Summit

So I'm about to the halfway point of my time on staff at Summit Ministries this summer. I am blown away that God allows me to be a part of what goes on here! This ministry has impacted countless lives since it began 47 years ago here in Manitou Springs, CO. For those who don't know, Summit is a Christian Worldview and Leadership academic camp for 17-25 year olds [www.summit.org]. I was a student here in '06 and '07, and until now, they were basically the best 4 weeks of my life! Now I'm being given the opportunity to provide that experience for other students...what an incredible blessing!

While here, my job on staff is as Nightwatch. 3 guys and I stay up from 11pm-7am, doing various duties like mopping the kitchen, washing towels for the 188 students, vacuuming the lobby, and doing rounds of the "Summit Village", the smattering of cabins and houses and property that Summit owns around the hotel here (hotel from the 1890s, I might add), chasing off bears and hippies. This was exactly the job I wanted here, and God blessed me with it! I get to interact with the students in the late afternoon and evening, then have wonderful peace and quiet all night!

It will be so hard to leave here in 2 weeks. I am already praying that God allows me to return next summer, hopefully for much longer! My heart and soul are so at peace here. It is truly home away from home. Perhaps the best way to describe it for those who have not experienced it is this: for me, it is the closest I can get to heaven this side of eternity. In heaven, we will be one body, with one mind and one purpose--to worship the Father. Here, though we as a staff have different duties and shifts, we have one mind and one purpose--to serve the students and help them enter into a greater understanding of their Creator. All this we do with an attitude of service and love, giving glory to God!

Well, that's a brief glimpse into my life at present. Father, you are so good for giving me this time! Teach me, mold me through this experience. Make me more into the servant you've designed me to be for your kingdom!

Trust

It's so easy to trust in things that will let me down....money....friends....grades....family. Yet it's so difficult to convince my heart to fully trust the ONE who will never betray me. Here are some reminders the Lord has been giving me:

Delight yourself in the Lord
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him...
Psalm 37:4-7a

Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8

It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in man.
Psalm 118:8

The Lord is good
a refuge in times of trouble.
he cares for those who trust in him.
Nahum 1:7

God is in control. His standard is the only one that matters. Only to Him must I give account of my decisions, actions, and thoughts.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in (relies on, has confidence in, leans on) You.
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.
Isaiah 26:3-4

Wedding Pics!

My "sista" Beth just got married, and I was privileged to be a part of her and Bryon's big day! I thought I'd put up a few pictures. What wonderful memories!!!

The Bridal Party plus Groom as we prepared to decorate the church!

(l to r) Jazz, Amanda (bf of bride from FL), Katie (sister of bride), Jane, me, Beth, Bryon, Amy

My dad coached, and I made this for Beth and Bryon. It got hung front and center for the ceremony! The bottom clear bevel has their names and wedding date engraved.

Me and the Bride at the rehearsal dinner

Wedding day, at the park for pictures! What a GORGEOUS bride!

Jane and I in our signature AMY KISS!

Beth and me

The Sistahood of the Traveling Prayer

Our brother and sister, Mr. and Mrs. E. Bryon Palmer!

Beth "Gordon" Palmer has been an incredible friend and sister. I cherish the time we had together at college, and I can't wait to see what God will do in her and Bryon's life together!
Blessings, and GUESS WHAT?!?! I'm stickin' with you!
Have a blast in California!

Remembering

Hey, yall. If you have a minute today, please pray for the family and friends of Chris Maurer. He was a good friend of mine from high school who died in a motorcycle accident a year ago today. God woke me up REALLY early this morning to pray for the many who are still mourning, hurting, and needing the peace of Christ.
John 15:13

DONE!!!!!

Holy COW! I'm done with my Junior year of college, and my little brother is graduating in 3 days!! My, how time flies!

So, here are my plans for the next 3 months:

Tomorrow: FLY HOME!
Next Friday: fly back to NY
May 24: two of my best friends graduate from Keuka
May 25-June 2: Stay with my aunt/uncle/cousins in Penn Yan, NY

June 3: Drive to Albany to help my best friend Beth finish up stuff for her wedding
June 12: WEDDING!
June 13: Reception
June 14: church with the bride and groom, then back to Penn Yan to pick up my mom and stuff in order to drive home
June 16: HOME!

June 17: Hop back in the car with my dad, brother, and bro's gf to drive to Nashville to visit Belmont, where Wes will be in the fall.
June 19: HOME!

July 15: drive to Mantiou Springs, CO, to work at SUMMIT!
August 16: drive home

August 27: Drive back to school for SENIOR YEAR!

So...I'm not excited about any of the above. Really. It's all rather dull. ;-)

Cinco de Mayo

!Feliz cinco de mayo!

Cinco de mayo, a Mexican holiday, is not the celebration of Mexico's independence as many believe. Actually, May 5 is the celebration of Mexico's victory in one singular battle against the long-undefeated armies of France. In 1862, Mexican's small, underprepared soldiers ran the French out of the village of Puebla in a resounding victory.

Mexico had declared their independence from Spain in 1810. They were still fighting oppressors some 50+ years later! This reminded me today of our battle for righteousness. The moment we accept Jesus and his saving grace, we declare our freedom from oppression and allow Him to establish a new government in our hearts. However, as time wears on, many enemies come against us to try to regain territory of our hearts and minds.

Jesus never promised that a life of righteousness would be easy. In fact, he stated quite the opposite. However, we are called to never let our guard down--to keep fighting the good fight! Let us rejoice not only in the freedom we've won through Christ but also in the daily victories He gives!

1 Chronicles 4:10 (New International Version)

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.

Friendship

I just spent the weekend with two of my girlfriends from high school. We've not seen each other much since graduation--mostly once every Christmas and once ever summer or so. It's been incredible to just pick up right where we left off (I must admit, we have facebook to thank for the fact that we are still in touch).

I'm just reminded by spending time with these ladies what it means that Jesus is my friend. No matter how long I go without really sitting down and talking with him, he still desires to know me, spend time with me, have fun with me, and speak truth into me. I've been learning these past few months to really walk in prayer. Not just bless my food or ask for help on a test--to really walk the sidewalks and halls of school in communion with God. The Spirit has made himself more evident as I allow my eyes to be opened.

I've sung this song countless times, but what a sweet reminder!

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!