A Community to be Thankful For

As this new season of giving thanks settles upon us, I have plenty I'd like to share.

Over the past four weeks, I have found a new home, a new community, a new love.  I've been very involved with Life Groups (small groups or 'bible studies') at Starting Point Church.  Not only have I been involved in the groups, but I have been genuinely loved by them.  Every Monday night, we head to a home where hot food is always ready, people are laughing and joking, people are sharing their struggles, and even more exciting, sharing what God has done in their life that week (praises for Him, if you will). We study the Word, and help each other understand a little bit more why Jesus loves us so much. It's a place where my dumb questions aren't so dumb, and my excitement for Christ is shared.  My group ranges in ages from 20-45(ish), and is lead by one of our pastor's, Matthew.  His wife Kristen, who is pregnant, is always warm in opening her home, even on her lack-of-sleep-schedule that she's on.

Later in the week the love continues.  I am able to meet with Kristen and another young woman at Border's Bookstore.  This "Core Group" is a confidential time where I can really share my deepest struggles, drink coffee, get advice and we talk about the Bible. We're on track to read every word of it in a year.  We're currently in Chronicles and John, and I've never been more challenged in my life or learned so much.

My last counted blessing I'll share today is actually given to me by a friend, Amy.  After being an Orientation Counselor together two summers ago, our paths crossed again when I stepped foot into my 'new' church.  We had lunch and decided we wanted to meet more often: every Wednesday morning at 7:20 to be exact.  She prepares a mini-lesson and we pray for each other.  We enjoy McDonald's Dollar Menu coffee and it is one of my favorite times of the week. She's such a loving mentor and she means the world to me.

I have such a great community with these people.  Not to mention how fun they are.  Usually after our small group meeting on Mondays, Matthew teaches us a new dance, like the Dougie or some other [semi-inappropriate] move. And last week, a Halloween dance party was the perfect way to ring in this new season of thanks.

These people have become my best friends and my family, as I am realizing just how far away my real family is.  I love and miss my real family each and everyday and so many times throughout the week I am reminded of my mom, dad and sister and how much they mean to me.