Many things may come to mind when we think of gratitude, and there are many ways to express it. A "Thank You" card for a distant relative, a care package for a close friend, words of affirmation or appreciation for a significant other—gratitude is an integral part of how we interact with one another. But what if there is more to gratitude than just cards, gifts, or selfcare days?

This week, Ally explains the significance and necessity of our next spiritual practice: having an attitude of gratitude.

Our voices are unique, and bear characteristics that make them distinguishable from any other. With time, we come to recognize the voices of our parents, friends, siblings, co-workers, and maybe even a few celebrities. As we spend more time with someone, we become more familiar with their voice—able to pick it out from a crowd. Why is it then, that God's voice seems so hard to recognize?

This week, Jonathan points us toward the best way to become familiar with the voice of God: reading scripture.

It's thought that the average person speaks about 16,000 words every day. Although it is an interesting factoid, perhaps it is more important to focus on how those words are used. Who are those words aimed at? Are they encouraging? Do they carry concrete facts or personal opinions? Maybe the most important question to ask is "How many of those words do we use to speak to God?"

We're starting our new sermon series "HMU: Interacting with an Active God," so for the next few weeks we'll be diving into topics that will help us cultivate a healthy relationship with God. This week, TJ kicks off the series by talking about Personally Transforming Prayer and how to communicate with God.

It appears the story is coming to a close. There was Creation, and then there was the Fall, and finally the hope of Redemption through Jesus. What more could there be? The story could certainly end here, but the truth is so much better, and so much more wonderful than that. There is more hope. There is always more hope.

This week, Bri closes out the series with the full picture of what it means to choose a relationship with Jesus: total restoration.

Every story reaches a point where things seem hopeless--the ship is sinking, a kingdom is overthrown, a city is burned to the ground. Victory appears to be completely out of reach...until some circumstance changes or someone intervenes. What if this story we're in doesn't end in death and shame? Could there be someone capable of intervening and changing the circumstances? One thing is certain: "The Fall" was just the beginning.

This week, Ally shares with us what came after the fall distorted the dance and allowed evil to enter; there is the hope of redemption as the battle for the heart unfolds.

A change in perspective is something that can be seen across our favorite stories. A little fear took the woods Snow White loved and transformed it into trees grabbing at her from every direction. A change of rhythm, and the original "dance" of creation would never be the same again. What's more,  there's something off about this new dance.

This week, Jonathan takes us through the decision that changed everything: the entrance of evil.

Love is everywhere. It permeates the stories we read, watch, and hear. From tragic romances like Romeo + Juliet to idolized, celebrity, couple goals like Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. From onscreen bromances to your best friend. Regardless of how you feel about it, there's no way to avoid love. But what if all of the love stories we grew up hearing were just the tip of the iceberg? A knock off version of the real deal; a vague and blurry likeness of the very first love story.

This week, TJ takes us to the very beginning of the story, where eternal love started it all.

We love them. Whether it comes from a book, television series, movie, song, or friends and family, we love to hear them and be part of them. We all have our own, and we're part of many others. Stories. We can't seem to get enough. What many of us may not realize is that--in addition to our own--we are all part of a much larger narrative. Even more exciting, we all have a specific role to fill.

This week, Bri introduces us to this idea and sets the stage for the next four "episodes" in our first sermon series of the semester.

TJ shares with us how we are chosen and discusses Kingdom clout!

Listen as Ally shares with us some great truths about unanswered prayers.