Why I love utenited.

Because when we sing "make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth" we actually make joyful noises! Even if Ben had to drop a reminder...

Seriously though, love the words to that song:

The flowers of the field
Are cry'n to be heard
The trees of the forest
Are singing
And all of the mountains
With one voice
Are joining the chorus of this world

Running through the forest
Dive into the lake
Bare feet on beaches white
Standing in the canyon
Painted hills around
The wind against my skin
Every ocean
Every sea
Every river
Every stream
Every mountain
Every tree
Every blade of grass will sing

I don't know if anyone reading this has read The Shack, but there is this part where the character in the book sees the world through God's eyes for a little bit, and everything is so indescribably beautiful, with it's own unique rainbow of color. This is what I think of when I sing the words to this song. I definitely feel close to God when I'm exploring His beautiful creation, and I really love the idea that the reason I feel close is because all of nature is praising Him all the time. Makes me want to stay in a state of continuous praise as well.

Mike shared some awesome wisdom tonight. Here are a couple verses I especially liked from The Message Bible.

James 1:22-24 says... "Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like."

Galatians 5:22-23 says... "But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard -- things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely."

He also shared that while all Christians may have the same goal of bringing others to Christ, some can go about in in the wrong way, being condescending and judgemental rather than super loving like we should be.

I learned a lot about love in India this summer, and how simple, difficult, important it can be. One thing I know for sure is that it can break down every and any barrier. In the words of Mother Teresa, "We can do no great things, only small things with great love."

Love you.

Morgan