cbs wrap up

Today was the last day of CBS, and it was bittersweet. (I totally stole that from Karen, but it is so true. She also compared the bi-polar weather yesterday to a preteen - she is so smart and clever.) So, it is bitter because I will miss seeing all the women (like the before-mentioned Karen) on a weekly basis. But, it is sweet to get a little rest. This was my first year as a CORE leader and I could not have asked for a better group. I have had some struggles, though, so I am happy to take the summer to refresh.

I am going to take this blog to remind myself of some of the blessings (there are many I am NOT covering) serving in Community Bible Study has afforded me...

Sherril - Blessed me with her experience as a CORE leader. Kept an eye on me to make sure I followed the rules.
Jeanette - Was a familiar face from last year. Loved to help with the babies. Was very compassionate and sent out cards to others.
Rain-uh - Always had a praise with her prayer requests. I am blessed that I will get to serve with her, as she will be working with the children next year.
Sharron - Has a very humble spirit and an obedient heart. Blessed me by obeying God's calling to serve in CBS next year.
Amy - Has the sweetest family and is a caring and faithful mom. Blessed me by sharing her life and life's struggles.
Doris - Allowed me to share in her life and pray for her mother, sisters, and son. Blessed me with her smile and poetic words.
Jean - Was a great example of a Godly wife and sister in Christ. Inspired me with her faithfulness and joy.
Betsy - Blessed me with her smile and grace. I enjoyed her practical prayer requests and wise thoughts.
Sarah - Is the mom of the lead singer for Kutless! She blessed me with her insightful sharing and thoughtfulness toward my family.
Jo - Blessed me with her wise sharing. I loved when she came to class with a roller still in her hair.
Debi - Was a great example of prioritizing. She had a lot on her plate, but made a deliberate effort to make bible study a priority.
Marcie - Was an enthusiastic CORE member. She blessed me by her eager sharing and blessed the whole CBS group by her servant heart.
Meegan - Blessed me by allowing me to pray for her and her family. Was very honest, even when it made her vulnerable.
Rachel - Though she had to leave us early, was a joy while we had her company. She was a great servant and had a wonderful smile.
Gina - I was blessed to get to know her in CORE group, and am benefiting from her serving now as a children's leader. She is kind and has a great love for the kids.

As a CORE group leader, I was charged to shepherd these women...how inadequate I felt at this task. But, God is so faithful - and those He calls, He equips. I failed miserably at following the rules. But, I was able to see my inadequacies and point them out to my women, so they would know not to commit the same mistakes. I wasn't always as prepared as I should have been - sometimes timing and highlighting my lesson in the parking lot - but somehow we always stayed on task and finished on time. I struggled to pick up the phone every week to call my ladies - so much, that I often resorted to email - but faithfully I obeyed God and my duty, and dialed the phone (still not as much as the rules required).

Over and over, I saw God's faithfulness - to me. He carried me this year - in His great sovereignty and righteousness - He used me to facilitate this study. I could not, of my own will, stay on task and keep on topic - often times I went far, far off topic - but God gently corrected me and nudged me back to target. I could not, in my weak flesh, will myself to make phone calls - but God told me "Yes you can - and I will help you." And, except for a brief bout with the swine flu, God allowed my kids and I to stay healthy through the whole year, to be able to serve rested and strong.

I am so blessed to be a part of Community Bible Study, and especially the CBS leadership team. God knew I needed lots of help, so He commissioned me for leadership so that I would study the lesson twice a week! And, even though I am looking forward to the summer and rest from the structure and rules of CBS - I am already looking forward to next year and the new blessings it will bring.

Serve well. Have fun. Honor God.