Blog

• community

What is a community? A group of people that identify themselves as being part of a group, joined by belief, geography, interest, or other commonality; a feeling of fellowship and understanding shared by a group of people that have a particular characteristic in common.

I have yet to find a Venezuelan community in the Denver area, but that does not stop me from inviting others into my own Venezuelan community, created by making arepas (stuffed corn patties made of finely ground pre-cooked cornmeal), black beans, or fried plantains, sharing stories about my time living in the country’s beauty and enjoying the fellowship of its people.

What communities are you a part of? What communities do you wish you were a part of? Any communities you need to leave?

I pray that IRSM serves as a supportive community of women who are striving to grow in their relationships with God and one another. Throughout this month, we will explore the concept of community. We will look at what it means to be a community and what Jesus teaches about it.

We would love for you to share your ideas about community! Email us at ironrosesister@gmail.com if you have a story about community, a verse to share, or a great example of community to impart.

• joy

As we close out the month on Joy and Contentment, I pray you have delighted in these posts. I also pray they have been a challenge and encouragement to you.

And as a lead-in to next month's topic: Community, I invite you to do the Common Threads with a friend on the topic of Joy and the verses that have been shared this past month. The Common Threads are a way of making any lesson very personal and practical.

So, ask yourself and share with a friend:

• How you'd like to grow and bloom in joy - Be specific!
• A thorn you'd like to remove - Maybe a negative attitude?
• An area in which you are striving to dig deeper or need to have someone hold you accountable.
• Close with an encouraging verse and some time in prayer together!