Nashville had me at hello...

I LOVEEE IT HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!

I woke up this morning and went to Belmont Church in Nashville. I was immediately greeted with an abundance of warm welcomes! The church probably holds about 350 people between the main floor and the balcony. Worship time was UNBELIEVABLE. God's presence just seemed to radiate through the whole building. A verse that the pastor really focused on was:

1 Peter 3:15
... in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.

The pastor explained that the only way we are going to get through the trials and tribulations of life is to set our focus and our hearts and minds on God!

In the beginning of the service after worship- they asked us to greet one another and sit down. I introduced myself to a young woman next to me. She has lived here for about 9 years and is a pediatric nurse. I shared with her that I was on a little excursion and we agreed to chat more after the service was over. Once the service ended we started talking a bit more- but before I could even say anything she invited me to stay at her house while I was in town! Seriously!!?? I know! Crazy! I told her that I might take her up on that for one of the nights! I also had asked her if the church had any community groups that met during the week that I could be a part of-- and you'll never guess... she leads a group for people my age on Tuesday nights! Really?? I am so blown away. So- on Tuesday night I will be checking out a community group and then staying the night at my new friend Laura's house. :o)

Since I am a lover of coffee houses, I thought I would ask some people at the church for some recommendations for a quaint little coffee house. I was directed to go to the Frothy Monkey. Quite the name- and it is quite the coffee house! It is in a small house on the side of the road. I walked in and it was completely full! I was a little nervous where I was going to sit- so I asked the barista what I should do- she said "just ask somebody if you can join their table, these are community tables"- so I joined a table with 3 other people. Everybody is so friendly and the people here really live in community with one another. The barista- Sarah, invited me to come to her church with her tonight at 6pm. I think I might do that! I was also invited to go back to Belmont Church tonight to hear somebody speak about what is going on in Darfur. Not sure which one I will go to but either way I am looking forward to tonight!

Turns out it is quite the small world. While I was sitting here blogging, I looked over and recognized a girl. Turns out she is friends with my friend Audra- and I have seen photos of her on Audras facebook page. Apparently she lives right in the area! So I went over and said hello. crazy!

Ok- that is all for now, I am going to go do some exploring. I'll check back later! :o)