"Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground."
~Psalm 143: 10
It's 9:00PM on a Monday night. August 30, 2010. The first day back at Central Minnesota Christian School for a new school year. What a fantastic day. It was a good day to see friends, teachers and students.
It was fun to watch the new little kids with big, wide eyes walk down the hallway to their new classroom. To take it all in for the first time with awe and excitement. That part of school never gets old.
Today also brought a new bus route. Instead of going exclusively to Montevideo, now I go to Granite Falls AND Montevideo. The kids are great. The route is great. I am excited for this new year. Well, almost excited.
There are a few things that stress me out. Scheduling stresses me out. Working through less than ideal situations stresses me out. Not living up to the expectations of others stresses me out. Feeling like I am not always treated fairly or equally stresses me out. I hate being stressed out. For any reason.
However, this is an awesome opportunity for God to grow me. Stretch me. Take me out of my comfort zone and let me be His hands and feet. It's a good thing. Not always the most comfortable thing, but a good thing. I am thankful that God does that. I am thankful that He always knows best even if I think that I do. His ways are good ways and always right ways.
Thank You, Jesus, for a great start to the new year. Thank You for all of the trials and all of the triumphs. Thank You for Your precious children who are excited to learn and grow this year. Thank You for this life, God, and help me to use it to bring You glory. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
30 August 2010
25 August 2010
..His joy comes with the morning.....
Finally. Finally things seem to be getting back to normal. I am finally able to settle back into life here. I am laughing and joking with my friends again. I am enjoying the idea of school starting on Monday. I am excited to see all of the kids walk through the school doors Monday morning.
Finally things are starting to fall back into place after the emotional upheaval of post camp life.
Thank goodness. My moodiness was giving me whiplash, and probably everyone else here, too. I was getting sick of my attitude and sadness. I finally believe that I have pushed through the mourning period, so now I can finally really enjoy and take in what God is working throughout Joppa and upcoming with YA-TEC.
Friends, Joppa is incredible. What a great young adult group we are blessed to have here in Willmar. I have had some pretty incredible conversations lately with some of my friends about going deeper in our faith and not just being "Sunday Christians". We don't want complacency. We don't want to be comfortable. We want to step out of our comfort zones, be the hands and feet of Jesus and really serve. Get out and serve someone.
We have had a couple of incredible opportunities lately. From serving community meals to marching for Jesus up 1st Street, it has been amazing.
And now our friends have set out on a journey. Scottie, Chris and George left last Thursday night and are walking to Duluth, then to the cities, then to Mankato and making their way back home from there. They are going for a month and seeing who they encounter along the way. They didn't bring much with them (except Scottie is carrying a pretty big Cross and I think they may have Bibles and perhaps a change of clothes or two). They are trusting, in faith, that God is going to provide for their every need and keep them safe as they serve and minister to God's people on the streets in Duluth, the cities and Mankato.
That is awesome. And I can use awesome here because I believe that this an awe inspiring leap of faith.
See what God does when His servants are faithful?? I cannot wait to hear their stories when they return. I cannot wait to hear what God did and will continue to do even after they are back. I cannot wait to hear how it changed them, much like I came back changed.
I cannot wait to see how we use these experiences to make a difference in Willmar and the west central Minnesota area. God is moving. Let's be willing servants and vessels that He can use and let us not forget who we serve.
"I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.
Let me live that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.
I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your commands." -Psalm 119:174-176
Finally things are starting to fall back into place after the emotional upheaval of post camp life.
Thank goodness. My moodiness was giving me whiplash, and probably everyone else here, too. I was getting sick of my attitude and sadness. I finally believe that I have pushed through the mourning period, so now I can finally really enjoy and take in what God is working throughout Joppa and upcoming with YA-TEC.
Friends, Joppa is incredible. What a great young adult group we are blessed to have here in Willmar. I have had some pretty incredible conversations lately with some of my friends about going deeper in our faith and not just being "Sunday Christians". We don't want complacency. We don't want to be comfortable. We want to step out of our comfort zones, be the hands and feet of Jesus and really serve. Get out and serve someone.
We have had a couple of incredible opportunities lately. From serving community meals to marching for Jesus up 1st Street, it has been amazing.
And now our friends have set out on a journey. Scottie, Chris and George left last Thursday night and are walking to Duluth, then to the cities, then to Mankato and making their way back home from there. They are going for a month and seeing who they encounter along the way. They didn't bring much with them (except Scottie is carrying a pretty big Cross and I think they may have Bibles and perhaps a change of clothes or two). They are trusting, in faith, that God is going to provide for their every need and keep them safe as they serve and minister to God's people on the streets in Duluth, the cities and Mankato.
That is awesome. And I can use awesome here because I believe that this an awe inspiring leap of faith.
See what God does when His servants are faithful?? I cannot wait to hear their stories when they return. I cannot wait to hear what God did and will continue to do even after they are back. I cannot wait to hear how it changed them, much like I came back changed.
I cannot wait to see how we use these experiences to make a difference in Willmar and the west central Minnesota area. God is moving. Let's be willing servants and vessels that He can use and let us not forget who we serve.
"I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.
Let me live that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.
I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your commands." -Psalm 119:174-176
24 August 2010
On A Rainy Day
"Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst. For forty years you sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen." -Nehemiah 9:19-21
I thank God that He does not leave us in the desert
I praise Him for His provision and His grace
I know His pillar goes before me
As I tread onwards towards a Heavenly place
Your promises bring peace to a weary soul
Joy to a life filled with fear
Comfort to a breaking and bleeding heart
Compassion as Your love draws me near
Renew this tired travelers hope, dear Lord
Return this heart fully towards home
Receive these praises from tired lips
Redirect these feet as they roam
Bring forth a steadfast Spirit
Shine light on the next shaky steps
Hold fast to Your servant, O Holy One
Plant boldness where it isn't yet
I thank You, Lord, for not leaving me
A constant Friend in this sometimes lonely place
I continue on this path I know
Towards Your indescribably beautiful face
I thank God that He does not leave us in the desert
I praise Him for His provision and His grace
I know His pillar goes before me
As I tread onwards towards a Heavenly place
Your promises bring peace to a weary soul
Joy to a life filled with fear
Comfort to a breaking and bleeding heart
Compassion as Your love draws me near
Renew this tired travelers hope, dear Lord
Return this heart fully towards home
Receive these praises from tired lips
Redirect these feet as they roam
Bring forth a steadfast Spirit
Shine light on the next shaky steps
Hold fast to Your servant, O Holy One
Plant boldness where it isn't yet
I thank You, Lord, for not leaving me
A constant Friend in this sometimes lonely place
I continue on this path I know
Towards Your indescribably beautiful face
16 August 2010
"Awesome"
Hey friends. It has been a few days or so since I have updated this. A lot has happened in a few days.
Friday night: Joppa ladies night. We got together, went out on a boat and played games. It was pretty epic. Yes. Amazingly epic.
Saturday: God of This City March in Willmar. It was pretty amazing. The pictures are on Facebook.
Sunday: Wicked in the cities. That was pretty awesome as well.
I must say, there has been a lot of awesome these last few days.
My dad dislikes when I use the term "awesome" to describe things like musicals and marches. His definition of "awesome" includes tornadoes and hurricanes. Epic acts of God. Things that are awesome.
Dictionary.com defines "awesome" as "inspiring awe". I can see that. God is awesome. His works are awesome. His creation is awesome. When you look at it in that context, a musical doesn't qualify. Not even close. Not even in the same playing field, actually.
God inspires awe. His very nature, His very character, His very being. He is completely wrapped in awesomeness. Oh yes. The Greek word for awesome (actually awesome respect) is phobeomai, which means "to fear, be afraid; to respect." It is used in two ways:
1) to be afraid for one's self, and
2) to have awesome respect for God
Apparently I have been using it wrong for some time. "Awesome" should be reserved for something truly awe inspiring. Think about that the next time you think something is awesome. :)
"Who among the gods is like you, O LORD ?
Who is like you—
majestic in holiness,
awesome in glory,
working wonders?" ~ Exodus 15:11
Here is a great new song that I currently have flittering around in my head. Enjoy!
"Light Up the Sky" ~ The Afters
When I'm feeling all alone and so far to go
The signs are nowhere on this road guiding me home
When the night is closing in
It's falling on my skin
Oh God will You come close
Light light light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
I I I can't deny
Oh I can't deny that You are right here with me
You've opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light light light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
When stars are hiding in the clouds
I don't feel them shining
When I can't see beyond my doubt
The silver lining
When I've almost reached the end
Like a flood You're rushing in
Love is rushing in
Light light light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
I I I can't deny
Oh I can't deny that You are right here with me
You've opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
So I run straight to Your arms
You're the bright and morning sun
To show Your love there's nothing You won't do
Light light light up the sky
You light up the sky to show me You are with me
I I I can't deny
Oh I can't deny that You are right here with me
You've opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light light light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You are with me
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You are with me
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Friday night: Joppa ladies night. We got together, went out on a boat and played games. It was pretty epic. Yes. Amazingly epic.
Saturday: God of This City March in Willmar. It was pretty amazing. The pictures are on Facebook.
Sunday: Wicked in the cities. That was pretty awesome as well.
I must say, there has been a lot of awesome these last few days.
My dad dislikes when I use the term "awesome" to describe things like musicals and marches. His definition of "awesome" includes tornadoes and hurricanes. Epic acts of God. Things that are awesome.
Dictionary.com defines "awesome" as "inspiring awe". I can see that. God is awesome. His works are awesome. His creation is awesome. When you look at it in that context, a musical doesn't qualify. Not even close. Not even in the same playing field, actually.
God inspires awe. His very nature, His very character, His very being. He is completely wrapped in awesomeness. Oh yes. The Greek word for awesome (actually awesome respect) is phobeomai, which means "to fear, be afraid; to respect." It is used in two ways:
1) to be afraid for one's self, and
2) to have awesome respect for God
Apparently I have been using it wrong for some time. "Awesome" should be reserved for something truly awe inspiring. Think about that the next time you think something is awesome. :)
"Who among the gods is like you, O LORD ?
Who is like you—
majestic in holiness,
awesome in glory,
working wonders?" ~ Exodus 15:11
Here is a great new song that I currently have flittering around in my head. Enjoy!
"Light Up the Sky" ~ The Afters
When I'm feeling all alone and so far to go
The signs are nowhere on this road guiding me home
When the night is closing in
It's falling on my skin
Oh God will You come close
Light light light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
I I I can't deny
Oh I can't deny that You are right here with me
You've opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light light light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
When stars are hiding in the clouds
I don't feel them shining
When I can't see beyond my doubt
The silver lining
When I've almost reached the end
Like a flood You're rushing in
Love is rushing in
Light light light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
I I I can't deny
Oh I can't deny that You are right here with me
You've opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
So I run straight to Your arms
You're the bright and morning sun
To show Your love there's nothing You won't do
Light light light up the sky
You light up the sky to show me You are with me
I I I can't deny
Oh I can't deny that You are right here with me
You've opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light light light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You are with me
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You are with me
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
13 August 2010
A Rambling I Go
Good afternoon, friends. I woke this morning feeling like I had been hit by a speeding locomotive. Oy. My head hurts, I am aching and my stomach is a bit on the "not-so-sure-you-should-put-food-in-me" side. Pretty sure I have something that resembles the flu, but I am praying that it isn't. Desperately praying that it isn't.
Last night the mother of all storms blew through our area. It started around 6:45 last night as I was hanging out with my friend Ann in Willmar. The sky took on this greenish hue, clouds sped over the house and then the rains came. Torrential and steady, dancing with the wind as sheet after sheet of rain pelted everything not covered or protected. And then there was the lightening and thunder. The lightening was crazy wild. It looked like someone was taking several pictures all at the same time. It was breathtaking to watch. This storm lasted well into the evening and I think, according to my friend Emily, that the last of it blew out of here somewhere around 7:00 this morning.
I love storms. For whatever weird reason I have always loved them. I have to say that my favorite part of the storm is the lightening (which is probably the most deadly part of the storm). It grabs my attention and holds it. I am fascinated by it.
Much like I am fascinated by the dynamic presence of God.
He was the one who created the lightening. And the rain. And the thunder. His creation is beautiful and violent and completely captivating. Have you ever been to the rocky coasts of the Pacific? I have. When I was a kid. As many summers as we could, my family and I would travel to Medford, Oregon to see my great Aunt Clara. Medford is a beautiful city. Oregon is a beautiful state, but it was a killer car ride all the way from Minnesota. We would take the time to travel the few hours or so to get to the ocean from Medford. I am not even sure how far it was, but I knew it was the highlight of every trip there for all of us kids being from Minnesota and all. The biggest body of water we have is Lake Superior, so imagine how wide-eyed and fascinated we were by a body of water so immense.
The shore was rocky, at least where we would go. Not much beach and giant rocks everywhere. Kind of like the coast of Lake Superior. And we would always end up going on the cold and windy days, so the surf would hit the rocks and we would be covered in ocean spray. It was a dynamic and beautiful memory. It was fascinating to me to watch wave after wave come in and hit the rocks and see how far the water would fly into the air and where it would land.
God did that. He generates the wind and creates the waves as a testament to His power and might. He allows us to live in this creation, His creation, to marvel at it so that we don't forget who created it and ultimately who is in charge.
I thought one day I would live in Medford, but that was replaced by a love for the mountains in Colorado. Maybe one day, a long way off when I am retired, I will once again visit Oregon and the coast where we spent time as kids. Maybe. Who knows.
Last night the mother of all storms blew through our area. It started around 6:45 last night as I was hanging out with my friend Ann in Willmar. The sky took on this greenish hue, clouds sped over the house and then the rains came. Torrential and steady, dancing with the wind as sheet after sheet of rain pelted everything not covered or protected. And then there was the lightening and thunder. The lightening was crazy wild. It looked like someone was taking several pictures all at the same time. It was breathtaking to watch. This storm lasted well into the evening and I think, according to my friend Emily, that the last of it blew out of here somewhere around 7:00 this morning.
I love storms. For whatever weird reason I have always loved them. I have to say that my favorite part of the storm is the lightening (which is probably the most deadly part of the storm). It grabs my attention and holds it. I am fascinated by it.
Much like I am fascinated by the dynamic presence of God.
He was the one who created the lightening. And the rain. And the thunder. His creation is beautiful and violent and completely captivating. Have you ever been to the rocky coasts of the Pacific? I have. When I was a kid. As many summers as we could, my family and I would travel to Medford, Oregon to see my great Aunt Clara. Medford is a beautiful city. Oregon is a beautiful state, but it was a killer car ride all the way from Minnesota. We would take the time to travel the few hours or so to get to the ocean from Medford. I am not even sure how far it was, but I knew it was the highlight of every trip there for all of us kids being from Minnesota and all. The biggest body of water we have is Lake Superior, so imagine how wide-eyed and fascinated we were by a body of water so immense.
The shore was rocky, at least where we would go. Not much beach and giant rocks everywhere. Kind of like the coast of Lake Superior. And we would always end up going on the cold and windy days, so the surf would hit the rocks and we would be covered in ocean spray. It was a dynamic and beautiful memory. It was fascinating to me to watch wave after wave come in and hit the rocks and see how far the water would fly into the air and where it would land.
God did that. He generates the wind and creates the waves as a testament to His power and might. He allows us to live in this creation, His creation, to marvel at it so that we don't forget who created it and ultimately who is in charge.
I thought one day I would live in Medford, but that was replaced by a love for the mountains in Colorado. Maybe one day, a long way off when I am retired, I will once again visit Oregon and the coast where we spent time as kids. Maybe. Who knows.
11 August 2010
Snorkeling or Scuba Diving?
"Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" ~Luke 24:31-32
Last night at Joppa, Jeff asked a really great question. Is your faith like snorkeling or scuba diving?
Well? What is your answer to that question?
Personally, for a long time my faith was very much like snorkeling. I stayed pretty shallow and at the surface. I snorkeled with part of myself in the world and part of myself in Christ, but never really submerged all the way. I was afraid. Afraid of what God would ask of me if I gave everything over to Him. Afraid of what I would have to give up by giving in. Afraid that once I did go completely under, that my friends and family would stand on the shore and laugh at my lame efforts.
Fear is strong if you let it be.
But fear didn't get the best of me.
I took a leap of faith, walked out on the water, spread my arms wide and fell backwards into the awaiting embrace of my Lord. I dove in, head first, to see the splendor and beauty that lay below the surface. I found that taking that leap, diving into the deep was the best thing I could have done.
You know what I found when I got there? So much more than I could have ever dreamed in my entire life. I found freedom to serve Him. I found love I didn't think I had in me to give to others. I found purpose for a life that didn't feel like there was. I found a God of love, pulling me deeper. He brought me to a place of brokenness that was necessary to walk through in order to help those who maybe had gone through some of the same things I did. That place of brokenness also brought me to the revelation that I needed to trust in His strength and His power and His plan because I knew I couldn't do it on my own.
And through that the unimaginable happened. I walked with broken and hurting children through their own personal hell, and I believe with my whole being that God is going to deliver them all of their circumstances and that some mighty leaders will be raised up through the ashes. He is bringing about beauty through ashes.
This brings me to the verse above. Jeff didn't get to that part of Luke 24. I read ahead and felt a connection to it. It is the story of the two men on the road to Emmaus and their encounter with the risen Christ. However, they didn't know they had been walking with the Lord until the end of the chapter. This is where my heart skipped a beat.
Their eyes were opened to who He was, and their hearts burned as He opened the Scripture to them.
How often does this happen to us? I know that sometimes my own personal Bible studies and devotions can get a bit stalled. Not because of God. Because of me. I realize that sometimes I am doing a devotion or scanning the Bible for my own selfish gain, completely missing out on what God is trying to tell me. I walk the road to Emmaus with blinders on and my heart closed off. I swim out of the deep end and start snorkeling again. As I am walking, or snorkeling, a presence is felt and words of life begin to spill forth. My heart begins to burn. My legs begin to kick harder as I begin to submerge once again to deeper waters, deeper faith.
Sometimes we all need that road to Emmaus moment to wake us up to the wonderful power of His Word, His countenance. Sometimes we need to be pulled, or yanked into His Almighty presence as a reminder of who we serve and how much He loves.
And boys and girls, how He loves.
It's ok to test the waters. Put a foot in, grab the snorkel, stay in the shallow end of the pool. My only question to you then is this. How are you expecting to grow if you only stay in the wading pool? Look towards the deep at Christ who is beckoning you forward into a closer walk, a deeper relationship completely submerged in His Word, His love and His salvation. Trust that He knows what He is doing and don't be afraid to go there with Him. His plan far exceeds anything you or I could think up. Trust Him. And when your faith gets stale, be on the lookout. Emmaus isn't too far off and I guarantee He is with you through the entire trip. Just keep walking. Keep diving. Keep seeking. Keep searching. Let your heart burn as His Scripture takes hold of you. Don't let it go.
I guarantee it is worth it.
Last night at Joppa, Jeff asked a really great question. Is your faith like snorkeling or scuba diving?
Well? What is your answer to that question?
Personally, for a long time my faith was very much like snorkeling. I stayed pretty shallow and at the surface. I snorkeled with part of myself in the world and part of myself in Christ, but never really submerged all the way. I was afraid. Afraid of what God would ask of me if I gave everything over to Him. Afraid of what I would have to give up by giving in. Afraid that once I did go completely under, that my friends and family would stand on the shore and laugh at my lame efforts.
Fear is strong if you let it be.
But fear didn't get the best of me.
I took a leap of faith, walked out on the water, spread my arms wide and fell backwards into the awaiting embrace of my Lord. I dove in, head first, to see the splendor and beauty that lay below the surface. I found that taking that leap, diving into the deep was the best thing I could have done.
You know what I found when I got there? So much more than I could have ever dreamed in my entire life. I found freedom to serve Him. I found love I didn't think I had in me to give to others. I found purpose for a life that didn't feel like there was. I found a God of love, pulling me deeper. He brought me to a place of brokenness that was necessary to walk through in order to help those who maybe had gone through some of the same things I did. That place of brokenness also brought me to the revelation that I needed to trust in His strength and His power and His plan because I knew I couldn't do it on my own.
And through that the unimaginable happened. I walked with broken and hurting children through their own personal hell, and I believe with my whole being that God is going to deliver them all of their circumstances and that some mighty leaders will be raised up through the ashes. He is bringing about beauty through ashes.
This brings me to the verse above. Jeff didn't get to that part of Luke 24. I read ahead and felt a connection to it. It is the story of the two men on the road to Emmaus and their encounter with the risen Christ. However, they didn't know they had been walking with the Lord until the end of the chapter. This is where my heart skipped a beat.
Their eyes were opened to who He was, and their hearts burned as He opened the Scripture to them.
How often does this happen to us? I know that sometimes my own personal Bible studies and devotions can get a bit stalled. Not because of God. Because of me. I realize that sometimes I am doing a devotion or scanning the Bible for my own selfish gain, completely missing out on what God is trying to tell me. I walk the road to Emmaus with blinders on and my heart closed off. I swim out of the deep end and start snorkeling again. As I am walking, or snorkeling, a presence is felt and words of life begin to spill forth. My heart begins to burn. My legs begin to kick harder as I begin to submerge once again to deeper waters, deeper faith.
Sometimes we all need that road to Emmaus moment to wake us up to the wonderful power of His Word, His countenance. Sometimes we need to be pulled, or yanked into His Almighty presence as a reminder of who we serve and how much He loves.
And boys and girls, how He loves.
It's ok to test the waters. Put a foot in, grab the snorkel, stay in the shallow end of the pool. My only question to you then is this. How are you expecting to grow if you only stay in the wading pool? Look towards the deep at Christ who is beckoning you forward into a closer walk, a deeper relationship completely submerged in His Word, His love and His salvation. Trust that He knows what He is doing and don't be afraid to go there with Him. His plan far exceeds anything you or I could think up. Trust Him. And when your faith gets stale, be on the lookout. Emmaus isn't too far off and I guarantee He is with you through the entire trip. Just keep walking. Keep diving. Keep seeking. Keep searching. Let your heart burn as His Scripture takes hold of you. Don't let it go.
I guarantee it is worth it.
10 August 2010
Moving Forward, Moving On
I love how this past summer went. It was everything I could have hoped for and more. Honestly. Now that I am home, though, I am finding it incredibly difficult to get back into the swing of things here.
I find my mind wandering back to moments and memories that I will always treasure. I can't stay there, though. Moving forward is essential. God is beckoning me onward towards Him into the next great adventure that this school year will bring. He calls me towards all the hope and promise of what He will do with this ram shackled life of mine.
So with that, I step forward back into the life that was here before I left. I step back in hoping not to fall back into the complacent place I was in before. I think that is what scares me the most. I grew so much this summer, even when I didn't think that I did. Even when situations became difficult and God felt a million miles away, I still pressed on and found His handiwork in all things. Even towards the end when I felt so distant and drained. I leaned on God's strength for the final push and felt arms that created the universe embrace me and comfort me all the way up to the car ride home.
Now I am home. Home is complacent. I am determined not to let it be so. God has a plan for this time in my life. Jeremiah 29:11. A funny thing about Jeremiah 29:11. First off, here is the verse.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Did you know that in the original Greek, it was not written "plans to prosper"? It was written "plans for shalom". Shalom means peace. Not just any peace, though. The peace that surpasses all understanding. Deep seeded, unfathomable peace. So the verse really should read:
"For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord, "plans for shalom (peace) and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." That is awesome. God's plans for us include soul comforting, all consuming peace. I like that.
I am longing for shalom. I believe that God is moving in my heart to bring me to that place of shalom as I continue to travel on this narrow way path with my Lord. First, I have to move forward and quit stalling in the past. Realize there is much work to be done here. To roll up my sleeves and prepare for the harvest to begin.
Thank You for shalom, Lord. Thank You for Your leading. Bring comfort and peace to this road weary soul and push me forward even when I want to go back. Thank You, Jesus. I love You. :) Amen.
I find my mind wandering back to moments and memories that I will always treasure. I can't stay there, though. Moving forward is essential. God is beckoning me onward towards Him into the next great adventure that this school year will bring. He calls me towards all the hope and promise of what He will do with this ram shackled life of mine.
So with that, I step forward back into the life that was here before I left. I step back in hoping not to fall back into the complacent place I was in before. I think that is what scares me the most. I grew so much this summer, even when I didn't think that I did. Even when situations became difficult and God felt a million miles away, I still pressed on and found His handiwork in all things. Even towards the end when I felt so distant and drained. I leaned on God's strength for the final push and felt arms that created the universe embrace me and comfort me all the way up to the car ride home.
Now I am home. Home is complacent. I am determined not to let it be so. God has a plan for this time in my life. Jeremiah 29:11. A funny thing about Jeremiah 29:11. First off, here is the verse.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Did you know that in the original Greek, it was not written "plans to prosper"? It was written "plans for shalom". Shalom means peace. Not just any peace, though. The peace that surpasses all understanding. Deep seeded, unfathomable peace. So the verse really should read:
"For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord, "plans for shalom (peace) and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." That is awesome. God's plans for us include soul comforting, all consuming peace. I like that.
I am longing for shalom. I believe that God is moving in my heart to bring me to that place of shalom as I continue to travel on this narrow way path with my Lord. First, I have to move forward and quit stalling in the past. Realize there is much work to be done here. To roll up my sleeves and prepare for the harvest to begin.
Thank You for shalom, Lord. Thank You for Your leading. Bring comfort and peace to this road weary soul and push me forward even when I want to go back. Thank You, Jesus. I love You. :) Amen.
08 August 2010
Division Bad...Unity Good
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6
God has called us, as a church, to be unified so that we can glorify and honor the One who made it all. Who made your next breath, your next moment, your very life.
Unified. When I look around these days, I don't see unity. Rather I see division in abundance. Division in the very place that suffers the most from it. The church. The very body of people that God calls to be unified. Not just in churches, but in the smaller groups that represent church.
I can think of one example right now, and it saddens me because neither time nor growth has brought unity. In fact, the absolute opposite has occurred. Clique's have formed, people have broken away which is essentially destroying unity without those doing it even realizing that is what is happening.
The Bible (you know, that book we should ALL be reading) warns about division. Here are a few verses:
"I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people." Romans 16: 17-18
"But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." 1 Corinthians 12:24b-26
If one part suffers, all suffer. That is humbling because if one part is divided it will inevitably infect the rest of the body like the flu. I can't speak for everyone, but I know that I do not take joy in having the flu or think it is a very pleasant experience. Imagine that kind of infection, figuratively speaking, taking over an entire church because of one small break. One small crack that eventually turns into a big gaping hole big enough for satan to get in and wreak havoc in whatever way he wishes.
Division is disastrous in so many ways. It hurts people, it brings into question the very Truth that we build our faith upon and it can cause believers to turn from their faith. We, as a body of Christ, need to be very careful. People are watching us and when they see us destroying each other over theological debates and the color of the churches carpet and turning others against everyone else, they see the body of Christ as nothing but a group of hypocrites doing the very same things that they preach about not doing every Sunday.
Division is bad. Unity is good. Unity brings about community. Community is God's intended practice for His people. We falter, we fall, we hurt, we sin, we stumble, we trip. We are not perfect.
God is.
Through community with Christ and with each other we love, we hope, we succeed, we overcome, we persevere, we achieve.
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Through community, we walk this road together, united through the all-surpassing power of our Lord and Savior. The walk isn't always perfect, but we know we have help mate's to pick us up when we fall, encourage us through discouragement and cheer us on when it doesn't feel like there is anything to cheer about.
We do it together. Why on earth would we want to be divided from that?
God has called us, as a church, to be unified so that we can glorify and honor the One who made it all. Who made your next breath, your next moment, your very life.
Unified. When I look around these days, I don't see unity. Rather I see division in abundance. Division in the very place that suffers the most from it. The church. The very body of people that God calls to be unified. Not just in churches, but in the smaller groups that represent church.
I can think of one example right now, and it saddens me because neither time nor growth has brought unity. In fact, the absolute opposite has occurred. Clique's have formed, people have broken away which is essentially destroying unity without those doing it even realizing that is what is happening.
The Bible (you know, that book we should ALL be reading) warns about division. Here are a few verses:
"I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people." Romans 16: 17-18
"But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." 1 Corinthians 12:24b-26
If one part suffers, all suffer. That is humbling because if one part is divided it will inevitably infect the rest of the body like the flu. I can't speak for everyone, but I know that I do not take joy in having the flu or think it is a very pleasant experience. Imagine that kind of infection, figuratively speaking, taking over an entire church because of one small break. One small crack that eventually turns into a big gaping hole big enough for satan to get in and wreak havoc in whatever way he wishes.
Division is disastrous in so many ways. It hurts people, it brings into question the very Truth that we build our faith upon and it can cause believers to turn from their faith. We, as a body of Christ, need to be very careful. People are watching us and when they see us destroying each other over theological debates and the color of the churches carpet and turning others against everyone else, they see the body of Christ as nothing but a group of hypocrites doing the very same things that they preach about not doing every Sunday.
Division is bad. Unity is good. Unity brings about community. Community is God's intended practice for His people. We falter, we fall, we hurt, we sin, we stumble, we trip. We are not perfect.
God is.
Through community with Christ and with each other we love, we hope, we succeed, we overcome, we persevere, we achieve.
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Through community, we walk this road together, united through the all-surpassing power of our Lord and Savior. The walk isn't always perfect, but we know we have help mate's to pick us up when we fall, encourage us through discouragement and cheer us on when it doesn't feel like there is anything to cheer about.
We do it together. Why on earth would we want to be divided from that?
07 August 2010
Raging Seas
So, yeah. Not sure what to even write tonight.
I feel kind of like I am having this internal battle right now. Really.
Last night I had a conversation that needed to take place so that I could be real and honest and authentic and I am pretty sure it backfired. Miserably. I think.
I was honest about this guy (not to him directly). What my feelings were. How I am trying to disregard them. How I am trying to protect not only myself, but the other people involved because I care about them. Pretty sure I wish I would have never said anything, but at the same time very relieved I brought it up so that I could get it out of my mind and out of my heart.
God, things are a mess. Please bring restoration to all those involved, including me. Father, bring healing to this broken heart and restoration to hope and joy. I love You, Jesus. Please help me love You with an undivided heart that I may not sin against You, Lord and help restore the breaks in friendships as a direct result of my honesty, Lord. You are God and I am not. I trust in You and I love You. You will see us all through. Thank You, Jesus.
Let The Water's Rise ~ Mikeschair
Don't know where to begin
It's like my world's caving in
And I try but I can't control my fear
Where do I go from here?
Sometimes its so hard to pray
When You feel so far away
But I am willing to go
Where you want me to
God, I trust You
There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will swim in the deep
'Cuz You'll be next to me
You're in the eye of the storm
And the calm of the sea
You're never out of reach
God, You know where I've been
You were there with me then
You were faithful before
You'll be faithful again
I'm holding Your hand
There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You
God Your love is enough
You will pull me through
I'm holding onto You
God Your love is enough
I will follow You
I will follow You
Ohhh
There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You
http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/mikeschair-lyrics/let-the-waters-rise-lyrics.html
I feel kind of like I am having this internal battle right now. Really.
Last night I had a conversation that needed to take place so that I could be real and honest and authentic and I am pretty sure it backfired. Miserably. I think.
I was honest about this guy (not to him directly). What my feelings were. How I am trying to disregard them. How I am trying to protect not only myself, but the other people involved because I care about them. Pretty sure I wish I would have never said anything, but at the same time very relieved I brought it up so that I could get it out of my mind and out of my heart.
God, things are a mess. Please bring restoration to all those involved, including me. Father, bring healing to this broken heart and restoration to hope and joy. I love You, Jesus. Please help me love You with an undivided heart that I may not sin against You, Lord and help restore the breaks in friendships as a direct result of my honesty, Lord. You are God and I am not. I trust in You and I love You. You will see us all through. Thank You, Jesus.
Let The Water's Rise ~ Mikeschair
Don't know where to begin
It's like my world's caving in
And I try but I can't control my fear
Where do I go from here?
Sometimes its so hard to pray
When You feel so far away
But I am willing to go
Where you want me to
God, I trust You
There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will swim in the deep
'Cuz You'll be next to me
You're in the eye of the storm
And the calm of the sea
You're never out of reach
God, You know where I've been
You were there with me then
You were faithful before
You'll be faithful again
I'm holding Your hand
There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You
God Your love is enough
You will pull me through
I'm holding onto You
God Your love is enough
I will follow You
I will follow You
Ohhh
There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You
http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/mikeschair-lyrics/let-the-waters-rise-lyrics.html
05 August 2010
Ahava and Agape
"How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure. That He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turns His face away as wounds which mar the Chosen One bring many sons to glory."
Love. How easily we throw the word around. It's easy, isn't it? To say you love this or that without really thinking about what "love" means.
What does love mean to you? That guy or girl you are infatuated with? The new pair of shoes you just purchased? A movie you watch over and over? A warm fuzzy?
"The true meaning of love, as defined in the Bible, has been corrupted in the common usage of our English language and society. Most often, love is confused with infatuation - that elated, "high" feeling we get when we "fall in love." This kind of "love" is something that lasts typically less than a year, and unless replaced by true love, results in broken relationships."
http://www.godandscience.org/love/biblicallove.html
Love the way we see it is conditional and can expire easily. Love the way God intended it is unconditional and neverending. The most famous chapter on this in the whole entire Bible is 1 Corinthians 13.
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Love God's way is always better than any way that we could possible come up with. I really like the Hebrew word for that kind of all consuming, all encompassing, unconditional love. It's called ahava. Ahava is the choice to make a commitment. It is love you choose. Regardless of good or bad, right or wrong, difficult or easy. Ahava. You choose love no matter which way the tide turns, no matter how steep the next hill is or how deep the valley you walk through feels. No matter who hurts you or for what reason, you choose to love them anyways.
God chose that love. When He nailed His Son to a Cross, He chose the nails because of ahava. The Greek would say agape. Deep, consuming love. Unending and unshakeable.
God is ahava and agape. He chose us because He loves us. He loves us deeply, unconditionally and unfathomably. He chooses to love us. He doesn't have to. He wants to.
We choose whether or not to love. We don't have to. We GET to. We can make a conscious choice daily to love. To make a commitment to love others. To love deeply, compassionately and unconditionally.
To love...ahava and agape.
Love. How easily we throw the word around. It's easy, isn't it? To say you love this or that without really thinking about what "love" means.
What does love mean to you? That guy or girl you are infatuated with? The new pair of shoes you just purchased? A movie you watch over and over? A warm fuzzy?
"The true meaning of love, as defined in the Bible, has been corrupted in the common usage of our English language and society. Most often, love is confused with infatuation - that elated, "high" feeling we get when we "fall in love." This kind of "love" is something that lasts typically less than a year, and unless replaced by true love, results in broken relationships."
http://www.godandscience.org/love/biblicallove.html
Love the way we see it is conditional and can expire easily. Love the way God intended it is unconditional and neverending. The most famous chapter on this in the whole entire Bible is 1 Corinthians 13.
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Love God's way is always better than any way that we could possible come up with. I really like the Hebrew word for that kind of all consuming, all encompassing, unconditional love. It's called ahava. Ahava is the choice to make a commitment. It is love you choose. Regardless of good or bad, right or wrong, difficult or easy. Ahava. You choose love no matter which way the tide turns, no matter how steep the next hill is or how deep the valley you walk through feels. No matter who hurts you or for what reason, you choose to love them anyways.
God chose that love. When He nailed His Son to a Cross, He chose the nails because of ahava. The Greek would say agape. Deep, consuming love. Unending and unshakeable.
God is ahava and agape. He chose us because He loves us. He loves us deeply, unconditionally and unfathomably. He chooses to love us. He doesn't have to. He wants to.
We choose whether or not to love. We don't have to. We GET to. We can make a conscious choice daily to love. To make a commitment to love others. To love deeply, compassionately and unconditionally.
To love...ahava and agape.
A Father's Love For His Broken Children
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39.
So a couple of days ago, on the way home from camp, I had a few things happen as I was making my way back. First off, my friends tagged my car. It was pretty entertaining. It was alot of inside jokes and things that I could laugh at and remember as good camp memories. I decided to drive my car home like that because I thought it was fine. Apparently Minnesota's motorists didn't think so. I got flicked off twice on the way home, which had me so concerned about why that I pulled off at a gas station near St. Cloud and washed it (of course taking pictures before I washed it). It wasn't that big of a deal, but I never have the bird flown against me ever, so it felt like I was being targeted, which I didn't appreciate. That was incident #1.
The second happened at Wal-Mart on Sunday, the day after I got home. I was just there to get groceries. That was it. I was minding my own business, going about getting what was on my grocery list when I started hearing people talking behind me. In Spanish. I am not stupid. I know what certain words mean in spanish even if they think I am naive enough not to understand (that and I came home and looked them up).
I am not going to repeat what I heard. It's not worth it. But those words have stuck with me since then. It is now Thursday. I should have forgotten by now, but last night was not a good night. I have always been a self conscious person...always. I never for one second forget what makes me different from all of the thin and pretty girls around me. Guys don't let me forget it, either, whether they realize it or not.
I definitely felt that last night.
I was so upset. So angry and frustrated. So tired of people being so superficial and not seeing the awesomeness that can be inside someone.
I am certain that I have blogged about this before. It doesn't make it any easier or any better to deal with.
Especially when there is a guy you care about that you know will never see you that way because of what you look like. That's the part that kills me.
But God loves me. He always will. He created me in His image. I held onto Romans 8:35-39 last night. I kept repeating it and saying it out loud. I prayed it and screamed it and cried through it and sobbed it as I remembered and let God comfort me through the doubt and the hurt and the uncertainty and the anger. I said it over and over and over again until His peace settled in my heart and rested in those places of my mind that wouldn't have been convinced otherwise that I was worth being loved.
God is amazing, friends. He loves me through this struggle. I have great, great, great friends who do, too. But I am sure the battle is not over. As long as there is sin and spite in the world, I will continue to hear mean things from people. It happens. But I have the armor of God to protect me. The love of a Father who went to the Cross for me and won (and would have done it again if I were the only one left). The protection of the Lord that covers me in all situations and in all circumstances.
And perhaps someday He will bring the right guy who will see past this frumpy exterior to the real beauty that shines from a heart that beats for Jesus. Perhaps.
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1
So a couple of days ago, on the way home from camp, I had a few things happen as I was making my way back. First off, my friends tagged my car. It was pretty entertaining. It was alot of inside jokes and things that I could laugh at and remember as good camp memories. I decided to drive my car home like that because I thought it was fine. Apparently Minnesota's motorists didn't think so. I got flicked off twice on the way home, which had me so concerned about why that I pulled off at a gas station near St. Cloud and washed it (of course taking pictures before I washed it). It wasn't that big of a deal, but I never have the bird flown against me ever, so it felt like I was being targeted, which I didn't appreciate. That was incident #1.
The second happened at Wal-Mart on Sunday, the day after I got home. I was just there to get groceries. That was it. I was minding my own business, going about getting what was on my grocery list when I started hearing people talking behind me. In Spanish. I am not stupid. I know what certain words mean in spanish even if they think I am naive enough not to understand (that and I came home and looked them up).
I am not going to repeat what I heard. It's not worth it. But those words have stuck with me since then. It is now Thursday. I should have forgotten by now, but last night was not a good night. I have always been a self conscious person...always. I never for one second forget what makes me different from all of the thin and pretty girls around me. Guys don't let me forget it, either, whether they realize it or not.
I definitely felt that last night.
I was so upset. So angry and frustrated. So tired of people being so superficial and not seeing the awesomeness that can be inside someone.
I am certain that I have blogged about this before. It doesn't make it any easier or any better to deal with.
Especially when there is a guy you care about that you know will never see you that way because of what you look like. That's the part that kills me.
But God loves me. He always will. He created me in His image. I held onto Romans 8:35-39 last night. I kept repeating it and saying it out loud. I prayed it and screamed it and cried through it and sobbed it as I remembered and let God comfort me through the doubt and the hurt and the uncertainty and the anger. I said it over and over and over again until His peace settled in my heart and rested in those places of my mind that wouldn't have been convinced otherwise that I was worth being loved.
God is amazing, friends. He loves me through this struggle. I have great, great, great friends who do, too. But I am sure the battle is not over. As long as there is sin and spite in the world, I will continue to hear mean things from people. It happens. But I have the armor of God to protect me. The love of a Father who went to the Cross for me and won (and would have done it again if I were the only one left). The protection of the Lord that covers me in all situations and in all circumstances.
And perhaps someday He will bring the right guy who will see past this frumpy exterior to the real beauty that shines from a heart that beats for Jesus. Perhaps.
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1
04 August 2010
God's Provision
"But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Luke 18:16.
This was an incredible summer. Absolutely incredible in so many different ways that I cannot even begin to describe. Great new friends, a great camp location and many wonderful memories created.
The best of camp, though, was being able to speak words of life into kids lives.
I cannot even tell you how many hurting and broken children came to camp this summer. From absolutely horrible situations and circumstances. Abuse. Neglect. You name it, they came in with it. Terrible things that children should never have to go through ever.
These kids really took over my heart. Every single broken and hurting child. Every broken heart and tearful goodbye sticks with me to this day as I type and wonder how they are. How life is for them today. How it will be for them tomorrow.
To see them happy and laughing made camp worth it. To see every care they had in the world melt away and give them the opportunity to just be kids. To play and laugh and giggle and create and be loved. To be safe.
To be safe. That's the part that kills me. That children need to come to camp to feel safe. That should be provided at home with loving parents who make a safe place for kids to be so they can thrive and grow up happy and healthy. It sickens me to no end that there are children out there who are scared to be home, who are scared to death of what their parents are going to do them. It makes me angry and saddens me that children are neglected or abused. My question is how can anyone harm a child? How can someone neglect a child? How?
This is definitely a fallen, sick world we live in.
Thank goodness we have a Father who loves us so much. Thank goodness God's love stretches over and protects those who are too young to protect themselves. Praise God for camps like Northwoods where children can come and feel safe and be kids. A place where kids can play without fear. A place where children can feel loved and not be afraid when they go to sleep at night.
A place of hope. A place they can come and feel God's love and be taught about it and accept it for themselves. A little piece of Heaven in an otherwise hellish life.
I definitely plan on going back next year. God has planted in my heart a great love for forgotten and hurting kids. His precious children who need to know that someone cares about them.
This was an incredible summer. Absolutely incredible in so many different ways that I cannot even begin to describe. Great new friends, a great camp location and many wonderful memories created.
The best of camp, though, was being able to speak words of life into kids lives.
I cannot even tell you how many hurting and broken children came to camp this summer. From absolutely horrible situations and circumstances. Abuse. Neglect. You name it, they came in with it. Terrible things that children should never have to go through ever.
These kids really took over my heart. Every single broken and hurting child. Every broken heart and tearful goodbye sticks with me to this day as I type and wonder how they are. How life is for them today. How it will be for them tomorrow.
To see them happy and laughing made camp worth it. To see every care they had in the world melt away and give them the opportunity to just be kids. To play and laugh and giggle and create and be loved. To be safe.
To be safe. That's the part that kills me. That children need to come to camp to feel safe. That should be provided at home with loving parents who make a safe place for kids to be so they can thrive and grow up happy and healthy. It sickens me to no end that there are children out there who are scared to be home, who are scared to death of what their parents are going to do them. It makes me angry and saddens me that children are neglected or abused. My question is how can anyone harm a child? How can someone neglect a child? How?
This is definitely a fallen, sick world we live in.
Thank goodness we have a Father who loves us so much. Thank goodness God's love stretches over and protects those who are too young to protect themselves. Praise God for camps like Northwoods where children can come and feel safe and be kids. A place where kids can play without fear. A place where children can feel loved and not be afraid when they go to sleep at night.
A place of hope. A place they can come and feel God's love and be taught about it and accept it for themselves. A little piece of Heaven in an otherwise hellish life.
I definitely plan on going back next year. God has planted in my heart a great love for forgotten and hurting kids. His precious children who need to know that someone cares about them.
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