As small-group leaders, we all unite under a common goal: to share the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ with everyone we encounter (especially the girls in our small group). We are masters of embracing the awkward and rolling with whatever God throws our way (OK, not masters but more like experienced beginners). Although we all have at least 12 different thoughts per minute, here are the top twelve that frequently returned to my mind.

1. I hope the girls know which room to go to

I told them which elevator was closest, but if they take the wrong one, they will never find it. I'll just GroupMe them all again!

2. I made too many cookies (yikes, stress baking)

Six dozen didn't seem like this many when I first started baking. I guess I should have stopped after three...

3. I ate too many cookies (yikes, stress eating)

I definitely should have only made two because them I could have only eaten three...not the 9 that I regret eating after the fact (that is also not even including the amount of cookie dough that was eaten while making them).

4. I L-O-V-E my co leader

We are both dairy free, love Matthew McConaughey, and love the Lord. What could be better?!

5. Freshman girls are so busy and such good students

Wow, I guess I had an easy class load because these girls are committed to their school work and have a lot of it!

6. The Lord will provide!

Even on my days of doubt, I know that this will always hold true.

7. The Bible app can download while we do highs/lows if anyone forgot their bible

The Lord also provides technology to read His word from which is GREAT because I am a bit forgetful.

8. I hope they like the study tonight, but if not, they will still have had God’s love shared with them

Bless up for people like Noah, Mary, Martha, and Moses who give us amazing stories to share about God's love. They make small group leading look easy!

9. The Lord is SO good!

No matter how hard my day is, I know that the Lord is good and on my side through every story (including a shambley bible study).

10. We have to hold hands when we pray…it is too weird if we don’t!

That awkward moment when everyone bows their head to pray and you stick out your hands hoping that someone will grab it so at least you don't look silly alone!

11. No matter how good or bad tonight goes, don't cry until you get home

Whether one girl shows or one hundred girls show, night one of bible study is a roller coaster of emotions. Just don't let them see you cry the first night (it might scare them).

12. The Lord blessed this group abundantly more than I could have prayed for!

Even in your wildest dreams, craziest prayers, and everything in between, the Lord knew exactly what He wanted from this newest small group. He sees our stories and chooses to unite them so we can grow in community together. No prayer could have ever been as good as what the Lord provided tonight.

The Lord is perfect in his plan for us through very struggle, every tear, and every mountain in between. All we need is to be still and give the rest to God.