April 22, 2015 Update

4/23/2015

I pray everyone is doing well today and basking in the sunshine that has seemed to avoid us the last few weeks. Also praying our students are doing well as they find themselves smack dab in the middle of testing. Such a potentially pressure filled situation for them and I pray they experience the peace that only comes from God as they walk through this testing season! The end is in sight!

REACH CAMP

Summer Camp 2015 will literally be here before we know it. Praying many of our students hurry and get signed up and also pay the $20 deposit. This helps us in a huge way. We will be having our team night on June 3 which is very early. Team Night is a night we introduce the competition teams for the week of camp and also introduce some key components of camp. Knowing who is going is crucial to making this night beneficial. To learn more about Reach Camp please visit the REACH CAMP PAGE.

Many of our students are involved with so many school activities that require summer practices, meetings and other requirements. Because of this we realize some simply cannot attend camp. But we are asking that you do all you can to work this out. We only ask because we see the potential of a week in the Word of God with the people of God. It's never a bad thing to gather your heart and thoughts around this amazing God is it?

What we've learned through the years is that many of our coaches, instructors, bosses are very understandable when it comes to this and will allow you to be absent for a week, it just may require some extra work when you return. While we definitely want you to honor commitments to your activities we also desire you to be with us for this amazing week together. But we do realize this is a hard decision for you and your family. Our encouragement is to pray, seek God, and then simply follow what you feel He desires for you to do, then simply honor that commitment and pursue excellence as you move forward. Seek to use each activity as a platform to glorify God.

The value of the possession is seen in the intensity of the pursuit.

My Experience

My experience, or back story, is that I loved sports, baseball particularly. Though I grew up in a time that was less demanding on the time required it was still an effect that I often look back on with some regrets.

My heart was to honor God, I remember that clearly. I also remember telling God that if He got me to some sort of big platform in baseball I would make much of Him while there. So I spent the majority of my life, really all of my time between the ages of 12-25 pursuing nothing but baseball. My heart was ready but my actions never really came through. It seemed I was waiting for that big platform and failed to see that the ground beneath my feet was that platform. There is no bigger platform than the one you are now standing on. I failed to see that and wasted many years chasing and pursuing something I thought was ahead of me all the while failing to see that the platform was right in front of me, beneath me, in the present rather than the future. I needed to trust God's sovereignty and walk faithfully with Him, I often failed to do that. and still do. Looking back I failed to make much of Jesus, my voice was silent.

I wouldn't trade the moments learning but rather look back with a renewed sense of God's provisions and protection during a time I was focused on self. I would trade anything for having this history of my failures. These failures would later be a driving force to helping others who face the same experiences. I never imagined that the demand for time on students would be so great. But it is here nonetheless and there is no greater time for our students to use their platforms to make much of the name of Jesus. Wherever, Whenever, Whatever.

Through the years I've seen many students make the same mistake I made. What to say? How to counsel? If I say something too direct I am a legalist. If I disregard and say nothing I fear I fail to use what God has given me to help others. So I encourage them to chase these dreams all the while taking advantage of the opportunities that are staring them right in the face right now. Stand strong, honor God, pursue excellence, have fun as you walk this out but never forget the platform you now have is the most important once you'll ever have.

I do not want students and parents to look back feeling they've wasted valuable time chasing things that in the end didn't produce what they hoped. There is value in that pursuit but only when the end goal is the right goal. The encouragement is this: Chase those dreams and pursuits. But as you chase them never allow them to push your ultimate task of glorifying God to the curb. Seek things that are eternal.

Have fun pursuing a scholarship, a contract, a job, a __________________. But don't place all your hope on this one thing. We must face the reality that the pursuit may end in a "no." The destination is only half the battle...the actual pursuit is the other half. Pursue well! Glorify God in all things!

Here is the *disclaimer - I love seeing students use their life to make much of Jesus. I cringe to see students waste these opportunities. Sadly we often reveal our heart, our treasure amidst these pursuits. I am the perfect example of this and now my heart is to help others not waste such a great opportunity. Thankfully God is gracious and full of mercy. My heart here is to encourage and remind, to exhort and proclaim God's goodness. This leads to last night really...

#DWYL

The last few week we've been in a series called "Don't Waste Your Life." This is a book written by John Piper and it simply challenges the reader in what I've just discussed above. Don't Waste Your Life by chasing things that simply do not matter. But rather pursue things in life with one huge purpose of glorifying God in all things.

Last night we took a turn in our study. How do we honor God and seek to glorify Him with things go south.....when we suffer.....when sickness comes? Is this possible?

We have some heartache in our ministry this week with the loss of loved ones, bad news, uncertainties. We need hope. We need reminding. We need assurance.

The last place we need to prepare for a battle in the midst of the battle. Being prepared to face storms is crucial and last night we prepared, were reminded, were offered hope that suffering is not our end.

Attached are the notes and questions for you to walk through.

Would love to hear your thoughts and how I can help your student walk through the busyness of life all the while glorifying God and making much of Jesus.