One Word At A Time: Road

By Ginny (MAD21)

Getting real with the road we are all on.

I've been thinking a lot lately about how often I write about the fun things we do as a family; ways that we as parents help grow our children; ideas regarding how to organize our lives; and make our family and faith stronger. I'm not saying that's a bad thing. It is, after all, the mission of my blog to cover all of those topics. But after the last few posts I've written about Fun Fridays, playing games, and strategies that generally work for our family, I have felt the need to make sure you all knew that my family wasn't living in a realm of perfection where the sun is always shining, my house is always clean and organized, my children are always well behaved, and my hubby and I are always on speaking terms. If you've been thinking that, I'm sorry to shatter that image for you! Haha

We all talk a lot about our families, and our experiences as parents to children of all ages. We discuss how things should be in the world and how strong our faith should be, and how big our God is. Talking about all of these things is important, but I wonder if there is something else, something that is just as real that needs to be addressed.

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One Word At A Time: Community

By MAD21

Community is defined as "a social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists."

We are all parts of different communities: Work; school; the gym where we work out; play groups; hobbie groups; church. I think God created the concept because it is so vital to our growth as individuals.  There are probably countless studies that support the importance of being included in groups if you want to live happier lives. But I don't think it's only about us all finding our place, being accepted and loved and 'living happily ever after." Though the world would have us believe that. I believe community is more important than that. Community is living beyond ourselves. Looking outside of our own needs sometimes to see what others may need and putting them first. God created us to need each other. In his own words he says that it was not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18).

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Community of Believers

By Chuck (Sharing Compassion)

My last post was a request for prayer while explaining the valley I am currently walking through. Let me state that I know I am being prayed for and if nothing else then I am learning how important being part of a community is. My pastor, the youth minister, elders and other church members have come up to me to let me know they are praying for my situation. I have used social networking to let people know of my situation and just to pray. The response had been incredible. Last Saturday I was invited to speak (on behalf of Compassion) at a local church that I have a relationship with. They were having a night of worship with another church from Baltimore City. Prior to my presentation both churches prayed for my situation and for opportunities. Totally unexpected and incredible! It is great to be a part of this community and to know that others are caring for me. The walk through the valley is tough but it is great to know others are "walking" with me.

I can equate this with Compassion and its programs. Sponsorship is not about the dollars but rather about building a relationship. It is this relationship that gives the hope and brings about a difference. Writing and encouraging is one of the best feelings for both the giver and the receive. I know that my ministry had brought me more blessings than I could ever give. One of the best tag lines that Compassion has is that sponsorship is about changing two lives...the child's and the sponsors. It is so true!

Being a part of a community of believers is the best feeling. Knowing that there are others loving and caring for you- it is just a taste of what heaven will be like. Thanks all for your support and love.