If you’ve already seen Jessica and Angie’s announcement video revealing our Bloom Winter book club, you know why this is going to be a special study (if you haven’t yet seen it, you can watch it here). Laughter through tears tells you just what this study means to Jessica and Angie, and we can’t wait to walk through the pages of The Fringe Hours with you.
We love knowing a little about who’ll be joining us for each Bloom session, so please introduce yourself in comments! Let us know if this is your first study or if you’re a veteran Bloom community member.
What to Expect
Jessica Turner and Angie Smith are returning as Bloom hosts, and this study is extra special because they’ve invited a few of their friends to join the discussion. You’ll meet them here soon. Robin Dance will continue supporting the videos with companion blog posts and conversation in comments and in our Facebook Group.
How to Join Us
Taking part in a Bloom (in)courage book club is as easy as 1, 2, 3:
- Pick up a copy of The Fringe Hours as soon as possible. NEW: Signed copies are available exclusively at DaySpring for the first 500 purchases. In addition to special low pricing, for every two-book purchase, receive free shipping when you use the code BLOOMBOOK — we want to make it easy for you to grab a friend and join together!
- Read at our pace (schedule below) or complete the book at your convenience. New videos and blog posts will be published each week during the duration of the study. When you subscribe to Bloom, you won’t even worry about forgetting — we’ll send you email reminders. NEW: Don’t have time to watch? Listen to Bloom when you’re on the go! The MP3 file for each video will be embedded with every post so you’ll never have to miss.
- Share your thoughts (we really, really want to hear from you). There are several ways to engage the Bloom Team:
- LIKE the Bloom Facebook Page and invite your friends to do the same. This is a general page available throughout the year.
- COMMENT on blog posts. It is such an encouragement to the Bloom Team when we can hear how much you’re enjoying the study or how a particular video, chapter, or section resonates with you. We also love to see you interacting with other readers in the comment thread — friendships are born when like minds connect.
- JOIN Bloom’s The Fringe Hours Facebook Group.
- POST your favorite quotes or tell us how The Fringe Hours is impacting how you spend your time. Be sure to tag all your updates with @incourage #inbooks #FringeHours so we don’t miss them. We’ll look for you on Twitter and Instagram.
Bloom book clubs are all about convenience. You’re welcome to watch videos and read the posts any time, even if you begin the study after our official start date. (There’s no formal sign-up or no such thing as “missing” a day.)
(But be sure to subscribe to Bloom (in)courage emails so you’ll receive every update; it really is the best way to keep current.)
SCHEDULE
Thursday 2/12: Winter/Spring Study Announcement
Monday 2/16: Sponsored Book Request + Meet the Author
Thursday 2/19: Sponsored book reminder & giveaway announcement
Mon 2/23: Guest introductions and giveaway winners announced
Thurs 2/26: Printable #1
Part 1: Explore
Mon 3/2: Video 1 :: Balance: Chapter 1
Thurs 3/5: Video 2 :: Self-Imposed Pressures/Guilt: Chapters 2-3
Part 2: Discover
Mon 3/9: Video 3 :: Discover: Chapters 4-5 {Printable #2}
Thursday 3/12: Video 4 :: Discover: Chapter 6
Part 3: Maximize
Monday 3/16: Video 5 :: Prioritizing & Using Time Wisely: Chapters 7-8
Thursday 3/19: Video 6 :: Help & Obstacles: Chapters 9-10
Part 4: Live Well
Monday 3/23: Video 7 :: Community, Rest & Living Well: Chapters 11-13 {Printable #3}
Thursday 3/26: A Community Link-Up!
Monday 3/30: A Sweet Good-bye
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Let us know if you have questions by leaving a note in comments. We’ll reply as soon as we can.
Order your book now and you’ll receive it in time to get started. Remember, exclusively from DaySpring, the first 500 purchasers will receive an autographed copy, and every two-book purchase qualifies for free shipping with the code BLOOMBOOK. We’ll have information for Sponsored Books on Monday.
As noted on the back cover, this book is “for the woman who is doing everything for everyone — except herself.” We are eager to see how you finally make time to follow your passions and tend your heart and soul.
With love,
Leave a Comment
Good morning! My name is Kristen Jackson. So excited to be joining this study. I ordered the book weeks ago so I am all set! Although I love the postcards! This will be my eighth book study with bloom and I have enjoyed them all! Looking forward to reading this with everyone! I am learning that it is important to take sometime for yourself and this book is going to really help me with the fringe hours! Thank you
NICE to meet you, Kristen! And THANK YOU for leading off our comment thread with exactly what we were hoping to learn :). Ohhh, I hope you’ll be blessed. AND….8 Bloom studies? YOU GO, GIRL! <3
My name is Crissy McDowell. This will be my first book study and I’m hoping to bring my friend along with me 🙂 As a full time community pastor, wife, and mother of 5 I hope I can fit in the reading!
You’ll learn HOW to make Fringe Hours while you READ The Fringe Hours. I have a feeling you won’t be the only one, Crissy :). (And WELCOME!)
My name is Jennifer and this will be my 5th Bloom book study. I have so enjoyed each and every one. Some I have been able to stay right on track with and others I play catch up. That is the thing I love most about Bloom. It’s easy to find the videos later on. I am looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in the life of Bloom. I’ve been wanting to order and read this book so this gives me a wonderful excuse to read it with “friends”. Looking forward to it!!
Annnnd, you can get a copy autographed by Jessica!! Doesn’t that make it fun in a new way? And I’m grateful for how you speak to the pace of Bloom studies–content is available whenever it’s convenient to you :). For the Bloom team to say it, it’s one thing; when READERS mention it, it’s a glorious ‘nother :).
Oh how I wish I was able to join y’all in this final discussion of yours. I just can’t take on more reading right now. 🙁 I can’t believe I said that, but between two college classes of writing and reading plus a local book club for mama’s here. I know you will be missed but take your next adventure with arms wide open and may we get something as phenomenal as you ladies for another book club. These have been encouraging since I discovered you this last year or two.
Whoa, Brandy…sounds like your Fringe Hours are FULL already with good things for YOU. I’m proud of you for knowing where you need to say “no”. I know Jessica and Angie will be encouraged by your sweet words :).
It was hard, because I love to read but must concentrate. I hope they are! Also many will enjoy this study.
Hi! I’m Lisa Henson, and this is my first Bloom study where I’ve ordered the book and everything (I’ve followed along with one before, but didn’t have the book in hand). So excited to be here!
Oh, Lisa, we are SO happy you’ll be joining us–book in hand!
Howdy! I am a South Florida girl with Cuban parents and a gringo husband. I love Jesus, lunch at Paneras with the girls, road trips with my husband, hitting Super Target, and hoarding chocolate. — I am a bit of a book addict, and i have read quite a few Bloom books. I am super excited about this one.
LYLI!! Yes! You HAVE joined a few Bloom studies. I can’t imagine one without you :).
Lyli,
So glad we’re going to be doing another Bloom Study together!
SO looking forward to another Bloom study! This will be my fourth or fifth Bloom study….Love them all! You all are so encouraging and your transparency through each study helps me feel that I am not alone in the daily challenges we face in life. Am sad that this is the last study…BUT GOD has so much more for all of us. One chapter must end before we can begin another…..
I’m so thankful incourage (and Bloom) helps you feel connected and reminds you that you AREN’T alone in life’s challenges. Together we find strength, don’t we?
Hello! My name is Angela and this will be my 2nd Bloom book study. It would have been my 3rd but the first time I joined, life had other plans. I’m excited for this one because life always has other plans, doesn’t it? I love the idea of finding time for ourselves.
Oh, my, Angela…I’m all too aware of that “life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans” thing :). GLAD you’re back with us again!! 🙂
I was wondering if you have any free books you can donate. I read incourage everyday and it is so anointed. I am waiting on disability to approve me and I can’t afford to purchase a book as much as I would love to I just don’t have it. But I trust God that one day I will be able to help others. I love to give. If you can my address is 507 Maple Ave. Cordele Ga. 31015. May God bless you I love your writing it is always just what I need. It’s amazing how that happens. Thank you. Detra Dickerson
Hi Detra,
Stay tuned–on Monday we’ll have information about how you can request a Sponsored Book gifted by someone from the Bloom community. Copies are limited so be sure to read Bloom first thing in the morning!! 🙂
Hello all, I’m Julie and this is my third Bloom study. I love coffee, reading and knitting. I love to gather my friends together for craft nights. Spending an evening creating something pretty and laughing with friends does a world of good to lift my weary momma’s spirit sometimes!
Very much looking forward to reading this book together. 🙂
Third time’s a charm, right, Julie? 🙂
Knitting is one of those things I’d love to learn how to do. One day….
Can’t wait to get started on our study–it’s fun to learn what others like to do for sanity’s sake :).
Hi there! Just ordered two books, gonna hook a friend on board. I am so looking forward to this book…as mama of four, me time usually comes with guilt…ready to lay it down at the cross and have some freedom in the fringe hours! I am bummed I’ve missed the last years of bloom study with these ladies, but am confident of God’s timing for this particular study!
Oh, Katie, twice as nice! Of course, all of our studies are archived, so you can go back and do any of them at YOUR pace :).
And, yes–NO MORE GUILT! This study will give you the eyes to see how necessary it is to feed your soul! So glad NOW is the time you’ve joined us!
Hello lovelies. I’m so happy to do my 3rd Bloom study, and that the transition is beginning with something as sweet as Jessica’s first (of many) books.
This space has served such wonderful purposes if encouragement, edification, listening ears and compassionate hearts. I look so forward to fellowshipping (is that I verb?) with you amazing women, coming from the everywhere places. I cannot wait to have pencil in hand and authenticity on page.
Beautifully penned, Leigh. And, most definitely fellowshipping is a verb 😉 :).
Hi – My name is Kimberly and this is my first study. I am always putting others before myself, so I am excited to be encouraged to use my fringe hours for me. Thanks!
Kimberly, we’ll be eager to hear what that looks like for you :).
I love ibloom studies, i think this is my 4th one or so. I love all the interaction and groing with other Christian women in this community.
We sure hope readers are chatty–that makes it all the more fun for all of us!!
Hi there! I’m Tanya from Ohio. I found out about this book from the (in)courage email series on making time for yourself. Just reading the emails caused me to change my morning routine, so I am excited to see what other changes will come as a result of the whole book! This is my first Bloom, and I can’t wait to jump in. I am also anxiously awaiting the cards and other products on Dayspring!
Welcome Tanya, thank you for letting us know how you got here! Also…stay tuned–you’re going to want to enter our giveaway coming up!! 🙂
Hi there! I can’t wait to dig into this book! I think it is perfect for the season I am in and ITS SO PRETTY! This will be my 4th time participating in Bloom. You ladies are so fun!
Ahhh, Olivia, four for fun! (Forgive the alliteration 🙂 ).
I love that people would pick up The Fringe Hours even if they’re just judging a cover; once they open it, they’ll eat up the content, right?
I have so enjoyed all of the Bloom book studies I have participated in. I lost my job three years ago and would not have had the “luxury” of participating had it not been for the generosity of so many of you through the sponsored book program. I think of you each time I open these beautiful books. Those of you who have so generously sponsored books for others have allowed us to be enriched by the wisdom of these great authors. Looking forward to learning about The Fringe Hours!
I’m Donna. This will be my first time to do this. I’m hoping to find some fringe hours to reclaim my arts side (singing, artwork). Thank you!
I am so excited to be apart of this study and am looking forward to changes as I read and go through with this group. This is my first study with you guys. My name is Mary Merth and at 58 I believe we are never to old to learn different habits, lifestyles and choices. I’m hoping my 93 year old Mom will join with me. Ive invited others and hope theyll join. I dont have an online or regular book yet. Thank you.
Oh, Mary, you’ll have to keep us posted about your mom’s participation–if she joins us, she might just set a record :). We’re fortunate that you’ve chosen Bloom as your first online study :).
Am praying for a free book for Mom and free online for me. It’s not in our budget but we are hungry spiritually and both need better skills along these lines
Hi ladies. 🙂 This is my first study here; thanks so much for hosting. 🙂 Well, when your (my) first thought is that I don’t have time for fringe hours (meaning the actual hours, not the book), then…that may just indicate that you ( I ) need to make time for this study. I look forward to hearing the insights that the Lord has placed on y’all’s hearts. Thank you. 🙂
~ Blessings ~
You’ll have to let us know how you discover your own fringe hours, Brenda. We’d like to know how this study impacts your life.
When I’m able to identify & isolate my fringe hours I plan to revive my soul with more time spent on the hobbies I enjoyed pre-marriage & pre-kid. I was once an occasional writer of fiction and watercolor painter. I believe nurturing these creative outlets again will refresh me in a way that will spill over into my marriage and parenting in extremely positive ways!
That last thing you said? It’s what our hope is for you, too :).
Hey, I’m Amy and this will be my first Bloom study. Honestly, my first online faith/book study of any kind!! I am fairly recently separated (15 months) from a non-believer. The past several years have been extremely difficult, however, I’m finally starting to see the light again :). I’m in a place where I really need to focus on self-care, being a single parent, and after having completely devoted my life to my ex and children for so many years, so I feel this study is the perfect place to start! Looking forward to it!!
Oh, Amy Nicole…what a challenging season. We so hope this study supports you in beautiful ways, and we’re honored that you’re planning to carve out time to be with us. 🙂
Happy Friday! This is my first Bloom Book Study. I’m an avid reader and am so excited to finally join a book club and discuss this much anticipated book. I’m a mommy-to-be. We are expecting our first in September this year. Many people tell me that life changes dramatically once the baby comes. Although I have lots of free time now, I know that’s going to change. It sounds like this book is going to be helpful in staying grounded and healthy. Thank you!
Congratulations on your upcoming arrival :). Yes…yes, life has a way of changing after a baby arrives :). The very act of anticipating change and planning for it WiLL help you take care of yourself once (s)he is here. Glad to have you with us!!
Hi! My name is Alison. I’ve never done a Bloom study before but looking forward to it! This book sounds like exactly what I need. Now I need to get the book! 🙂 Going through a really difficult time right now so looking forward to learning wth you.
We pray over our readers, Alison… My banner over our community is for women to grow in their knowledge, love and intimacy with God during the season we’re together. So many are struggling, and they join our book club to broaden their minds, deepen their faith and grow together. I’m so glad you’re with us!
Thank you, Robin!
Good Saturday morning! I’m Debbie Putman and this is my third Bloom Book Club. I love the interaction with others on Facebook and the Q&As led by Robin Dance. She is one of the most positive, encouraging people I know (even though I’ve only met her online).
One of your super powers is encouraging me, friend :). The way you see me is how I long to honor my Father, and though I blow it more often than not, I’m thankful to be his hands and feet, and sometimes his voice :). So glad you’re back for Round Three!! xo
I only say what I know to be true. Do you ever take time to read through your comments to others in these Bloom studies? Your replies show you read carefully and listen to each woman. You take the time to empathize and encourage. You make each of us feel as though we are sitting in the family room, talking and drinking tea. Your comments are hugs. Blessings to you.
xo
Hi. I am shruti. I live in india. Can I join this group discussion? Where do i order the book from?
This is a silly question, but I like to keep up according to the schedule. This will be my first Bloom Club. Is Printable #1 to guide us through reading Chapter 1? And should we have read Chapter 1 before the 3/2 video? Thanks!
Ahhh, no silly questions, HauteMommy–you’re a rule follower, aren’t you? 🙂
If you read chapter one prior to the 3/2 video, you’ll know what the girls are chatting about when you watch; NO, the printables are quotes from the book, not a reading guide! You’ll find Bloom is very casual and chatty, not a structured series of Q&A. That being said, we will ask some leading questions in the posts, but you’ll see those at the same time you see the video :).
Make sense??
My name is Cathy. This will be my first study here. I had already started reading the book before I found out about this study – actually learned about this site from the book. Looking forward to going through it with others.
Hello I’m Daisy! I’m excited to join in For this book study! I can’t wait to dive In to the book.
this is my first book study … I lead an incredibly busy life and have put my desires on the back burner for a long time….perfect topic …look fwd to learning from all of you !
Bettina
Good Morning friends. I am going to try to get this book this weekend because I really need this book study. I am a busy stay at home mom to 5 kids, ages 12,9,8,4,1 and they are all very active and in many activities so I have to balance my day by driving them around and taking care of them. In addition I keep my 4 year old niece 3-5 days throughout the week (full days) and sometimes her sister who is 7. I have a college degree. I am so lost in motherhood that I have forgotten what I even like to do and I feel like I have forgotten how to even work outside the house. I am pretty sure I used to have hobbies that interested me but I can’t find time to remember them. I am lucky if I even get to shower without someone barging into the bathroom. I don’t even take the time to make friends because I figure I am too busy and can’t keep up to say hello how are you. I really need help! I am pretty involved in our church. I help in the nursery, and once a month I teach children’s church on Sunday mornings and every Sunday evening I am the youth group leader for the elementary kids. I want to do so much more, but lately I feel so down about myself because I don’t know which way is up or down and the constant sounds of “momma” echo in my head. I am hoping you can all help me find myself again! I always felt guilty or selfish if I wanted to do something for myself. Looking forward to reading this book. Thanks so much.
Oh, Kelly…I need a nap after reading about all YOU do! Honey…I’m praying for you now, feeling the weight of your world. {{hugs}}
I am a recipient of a sponsor book and want to say thank you so much to (in)courage, Dayspring, Revell, and Bloom book club for making it possible for me to participate in this book study!! I am so excited to read this new book and not only be inspired on how to find the extra time in my day to work at what I love but also to use that time to maybe in the long run start something that might bring in some extra income related to doing what I love as well!!
Oh, and how can I forget, THANK YOU SO MUCH to all the members that so kindly shared by buying a book for other readers that could not buy a book right now, myself included!! A heart felt THANK YOU and God bless you for your kindness!!
We’re incredibly thankful for the generosity of our reading community, site sponsor and book publishers who make our Sponsored Program possible. Thanks for sharing what it means to you. 🙂
VERY excited to read this together with you.
Hello.
Hi! My name is Lauren and this is my first Bloom book study…..Well, it’s my first book study ever, so I’m really looking forward to the experience! Thank you so much for holding this and I can’t wait to get started 🙂
Hi Friends!:O) Praying God really blesses this bible study! The book sounds SO awesome!!! I actually bought it today (2 of them in fact) online. Please pray the Lord guides whether or not I’m supposed to join the group. I want to clearly hear from Him. I’m in another study that gets done March 6th, so there is some overlap. Also I’m involved in a lot and want to make sure I’m being guided by God, and if not to let go (I will still pray for you whether or not I join). I bought the book because I started to cry reading what it is about because I felt like it was written for me. So anointed from the Holy Spirit, I’m sure thousands or millions might feel the same way. I showed my husband the book last night (on Amazon) and in reading what it is about he said “I’m joining the group too”. He was kidding (I think) but he must think it looks good.:D Pray also the Lord guides who I’m supposed to give the 2nd book to. Thanks so much, ya’ll. God bless you.
We’re honored you chose us, Lauren; we know you’ll be blessed!
Hi Amber,
How fun to hear a husband’s response… :). I know you’re seeking the Lord as to whether or not you should join us, and if not now, next time. You can always go back and read through posts/listen/watch videos later–they’re always right “here” on the magical world wide web. The message of the book will be here when the timing is right for you!
Ok-I jumped…I ordered the book and subscribed to the newsletter…I am overwhelmed on so many levels that I surprised myself by jumping. I wish I could write more about myself but–lol–I don’t have time! Later today hopefully?
Kim
I was feeling so guilty about making a little time for myself to go to the gym… I’m a mother of five, teens and tweens, and I spoke to them over the weekend to ask if it would be okay for me to make some time for myself and they were very supportive. I started today, it was great. But I still felt so guilty and wondered if I could keep it up and I believe that in my evening devotional God has lead me to this site, to the Fringe Hours Book club and you wonderful women of God. I can cry thinking how much he loves to teach me that it’s okay to make a little time for me. The timing is impeccable and I purchased my book and I’m excited to take this journey with you ladies. Thanking for sharing what God has put in your hearts. God bless!
SO excited to be a part of this study. I stumbled upon this through a friends instagram and it is exactly what I need during this season of life. This first chapter was such a great reminder that life IS full of seasons and that balance is more than satisfying stuff to fill your calendar. As a working mom of a toddler and wife to an amazing stay-at-home dad, I am trying to find the right fit in my “balance equation” and am looking forward to discovering the fringe hours. Thanks for this!
Came across this, ordered the book and I am so excited to get caught up and jump right in!
We’ve both been sick and haven’t been able to read or participate I am so sorry. We will start reading this wk and try to be apart of all. Mary