Wow. What a weekend!
Every year, our youth host a big event, DNOW. There are always many ways for the whole church body to get involved. This was the first year we had a chance to help with it and we loved it! Here's the scoop.
We prayerfully decided to be a "support home" for 7th grade guys. We basically drove them around wherever they needed to be and most of all got to connect with them. We really enjoyed it. Thursday night, I made marshmallow crispy treats and BBQ snack mix for the guys.
The event started on Wednesday night as a kickoff for DNOW.
We went to Horton Farms and saw Acrodunk. They are a pretty cool group of guys that play basketball but add tricks to it.
It was amazing to see all the stunts they did on the bball court.
Acrodunk has been on America's Got Talent and did very well on the show for a while. I think they were one of the finalists. Everyone enjoyed it.
Oh, I almost forgot, there are quite a few pictures. :)
Friday night we picked up the boys from Aimee's house. Her family was a "host home" for our group and we helped each other out throughout the weekend.
Aimee and me
I told her she is a multitalented mom. Along with being a wife and mom, she cooks, sews, paints, etc. Ha! I was amazed when I learned this about her. I really enjoyed getting to know her!
We parked at the high school to tailgate and enjoyed catching up with friends.
I was so glad to see Elizabeth throughout the weekend. She is such a precious and adorable friend!
All of the DNOW crew went to the BHS football game and cheered on the Bentonville Tigers.
A group with their t-shirts!
Of course, we sat in the student section. They all throw baby powder in the air right at kickoff every game. Yep!
We were all covered with powder. Angie, Shelley, Baylie, and me laughing it up!
I was so happy to see one of my girls from Sunday school, Annabelle! We got to talk for a little while during the game. Note the powder all over my shirt and also my crazy hair that blows up in humidity. Crazy!
The night wasn't over yet. Hutch, our youth leader put on a huge rave with black lights, loud and crazy music and NEON!
The youth were overly excited and had tons of energy!
Yep, this about sums it up. So funny!
Y'all know I am a kid at heart so I did wear neon pink earrings and a glow necklace.
Carly is the most energetic friend I have!
Her smile is contagious!
After I went to the "rave" for a little bit, I had enough of the booming music and sat in the hall with the other adults! :) I say again on my blog, I can confirm, yet again, I am slowly approaching 30. Maybe that's why I'm getting too old for this stuff. HA!
So it was needless to say a fun but late night.
Saturday morning:
Let's say it together: COFFEE!!
I don't regularly drink coffee but I did yesterday.
We were ready to worship and learn more about the Lord! We certainly did.
It was so good to see over 350 teens learning about the Lord and desiring His will for their life. So awesome! The speaker, Chad Poe, was so good!
Hutch's kids Korbyn, Kampbell, and Kash are adorable! I had to snap a quick pic.
Russell and I before the big group picture.
I was tickled to see Raven there this weekend. She was one of the college leaders for a group of girls. She is such a great girl! Love Raven and her sweet family!
Lunch time!
Love these girls!
Carly, Jordan and Sarah enjoying our fave for lunch, Chick-fil-a!
A big part of DNOW every year is a community service project. We participated in a food drive.
Joshua, Jake, Simon and Satchel ready to help our community!
Having a good time!
Russell, Holden, Satchel, and Simon
Our church teamed up with another local church for the food drive. We heard that our friends, Jeremy and Kristie go to that church but it was such a surprise to see Jeremy picking up all the food for it! We have not seen him in years. He is a good friend of ours from college in South Arkansas.
Every group had college leaders. Here were our group's leaders, Josh and Jesse. We really enjoyed our time with them and getting to know them.
Our wonderful group!
Simon, Joshua, Andy, Jake, Josh, Holden, Jesse, Russell and Satchel
Between the ten of us, we collected 340 items for our community! Best of all, the DNOW group collected 11,000 items! That is amazing!
We had free time and later that evening, we met back at the church for our last session.
Russell and I before church, our DNOW service.
There were quite a few decisions made throughout this weekend. I don't know an approximate number though. I just know that God was obviously present. We talked a lot about the verses in Philippians 2.
I just adore when the Lord overflows us with His love, grace, and mercy and that is just what He did in my heart this weekend. It was great. It still is. The best news is that His love, grace, and mercy overflow daily. Just go to Him and He will show you.
Viral: spread rapidly from one person to the other around the world!
DNOW: We've gone viral.
Here is a video I wanted to share with you! Enjoy!
Philipians 2:14-16 Do everything without grumbling or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
