The Church

This is our church...

It is a beautiful building.  But really it is just the building that houses our wonderful church.

This is really our church...

Although most of them would not allow me to take their pictures...our church IS our people.  People who love to go out of their way to love others.

We have always known that FBC Malakoff is a special place but this week they came out in full force.  In  one of our most difficult trials in life our sweet church family came up beside us and held our arms up.  Our phones were flooded with encouraging messages.  Our e-mail boxes were over flowing with messages and prayers.  Our mail box was full of cards when we returned home.  Nathan's desk had a stack of cards waiting on him when he returned to the office.  A sweet family brought a meal to us tonight and we have two more coming this week.  Over 35 people made the drive from Malakoff to Shreveport to be at Maria's visitation or funeral. 

Church family, you will never know how much you have blessed our hearts in this time.  We consider it such an honor and a blessing to being serving along side you!  We love each of you...thank you for loving us!

This is why it is so important to get connected with a church.  Yes, my husband is the pastor and you may be thinking that is why these people did all of this...boy are you mistaken, these people love Jesus and in turn they love people.  In the last month we have had 2 other families in our life group class lose a parent...and our sweet people lined up once again to pray, bring meals, send cards, and call with encouraging messages.

Being connected or plugged into a small group or life group or Sunday school class(whatever you want to call them)  is so rewarding.  Not only are you challenged in your walk with the Lord but you also have the great opportunity to share your life with others.  You have the wonderful privilege of serving others in your class while they are hurting and then when life hands you some lemons your group is there with you, helping you make lemonade out of those lemons.

I know it can be scary and intimidating even to visit a new class.  It may even take visiting a few different ones until you find one that works best for you.  It may take you a while to really "click" with the people in your group...but hang on, really work at getting to know the people in your group...LET OTHER PEOPLE IN and before long you will not know what to do without those special people who love you even at your worst and who really genuinely want to pray for you.

I love the verse in Proverbs that says: as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  God uses us to sharpen each other.  When we come together to worship Him and to serve one another we become more like Him.

So...

If you are looking for a church...we have a great one and we would LOVE to have you here!

If you are a part of a church...GET PLUGGED IN!