Anyway, a couple of years ago, this friend of mine decided to step away from her involvement with our church's Awana program. She felt led to do something with women's ministries, and ended up leading it! We continued to meet several times a month, where I'd occasionally update her on our Awana program. I've been a leader, like, forever--and I missed seeing her on Wednesday nights.
Ever so subtly, my friend planted an idea in my mind. Did I have any interest in joining the women's ministry team? No. My church involvement has always included Awana. While my kids were babies and toddlers, I was very involved with MOPS. For years I've participated in a weekly non-denominational community women's Bible study. Yet, through all that, I've been an Awana leader. I was comfortable with that.
Little by little, I began to feel burned-out in Awana. Doing something because I've always done it just didn't seem like a good reason to renew my leader commitment. Braylen was moving on to youth group. Should I move on to something new too? That idea planted by my friend began to take root. When she officially asked me to join the Women's Leadership Council, I said yes!
Where would I fit? I'm not an event planner, or a planner of anything. I'm not a leader, so please don't ask me to lead the mentoring program. I'm not a crafty person, so ask someone else to be in charge of decorations. Hospitality? Well, maybe, but in all honesty--lining up food and fostering a warm, welcoming environment is not really my thing either. What in the world am I in women's ministry for???
I kept attending the monthly meetings. I volunteered to run the book table at both of our simulcasts. I love books, and I can stand at a table and sell them. But I still wondered...what else am I supposed to be doing?
I admit, it's been a relief to stay home from Awana on Wednesdays. When I made that decision, I had no idea that Aaron would need to be home from time to time on Wednesday evenings. His medications make him drowsy and the poor boy needs to go to bed more than he needs to go to Awana. Derek needs to be at church every Wednesday for the security team, so I'm the one who keeps Aaron at home. Kaleb also stayed home with me on Wednesdays until November. Why? Let's just say we were much more productive with his Bible verse memorization here at home than he ever was at Awana... My decision to leave Awana was made by faith, and I've seen good come from it. But really--shouldn't there be more to ministry than selling books at a simulcast once or twice per year?
Well, wouldn't you know it? My new role within women's ministry is coming together. We are using a BLOG to create an online Bible study! I love to write! I love blogs! I love to study the Bible! This is where I fit! With two other ladies to help me, I'm not doing this on my own. We'll take turns with the weekly postings. I'll lead my own discussion board, and they will lead theirs. Lord willing, we'll do a 14 week study of the book of Galatians. I can't wait to meet new people, and connect with women who might not have the opportunity to attend a conventional Bible study. Cool, huh?
God knew it was time for me to leave Awana. He knows the fruit that will come from this new ministry. All I have to do is keep living by faith. There's this song called, "Faith is Living."
I wish I could see just three steps in front of me
But the lamp unto my feet only moves when I take a step
And believe Your word to me Lord You have a history
That proves You're worthy of my faith
It's the evidence of things I cannot see
And faith it's the confidence that You are holding me
It's stepping out it's breaking through all my doubts
And all I thought I knew 'cause you've never lived until you've lived
You've never lived until you've lived by faith
I want to be a man like Abraham
He went to a foreign land 'cause You said go he trusted You by faith
Of a tiny mustard seed to mountains we can speak
Believe and move them by faith
It's the evidence of things I cannot see
And faith it's the confidence that You are holding me
It's stepping out it's breaking through all my doubts
And all I thought I knew 'cause you never live until you've lived by faith
No you've never lived until you've lived by faith
You are who You say You are
And You will do what You have promised to and I believe that's faith
[ John Waller Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
This is my "something new" for 2012. :) Happy New Year!!!But the lamp unto my feet only moves when I take a step
And believe Your word to me Lord You have a history
That proves You're worthy of my faith
It's the evidence of things I cannot see
And faith it's the confidence that You are holding me
It's stepping out it's breaking through all my doubts
And all I thought I knew 'cause you've never lived until you've lived
You've never lived until you've lived by faith
I want to be a man like Abraham
He went to a foreign land 'cause You said go he trusted You by faith
Of a tiny mustard seed to mountains we can speak
Believe and move them by faith
It's the evidence of things I cannot see
And faith it's the confidence that You are holding me
It's stepping out it's breaking through all my doubts
And all I thought I knew 'cause you never live until you've lived by faith
No you've never lived until you've lived by faith
You are who You say You are
And You will do what You have promised to and I believe that's faith
[ John Waller Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
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