Bible Study Fellowship

Back in March, a friend's wife called and asked if I would like to start attending a weekly bible study with her.It was so funny that she called me out of the blue, especially because I knew her husband, but not really her, and because I had started going to church regularly a few weeks before this and was looking for a bible study to join through that church, but had been unsuccessful. God's timing is always perfect, right?

So I went with her that first week to the introduction class and I am so glad I did. Not only has it been nice to have something planned to do every Monday, but it's been so wonderful to have my week start out by going to Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). I love the formal schedule of singing, discussion groups and lectures and mostly just learning about the Bible, because to be honest, I knew very little prior to my first class. I always considered myself to believe in God, have faith and I always prayed every night as I was falling asleep, but I just wanted something more than going to church twice a year (Christmas and Easter).

I looked forward to Monday's because of it. I honestly used to hate Mondays, I mean, who doesn't? It was just the start of a work week. The end of a fun weekend. Now I looked forward to Monday night all day at work on Monday and sometimes even on Sunday too. I have loved getting to know these other girls (or are we 'women' since we're all over 25?) and listen to their stories and learn about their faith.

There are many of us in my smaller group that have been dealing with the same struggles over the last few months/years. Break-ups. Anxiety. Questions about what we are doing with our life and what is our purpose. Frustration that we aren't where we think we should be in life. We have been able to lean on each other for support and share stories, which is so great. And it is amazing how each week the message we study speaks right to me about something going on in my current life, whether it is talking about patience or anxiety, how my tongue can get me in to trouble or how I should always stand firm in my faith (and decisions!).

It's helped me to become more confident in my faith. I hardly ever answered any questions in class, just because I feel like I am so far behind everyone else and don't really know that much. Plus, I was the 'new girl.' I don't handle being the 'new girl' in any situation, but at least I don't have that much to fear when I'm with a group of nice, faithful women.

Like I said, I don't really feel like I know that much or have that much to share, but each week I try to answer at least one question and one week I even shared a 'personal question' answer! Holy cow! So not only am I learning more about the Bible, but I'm also improving on my self-confidence. Maybe next year I'll be a regular sharer. :)

I will be honest, I don't do my lesson every night like I should. Is it bad to wait and do it all at one time because I wish there were more than just two questions to answer at a time? I honestly like sitting down on Sunday night (or Monday afternoon!!) and doing all of the questions at one time. I'm not saying this negatively, I just feel like I get more out of it and devote more time by doing it this way. But sometimes I don't get it done or I have to rush and then when I get to class I feel so scatter brained because I didn't really pay attention. Lesson learned. You have questions to answer each day for a reason!

Last night was my last BSF class for this school year. I'm a little sad that I have to wait until the end of August to go back. I'm hoping that I can stay in contact with the girls I have met over the summer and we can do other Bible Study type things together, because I have really enjoyed it!

Thank you Amy for inviting me to go with you. :)