thursdaynightbiblestudy

Recently I was asked to post a list of superlatives for my Thursday night Bible Study, which resulted from an unguarded moment when I spat out an embarrassing truth: I love categorizing, identifying, and defining myself. A strange and at some levels unhealthy indulgence, admittedly I gravitate to any magazine at my doctor's office that says "Quiz inside: Are you sexy/smart/a good mom/honest/imaginative....?" You know the ones I'm referring to, and maybe you, unlike me, are not tantalized by their seductive list of attributes that you may fall into. Often I am disappointed; all too frequently I fall into the "in-between" category and have to comfort myself with the thought that I am "well balanced". Who knows, but when the girls responded to my confession with, "That's so funny... Do superlatives for Bible Study... You could post it on your blog," of course I lunged at the chance to share my uniqueness with my readers.

So here I am, gleeful at the thought that my affinity for defining traits might actually make me uniquely defined. And I will indulge, myself and anyone like me, with a list of impressive attributes of the girls of Thursday night...

Most likely to be featured in the "Best Dressed" issue of People magazine: Katie Anderson. None of us will probably ever be seen on the Hollywood red carpet, but if anyone could get there it would be Katie. She makes anything look good... I mean the girl pulls off sweatpants in a sporty (not lazy) way and even her maternity jeans looked designer. She pulls off yellow like a diva (and who can do that?!) and makes the classic button down oxford look feminine and trendy. I could also give Katie the title of "Most Dichotomous" because while she is our trend spotter, she is also the fiercest and most beautiful warrior Jesus has hired in my sphere. If you meld together Coco Chanel and Joshua (Old Testament) you might envision Katie Anderson.

Most disciplined: Beth Fisher. I've never seen anyone make time for their convictions like she does. It could be perfecting the art of baking all the way to taking a spin class and you'd have no doubt she'd see it through. Don't mention the word "quit"-- she's never learned it. Look for her at every gym class she signs up for, every church event that needs her, every speech-impaired kid with no takers, and in Michael's preparing to decorate her next and best yet cake.

Most adventurous: Laura Cameron. Let me clarify, this storybook beauty will not be found wielding every camping outfit to be found at REI, nor does she sport Chaco's and North Face fleeces. What I'm talking about is a deeper, heady wanderlust that steels her toward pottery class, field trips that no one else dares lead, blast-from-the-past music taste just to discover what came before her time, and daily trips through her Secret Garden type yard from which she emerges smiling and dreamy-eyed at the thought of the next bulb that will blossom. She is Elizabeth Bennett and Heidi, Harriet the Spy and Elizabeth Gilbert.

Most unaffected: Michelle Moseley. Michelle's home is a monument to world travel and college ministry. She has stories to tell and hearts that she has helped to heal and then nurtured. But she never talks about them! Unasked, anyway. She is humility in a glass bottle headed East, she is the woman in charge with the ego thrown out the door. I hope I never forget her peace-filled response to the discovery that she may not be able to travel to East Asia this summer due to a nasty back injury. When asked how disappointed she was, she responded "Not very... If I have to stay I'll be able to provide the summer Bible Study the college students have been asking for."

Most energetic: Joy Walters. This girl can elbow her way through a 24 hour day like marathon runner. In fact, she just completed her second half marathon two weeks ago. The fact that she corrals elementary students all day into a state of learning and discipline does not stop her from hitting the gym at 5:00 am. And do not remind her that no one can manage more than one teaching job and leading youth at church... she'll throw her Pampered Chef apron in your face as she heads out the door to have dinner with a friend.

Most likely to lend you her shoulder: Jen Limbaugh. If there is a pause in the conversation deserving an, "Awww" or a "You go girl" Jen will be the voice. If you express your heart she will hear you and if you introduce a loved one she will connect with them. For a small person this girl has a smile so big. She is our petite heartbeat.

Most gentle: Melanye Creighton. Melanye has a voice like liquid pearls-- smooth and soft and easy on the ears. She speaks when she needs to, she waits her turn and never raises her voice no matter what her point is. The clothes she wears fall flattering on a feminine figure and her hair falls in tendrils around porcelain skin. She loves dogs and children and smiles sweetly (genuinely) when she greets you. I love the way she rests her hand in her husband's during church and chuckles softly with him over shared secrets.

Most valiant: Emily Eddy. She came south from the fresh cool New England breeze, Maine lobsters, gorgeous rocky shores that dipped into rolling chilly oceans. Entering the humid Dixieland she grabbed the bull by the horns and stepped into our public school system, fending off the tomato slinging and viciousness with the stolidness of David. Now blooming with the life of her unborn son, she continues the fight against heat and ungratitude armed with Zumba classes and the Holy Spirit. Her acts of bravery are not confined to this page and here I end my Thursday Night tribute.