A joy-filled gathering

"I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now."

(Philippians 1:3-5)

I have never been part of a small group and/or Bible Study quite like my Monday/Tuesday scripture journaling group here in Palmdale. I've been scripture journaling for quite some time. I used to to it primarily by myself. Occasionally I'd lead a group. But now I seem to almost exclusively journal in groups (staff meetings, UMM, AD Council, Finance /team, etc.). However, by far the most UNIQUE of all the groups is the Monday/Tuesday group at Starbucks.

Unless you've been here, it's almost impossible to describe. No topic is off limits and you never know where our discussion will go over the course of the 75-90 minutes we're together. And most of it has NOTHING to do with Scripture (that's not exactly true - often, the scripture is a launching point for our crazy conversations). In the end, we laugh SO MUCH! We joke and banter back and forth, and encourage one another long the way. Through it all, we eventually get around to journaling... and we almost always are blessed by the insights others have on their own Bible reading plan.

Paul, in the opening verses of his letter to the church in Philippi, tells the community there how much JOY they bring him when he thinks about and prays for them. The same can be said for me and our Monday/Tuesday scripture journaling group. They bring me so much joy. Thank you, God!!!