Why Ruth?

Well ladies tomorrow is the day...our launch meeting.  I cannot even begin to tell you how I excited I am to begin this journey with all of you.  Today I'm going to give you all a little sneak peak!  Our very first study will be on a small little book tucked away in the pages of the Old Testament.  Only 4 chapters long, many may wonder why I chose to start here...well, I didn't.  God did.  From the moment I was obedient to God's command to start this group, God has laid the book of Ruth upon my heart.  I have known without any doubt in my mind that this is exactly where He would like us to begin.  I have wondered, even prayed about why.  Maybe it is because in this book we have such beautiful illustration of love between Naomi and Ruth.  Theirs was a relationship bound by God and together they honored God.  On the other hand maybe God is trying to show us right away that He can and will use anyone who is faithful to Him for great things.  Things much greater than ourselves.  As we dive into this piece of Scripture we will find out how this ordinary Moabite girl found herself and her descendants in the line of the coming Messiah. 
As I end today's entry I want to share something written in the commentary of my Bible about Ruth and Naomi's relationship.  Ponder the questions asked and begin to ask God to reveal himself in fresh and new ways as we study and grow together.
 "God was at the center of their intimate communication.  Ruth came to know the God of Israel through Naomi.  The older woman allowed Ruth to see, hear, and feel all the joy and anguish of her relationship with God.  How often do you feel that your thoughts and questions about God should be left out of a close relationship?  How often do you share your unedited thoughts about God with your spouse or friends?  Sharing openly about your relationship with God can bring depth and intimacy to our relationship with others."
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we begin this journey you have set us upon I pray for your guidance and your presence.  May this group be used to knit a community of sisters in Christ together for your use and your glory.  May your word touch and change lives.  Father I pray that your hand be upon our school, our children, our staff, and our families.  Keep us on a path that has us continually seeking your face and your wisdom.  Build up leaders among us so that we may be a mighty and bold witness to our neighborhood.  May people all around us see your light within us.  May we shine your light into our darken world.  May we may touch lives all around us in the name of your holy and precious son, Jesus.
Amen.