It's a Beautiful Thing

Happy Father's Day!! Yesterday, after waking up to clean at bit here at the Big Creek Mission, myself and two leadership assistants (temporary interns) went down to Knoxville. Both SLA's had served their terms and I was attending a wedding near the mountains. It was fairly weird to go back to a large city-multiple food, grocery, and entertainment options. Anyway, this day was all about the wonderful relationship of one of my nearest Nutrition friends, Sarah. I met Sarah the first day of my sophomore year. We spent hours studying, talking, sharing life stories, and working in class daily. Her new husband Matt is one of the best guys I know-a very loving and gentle soul. Sarah had asked us (Laura, Heather, and myself) to serve as program attendents-a job we really had fun with.

Sarah and Matt choose beautiful strings to play numerous songs from "Amazing Grace" to "Canon in D". Their day was focused on Christ, His love, and the love that they share. It was absolutely precious! Additionally, I got to spend time with some of my best friends from college. Heather (in the middle) and I maintain a very close relationship and Laura (very left) is moving near the Big D in the fall-so exciting!!!

To top off the day, I spent time with my Bible study from college. I had walked life with these beautiful girls for three years-we have shared many tears, laughs, a wedding, and lots of other excitement. God truly blessed us in bringing us together to walk life. Second Thessalonians 1:3 "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other." We all know that God is growing us, moving us, and shaping us. I wish all of them the best as we move and change in life!

Week 3 was full of excitement, Jesus, and work. We were priveleged to have many students from Ohio, Kansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Daycamps continued to have more children. Friday, our local daycamps came for Carnival Day here at Big Creek. We had all sorts of exciting messy games-a slide filled with spaghetti noodles at the bottom, face painting, and lots of other excitement. This week I really felt more exhausted than usual-but I learned to have more dependence on Jesus. God brought a wonderful group of women to help me in the kitchen also. I had the pleasure of working with a former social working (with mean grilling skills), a teacher who grew up as a missionary kid in Mexico City, an RN (also the youth leader's wife), and the associational secretary (who is a great organizer)! What fun & blessings! Thank you all for ALL of your work-it blessed 230 people!

God continually teaches all of us things-we must take the time to listen and learn about Him. Kevin is teaching from John all of this summer. People often think that we (staffers) get tired of hearing the same sermons each week. However, I have learned something new every week. In John 5, Jesus has just performed a miracle. A man who was sick for 38 years is approached by Jesus for healing but he makes excuses. Eventually Jesus cures this sick man and tells him "pick up your mat and walk". (verse 8) This man walks but with much opposition. Too many people are upset about the legalism that ensues-the Jews tell this man (who was just healed) that it is sinful for him to work (walk with his mat) on the Sabbath. However, Jesus encourages Him to walk on. Eventually, the Jews try to use this as evidence against Jesus in His last days. Anyway, I wonder if I am aware of areas that I don't pick up my own mat?? How many excuses do I make to Christ?? Am I willing to take a challenge and follow Him-even when it gets really uncomfortable?