the beginnings.

During breakfast on Friday morning with some amazing friends [Jill, Brandon, and Seth], Brandon commented that I should start a blog. (after I had disclosed to them a particularly embarrassing moment). I told him if he came up with a clever name, I would begin blogging.

..And this is what he came up with. alass&alaugh. Kinda like alas and alack. (it took me awhile to get it). So.. sure. Why not? I'll start a blog.

In my opinion, it is critical for everyone to journal [or blog] in some way, shape, or form. The little things that happen everyday that make us thankful, excited, or passionate about life can be lost so easily in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. As my pastor says, "life conspires to dull us to sleep." A journal [or blog] definitely helps me to keep God the focus, and keep me thankful for the little things.

This past summer, I was a site director for Camp of Champions USA. I had worked as a counselor for 3 summers before that, so I knew Camp pretty well. About halfway through the summer, the Lord convicted me to begin a journal that the female staff could write in when something small, or big, happened that reminded us in a small, or large way, of God's glory. It could be a short story, a verse, or a quote that was inspiring.

Here are some of the journal entries, and I think it is a good way to recap the summer:

(for obvious reasons, i am going to use one letter for the child's name.)

*Jeremiah 1:7 - But the Lord said to me, "Do not say 'I am only a youth;' for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afriad of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.

*After 1 day of being at camp, K and T had a family meeting with their mom. They unanimously decided to come to camp the rest of the summer. They do not go to church regularly, and don't know much about "this Christian thing." PRAISE JESUS they are here!

*Today, M walked up to me and said, "I prayed for your mom today. I really want her to feel better." She is not even in my group this week. I had shared that prayer request once last week.

*After fighting earlier in the day, I saw a brother helping his younger sister learn how to rollerskate.

*K wants to talk more about Jesus!

*In my speech class at night, L's cousin is in my class. She told me how much L loves to come to camp, and that his family can notice a difference in his attitude at home during camp.

*God does not call the equipped. He loves to equip the called. That is His specialty. For example: Moses, Gideon, Daniel, David, Joshua, Joseph, Me...

*Randomly, in the middle of a human pinball game, B came up to me and asked, "How do I accept Jesus?" We had a really great talk!!

*After a long and intense prayer time with God a few weeks ago, I feel called to children's ministry. God has revealed so much to me about camp and ways to serve this summer. I have decided, even though I'm only a sophomore in high school, that I want to major in Children's ministry in college. I am so grateful for this camp.

*T accepted Christ on Wednesday! While praying, in his prayer voice, T says "thank you, God, for writin' the Bible!"

*While in line for carpetball, O was reading his Bible. A few kids cut in front of him in line, and when they realized it, they asked if he wanted back in line. He said "nope! I got the Book!"

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These are just a few of the ways God worked this summer. It was incredible to see the growth of the kids throughout the entire summer. I am so amazed at how faithful God is!! It continues to happen: I shouldn't be surprised by it, but I am. He carefully places little nuggets of truth and grace throughout our days for us to notice. To keep us awake. To keep us passionate. To remind us He is there. To change us. He loves us that much.

So, the goal of this blog? So that I will take time to notice the nuggets, and actively thank God for them.


(a big thanks to Brandon Wiegand. you are a star :) )