so many things in such a short time...

THURSDAY NIGHT GATHERING...
we had some MUCH needed group time tonight :)

we started the night off with prayer time.  covering our (coming soon) curtains in prayer as well as our night :)

then austin shared some POWERFUL words with us from a class he was in a few weeks ago - about finding our affection for God.
how every one of us has certain things that stir our affections for Him.
whether it be waking up early and drinking coffee...
or sitting by the ocean...
or watching a really great movie...
or putting on certain music...
or creating a piece of art...
whatever it is - it stirs up our affections and just makes us love God.
causes us to think about Him and dwell on Him - if only for a moment.
but it brings us into His presence.
you may not know what your "things" are - but pay attention.
next time you find yourself smiling and thinking of God...notice what it is you're doing.
start to learn how God has wired you to worship Him...
:)

and then we played a little game...it caused some confusion, some laughter, some self-esteem issues...
but it was fun. :)

God has been laying on my heart the IMPORTANCE of helping each other find our gifts.
we can pray and practice and think all we want on our own - but how HELPFUL is it to have someone else say "hey - i noticed that you are really good at this and i really feel God's presence when you______."
so we took some time and pointed out each other's gifts.
its just really good to hear someone else say it.
its part of being a body, right?  a community?  we help each other.
so i encourage you to NOTICE people.  and to go out of your way to TELL them what you notice.
lets encourage each other.
:)

and then we started a new sport.
no big deal.
you might call it marker launching.
i feel like its pretty self-explanatory.

and then we invented a handshake, some new words, some sign language and discussed literature.
you know...
normal.
:)

GOD IS GOOD, FRIENDS!!!
love that He knows us all so well and places us exactly where He designed us to fit.
LOVE IT.



-ALIVE