365.101: EPM Retreat

So we're clear, just know that whenever I say "EPM," I am referring to Elevate PM from here on out. And if you're at an utter loss by that first sentence, read this.

Anywho, today was the second day of the Elevate retreat, and it has been amazing. I can sum up the focus of the weekend so far (for me personally) in two categories:

1. building community
2. practically learning how to hear the voice of God

The community part is pretty straight-forward. We've played a lot of fun get-to-know-you games (that have actually been FUN, by the way) and spent time every day broken down into our Discipleship Groups. This is my group:

From L to R: Me, Jessica, Maegan, and Davin

Davin is part of the EPM staff and is our fearless leader. I am just so honored to be placed under her in this group, as she is such an amazing woman of God who hears His voice clearly and then readily follows and obeys.

Which leads me to the second big thing this weekend: hearing the voice of God. When I was growing up and facing decisions, my parents would always first ask if I had prayed about the decision. I said, "Yes," every time (possibly with a hint of defiant pride in my tone), but I never really knew what that meant exactly or how one goes about asking the almighty God of the universe if I should date this boy or go to Panama City Beach for Spring Break.

Over the years, and especially in the last five or so, I have begun to hear God's leading more clearly. Now, I know this is sometimes a theological debate. Does God really still talk to people, like when He gave Moses the Ten Commandments? Or maybe am I waiting to see a burning bush? Or maybe God doesn't actually talk to us, but just give us "signs" instead.
John 10:27 ~ "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
Amos 3:7 ~ "Surely the Lord does nothing without revealing His plans to His prophets."
John 10:4 ~ "After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice."
Jesus repeatedly says that his children will know and recognize his voice. What is the best way to get to know someone really really well? To spend time with them! I intend to practice that over the next year, and have already experienced such greater intimacy and closeness with Jesus just in the last couple weeks of spending more devoted time with him! I love it!