Community is my Heartbeat.

When I first moved to Phoenix almost five years ago, I was newly pregnant in a new city. I didn't have many friends, everything was about starting over and making new. I was also a pastor's wife at the time navigating a new church and new youth ministry. 

I joined a online ministry for Pastor's wives, there I was able to meet other women like me and get connected with them. Eventually I started leading an online group for pastor's wives each month. Community has always been important to me. If I didn't have it, I sought it out. I love building authentic relationships with people. 

When I became a mama, I didn't have any friends around me that were moms too. There were no young moms in my church, I didn't have any young mama friends around me. I was navigating a lot all on my own and trying to find my place and figure out what kinda mama I was going to be. 

For the longest time I prayed that God would bring Godly women and mothers into my life. Ones that I could relate to, share my story with, and ones that we could live life together. He's done that in so many different ways for me. Some local, some online friends, and church friends. I think the heart of community is just to do life together, to know that someone else has your same interests, is going through the same thing too and you can come together. 

I'm so thankful for the friendships God has brought my way in the most unexpected ways. This is why I am so thankful for Thrive Moms. Their heart is my heart. To see mamas connected to each other. Encouraging each other, seeing them live life together and supporting one another. 

Today Thrive Local launches! You guys, I'm so excited for this aspect of Thrive. It's my heartbeat! it's theirs too. You can visit Thrive today and search a map and find a group in your area just for you and other moms too! 

For my local Phoenix mamas there's two in the Phoenix metro! I'm leading a group and I'd love for you to join me as we connect and share life with one another. 

IF: TABLE

My friend told me about the IF: Gathering back in February. I sat in my guest room floor for hours watching the Live feed. In the dark with the lights dimmed, no one but me & Jesus. It was such an amazing time, and I really believe that the Lord spoke some clear things to me during that time. During that time they introduce something called IF: Table. 

Community has always been so important to me. In some seasons of live I've found community to come effortlessly to me, and in others it's been a real struggle to find community and connection with people. God has been teaching me over the last few years that I have to create the community I crave. 

In other words if I want community and a sense of being connected then I need to step out and make the effort to create that. It's been a challenge for me at times coupled with past hurts and being an introverted person by nature. 

So when the idea of IF: Table came up, inviting women into your home and sharing life around a table. 6 ladies, 4 questions, 2 hours. I thought to myself, that's so simple I can do that. 

I hosted my first IF:Table last night in my home. I invited some ladies from my church who I wanted to get to know better and share a more intimate time together. There's something so meaningful and special to me about opening your home and sharing life around a table. Building community and investing in each other. Jesus did this during the Last Supper. Life around the table, learning, teaching and investing himself in others. Creating community. 

It doesn't have to fancy. It can be simple. But what makes it special is when you are honest, vulnerable, real and intentional. That is where life happens. 

I want my home to always have an open door policy. I want people to walk in and feel comfortable, raid my fridge and know where everything is and make themselves at home. I want to use my home to bless others. 

It was such a special time together. A time of laughter, connection and most importantly building community. I'm excited to host these ladies again each month. I encourage you to do the same, reach out and build community. 

Isn't it better when we do life connected and together! 

if you'd like more info on IF:Table go here.