Thursday, January 16, 2014

35,000 Women!!!!

I have shared here before about Proverbs 31 Online Bible Studies. I have been a participant for a year. Actually, I signed up for several before that but never actually followed through and did them!  But last Spring they offered a study called Let.It.Go and the first chapter in the book was something like "God Wants His Job Back".. I knew that study was for me!  I not only signed up for the daily emails from Proverbs 31, I signed up to be in a small group on FaceBook.

I never dreamed I would connect so with ladies I have never met face to face nor that I would get so much from the study. And it didn't stop there.. I participated (with the same group) in What Happens When Women Say Yes to God and A Confident Heart. 2 books I cannot recommend highly enough!

I have been blessed beyond measure with new friends and sisters who encourage me, accept me, love me, challenge me and so much more!

Face-to-face Bible study is great. I lead a group regularly at my church and participate at times with a blended group in my community.  I would never encourage you to give that up if it is a part of your life. But don't think Online Bible Study isn't just a real.. just a viable.  And the thing I love is that it is flexible which I know helps many ladies. I have met ladies who don't have access to "real life" Bible study where they live.. or what is offered doesn't work with their schedule.. or they have small children at home or a spouse and parent with needs that keep them at home.. OBS allows them to connect with other women and dig into the Word.

God using technology to further His Kingdom!  How Awesome is that.

So.. the next study starts up this Sunday, January 19. We will be jumping into Lysa TerKeurst's book Made to Crave. Now honestly, a part of me wants to run from this study. I don't want to deal with my food issues. But I know I need to and I love there is a place for me to do this.. and honestly, I am glad it isn't a face to face study.  That might sound strange, but hear me out.  I know a lot of women will open up here more than they would if they were in a room full of women looking at them as they talk about this issue.  I also know, for me, having my FB group will keep me accountable.  I won't be able to just drop this study when it gets to hard.. to personal.. when it step so my toes!

This is not a weight loss study!  And honestly, it isn't just a food study.  Most women have food issues and body image issues, so it makes sense that we focus on that. But the bottom line is we are made to Crave God and when we Crave anything else above Him, we have an issue.  That Craving can be food.. but it can also be shopping, approval, a man, acceptance, money, stuff, alcohol, etc.

As of Jan. 15, there were 35000 women signed up for this study!  That alone tells me there is a need here!

Why not consider joining us? You can do as little or as much as you want. Sign up for emails only.. join FB group.. participate in ever little event we have. The choice is yours.

For more information on how the study works and to sign up, click the PS31 OBS button on the side of this blog.  Your life will never be the same!