Monday, January 15, 2007

Sunday Small Group

When we lived in DeKalb, IL we were part of the most amazing small group. We tried joining one when we moved to Decatur, IL, but it never was a good fit. Our church here has talked almost every week about the benefits of joining one, so at the recommendation of another couple in our church, and through our hesitation, we decided to join a parenting small group.

Today was the first meeting and I am so glad we decided to go. While it was a bit mass chaos at first with everyone having their kids there to play (the group has 19 adults and 25 kids ages 15 and under) it was a very productive and convicting meeting.

We are doing a study called Effective Parenting in a Defective World by Chip Ingram.

Raising children is a tough challenge in today's world. Peers and pop culture exert a never-ending pressure on kids. Many come from split homes. But the good news is that God has been working with people from bad situation for a long time! Chip Ingram will lead you to a new understanding of how God's principles for raising children still work today. He also shares from personal experience as a father who has coped with teenage rebellion and other challenges. Packed with practical advice, this series will give struggling parents a vision for their children's future and life-changing help for today!

I am excited about where this study may lead. Plus it will be nice to sit and discuss struggles and triumphs with others who are trying lead their children on the same path as us.

How do I know this is the right place for us to be? When we were leaving the host asked us if we have any family down here. I told her no, in fact we have never lived near family. And she looked at me and said "We are your family. If you ever need anything, call." Then she hugged us goodbye and told us she hoped to see us next meeting. If that wasn't a sign from God...

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