Surprise, Surprise

Here is some history on Robb and I. When I was growing up, my Christian denominational background varied a bit. Between Episcopalian and Baptist, I certainly enjoyed Episcopalian better than Baptist, because I was a little frightened by the southern baptist church I was exposed to. I am not one that is big on hell, fire, and brimstone type of preaching, so I think I started to put that label on all baptist churches. Robb was brought up in a baptist and from his experience, he really doesn't desire to be that either. After we got married and decided to try to find a church, Robb and I sort of wanted different things out of a church. However, after visiting a few, we decided that we both could compromise on Methodist and we joined Hixson UMC. We have really enjoyed our time there, but I have always felt like there were certain things absent from that church that I was needing. I didn't realize it until just here recently, but now I feel a little bit more clear about my journey in finding a new church.
Robb and I visited Harrison UMC yesterday and very much enjoyed it. It was a very small church, but I really enjoyed the pastor's sermon and the kids had fun doing their thing. However, as soon as I was there for a few minutes, I knew that this was not going to be our church. So I started thinking about everything, Hixson UMC, the churches out here in our area, and what I was really desiring in a church. I thought to myself, if I found everything I wanted in a church in one place, I wouldn't care if that church was 30 minutes away, I would drive it and be on time too. So this brought me to another conclusion, it's not the location, I am just not completely satisfied with Hixson UMC.
So now our search is clearer but slightly larger now. We are no longer going to restrict ourselves to finding a Methodist church that is close. We are going to explore any church that we might think may be a fit with us. I am confident that once we find that church, we will know it. It will be like a light switch and we will know that God wants us to be in that place. Robb is completely on board too, and is going to be very open minded when it comes to visiting different places. So far, there is only one church that I am REALLY interested and excited to visit, but I am sure I will find others since I don't have to really be concerned about denomination. Our main focus is finding a church that fits our needs individually and as a family. I can't wait to see where we will finally land!