Prior to Belmore Road, Scott and I have attended 5 different churches in our married life. Everywhere we go I seem to have learned new things that help me in my walk as a Christian. For example, in Magnolia, we attended Magnolia church of Christ. One thing they were involved in was Bible Bowl. Bible Bowl is when a book of the Bible is chosen and studied for about 4 months and then you travel and compete with other churches over the material learned.

We often had as many adults participate as we had kids participate. I had the joy of studying and competing at the adult level and then studying and teaching both of my children. We spent every other year studying the Old Testament, and I began to see how much I enjoyed studying the Old vs. the New. One really gets a sense of God’s character when you study the Old Testament. So often we focus on God’s love, how he loves, and that he will never leave us. Yes, all of that is true. But, the Old Testament teaches us that when God says something, he means just that, no ifs or buts’ about it. He expects total and absolute surrender to Him. Solomon summed up God’s character quite well when he said, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13

Another thing that I notice about the Old Testament is not only do I get to know God’s character but I get to know the characters that he used. God really knew how to pick ‘em! Abraham was old, Jacob was insecure, Leah was unattractive, Joseph was abused, Gideon was poor, Moses had a speech problem and was a murderer, Samson was codependent, Rahab was immoral, Jonah was reluctant, Naomi was a widow, David had an affair and had a host of family problems and on top of that was a murderer, Elijah was suicidal, Jeremiah was depressed and Ruth, well she was an immigrant! Overlooked by everybody, but Hand-Picked by God! If we let Him, God can use us wherever we are and in any situation to do His work. My love of the Old Testament, God’s character and his mates, is what I took with me from Magnolia.

So, what will I take with me from Belmore Road? When I listen to Benny teach, watch Charles serve, when I see Roger’s passion, Debbie’s gentle and quiet spirit, Nancy’s dedication, Rhonda and David’s love for teaching children and Pauline’s hospitality, I know I will take gifts of Belmore Road, wear them around my neck and Glorify God with things learned from Belmore Road.