Encouraged!!

First of all, I just want to say that I was deeply blessed by the time I spent with most of you today. So much so, I had to post tonight. It was just so greatly refreshing to realize the blessing the Lord gives to those who long to serve him and obey him. I spent the day watching all of you; observing who you are, how God created you, witnessing your hearts, and hearing of your growth and lives. I was just deeply encouraged by you all, even through simple observations of how you live small moments of your lives. It often amazes me how different we all can be created, but how God takes us for who we are and uses us. So today I was just humbly reminded of how different God creates us, but how powerful it is when we walk out in the same purpose.

As I was driving home tonight and thinking about all of this, I was reminded of a common phrase that I'd tell Barneys. At the end of summer as the Barnes were leaving, they'd often talk about entering back into the "real world". I would often respond with, "Don't see it as going home to the 'real world'. Living in the 'real world' is simply living a life focused on Christ and His purposes. As long as you live in that way, your always living in the REAL world". When I think of all of you, I think of this. You all live such REAL lives! We can never go wrong when we live for Christ and walk out in his purposes! It was just so encouraging!

It was just so great to be with you all, interviewing and welcoming a new generation in. As well as fellowshiping and worshiping with the past. Again, just so encouraging to look around the room, and see the way God has grown and developed those past staff members. He is just so faithful, and I love that!

Secondly, this includes my post about fasting. Fasting is always a challenge for me. I had actually done away with practicing that discipline in my life for a while now. Not because I didn't believe it should be practiced, but rather I just didn't understand its importance or value. Coming back to it this week was good. A little bit of a struggle, but I found God was walking me through it. What I found encouraging was the verse Reid posted; Psalm 69:10 - "I humbled my soul with fasting". It really got me thinking about the significance and importance of fasting. It provides in opportunity of humbling oneself and reminding oneself of who actually sustains life. And then we are even reminded that the very food we eat comes from God. It diffidently realigns our perspectives. I'm enjoying reading and practicing these disciplines, its even more enjoyable to know you all are doing it as well :0)

Love you all,

-Stef