Life Group

Here's a pic of our Life Group - Us, the Morgans, the Rotzlers, the Powell-Jordans, and the Briscoes.  When we first arrived at Alpine, we were ready to plug in quickly to a small group.  We visited a couple of groups, but this one won us over with kids we knew our kids would enjoy, a few families who don't have family near by (which is unusual around here), super church-committed families and guys who love to read and dig into theological dialogue.
This pic was taken on the last night that Rand and Maggie were with us before moving to Colorado.  They have been mentoring this small group for years.  We just got the tail end of their mentoring and friendship, but we were so thankful to get to know them.  Here we are after the annual wiffle ball home run derby.    

In addition to being a sweet mentor, Maggie gave me her Avon business!  I had been kicking around the idea of selling something from home, but I wasn't passionate about anything I could find and the thought of starting from scratch sounded very challenging.  I didn't even know Maggie sold Avon, but she called me out of the blue with a "business proposition" once they started making their plans to move to CO.  She told me the story of how another Avon lady had passed her business on to Maggie 20 years ago when Maggie was home with young children.  It had been such a blessing to Maggie and their family for all those years.  She told me that it didn't make them rich, but it was the "extra" money that allowed them to do piano lessons, dance class, travel, etc.  She even saved slowly and took Rand on a trip to Hawaii and a trip to Alaska!  She had really thought and prayed about who to give her business to.  She had about 40 customers (some still from the previous Avon lady!) and was approached by other reps in the area who wanted her clients.  She wanted her customers to be well taken care of, and she wanted to bless a young mom home with kiddos.  It was so neat to see the answer to prayer for both of us.  I never would have guessed I'd be and Avon Lady, but here I am!  I'm working on taking what she's given me and growing it a bit.  The kids have been patient with my Avon work (Lucy talks a lot about Avon).  They help me package orders and do deliveries.  I'm still working out my best system as I've only been at it for about a month, but so far, so good!  If you read this blog and want to order, contact me - Avon will deliver!