I have to blog about this....I've been thinking about my community group for a while now and how much my life has changed with them around. For me this also includes 2 girls here at the office. I think I have wanted to write about it b/c I am eternally grateful for all of them. Our pastor talks about Community a lot and happened to this weekend as well. He often talks about when we get to Heaven the Lord might ask who all we accounted for a long the way....It is difficult at times being in community. Here that means all things are on the table- ALL things! Decisions that are made are passed through community, fights are pushed through community and good/bad times as well. We (meaning WM) really push for people to be living in community which is a small group of people tightly knit around you. They know you, your spouse, your marriage intimately-good luck hiding stuff! This is the way it works if everyone is willing, if everyone is trustworthy, loving, understanding and walks beside you in a biblical way. Most communities don't really let you get away with anything that isn't edifying or biblically sound. This doesn't mean we are boring at all or perfect AT ALL we just try to live life together. I think this really is foreign to a lot of people and they are truly missing out on one of the greatests gifts in life.
I have to tell you that last night we had fondue with our group and we all wrote on cards our answered prayers and prayer requests for next year. I knew as soon as it was announced (actually thought about it before we even went) I would have to fight the sadness, I would have to and want to search my heart for the prayers that WERE answered and not focus on the one that hasn't been yet. This past week I have prayed that I would be strong in the Lord, courageous in the Lord and joyful in the Lord- He is faithful and reminded me of the answered prayers. You know what else....several people in our group put the Shipley family addition on their prayer card for next year. I couldn't believe it. Truly, I couldn't- I would have never guessed they would be thinking of the same thing I was and would think to put it on their card for the following year. Why would I be surprised? I am amazed....at the people who the Lord has placed in our life at this very time. He brought us to WM, he put this group together (trust me, only He did), He is faithful and I am so blessed.
I can't wait to wade through more waters with all of them...I love them dearly.
2 days ago
4 comments:
Erynn, Yes, I am reading this at work :) I am so encouraged by this post. I love the fruit of living life the way God lays it out for us to. And getting to see the sweetness of why.
Katie and I primarily came to Watermark for the hope of finding Godly community - lasting friends we could share our lives with. I think what amazes me is how soon we found it - I mean, there were challenges along the way and time, for sure, but looking back, the road was not so long and weary, especially considering the payoff. I also didn't expect to find a group in our time of life who actually live reasonably near of - it's maybe technically a convenience, but it does make a difference. Lastly, I didn't expect it to be so good - so rich of friendships. It's not at all what I have previously experienced many times over of seeing time together too often as a chore or something I didn't want to go to. Katie and I genuinely love our times together, and immediately look forward to more. We see each other a lot, but it's not tiresome - it's refreshing. Truly refreshing.
love you, too!!!
Hey Erynn,
Great to find your blog. I will share with Natalie. I am trying for about the forth time to stay with this.
Michael turned 18 yesterday. Wow! Taking Madi to lunch today I will tell her about your blog. Tell Blake hey and we would love to see you guys. I would like to hear how ministry stuff is going for you.
Peace, todd
Post a Comment