I was the facilitator of the Christ-Centered Woman study, which we did as a one-hour study. I found it to be very easy and helpful as a leader. Some of the participants were not as happy with the video portion, but did get used to it after a few lessons. I thought the videos were good. I liked how the video didn’t repeat what was in the study, but complemented it. I think the exercises we did were helpful to build the group and to address individual goals of becoming more Christ-Centered. The group consisted of women with young children and many of the examples were very appropriate for their current lifestyle and challenges. I would highly recommend this study to others, especially those who are somewhat new to Bible studies.

In Embraced by God, Babbie Mason opens her book with "Have you ever wondered, 'Does God really love me? Does he accept me as I am? Do I really matter to him?'" She continues to say that we are each God's favorite. "He loves you as if you are the only one to love." 

After a lifetime of struggling against severe depression, including suicide attempts, and the realization that I had been sexually abused by my father as a child, I thought, "No one has ever loved me this way." I think I read and re-read that introduction to Embraced by God at least twelve times. I continue to read and re-read Babbie's daily lessons. Her prayers and her selections of Bible verses speak to me with almost every paragraph, if not every sentence.

I can be intimidated by others' knowledge and understanding of the Bible, but Babbie tells the stories, links the verses of Scripture, and throws in stories of her life in a way that embraces, rather than intimidates me. Every time I read I find reassurance and answers.

I now have the wonderful opportunity to start the second half of my life. 

Our church recently purchased and started This I Know for Sure, and the ladies have enjoyed this study more than they have any others in years. This study "hit the mark!"

Four different groups at our church have used Embraced by God, three have used Namesake, and one has used Healing Waters, and all of them have drawn rave reviews. One group that used to only use Beth Moore materials has now used her once in the last two years, and for the rest of the time has used Abingdon Women's studies and two studies from Adam Hamilton. I wanted to personally and on behalf of our church say thank you for producing quality women's Bible study materials that regular church-goers want and enjoy.
 

We just completed Jessica Lagrone's Namesake in a Thursday morning bible study group of 23 ladies, ranging in age from late 20s to late 70s. Our group would certainly indicate that Jessica has wide appeal for such a variety of ages and stages as our group! Love that!

When watching the DVD, Jessica has a warmth that could reach right through.

Although she doesn't know me, I feel like Babbie Mason is my best friend! I just finished reading This I Know for Sure and I have ordered the CD. Thank you so much for such an inspiring word! My husband and I have clung tenaciously to "What we know for sure" during these last seven years as we have struggled to hold on to a construction company, knowing God is with us through it! I think this is the year of Jubilee!

Thank you, Babbie, for blessing my heart through your words and your music!

Six weeks ago, twenty new female friends and I began Kimberly Dunnam Reisman's study, The Christ-Centered Woman. As I entered our classroom after our first week of this study of Ephesians 3, one of my new friends remarked, "Does she (the author) know me?  I can't believe how much I needed this study!"

The Christ-Centered Woman provides not only sound theological teaching for a women's study group, but also draws group members closer to one another. The grace and balance emphasized in this well-formatted study created an atmosphere of peace and acceptance fostering the vulnerability and openness vital to an engaged, supportive and enthusiastic group of women.  

Each week's video and lessons work well together making this an effective, yet easy study to facilitate. Best of all, seasoned Christians, new believers and those investigating Christianity responded enthusiastically to the study.

As author Kimberly Dunnam Reisman, who serves as executive director of Next Stop Evangelism Ministries and adjunct professor at United Theological Seminary, emphasizes in an introduction, "Over the years, I've learned that balance is not about eliminating chaos; it's about finding a calm center from which to navigate the commitments and challenges of life. And this calm center is found in Jesus Christ."

Together my new friends and I learned that, while we may not be perfect, through the Holy Spirit's guidance and with each other's encouragement, we can become more balanced and Christ-centered.

I have been leading a women's Bible/friendship group at my city's YMCA for several years. This year, we are going through Embraced by God, and we all love it! LOVE the book, LOVE the study - great discussion questions and SO RELEVANT to women of all ages!  

THANK YOU, Babbie, for "accomplishing great things in His name" by writing Embraced by God! Every time I prepare for the lesson, I am so touched by how directly it applies to my heart and how much I want to share it with the women. It sparks so much discussion and encouragement.

Thank you, Babbie, for hearing our Father's voice, and answering His call!