Day 5-31 Days of Being New-Reality Check

When we moved to Tacoma we had six weeks to find a church before Peter deployed. Each Sunday was pressure filled to pick the right one so I would have a church family for the six months he was gone. 

We didn't find one. 

So I went to church with a dear friend from Charleston who lived in the area. It was far away and often I sat by myself. I remember one Sunday being so lonely and desperate for community that I look Stafford into the service with me. He was 18 months. 

When Peter returned we started looking again. No church is perfect but we were thirsty for a good dose of the Word and some fellowship. 

I grew up in the CMA church. Not a lot of people have heard of it. It's focus is Jesus and sharing Him and the majority of their congregations are overseas. I found a local church and we decided to go. 

Ultimately The Lord provided a family for us at our church in Tacoma. Some of the best friends I'll ever make. I'm stumbling over the words in my head because it's so hard to convey the deep emotions that my thoughts about this evoke. 

Simply? A blessing. 

**

Today we try our first church. I woke up with a feeling a dread. I hate being the new girl. My church clothes don't fit because I haven't lost the pregnancy weight. I'm awkward. Super awkward at small talk. Honestly I just want to go "home".

I reflected this morning on God's goodness and faithfulness. And again He said,

It's not about you, Laura. 

Do we need a church? Yes. Do we need fellowship and friends to live life with? Of course. But God brought us here. To this place. In this time. The bigger question is...what can I do for Him here?

So today I'm the new girl with a mission.  Leaving thoughts of myself behind I'm headed out to find what He wants from me. Not what I can get through a church. It's radical for me. It's scary. But it's oh so good. 

Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.-Chronicles of Naria

And to my dear ones at Journey, I love you! Those are the words I was trying so hard to get out!!