A Contest for a Queen

This past month, our study has focused on Esther 2, and the "contest" held to find a queen. We really got to know Esther this month, and it was interesting to learn some of the things she went through. At our meeting last Tuesday, we answered several questions together that were in our workbook. The main focus was the choosing of the queen and how it was done. Several of us girls, me included, were quite offended at the way a queen was chosen. It was basically a beauty pageant and a merry-go-round of women in and out of the king's bed. It was so interesting to hear the girls' opinions on this. Hannah pointed out that it's actually not that much different today with celebrities. Women, and some men, will do anything to be linked to a celebrity, including throw their morals out the window. But what we discovered after talking is that, while many were forced, some of these women WANTED to be there! They wanted that honor of being chosen queen in that way. Can you imagine the thoughts that were going through their heads as they were paraded in and out, just hoping the king liked them enough to see them again? I can't begin to think about what this process did to their self-esteem.

In the end, Esther was chosen not only for her outward beauty, but for her inward beauty as well. We still don't know what it was exactly that drew the king to her. My thought is that this is one area where we see God "written" all over the page! :)

The last part of our study and discussion centered around Mordecai and his saving the king. We all decided this is a pivotal part of the storyline, and we can't wait to see where this goes!

The video this week focused on a topic that apparently means a lot to Beth, mean girls! Oh she got into it this week! Ladies who missed our meeting, I would highly suggest getting the video and watching it. It was hilarious! Sounds like it's going to be an interesting month of study... :)

We had another great turn out this time. While we were missing several of our normal girls, we added a few new girls, who are great! I know we're all excited about following the story of Esther and learning more about ourselves and each other in the process! :) Enjoy some pictures Jaime took. Might I recommend a different photographer next time?? One that doesn't catch us as we eat, talk, or make a funny face? Haha. :) Love you Jaime! :)

~Meredith~

The Walker Run

On Saturday, April 9th, I was blessed with the opportunity to participate in The Walker Run. Our group has been following the story of Sara Walker for several months now. Sara and her husband lost a full-term baby in December, and during the tests after their loss, the doctors discovered she had stage 4 colon cancer. It has been a struggle for her, her husband and their two sons. She keeps everybody updated through her Caring Bridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sarawalker. The thing I admire most about Sara is her amazing faith in and love for God. In a time where many people would withdraw themselves, she has put herself and her faith out there for everyone to see and follow. She gives God the glory for every milestone and triumph. I have grown to love and respect this woman so very much.

My friend Lori is actually Sara's husband's cousin (did you follow that?). :) So, Levi and I joined her, and we walked to help Sara. I walked on behalf of the GBG, and showed Sara the support she had from all our wonderful ladies. Lori walked to support her cousin and the battle he and his family are going through. We walked to glorify God and all the good He has done in all of our lives. 1200 people registered for this event, and they all walked to show Sara that she in NEVER alone-NONE of us are!

Sarah, her family, and her wonderful PT class who put on the event

It was truly and honor for me to be able to walk on Sara's behalf. I know she has the love and prayers from all of our girls. I'm so proud to be a part of such a wonderful group of women!

~Meredith~

Coupons Coupons Coupons!

Hi ladies (and possibly a few interested gents). :) This is Meredith typing, so this post might sound a little different from the rest. I'd like to fill you in on the coupon class we participated in on Thursday, April 7th.

Beth with the FRC had mentioned to Jaime that the FRC was hosting a financial help seminar. Through conversations, they realized that couponing would be a perfect fit for this educational series. Malorie and I taught a coupon class several months ago, so Jaime asked if we'd be interested. We, of course, said yes! We both love couponing and love to share it with as many people as possible!

So we showed up Thursday with 4 bags full of coupons, a powerpoint, and the desire to share this with people who really needed and wanted to learn about ways to save money. Summer and Morgan both came to help and support, and we ended up with a crowd of around 15.

Everybody was so open and welcoming. It was super easy (well, for me-haha) to get up and talk to these wonderful people. Several of them couponed a little bit already, so we got lots of feedback and questions. They were all excited about the idea of couponing and thanked us many times for showing them how to do it.

Everybody who coupons does so for their own reasons. I started couponing simply because baby stuff is expensive. Now, it's my way of helping my family financially so that I may some day get to stay at home more with my son. No matter what the reason, it's ultimately to save money. We could all use a little extra money I'm sure! But this wonderful group of people doesn't need the extra money for a new car or fancy clothes. They're looking for ways to save money so they can have a place to live and food to eat. I'm sure I speak for the other girls who were there as well, but this was a very gratifying experience. I feel like we really helped them, and I pray that they are able to take the things they learned and use them in their everyday lives.

I want to say a special thank you to Beth and all those who helped with this. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of such an amazing work!

ROAR Run

Hey ladies! As most of you know, the 3rd annual 5K Roar Run took place this past Saturday. It started at College Hills Church of Christ and took you around Hartman, beside Byars Dowdy...and back down Leeville Pike. It was AWESOME! Way to go girls who got out and enjoyed the beautiful hot day :)

We wore our GBG shirts and got lots of compliments (way to go Libby). If you have not gotten your tshirt, Malorie will have them at our meeting tomorrow night.

There were lots of precious babies being pushed! :)

Byars Dowdy's PE teacher, Jaime, and Anita (BD 3rd grade teacher)

Just showing everyone how its done. hahaha.

Nice form!

Malorie, Bobbie-Jo, and Jaime

Summer, Bobbie-Jo, Jaime, and Malorie...and the babies :)

I haven't gotten the info yet, but while the Roar run was taking place...our GBG girl Meredith was supporting Sara Walker. If you remember...Sara is the lady we have been praying for who has two small boys, she just lost a child, and was recently diagnosed with cancer. Way to go Mere, we love you! :)


our next meeting...

Is tomorrow night (Tuesday) at the same location as last month. We hope everyone can make it and dont forget to bring a few dollars for pizza and drinks :)