Day 19: Pokestops and Pizza

I'm currently at a random location typing tonight's post from a back alley, awaiting my son returning from a Pokestop. In case you're not aware, it is an app involving a virtual reality game about Pokemon.

I like to think of myself as current and "in the know," not just because I have a teenage son; but truly, I wouldn't care at all were it not for him. 

With a teen boy, you have to make an effort to stay abreast of mainstream news, even if it makes no sense. Create a virtual Pac-man game though, where I can run around as a big yellow pie chart to eat ghosts and I'm there!

Even though I really, really need to get home and relieve my 40-year-old bladder, our evening stops searching for cartoon creatures have been joyful because it's quality time with my son. 

My other joy, and the reason I need to deposit a big gulp of tea currently flooding my kidneys, is the pizza-popcorn-movie Lifegroup we left right before. 

I've written about our Lifegroup many times and what a blessing they've been to our family. Tonight's was unique, in that we opted to attend our church's movie night (God's Not Dead 2) but bring pizza and prayer to make it a full meeting. And that we didn't have everyone in attendance, which surprisingly we usually do. 

As always, gathering in fellowship with friends we now consider family is a monthly source of joy. 

It could be because of the many laughs we share -and boy do we chuckle every single time. But instead it is the friendship and knowing others are holding you in prayer. Even those who couldn't be there sent texts of concern and need. 

As we huddled together, hands linked, I lifted up thanks to God for bringing this hodgepodge of people together. 

And maybe I should send a group text asking for prayers of traveling mercies...because if this Pikachu doesn't appear soon were gonna need another ark!

Faithful Friday: Redeemed

Once a month we get together with a small group of others from our church, known as a Lifegroup.  Looking back through my planner, I was amazed to see we've reached the one year mark!

Last February a handful of people, many new to EHBC, came somewhat apprehensively to our pastor's home for a potluck meal.  Sharing tacos and simple conversation, relationships began to form.  We ended the night with group prayer, opening each of our lives just a bit to new friends.

Month by month this continued, most of us taking turns to host in our homes.  And each month those relatonships, now strong friendships, continue to grow and thrive.  This gathering is one of the highlights we look forward to each time we turn the calendar.  It's something our entire family enjoys.



summer 2012 Lifegroup picnic

Not only that, it has strengthened our family and solidified our place in the church.  Coming from a big church, where our family got lost in the crowd, having these connections keep us grounded.  It's such a wonderful feeling to not only see friendly and familiar faces each week at church, but to also look out and see true friendships.

These are people who we've shared our souls with.  We've prayed together, cried together, laughed together, and of course shared yummy food together.  We don't just gather once a month to eat or pray, but we've become a part of each other's lives.  We're a phone call or message away when life's burdens come our way.  We're there to hold each other accountable and to protect each other's families from the enemy and distractions that can pull us away from being obediant to God.  I hold these people in my daily prayers.  They are truly like a second family to us!



Dec Lifegroup Party

This weekend we are blessed to have Lifegroup meetings two nights in a row.  Tonight we'll join with other leaders to learn and share how our group is doing.  And then tomorrow, our Christian family - Lifegroup Redeemed, will gather for food, fun and fellowship.

Yes, it makes for a busy weekend, but I couldn't imagine not spending time with this group.  I found a quote today that sums it up well, "Fellowship is not just something that we try to fit into our Christian life after we get everything else together."  It is what helps us keep it together!

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Faithful Friday: Crowd Pleaser

I spend more time in groups this month than probably the entire year.  And almost all of them involve food!

Within the past week, we've had Tim's annual fire department dinner, a youth progressive dinner, two company Christmas meals, and tonight, we'll host our monthly Lifegroup.  (Yes, I wear a lot of elastic!)

In a crowd, I'm an observer, a people watcher.  I'll talk quietly with whoever is around me, but for the most part, I'm a wallflower.  As such, I'm normally not one for crowds and will choose a quiet night at home any day, but when they're filled with dear friends, it's something I enjoy. 

Tim's fire dinner was a great time, as usual.  New members mixed with veterans, spouses, and tiny additions.  It was nice to see the next generation coming through, as I sat on the sidelines to support my hubby, salt and pepper hair among the young pups.  Watching him with his second family brings me joy.

Keep on loving each other as brothers. (Heb 13:1)

Sunday night the kids experienced their first progressive dinner.  I helped at the spaghetti house, so I was able to taste a portion of their fun.  They came home excitedly laughing about the dirty Santa game.  We are so blessed to have such a positive outlet for them to be in and spiritual friends to know.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Eccl 4:12)

Tim and I both had company meals this week, making our evening dinners very light to balance out the feasts.  I traveled to Bowling Green, an office I only get to see every month or so, but one that is always a joy to visit.  It was extra special this trip because both my current boss and my former were there.  I consider myself very fortunate to have two wonderful mentors in my career, who motivate and challenge me.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thes 5:11)

And last, but certainly not least, our Lifegroup.  Tim and I are thrilled to host this month's in our home tonight.  Lifegroup is such a new concept for us, even as simple as it is.  It's basically a small group from church that meets about once a month for fellowship, food and prayer.  I remember several months back, as we attended our first, and how hesitant we were.  Our fears were quickly relieved as the warmth, love and friendship we initially felt when visiting EHBC was present just the same in that group.  Over this year, we've shared recipes, tears, laughter, prayers, and grown closer.  We are so glad we stepped out of our comfort zones and into these people's lives, for they've made ours so much better.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.    (Gal 6:2)