Long Time Coming

Our busy month of July has concluded. We had Venture Camp, a Mission Trip and a trip to Wild Waves. "The Mission Trip? I don't know." Was Indy's response. Others were thrilled to help Pastor Kelly from Grace Christian Fellowship, in the St. John's area. We worked both at the Church and at Pastor Kelly's house. It was tough work, some tore out Blackberry bushes, others tore up Pastor Kelly's front yard, removing plants and tree stumps. Rachel was actually the star, working the Mantis. It was a great time had by all. Our second day entailed us going to Fir Grove Elementary, cleaning up and then bark dusting. It was good, except for Katie finding the hornet's nest for us. It was a complete time of seriousness. It was good to be giving back to the school that a lot of the students went to, some just left at the end of the school year. We had a good experience, no real injuries (is the Millar curse ended?). We are already thinking about where we will go for next year's trip. We ended this one with a great BBQ. There will be revenge exacted. It was so great to go out. I think all in the group realize how much we need to be serving others, showing Christ's love in all of our lives. We worked together, it was great to see everyone working for one cause. It was just exciting, very rewarding for a youth pastor.

After our mission trip was Wild Waves. It was also a good time had by all. Sunburns all around. Next year we will leave earlier so that we can get there right at 10, hopefully we won't get into traffic right around Olympia (like there will be a time of no traffic around Olympia). We were able to get back just 5 minutes late than our advertised time, which makes me feel quite proud of myself. My experience level is increasing, yet with each event I realize, I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT I'M DOING! The learning is the best though. With a group like we have now, I couldn't have asked for a better time to start this job.

God has truly been humbling me and showing me so much in this position. It has been amazing and embarrassing. This last weekend, Becky and I were at Mt. Rainier. God is so awesome to create something like this to begin with, but it was awesome how He really showed me the importance of reading my Bible and praying every day. I haven't been, meaning I haven't been talking to God like I need to be. It is so utterly important to keep open communication with the God of this universe, the One who will take care of and guide me in my walk with Him. The One who was gracious enough to send His Son to die for me. So, now I encourage you to read your Bible. Daily is a good thing, but you don't have to read daily to be a Christian. I think the more you read really has an affect on your personal walk and relationship with Christ, but that could be addressed individually. Start off reading a few verses (5? more? a chapter?) every other day. Go from there. I don't buy the excuse of no time, it doesn't take long to read four sentences. Push yourself, spend time in prayer and reading your Bible. God wants to talk to you, He wrote a letter to you, why not read it and study it? It begins in Genesis, ends with Revelation. Do it.

It is also my wife's Birthday today! She is 23! Give her a call and wish her a happy one!