"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25

While God does so much in my life on a daily basis, something I am most grateful for is how he has worked in my family in the last few years. Tiffany and I got married 7 years ago, and despite vastly different backgrounds we both wanted to make serving God the center of our lives.

In 2022 we found ourselves looking for a new church. This season opened a dialogue where we learned areas that needed improvement and I personally noticed areas I'd failed, like leading my family in prayer, discipling our children often, and fostering relationships that would push us and our kids towards Christ. We'd placed ourselves on an island spiritually and we were suffering the consequences.

Searching for a church was not an enjoyable experience for us, but after visiting FBCnl and learning that there were small groups, D-Groups, and a dedicated children's ministry program, we decided to stick around a while. As time went on, our conversations changed from areas of lack and concern to recognizing how God had worked these circumstances together for our good, allowing us to appreciate things like studying entire books of the Bible at a time, discussing tough topics with peers, and our children being challenged to learn and understand the gospel. We then knew it was time to become members.

Tiffany and I often tell our kids there is a difference between people who are in your life, and people who you do life with. We asked the Lord and sought a church that represented Hebrews 10:24-25...And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near."

The Christian walk is a community effort. God did not create us to worship and serve him in secret or in isolation. I thank God for a community that encourages boldly proclaiming the gospel and raising kids to do the same.