Balcony

For the third year in a row, our church is doing a 6 week church-wide bible study. During this time, the congregation is strongly encouraged to join a small group so that the weekly study can be studied more in-depth.

The first year, Andy & I were not in a small group. We would go to church on the weekend, hear the sermon but kinda felt left out of what was really going on. The study was on prayer. Last year, the study was based on transformation. Andy & I decided to join a small group...one of the best decisions we have ever made. For me personally, in the last year my life has transformed & is still going through the transformation process. In the last year, I have made some wonderful strides and taken "control" of my life with God's help. I have a more personal and intimate relationship with God. My life has become richer, fuller but still has room for growth.

This year, the study is about community. Our small group is a community that I love dearly. We come from all different walks of life but it is so amazing at the similarities within our group and how God has matched our group. This past week's lesson discussed balcony and basement people in your life. It was great to think about the balcony people who are not the immediate, easily identified...2 came to my mind.

One is my health care provider. This wonderful lady encouraged me to free myself - she challenged me to take charge of my life...through prayer and praise. I was so happy to see her this past week and let her in on all the changes that have taken place in my life since I saw her last year. She beamed like a proud parent and I could feel her genuine care for me...a patient she sees once a year. More health care providers need to be like her.

The second is a former patient of mine...who I owe a long note of thanks and catching up. She has encouraged me as I stepped into a new life: leaving the security of my full-time job and becoming a momma. She has been there with an encouraging notes and prayers and belief in me.

Thank you to these 2 wonderful balcony ladies...they helped me to see the potential they already saw in me. Love you AC & BB.