An update, part one
Sophie - August 14, 2008
So I had every intention of being more consistent with posting (for many weeks! in a row!) about Kay Arthur's latest Bible study, Return to the Garden. But our group's summer schedules proved to be way more unpredictable than we anticipated, and it was hard to find times to meet when everybody was actually, you know, IN TOWN.
So instead of being finished with the study, I'm at the halfway mark. And I thought this might be a good time to fill you in on some of my thoughts and reactions at this stage in the Return to the Garden game.
Oh, this is terribly exciting.
And there again, I feel weird using the word "exciting" in relation to a Bible study about sex. Because I am twelve, apparently.
1. This is a study that's well-suited for a small (as in three or four people) group. And it would also be good if those three or four people are close friends - because the material goes a bit beyond polite "getting to know you" conversation. You need to feel really comfortable with your group.
2. There's a question somewhere in the first week of homework that continues to resonate with me. Kay asks, quite simply, "Is everything in His temple [your body] saying 'Holy to the Lord'?"
EVERYTHING?
I mean, in addition to the aspect of that question that relates to sex, think about health. Think about endurance. Think about rest.
Humbling, huh?
3. When Kay mentions that she went through a time of spiritual rebellion and fell pretty deep into sin, she says that one reason she was so susceptible to compromise was because "I had a religion, not a relationship." And I just thought that was profound. I've been in the same boat - and I've wondered how I fell so far so fast (different circumstances, different sin, but a pit just the same). After all, I was a "good girl" who grew up in church, and I should've known better. Kay's words really gave me some clarity.
All righty, girls - hopefully that'll be some good food for thought over the weekend. I'll post the second half of my first-half-of-study highlights on Tuesday.
I do hope that the anticipation won't keep you awake for the next four nights.
And seriously. Return to the Garden is a good word - for a whole host of reasons. It's not always comfortable, mind you, but it's good.
Happy weekend, y'all.
Melanie
Melanie
Sophie
Sophie
Paige
Paige
Kris
Kris
Comments (2)
It sounds like a wonderful study! I have to admit, I cannot think of anyone that I feel close enough to to share that kind of material…My Chris, yes. But really, I think I have a whole lot of trouble just sharing in this topic with friends.
Posted on August 16, 2008 6:04 PM
I saw this study and I’m really interested in it, but I’m not sure of I have anyone to “do study” with. So, I guess I’ll do study vicariously through this blog ;).
Posted on August 18, 2008 10:54 AM