back to life, back to reality

i'm back in the "big d" and rather exhausted still. it was so worth it though! just some thoughts:

*its been a while since my last conference... Winter Heritage 2009. Wow.

*i don't like it when people are under the delusion that when they leave a conference, they are like superheroes! nothing can bring them down after the experience they had! oh sure, there is a definite adrenaline rush. That's unavoidable. but guys and gals, i feel changed. it's hard to explain. i really feel more affected by this last conference than i've felt in a loooonnnggg time. this conference had an unmistakable DEPTH {a rarity for a youth conference}. the presence of God was so incredibly tangible at times, i felt unworthy to be experiencing it. all i want to do is re-listen to all of the great messages that i heard last week.... that's not normal behavior for me.


*pursuit. living for God is a constant pursuit. if i let my guard down, i will gradually become weaker. just like a natural relationship, if i do not make an effort to maintain my walk with Him, the relationship will dwindle down to nothingness. yesterday, i could already feel.... well it sounds weird but! - it almost felt as though some of my strength was seeping out. i had to remind myself of the pursuit.


*our Sunday night service consisted of only singing, testimony and offering. all of us Heritage people testified and it was so powerful. what a blessing to hear how God helped the teens at my church. it's not easy for them in this psychotic world.


*le sigh. Colorado Springs.... how i miss your 60 degree nights. 


*i love seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and Finally becoming acquainted with bloggin' friends! i love going to conferences and being around people who are like me. think about it: everywhere we go, we're surrounded by a ton of people who are not saved. besides our local churches, isn't it cool to go somewhere and be around hundreds of people that you do not know but yet they have the holy ghost too? i love that our teens got to experience that also. it's easy to feel like you're the only one trying to live for God out there.

*on the last night of every conference, i usually take a few minutes to sit still and look all around me. i feel like i have to soak it all in before i leave. this is what Heaven will be like. will there be a large amount of animal print, ruffled high collars and taffeta dresses in Heaven? i'll get back to you on that..... but Heaven = worshiping God forever and ever and ever, etc.