Camp Is Coming

It's Tuesday.  A normal Tuesday like any other.  I have a little break in between my Title 1 kids and I have a few moments to think ahead at what summer holds.  It has been on my mind constantly since YATEC concluded. 

Camp.

Oy.

Don't get me wrong, I am VERY excited about going back to camp for the summer.  I am excited to see friends, to be back at camp itself and to see children radically changed because of the saving power of Jesus Christ.  It is going to be an impactful summer and I am stoked about what God is going to do through all of us as we minister to the lost and hurting kids of the Salvation Army.

I am concerned that I am not prepared.  I definitely was not prepared for what happened last summer.  It was an amazing summer but I came back a jumbled up mess of emotions.  I closed myself off from friends and alienated myself from everyone else.  It was not a good way to come home.

I am PRAYING that I am more prepared for this year.  I know more of what I am stepping into.  I have a better idea of the challenges that face all of us as we start another year of camp counseling at Northwoods. 

Dear Lord, please help me to lead effectively, know when to get out of Your way and come home more peaceful and less anxious.   Help me to stand up against those things that brought me down last year and to stand on Your Truth, Your love and Your joy through any and all situations.  Help me to reach out and utilize the amazing support system You have placed around me this year.  God, You are amazing.  Please help me to honor You in the best way I know how and to continue to honor You as I bring these experiences home with me in August.  You know the plans You have for me and I am trusting and believing in Your will for my life.  Thank You, Jesus, for being my rock, my strength and my portion.  Amen.

  "O God, you are my God,
   earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
   my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
   where there is no water.
  I have seen you in the sanctuary
   and beheld your power and your glory.
 Because your love is better than life,
   my lips will glorify you.
 I will praise you as long as I live,
   and in your name I will lift up my hands.
 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
   with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
  On my bed I remember you;
   I think of you through the watches of the night.
 Because you are my help,
   I sing in the shadow of your wings.
 My soul clings to you;
   your right hand upholds me." -Psalm 63:1-8