11.19.14 Rock Update

Good morning!  Good evening to those coming in a little late to the update party!  Our blog is a crucial part of our ministry so we really don't care when you read it so long as you read it.

We strive to partner with you the parent and it's nearly impossible to weekly check in with you all and let you know of all our doings, teachings, and goings.  So the blog is a great way to do that in one neat swoop. We pray you connect with us and are able to see through the bad grammar, scattered thoughts, and long winded ramblings to see our heart for the Lord and your student.  Our greatest hope and desire is to lead your student to knowing and following Jesus with their life.  The blog is a great tool for us to communicate how that is going on our end and open the line of communication to hear how it's going on your end.

If you're new to the blog you may not realize it's actually generated from our website, therocksm.org. 
I typically write the blog on Thursday morning, each week, and then later that day I receive an email of the blog and forward to all of you.  The blog is best viewed from our website but can also be read as an email. 
By going to the website you're able to see trip details, view the devotions online and learn more about why we do what we do.  It's a great tool for those interested in The Rock SM.  So share it with your friends who are seeking or looking. All this to say we pray you take advantage of our website, blog and a ministry who seeks to all we can to lead your students to Christ.

#rockfeast

Last night we were able to enjoy a meal together.  By meal I mean we had a feast, think King Arthur's table. We had a spread!  We had plenty and all 105 of us had plenty to eat and I doubt anyone left hungry, at least they shouldn't have!

A Turkey, 7 Boston Butt's and a 15 pound Ham were consumed in no time.  We asked for food and you brought it!  So thank you for that and thank you to all the moms that hung out to make sure things went smoothly!  It was a great night, the students enjoyed it, all 85 of them!

Many of our folks don't get to experience a true Thanksgiving experience.  Many choose to avoid turkey and have changed it up, and that's fine.  But we wanted to provide an opportunity for these students to experience an old fashion Thanksgiving Feast complete with a crazy family, weird uncle, nagging cousins, and a kid table.  We had those and I'm certain eventually had that nap that is always calling.

It was a great night and I hope the students enjoyed themselves.

Contentment 

During our meal we were able to settle our hearts and minds around God's Word for a brief moment.  You know how that dad, the elder, always has a word to say to his family before they tear into the food?  We had that too....only we did it after the food was consumed.  We shared a devotion by Paul Tripp on contentment.  Rather than copy and paste I'll simply include a link to his website where you can sign up for these Thanksgiving devotions.  I'd encourage you to do this and possibly even use them to share with your family over dinner, just before you say goodnight or maybe just post it on every mirror in the house.  (You do realize the mirror in the house is the one thing that each member of your household will look into each day?  We wonder on some based on looks but we're confident they at least glance at the mirror)

PAUL TRIPP THANKSGIVING DEVOTION

Just a reminder that we will not be having the Rock next week in light of Thanksgiving.  Enjoy the time off and I pray our focus remains solid on the fact that God, in spite of we are, has loved us and shown us grace unspeakable!