For many of us, summer is a time for road trips and vacations. So we thought it would be fun to take a few minutes to hit the road with the (in)RL team, too! We love hearing about how (in)courage sisters are being intentional, building benches and creating community right where they live. Crystal and Anna are here with our (in)RL Roadshow video to share with us how they and others are doing just that.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:20 (ASV)
Sometimes summer days are slow, lazy ones spent grilling in the backyard, catching fireflies and sipping sweet tea on the porch. But other times, this season is one that flies by as we run from camps to trips to festivals to the pool and back home again. No matter if your summer is a relaxing season or a jam-packed one, though, we hope you’re finding time to build community and share your lives with others. In this season of so much coming and going, don’t forget community.
Tell us today, friends: How are you making community happen this summer?
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Thank you Crystal and Anna for your passion about building benches and building community and inspiring us all to do just that! It has been fun that I have become close to one particular gal from our (in)RL meetup. We email, facebook and even write snail mail notes to one another (who doesn’t like getting mail?). She is a real blessing!! I’ve also made time for what I call my “perseverance posse” – two other Christian friends and me…we encourage each other on through the good, the bad and the ugly 🙂 I don’t know what I’d do without these relationships in my life?? I also really enjoy the camaraderie of the women here on the (in)courage blog!!
Thanks for all you do!!
Blessings,
Bev
Crystal Stine says
Oh Bev, I love that so much 🙂 I think all women need a “perseverance posse!”
Jeanne Takenaka says
I sooo appreciate the reminder to foster community in our daily living. I have a group of friends who I call my “Go Through Life” friends. We’re doing life together and walking alongside each other during health issues, mommy issues, and the other ups and downs that life brings.
Though I haven’t made it to all of these, we try to get together—us and our kids of differing ages—and enjoy fellowship time. The kids play, we laugh, talk and enjoy being together.
Lyli @ 3-D Lessons for Life says
Beautiful! 🙂
Michelle Sarabia says
I love this! I’m learning as I get older that I want to be more intentional in community. My husband and I host a family every Sunday night over dinner and conversation. We love it! The other is soaking in community within our home. Our kids are all teenagers now and realize we only have 18 summers with them. Which means we don’t have very many left.
Thanks again for this!
Caroline says
Some gals from church have learned to kayak and fish together in random outings. Some of us were formerly wives who didn’t join their husbands fishing much in the past. We’ve adjusted the times to make the experience available for those with special needs. The first to suggest this bought 2 kayaks on sale before Christmas and met the next to join while in line. Kayaks are shared, too. I love how the Lord used interest, circumstance and infectious fun to blend into gatherings.
Toria says
Crystal and Anna- THANK YOU. Thank you for sharing, for opening your homes, and for having the courage to take your big ideas to others, having the boldness to ask to come into a vulnerable part of their lives without cowering in fear of rejection.
Honestly, this was my most favorite part of (in)RL….hands down. I thrive on ideas, and I eagerly soaked up how you all stay in community. Not to copy, by any means- no group is perfect- but to gain ideas and see how they can apply to my own unique situation.
Mayhap there will be a follow up video- with how the rest of the (in)courage staff/contributors stays in community?? It’s fresh water for this community-hungry soul, showing me grace in how to reach out and build community in my own life!
Crystal Stine says
Ooh that would be so fun, right? Great idea!
Diane bailey says
Community takes work. It takes planning ahead so we can be successful in the relationships we desire. Very soon, Doc and I are driving to New York from Alabama. I have contacted a lot of online friends who are along the way so we can visit together in Real Life! I’m so excited about this trip and will blog with photos about where I stop and who is see!
Melinda says
Ive stepped out of my comfort zone in real life and trusted in friendship again, and worn my plus size bathing suit to a public pool I’ll be joining next year to meet real people.
FRANCES BOUCHILLON says
So very proud of my GRANDdaughter, Kaitlyn Bouchillon .I enjoy (in)Courage so much everyday and am so happy to know Kaitlyn is in a Christ centered group of young women like all of you. God bless you! Frances Bouchillon
Cathy says
My friend, Teresa and I have been meeting on Saturday mornings for a couple of hours to pray and share our thoughts on Lysa Terkeurst’s book, “What Happens When Women Say Yes To God”. At the end of our 9 week study, we are planning a Day Retreat.
Bridget K says
Our group is meeting once a month at coffeeshops around town, plus we’ve invited ladies from another group to join us – it’s been a blast. We all love our {in}RL meetings!
Beth WIlliams says
I have a particular co-worker who I can share life with. She is going through
“aging parent” woes now. Stuff I have already dealt with and I can pray for her.
Also have good friend with whom I share just about everything. She has had issues with both parents also. I pray for her and she prays for me. I call or text her at least 1-3 times a week to check on her parents, etc.
I also do community through In (RL). I ask for prayers, seek guidance and offer encouragement to the women here!
Blessings 🙂