If walls could talk...

 If walls in the prayer chapel could talk, they would say....

"God give me courage to be different for you."

"Just because you aren't the perfect Christian doesn't mean he will love you any less."

"God completely wrecked my life and broke the chains of pride that bound me."

"Lord, put a permenant change in me."

"My purpose is to spread the Gospel to every nation. I AM SECOND."

"I never want to spend one day the same as the day before."

"Let my presence and the Holy Spirit inside me help make a difference in humanity for His Glory."

"Lord, give me a hunger for you and your word. I want more and more of you."

(Thanks to all the High School students, counselors, and staff who bared their souls on the walls of the prayer chapel yesterday.)

We started with bare walls yesterday afternoon and after 2 hours, we were left with walls full of heartfelt crys to God. It brings tears to my eyes and chill bumps to my skin to read all of the things written on those walls. I never knew how much kids were hurting. Life is so hard for many of these teens, and I am so very thankful the Lord has provided this chapel to be a place of rest, a haven.

If you can, take 5 minutes today and pray for the Spirit to move in this place this week. Please pray that this is only the beginning of a changed life for those who have accepted and rededicated their lives to Christ.

I am so very aware that this movement of God is the result of prayer. So, to those of you who have been praying for this camp, for these kids....thank you. We are seeing the results of every single word you have prayed and its astonishing.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

Table Rock Youth Camp 2012 (Middle School Style!)

This past week was Middle School Camp for our district. I must confess...this is probably one of the most rewarding weeks of camp I have ever been a part of. I wish I could tell you all in full detail of every amazing event that happened over the past 5 days, but I fear I would develop carpel tunnel from the typing. ;) So, I will do what I do best and tell the story through pictures!

 This week George and I were on staff at camp. We were put in charge of the prayer room. We decided to place paper on the walls so students could write prayers, thoughts, or praises. As you can see God MOVED this week. To him be all the glory, honor, and praise. Hallelujah!

Worship. 

Saw this picture and I just had to edit it this way! Looks like a scene from a war movie! Don't worry, he survived. :)  

My HOT and HOLY future HUSBAND bringing the Word at camp!

Year ONE.

(DISCLAIMER: Our "miniversary" was on June 12th. However, I have been at youth camp..so, I am just now getting this post up!)

It's been a year.

Yes, almost to the day. Yesterday was what I love to call our "Miniversary." We have been in ministry for a year now. George and I have been youth pastors for a whole year!

It definitely hasn't been the easiest year of my life, but it ranks right up there with the most rewarding. When I was in high school and in a youth group myself I would have never thought I could deal with all of the things my youth pastor and his wife had to deal with.

Now? I understand a lot more about my amazing youth pastor and his outstanding wife (Luke and Jessica Jackson). Thinking back on this past year my first reaction is to call Luke and Jess up and say "Thank you" a thousand times. I just didn't know ministry was actually THIS hard.

I mean I knew George and I would be "in charge" after taking on the role of youth pastors. I knew we would be the ones worrying about powerpoint, snacks, preparing a lesson, announcing events, safety, and small groups. What I didn't prepare myself for was invaision of youth ministry into every aspect of my life.

I assumed it would be fairly easy to comparmentalize my life once I became a youth pastor. I now see just how naive I was. There is no way I can separate life and the effects of ministry. I have spent so many nights praying, crying, and worrying for our students. George and I both fear that we aren't doing our absolute best to disciple and love the students in our ministry. I know there are things we can and will do better, but thankfully the Lord has blessed us through our shortcomings. He's really good at that. We couldn't have gotten through our first year in ministry with our sanity without Him. That's for sure! ;)

It's been an aboslute blessing to have a whole year of experience under our belts. I am praying for so many more. Thanks to all of those who have prayed for us, poured into us, and served right alongside of us in our ministry. Thanks so much for allowing God to use you. And most of all, thanks to the students that have shown us what unconditional love is all about. You all are teaching us so much. We love each one of you right where you are. 

J is for June

J is for June, and jam packed! I know if this month doesn't kill me, it will definitely make me stronger. :) This past weekend I traveled home for what I lovingly like to call a "work weekend." On Thursday I made the trek home after work. I got to spend a few minutes with the family before bed then early Friday morning the onslaught began. At 9 a.m. I had a Dr.'s appointment. I then had a client meeting at 3, and a photo shoot at 6. It was a FULL day!

On Saturday I was taking photos at a wedding until 4 (Congrats Amanda and Danny!). After the wedding I went straight to my nephew's house to take his one year pictures! THEN my great friend Morgan was sweet enough to meet me at my house to finalize my options for mine and George's Save the Dates. Seriously, she's amazing. I not-so-secretly enjoy having an excuse to hang out with her for hours on end!

Finally, on Sunday I woke up EARRRLLLLY and drove to church in South Carolina. However, the day was not quite done yet....I had to work 1:30 to 6. Thankfully after work my absolutely amazing future husband had dinner ready and waiting. Ladies, be jealous.

Yes, all that is as tiring as it sounds, but somehow the Lord brought me through every bit of it! Now, I can mentally prepare myself for the last two weeks of June....which include middle and high school camp. I will also be working during those weeks of camp as well. Sigh....I often dream about my summers in high school....the only thing I had to fret about was my tan.

Welcome to REAL life huh? ;)

Here are a few "sneak peeks" of my work weekend!
Also, so happy that Jordan and Ben have booked Laurin Lee Photography for their engagement, bridal, and wedding pictures!

Yard Sale

Today REACH (our youth ministry) had a yard sale! We decided to have a yard sale a few weeks ago to raise money to send students to summer camp. I had high hopes for the profit of this fundraiser, but I was pleasantly surprised by the profit, donations, and volunteers. Seriously, I was blown away!

We made a whopping $482.51. I could not be happier. This is definitely one happy and proud youth pastor! I didn't realize just how much I love yard sales. I, along with our other sponsors, youth leaders, and students did some "shopping" while we were setting everything out. We really got some awesome donations. I know I spent more than I should have! What can I say? I was born to shop!

I was a bit scared that we would be doing a yard sale on a weekend that George wouldn't be in town (He is preaching at his home church tomorrow) but with the help of many volunteers...we pulled it off! George told me on the phone earlier that he was super proud. Yep, he totally made my whole day with that comment. ;)

I had to wake up at 5:15 this morning to be at the church early. So, as soon as I arrived home around 3 this afternoon I went straight to bed. A yard sale, and a nap? I would consider this an eventful but rewarding Saturday.

Thanks again for all of you who volunteered your time, items, and money. Each moment, donation, and penny is helping our students attend a life changing week of youth camp. You may not realize it, but you have changed lives today! We appreciate EVERYTHING!

God's provision is outstanding. To God be the glory!