ENGAGE #4 Life Groups

Word of the Year- ENGAGE

"Christianity means a lot more than church membership."-Billy Sunday

We had been attending Lifepoint Church for 6 months before I decided I would take another step in faith and join a Life Group. Because our church is over 1000 members they put a program in place to help build community. Small groups are vital in a church this size. I had so many reservations knowing I would be attending alone (because my husband doesn't go). But, I also knew if I didn't reach out then I wouldn't get to know others and build relationships here. 

I remember the first time I attended, Angela (One of the group leaders) happily greeted me at the front door. She was very friendly and approachable and made me feel really comfortable. What I found so intriguing though was that she was very transparent sharing her testimony the first day. I have learned after years of moving how comforting this can be for a newcomer. It can take months to cultivate friendships but I felt like this was going to be a real friendship from the start. She shared that she is a speaker and a writer. What a blessing to find such a genuine gal and the best part is that she is in my small group. Our group has a vast mixture of ages and people from different walks of life, all coming together once a week to study God's Word and build community as a family of God.

Angela was the first sweet lady that met but in time I got to know several wonderful ladies and gents in the group. Each of them bringing a different dynamic to our group. I love how God brings us together. God works through others in such an awesome way. I come out each week challenged and motivated to live my life out as a new creature in Christ. Not only should we get encouragement but we need to GIVE encouragement. I think this group is great at that!

I had to choose to 'Engage' in a small group. Thankful I did!

The Simple Woman's Daybook~

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...beautiful green fir trees

I am thinking... What will we get accomplished today?

I am thankful... for Lifepoint Church

In the kitchen... dishes in the sink

I am wearing...tan pants & pink shirt

I am creating... Bible tags

I am going...to stay home all day today

I am wondering... when the sun will be back?

I am reading...Parenting with Wisdom

I am hoping...to get my bedroom closet organized

I am looking forward to...Sunday

I am learning  to renew my mind by concentrating on TRUTH

Around the house... a whole lot of laundry to be done!

I am pondering...planning graduation for Austen

A favorite quote for today...

Attitudes determine our actions, for good or bad.

One of my favorite things...seeing Hunter and Mia play

A few plans for the rest of the week: Coffee with Becky, Work on Senior pictures

A peek into my day... School, Laundry, hang out at home :)

Mia likes learning too :)

______________________________

Tuesday Journal 9-18-12

 For Today

Outside my window......the dark sky

I am thinking............Coffee is sounding so good.

From The Learning Rooms....

Austen

Bible ~ How Wisdom Acts

Spanish~ Seasons & Months Of The Year

Math~Khan Academy SAT Prep

Science~ Systems of the Body

History~Government

Life Management~Resume Writing

Spelling~ SAT Prep

Writing~ SAT Prep

Blake

Bible~ Daily Challenge:

Psalm 84:10

"Choose a way you'll remember to trust God instead of complaining"

Math~ T.T 5 & Daily Warm ups

English~  Review parts of speech

Science~ The Human Body 'Nervous System'

Spanish~ Months of the Year

Writing~ History of Chewing Gum

History~ Geography 

I am thankful for:  God providing for last week, a renewed energy, healthy children, and a very hard working husband!

From The Kitchen... Crock Pot Night

I am reading..... Proverbs Fountain of Life

I am creating:  New Website 

brwaau.wix.com/branmadetags.com

Where I can organize my tags

I am praying.... For Austen to learn the true freedom in forgiveness,

For Blake to learn the difference between our wants and our needs,

Funds for 4 new tires on the Tahoe, 

New godly friendships, growth in my spiritual walk,

Friends who have cancer

Around the house .... Flea bombing today, getting ready for company to get here Thursday.

A few plans for the week

Haircuts

Football Pics

Football Practice Tue-Thurs 5:30-7:15

Family Coming-  Thursday through Sunday

A new journey will begin next week as we travel back to Washington. I am not sure this time I am as exited about it, honestly. When we came here to Texas I had time to pray about it and knew that was God's direction. It was sad to leave family, but it felt like it was a God given direction. Looking back over this past year, there have been so many life lessons that we needed as a family. The blessings of working with family, a church that taught us so much about love, sweet friendships, and a loving community made it so worth it!

Next week we will be moving to a town in Eastern Washington that is about 4 hours from home. I have been researching that area to find a good church and an area that we can find a house in. This week we are going to be cleaning and getting everything ready to leave on Sunday. Yesterday was our last day at Agnes. It was sad to say goodbye to so many who had such an impact in my life. I am not sure what the next chapter in our life will be. I am trying to look at it the same way I did coming here. I love everything about this place. I pray we find a church as loving and kind as Agnes Baptist Church!

The boys have all of their stuff packed. Most of our furniture is already gone. I am looking forward to seeing my family next week. Wayne said his job is going well and he should know a date to be over in the Tri Cites area soon. A new adventure is about to begin.......

Brandie