Last night was the first night of Esther at church, and I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. It has been way too long since I've done a Bible study and getting back to it felt so good!
Don't get me wrong--I've been in the Word, in study--but between seminary and the church group doing studies I'd already done, it's been a while since I've been in a group with other women, studying God's Word for the sake of growth and study rather than for course credit.
(And though I've seen Beth in person a couple times over the past year, I've really missed seeing her week by week in a study setting. It felt like seeing a good friend after being apart when the video started.)
Sitting in a circle with women in a room filled with circles of women last night just felt right. And to have the study we're beginning be Esther? Well, it just doesn't get much better.
I love the book of Esther. Always have. From the time I was in about the second grade, it's been one of my favorite books to read. And one I read often.
It's not that I was a super spiritual little girl with my nose always stuck in the Bible. In a book, yes. But I read Esther over and over and over again because the Bible was the only book I was allowed to read in church when the sermon got boring.
Growing up, we went to church as a family. And so I learned to sit through a service, legs dangling off the edge of the pew, coloring in all the letters in the bulletin, drawing pictures and doodles, first to fill out the family's attendance card. But that only got me through the announcements and prayers.
By the time the sermon began, my bulletin was a scribbled mess and I needed something else to make the time pass.
Esther it was.
What's not to love about a story about a girl? Especially a girl who wins a nation-wide beauty contest to marry the handsome king and has to keep her true identity secret. A girl who uses her wits to outsmart an evil villain and learns to be brave in the face of danger.
Beautiful clothes, spa treatments, a luxurious palace. Great danger, great victory, great revenge.
I think we all wonder about our lives, our circumstances, how the pieces and parts all fit together. I certainly do. And as I think about the changes our family has gone through in the past few months, I'm especially excited to see how God is fitting it all together for our good and for his glory.
The desert, this marriage ministry, exploring spiritual gifts and personality types, being away from the familiar, homeschooling, this group of women on Wednesday nights, my class of third graders on Sunday mornings, our new church.
I do know this for certain. It does all fit together for a purpose. And I'm anxious to learn through the book of Esther what it all means "for such a time as this."
And I can't wait to find out how it all pieces together for you, too! God is up to something HUGE, friend!
Posted by: Melissa @ Breath of Life | August 20, 2009 at 07:54 AM
I found a group of gals doing this study and will be joining them in the fall... as long as its not on Thursday nights, that is when I have orchestra rehearsal!
Posted by: chapmanchick | August 20, 2009 at 07:55 AM
I did this study last winter in the middle of a personal crisis. I'd call my counselor in the parking lot and bawl, then go in and sit in the video. God spoke to me so many times and
I was so glad I forced myself to go even when I would rather curl up on the couch. Beth is the best, enjoy!!!
Posted by: Lisa | August 20, 2009 at 08:38 AM
You've got to be kidding me. Your last few paragraphs? Exactly what I've been writing about the past couple days. Love sharing a wavelength with you, friend. :)
Oh, I SO want to do Esther!! SOON!!
Posted by: Marla Taviano | August 20, 2009 at 10:45 AM
You are going to LOVE this study. I began it in June and it has spoken to me so much. You are really in for a treat!
Posted by: Tiffany | August 20, 2009 at 10:58 AM
I got a little "stressed" when I was 19 and in nursing school. I broke down crying one night, paralyzed w/ fear and wanting to just quit. My mom read the book of Esther out loud to inspire courage in me. Silly, I know. But, it got me through and I will never forget it! Aren't moms great!? Isn't God greater!?
Posted by: Adri | August 20, 2009 at 01:03 PM
Started leading Esther at our church on Monday night! I'm in Week 8 honey and it's rocking my world!!! So excited you are in the middle of it as well...
Love ya to pieces!
Posted by: Dedra | August 20, 2009 at 02:00 PM
I did this study this past winter. It was my first Beth study. It was life changing!!! Enjoy it!
Posted by: Kristina | August 20, 2009 at 03:00 PM
I know what you mean about that study! I went into it with such huge anticipation about what God was going to do in my life this year.
What actually happened was totally unexpected... a "reversal" actually... I was so glad to be doing the study because God really prepared my heart. =]
Here's the whole story if you are interested:
http://everydaymomlife.blogspot.com/2009/06/if-you-read-nothing-else-you-might-want.html
Posted by: everydayMOM | August 20, 2009 at 06:41 PM
Hello, friend! I've read Esther several times this summer in preparation for my Esther study which begins in two weeks! I can NOT wait! Your enthusiasm for it is contagious; I love that about you.
Posted by: Angie | August 20, 2009 at 10:44 PM
Oh, you have got me so excited, I can hardly wait. Our ladies group from our church will be meeting in my house - starting that bible study on Sept. 17th. I am so excited - though with going to college now and the amount of study and work involved - I am a little concerned at how I am going to have the time to do all I need to do! I know just what you mean about seeing Beth. I have seen her a few times in person, but it always feels like "home" or an old dear friend when I get to see her again on a weekly basis.
I can't wait! Hope you are making great friends there in the desert!
Posted by: Kristy | August 21, 2009 at 04:55 AM
it's SO good! I had to quit 2 weeks early, but I loved every minute. Plus being in a study helps me be more disciplined every day.
And it was my first Beth Moore. LOVE her.
ENJOY. RELISH. SAVOR.
Posted by: Farm Fresh Jessica | August 21, 2009 at 01:39 PM
I did this study last spring with a great group of women that I just felt so blessed to be asked to study with...great study. Courtney (my 16 year old...heavy sigh) and I have just started reading Esther together...when both girls were much younger, we did mother/daughter notebooks where we would pass notebooks/journals back and forth with thoughts/questions/prayers, etc...it was so fun and such a blessing to keep the lines of communication open...and so fun to find one of their notebooks waiting for me on my pillow...anyway, I have rekindled that by doing our Bible study that way...I give her a reading assignment, questions to ponder or other reference materials to search and it has been really fun...this morning she came down and exclaimed...I just can't stand that King what a dumb proclamation...it's been great to see her mind work...
Have a blessed weekend!
Helen
Posted by: Helen at A Work of Heart | August 21, 2009 at 02:17 PM