We missed going to our church because of car trouble. If you dont know us by now we dont miss church...we just dont. Being at home is one thing but being with other people trying to work in their lives towards a common goal towards God is a special experience. We visited Community Bible Church in Dayton. The kids and I visited once by invitation of Donnie the missionary leader to talk about Nicaragua. I was surprised at the amount of people who remembered me. I did know two people Donna and Donnie. Seeing them was a special treat. Donnie made sure I knew everyone and everyone knew me. She asked this one man and he said, Of course I know Mari she is my daughters friend. Someone asked me if I spoke at a womens retreat at Pataha Flour Mill a few years back. I had forgotten about that. We were late because Im used to a 1030 start time and they start at 930 and then again at 11:00. I debated going in but I thought if there was a visitor at our church what would I want them to do? Yep, go in. So we did. I was greeted by the Delphine the lady who helped me with medical paperwork a week previously. Two teenage boys made another row of seats for us in the back. Delphine said that she knew of a job at the courthouse and I told her that I applied. She said she knew some people there and would talk to them in my behalf because they should hire me. That was nice and I felt connected. After church was over the pastor told everyone to say hi to each other. We stayed and purposely mingled. Because once again what would I want a visitor to do at my church? Yep, stay. Half the prize is the award winning people. We were quickly greeted by so many people over and over again. We stayed for a potluck and their annual meeting so we got the skinny on the years events/missions. The kids had a great time in their class. The girls were taught by the mother of a dear dear friend of mine whom I love so much. Just seeing her parents there and her sister made me feel closer because of my love for her. The sister came to me and told me how my friend thinks of us and prays for us. There were contacts to support homeschoolers, older couples who expressed a want to have children around again, teenagers for sitting, missions and obvious loving people of God. A sophomore boy changed Zions diaper and clothes and put him to sleep. I was greeted with hugs from one of the mission leaders and sat at the potluck with the head missionary lady. Someone came upstairs and asked me if I had been downstairs already because there are people waiting to see me. They are very friendly. I felt welcomed like one of the flock. ;-) I was invited to a bible study on the first week of February, Thursday night youth groups and Homeschool Coop Mon-Thursday. Thats good because I need to know people. Its where I thrive and grow limp without Gods people. God and I had a talk last night & into the early morning hours. It was so great...I missed our long talks there for a while. So sweet and such a peace. Who can tell me things I need to hear like He can? No one. It is not my ear or ego that hears Him rather my heart, mind and spirit. Im infused with His rebuke, affirmation and love that can only be accepted when a relationship has been formed. It is unexplainable and not of this Earth. I didnt know too many people but they seemed to know me and that made me feel like Ive known them for years. Even Jacob mentioned that he felt like he has been here for years even though we just got here. Genesis asked me again about me being born in Dayton. The tone and question made me feel connected again even though I didnt grow up here. It is a nice play and that was never in doubt but it does not have what my home does: The ashes of my daughter on our own property and those who continually know and love us through the adventure of the ripple affects. I love you friends and family so much. I look forward to knowing more people and I thank the Lord for showing his faithfulness through you all. I am glad that I did not stay with Pastor Sheets at Bedside Assembly. -(Pastor Owenss frequent comments.)
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 00:41:52 +0000
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