This weekend DLA and Furnace went on a fasting retreat on Friday and Saturday in Breckenridge. On the way up, my van had a pretty awesome time. We were called the Mafia van (we love this game), but later it turned into the 'van on fire (not literally haha).' One of the core leaders twisted her ankle pretty badly right before we took off. Later on she was in a lot of pain and the ankle was swelling up, so she asked for us all to pray for her. People were climbing over seats and laying on the top of them to reach her. After praying for a few minutes, Gabby asked her if any of the pain had gone down since we started praying for her and it went down from a 7-8 to a 4! We just kept on praying for her and she went all the way down to a one right before we left the van. As we prayed for Aubree's ankle, Peyton said that her sinuses all cleared up and we prayed for her headache which also went away. She told us on the way back home that she didn't have any other headaches for the rest of the retreat which was a big deal since she usually gets them while fasting. Chad's hand was in pain so we prayed for him and most of his pain was gone. While we were sitting in the parking garage, one of the band members came up because people were hearing what was going on and he was healed of a headache he had. Isn't God so good? We were all just so pumped up and excited that we didn't want to leave the van and just stay in that mode. Everyone realized though we didn't need to stay there, God isn't confined to certain areas. He can go where ever He wants and there is nothing special about that van. We just happened to be riding in it when God started healing people. I think that when we're not used to outpourings of the Holy Spirit like this, we tend to think that whatever's happening is only going to happen in that certain place and if we move to another location, the anointing will not be with us anymore. We need to let go of this fear and myth and trust in God and know that He moves!
On Saturday, we were able to have a time of solitude with God. We drove into town, split up into groups of 2 or 3 and found places where we could journal, listen, worship, be silent and enjoy the presence of the Lord. For me, God revealed how we just need to live in awe of Him everyday and not take anything for granted. When we got there, I just fell in love with the beauty that surrounded us. I don't know if any of you have been to Breckenridge, but there is so much to look at and to take in. Not only was nature so beautiful, but also the little shops and buildings all around were cheerful and quaint. They were all colorful and it looked so fun and homely. I was sitting with Peyton and Amanda in a little local coffee shop and right accross the street from us was an Irish pub. I have never been in one and probably never will, but I love Ireland and it was just cool to see it. When I fast, all the little things in life seem to stick out to me more than before and I was soaking it all in. God was showing me how much He loved me through it all. I usually don't journal, but as I was sitting there in that little shop listening to my Irish music that I was inclined to listen to, He showed me a picture of our love. It wasn't just His, it was our love story. I will post it up in another blog because of it's length, but it was so beautiful. When it was time to leave, we were all waiting for everone to get back to our meeting spot in a courtyard. God showed me again just how much He loved me through the weather and my surroundings. It was the most perfect, beautiful snow I had ever seen. It was sunny and there was light, fuzzy snow falling. I stood there with my eyes closed facing the sun letting my face soak up it's warmth as the snow fell ever so gently on my back. Kids were having fun on the nearby playground, interns were enjoying each other's company with light laughter, a couple was playing with their puppy and birds were chirping while bouncing around on the rocks by the small river. It was one of those moments where I wanted to never leave. I realized how caught up people can get day to day and forget how to be still, listen, watch, and enjoy life. The little things really do matter. They're all a part of one big story and without them, I think I would blow up. How could one go about life having to deal with big events all the time? Also think about this... God loved us so much that he would make small moments like this happen. He definately had our best interests in mind when He created it all. When was the last time you had a day of solitude? Have you been stressed out and weary? Maybe you haven't taken the time to soak up the little things in life. I challenge you to take a day and sit in God's presence and let Him speak to you through those moments. At least 3 or 4 hours and see what He shows you. Read the word, journal, put on some worship music and let Him romance you. You never know what will happen. You're just going to have to find out!
