. Great choice!
GirlieQs ~ your enthusiasm is SUCH an encouragement to the Bloom Team! I hope I haven’t “oversold” this book to y’all, but MERCY–Jean speaks a word we NEED to hear. The Lord trusted her to steward an important message and her sweet pursuit of HIM makes an incredible difference.
Lynn, this is the only book I’ve read of hers but it makes me hungry for the next one. Love hearing your endorsement :).
bookmarked!
I am a bit confused. What do the dates on the header graphic mean? (May 26-June 3)
Hi Sharon,
The dates signify the first week of the study (a study always begins with a giveaway) through the last week of the study.
We start book content next Thursday after introducing the author on Monday.
Make sense?
🙂
OH! I was reading it wrong. 🙂 I was reading May 26 – June 3 instead of May 26 – July 3. Thanks!
Just to be clear, we don’t HAVE to participate through FaceBook, right?
I just received my book “Pursue The Intentional Life”, today and am so very excited! I really don’t fellowship with many women but am starting to and am excited! Very excited about this book. 🙂
I want to thank those who sponsored me and any other women with books. Your gift has blessed us with a deeper look into God’s word and fellowship with other women.
I need help – I signed up for the book club but I can’t get the video to play today. I wanted to watch the introduction of the author.
Can someone please help me?
Glad you were able to watch it directly on the post, Laurie. I have no idea why you had trouble on You Tube… 🙁
Is it too late to request a sponsored book? I’m a bit late to the party but after seeing the video with Jean (which opened the floodgates!!) I am eager to join in 🙂
Caroline,
Yes ma’am, the deadline for sponsored books has been over for a while (you’ll see that in future posts, ones that were published after this one).
I SO hope you can get it another way and join us; regardless, you’re invited to watch the videos and read the posts and comments–they’re wonderful, too!
Hi, I am just now reading about this book club. I would like to host one using her book and the videos and your questions. How do I do that?
Can I use this site and show the video’s to others in hosting a book club?