Yesterday, Hunter and I (along with some friends) traveled to a neighboring town to visit their community church there. We entered this place with open eyes, eager hearts, and the desire to understand and learn the humble beginnings of this church.
Wow! All I can say is wow. From the immediate love we received from the greeters in the parking lot to the pastor welcoming us with open-wide arms, we felt like everything was intentional. These folks were intentional about loving others. They were intentional about the gospel. They were intentional about loving their community.
We walked away with ideas of where we would like to be someday. But just like any great venture, it all starts with humble beginnings and is a process.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12
I realized this past weekend how much my anger with our current church situation has weighed me down, and ruled my heart. It wasn't pretty folks. But being able to fully turn all of that anger, bitterness, and hurt over to God was soothing to my heart and soul. I love that I have a Father to cry out to, to lean on, and to rejoice in.
I am so grateful that I have my faith to sustain me during these trying times and to help carry me through the struggles that we will face in the coming weeks, months, and years. I can honestly say now that it is well with my soul.
What are you grateful for?
Wow. That's amazing, Kelly!!!! I really long to be a part of a church like that someday. And how awesome that you guys got that... almost like God giving you a preview of what is to come :) Thank you so much for sharing that verse and that last bit of your post... there are lots of changes going on at our current home church and it's created bitterness in both my heart and Christian's... which never feels good. That verse really touched me - I'll be sharing it with X too :) XO!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you were able to visit that church, Kelly! What encouragement! Sounds like an awesome church...what God wants it to be like. There is so much hope for y'alls future...I'm excited to be along for the ride. And thanks for the verse...patient in tribulation...that's a tough one but oh so important!
ReplyDeleteHooray for the move being completed!! And HOORAY for such a wonderful experience at church yesterday!!! That feeling is amazing - I hope that you continue to experience that and that you continue to rejoice over letting go of the anger. That verse is the main theme of the book I'm reading right now - how fitting :) Happy week ahead Kelly!!
ReplyDeleteYay, I am so happy you got the moving done but I am even more excited to hear that you found a new church and community to be a part of. I'm glad that God has given you both the faith and tools to let go of the things that way you down and that you have no control over. It's not good to hold on to resentment or anger because you end up hurting yourself more than anyone else. So I am so beyond happy to hear that you have found some peace. God is with you darling, he walks along side you and when you feel like you can't keep going he carries you, just like in footprints in the sand. I wish you nothing but the best and tons of blessing in this new chapter.
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www.meandmyminime.com
Yayyyy for finishing the move! And for giving it to God. You go girl!
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