BSF: Secret Society?

For awhile I have been hearing rumors off and on about a special Bible study that met at a church near me. But what I was hearing was that it was by invitation only and I had never heard about it before. So when I was talking with an old friend at yoga class and she mentioned it, I asked her the question. So what is up with this secret Bible study? She told me that I would just have to check it out myself and that she would let me know when the next orientation was. Orientation? What kind of Bible study has an Orientation?

So today I tried it! I was told that there was no childcare this first time and so I left Joslyn with Grandma Marcie and hoofed it over to the First Baptist Church, the biggest church in our area. I have been there for many different events yet get lost every time at this church. So I walked in the wrong area and luckily there was someone to direct me to the correct area. I was greeted by some really nice ladies and they sat me in the newcomers pews. I was joined by a few other nice newcomers and we chatted until the service started. We started by singing a couple of hymns and then prayed. I was surprised at the amount of women who showed up on a Wednesday morning. So then we were ushered off to our disscussion groups or orientation for us newcomers.

When I was told about this Bible Study I assumed two bad things. Either it would cost money that I didn't have, or that they would have conflicting beliefs than me. During the orientation, I was surprised that neither one was true. BSF, standing for Bible Study Fellowship was started by a little old lady named A. Wetherell Johnson. She started teaching 5 people how to study the Bible and the rest is history. The primary goal for BSF is to enable all members to gain the maximum benefit from their study of the Bible. They have 4 parts that help members do this. Printed notes- these expound upon the scriptures of that week's lesson. Daily Questions - Questions designed to help you draw out the truths of the Bible. They strongly discourage using anything but the Bible, no concordence or Bible application guide, because they want you to figure out what you need to learn from the Bible, not what anyone else thinks the verses mean. Disscussion groups - this is where you disscuss your answers from the previous weeks questions. A chance to learn from others and share examples of what you have learned. I wasn't allowed to do this part this week, but by Tuesday of next week my small group leader will call me to tell me which group I am in and where to go. And the last part is Expository Lectures - this is where the speaker talks about the  verses and helps you figure out how to apply the knowledge you have learned from the verses into your everyday life. Today's lecture was over Ephesians 1:1-23. So much was crammed into the 40 minute lecture that it was kind of overwhelming but I really understood most of what she talked about and thought that her thoughts on the subject were very right on.

So let me explain the whole orientation thing. BSF is an inter-denominational Bible study. Covers many denominations. In fact in this church study alone over 40 different denominations are represented. But there is no denomination or church that supports or influences this Bible study. All of their leaders are former BSF studiers and are all volunteers. Therefore the amount of people in the groups are subject to the amount of willing leaders. All of the curriculium is printed and passed out for free at no cost to us, and we aren't ever asked for money, but donations are welcome. The whole program is faith supported. Which means that they rely on God solely for their monetary support. The same with the childcare. They have limited number of leaders for the children. Not only are the kids being watched, but they are being taught by leaders who are teaching them similar lessons. So there are only limited number of spots left for childcare and I felt that it was a gift from God that they had 2 spots left and they happened to be in Joslyn's age range.

BSF is world wide! I was excited to learn that all over the world men and women were learning and studying what I was learning. In fact they estimated the numbers to be around 250,000! That was awesome. Some of these people don't go to church, but do this study and are learning the truths of the Bible. I love this because many people have been so turned off by church and the members that they miss out on the fellowship and Bible Studies that are so beneficial. Something I must share that was taught to me by someone I trusted. Never ever take a pastor's, stranger's, friend's word as truth coming from the Bible. This doesn't mean that what they say isn't true. It just means that God gave his Word to everyone! If you can read then you have the opportunity to check it out for yourself. If anything seems off about the Bible that someone says, don't just take their word for it, look for yourself. I use this method all the time if something sounds wrong.

So to end, there are BSF Bible studies all over the world and you can check www.bsfinternational.org to see if there is a group near you. I believe this study is going to be one of the best things I can do in this lifetime. Learning to study the Bible and grow closer to God through His Word is going to change me. And I look forward to the different lessons I will learn and the new friends I will make. I also look forward to seeing Joslyn blossom from Bible lessons and songs.

So my question for you today is, have you ever been concerned about a Godly program, only to find out that it was meant for you?

Falling on my knees

"Falling on my knees in worship, giving all I have to seek your face, Lord all I am is yours." - Came To My Rescue by Hillsong United

As Joslyn and I walked into church this past Sunday I was feeling good. I had gotten her ready  by myself and we were running only 10 minutes late to Sunday school. I have gotten used to going to church without my significant other. But as usual there was a small pain that went up my spine as I sit down alone. A little bit of hurt as I look around at the other oblivious couples that sit together and worship together and give together and pray together. But determined to not let the devil win I walk into the couples Bible study alone and luckily see a friend I can sit with who was also alone. The Bible study was good and I walk into the main church service into really good spirits. I find a seat in my usual area and get approached by a wonderful lady I am getting to know a little bit better in CR, we have a great conversation that I know we never would have had if I was sitting with my husband.  So when the service starts we open with some amazing worship songs. Let me stop here and tell you how wonderful our worship team is! One of my favorite new persons is our worship leader Chuck. Originally from Louisiana, he has this jazzy spirit that is infused with all the songs he sings. And having a momma who plays piano wonderfully, I can honestly say that he is one of the best piano players I have ever heard. Worship seems so natural coming from him and he has a way of making the whole crowd sway. So break over, anyways the songs were great but one of my all time favorite songs was the last one played. Revelation song
http://youtu.be/FObjd5wrgZ8

I don't think I have ever sang this song without feeling goosebumps and tears streaming down my face.
This morning was not any different. I know I would have probably not have felt that though if my hubby was there. Singing with both hands in the air reaching for my Lord and Savior and crying out to Him. So with half of the congregation sniffling we sit down to hear the message. Our Senior pastor was away speaking to the youth at the  Youth State Convention. So pastor Jamie filled in. And let me tell you she was wonderful! She spoke about security and how we tend to need security but we look for the wrong things to make us secure. Alarms, dogs, good neighborhoods, money. So many things we use to make us feel secure and yet the righteous are already secure in Him. He has our security planned out, it is us who walks away from the security to follow our own paths. It was a great sermon but it wasn't until she read this verse that I got it. You know the reason I knew I was there that day. There is always that moment in church where I feel, okay I was supposed to be here today. The verse was
 I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.
They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be a blessing. Psalms 37:25-26

My heart stops. My daughter. She will not be forsaken. I knew that God would take care of her, but I realized I had fallen into a trap. I was living my life day by day and assumed that she would chose the Lord. After all wasn't I setting a good example, wouldn't she be surrounded with my church friends that would rasie her up in the right way. But no I knew better, deep in my heart. My friends who struggle with the fact that their children aren't believers. That they make the wrong decisions that drag them away from the Lord. That no matter what they do, their children make their own decisions. Joslyn would be the same way. Choosing the wrong decisions sometimes. Sometimes running away from God when she needs to be running towards Him. It's her path not mine. But this verse is so important. The righteous's children will not be forsaken. That means when all is said and done, she will be a child of the Lord. But it was shame that brought me to the alter that morning. I hadn't been praying for my daughter's salvation. I haven't been faithful in praying for my husband to be brought back to the Lord. When they opened up the alter, I ran down there falling on my knees. Crying to the Lord for forgiveness. And feeling His love, thanking Him for my husband and my daughter. Then begging for my daughter to find Him and be a girl and woman that has a faith that changes the world. Most people want their children to be successful. But successful how? I want Joslyn's successes to be for the Kingdom of God not of this world. Who cares if she has a great job if she isn't following God's path. Who cares if she is making enough money for all the things she wants, if she isn't content in what God has given her? I also begged for God to bring my hubby back to Him. For me to have the faith and belief in Him that it shines through me in all I do. And for us to be a family that prays together and does God's divine work together.
I have made a commitment to be praying for them every night. Down on my knees praying. Heart opened and tears streaming prayers. Last night while my hubby went and got dinner (yummy chinese) I went to my room and dropped to my knees. I prayed for you too. For you to find your potential in Christ and to drop to your knees in heart wrenching prayer.

http://youtu.be/gArr7gyiMBY

To lose or to win.

Today as I was reading through the blogs that I follow, I noticed something that struck me. It was a blog about how a mother feels pressured to stop having children because people think it would be easier. She related to the diaper changing stage of life as a way of serving God and that when the changing diapers is over God will keep her busy with other things that follow His path. It was a beautiful analogy and I enjoyed the reading. But the comments reminded me of why I don't read a lot of mom blogs. A beautiful blog gets commented on by many people and then suddenly they are commenting on other comments and debating on how many kids one should have, whether to use cloth or disposable diapers, stay-at-home or work. A simple friendly banter turns to ugliness and misunderstood comments. Hurt feelings and the need to prove that one way is better than the other.

I think most families have certain things they fight about. Relationships, religion, politics,all sorts of stuff. There were 3 things you didn't talk about in my extended family unless you wanted a fight; politics, religion, and my dad. My sister and I warned our friends and men of this before introducing them to certain people. I got so sick of people fighting over things they could not change. If you can't make the situation better then why fight over it? I got to the point that even friendly debates got my nerves a tingling. I would have to leave the room!

What turns us into these people? The need to express our opinions turn into some sort of battle over unimportant things. We have the need to fight it out. I remember Andy Stanley telling a story about a family that came into him for counseling. The dad was very upset because his daughter fell in love with a guy from a different race and a different culture. He had the Bible in his hands and was screaming and yelling passages from the Bible on why it was wrong. His daughter and boyfriend showed up and were trying to explain their love transcended race and rules. The father finally pulled out a piece of paper that declared that he had the right to arrest his daughter and bring her back with him. Andy finally pulled the dad aside and said that he could arrest his own daughter to be right, and lose his daughter. Or he could lose the argument and win her heart. He decided to lose the argument. Andy kept up with family and a year later he spoke with them. The girl and the boyfriend were good friends but ended the relationship because they were heading different directions.  The dad had started sending his daughter love letters and their relationship was better than ever. Now, had he chosen a different path; imagine the hurt and devastation he would have caused over a now pointless argument. 

So what happens when you lose an argument? Do you become bitter and enraged? Do you become humble? Do you walk away in shame? I think it is so important to teach our children not to become sore losers, but it is just as important to teach them how to be humble winners. What is the purpose of a win? How will it affect the other person/people. Was the battle worth the cost? Am I showing God's love no matter win or lose? 

I hope so!

My story!

Growing up in the church, I was used to hearing people's testimony. Fabulous missionaries telling their wonderful stories of salvation and discovery. Or sometimes it would be a dramatic story of heartbreak to triumph when God was discovered as the answers to everything. All wonderful stories that would move my heart and bring tears to my eyes. I wanted that! I didn't want the heartbreak or the hardtimes that come with missionary work, but I did long for the drama. I know what you are thinking! Drama! Who would ever want that? But as a teenager I longed for it.

I wanted to experience the unknown of the world (still do). I wanted to feel love that moved mountains when it was strong and caused earthquakes when it fell apart. I wanted to be so inspiring that people couldn't help but want to be near me, (I know, childish dreams). And I wanted to be a part of something so revolutionary, that we could see and hear and feel the world changing around us. Now that's dramatic!

When I accepted Christ in my heart at the age of five in my bedroom with my mom praying the prayer with me, I was immediately filled with happiness. But as a teenager I would watch people come to Christ after having such tragedy and heartaches in their lives, and you would see them transform in front of you. The next few weeks they would be spouting off Bible verses and telling others about the change God has made in them. They would glow with Jesus and they would yern for the Bible like it was the new gossip column that you couldn't wait to get your hands on. I would long for that feeling. The Bible was like old news to me. I knew that it was good news, but it was old news. I had heard it, I had gotten over the shiny new luster of the print that transformed lives and brought about change.

Now I know how selfish I sound. I felt selfish too. I didn't understand how wonderful I had it. People would tell me that I was lucky to grow up knowing Christ and I was. So very lucky, but I would see them changing lives and influencing people and I couldn't get over it. I longed for that one thing that would make me unique, that would bring me peace and make me inspiring. I did have a dramatic life and I did influence people and I was and still am a part of something revolutionary. I just didn't know it. I was lost in my own pain and trapped by my fear.

3 years ago I walked into this little program at my church called Celebrate Recovery. I went to learn tools on how to help a couple of teenagers I knew that were hurting. it didn't take long for me to realize that I was hurting as well. So I committed myself to the program and to learning more about helping myself break down walls that I have built and distinguish the lies from the truth. It was the devil that told me that I had nothing to offer. It was him that made me feel uninspiring. AND it was him that brought pain and hurt in my life to keep me from growing closer to God. But the worst thing I learned was that it was me who stopped living because of those lies and fear.

The biggest lesson that I have learned is that dramatic people move. Dramatic people risk. There are really dramatic people out there that scare me. Have you ever met someone out there that was so crazy and revolutionary that you are afraid of them? Or maybe afraid of being seen with them? When we have a God that made the universe and you and me. A God that takes care of every creature on this Earth and knows the number of hairs on your head, what do we have to be afraid of? Yet sometimes the most crippling thing that can happen to us is fear. I was afraid to move. I was afraid to risk anything. Love, my life, my heart, my story. Well no more.

Celebrate Recovery brought me past those lies and pain to be able to see my testimony. The story that God has written for me to tell. This week, I told a portion of my story to some of my dear friends at CR. God isn't through writing my story yet, but I can tell you this. The rest of my story is going to be full of love that moves mountains, inspiration that brings people together, unknown worldly stories that get discovered, and a revolution that changes the world. How do I know? Because I am moving, I step at a time, toward that path that God has designed for me. A story towards greatness. What is your story?

ps. If you want to hear my story, you need to take a step. Email me!

Be an animal hero!

Do you love animals? My family does. We don't just want a dog that is going to look pretty in pictures. My husband and I love animals! I believe that a love for animals is Biblical! God first made the animals and then when he made Adam he gave him dominion over them. Adam's first children where animals! Now this isn't a blog about not hunting, or breeding or anything like that. But how often do you teach your children love of animals? In our house loving the animals comes naturally, but I know this is not true for all houses. I want Joslyn to love animals! Not so that she will have a dog later in life, but a life long yearning to take care of the animals. The birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and all around us are animals that God has placed in our care. But so often, like the starving people under the highway, we chose to not subject our children to the sorrow, and pass them by. I want Joslyn to grow up with that need to serve the world. The people and the animals. Feeding the birds, walking the dogs, and even taking the kiddos to the zoo, are good ways to get them started! I can't wait to see what her passion is going to be. But my heart will always have room for the animals. Maybe she will too!

Our lives have been so enriched by our animals. And seeing Joslyn react to them and them react to her has been such a blessing. We currently have two old cocker spaniels that are more family to us then some of our relatives. Nickie- our old grey-haired 11 year old male, we call him the Grumpy old man. And Jinger, who is 6 years old and loves to play fetch with tennis balls. We also have two foster dogs right now, Jazzmine and Piper. Jazzmine is a great dane/pointer mix that is probably the sweetest dog imaginable. She is about a year old and very playful, curious and cuddly. Piper is a husky mix and is new to the household. We don't know much about her yet except that she has been kept in a cage most of her life. So we are having fun watching her run and play out here in the country.

I have met many animal heroes lately, and most of them have foster dogs and cats from Best Friends of Pets. Are you looking for an animal? Check out http://www.bestfriendsokc.org/ for your next friend. There are so many animals looking for a home. Please remember that you don't have to have an animal in your home to be an animal hero. Donating to one of the thousand of animal rescue web sites, one of my favorites is http://www.rescueink.com/ . They are motorcycle riding tough guys that rescue abused animals and do everything in their powers to get the abusers convicted and put away!

What can you do to be an animal hero?