I learned so much about God during my week away and I wish I could unload all of that on this blog page, but it may take up WAY too many pages. So my challenge is the same as what I briefly shared with the group last night: My intention for my vacation was not simply to take a break and rest from life, but it was to spend more time simply being in the presence of God because that is so often the first thing that goes when life gets busy...But despite my intention at the start of each day, I had to really fight for connecting to God with all the family, games, beach and volleyball going on around me. But I continued to commit time to God during my vacation and halfway through the week, after persisting on doing so, I spent some deep quality time with Him and learned so much about who He is and my role in His plan.
Oh if I could only share all of what I heard Him speak to me! I will share two beautiful truths:
1) 2 Chronicles 16:9: "For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those who heart is completely His."
Wow! What a challenge and what a promise! If you read the background story, King Asa has just tried to defend Israel by seeking help from another country rather than God...God reminds us that He is the greatest source of strength, contentment, purpose and truth. And He's ready to be intimately involved in supporting the people and plans that are completely wrapped up in Him. Where is your life and family centered on?
2) Isaiah 40:3-26: "'To whom will you liken Me, that I should be his equal?' says the Holy One." (verse 25)
Have you ever stopped to try and grasp just how big God is? To give you an idea of how big the universe: If our galaxy was the size of a quarter (and the galaxy is HUGE in its own right!), the universe would be the size of the entire North American continent. And yet, we often times find ourselves trying to do life on our own...Or maybe we doubt and question whether God really knows what He's doing up there. We lose our sense of humility as those who were created by the Star-Breathing, Life-Giving Source of it All...who is infinitely big, and infinitely good.
So my challenge is the same to you as it was to me last week. Will you FIGHT (believe me, you're going to need to fight hard) to know God more this day, this week, this summer? What could be a greater purpose to your life?
QUICK DATES/TIMES!
- Today! Monday June 15th: Man Gym! 3-5pm
- Wednesday June 17th: Barnstormers Fundraiser Game: Arrive by 5:15pm
- Sunday June 21st: Philly Service Trip Info Meeting: 11am in Memorial Room
- Sunday Night June 21st: Host Home at the Tremblay's, 6:30-8:30pm 1023 Flagstone Court, Lancaster *We're Swimming!*
- Next Monday June 22nd: Man Gym! 3-5pm
- Weds June 24-June 28: Creation Trip (7 spots still open!)
- Sunday Night June 28th: Host Home at Reitnauer's, 6:30-8:30pm 305 South Duke Street, Millersville *We're Swimming!*
WATCH THE SUMMER PREVIEW VIDEO BELOW!!
Swimsuit Policy:
It is you and your child's responsibility to follow this policy when attending a youth function that involves swimming. The purpose of this policy is to protect both sexes from being objectified and tempted, NOT to make your wardrobe choices a stress. Our time together is for good fellowship and positive relationships that help us grow as a community of Christ-followers. We need to build one another up:
Guys: Wear appropriately fitting suits: Suits that are not too tight or too baggy so that we see your boxers hanging out.
Girls: Wear tankinis, one pieces, or a dark colored shirt that covers up top (over your bathing suit top) And make sure the bottoms actually cover the bottom! Bikinis and two pieces are not allowed.
*Ultimately the adults supervising the swimming will make the judgment whether a suit is appropriate or not*
