Why I love my church...

I just put Zander down for his morning nap and was going to sit down and spend some time in the WORD and work on some of my bible study but I felt compelled to tell others why I love my church.  I pray that anyone who reads this would stop and slow down to truly feel GOD in their lives and trust that HE is in control.  I know it's hard (especially for someone like me...very "A" personality) to allow someone else to be in control but it must be done.  Our little family is going through some things right now that are challenging us and there is nothing anyone can say or do to make it better, we are trusting in GOD that HE will grant us peace and it gives me such a relaxed feeling knowing that HE is in the drivers seat and will take care of me, a child of GOD.

Lots of people like their churches that they attend and I truly feel that there are many that love their church but this morning I have felt an overwhelming joy to know that I belong to Gravel Hill UMC.  Jerry and I have gone through a lot spiritually over the past years and it's ultimately brought us closer as a couple, parents and children of GOD.

We've been attending Gravel Hill for 5 years as December 2011.  By any means not a long time but it has allowed us to establish a relationship with the church as a whole and GOD.  So in those 5 years here are some of the top reasons I LOVE my church.....

• Jerry and I were married at Gravel Hill, May of 2007
• Zander was baptized at Gravel Hill, June of 2011
• The same pastor married us and baptized Zander and he will (I pray) be there to baptize our future children
• The Women's Bible Study "crew" allows me to bring Zander, there is no child care and they didn't even think twice when I asked if it would be ok to bring him
• We feel GOD the minute we walk into the church, we've gone to a few churches and just felt like we had to be there, Gravel Hill on Sunday morning is where we want to be
• Pastor Smith loves when babies are chattering during church...it's so fun to hear Zander having a "conversation" with our pastor's grandson and no one minds...in his eyes if there aren't babies chattering during church, the church isn't growing
• I have grown so much spiritually since going to Gravel Hill and I am eternally grateful for that...I spend more time in the WORD and Jerry and I have more meaningful conversations about what truly matters
• I know Zander is a blessing to us but about 2 months ago we had a sermon that touched me so deep and it was that Sunday that I truly realized that GOD blessed Jerry and I by being able to be Zander's parents...he could have chosen anyone else to have such an amazing child but GOD blessed us with that honor and responsibility
• Zander loves going to church on Sunday's...I know a lot of people would think that an almost 10 month old doesn't understand but I know he does...he loves waving hello to people and having conversations with them and he loves "dancing" to the music while we sing
• Children's programs at Gravel Hill rock...I am so excited for when Zander is old enough to go to Sunday School and learn about GOD and that he is a blessing from GOD
• The true WORD of GOD is spoken at Gravel Hill

Not all the reasons that I love my church but just to name a few.  There's no place else the Hardy's want to worship at.  Praise GOD for all the blessings we have been already given and our many blessings to come.

"Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint"    Isaiah 40:31