In the birthday aftermath

Sunday night my wonderful, too good to be true roommates threw me a little surprise birthday party... I think it was the first time that I was actually surprised. We were supposed to have a few friends over for some potluck and to watch a couple of messages from John Piper on DVD (woo-wee, we are some WILD and CRAZY people). :) Anyway, I got home to find a note on the door of the apartment that led into a mini scavenger hunt around the apartment... it was really fun and very sweet. The last clue led out to the balcony where all of my other friends were waiting and of course they yelled and blew shrill party horns.

It was a great night all around, with some wonderful laughs, fellowship, as well as good teaching and worship. We also spent some time sharing burdens and received some much needed prayer and encouragement. The night was very laid back and just... great. The last of our guests left at about 1:30am.

There is nothing like genuine fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ... to be real in our struggles and heartaches, yet rejoicing together that we have confidence in God's goodness and love toward His children in the midst of trials... Hearing songs sang by men and women declaring the goodness of God, joining together in listening to teaching of God's Word and sharing what part of our hearts were exposed as we heard Truth articulated, confession of sin and resulting forgiveness and reconciliation, Christ-centered romance that can be observed, rejoiced over, and shared with brothers and sisters in the Lord... THIS is what fellowship of the body of Christ is about! To share LIFE together, to spur each other on toward love and good works, to bear one another's burdens, to exhort and comfort, to learn to live the Gospel and helping each other in understanding what that means. Life in Christ is the best thing that I have ever or COULD ever imagine - and I am so thankful for what amazing people that God has placed in my life, in such a time as this.

"By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethern. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, ,let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him... And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment." - 1 John 3:16-19, 23

And at your request...
Some birthday highlights caught on camera:






Birthday bashers! (l-r, front): Me, Jen, Danielle, Keiko
(l-r, back): Joey, Jason, Bradley, Chris G, Eric, Chris L, Kelly, Jose'








Oh, look. It's a cake. On the dryer.








JEN! Put the knife DOWN!!!







Bradley and Jason- my favorite guitar player *sigh*- rockin' out on my guitar












Jose' practicing his "pretty princess" pose


Me and my girls, Jen and Lisa - thank you.