If God Is In It

I am a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom. While it may not sound sexy to the modern world, I realize it is the single most important thing that I could and should be doing right now. After an engineering career in the automotive and service industries, I can assure you that I know that when I approach the end of my life I will not be wishing I had achieved a higher level of reliability on an assembly machine or reduced turnover in a client's plant by 10%. I will be thankful for the time with my kids and for the opportunity to make my home a haven for my husband.

That being said...there are moments in the day-to-day life of a person where you can wonder if what you are doing is really important. Your feelings can be hurt because of appreciation not shown in the manner you prefer. Now, I realize that these thoughts are not confined to home duties...plenty of people feel this way at their desk, machine and cash register today. Sometimes its easier to hide those thoughts, though, behind a title and the perceived status it imparts.

This morning, at Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), we sang a hymn that was new to me. The title is "Little Is Much If God Is In It". I loved it! It made me think of so many people that may feel like they are not doing anything important...that may get dragged down by the minutia...including me. But...if you put God into it...praying that He uses your hands and feet for His glory...whether it's wiping little runny noses...driving teenagers to the mall...cooking Hamburger Helper again...going to a job that you don't care for...you will find that the little does mean much. It means much to others and it means much to God. Remember...real JOY comes from serving Jesus, others and yourself in that order. When you don't want to do something for others...do it for the Son of God who fulfilled your biggest obligation.

I also recommend that you notice and show appreciation for those in your life that do the "little". Let them know that you are grateful for what they do for you at home. Thank your waitress who is struggling to get to the end of the long day. Thank your spouse who leaves the home to provide for the family. Be nice to the cashier and the bank teller. Anybody can be grumpy and difficult to deal with...but anybody can be pleasant and easy to work with too.

To listen to the hymn "Little Is Much If God Is In It" by Kittie L. Suffield, go here.

An Invitation

I don't know about you, but for years I would sit in church and listen to what I considered children's Bible stories and some teachings from Jesus' best friends. I had done some Bible studies with friends, but never really got the whole picture. Then ten years ago (Wow! I need a moment to recover from the realization of how long ago that was...) a friend invited me to a Bible study to which she had recently been invited. That one invitation led me to an education that I am so thankful for. And that is what I am extending to you now...

As summer comes to an end and all of our schedules begin to take shape for the fall, I would like to invite you to BSF -- Bible Study Fellowship. You can find more info about it and where to find a local class by going here.

Let me share with you what I gained from this experience.

• I came to understand that the entire Bible is about Jesus Christ.
• I came to understand that the Old Testament is not just a collection of children's stories, but foreshadowing of Jesus and His sacrifice for me.
• I came to understand the Epistles, Psalms and Proverbs.
• BSF provides historical and cultural context to make the Scripture clearer.
• The study is all about the Bible...no commentaries.
• They have a wonderful children's program!
• It's for everyone...there were over 150 churches represented in the class I attended.
• It created a habit of daily Bible reading and study.
• It helped me see the modern application of the timeless principles shared in the Bible.
• It challenged me regularly to examine my motivations, relationships and attitudes.
• I met wonderful ladies!

The BSF is a seven year program. I have been through the entire program once already. I am planning to return this year. I wanted to give my youngest the opportunity to participate in the BSF program. And, I know that I will learn because I am at a different point in my faith journey.

So...what do you say? Not sure what to do next? Go to the website link I shared above...look for a local class...call the administrator to find out when the next intro class is being held and go. There's no charge...and you can always change your mind. Now, there is work involved to get the most out of the class...but I promise that it is worthwhile and you will be blessed through the effort.

Update (10/22/09) -- They are adding an infant program! Yay for the young moms who will now be able to participate!! And they are adding a study of Isaiah...to be done next year. Yay!! My pastor has been covering Isaiah for the last several months, but you may never had the privilege of learning about it deeply. I'm excited to go over it again...catching any pieces I missed and re-inforcing the ones I caught.