Busy!

Last week was one of the busiest weeks of the year so far!

I've been leading a book club studying the book "Strong Women, Soft Hearts" by Paula Rinehart each Wednesday through the summer... and it's been so great to get together with a group of girls and talk about life's deepest moments. I've been so impressed with the amount of depth in our discussions (you never know how it's going to be!) and the amount of support I feel from each of these ladies. I'm so thankful for each of them. It's crazy to me that just a couple months ago I was thinking (and complaining a little...) that I didn't have very many girlfriends... and now every Wednesday I get to hang out with 12 great girlfriends! God is so good.

Thursday night I had leader training for our new small groups at church called Engage Groups. I'm excited to feel like God has been calling me to lead small groups the last few months and I can't wait to see where this one goes. It starts in September... now I just have to choose curriculum! If anyone knows of awesome small group curriculum (possibly for newly married couples), I'd love your input!

Friday I only worked a half day and took the rest of the day to prepare for a new 20-30-somethings ministry we're starting at church called The Gathering. We spent the evening with about 25 people (most of whom I'm never seen at church.... which is why this ministry has been started!) eating good food and discussing our identity - comparing the secular idea of identity to the concept of an identity in Christ. It was really fun to hear everyone's ideas and experiences and to hear how God's been working in the lives of people at Crossroads. We're having a second Gathering on July 9th to delve deeper into this idea of "identity in Christ".

Saturday night I had a few girls over because Jordan was at rehearsal for church, then a bachelor party for our good friend, Bernie, who's getting married to Jessica this Saturday. We can hardly wait to celebrate with them!!!

Sunday I went to church, then went out to lunch with some people from our small group. Jordan and I grabbed some quick groceries (for an amazing blueberry crisp), then headed home for a quick nap. For Father's Day, my mother-in-law rented a pontoon on the St. Croix River for the evening, so we headed to Stillwater to spend a few hours on the river. It was such gorgeous weather, really great food for dinner, and just a relaxing night spent with family.

We're excited to have my parents coming to visit this week for a few days. We haven't seen them since Easter (time flies!), so it will be fun to spend time with them celebrating their 28th wedding anniversary and Father's Day. Jordan and I have really been blessed by incredible families.

Tonight we've got some cleaning to do to make sure our house is suitable for Mom and Dad, then we're going to relax! (Oh, and probably do the Shred, too!)