After the shindig, Elizabeth - Molly - Haley - and I played in the fountain. Wonderful night!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Family Picnic
Last night, the youth group and friends met down at coolidge park to hang out. We played frisbee, volleyball, and got to consume the most beautiful shaved ice ever!
After the shindig, Elizabeth - Molly - Haley - and I played in the fountain. Wonderful night!
After the shindig, Elizabeth - Molly - Haley - and I played in the fountain. Wonderful night!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Joy Story, Pump It Up, and Six Flags
VBS: Joy Story - (Sunday-Wednesday):
The Youth Group worked games this week. There was so much participation from you guys! Thank you so much for choosing to come serve!! Great job.
Pump It Up - Tuesday:
Six Flags - Thursday:
Pump It Up - Tuesday:
Six Flags - Thursday:
Monday, July 18, 2011
Wetoga 2011: No Wall Too High
Right when I stepped out of my car, I felt it - The joy of being back at Wetoga. I have so many wonderful memories at that place and this week was no exception! This past week at Wetoga was such a blessing. I don't even know where to start...
Well, let's start with fun or silly times > Crafts were off the chain this year (duct tape crafts, tie dye, misc. craft day, and beeswax candles). Mrs. Tammie did a wonderful job! This year our new addition was having Morning Wetoga. This is modeled after Morning Impact. There were videos galore. Wetoga Song, Lazy Day, INTERLUDE. We played so many games- Gross ones and challenging ones- Morning and night.
And it is incredible how much our group loves Honey, if you love me, give me a smile. Haha!
I loved getting to know new people and making new friends!
The Champions of War - The White Team
MVP: Connor Kapperman (Green Team)
I lived in cabin G2. What A Treat! Haha. These girls completely blew my mind. I am so proud of the way they stood out this week - from speaking out in devos to just being involved. These girls, on their own, chose to have a devo during F.O.B time. They completely opened up to one another! They covered each other in love and acceptance. We got to experience being a part of a sisterhood and now all truly understand what that means. I am so encouraged by all of your leadership.
Caleb loving on Taylor
I was extremely uplifted by the decisions made this week! We had 5 baptisms: Casey Hardison, Luke Hedrick, Avery Roland, Jeremy Borders, and Allie McKamey. Wonderful teenagers! Thank you for your example and dedication to living a life walking with Christ!
Senior Night touched me this week! Josh and Matt did a wonderful job. What I remember most is hearing about selflessness. This youth group is not about you. These guys are great examples of what it looks like to put your time and effort into making Refuge Ministries as strong as it can be. They knew that it wasn't about them, and gave us their best. They love this group with all they have and we are so thankful for them!!!
We had too much fun with those fans
Tearing Down the Wall: Wednesday night had so much impact on so many lives! We walked up to the craft shack to find a wall built out of cardboard bricks. (We had been making these bricks throughout the week and wrote notecards that we put inside revealing things that were separating us from God). When everyone sat down we turned the lights out. Then Andrew and I went up to the wall with black lights and as we walked toward the wall all of the things separating us were revealed by blacklight marker. This was so emotional, just to read what our brothers and sisters are struggling with. Andrew and I then laid the lights down (still exposing the sins) and sat down among the group. Josh played a couple of songs and I just fell apart. One song he played was "How He Loves". Looking up at all the worldly things drawing us in and creating our pain then hearing of God's unfailing love was so beautiful to take in. Our God is greater! Then, at just the right moment - A cross swung down and broke through the wall!! Our teens were bonded together, feeling God's presence and grace. Melissa and I were asked to pray for many girls. I love these girls so very much! They are so real and open. They have been exposed to so much pain. I want so badly to take it away from them, and our God can do just that! It was such a privilege to hold these girls, to cry with these girls, and to lift these girls up in prayer! And I want to thank our guys. Yall mean so much to us and we need you. The way yall stood over by the shack waiting for all the girls to regain their composure so you could shower them with love meant so much!
Waterslide Wednesday
The next night was Talent/Skit/Video Night. EBY has Got Talent! In my cabin alone, we had 4 solos. By Abbie Cribbs, Ashlyn, Cribbs, Peyton Riddle, and Avery Roland. Then we had two groups of boys that played guitar and sang - *Mason Wortman and Matt Hogan, *and Aaron Sanders, Matthew Davenport, and Garrett Mitchell. The skits were wonderful too. Great job to everyone! So encouraged by everyone's participation!
Girls Night was after that. And although we normally have a crazy night of singing and dancing - This year Melissa and I felt called to tell the girls our testimonies. After we did that we opened the floor for *people that wanted to ask for accountability about things they have decided throughout the week or *share their testimonies with each other. We feel that it is very important that these girls TRULY know each other! This is the only way we can know how to love on and encourage each other better. So many girls shared and prayed for one another! I am so thankful for that night we were able to share together!
Refuge Ministries is Unbelievable! This group is so strong and united! I enjoyed so much truly getting to know each other throughout this week. The love they have for one another and the love they have for Our Maker is absolutely breathtaking.
Praise God! :)
When I got home I opted out of my nap to go to Harry Potter 7 Part:2! Wonderful decision, Haha. Jared-Jace-Luke-Cameron, "GET YOUR BABY OUT OF HERE!"
Sunday morning was so wonderful! First, the sermon was about things children wish their parents knew. It was a continuation of learning more about my kids and being amazed at their openness and impressed by their hearts. These kids need leadership and an incredible amount of love. We talked about Wetoga in class and things we loved. We got to hold onto that feeling a little bit longer and for that I am grateful. We also did the Interlude... Twice! Haha.
Well, let's start with fun or silly times > Crafts were off the chain this year (duct tape crafts, tie dye, misc. craft day, and beeswax candles). Mrs. Tammie did a wonderful job! This year our new addition was having Morning Wetoga. This is modeled after Morning Impact. There were videos galore. Wetoga Song, Lazy Day, INTERLUDE. We played so many games- Gross ones and challenging ones- Morning and night.
And it is incredible how much our group loves Honey, if you love me, give me a smile. Haha!
I loved getting to know new people and making new friends!
MVP: Connor Kapperman (Green Team)
I lived in cabin G2. What A Treat! Haha. These girls completely blew my mind. I am so proud of the way they stood out this week - from speaking out in devos to just being involved. These girls, on their own, chose to have a devo during F.O.B time. They completely opened up to one another! They covered each other in love and acceptance. We got to experience being a part of a sisterhood and now all truly understand what that means. I am so encouraged by all of your leadership.
I was extremely uplifted by the decisions made this week! We had 5 baptisms: Casey Hardison, Luke Hedrick, Avery Roland, Jeremy Borders, and Allie McKamey. Wonderful teenagers! Thank you for your example and dedication to living a life walking with Christ!
Senior Night touched me this week! Josh and Matt did a wonderful job. What I remember most is hearing about selflessness. This youth group is not about you. These guys are great examples of what it looks like to put your time and effort into making Refuge Ministries as strong as it can be. They knew that it wasn't about them, and gave us their best. They love this group with all they have and we are so thankful for them!!!
Tearing Down the Wall: Wednesday night had so much impact on so many lives! We walked up to the craft shack to find a wall built out of cardboard bricks. (We had been making these bricks throughout the week and wrote notecards that we put inside revealing things that were separating us from God). When everyone sat down we turned the lights out. Then Andrew and I went up to the wall with black lights and as we walked toward the wall all of the things separating us were revealed by blacklight marker. This was so emotional, just to read what our brothers and sisters are struggling with. Andrew and I then laid the lights down (still exposing the sins) and sat down among the group. Josh played a couple of songs and I just fell apart. One song he played was "How He Loves". Looking up at all the worldly things drawing us in and creating our pain then hearing of God's unfailing love was so beautiful to take in. Our God is greater! Then, at just the right moment - A cross swung down and broke through the wall!! Our teens were bonded together, feeling God's presence and grace. Melissa and I were asked to pray for many girls. I love these girls so very much! They are so real and open. They have been exposed to so much pain. I want so badly to take it away from them, and our God can do just that! It was such a privilege to hold these girls, to cry with these girls, and to lift these girls up in prayer! And I want to thank our guys. Yall mean so much to us and we need you. The way yall stood over by the shack waiting for all the girls to regain their composure so you could shower them with love meant so much!
The next night was Talent/Skit/Video Night. EBY has Got Talent! In my cabin alone, we had 4 solos. By Abbie Cribbs, Ashlyn, Cribbs, Peyton Riddle, and Avery Roland. Then we had two groups of boys that played guitar and sang - *Mason Wortman and Matt Hogan, *and Aaron Sanders, Matthew Davenport, and Garrett Mitchell. The skits were wonderful too. Great job to everyone! So encouraged by everyone's participation!
Girls Night was after that. And although we normally have a crazy night of singing and dancing - This year Melissa and I felt called to tell the girls our testimonies. After we did that we opened the floor for *people that wanted to ask for accountability about things they have decided throughout the week or *share their testimonies with each other. We feel that it is very important that these girls TRULY know each other! This is the only way we can know how to love on and encourage each other better. So many girls shared and prayed for one another! I am so thankful for that night we were able to share together!
Refuge Ministries is Unbelievable! This group is so strong and united! I enjoyed so much truly getting to know each other throughout this week. The love they have for one another and the love they have for Our Maker is absolutely breathtaking.
Praise God! :)
When I got home I opted out of my nap to go to Harry Potter 7 Part:2! Wonderful decision, Haha. Jared-Jace-Luke-Cameron, "GET YOUR BABY OUT OF HERE!"
Sunday morning was so wonderful! First, the sermon was about things children wish their parents knew. It was a continuation of learning more about my kids and being amazed at their openness and impressed by their hearts. These kids need leadership and an incredible amount of love. We talked about Wetoga in class and things we loved. We got to hold onto that feeling a little bit longer and for that I am grateful. We also did the Interlude... Twice! Haha.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Swim Day
Yesterday, some girls and I went out to Thunder Farms to swim. Thanks to the beautiful Terri Warren we were met with snacks, drinks, and popsicles. This day was insane!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Suffering and The Lookouts
No, these are in no way related. haha.
Sunday night Dave preached on suffering. I really enjoyed this lesson! Addressing things like, when God takes things out of our life that are not honoring Him. We looked at the passage in Matthew 16:21. Jesus tells the disciples how He must suffer many things. And we so often think that We do not need to suffer.. When you decide to be honest about something - aren't you choosing the right thing although, often times, it may cause you to suffer. There is always a chance of suffering. But we should not be afraid of suffering. Through our suffering, God can be lifted high. Through our suffering, we grow!
After church, we went to Standifer Gap to play tennis. Lets say a lot of us exhibited more improvement than skill. But it was a fun night with EBY!
Last Night, The Fourth of July, East Brainerd had a Pavilion at the Lookouts game. There was an incredible turnout! We had so much fun fellowshipping with one another and enjoyed a beautiful firework show from the outfield.
God Bless America!
Sunday night Dave preached on suffering. I really enjoyed this lesson! Addressing things like, when God takes things out of our life that are not honoring Him. We looked at the passage in Matthew 16:21. Jesus tells the disciples how He must suffer many things. And we so often think that We do not need to suffer.. When you decide to be honest about something - aren't you choosing the right thing although, often times, it may cause you to suffer. There is always a chance of suffering. But we should not be afraid of suffering. Through our suffering, God can be lifted high. Through our suffering, we grow!
After church, we went to Standifer Gap to play tennis. Lets say a lot of us exhibited more improvement than skill. But it was a fun night with EBY!
Last Night, The Fourth of July, East Brainerd had a Pavilion at the Lookouts game. There was an incredible turnout! We had so much fun fellowshipping with one another and enjoyed a beautiful firework show from the outfield.
God Bless America!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Store & 80's Night
This Wednesday we watched and discussed my favorite nooma video. It is called Store. It addresses how easily we get angry. How often times the smallest things can ruin our day or consume our thoughts. So many funny things happen during the video. Things that I laugh at because I relate so well. Like trying to pull into a parking space that has a buggy sitting in it. From this video, we were able to apply many things. Are the things we get angry about worth the energy? We learn "be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." Are we taking this to heart? Choose Joy! Another aspect of this is: Are we getting angry about the things that God is angry about? This reminds me of a line in 'Hosanna' by Hillsong that says, "break my heart for what breaks yours". Our anger can challenge us to change the world. Through our anger, is God trying to get our attention about something He is calling us to do?
On Thursday, the boys set off for their Manly Man's Retreat. So.. We decided to have a Girls Night! We dubbed it, The Womanly Woman's Counter-Retreat. First we met at the church building in our 80's gear! We then spent time fellowshipping with each other, eating pizza, taking pictures, and playing games- From Little Sally Walker to Honey, if you love me. After that we set out for Hamilton Skate Place. It was a wonderful suprise that it was Christian Night at the rink. We got to hear a lot of music that we know and love. After an hour and a half, of some hilarious attempts at skating for some of us, we called it a night. I had so much fun with you girls! You all are beautiful and crack me up! :) Love you!
On Thursday, the boys set off for their Manly Man's Retreat. So.. We decided to have a Girls Night! We dubbed it, The Womanly Woman's Counter-Retreat. First we met at the church building in our 80's gear! We then spent time fellowshipping with each other, eating pizza, taking pictures, and playing games- From Little Sally Walker to Honey, if you love me. After that we set out for Hamilton Skate Place. It was a wonderful suprise that it was Christian Night at the rink. We got to hear a lot of music that we know and love. After an hour and a half, of some hilarious attempts at skating for some of us, we called it a night. I had so much fun with you girls! You all are beautiful and crack me up! :) Love you!
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