Day 5: Thankful for Church

*Well, I thought about not posting this today. My heart is so sad for the victims of the mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas.** 

I don't know if it's the appropriate time or not, what with the church massacre in Sutherland Springs, Texas...because what I'm thankful for today is my church. 

Growing up as an Air Force brat, I've been in churches all over the United States, and in two foreign countries. 

And, since we've been married, Jim and I have been in several different churches. Always, when we move, finding a church home for our family is our #1 priority. 

Church has always been my happy place. I love Sundays and Wednesdays so much. Oh, I've had some sad times in church, but the majority of times have been good. 

People will tell you that a church is just a building, that God can meet you anywhere...and they're right. 

But, for us, church is where my family and I go to connect with other believers. 

It's where we learn more about God, and about how He wants us to live in this world. It's where we find ministry opportunities. It's where we come together, so that we can go out into our neighborhoods, and into the world. It's where we go to sing, praise, and worship God with others. 

It's where we go when good things happen...and it's where we run when times are hard. It's where we find encouragement. It's where we invite others in with open arms. 

It's where Jim and I dedicated our babies to the Lord....where we stood up in front of our family and friends, and asked for their prayers and support, as we committed to raise our children in a Christian home. 

It's where my children learned about Jesus, where they stood up in front of the church to make their decision public. It's where they were baptized...where two of them were married, and where Jim and I were married. 

It's where we've celebrated the lives of those who have gone before us. 

It's where we cry and grieve and laugh. 

It's a place of fun and safety. Or it should be. 

That we now have to have cameras, alarms, security officers, and a plan...that we have to be on alert, in the most sacred place we know...is so sad to me. 

But we don't need to live in fear. 

Over the course of my life, my church, and my church family have brought me great comfort. If you don't have a church home, I would encourage you to seek out a church where the Gospel is preached boldly, where you see evidence that lives are being changed, and where people warmly welcome you and your family into theirs. It can make such a difference!

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:25