Starting a New One!

It's that time again - starting a new online Bible study through Proverbs 31.  I really like Lysa TerKeurst and we are studying her book, Finding I Am.  I ordered it through Amazon, like I usually do, and when it arrived, I first thought I had the wrong book.  It was a study book with daily assignments and places to write answers to discussion questions and take notes. Not a book like I usually read.  But I liked it.  This is an all-in-one type of OBS. 

Next was the dilemma of the Facebook discussion groups.  I like discussion. I like to share.  I like to read what others think.  If I were face-to-face with people in a live situation, I probably wouldn't share much, unless I HAD to share.  I am quiet, hard as that may be to believe.  If prompted to respond spontaneously, I hesitate because I am afraid what I mean won't be what I say---or it will come out wrong---or people will look at me like I am nuts---or someone might argue with me.  I like discussion but I don't want anyone to attack me for my beliefs or opinions.  Not enjoying this type of discussion may seem odd, especially since I was a teacher and class discussion was a necessity in my classes.   But that was different.  I was leading, directing, watching for good interaction, giving prompts, watching time---different. 

The first FB group I tried was not good.  Not too much discussion, not too many ladies participated, and I felt empty.  So I passed on that option for the next couple of studies.  Finally three studies ago I gave it another chance.  I found a new group, Group 9 with Teresa, and felt at home. I liked her style, and the members of the group were from a variety of backgrounds, many locations, and at different points in their lives. It was a nice blend.  Actually I was so comfortable with participation that it was the first OBS that I actually finished.  On to the second group.  This one was different.  Teresa had had surgery and was still in the hospital when the study began.  We never did get off the ground.  I tried to post often, as did a couple of other ladies, but our leader just didn't try to keep things going.  Soon the group fizzled, but I finished the book!  Again!  The third time was the most recent study on Wait and See.  This was a tough time for me because it started just before Agnes died and I needed to continue on, just because I needed to.  However the FB group was weak.   Very weak.  Most of the posts from the leader were "Read the Weekly Lowdown and be sure to watch the video because there is good information in it."  Ok...I know we need to do that.  Then one person said she was really enjoying the group because one group she was in, the leader posted something every day and she felt obligated to respond and she just didn't have time, so she was glad this wasn't the case now.  Ok...the leader is posting nothing so this is the other extreme, I think.  Then I started to post on a regular basis.  I would receive responses, and finally at the end, a few of the group thanked me for making them think, giving them something to consider, and so on.  Rhonda from San Antonio sent me a message and suggested that she and I become "leaders" the next time (of course we can't do that since we are not associated with Proverbs 31).

New study.  So what to do?  I did sign up for FB groups again, and once more time, I am in Group 9 with the same leader.  I decided that I am going to 'lay low' and not post anything originally, just respond to others.  We shall see what happens.

But I crave interaction and discussion, remember?  Rhonda and I have a secret closed FB group just for the two of us and have already started our discussion.  I think it will be great!

Then through a series of FB posts, Amy Morales and Sarah Franiak decided to participate in the OBS and formed a secret group also and asked me to participate.  I was thrilled!  This is the first time that people I actually KNOW will be reading and studying the same book I am! I am so excited!

Plus I have another friend from Group 9 who is in a different group this time and not sure how happy she will be.  I may invite her to join Rhonda and me. I need to check with Rhonda first.

At any rate I am very excited about this study, and not just because of the FB groups.  I enjoy Lysa's writing and her commentaries.  She is so honest, down-to-earth, and compassionate.  She seems to know what I need and where I am coming from.   I am intrigued by the title of the book and what it will mean to us.  I am eager to become more of a Jesus girl, to spend more time studying His word, and to come to prayer daily. 

And yes, I am excited about the FB groups.  I hope that Sarah can break through the shell and enjoy studying the Bible.  I hope that Amy will find more peace.  And I hope that the others in the group develop a new relationship with God through our study.