Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Life Lessons-We Are Created For Community

I'm not the least bit embarrassed to admit that I've been feeling a little homesick lately and no matter how many times our family moves, Louisiana will always be "home" in my heart. It's where most of my siblings and relatives live, along with my amazing dad who just turned 84 this month. 

Oh, how I love to cross the border line that launches our family into the great Pelican State. You can almost smell the fried shrimp and Cajun gumbo. Or, taste the powdered sugar that settles on your tongue while you're savoring each bit of those delicious Cafe' Du Monde Beignets. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

I think there's another reason why I'm homesick though. It's because the weather is getting colder here in North Carolina and becoming more Winter-ish each day. People are staying indoors and fewer neighbors are outside walking their dogs. Friends have less time to visit because everyone is running from store to store, checking off their Christmas list and stocking up on red ribbon and ornaments.

If I'm not careful, I can easily slip into a lonely spell that will have me living in sweatpants and eating comfort food for the next 3 months. That would not be good for my attitude or my waistline! You see, I'm quite the social gal and love spending time with family and friends.The more the merrier is my favorite mantra when it comes to mingling with others.

During this time of the year, I have to be more intentional about creating opportunities for community. You know, getting together with friends and making plans to do something fun every once in a while.

What about you? Do you tend to get a little lonely at times and feel as though you're homesick for family and friends? Maybe you spend your days at home alone, while the kids are at school. Or, your work requires you to travel a lot and the smell of airports and hotel rooms brings tears to your eyes because you'd rather be home instead.

This week's Life Lesson is about Community and how we are especially designed for it. I hope you'll take a few minutes out of your busy day to watch this short video I've created just for you. I'd love for you to leave a comment and share some of your ideas too!
 
At Proverbs 31 Ministries, we have several online communities, online Bible Studies, and Gather & Grow Groups to choose from. It's a great way for you to develop friendships, while studying the Bible, with women in your own community, throughout the US, or even in other countries. Wouldn't it be oh-so-cool to have a Bible study buddie in England or France?

Here's the best part - it can be done from the convenience of your own home. This can be such an added plus, especially for those of you who are soon-to-be digging snow out of your driveway just to make a McDonalds run for some fries and a burger.

Click here to find out more about our P31 groups today.

Question: What are some ways that you have created community in your own circle of influence?

7 comments:

  1. Thanks for this. Good timing for me. We moved to Alaska from the midwest about 6 month ago. Been feeling very alone and isolated lately.

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    1. Stacy,
      Alaska certainly is a long way from the Midwest. I'm sure that was a hard move for you. I'd like to encourage you to check out the online communities & online Bible studies through Proverbs 31. This is a great way to connect with Christian women online and study the Bible together until you're able to develop friendships at your church or in your community. Every time our family has moved, it's taken me about 12 months to get settled and create new friendships. Hang in there and stay connected.

      Blessings,
      Leah

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  2. What a blessing your video was to me! I am a stay at home home school mom of 3 children and I feel guilty needing time away from them sometimes to vent with a friend or just laugh! I went from being a single mom of one working two jobs for the first ten years of her life to now homeschooling her, my step-son and chasing my toddler around. It's funny that you mentioned that you're a 10,000 word per day person because my step-son followed me from room to room today talking, talking, talking all day constantly while my toddler cried and fussed all day! I am a very outgoing person but nobody talks as much as him:). How did your husband kindly reveal to you that he needed a break? I do need community, just not always the same and I just need to get out of the house sometimes!:))

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    1. Jamie, being a stay home mom is the hardest job ever! I did it when my boys were small and set up an office at home so I could work too, which just about drove me crazy! I was longing for grown-up conversation, frustrated, and stressed out all the time.

      A dear friend of mine, who was several years older and had children in middle school, could see that I was struggling. She suggested we get together every other week for coffee, lunch or a little shopping - and what a difference that made!

      I quickly realized that when I took time out for myself, it actually helped me be a better mom. I would come home from lunch with my friend, having a refreshed attitude. My boys could tell that Mommy was happy and fun to be around. :-)

      As for my husband, we just honestly talked about our expectations and compromised. He's a morning person and enjoys talking over coffee, so we now set aside time to do that every morning. As the day dwindles, so does his word count, but he's a deep thinker and I realize that now. It's just the way God created Him and they do say opposites attract! :-)

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  3. Hi Leah
    Thank you for your blog this is probably my second time over here, I am glad I stopped by this evening,
    Loved what you said about community I am single and seems all I know are married couples and that makes it hard because they never have time to get together.
    So I thank God for these online bible studies I have been in them since May of 2011 and they have really brought me closer to God.
    I have made a lot of online friends , and I do have a tendency when I am excited about something God has done I love to share with people so I can really talk as well.
    I do take care of an elderly parent she does not live with me but when I go visit her we really do not talk that much.
    So there fore I am home alone unless I am at work , but now being unemployed it's hard .
    Thank you so much for your blog and the online bible studies it would be nice one day to meet everyone in person .
    Carol

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    1. Hi Carol,
      Thank you for stopping by -y our comments have really encouraged me! It's wonderful to hear that you've been doing some online Bible studies since last spring and that you're sharing with others what God is showing you in His Word. That's awesome!!

      I'm praying for you today, asking God to provide a wonderful job where you can meet plenty of new friends. I've found that one of the best ways to make friends is by serving at church or on a local community outreach project.

      Especially during this time of the year, there are so many organizations looking for helping hands. Think of something you love to do and then ask God to show you where you can serve this Christmas season. I believe He will and that it will be a huge blessing for you!

      Keep in touch,
      Leah
      P.S. I love the picture of you and your dog...so precious!

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    2. Thanks Leah for your reply back to me your posts on FB lift my spirits and thank you for praying for the right job for me I am going to pray and ask God where He wants me to serve Him , thanks for telling me about that , yes that's my doggie she is very sweet and she is my baby I have had her since she was 6 weeks old . She is now 14 , she is very spoiled .
      Thanks again for your prayers.
      I will keep Intouch with you.
      Let you know what God is up to in my life something big I know.
      Carol

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