When I got the invite for the summer bible study group I was very interested in it as it would be the first time to participate in a study by Melissa Spoelstra. It sounded great. It's description caught me from the beginning...
"All of us know what it’s like to be hurt or betrayed. Often it’s a small breach such as being spoken to rudely or overlooked in a time of need. Other times we experience lies, gossip, or harsh words that cut us to the core. Some of us have endured unspeakable pain through abuse, adultery, or abandonment. God knows the pain we cause each other and longs to help us learn to practice forgiveness. Nowhere do we see forgiveness played out more fully in Scripture than in the biblical story of Joseph.
This six-week study explores what God has to say to us about grace and forgiveness through Joseph’s story of trial and triumph found in Genesis 37-50. As we study his dreams, his betrayers, his dysfunctional family, his struggle to forgive, and his journey toward reconciliation, we’ll find truths that echo into our own personal situations."
I am fortunate to have the ability to purchase these studies and/or videos from Lifeway that I miss but want to complete. I can then work on them at my own pace when things like this happens.
Right now my pace just can't keep up with some things. I am not pleased that my studies are taking a backseat right now, but life has been kind a on a "CRAZY" cycle. The best part of all this craziness, is 7 "Grands" have visited us this month. Three of which we hadn't seen in a year. Another 4 hadn't visited since October of 2014. Their parents schedule is on it's on "CRAZY" cycle limiting their ability to come visit, so we do our best to go over and see them as often as we can, especially for special events, birthdays and holidays.
Feeling the blessings bestowed upon us is so worth the distractions from some of the not so pleasant events of the last couple months. Though attending Bible Study had hiccups, I have kept up my pace with Beth Moore on iTBN. I record her every Wednesday evening and watch her every Thursday morning. I really enjoyed her last 3 part segment on Advance.
“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.”
(Philippians 1:12)
I am ADVANCING! Each step along this journey shows me a path well prepared, it's up to me to walk it. I will continue to ADVANCE forward, with the faith and strength, always seeing the JOY in each and every moment. I will continue to plant the seeds God intends for to sow, so to watch them grow in the way He has planned.
It might be a "CRAZY" cycle right now, but what it is preparing me for, I can't wait to see!
