You Are (In)vited

You know what one of the hardest parts about being a commuter has been? {Aside from the alarm sounding at 4:30 a.m. and sinking half my paycheck into gas pumps?}

Missing out on small groups.

There's only so much time in the day, and I've had to learn to make choices...sometimes hard choices...to say no to something really good...something I would really love...because I just don't have the time.


That was true even before I got married, and it's even more true now. I waited so long for marriage, and I want to be sure to fully invest in this relationship, so I can build my part of a solid and lasting foundation with Ryan.

I used to attend a Bible study every week. I used to TEACH study groups. I used to go out with all kinds of friends for girls' nights. But it seems that the switcharoo to being a commuter meant I couldn't commit to those kinds of things very often anymore. I never know when I might have to work an evening or weekend, and I hate backing out of commitments, so I just stopped committing quite as often.

And I miss it.

I miss the accountability and the sharing. I miss the friendships and the fun. And I miss having the opportunity to lead. To invest in other women.

God knew this desire of my heart, and I waited before Him for something to change so I could have these opportunities again, and something did indeed change. Not at all what I expected, but something pretty wonderful anyway.

You know the (in)courage website, right? They have blog posts every day, written by all kinds of women in all kinds of life stations, that encourage you and let you know you're not alone in {insert situations in life where you may feel alone}.

And a while ago, they tried an experiment to see if women would like it: they created these community groups for women to join...to talk about different topics. Online groups, led by women, for women. And it worked. Women loved it.

So it's happening again! From Bible studies and book studies to fitness to marriage, motherhood and more, there will be over 70 groups starting up that will meet online from May 26 to July 4 to talk, to pray, to offer ideas, and to make new friends.

And this season, I am so excited to have the opportunity to co-lead one of the groups. To be one of these women:

 My brand new friend, Amy Moore, is co-leading a marriage group with me. I am excited to have her as a new friend, not only because she's a lot of fun, but also because she's been married longer than I have, and I know I have a lot to learn from her!

If you're like me and you've been missing/wishing for a group of people to spend time with, but you don't have time to go to an in-person study or you just don't KNOW anyone in the same boat, this could be the thing for YOU. You can see the whole list here, and starting TODAY through Sunday, you can sign up to be part of a group!

I am so excited about this season...about making new friends and learning more about how to be an intentional wife, even as I help Amy lead our group!

And I'd love for YOU to be part of it too! :)