Blessing of Community [announcing an (in)RL meetup near you]

Retreat Sanctuary

Much of my time lately has been spent alone. As I rehab my knee following ACL surgery, I am pretty much confined to my home. With high schoolers far too busy and a husband trying to work and be the driver, the cook, the laundryman, and the housecleaner, it’s left me somewhat isolated.

Admittedly, there have been many blessings that have been realized from this forced downtime. The Lord is doing a work in my heart that would not be possible if I were on my feet literally running from one thing to the next. I’ve read some convicting (thank you, Lord) and inspiring books, spent extra time in the Word and in prayer, and reflected on His calling on my life. (As an editor, I’ve also had some chunks of time for work as well.)

However, I have to confess there have been moments, especially lately, where I am in desperate need of community. God did not create us to live life solo. We were meant to be in relationship—with Him and with others.

And although over the past six months I’ve joined several virtual communities of believers in the social media world (this has also been an added blessing during my healing), nothing beats those personal hugs, laughter, and stories of in-real-life ([in]RL) get-togethers.

That’s why I’m excited to share a wonderful brainchild of the folks at (in)courage: across the globe, real-life, one-day beach-house-like gatherings to take place Saturday April 28. They a

re bringing an (in)courage conference to each one of us where we live!

And even more exciting is I’m hosting one!

community

Yep, I’ve decided (with my husband’s blessing) to host an (in)RL meetup at the Sunne Mini-Lodge (barn) in Eastern Iowa. It will begin at 1:30pm on Saturday, April 28.

This will be a time of fellowship, growth, laughter, prayer, and most of all, fun. There will be videos, including a community Scripture reading of which I’m honored to be a part; snacks; an opportunity to make new friends, to renew our understanding of the value of community and friendship, and to be encouraged. (There may even be a prize or two given away.)

If you live within an hour or two (or even three) of Manchester, Iowa, and would like to attend, register here (registration is $10, and a free [in]RL t-shirt and a pack of greeting cards are sent to all who register). Once you register go here to RSVP for the Eastern Iowa meetup.

For those of you that live in another state or country, find an (in)RL meetup near you. Currently, there are more than 973 members in 405 cities worldwide!

Don’t try to do life in isolation. Join a community of believers to encourage, pray, and support you.