Community

I have been in the same community group (through Grace Community Church), for about 2 years. I can't begin to convey what a blessing it has been to do life with such an amazing group of people, but I will try....

If you know me, and I am sure you do if you are reading this, then you know that I spent 3.5 years living with my best friends in college. Then I lived at home with my family, who I love and really love living with. (You know, some people say, "I could never go back and live with me parents!!" Well, I could and be totally happy.) Then I got married. Then I moved to Clarksville, then Zach deployed, and then I was alone - more alone than I had ever been in my life. AND THEN, I joined a community group (we'll just say CG from here out). It was awkward and lonely at first. It was my first time being in a Bible study as a married woman and I was there without my husband, and my first time being in a co-ed group. But, being in this CG clicked. It was such a God thing. My friends in CG made Clarksville feel like home.

So, the first year of being in this group, Zach was deployed. I can remember one of his first times coming to CG - it was our Christmas party and by this point we were all very comfortable with each other. I was so nervous, because Zach was new and I didn't want him to feel like an outsider...Ya'll, the guys in the group totally welcomed him, hung out with him outside of our meetings, and made him feel included. Seeing the difference of this past Christmas party compared to his first was such a blessing...

The deal with CG's at my church is that we join new groups after so much time. For the past few months I have been DREADING the "break-up" of our group because they are my friends, my family. I practically lead a revolt against the ending of our CG (sorry about that Ben!) So, tonight was our last night meeting (officially) and I was so sure I'd cry and get upset. I didn't. But I did cry because I was laughing so hard. And that pretty much sums it up.

God is so faithful, He is my Provider and Sustainer, and I can't wait to see how He moves in the next CG I get to be apart of. I pray that you too have found people to do life with. Don't give up if you haven't, I know the Lord will provide for you as He has for me.

Chicken

I just cooked and pulled a whole chicken for the first time in my life. I feel like I can conquer anything now! I feel domesticated and motherly. I feel tired.

This incredible feat never would have happened without my friends and family. I would like to God first and foremost. Thank you, Grammy for giving me some Italian genes. I can practically hear my ancestors applauding (think: Mulan.) To Zach, for always adding more salt... Everything tastes less salty when you are gone. To Mom, for always giving me advice on things I should already know. And of course, to those brave enough to eat my cooking, without you all this is for nothing.

(Side note: in the middle of my thank you speech, I heard someone at my door. Since it is close to 11 PM, I totally freaked out/my heart is still pounding. Of course, I didn't see anyone, but I know my door made a noise, and my guess now is that someone slammed their car door and it did something to the front door. Nonetheless, I am sleeping with a gun next to my pillow. My new resolution for 2010: get a carry permit and hit up the shooting range. Seriously.)