A few weeks ago, I was pretty sure we weren't doing a live June cohort. I know I even mentioned this to some of those who participated during the May Challenge. Originally, it felt like the practical decision. I'm nearing the end of pregnancy. Summer is here. The kids are home. Life is full (and my capacity is questionable). And if I'm being completely transparent, I wasn't sure I had the energy to bring new people into the group and keep conversations moving. So I started thinking maybe we'd just pause for the month. Then I mentioned this to my husband. His response was immediate. "What?!" Not in a harsh way. Not in a corrective way. Just genuine surprise (and maybe with an eyeroll because he knows this brings me energy!) "No. You're doing it." Now, one thing about me: when my husband is right, I don't always know it immediately. Sometimes it takes me a little while to come around. This was one of those times. But, as I simmered with inviting people in, the live challenge, and leaning in to the Lord again, I realized the only reason I wasn't wanting to do it were excuses grounded in: 1) Self-Preservation 2) Self-Reliance 3) Self-Protection Over the next few weeks, I kept hearing the same thing from people around me. People are hungry for connection. Not more content. Not another teaching series. Not another thing to consume. Connection around faith. People want spaces where they can talk honestly about what they're experiencing with God. They want to hear what others are seeing. They want to share their own stories. They want to process faith in community rather than in isolation. Or, at least, hear other people process faith to embark on their own trepidation journey too. And the more I listened, the more I realized that's exactly what we've been saying we want, too, Taylor and I. More present, vulnerable, tingly Spirit speaking conversations that are consistent, not one-off moments. More opportunities to behold God's presence together and share what we're noticing.

As you read the reflection from today’s prayer practice below, share your own experience, hangups, or actions for today in a comment below. Today started with picturing a table and Jesus approaching you there, sitting with you. Then, slowing down and breathing, noticing how your body felt when doing so, and discovering a main emotion rising up or hiding under the surface. You were invited to surrender the feeling through an action and then to simply sit with Jesus again, telling him about this emotion. Some of the prompts through the prayer were What are you carrying? How are you carrying it? What does the emotion you feel take the shape of? Pick an action to do with this emotion And finally, the question Am I Willing? Did one of the prompts stand out more than others? As you identify your honest answer to this question - yes, no, maybe, not sure….. Perhaps go deeper by asking- Am I Willing TODAY? However you answered this question, move forward with it today. Maybe that means saying yes to something instead of no, for today, or adding time to your schedule to listen and slow down, instead of completing another task. Wherever you fall in the answer to being willing, you have the agency to move forward with it. And you’re not alone in that either! We’re here, all identifying the same invitation and taking a step of faith.

In the hope of getting to know each other a little, use this post in the comments below to share your answer to this question: Describe your day to day thoughts and emotions using a book or chapter title. For example, mines was 'Death by a Thousand Cuts: A Survivalists Guide to raising kids and not loosing your ind, your heart, or your pone in the process.' Why a fun and insightful question?? Because stepping out in faith is best experienced together. Seeking God alone will definitely bring an encounter in your life with Jesus. But seeking God with other people who are there to hear about your experience when you DO encounter Him, makes the experience so much more real, deep, and affirmed. This week, as we draw near to God together, share your experience each day in the 'Daily Post' by commenting or posting a video response. You'll deepen your personal reflection and receive energizing encouragement as you share and realize we're here to hear your story!

Planning Discussion! EDITED & UPDATED More details on what to expect for this gathering will be given but this is just for logistics! Please respond with all available times listed below by commenting with the numbers you CAN attend a celebration call. All times are listed in Pacific Time Zone. 1. Saturday 9am 2. Saturday 10am 3. Saturday 11am 4. Saturday 4:30 Thank you! And so looking forward to some real and same time and space!

Prompts to encourage review and reflection: - What memory that came to mind during the practice? - Where did Jesus revealed himself in your memory? - What did God shared with you during the question, “What do you want me to know?” - What was relieving or difficult about this practice for you?