67 In Faith/ Life

A Year in Genesis

drinktable

I’ve been involved in Community Bible Study {CBS} this year and last Wednesday was our final meeting.  It has been a wonderful year. My mother-in-law has been in CBS for many, many years and has told me the last few years how much I would love it… so this year was my year to jump in. I was blessed with an amazing group of ladies in my core group and an amazing leader. Each year they conclude with what they call “share day” which is basically an open mic opportunity for people to share what the Lord has taught them over the last 9 to 10 months. So as the time approached I couldn’t help but think about what an amazing year it has been being in the Word and in fellowship with other women from the community {from all different churches & denominations}. I am consistently inconsistent when it comes to a lot of things and meditating on and studying the Bible is one of them. I need accountability. I need direction. And this year CBS was JUST what I needed.

I didn’t share at “share day” because those things make my palms sweat, my heart beat fast, my voice quiver and I’d probably take one look at our teaching director {who is leaving this year} and cry a river. I would have no good reason to cry a river, and it wouldn’t be just a sad river, although I am sad she’s leaving, it would be a  river that would pour out in gratitude for a year of fellowship and wonderful Bible study and honest, humble, and transparent teaching by our director. If you’re looking for solid Biblical teaching you should see if there is a CBS class in your area. Or if you are interested in listening to solid Biblical teaching on Genesis over the summer {that I’ve had the honor and pleasure to study under this year} ALL of Amy’s lectures are on iTunes for free. You can search itTunes: Amy Edge podcasts. They’re free and categorized by chapter & date. Amy is an incredibly gifted speaker, each week it was as though the Lord had given her a peek into my life and her message spoke directly to my heart.

So, I thought long and hard about what I learned this last year I wondered how I could possibly summarize all of Genesis {the first book in the Bible} and all that the Lord taught me through Genesis. I will be honest: there is HARD stuff in Genesis. When I say hard I mean things that take faith to believe, some things that I still have a hard time believing, things that make you say, “Really, Lord?!”, things that make you want to scream, things that make you want to cry, things that make you want to stomp your feet, things that make you uncomfortable…  Creation. Sin. Death. Sexual Immorality. Murder. Rebellion. Corruption. Testing.  And in the end… do you know what I walk away with: God is sovereign. God is faithful. God alone. God will work his plan, in spite of us. We cannot get in His way. Our fleshly plans cannot thwart the plans of God. Genesis is full of Godly people who SIN and fall short and yet are still used by the grace of God to bring his plan to fruition. Genesis really is a perfect picture of God’s  sovereignty and His redeeming love.

Over the last week I’ve been going through my CBS workbooks, reviewing what I’ve learned {and learning that I don’t remember very well}. As I went through I took one truth {an application or Biblical truth} from each lesson  and made a list to remind myself of what I learned this year. Since you all are my innocent bystanders, I thought I’d share here. Brace yourself. There were a LOT of lessons… but I hope you can glean from what I learned this year. So here is what I took away {literally, some of these are direct quotes from my lesson books, some from my own notes}, one bullet for each week, 30 weeks worth of lessons summed up in 30 short sentences …

  • Intro to Genesis: God acts in grace, urging the rebels home against all their inclinations.
  • The trinity’s involvement in creation cannot be disputed, nor will it be fully understood this side of eternity.
  • God deals with His fallen creatures in grace, wooing them back to Himself in Godly sorrow & repentance.
  • Godliness involves putting our hope in Christ.
  • More important than secular blessing of plenty our heritage might bring us, is the spiritual blessing of being in a place where we can know God & seek to grow in our faith.
  • While men challenge divine authority and show themselves worthy of judgment, God moves ahead with His own plans.
  • Though Abram begins hesitantly & fails periodically, he grows in faith & obedience.
  • If God is urging you to do something outside your comfort zone think long and hard before you say “no”… He may want to accomplish something spectacular for His glory.
  • The Lord makes himself most real– makes His presence felt– during times of great testing.
  • God is good. God forgives. God is patient.
  • Intercessors must approach God as Abraham did, with reverence, boldness, and persistence.
  • Our actions must be consistent with our faith– unless we invite God back into our culture, we will continue our downward spiral.
  • We are imperfect, flawed people living in an imperfect world, so there will be tears, but even through the tears, we can ask the Lord to give us joy– and bless us with laughter. {Like Sarah when she finally conceived}
  • God does not test us for the purpose of making us fail but rather for the purpose of seeing us succeed. Because faith is like a muscle and it must be used to grow strong. {A test is not a temptation. A test is from God, a temptation is from the flesh.}
  • Sarah was a woman of faith and supportive of her husband’s aims {with exception of Hagar} and she was beautiful… Let’s not confuse our culture’s shallow idea of celebrity beauty with the kind of attractiveness that Godly character produces.
  • When God answers a specific prayer so quickly and exactly {referring to Abraham’s servant finding a wife, Rebekah, for Isaac}, sharing that fact with other believer’s builds both their faith and ours.
  • Referring to Sarah & Abraham… they had faithfully — though not flawlessly– served the Lord in their generation.
  • Many strive above all for lots of money. Many people have sold out, they have forfeited the spiritual birthright of God-given joy, peace, strength in time of tragedy , and intimacy with Jesus Christ in order to conform to the culture that surrounds them. They would rather be popular than godly.
  • Do your best to raise children who love God.
  • One of the most amazing things about God is his ability to use anything and everything- even bad circumstances and our wrong choices- to bring about His own good & perfect will.
  • God blesses and uses people even when His blessings are unearned and undeserved.
  • God wants us to stop scheming and start trusting– stop living by our own wits and start living by His wisdom.
  • We should be reliable and dependable; we should not be lazy or irresponsible. God will hold us accountable for how we use our time and our talent.
  • Our losses take time to heal, and many scars stay with us, but Christ has both the power to redeem our circumstances and the commitment to carry us through each day of the healing process.
  • {In reference to God using Tamar in spite of sexual sin} What a liberating surprise to realize once again that we do not have to be perfect to be used by God to achieve His purpose!
  • If you are facing a difficult adjustment {think of Joseph} and ask God to give you the faith to handle it with grace as he did. The answer for Joseph was to trust God and the answer for us is the same.
  • We can study His Word to us and obey it so that our actions please Him, and we are conformed to the image of Christ instead of being conformed to the world.
  • Never doubt that people can truly change.
  • God is at work at work behind the scenes in your life, providentially preparing you for His purposes!
  • Greatness has nothing to do with possessions or position– not in God’s eyes. We are pilgrims passing through.
  • A chance to die to ourselves will bring life.

Hello, is anyone still here? 🙂

Hopefully you can take something away from all of that! I am already looking forward to next year {we will be studying Luke– let me know if you want more info on our local class!!} and I am so thankful that I have a group of ladies to meet with this summer to hold me accountable… like I said, without accountability I’m nearly useless!

This week has been very busy and very exciting… hoping to put my thoughts and pictures in another post soon!

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  • stephanie
    May 14, 2010 at 9:45 am

    I went through a year long program in Memphis called Downline and we spent about 2 months in Genesis (love Genesis) BUT, my husband and I were watching Jeopardy Tuesday night and I NEVER get anything right. The big money question was something like “In the book of Genesis, what is a daughter told to do, regarding her parents. It is two works, separated by one letter”. Do you know?

    Leave and Cleave! For the first time ever, I knew something that the genius’ on Jeopardy did not know.

  • Cat Moore
    May 14, 2010 at 9:45 am

    Darby, I’m just going to have to write you an email on this one…..wow! blessings!

  • Christina
    May 14, 2010 at 9:52 am

    Wow!!! Thanks so much for sharing this. A few of your “notes” really hit home and put tears in my eyes. Its always such a great reminder that God is always in control even when we think He has forgotten about us. Thanks for being His messenger to me today!

  • Sara Jane
    May 14, 2010 at 9:55 am

    What a beautiful summary! I feel you on the hard stuff in Genesis. Some of the stories make me so mad but they make me mad because I see myself in them. I’m so thankful that God is so gracious and faithful but it’s so easy to forget those things. Thank you for this sweet reminder of redemption and faithfulness.

    ps. I love those drink server thingies at the top.

  • L
    May 14, 2010 at 10:02 am

    Still here and so blessed by what you shared. Thank you!

  • paige
    May 14, 2010 at 10:08 am

    i started reading through the bible in chronological order 2 years ago…i’m only in 2kings…but anyway, i LOVE the old testament stories & especially all the amazing powerful stories in genesis. such a reminder, a powerful reminder of god’s constant desire to redeem his people

    at our youth group this spring , we read through luke
    i loved getting to know jesus’ story through the detailed eyes of luke

    thanks for sharing all your scoop

    can’t wait to hear more
    &
    i’m totally digging the table cloth
    mwah

  • McCall
    May 14, 2010 at 10:10 am

    Darby, THank you so much for sharing this. I participate in a study as well and thrive under the direction, insight, guidance, and Godliness of those women. Of all your summaries, I think I love this one the most: Do your best to raise children who love God. THis is THE ONE THING I want to give my daughter more than anything else. We’ve been working really hard on this lately, and after seeing your girls recite their Christmas verses, I was encouraged to motivate my daughter as well. You can see what all she’s learned here: http://www.leemeandthegirls.blogspot.com- the post is called “Lib’s got somethin’ to tell you”. Thanks for inspiring me to be a more Godly influence in my daughters’ lives. -McCall

  • Emily
    May 14, 2010 at 10:14 am

    Darby, thank you so much for sharing!!! so many of these hit home!

  • Tara
    May 14, 2010 at 10:18 am

    Yes, Genesis is so full and sometimes hard for us to deal with since it is to be taken literal with creation, the foundation of Marriage and even the Type/Shawdow lesson of Salvation through the flood. We wonder why there aren’t more movies made from the Bible, it is such entertaining material (as the world might see it).

  • Scattering Lupines
    May 14, 2010 at 10:21 am

    Loved this post. So much food for thought, and AMAZING how you wrapped it up in this digestable little bundle.

  • jennifer b
    May 14, 2010 at 10:26 am

    Thank you for sharing. I needed to be reminded of some of these. 🙂

  • Amanda
    May 14, 2010 at 10:41 am

    Thank you for this Darby! A couple of these lessons were exactly what I needed to hear today.

  • Page
    May 14, 2010 at 11:03 am

    Wow…you’re right – there are some powerfully deep truths in the book of Genesis! That’s awesome that you spent such a huge chunk of time pouring over and learning about one book of the Bible. That’s my favorite way to spend time in small group…and, for obvious reasons, it always seems to be the most fruitful. I am so thankful for all those lessons you shared – there is obviously so much God wants to teach us, but we really have to study his words to embrace it. Have you ever done a Kay Arthur precept study? She has one on Psalm 119 that is crazy amazing. She has such a gift for going really deep in the word and teaching it well. Another good one is called Covenant. I will definitely be checking out Amy’s podcasts – thanks so much for sharing, and congrats on making it through such a huge study. I am sure it will have a forever impact on your life!

  • estrada
    May 14, 2010 at 11:04 am

    I love the book of Luke. Reading through the book of Luke changed me! Thank you for the “lessons”. It was a nice reminder and much needed.

  • Kristen
    May 14, 2010 at 11:24 am

    I just have to tell you…it is SO refreshing to find your blog! So much of what is online is materialistic, worldly, and just plain immoral – I’m glad to see that you are mindful of God’s agenda and not man’s. Lovely post. =)

  • Shannon
    May 14, 2010 at 12:19 pm

    I am so glad that you sharred what you learned and what God revealed to you through the study of Genesis! i love CBS and have been in CBS since 2001 (i’m in Birmingham though) it is such a blessing to be able to study and learn God’s word in such an indepth study and what better to be surrounded and encouraged by other sister’s in Christ. Thanks for sharing! What a blessing to be reminded of God’s plans and way!

  • beth
    May 14, 2010 at 12:20 pm

    I am so glad you love CBS. I have been doing CBS for 25 years and through the power of God’s Spirit through the study of His word God has transformed my life. Being in His word on a day by day week by week month by month year by year capacity can’t help but do amazing things in our lives. His word is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword. It goes where nothing else can. I am so excited that you loved it. My 3 girls all went through the program and the things they learned are still with them today. My prayer is that one day they will be members of CBS wherever they are. There is nothing like it anywhere. Our TD always says that if your heart is racing and you are sweating then you should share, I never have, I’m with you I would probably fall in a heap and hyperventilate. Too many people looking at me. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It is a huge commitment but the benefits far outweigh anything. Accountability and fellowship and growing and watching others grow are all huge blessings and I am so thankful that I have been blessed beyond anything I could ever deserve. Thanks for having your “Sharing Day” right here. You are a huge blessing and your transparency is a joy!

  • Nealy
    May 14, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    Genesis is totally like a soap opera! And so is much of the OT. Thanks for the encouragement! 🙂

  • Brianna
    May 14, 2010 at 12:29 pm

    Wow.. that was great. I really, really need to start reading my bible. I came across your blog, and it is like God is telling me “hello, did you read this… see what you can learn if you read my word” Thanks.

  • Sarah Cantrell
    May 14, 2010 at 12:43 pm

    darby amazing….I have another friend who is a CBS teache in VA….seems like some just good, down to root of scripture teaching I like that, like you I need the accountability…..thank you for sharing it ministered to me!!Im Blogging now….Chris is going to help me!!

  • christy
    May 14, 2010 at 12:44 pm

    lol…i am still here:)an amazing post. thanks for sharing!

  • Kathleen
    May 14, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    i am reading “a grace disguised” by jerry spittser right now and i just finished the chapter called “absence of God” and it was all about the sovereignty of God and that no matter how you look at it, you cant wrap your head around the fact that God is both sovereign, and powerful, and full of grace and wrath and love, all at the same time. thank you so much for how you share so openly, it has meant so much more to me than you could imagine.

  • Kathleen
    May 14, 2010 at 1:27 pm

    * sittser, guess i had some good ole ny gossip on the brain! haha.

  • Joy
    May 14, 2010 at 1:40 pm

    Darby, thanks so much for sharing your faith through your wonderful blog.

  • Jill
    May 14, 2010 at 2:39 pm

    I love what you shared today… so encouraging! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog for quite some time and despite your adorable children, your creative brain, and your sense of humor, I love the way you share your faith. It is a BLESSING to read your blog. Thanks so much for sharing it with all of us.

  • Melise
    May 14, 2010 at 2:58 pm

    So uplifting and encouraging! I love “God does not test us for the purpose of making us fail but rather for the purpose of seeing us succeed. Because faith is like a muscle and it must be used to grow strong. {A test is not a temptation. A test is from God, a temptation is from the flesh.”

    Never really thought of that before!

    :0)

  • Lauren
    May 14, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    I love read all that you learned. I am going to lead Teen CBS next year here in Colorado! I am excited to lead the girls and to grow myself.

  • Eleanor
    May 14, 2010 at 3:04 pm

    I LOVE CBS! I did it for 3 years (took a break this year to do a Small Group with my husband!) I was amazed at all that I learned in Genesis. Going into it, I thought it was one of the books of the Bible that I knew better than so many of the others! WOW! What a surprise it was! Thanks for sharing!

  • Katie
    May 14, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    Thank you for sharing. I was touched by your comment about God working His plan, in spite of us. I am so thankful each day that His love for me does not hinge on my love for Him… for sometimes my actions show quite the opposite. Amazing Grace…Beauty from Ashes!

  • Amy
    May 14, 2010 at 3:19 pm

    Thank you. I needed to be reminded about a couple of these things this morning. xoxo

  • Paula
    May 14, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    Our church is doing the Book of Hebrews in the fall. I’m looking forward to it.

  • Malerie @ {postscripted}
    May 14, 2010 at 4:37 pm

    WOW Darby I was so moved by your Genesis summary. It truly makes me want to read Genesis all over again today- all of it! Thank you for sharing your heart and what God has taught you through your study.

    and, it warms my heart to know I’m not alone in the sweaty, tear evoking sharing. Right there with you!

  • Taylor N.
    May 14, 2010 at 6:41 pm

    thanks so much for sharing. i agree, it’s really hard to remember what you learn in Bible studies. i’ll look for a CBS in Chicago, it sounds great!

  • Anne W
    May 14, 2010 at 6:53 pm

    Darby, your words are a blessing. Thank you for sharing! I am hoping to start attending CBS in my city in the fall. I too desperately need the accountability!

  • Joy
    May 14, 2010 at 8:09 pm

    Darby, Thanks for sharing all of that! I really enjoyed reading all that you learned 🙂

  • Kathy
    May 14, 2010 at 10:10 pm

    Thank you for sharing this. I started a BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) study this year for the first time and found it to be equally rewarding. I needed the support and schedule to be accountable, too. We studied John. I believe I will reread my notes and the chapter again this summer. Helps the memory! I truly enjoy your blog posts. Thank you.

  • Kelly
    May 14, 2010 at 11:40 pm

    I have been in CBS for the past four years and it has been such a huge blessing in my life! We did Genesis last year and it was such a great study. I did Luke the year before and you will love it as well! Thanks for having Sharing Day on the blog!

  • lori lucas
    May 15, 2010 at 7:42 am

    When I read #8 and thought back to your “sweaty palms” statement, the two clicked. I have no doubt that God is using you at this moment. Thank you.
    Lori

  • Annie Haralson
    May 15, 2010 at 7:53 am

    Love your blog and keeping up with you. I did a BSF study on Genesis a few years ago and was also blown away. Thanks for sharing what you learned… it was a good refresher:) On a lighter note, where did you get the lemonade pitcher (on the stand)? My mom and I just had this conversation that we love her pitcher like that but you have to set it on the edge of the table to get a cup under the spout… which then leads to a sticky mess on the floor!

  • Melanie Gore
    May 15, 2010 at 7:56 am

    Thank yous so much for posting this. I am new to our city and we haven’t found a church yet so I enjoyed reading this a lot! I am like you, I would not want to talk in front of the group either. Glad you put it down on paper instead so we could enjoy it. Have a great weekend.

    Would you do a post about your photography and how the creative side comes up for you when you thinking about taking a picture?

  • Sandy VD
    May 15, 2010 at 10:22 am

    I have been reading your blog for a long time now and have never posted. I’m probably your mom’s age and have looked into the glimpses of your life and have felt like you could be one of my nieces or my own girls (except neither one is yet married) 🙂 As a young and busy mom, you are wise to be involved in Bible study of any kind. I did BSF and then CBS when my children were young and could be a part of the wonderful children’s programs that both provide. It was there that I learned how to pray for my children in the ways that matter most, like knowing Christ at an early age, that they would get caught when guilty etc. I still have the list in my Bible and will someday pray those same prayers over my yet-to-be grandbabies. Applying scriptural principles into your home and in the lives of your kids early on, and talking about how Jesus is working in Mommy will be a model that your kids will not forget. It is not a guaranteee that their lives will turn out great but God does hear the fervant prayers of a mom and blesses her and her home. I praise Him for that!
    Keep studying the Word and passing it on to your darling babies and keep writing your blog and sharing Christ on it! What a powerful tool it could be in the life of a woman searching for the peace that only He can provide. Blessings over you Darby!

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  • Carol
    May 15, 2010 at 3:11 pm

    Darby, I love what you’ve learned this year and shared with us. I think that God can use the mother of three darling children to teach lots of things to lots of readers. Thanks for being one of His tools!

  • Cath
    May 15, 2010 at 4:46 pm

    Darby, your post comes at a particulary rough week for us. Thanks for reminding me God is still listening.

  • Joy
    May 15, 2010 at 8:14 pm

    Thanks for sharing! This post was so encouraging and thought provoking, and was a blessing for me. I have gone back and reread it a couple of times.

  • Kelly
    May 15, 2010 at 11:51 pm

    I just listened to Amy’s pod-cast on living like a pilgrim and it is so true just how wrapped up in this world we can become. I have been encouraged by her and it is nice to know we can just pick up the next thing and slowly make a dent.
    I have enjoyed your blog for about 6 months now and enjoy your cooking projects… I tried the sewing… not the best, but I have a dish mat that’s’ a little crooked… thanks for blogging and being so candid. We really love to read it! Lucas {7} likes the homemade treats and Reef likes the pictures of the little boy rover {my Reef will be 2 in June}.
    God bless you,
    ~Kelly

  • Lindsey
    May 16, 2010 at 7:48 am

    Thank you for posting all of the things you learned. There were several of those that I really needed to read right now. And I probably need to copy them down and keep reading them! I appreciate you sharing.
    It was good seeing ya’ll a few weeks ago at Blue Plate. 🙂

  • Lee Ann
    May 16, 2010 at 8:14 am

    Thanks for sharing these thoughts & lessons you’re learning in your journey with Christ!

  • chris
    May 16, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    I went to itunes and it appears that the lectures start in Chapter 14 (20 lectures). I did Genesis CBS in B’ham last year and have the books. I have talked my husband into going thru the material w/ me this summer and was hoping to download Amy’s lectures to help us. We did lesson 1 today. But when I came to download the lecture, I could not find it. Is there a way to get the 1st 10 lectures or am I missing them on itunes?

    I love your blog and all the encouragement and info it provides:)
    Thank you

  • Courtney
    May 16, 2010 at 1:04 pm

    Thank you for taking the time to write this. I’d never heard of CBS before, but it sounds great and certainly has provided some great food for thought! Love your blog 🙂

  • Catherine
    May 16, 2010 at 5:46 pm

    This is my second year in CBS (Savannah chapter) and I too have loved studying Genesis! I feel like I need some serious along time to sit down and summarize all that I have learned as well. I can say that my heart is full – I only pray God will continue to pound these truths into my pea-sized, forgetful mommy brain! Thanks for sharing what you learned with us! What an encouragement!

  • :o) mg
    May 16, 2010 at 9:44 pm

    “Let’s not confuse our culture’s shallow idea of celebrity beauty with the kind of attractiveness that Godly character produces.”
    I need to post this above every mirror in my house!
    When I read your words, I nearly sucked wind in shock. Yes! That is the person I would rather resemble – a beautiful Godly woman.
    My husband tells me often that I am a beautiful woman that God is surely proud of. But I have batted down the compliment every time because I have been vainly running after worldly beauty (which I have not caught and now I suspect I know why).
    Thank you for the wake up call.

  • Heather
    May 17, 2010 at 12:22 am

    I came to your site by way of lifeingrace… I also do CBS, but in Oregon. We finish the study next week and then will have our sharing the following week. I have love, loved Genesis. It has really helped me stay focused this past year while we have had some major changes in our lives ( well actually just one major change~ employment, or lack thereof), but I am resting in His promise and His timing. Glad you enjoyed it too:)

  • Jaime
    May 17, 2010 at 8:47 am

    I started CBS last year with Genesis. We did Luke this year. Both great studies–I have learned so much. I too need the accountability! The kids get so much out of it too. My three year old is sad that it’s over for the summer.

  • ib73
    May 17, 2010 at 10:44 am

    Once again thank you for bringing the word. I needed to read this today. I think you’re very talented in your delivery. Have you ever thought about taking this gift to another level? I think you would be good at it. Have a good day.

  • Kelsey
    May 17, 2010 at 11:34 am

    Hello,

    I have been following your blog for a while now, but this is my fist official comment. When I saw that you attend CBS I just had to make a comment. I actually work for them at the headquarters in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO and was delighted to see that you enjoyed the study so much and hear about what all you learned throughout your study. Praise God!

  • Stacy Norris
    May 17, 2010 at 1:25 pm

    Hey! I don’t know you ,my sister’s friend gave her your blogsite and shared it with me because of your awesome photography skills! I was reading and saw that you are member of CBS! I am a member here in Jax,FL. My friend, Tina, is the TD here. I just love it. It has been such a blessing this year. I had pulled my daughter from public school (6th grade- middle school AHHHH!!!) and did virtual school at home and on Thursdays took her to CBS as they had a wonderful homeschool group. Just love it! Enjoyed Genesis very much and looking forward to Daniel,1Peter, and 1&2 Thess!! Have a blessed day!!

  • Whitney
    May 18, 2010 at 8:19 am

    Thank you for your words! I am inspired to delve into Scripture today!

  • sherry
    May 18, 2010 at 1:22 pm

    Thanks so much for this! I loved the summary and would love to listen to these on you tube.

  • sherry
    May 18, 2010 at 1:37 pm

    oops! it is i tunes!

  • Jodie
    May 18, 2010 at 10:01 pm

    Loved your post! I am in my second year with CBS. I loved it so much the first year that when we moved and I found out my new local chapter was doing Genesis even though I had just done the same study the year before, I did it again. Next week is our last lesson and then Share Day the following week. I am considering sharing this time just to say how much CBS and being in the word can truly bless us all. And I continued to learn even though I had done the lessons the year before, it is amazing how quickly we forget. I am going to print your summary and put it in my bible so I never forget the significance of Genesis.
    Thanks for sharing. I am SO looking forward to the next study, I think it will also be Luke. I hope others who read your blog will be inspired to get acquainted with CBS or another bible study.
    Blessings!

  • Erin Joy
    May 19, 2010 at 2:31 pm

    Darby, thank you very much for recommending this resource & for providing your testimony from your time there!! Embarassingly I have a difficult time doing study on my own, even though I grew up in a Christian home, was involved in numerous church programs & was homeschooled, as well as attended Christian school & college. (you’d think it would come easier for someone like me, but it’s harder almost!) CBS sounds like an incredibly refreshing idea, and I found out there is one that meets very close to my workplace that offers both a men’s & women’s study, which means my hubby & I could do it together, but separate (if that makes sense).

    Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you encouraged & inspired me with this. Thank you for posting what you learned – I grew just by reading it. 🙂

  • Nicole aka Gidget
    May 19, 2010 at 3:30 pm

    Hi! I just recently found your blog and subscribed immediately! I was in CBS in Genesis this year, too! It was a crazy year for us, as the class started my family was starting our adoption paperwork and then, just over a month ago, we brought home our son. My core group was with me thru the journey and God was teaching me over and over again the lesson of His sovereignty- that’s what I shared about on sharing day. Thanks for sharing your lessons learned!

  • Claire
    May 19, 2010 at 4:33 pm

    I have been going to a “mini” CBS for the last six weeks on I John and we are starting CBS here in Myrtle Beach this fall doing the book of Luke. I was happy to ready your “report.”

  • Stephanie
    May 20, 2010 at 8:14 pm

    I am involved with a CBS too! It has been absolutely transformational for my journey. We did Genesis 2 years ago and Luke this last year. We are onto Revelation this coming year! You really should have shared at Sharing Day. Your words are so eloquent. If you ever get the high honor of being asked to be a part of the leadership in your CBS class, DO IT! It is even more of a committment and takes more of your time, but if you love your class day, you will be amazed by your leadership day. It is so amazing and the extra time committment is totally made up for in what you get back.

  • Linda
    February 21, 2011 at 11:40 am

    Dear Darby- thank you for your “bullets” on your studies in Genesis. In remarkable ways God works in our lives. I wouldn’t have thought that my wanderings in the black hole interior design blogs would lead me into a place where the Lord could speak to my soul. Your reflections speak right into my heart and I so appreciate your tender thoughts.
    On another note, you site also lead me to the Kayce Hughes’ site. I wrote to her with a particular question and came to find out that she is an alum of the school where I am the Assitant Head. It really is a small world.
    Your family is just darling and I know the Lord will richly bless you as you raise them. Your heart is clearly in his hand so you can rest knowing that your efforts as a mom will be richly blessed. Thank you for your faithfulness to Him- it is a blessing to me.
    Linda Gardiner

  • domain
    October 8, 2014 at 11:20 pm

    You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find
    this topic to be actually something that I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complicated and very broad for me.
    I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try
    to get the hang of it!