Welcome Back

YEAHOO! You are back!

Cue the balloons, streamers, dance party playlist, and shouts of joy.

You have spent so many years running, hiding, and seeking.

In all that time, God never stopped searching for you. When you came out of hiding and ran to Him, He held you so close and was filled with utter joy that you received His love and forgiveness.

God picked you up, cleaned you up, and you have been making this beautiful journey home together.

And now here you are.  

Safe and sound.

I know you are tired and need some rest. It's been quite a journey up to this point.

But rest can come tomorrow. 

Today - we celebrate!

Look around. The right people are here. Look at all their gorgeous faces!

These are your people! They love you, they see you, they know you and they believe in you.

You are surrounded by great friends, family, and people who are good for your soul.

It feels fantastic but also kind of weird to feel safe and believe we deserve this kindness and respect.

But man, this is pretty awesome.

We are having so much fun dancing and laughing as we let our defenses down and just enjoy the moment.

We notice some people over there trying to get into this invitation-only party. Thank goodness God has some bouncers at the door.  

We walk over, smile, and confidently shut the door. 

No one is allowed into this party if they are unwilling to treat us well.

Those days are behind us.

You have come so far, and I am so proud of you!  

Tomorrow, we keep going, but today, we CELEBRATE!

Look at those dance moves; pretty impressive, my friend!

Keep dancing and don’t forget, God has found you, and He is never, EVER going to let you go.

Luke 15: 18-22

'I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants. So he got up and went to his father.'

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. 

Let's have a feast and celebrate. 

For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.

Psalm 16: 11

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore, my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.