thankful 7, 8

With this post I will finally be caught up to the day of the month... woo-hoo!

Today I am so thankful for my church.  When I moved to Edmond 10 years ago, I went to Henderson Hills on my very first Sunday in Edmond.  Now for a little background- I grew up in the smallest town, smallest church ever- think 150 on high attendance day... and for those of you who don't know of Henderson Hills, well- let's just say that the student ministry alone is SIGNIFICANTLY larger than where I come from.  So yeah- it was a LITTLE overwhelming.  I walked in, wanted to cry through the whole service and ran out the door as soo as it was over.  It was at that moment that I SWORE I would NEVER, EVER, EVER go to a big church- I just wasn't cut out for it.

3 years later, enter Micah and an internship at- GASP, Henderson Hills.  I was going to a much smaller church in the city at the time, but I knew that if I was going to marry Micah, a larger church might be in my future.  So I started going with him from time to time and fell in love with the worship and the teaching... and over time, as I began serving- fell in love with the people. 

Today I can't imagine being a part of any other church.  We've been here since 2003 and it truly is home.  While it is still HUGE, I've learned the secret to big churches- involvement.  It was once I found my place- student ministry- that the church began to get smaller.  And the more involved I've become, the more people I meet and get to be a part of their lives.

To be a part of a church that so unashamedly preaches the Word and has such godly leadership is SUCH an awesome blessing.  Being part of the staff- both as a wife and assistant- I am amazed at the godly men and women God has brought to this church.  I love that the families of the staff are a priority; that we as wives are encouraged to be the best we can for our husbands... I have learned, grown and become who I am today because of this wonderful place. 

This flows directly into my thankfulness for my ministry.  When I was a junior in high school, I felt a definite call on my life from the Lord.  At the time I just assumed I would probably marry a small town, small church preacher and do preacher's wife sorts of things.  Later in college I worked in the children's ministry at my church and loved that.  I knew that whatever God wanted me to do, I was CERTAIN that student ministry would NEVER be part of it... funny how God has a way of changing our plans!

But I love students- especially awkward, nerdy middle schoolers!!  God has totally changed my heart and I am so glad.  I love teaching- my small group girls, large groups of girls at retreats- it makes my heart sing to share the truth with these students.  I want so badly for them to know the TRUTH. 

I am so very thankful that God changed my heart- and that I was finally open to allow Him to move in my life.  Henderson Hills and their student ministry is where I've found my place and the thing that brings me the greatest joy- besides my family.