Recognizing God's Voice and Thanksgiving Break

This week, we had Donna MacGowan speak on Recognizing the Voice of God. I was so excited to hear her as a teacher because I see how she lives and see that she practices what she preaches. It was a really powerful couple of days learning about hearing God's voice and recognizing how He speaks to us. She also talked about the different ways God speaks and how to know if a word you get is really from God.
Here are a couple great points from her:
-David Watson said, "To say, 'No, Lord,' is a contradiction in terms." If you call Him Lord, you're already saying yes to Him.
-Every temptation is an invitation to live independently of God.
-The fear of the Lord is being more concerned with God's reaction to your attitudes and actions than man's reaction to your attitudes and actions.
Wednesday, our Thanksgiving break officially began. I was sooo looking forward to relaxing over the break and spending time with my family who drove in from California. They officially made it at about midnight that night, and we had a wonderful time together. Some of the students and staff went home to be with their families, but some chose to stay. We had the option of getting one of our favorite family recipes to make a special dish for Thanksgiving, and Donna bought all the supplies (and multiplied them to feed about 30 people). So we had a really fun time cooking together all Thursday and eating as a big family. That evening, we went to the MacGowan's cabin for a beautiful evening drinking hot chai, having dessert, and sharing things we are thankful for. Their cabin is the cutest house ever, by the way.
Friday, I went Black Friday Shopping with my family and got two things I need for my upcoming outreach. It was great to just get out and spend that family time together that we had been missing so much. Saturday, some of us went back up to the MacGowan's to decorate the Christmas tree and make Christmas cookies, all while listening to Christmas music of course. :)

 Katie and I made a pair of alien Christmas cookies haha

 Hanna made this cutie :)

My roommate Alex made these ones for Mark and Donna

On Sunday, some of us went to a thrift store called the Arc, which is pretty popular here (especially with YWAMers ;)). I got a couple things for outreach for really cheap! Here's a family picture we got on our way back up the mountain:

My Dad CJ, Mom Laury, me, and my Brother CJ

That evening, Dad went to minister in a prison near Denver for the first time and had an amazing night sharing the Gospel and worshiping with the guys there. We ended our last night together with a big, family jam sesh by the fire, which was super fun. A bunch of people ended up joining, with a couple guys  playing drums and another playing bass.

Lars, Jonathan, and Daddy

Needless to say, it was really hard to say bye to my family Monday morning. Definitely harder than the first time. I already miss them and will be so happy to be back in February, but I also can't wait for outreach! Only 17 days until I leave!
This week is Outreach Prep, so we are learning a lot of dramas and skits! I'm in six of them, and we started today. I'll tell more about it after the week is over :)
Thanks for reading!
xo
LC