Small Group Life

At the beginning of this year Matt and I decided that it was time for us to get back involved in a small group.  We had the option to find an already existing group or form a new group.  There were some couples that we knew of that were newer to the area/church, so we thought that forming a new group would be a good opportunity to get others not in a small group plugged in.

We started going through the ebook Small Group Life by Rick Thomas. (http://www.rickthomas.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/How-to-equip-envision-experience-small-group.pdf)

It has been a gift in setting the ground work and expectations of the purpose of a small group.  It has helped us all get on the same page and desire the same vision for our small group.  It has helped us open up our lives to each other in a rapid way by prompting us all to share personal triumphs and struggles and prepare our hearts to invite those in our group to lovingly call us out in our sin.

We recently went over Chapter 11 in the book titled "Gospel-Motivated Discomfort".  Here is an excerpt from the chapter that I think is key in our sanctification as a group and our desire to glorify God as a group.

*A strong small group is made up of individuals who possess the courage, integrity, honesty, transparency, and grace to state the obvious about themselves: we are flawed. 

An incredible thing happens when a flawed person tells the truth about himself: he releases the person he is talking to from the bondage of hiding. We, like Adam, love our fig leaves. We love covering our true selves up.

It is important to tell at least from time to time the secret of who we truly and fully are because otherwise we run the risk of losing track of who we truly and fully are and little by little come to accept instead the highly edited version which we put forth in hope that the world will find it more acceptable than the real thing. (Frederick Buechner)

There will always be a gap between who we are and who we present 

ourselves to be. The gap itself is not the issue, but the size of the gap can be a problem. 

If you really want to glorify God and bless your small group, then I recommend you lead the charge in letting them in on your dirty little secrets. 

Be real. Be honest.*

Opening up to people does not come naturally or easy for me.  It has been difficult, awkward, and humiliating yet VERY REFRESHING!  I need other Christians and other Christians need me.  

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Branson with the Drahotas

Last Thursday-Sunday we headed off to Branson for a little family vacation.  This was our first time vacationing with Judson, so we were pretty excited.  Our great friends Jason and Jessie and their twins Kaden and Macy came along with us.  We looked forward to this trip for months and were all very excited to get away and spend some quality time with our family units and with each other.  We piled into one van for the trip which gave us about 13 more hours of vacation time together.  :)

We have arrived!

Kaden and Macy were pretty thrilled with the waterfalls and tunnel behind them.

Our condo.  It was beautiful!

Have you ever seen a bigger bathroom?

Kaden and Macy were thrilled with having their own TV in their bedroom.  As a treat they got to watch TV as they went to bed, and I have never seem two kids so into the weather channel and a cooking show!  They are easy to please!

After settling in and getting groceries we headed to the pool.

Matt had to convince these three to get in....it was cold.

Mission accomplished!

Matt and Jason had a ping pong match using the kitchen counter/bar.  I think they were practicing for when we played doubles with a real table: Jason & Matt vs. Jessie & Kait.  They were pretty nervous about losing to their wives.... ;).  The first night the record was JM 1 vs. JK 2.  Jessie and I had a whole day to bask in our victory.  The next night we played again and ended evenly matched with JM 3 vs. JK 3.  Yes, the guys caught up, but we stayed right in there!

Midnight game of phase 10 before bed.

Breakfast of pancakes.

Macy & Kaden went and did a craft after breakfast.  Macy made and painted a snake while Kaden made and painted an airplane.

Matt and I were excited to see what Judson would think of the pool: HE LOVED IT!

It was very hot while we were there, and that made being at the pool so enjoyable.

When Judson got tired and needed a break he would just chill in his stroller and before long would be out for a nap.

All cleaned up from swimming and taking a rest.

Out to eat at the Rib Crib.  Barbecue=Yum.

More pancakes being made here for breakfast #2.  Matt was our coffee maker.

Look who we bumped into.....Lightning Mcqueen and Mator!!!

Judson keeps getting more brave with his standing.

S'mores night.  They were even on the house!

Judson was always entertained by Kaden and Macy.  They made him smile.  A lot.

The last night we were there we went the Sight and Sound Theatre where they were bringing the story of Jonah to life.  It was impressive and we were all impressed by the way they presented the Gospel through the story of Jonah.

I think Kaden and Macy thought we were really under the sea when the whale part came.  It felt like it!

This is what late night Sonic will do to you........

Time to go home.  These guys are ready for the drive now that they have their Monsters.

Sleeping kids.  Look close and Judson's big toe is on Kaden's eye.

We had so much fun that we may just have to do something like this again next year!  It's really a gift to have friends that we can have a blast with yet also be challenged to continue to grow in Christ.  Thankful for you Drahotoas!

Judson-9 Months

Judson turned 9 months on the 4th of July.  He mastered pulling himself up into a standing position last month, so it will be fun to see how fast that progresses into walking.  He has experienced his first few falls but has escaped with no bumps or bruises.

9 month stats:

15lbs 13ozs  (2%)

27in  (5%)

The moment of posing Judson for pictures followed by a mad dash to RAPIDLY snap some pictures before he is GONE!

Life at 8 Months

What has Judson been up to over the past month?

Helping daddy with yard work.

Being very snoopy.

Trying different baby foods (still very much dislikes anything with texture).

Hanging out with an awesome aunt.

Digging in mommy's baking drawer.

Swinging in his new swing.

Reading the Bible with daddy.

STANDING!  (New Achievement)  Watching the cars go by and daddy mow.

Who gave him an oreo?!  Probably the grandparents.

Enjoying having Mahmoud at our house or anyone that will play with him.

Getting all spiffed up for church.

Conking out on daddy after a long day.

Seeing the helicopter in the park that took him to the NIC-U when he was first born.

Bedtime stories with daddy.

Still cheering for Brazil in the World Cup.

Experienced his first four-wheeler ride.

Got a pool and loves swimming!