rob bell and fantastic friends

i have to say that God blessed me with an incredible last two days. i think friends and relationships are really important, and this weekend just clarified that. since i have been home, it has been a little difficult because i left a loving community of around 90 people, and i came to a place where i dont have that supportive community...so i have been feeling a little sad and lost...but that has to change.

on friday, my great friend whitney brought her fiancee!! and their friend ben with them to come to chicago to see Rob Bell speak. it was a great experience listening to him. he is a very intense person, who seems incredibly bright and extremely smart. a definate gift from God. he connected so many things together in Genesis 1 that was mind boggling..and the thing was that he didnt just make it up...theres research and a lot of studying that went behind it, which is sometimes unusual these days. i cant really explain what it was about because it would take forever..i just suggest that you consider his final words, "Everything is Spiritual."

after the Rob Bell listening time :) we went off to my favorite sushi restaurant in chicago. let me say that before we went, whitney was not hungry and was not interested in eating sushi in the least..and nate had only eaten a roll with avocado and cucumbers. by the end of the night, they were eating eel, octopus, shrimp, crab, salmon, etc. with great pleasure! i love those experiences..the ones where you think you will hate something, but you dont really know because you havent tried it, due to false judgments or stereotypes..then when you try it, you love it! they will be back soon :) it was amazing...in a word.

the next morning, i had to work at the bakery, so they came to visit and chill and enjoy the atmosphere and great food. it was great. that night, we went to my other favorite place to eat, erwin...and also enjoyed the fantastic palate :) of foods. it is fun to eat with other people who appreciate the unique flavors that go into "gourmet" foods. i absolutely love eating at erwin's because it is a family there. i havent been there in 7 months, and it feels just like yesterday...yet, the only way i know the people who work there are through eating at erwins and knowing stephanie....the people are just so loving and caring...i just love it.

it was fun because there are a lot of latino busers/servers at erwins..and this one just came to refill our water, and i asked him where he was from...and he was from ECUADOR!! how great...i love that, thats when you know you are in the right place at the right time, as my nana always says. thank you God for little reminders like that.

GOd knew that i needed this weekend to be reminded of His love and provision. He provided in many ways and i am extremely excited to continue to see what he has in store to further his kingdom through guiding little ol me. and you. and your family. i love relationships that are based on truth and not based on the small details that no one cares about. that is fine to have...but only as a little parsley, or eel sauce drizzled on the amazing creation of relationship that our Elohim, our creator has in store for us. who knew just two days and 3 people could have such an impact. our God is amazing...in a word.

Many o Lord are the wonders you have done. were i to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. psalm 32