It's nice to be home again! At this blessed moment I am enjoying my fuzzy sweats and favorite tank top while sitting on my couch. Yes, it's been wonderful being gone this summer, but right now I'm really glad to have my own bed and my own shower for two or three days. (-:
Youth camp was amazing. I think that I'm too tired to do a complete and coherent summary of it right now, but I'll hit a few of the main points.
- Fifteen kids got saved!!
- "Goin' to the Chapel" ... need I say more? (-:
- YWAM
God is so amazing. I've always struggled with knowing for sure if God is telling me to do something or not... like I always wonder if maybe it was just my weird, random brain making things up or if it's really God speaking to me. And then if things start going wrong while I'm trying to do what I think God has told me to do, then is that Satan trying to thwart God's plan or is that God trying to close doors because I made it all up in my head in the first place? But all of that to say that I am so positive that God is sending me to children's camp for a reason, that I am almost giddy with excitement. I wasn't even planning on going to kids camp until two weeks ago, and I struggled with saying for sure I was going or not because my parents were a little bit upset about it. But since I decided that I really thought that God wanted me to go, and told DeWayne, that yes, I was going for sure, God has just confirmed that decision in so many ways!! I know that God wants me to be at Clearlake next week. I'm so pumped!!
But right now I think that I'm going to crash right here from sheer exhastion, so I think I'll bid you adieu before my head hits the keyboard and deletes all of this. But I have to say one more thing before I go to bed... you guys (my friends) are some of the most awesome people on the face of this earth, and I am so blessed to have each and every one of you in my life. Thanks guys for being so incredible!!!!
Mood: Exhausted
Music: "Anticonformity" Krystal Meyers
DISCLAIMER: Yes, Alise, I know that my title is your phrase, but I really needed a title, and it was funny... please don't pummel me!! (-:
Friday, July 28, 2006
Monday, July 17, 2006
Well, Here Goes
Yeppers, here it goes. My big, long, crazy blog update!! (-: Wow, I can’t even remember what I last wrote about, so I guess I’ll start with Worldview.
Worldview Academy was AMAZING. I am completely convinced that every Christian teen on the planet needs to attend a WVA. I learned so much, that my brain is still spinning! Christianity just makes so much sense!! The speakers were awesome, quiet times were amazing, my small group was incredible, and Ultimate Frisbee was a blast, of course! The coolest thing in the whole week though was on Wednesday when they bussed us into Portland and we had an hour to witness to people in Pioneer Square. I was a little nervous when we started, but when we had to leave, I didn’t want to go. The hopelessness I saw in the people I talked to just broke my heart. Some of these people truly believed that there was no way they could know what happens after death, and that there was nothing they could do about it. I can’t even imagine how pointless life would seem if this was really all there was. I tried to tell them about the hope of Heaven that they could have in Jesus, but I don’t know how much of it got through. God promises though, that His Word will not return to Him void, so I know that many many seeds were planted in hearts that day. It was an amazing experience.
So I got home from WVA on Friday night, did my laundry, repacked, and left for Jericho on Saturday morning. Jericho was another truly amazing week. I’m having a harder time putting it into words though. The people at the churches in Independence/Monmouth were so kind and took such good care of us, that I was and still am blown away by their hospitality. Saturday we decorated for VBS at Independence First Baptist Church, Sunday we went to church, went swimming at Mary’s house (the children’s pastor at Monmouth Christian Church), went to a BBQ at another family’s house, and then VBS started on Monday. Monday went so smoothly, that all I could do was say, “Wow, God!” We had about 150 kids, I think, and everything that I saw went off without a hitch. I met some of the sweetest and most adorable kids I’ve ever seen last week. Man! *sniff*
Monday night though was hard. We went witnessing door-to-door, which I was hoping was going to be as great as what I’d done at Worldview, and I was excited about it, but it didn’t turn out so great for my group. A lot of different things happened that left me feeling like a complete failure. But the cool thing was that I got to spend like two hours with Alise, Kaeli, and Heidi talking and praying with them about what had happened. It was really cool. Yes, my team and I messed up, but God forgives, gives second chances and brings good out of even our mess ups! Thank goodness for that!
The rest of the week we did VBS, two block parties and a youth rally. At VBS 10-15 kids got saved (Alise, correct me on that number, I’m not exactly sure), and two more that were saved at the Independence block party. God was working for sure! We met some really cool people from different teams all around the NW, and that was fun too.
I’m sure I’m forgetting a lot of details here, so Alise, feel free to chime in… (-: But overall, it’s been an amazing two weeks of learning and growing in God and seeing Him work, and this summer isn’t even over yet! There’s still youth camp next week, and kids camp the week after that, and we’re possibly going to Basin City again in August. On that note, please pray that my parents will be ok with me going to kids camp and Basin City… they’re already getting tired of me being gone so much, so things are a little stressful, but it’s not too bad yet. Please pray that they stay cool with me trying to follow what God’s telling me to do.
Love you guys!
Mood: Peachy
Music: “The Way to Begin” Krystal Meyers
Worldview Academy was AMAZING. I am completely convinced that every Christian teen on the planet needs to attend a WVA. I learned so much, that my brain is still spinning! Christianity just makes so much sense!! The speakers were awesome, quiet times were amazing, my small group was incredible, and Ultimate Frisbee was a blast, of course! The coolest thing in the whole week though was on Wednesday when they bussed us into Portland and we had an hour to witness to people in Pioneer Square. I was a little nervous when we started, but when we had to leave, I didn’t want to go. The hopelessness I saw in the people I talked to just broke my heart. Some of these people truly believed that there was no way they could know what happens after death, and that there was nothing they could do about it. I can’t even imagine how pointless life would seem if this was really all there was. I tried to tell them about the hope of Heaven that they could have in Jesus, but I don’t know how much of it got through. God promises though, that His Word will not return to Him void, so I know that many many seeds were planted in hearts that day. It was an amazing experience.
So I got home from WVA on Friday night, did my laundry, repacked, and left for Jericho on Saturday morning. Jericho was another truly amazing week. I’m having a harder time putting it into words though. The people at the churches in Independence/Monmouth were so kind and took such good care of us, that I was and still am blown away by their hospitality. Saturday we decorated for VBS at Independence First Baptist Church, Sunday we went to church, went swimming at Mary’s house (the children’s pastor at Monmouth Christian Church), went to a BBQ at another family’s house, and then VBS started on Monday. Monday went so smoothly, that all I could do was say, “Wow, God!” We had about 150 kids, I think, and everything that I saw went off without a hitch. I met some of the sweetest and most adorable kids I’ve ever seen last week. Man! *sniff*
Monday night though was hard. We went witnessing door-to-door, which I was hoping was going to be as great as what I’d done at Worldview, and I was excited about it, but it didn’t turn out so great for my group. A lot of different things happened that left me feeling like a complete failure. But the cool thing was that I got to spend like two hours with Alise, Kaeli, and Heidi talking and praying with them about what had happened. It was really cool. Yes, my team and I messed up, but God forgives, gives second chances and brings good out of even our mess ups! Thank goodness for that!
The rest of the week we did VBS, two block parties and a youth rally. At VBS 10-15 kids got saved (Alise, correct me on that number, I’m not exactly sure), and two more that were saved at the Independence block party. God was working for sure! We met some really cool people from different teams all around the NW, and that was fun too.
I’m sure I’m forgetting a lot of details here, so Alise, feel free to chime in… (-: But overall, it’s been an amazing two weeks of learning and growing in God and seeing Him work, and this summer isn’t even over yet! There’s still youth camp next week, and kids camp the week after that, and we’re possibly going to Basin City again in August. On that note, please pray that my parents will be ok with me going to kids camp and Basin City… they’re already getting tired of me being gone so much, so things are a little stressful, but it’s not too bad yet. Please pray that they stay cool with me trying to follow what God’s telling me to do.
Love you guys!
Mood: Peachy
Music: “The Way to Begin” Krystal Meyers
Monday, June 05, 2006
Let's Roll!
Okay, I'm PUMPED! My summer officially starts in 10 days, and I can't wait!! I just know that this summer is going to be even more amazing than last summer (if that's possible!) and I can't wait to get started! So, if I haven't done so already, I'm going to fill ya'll in on my summer plans...
In ten days I leave for Missouri (I've been working on my accent for the last week! It needed a little brushing up!) and although this trip has the potential to be incredibly boring (think sitting in a motel room for seven days watching tv), I'm just praying that God is going to do something cool. I have TONS of unsaved relatives there, so right now I'm just praying that God would really open up opportunities while I'm there to talk to them, and that I wouldn't miss those opportunities. But I'm also looking forward to the down time to catch up on my reading (The Deadiest Monster, The Greatest Among You, A Call to Die, His Chosen Bride, The Sacred Romance, The Power of a Praying Teen, The Ragamuffin Gospel, and The Bible). Wow, I think I'm going to be taking more books than clothes! Of course I haven't even started packing yet. Why would I do that? That's next Wednesday night's job. Wash all my clothes and throw them in a suitcase. It's what I'm going to be doing all summer, so I might as well get used to it!! But seriously, guys, please pray for my family back there. I have no idea what kind of opportunities I might have to witness to them, and I don't want to miss it.
So I get back from MO on Thursday the 22nd, then VBS in Toledo starts on Monday! I'll be running sound and learning the songs for the music department. It's a pretty brainless job, but it's going to be my only chance to learn ALL the VBS songs before Jericho! But I've always loved the VBS songs (yes, even when I was a 6th grader!) so I love doing the music.
The week after Toledo's VBS, I leave for a week of Worldview Academy. I'm pretty pumped about that too! From what I've heard from other people who have gone to WVA, it's the most amazing week ever. I'm glad that I'm getting to go BEFORE Jericho, because I think that I'm going to learn alot that I will be able to put into practice immediately!
I get home from WVA on Friday night (the 7th) and I leave for Jericho early Saturday morning! Please pray for good sleep and rest that night!! But just a head's up, I'll be sleeping all the way to Eugene! (-: I'm so excited for Jericho this year, that I can't even describe it. Last year in Tri-Cities was simply the most amazing experience of my life, but I feel so much more ready and prepared this year. I'm ready to be completely surrendered to God and to pour myself into the kids we're serving. This summer is NOT about me!! It's about being a servant.
After Jericho, I have a week at home to rest and get ready for youth camp. (Wow, I'm spending alot of time in Oregon this summer! I just realized that!) Youth camp is another thing that I'm totally stoked about! Last winter I was thinking that I might not go to camp this year, and I just wasn't too excited about it. But now that I'm able to play for the worship team and stuff, I know that God wants me to go. And that makes me excited, to know that I'm going to be where God wants to use me. My goal this year is, again, to NOT be focused on myself. I do that WAY to easily! I don't even know exactly why God wants me to go this year, I just want to be moldable in His hands, and that's good enough for me.
So that is possibly the end of my summer. Right now, it's looking like I'm NOT going to children's camp, but I'm still willing to go if that's what God wants. If it looks like God wants me to go, the problem is going to be my parents... not to mention the fact that I really really need to be applying for jobs as soon as I get back from youth camp. But I'm totally cool with going. Please pray about that too, cuz I'm still not sure!
So there you have it! My summer plans! I'm soooo excited to see what God's going to do this summer... and it's all so close now! By the way, random thought, A Call to Die is pretty much one of the most amazing books I've ever read! (Besides probably The Purpose Driven Life) Everyone should read it!!
Mood: Pumped!!
Music: "Lifesong" Casting Crowns
In ten days I leave for Missouri (I've been working on my accent for the last week! It needed a little brushing up!) and although this trip has the potential to be incredibly boring (think sitting in a motel room for seven days watching tv), I'm just praying that God is going to do something cool. I have TONS of unsaved relatives there, so right now I'm just praying that God would really open up opportunities while I'm there to talk to them, and that I wouldn't miss those opportunities. But I'm also looking forward to the down time to catch up on my reading (The Deadiest Monster, The Greatest Among You, A Call to Die, His Chosen Bride, The Sacred Romance, The Power of a Praying Teen, The Ragamuffin Gospel, and The Bible). Wow, I think I'm going to be taking more books than clothes! Of course I haven't even started packing yet. Why would I do that? That's next Wednesday night's job. Wash all my clothes and throw them in a suitcase. It's what I'm going to be doing all summer, so I might as well get used to it!! But seriously, guys, please pray for my family back there. I have no idea what kind of opportunities I might have to witness to them, and I don't want to miss it.
So I get back from MO on Thursday the 22nd, then VBS in Toledo starts on Monday! I'll be running sound and learning the songs for the music department. It's a pretty brainless job, but it's going to be my only chance to learn ALL the VBS songs before Jericho! But I've always loved the VBS songs (yes, even when I was a 6th grader!) so I love doing the music.
The week after Toledo's VBS, I leave for a week of Worldview Academy. I'm pretty pumped about that too! From what I've heard from other people who have gone to WVA, it's the most amazing week ever. I'm glad that I'm getting to go BEFORE Jericho, because I think that I'm going to learn alot that I will be able to put into practice immediately!
I get home from WVA on Friday night (the 7th) and I leave for Jericho early Saturday morning! Please pray for good sleep and rest that night!! But just a head's up, I'll be sleeping all the way to Eugene! (-: I'm so excited for Jericho this year, that I can't even describe it. Last year in Tri-Cities was simply the most amazing experience of my life, but I feel so much more ready and prepared this year. I'm ready to be completely surrendered to God and to pour myself into the kids we're serving. This summer is NOT about me!! It's about being a servant.
After Jericho, I have a week at home to rest and get ready for youth camp. (Wow, I'm spending alot of time in Oregon this summer! I just realized that!) Youth camp is another thing that I'm totally stoked about! Last winter I was thinking that I might not go to camp this year, and I just wasn't too excited about it. But now that I'm able to play for the worship team and stuff, I know that God wants me to go. And that makes me excited, to know that I'm going to be where God wants to use me. My goal this year is, again, to NOT be focused on myself. I do that WAY to easily! I don't even know exactly why God wants me to go this year, I just want to be moldable in His hands, and that's good enough for me.
So that is possibly the end of my summer. Right now, it's looking like I'm NOT going to children's camp, but I'm still willing to go if that's what God wants. If it looks like God wants me to go, the problem is going to be my parents... not to mention the fact that I really really need to be applying for jobs as soon as I get back from youth camp. But I'm totally cool with going. Please pray about that too, cuz I'm still not sure!
So there you have it! My summer plans! I'm soooo excited to see what God's going to do this summer... and it's all so close now! By the way, random thought, A Call to Die is pretty much one of the most amazing books I've ever read! (Besides probably The Purpose Driven Life) Everyone should read it!!
Mood: Pumped!!
Music: "Lifesong" Casting Crowns
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