Nostalgia

Tonight I looked through my college photos on facebook and began thinking back to the lifestyle and friendships that I had at that time. This is in no way to sound like a depressing post, but I thought I would share. I absolutely love my life with Russell and we are so blessed with everything God has given us. I'm thinking about Beall hall, and living with some of the most amazing girls I know. We were all still so young and driven by what we did not know- our studies, what our jobs would be, who we would marry. I look back and smile. I think of the church family that I had at Canyon Creek. My adopted family, Shanon and Jason, for investing so much in me throughout my college years. The opportunity to be a children's intern one summer. I think of my roommate Lauren, and living in the little white house on the corner with all of its animal sounds, unfinished wood floors, and beautiful sage paint on the walls. We had so much fun living there! I think of the random runs I'd take in the mornings before class. Why do I feel so much older now?? It's only been 2 years. I feel like my energy is gone, and I want it back!

I think what has sparked my nostalgia is the fact that Russell and I are settling into a new church that we both feel God is calling us to. It is about 30 minutes from our house, and we currently meet in an elementary school. This church is very similar to the one Russell and I began going to when we started dating. It's called North Rock. We began attending North Rock right after we got married (about 2 weeks afterwards) for about a month, and then left for a month. After feeling God consistently drawing us back to North Rock, we decided to keep going back. So we've begun getting involved, and this week is the beginning of our first "journey group," which is basically a small group that meets every week. I'm REALLY excited about going and getting to know other people our age that we can become real friends with. One thing Russell and I feel like we've never had is another couple we could relate to, be true friends with, go out to dinner with, pray with, etc. I desperately want that. I want someone we can turn to to discuss our lives, our interests, jokes, God, school, work, etc. (not in that order). I think when I look back at UMHB, I feel like there's so much to live up to! I don't mean to put it in those terms, but I had some pretty amazing friends there. I think right now, I miss them all so much, that I'm scared we'll never have friends like that. I know this is silly, and I'm probably being emotional, but the biggest thing I don't want is superficial relationships with the people we meet; I don't want mere acquaintances. I want us to get to know people, about their lives, what they're going through, someone I can call and pray for.

I know this is not a typical post of mine and I'm usually never this candid.Please pray for us as we attend this Journey Group and get to know more people. We really want to make some friends. :-) Please pray for us as we continue to draw nearer to God. I want to experience Him in a really big way!!!