"Anyone Can Be A Hero"

While at church camp in June, my son, Jordan, surrendered to the ministry. God had been working with him since last December but Jordan needed time for prayer and counseling from other youth ministers and camp counselors. He announced his calling to the church and has received much support from our friends and others in ministry.

Jordan had been working on a devotional but said he didn't know when/where he would get to speak but he knew that God would provide the time and place. He did. Last night at Youth Group, he got to present his message on "Anyone Can Be A Hero." Jordan started out asking what the word "Hero" meant. He talked about how each of us can be a hero to someone and the way we conduct ourselves tells a lot about us as a person. He shared all the different names that God refers to Himself-The Almighty, Holy One, just to name a few. Then he showed the video "What About Now?" by Chris Daugherty. This is a very powerful and sad video. Jordan then asked each person in the room if they thought they were a good person. He had a few people come up to read a card telling them they we are not good, but forgiven through Jesus Christ our Savior.


The Youth Group surrounded Jordan in prayer before the devotional.


Jordan giving his first devotional.

Reading the "Are You A Good Person?" card.

"The Shack" is Discussed.....

We had our first group book discussion on "The Shack" last night. There were 10 people in attendance and we had a great time. Sharon started out the evening by discussion the syllabus and a few "housekeeping duties". We received a handout with some unusual words, showing their definitions, synonyms and where you can find them in the book. We were able to cover Chapters 1-4 and will try to cover 2 chapters each night from here on. Several people brought out some very good points and observations at different places in the book. I enjoyed listening to how others intrepret what they have read and what it means to them.

Our Teacher-Sharon Martin

"The Shack"

After two friends recommended that I read this book, I just had to go get it. It has forever changed the way I think about God, my relationship with Him and about forgiveness.Many times throughout the book, I had those "Ah-ha" moments, you know, those moments when the light bulb comes on? It showed me a different way of seeing things-not just through my own eyes, but through God's eyes.

There were some parts of the book that I had to read and re-read several times. I finally gave up and pulled out a notebook and started taking notes. There were times when I just had to close the book because I couldn't comprehend it. It is very deep at times, but as I continued on, I would begin to understand those parts that were so deep.

Now that I'm done with this book, I'm going to share it with my friend Regina. I would recommend that others get a copy of this book and read it. Trust me, it won't take you long to finish it. It's incredible!

*NOTE* We will be having a book discussion on "The Shack". Sharon Martin has graciously agreed to lead the group. We will meet on Thursday evenings from 6pm - ?, beginning on July 24 at the GRC Fellowship Hall. Plan to join us for 5-6 weeks of deep conversations. So, get the book, experience it and sign up for the group discussion!!!

Camp Cedarmore Pics

Destanee

Lining up for "The Blob".

Jordan flying off "The Blob".

Cody on "The Blob".

Madison on "The Blob".

Justin on "The Blob".

The Look On Their Faces?.......PRICELESS!!

Regina Nannie and I made a "road trip" yesterday to Bagdad, Ky. We wanted to surprise the youth group and especially our sons, Justin and Jordan. Unfortunately, neither were very surprised to see Mom show up at church camp, as the looks on their faces made that very plain. But they soon warmed up to the idea, especially after we gave them money to buy extra t-shirts! But there were a few kids there that made us feel so welcome, even some that wanted us to stay over night.

We took sandels to keep our feet cool and tennis shoes for all that walking. We drove the car all over the place, so tennis shoes not needed. (Why is it that most camps and colleges are built on hills?) We forgot the sunscreen, but there was plenty there. Obviously the kids weren't using it based on all the lobster-colored skin they had. I took the new digital camera, took hundreds of pics, too bad I don't know how to edit them yet! I forgot my "Minnie-Pearl-floppy hat" but ended up not needing it, especially when those darks clouds hung around most of the day and eventually brought a cooling rain.

We felt like we came into the middle of something wonderful and when it was time for us to leave, we knew that we were leaving an awesome experience that we were able to just get a small glimpse of. Our youth group is a very close knit group of kids and it seems like after every camp, they are even closer. We can see them getting closer to each other and closer in their walk with God.

We didn't want to leave, but due to the time, we had to. We left at a time when the Holy Spirit was moving very strongly in the Checkpoint room. We arrived safely back home at 2:00am. Now, I'm going to greet the day. On 3 hours of sleep. And of heart full of love for the GRC Youth. And a walk that is a bit closer to God.

Going To Bagdad For Jesus!!

The GRC Youth left yesterday for a week-long church camp at Camp Cedarmore in Bagdad, Ky. They left in camo t-shirts that said "Going To Bagdad For Jesus!" Everyone was so excited, especially those that went last year because they know what is in store for the week. I wish I could have went with them, but someone has to take care of the dogs. Maybe next year!

You can check in on the camp to see what is going on. Go to http://www.crossingscamps.org/, click on Parent Point, enter your email (or just use mine to get in), go to Camp Cedarmore-week of June 23-27. You should be able to see pics and videos that are updated daily.