As I’ve had more and more birthdays, it is becoming more difficult to choose my birthday person (BDP). Of course, my first birthday person was my mom after that my sister who led me to the Lord and then pastors and people who nurtured my spiritual walk. The problem is I will not live long enough on this earth to thank all the people who have been so important to me. Therefore my birthday person or persons for 2019 is a collection of all those people who have shared Bible study with
I start with my current, weekly Bible study group. We sit around one of our tables and drink coffee, tea or Crystal Light, and eat popcorn or chips. Chatter about our week, and then open our Bibles or click on our phones and open our hearts to God‘s word.
In thinking of those who have changed my life through studying God’s word, faces swirl before me. Barbara with her Godly wisdom. Laura with her willingness to serve, Jean with her wonderful southern accent. Margaret and her sweet spirit. Cheryl with her humor and openness. Nancy with her thought-provoking questions. Linda who even prayers for her ex-husband. Lynn who always pushing the envelope to prod us to search further. And the kindness of all my wonderful neighbor Pat who was my BDP a few years ago. Many others who float in and out, like Linda E. who coordinates these coffee-cup, non-devotional Bible studies in our neighborhood. Each week it becomes more difficult to find the time to study, and yet, it becomes more important. You all keep me on track.
As I think of this group, other faces pop into the scene. Cynthia Robinson and my sister, Ouida. Wait a minute! That was about 60 years ago. We met each Saturday morning at about 6 o’clock and prayed together and study a little bit of God’s word. Then more faces come to mind—all those who sat beside me on Wednesday nights at the Methodist Youth “Buldge” in Tulia, Texas. Harry, Jimmy Inman, Charlie, Max, Mac, Mike, Linda and Ronnie, Julianna, Joyce, Joan, Sheran, Cheryl, Patricia, Patsy, Mickey, the Devins—each precious one—so many I can’t name them all. Gracelyn who drove us to
Further back, to the little Sunday Schoolroom at the top of the church. Ann who gave me my first Bible. Nita who made me laugh and shared her candy. Sherry who went with me to the pastor’s study to tell him about a friend who had cheated on a test and who sat with me while our pastor opened the Bible and discussed the beam in our own eye instead of the speck in our friend’s eye and all who loved me inspire of my ways. You all, my dearest, oldest friends in Christ are truly treasures of my heart.
The visions of Bible Study Groups past continued to surface. My “kids” in the Prairie Heights’ Youth Group in Grand Prairie—Connie, Jimmy, Sherry, Leslie, Karen and Karen, Rickey, Mathis, the really tall boy I had to shake my finger at for putting firecrackers in the barbecue grill and the one who brought “the” Rolling Stone cover. No, I was not wise enough. But God was. Was I smart enough to teach you? No! But God worked His miracle of love into our group. You were about 4 or 5 years younger than me, but God taught me so much through you.
The children I taught at Grand Prairie Ingelwood Methodist, and that wonderful group of young mom’s who met for brief studies, prayers, aerobics, and much need talking-to-adults time, thank you. To the ladies, I taught at Hillcrest in Arlington, thank you for listening and sharing.
Teenagers in Alvarado we had so much fun! And especially to the little ladies at Hillside in Alvarado. Your wisdom, spirit, and experiences totally inspired me. The stories of seeing those dear ones who have gone before you really gave me a peek into the next life. How blessed we were in those studies.
Brian Muirhead, Trudy Laird, Billy and the adult class with all the great discussions we shared. George and Val Shultz and your mission. To the classes of wonderful teenagers in Cedar Hill at the First UMC: you were incredible. Fred,
To my dear Sunday School friends at Acton UMC, not only did you learn with me, you ministered to us when we had 4 broken arms. Thank you so much for food, cleaning, opening Dr. Pepper bottles and rides to church. Linda and Bill, Debby, Echo, Linda, and more.
Last, thank you to my husband, who sits beside me in the church at Lakeside in Granbury and takes better notes than I do as we are taught by Pastor Mark. We’ve learned so much in these last few years.
To all those who have sat at the feet of Jesus with me, thank you.
