It happens every time that I go on a trip or get back from camp. The crash. The crazy part is that it usually takes a couple days to hit with its full force and with complete impact. This year, it has been a bit more than just fatigue, it has been serious wrestling with stuff going on in my life and ministry and trying to find discernment and wisdom through all of that. And in the midst of all of that, I have had to shift gears pretty quick with Teen Camp right around the corner, next Friday.
Truth is, I am learning through this one. The biggest lesson that I have been able to process through is that if I don't trust Him through this one, it won't go well. The potential of crashing is much greater if I try and figure all of the schedules, all the issues, and all of the truth out without waiting for Him.
Reality is, God is Greater Than it all. Reality is, God is in Control. And Reality is, He will make my paths straight. I know that He is Wise and I know that I am not. And I know that it is through Him that I can do all things because He strengthens me to be at peace with where He has placed me.
I'm ready.
I'm waiting.
I'm seeking.
He is so much more than my box. He is so much more than me.
He just is.
Period.
Showing posts with label Summer Camp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Summer Camp. Show all posts
July 21, 2011
July 16, 2011
Senior High Camp To This Point
What an amazing couple of days here at Senior High Camp. I have been just blown away at how God has glorified Himself through some different situations and settings. Here are some of them:
Be praying for a continued move of His Spirit as we spend our last full day here at camp!
- Opening Session: So pumped to see how students responded to God's call to allow Him to have His way this week. What an amazing response to His Spirit!
- Thursday AM TAWG debrief: So cool to hear how students heard from God and how they were able to share that word with the rest of the students.
- Cedar Point: I was so pumped to pray with JT as he just saw how our students were interacting with each other and were so joyful in doing so that He wanted some of that. It was pretty sweet some of the conversations I was able to have as a product of our students being themselves so we could be we.
- Friday AM TAWG Experience: How cool it was to see students and leaders engaging in God's Word and everything that He has for them. It was amazing to hear back from students and then to engage in worship as we all came together to praise Him. It seriously was awesome.
- Friday PM Session: It's so cool to see how students and leaders react to the sure conviction of the Spirit of God. As much as it can be painful and difficult to hear, it can be so valuable in the process of becoming more like Him. He spoke very clearly tonight and revealed, to many, the things that He wants to correct. It was a powerful move tonight.
Be praying for a continued move of His Spirit as we spend our last full day here at camp!
July 12, 2011
Something New for Camp
This year, we tried something new for Summer Camp to help aid parents and begin the conversation for students about what took place at camp. I thought that it was so good that I decided to share it with you!
After we arrived back at the church at 6:15pm (we timed our trip to camp so that we could make sure we were back in time), we gathered all of our parents and students together for one final session/commissioning. We had a number of students share, with parents present, some of the things that they thought were totally awesome, fun, the things they learned and some of their more impacting experiences. It was cool to hear the Junior High students put into words the things that they had experienced and be able to do so in front of their parents.
I was so pumped to see so many parents present to hear from their students on the things that took place at camp. I can't wait to see how this helps parents in the long run and how it changes the way that we do camp. One of the biggest obstacles of camps, retreats and other trips is the follow-up and accountability. We live in a day and age that suggests that parents are exempt from offering those two aspects of students' experiences. And at some levels, we can do our best to eliminate parents from that equation. But the reality is, if we are going to be a ministry that seeks to partner, aid and come alongside parents in their relationships with their students, this just makes sense.
I think that this element will change the impact of our camps and I can't wait to begin to make it even more effective.
After we arrived back at the church at 6:15pm (we timed our trip to camp so that we could make sure we were back in time), we gathered all of our parents and students together for one final session/commissioning. We had a number of students share, with parents present, some of the things that they thought were totally awesome, fun, the things they learned and some of their more impacting experiences. It was cool to hear the Junior High students put into words the things that they had experienced and be able to do so in front of their parents.
I was so pumped to see so many parents present to hear from their students on the things that took place at camp. I can't wait to see how this helps parents in the long run and how it changes the way that we do camp. One of the biggest obstacles of camps, retreats and other trips is the follow-up and accountability. We live in a day and age that suggests that parents are exempt from offering those two aspects of students' experiences. And at some levels, we can do our best to eliminate parents from that equation. But the reality is, if we are going to be a ministry that seeks to partner, aid and come alongside parents in their relationships with their students, this just makes sense.
I think that this element will change the impact of our camps and I can't wait to begin to make it even more effective.
Junior High Camp Reflections
What an amazing 4 days with some awesome students who now have the opportunity of a lifetime! 4 days ago, I left with Chris and all the leaders, with a group of 80+ regular, average, middle of the pack, Junior Highers. Junior Highers that lived their lives in the "Meh" lane of life. They did what they wanted and mostly for themselves. But that all changed when we all began to recognize how much Greater Than that a life that is lived for the King of Kings is.We returned with three busloads of World Changers with the opportunity to truly allow God to move in their lives, the lives of their families, and the lives of so many more people around them. All for the cause of Jesus Christ.
In the last 4 days...
I have seen how Junior High worship is supposed to be.
God has made himself known in ways not seen before by these students.
I have seen just how capable Junior High students are.
I have been able to recognize my place in the Body of Christ even more and with more confidence.
I have seen the mountaintop for these Junior High students and the prospectus is bright.
I cannot wait to see how the next 4 months or so play out in the lives of these world changers. Bonds have been broken for some and His desires have been set in the hearts of others. It's going to be a great year for God in our Junior Highs.
Now. I just can't sleep over the thought that we get to do it all again with our Senior Highers. It's going to be awesome. Let's do this!
In the last 4 days...
I have seen how Junior High worship is supposed to be.
God has made himself known in ways not seen before by these students.
I have seen just how capable Junior High students are.
I have been able to recognize my place in the Body of Christ even more and with more confidence.
I have seen the mountaintop for these Junior High students and the prospectus is bright.
I cannot wait to see how the next 4 months or so play out in the lives of these world changers. Bonds have been broken for some and His desires have been set in the hearts of others. It's going to be a great year for God in our Junior Highs.
Now. I just can't sleep over the thought that we get to do it all again with our Senior Highers. It's going to be awesome. Let's do this!
July 11, 2011
Junior High Camp Day 3
What a really cool day today.
We started out in our TAWG Experience this morning where students went around to different stations to be able to connect with God in different ways and with a different focus for each station. It was so cool to see students worshipping together on the lakeside, discovering how they put God in a box, discovering our priorities and many more. It was a great time for students to engage God on a very practical, personal level. So cool.
This afternoon, we headed out to Kalahari Waterpark and had a blast! Students were going down water slides, hanging out in the wave pool and having a ton of fun in the Toilet Bowl ride. It was so cool.
Tonight, we experienced worship like we never have before. Seriously, I think that the police stopped by for noise ordinance stuff. Ok, so it wasn't the police but the security guy from the neighbor was definitely coming by to check things out. It was so sweet. Then, God spoke through Pastor Chris to challenge us to be "All-in" for Jesus. To make Him Greater Than everything in our lives. I am so excited to see how these students who came to camp as ordinary Junior Highers and are going to return to their homes as World Changers because they recognized that God is Greater Than everything they face everyday and that God is inside of all of them.
PARENTS: BE SURE TO JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT @ 6:15pm in the Connection Gym. We will be sharing some of the themes and the things that God has been teaching us throughout camp. You won't want to miss it and it will be a great opportunity to help your students hit the "ground" running when they get back from camp. Many things have happened here at camp; we want to share some of them with you.
We started out in our TAWG Experience this morning where students went around to different stations to be able to connect with God in different ways and with a different focus for each station. It was so cool to see students worshipping together on the lakeside, discovering how they put God in a box, discovering our priorities and many more. It was a great time for students to engage God on a very practical, personal level. So cool.
This afternoon, we headed out to Kalahari Waterpark and had a blast! Students were going down water slides, hanging out in the wave pool and having a ton of fun in the Toilet Bowl ride. It was so cool.
Tonight, we experienced worship like we never have before. Seriously, I think that the police stopped by for noise ordinance stuff. Ok, so it wasn't the police but the security guy from the neighbor was definitely coming by to check things out. It was so sweet. Then, God spoke through Pastor Chris to challenge us to be "All-in" for Jesus. To make Him Greater Than everything in our lives. I am so excited to see how these students who came to camp as ordinary Junior Highers and are going to return to their homes as World Changers because they recognized that God is Greater Than everything they face everyday and that God is inside of all of them.
PARENTS: BE SURE TO JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT @ 6:15pm in the Connection Gym. We will be sharing some of the themes and the things that God has been teaching us throughout camp. You won't want to miss it and it will be a great opportunity to help your students hit the "ground" running when they get back from camp. Many things have happened here at camp; we want to share some of them with you.
July 10, 2011
Junior High Camp Day 2
What an amazing day today! We had so many awesome things going on today! We started today by coming to understand the theme of GREATER TOGETHER. Sometimes it gets real hard to understand just how bad we need to depend upon each other as we seek to follow after Christ. Some of the activities from today included:
- The Great Relay Race- You can see all of the pictures from it in the DAY 2 Pictures that Pastor Chris will post on the Facebook Page.
- Crud Wars- It sounds messy because it is messy. What a ton of fun. It was really totally awesome. I couldn't believe how much fun we had throwing all kinds of different elements at each other. It was truly a sight!
- Lake Time/Free Time- This is always a ton of fun and a great way to cool off after a hot day. We took full advantage of that!
- God > ________- God is stirring in the hearts of students and leaders alike. It is so cool to see how students are recognizing the areas of their lives that have taken a place that is greater than God. I know I can't wait to see how this changes their focus for this week.
July 9, 2011
Greater Than
I've been at camp since yesterday afternoon. I can already feel the rush of the wind and the beautiful sight that is Lake Erie from this view. I'm still convinced that this is clearly the only good thing in Ohio, save for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and maybe the whole town of Cincinatti, but that's a much different matter.
I'm praying this week that...
...We would know God as Greater
... We would meet with Him
... We would begin to see our place in relationship to what He did
... That true submission to God and His Will would reign in the hearts of us all
... That God would rain down His Spirit like never before and...
... That we would never be able to forget the truth that is His Glory
Tonight is all about God and His Greatness. Nothing more and nothing less.... May His spirit RAIN OVER US TONIGHT!!
I'm praying this week that...
...We would know God as Greater
... We would meet with Him
... We would begin to see our place in relationship to what He did
... That true submission to God and His Will would reign in the hearts of us all
... That God would rain down His Spirit like never before and...
... That we would never be able to forget the truth that is His Glory
Tonight is all about God and His Greatness. Nothing more and nothing less.... May His spirit RAIN OVER US TONIGHT!!
July 14, 2010
Picture in need of a caption
I thought that this was funny. Now it needs a caption. Therefore, you should participate!
Here we go!
Here we go!
July 3, 2010
Preparing for Camp!
Monday, we send our Junior Highers to Beulah Beach for Summer Camp 2010 and it's going to be Different. As I think about that, the fact remains that there is another camp that will take place right after that for Senior Highers. I've been thinking about that camp a whole lot. I've been thinking about students, leaders, specific situations and the things that I am doing to try and prepare for camp.
I'm convinced, after my experience in Haiti, whenever we plan on going into anything that will put us on a spiritual high, we need to take extra care to prepare and ready ourselves for what is going to take place.
So, for camp this year, what are you going to do to prepare?
What baggage are you bringing to camp?
What things are you going to be distracted by?
What people do you need to connect with at camp?
Just some thoughts that have been running through my head that might be good for you!
GC
p.s. I'm really excited for camp!
I'm convinced, after my experience in Haiti, whenever we plan on going into anything that will put us on a spiritual high, we need to take extra care to prepare and ready ourselves for what is going to take place.
So, for camp this year, what are you going to do to prepare?
What baggage are you bringing to camp?
What things are you going to be distracted by?
What people do you need to connect with at camp?
Just some thoughts that have been running through my head that might be good for you!
GC
p.s. I'm really excited for camp!
July 26, 2009
Souls Sold Out For Him...
I love this picture...These are three of our guy leaders from Summer Camp 2009.
These guys get it. They want it...
Dan, Scott, and Jeff all are solid guys that are striving to know what it means to be a Christian and a leader in these days.
These guys want it!
I'm so excited to see what God does with these three guys...
Camp was a great experience for me and for all of those involved. But it's now well time to start looking to the future. How will you invest in the youth of today? Students, how will you look forward today? How will you change your world today?
God use us today!
July 23, 2009
This excites me...
This is Dan.Dan is one of our amazing Cabin Leaders from Summer Camp 2009.
Why am I really excited about this picture?
Dan has heard God and has Seen His Power.
Dan is different because of camp.
Dan is gonna affect students much more than just at camp.
Dan knows to serve our God, You Gotta Want It...
Dan knows how bad he wants it...
Dan knows what it means to want it
Pray for Dan and the courage to be obedient to God in the ways that He is moving Dan...
"My ears have heard of you,
but now my eyes have seen you"
May we be changed by His voice and His presence in our lives!
July 20, 2009
Souls Sold Out for Him...
This is Mallory.Mallory has heard His Voice in Philly and at Camp.
Mallory is ready to be used by God.
Mallory wants it.
Because if you are going to change your school, You Gotta Want It...
Do You want it?
How bad do you want it?
Because if you want to be used by God to do miraculous things...
You Gotta Want it!
July 17, 2009
A Confidence Not of My Own...
That title looks kinda dumb... Oh well... I like it...
Summer Camp 2009 is over! For Senior High that is... Let me just say that I am so pumped about what God is doing in students right now... I don't mean just a couple of students who want it more than anybody... but in a vast majority of students I am talking to right now... God is good and He is using students to change the world, TODAY!
Anyway, in this whole process, God has used me to better the chances of bringing it home for students (i hope) and this has been so encouraging. But today, was Day 3 of the charge to spend an entire year with the Lord everyday. So far, so good! I am so blessed to have accountability around me and people who want to see me grow.
As part of improving this year's camp experience, Derry created a 5-week, post-camp TAWG journal. On today's passage we read 1 John 1:5-2:2. In this portion is the reminder to not sin and that if we claim that we do not sin we are not in the light. Yet, if we do sin, we can have confidence in His defeat of death to stand in our stead and be our defense through His blood.
This is so powerful! God is calling us to live in the light! What does that mean for you? For me, it means trusting that I am following His Will and that He will guide me. I trust not in my own self, except that He is guiding me and that I am being obedient to His Will. I have a confidence that He is in control of my life. It requires me to daily surrender and confess my own desires and my own longings and replace them with His Will for my life.
My confidence is in Him alone! He is my strength! He is my guide. He is my all in all.
Summer Camp 2009 is over! For Senior High that is... Let me just say that I am so pumped about what God is doing in students right now... I don't mean just a couple of students who want it more than anybody... but in a vast majority of students I am talking to right now... God is good and He is using students to change the world, TODAY!
Anyway, in this whole process, God has used me to better the chances of bringing it home for students (i hope) and this has been so encouraging. But today, was Day 3 of the charge to spend an entire year with the Lord everyday. So far, so good! I am so blessed to have accountability around me and people who want to see me grow.
As part of improving this year's camp experience, Derry created a 5-week, post-camp TAWG journal. On today's passage we read 1 John 1:5-2:2. In this portion is the reminder to not sin and that if we claim that we do not sin we are not in the light. Yet, if we do sin, we can have confidence in His defeat of death to stand in our stead and be our defense through His blood.
This is so powerful! God is calling us to live in the light! What does that mean for you? For me, it means trusting that I am following His Will and that He will guide me. I trust not in my own self, except that He is guiding me and that I am being obedient to His Will. I have a confidence that He is in control of my life. It requires me to daily surrender and confess my own desires and my own longings and replace them with His Will for my life.
My confidence is in Him alone! He is my strength! He is my guide. He is my all in all.
July 5, 2009
Camp Preparation
So, today is the last day before our Junior Highers leave for Summer Camp. Our camp is focusing on the words that Job hears directly from the Lord when Job is finally at his "wits end."
"Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me."So, as they get ready to leave, I am praying that God may be saying this to them right now as they prepare for camp and get ready to launch out into an experience that I pray will change their lives. I pray that it is an experience that pushes them to desire Him more and more, everyday; when they get back.
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