Dear Refuge,

Where do I start? You amaze me. I look back at Winterfest, my first trip with you guys, I remember the way yall opened up during the Saturday night devo. That was just a glimpse into how special I learned that yall are. This summer has been insane. We have had times when we did dumb things, times when we cried with each other, times when some of you scared the living daylights out of me, times when we truly saw God, times when we revealed our sins and hurts to one another, and times that we murdered each other (only with a whisper, haha). All these times helped us in growing closer to each other. The group that I have to leave on Saturday is not the group that I came to be with in June. Yall have been transformed! Each of you plays an important role in the body of Christ and more specifically, in this youth group. You each have talents that have encouraged me so much throughout this summer! Be bold with your talents. Be bold in your faith. Look for Him every day. Live with intention.

Girls: Remember to be confident! When you wake up in the morning, feel God's love for you and put on the confidence that comes from Him. Each of you is so beautiful and mean so much to me! Never let anyone convince you that you are anything other than all God says you are, which is -beautiful -unique -worthy. Believe in yourself. Respect yourself. Don't compromise. When hard times come or when friends let you down, rest in His arms. Your relationship with God is so important, in fact it is the only thing that is important. Don't fight with each other about dumb things or put each other down. You are sisters! Be there for one another and encourage one another. And always remember, He will make your life beautiful! No matter how much you have been hurt or how lost you feel, God is right beside you. Love yall so much :)

Boys: Yall were such an incredible source of my laughter this summer. So many of you have a ridiculous and incredible sense of humor. i love how so many of you put yourselves out there. Just as an example, how you went all out in your Wetoga videos. Continue to step out for God. He is creating leaders in and among you. Be ready for the things that God will be asking you to do. You have so much potential! I know you have many opportunities to say things you shouldn't, laugh at things you shouldn't, look at things you shouldn't, and sit back while others step up. But step up! I have seen so much in you boys. God is living within you! Another thing, build up your sisters. Your sisters need you. They need your respect, friendship, encouragement, and in some cases your protection. Look out for one another.

Everybody: Stay involved. This summer was wonderful! And guess what.. This schoolyear can be also. Keep up with those of you that go to different schools. Plan to hang out with each other. Be present on Sundays and Wednesdays and lift one another up. And also, in every day, look for ways to be different! Don't fit in with the crowds. Love on those who seem to be left out, say no when people ask you to compromise your morals, and strive to look more like Christ every day. Each of you means so much to me. I am only a phone call or a Facebook message away. Never think twice about calling me up, just do it! And I will be back to visit on the reg. Love each one of you.

God is our refuge!


Josh: Thank you so much for all that you do! You have so much dedication and your heart for this youth group is so full. You TRULY care. It was so encouraging for me to see how much you love these teens. God brought you to us at a desperate time and He has been working so much through you and your family. You are special and exactly who we needed! I truly enjoyed our summer!

Andrew: Oh man! I am really going to miss you. I am not just saying that. Yeah, we don't have everything in common, but who does? Thank you for being a friend! You always had a big hug waiting for me. Your boldness is incredible! We went thru some junk this summer. But I am thankful that we went thru it together. I pray that God blesses you!!! Hopefully I will get out to Searcy for a visit this year!

Shoutout to the Staff and Weird Wednesday

Yesterday we went to Famous Daves with the staff - how I love them. And it was such a great time. To talk a little about the staff: I absolutely loved devoing with them, chatting about things with them, laughing with them, getting picked on way too much by them (I know they love me). It was such a wonderful atmosphere. I loved our family at work. We had Steve to jump in and make us laugh and distract us from what we were supposed to be doing. Chris to crack the jokes. Dave to be the man. The ladies to keep everything running. East Brainerd is blessed! I will miss getting to be with you guys on the daily. Much love!

So, today we came in did a little work, went to lunch, and cleaned out our office. I feel like I was just moving my things into our office yesterday.. Why do the past 2 months feel like 2 weeks. The hugs, gifts, and goodbyes do not seem real. I have never heard our youth group overflow in their singing like they did tonight. They gave it up! I was so encouraged. And there were so many people there :) We watched a Nooma and Andrew brought everything together. We talked about the power and importance of prayer. God is active in our lives! Then it was time to say our official goodbye to Andrew and draw our summer to a close. This is why this day was so weird. Today was our last day? i cannot grasp it yet. Probably because I will still be around and be back to visit regularly.

A letter to the youth group is coming soon! I love you boogers so much :)

Busy, Busy, Busy

So Josh and his fam set out for Yellowstone on the 2nd. To start off this blog I need to just let you know that on my first night of housesitting some of the teens came to the house and played a prank on me. This was not just any prank.. I was panicking... hyperventilating. Yes, that happened.
Well where do I start - we had a jampacked week planned. First we had a mother/daughter pottery party. Haley Warren likes to call it the Parttery. It was incredible. We had such a great turn out and had a ton of fun!

Wednesday, the youth group went to see Soul Surfer. And I had tears in my eyes the entire time. It was an awesome movie! I am so encouraged that such a God honoring movie is in theaters!

After the movie, we went to church and helped set up for School Supply Day. Everyone worked so diligently and eagerly. And we got everything done in a flash.

Thursday Night, we went bowling at Holiday Bowl! We had such a wonderful time together. From choosing what our names would be on the screen, to laughing at the boys dancing. It was a hysterical time of fellowship!

I had to miss out on Friday and Saturday. But the teens had an incredible time with Andrew. Setting up for School Supply Day, Swim Party at the Willmores, and the actual School Supply Day.
On Sunday, Chris presented a moving lesson, "Things Parents wish their children knew" then for class, Andrew had some of the kids go up and say their favorite part of the summer. I really enjoyed what they had to say.
That night we had our back-to-school devo at the Davenports. So many people came and along with games, food, and a devo (where andrew listed what he has learned this summer) we had such a great time together. And of course, after the devo. The kids convinced me to let them go back to the church to play Murder. They literally get me every time (with their begging and puppy dog eyes).. I can't say no. I have to step up my game before I have kids of my own.

Throughout this week, many of the kids will start back to school. I am not ready for it at all. But there is still time to spend together - so I am not saying goodbye yet :)

Bravo

Wednesday Night we had a intimate camp-like devo together in the middle school room. It was a great opportunity for us to take part in some quality singing and then we talked a little about keeping this fire. We discussed the closeness and growth we have experienced this summer and encouraged one another to keep that as school starts back. We have to be there for one another and take all that we have learned into the world.

On Friday, the youth group set out for Atlanta for a Braves game. Stopping at Fudruckers on the way put everyone in a great mood. After the sun went down it was a beautiful night. The game picked up around the 7th inning and the Bravos came out with a win. It was a fun time! And enjoyed some eventful vanrides.

Sunday, in the girls class we talked about being a Proverbs 31 woman. We talked about ways we could contribute to our youth group, the spiritual growth of our brothers, each other, and the world around us. After church, we had a glorious potluck and then we set up for Senior Sendoff. We celebrated with seniors -Matt, Josh, Ross, and Chandler. With encouraging words from parents, our time together was such a blessing.

Sunday night the youth group got together for a movie at the cheap theater and went back to the church building to play Murder.