In and Out

I got back from camp Saturday afternoon. Camp was really great. We had about 120 people out at Camp Timber Creek.

The theme for the week was the "March of the Unqualified." It was good for the kids and the old people like me out there to be reminded that even though we are completely unqualified to be loved by God and to do His Kingdom work, He loves and uses us anyway. His love is what qualifies us.

I thought the greatest thing about the week was watching some of the older kids interact with the younger ones. This camp was somewhat unique in that it was for 3rd graders through high school graduates. Most youth camps tend to have a narrower scope in ages.

The age difference provided a dynamic that allowed the older kids to show God's love to the littler ones. I never heard a harsh word or an annoyed look by any of the older ones. They always took the time to answer questions, help, play with, smile at, talk to, worship with, and hang out with the younger ones.

Those littler kids that look up to the older ones really got to see the love of God as the older kids shared their faith, and bared their experiences with God. It was powerful.

...

Tomorrow night our whole family will head to San Antonio. I'm scheduled to lead a service at Northside on Wednesday night. We will fly back on Thursday afternoon.

It's always good to go back to Northside. That is where I grew up. That body of believers is the one that shaped and molded me through my childhood. I have relationships with people there that can never be replaced. Present and past Ministers have influenced and taught me. Some of my first memories are in that building and with that family.

I remember sitting in the table and chairs in the nursery that my dad built in our garage. Northside still uses that table and chairs in the nursery.

I remember my JoAnne Scruggs and my first grade bible class coming to visit me (with Happy Meals!) at my house after I got home from the hospital when I broke my leg.

I remember the building as it expanded further, first as the auditorium incorporated the classrooms, then as the education building was built, as the portables were added (I also remember helping to roof those portables), and as CHS joined the property.

I remember being baptized in that baptistry.

I remember being married in that auditorium.

I remember leading that family in worship of our God.

I have so many memories from them that I hold dear. It will be good to be back with them for a short visit.