staff meeting

I have a little bit of alone time right now while the kids rest and nap so I have to share some incredible things God is doing in my life. Several months ago we were asked to join a small group in our church that consisted of three leadership couples and our Pastor and his wife. Originally another couple was on the list but were unable to join due to scheduling. I totally believe God whispered "Amanda & Jeremy" to our friend and Pastor for a reason because it is transforming our marriage and just about every relationship we have. My friend Mike says the book we are going through should be covered in GOLD because what we are getting is GOLD! No doubt.

We are now at the end of our meetings as a small group and I can confidently say I have never, in my seven years of marriage or my entire life spent in church, heard this kind of teaching when it comes to marriage and/or relationships. In my opinion, churches should be teaching this to all church leadership. It should be the DNA of every church. In July, our group will have the opportunity to go through two days of training so we are able to help facilitate a small group setting like the one we have been a part of. I'm so excited!

One of the things we have learned is something called a "Staff Meeting" in your marriage. This is something that should happen at least once a week for at least an hour long. Jeremy and I have been trying to do this and have not been successful. But last night, we got the kids in bed, and had a "Staff meeting". It was INCREDIBLE! Another thing we did during this time was something called Confession and Forgiveness. I really want to explain this process but it would take another blog post. But to give you a little picture of what it looked like would be something like this.

All day yesterday God was showing me something I needed to confess to my husband. It was nothing I had done to him. It was nothing I had said to him. It was something only me and God knew about and my friend Kelly Ann (I tell her everything). It was something regarding my thoughts. During our small group yesterday, I knew the Holy Spirit was showing me it was something I needed to confess. Last night I confessed and then asked for his forgiveness. It wasn't anything horrible, but it was something I needed to share and Jeremy was amazing with how he responded. He comforted me! Yes, he comforted me as I shared something that I knew would hurt him. Then he forgave me. It was a moment I will never forget. Not only did it make us stronger and bring us closer but it kicked the enemy in the butt. As long as we have things hidden in the darkness, Satan will have a foothold. Until it's exposed, there will never be peace. Never. Today, I have peace. Peace in my marriage, peace with myself. Peace in my home. Bringing things to light is the only way to experience victory!

Right now Jeremy and I are connected more than we have ever been. We still have lots to learn but I refuse to let the enemy rob me. Last night was monumental in so many ways! I am praising God for what He has done in my marriage and continues to do. I thank God for my church. This is what the church is supposed to be doing and I feel like my church really "gets it"!
Why did God move us to Austin over a year ago? It's so obvious to me now. :)

For more information on the materials we have been going through in our small group, check this out.