here we go…
we had our first sunday service of the school year yesterday and it went really well i think. neil gave a great message about not dating the church, but committing to it. whether it’s us or someone else, don’t be a consumer, don’t just shop around and create the perfect combo meal. it was really good.
i’m excited for students to be back around. there’s more energy to be sure, and definitely more happening. part of me likes that, part of me wants to react against it.
anyways, i’m really hopeful and excited for what this fall holds in store. neil shared at our revo’s unite time on saturday about having an optimistic faith, which has stuck with me and i was reminded of as i read some stuff this morning and spent some time praying for some people. i read in mark 5 where Jairus’ daughter is sick, dies, and Jesus raises her, and in that same section, where the bleeding women touches Jesus’ cloak and is healed. i was struck that they didn’t just believe Jesus could heal, but they came and asked/acted with confidence that he would. that’s optimistic faith. faith that asks and acts. and that’s my prayer for us this fall, that we could ask and act with faith that God desires people to come to know Him and that He desires his children to go deeper with Him.
we’d certainly appreciate your prayers along those same lines. 
thanks!