For the first time in a long time...

...I encountered God.

I have spent a lot of time this week in the Prayer Room. Everyday was different, and I was finding it more and more difficult to go where I wanted to go in God. For some of you, this won't make sense, but I'm going to keep writing anyway.

So tonight I went to the Encountering God Service at IHOP. I have been to EGS since I moved here, and they all have been good services. However, tonight was different for me. Justin Rizzo led worship from 6 -7ish, which was fun. My favorite part was when all the young adults ran up to the front to dance. I just smiled ear-to-ear. It was GREAT.

Then Allen Hood came out to preach. Allen is my favorite speaker at IHOP. Seven years ago last month, I heard Allen for the first time, and my life in God changed for the better. Tonight, God used Allen to speak a lot into my life. Which was AWESOME. I haven't heard a sermon that connected with me like that in a LONG time.

At the end, I went up by the stage for prayer. Allen prayed over us, and then I just stayed up there. Justin finished and Matt Gilman came out. Matt is becoming a real favorite of mine, and I was excited to see him come out. So, I just stayed up front. I honestly expected IHOP staff to come tell me to eventually move, but noone did. I just sat and sang. And, in that, I encountered God. I can't put into words what happened, but for the first time in a while, I feel peace. Real peace. Deep peace... And, for that, I am grateful. It's been so long since I've been here. Amazing...

I plan on going to EGS again tomorrow night...

Life.
Is.
Good.