I have been lucky enough to have a friend with a calling for facilitating (she hates the idea of calling it leading or teaching) Women's Bible Studies over the years. Crys has such a heart for this ministry, and that we won't be having a study together again soon is only one of the things that makes me sad about this season of change we find ourselves in.
We have done many amazing studies together, and every time I think "That was my favorite one!" But, let's narrow it down a little. Though I've enjoyed the variety, my favorite studies are usually Beth Moore's. I will be the first one to say that I am less than stellar about getting to all of the homework, but I have loved every minute of rich small group discussion and, of course, Beth's video lessons. Our last study together was David: Seeking a Heart Like His, which was wonderful, but was it my favorite? Other standouts were The Patriarchs, Stepping Up and Living Beyond Yourself. I learned so much from each of them, but I think if I were to pick my favorite, it would have to be Esther. Esther spoke to me in a way that none of the others really have. I don't know it was just the power of the story, or where I was at that time in my life, but the idea of "such a time as this" just blessed my heart. It was a story that I knew (thank you, VeggieTales) but I didn't really get it until I studied it. Which I suppose was kind of the point.
If you are visiting for the first time, you've probably missed me talking about how I am on the search for a new church family. One of the things I want most to find are a group of women as godly and wonderful as the women I've studied with over the past few years. I have learned so much from those women, and while most of them will remain in my life as dear friends, I want to find a church where I have a place to both learn and serve, and I believe that I will. God has a plan for me. Perhaps it's even for such a time as this...
I can't wait to hear what everyone else has been studying or using for devotions!
Hope you can find a new church home soon!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck on finding a new church. We made a change over a year ago and it was the best thing we could have ever done. I feel this is where God wants us. Hope you find a home soon!
ReplyDeleteWhile your on the look out feel free to pop in and read "my other" blog, I'm teaching a daily class of 12 teenagers the old Testament this year, and I usually post summaries of the lessons each afternoon, you may or may not agree with all the interpretations but it will keep you thinking til you find the group you are looking for :)
ReplyDeleteRJR Oldham Seminary