Sunday, July 14, 2013

That moment when you find a church.....

and you just know.

It's been 7 years since we've been to church, we just could not find a church we felt comfortable with back in Arizona, so we didn't go and it killed me every Sunday to see it come and go without stepping foot in church.

I could have just gone to any church, I know, but when you don't find one you feel right in, it just doesn't work.....at least for us.

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This morning we walked into this church and we were welcomed with open arms, everyone was amazing, kind, friendly, genuinely interested in who we were, where we came from and when learning we had just moved back to the area they quickly offered housewares, furniture etc if we didn't have our stuff yet.

I just knew at that moment that we belonged.

It's a certain kind of feeling that comes over you when you are finally home, indescribable.

As the strings of "Shout to the Lord" began playing, I tried desperately to hold on to the tears welling in my eyes, but the more I tried to hold it in, the more they pushed through and the bigger the lump in my throat.  I couldn't help it, I cried, I just cried and my husband leaned over and hugged me and asked if I was ok and all I could say was "I'm just so happy to be back in church".

And that is when I knew, that was it, we had finally come home.

Kinda felt like the prodigal son returning after so many years, and still being welcomed back with the same love and compassion that I felt when I first left.  I wish I could put it into words, but I find it hard to describe exactly what I was feeling.

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These past two months have been such a huge lesson for me, in many ways, and I feel like they finally culminated this morning, in that church pew.  Anything after this is just icing on the cake.

So I wanted to come in and share this with you all, to tell you that I have finally found my church "home" and I'm so happy.  But I also wanted to thank each and every one of you who have followed my blog from the very first post, and throughout the years, through my ups and downs and spiritual journey and cross country moves.

Whether you know it or not, you've all contributed to this moment. :)

And now that I've shared this news, I am off to work on my menu plan and grocery list.

Have a blessed evening everyone :)

PS...the church pictures above are NOT the church I'm referring to, those are from the Pioneer Living History Museum!  Just wanted to clear that up.  

16 comments:

Sherri B. said...

There is nothing quite like it when you realize that you have found your church home. This is a very blessed day for you and your family. xo

Connie said...

A thought came to me when I was reading your post. You left the church for 7 years but GOD did not leave you. And now you found him in this church, in the people who love him and will learn to love you and your family. It does not get any better than that, does it.
Welcome home my new friend......

Naomi said...

Oh I am so pleased for you Sandra! We have lived in our town for 3 years now and although we've been to a handful churches none have ever felt right and now it has been nearly a year since I last went. It makes me sad every Sunday morning but we love our home and our town. I'm still searching :)

Miranda @ Pressing On said...

Love this. We're struggling with something similar here in Alaska. It just doesn't feel right, so we never go. Thanks for sharing your heart...it gives me hope.

Mari said...

I'm so happy for all of you! It's such an important part of your life.
Although the look of the church isn't really important - your pictures are great!

Amber said...

Wonderful to hear! And the church is stunningly beautiful. Plain beauty - my favorite kind! :)

Wendi said...

Yay! You had me tearing up.

Ladybug Crossing said...

I felt the same way when we moved here.
Enjoy!

Debby said...

God knew just what you needed!!! We are so looking forward to that blessing as well

Cheri said...

What an emotional moment- so happy for you!

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy for you! I know that when you are busy with little kids, that 7 years probably flew by!

Welcome home!

Anna said...

The church looks beautiful! A "real church". :-) I love old churches, they are what I grew up in.

Susanne said...

So happy that God lead you to your church so quickly. Looking for a home church can be such a discouraging thing. I'm excited for you guys settling in there!

autumnesf said...

Un. Der. Stood!!!! God is good! Hope to find a house and find our church home soon also!

Sarah said...

So glad you've found a church that feels like home and a church family that are so welcoming. You'll have your ups and downs but what family doesn't? LOL

What a blessing for you to find one so soon too! Huge hugs. xx

Stacy at Exceedingly Mundane said...

I"m so very happy that you've found your new church home :) God loves to bless you, if we'll just get out of the way and let him! :)