Our Amazing LifeGroup

When Ke'o and I moved to SW Missouri two years ago, we had hoped to find two things:

1) A church group where we could grow spiritually.

Going to church is important, but we yearned for something more... Something that would allow us to think on a deeper level and have discussions with peers that would be to our benefit.

2) Married couples who would develop into close friends of ours.

Not that we have anything against single people. I have my close guy friends. She has her close gal friends. But Ke'o and I have never really had a group of friends that we could hang out with as a couple.

...fortunately, we found both in one swoop.

After almost a year of looking for the right mix, we were introduced to a group of people from Forest Park -- a church we had never attended. Still, they welcomed us with open arms. This group hadn't been together very long themselves, so we had no idea what to expect.

I think it took us all of two weeks to realize there was something special about this collection of couples. Although I couldn't place my finger on it at the time, I think more than anything it was just the natural feeling of belonging.

Many great moments have commenced at the Tracy's table.

Before last May, Thursday was just another day in the week -- a stepping stone to 5pm on Friday. Now, it's one of our favorite nights. We anticipate the conversation. We anticipate the laughter. We anticipate the spiritual growth. And yeah... we definitely anticipate the awesome potluck dinners.
 
Perhaps what is coolest about this ensemble is that we've truly embraced the term LifeGroup. In what could be considered the most important stage of our lives, we are growing together. In the year and half we've been intertwined we've had our share of noteworthy events: we've seen babies enter the picture and careers change; we've added new great friends to the mix, while sadly seeing some leave the area.

What I'm trying to say is that when someone has news... I feel like we ALL have news. I just think that's pretty cool.

I'm not sure what plans God has for our group. Thus far, we have performed two service projects with hopefully more to come. But on a personal level, I believe God has used this group to make me a better person, a better husband, and a better follower of Christ.

What brings people together more than getting stuck in a
corn maze for 45 minutes?

One of the driving motivations in my life is having FUN. So it thrills me that other members of our LifeGroup enjoy having fun as well. This year we have taken two out-of-town day trips to do just that. As my friend, Aaron, says, "I like how our LifeGroup actually does life together." They have been great bonding experiences, and I wish for more to transpire in the future.

I am so thankful for these people. Ke'o and I are truly blessed to be part of something so special.