Thank God for my church

I went to church for the first time in six weeks today.

On my way to Mom's for Christmas, my ipod randomly played songs from our live church CD. It suddenly hit me---I NEED to go to church. This isn't a want--it's a NEED. The next three days only reinforced this initial feeling. Books I read spoke about the importance of being in community with other believers as you go through this tough time. People I spoke with asked me about church. My mind was made up. I was going to go back to church. To my church.

Knowing that Eric still attends this church, I spoke to him about how I was feeling and how I needed to go back. He encouraged me to go. I am thankful for that.

I was very nervous as I drove up. I had to take a few deep breaths in the car before getting out and approaching the church. God was with me. I saw many familiar faces---all who hugged me and asked me how I was doing. I got teary several times, but it was all good. I felt so cared for and so loved and so supported. Many people said they were praying for me and Eric. I am so, so grateful to everyone that came up and put their arms around me. Mike, Charlene, Thomas, Stacey, Leah, Rob, Dougie, Jamie, Melinda, Al, and I'm probably even forgetting some. You guys rock.

Now, I am normally not a huggy person, but I appreciate each and every hug I received today. It helped me more than I can say. I felt more positive than I have felt in weeks. The sermon was spot-on (Thanks Jamie!) and I can't wait to download that podcast to listen to it again. The music (and I am totally not a singing-in-church kind of person) was also awesome.

I even got to thank Ashley for being a friend to Eric as he goes through this. Her little boy is absolutely ADORABLE. Oh my goodness, that little mohawk just rocks.

Thank you NHC for being a most supportive church. I am so glad I went today and I will be sure not to miss another Sunday until I leave. I am so going to miss all of you---but we'll think about that later.