The Turning Point

Back in town and trying to catch up on some rest from the long, wonderful week at ACU Leadership Camp Kadesh. I have to say that I fully admire and respect Jan Meyer and Bob Strader for their awe-inspiring leadership and tireless energy. I can think of no greater camp directors than these 2 people. Kyle Wade has also shown me that there is power and wisdom in youth leadership and ministry. What a powerful speaker and loving leader!! Both uears that I have been involved in this camp I have walked away a spiritually changed and charged man and the camp is not even for me!! It is designed for the teens and I feel like I get so much out of it. It is that amazing. I say this and I mean it with all my heart: I can't wait to take a group next year!! It's that powerful. A turning point in the lives of many.

Anyway, today El, J-Boo and I are traveling to Georgetown to have a day of shopping and fun! I will be back tomorrow with more news.

Stuffed Silly

I am full to the point of popping. Elizabeth, Jenniva and I just got back from having a great time over at the home of Aubrey and Betty Jo Dunn. What great people. We met up with the likes of Ann G, Madeline F, Bob and Pat W, Bob and Elaine S, Al and Trudy S, AL and Imogene H, the whole Neill Clan and many others, to eat some great crab cakes aand brisket with tomato, onion, pickles-oh just everything. We then mad our way out to the Ping Pong table to get promptly schooled by Betty Jo. Everyone there decided that she is a Ping Pong Shark!!

Well, we had to leave early because my baby and sweetie pie were both ready for a nice nap.

So, I am here at the office going over last minute details before taking a group of teens up to the spiritual life/leadership camp at Abilene Christian University. I will blog as much as I am able in the week ahead.

Through All The Ups And Downs...Life Is Good!

My friend, Allan Stanglin, who preaches at the Legacy Church of Christ in North Richland Hills has been robbed. His laptop, along with the laptop of the youth minister there and some money from youth missions, has been stolen. He blogged about it yesterday afternoon. Go check it out. Talking to Allan last night, even through all of this, his spirits were good and he knows that God will take care of them. Please keep them in your prayers as they try to get back on track.

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In unrelated news, my wife is being taught something great this morning! Trudy Stucky, one of our members, has graciously offered to teach my sweet wife how to bake pies!!! I am so excited about this! They are making 3 items this morning-a Chocolate Pie, a Cherry Pie and a Quiche. I can't wait to dig into it with extreme fervor! So...Life Is Good!!

Ahh ...the sweet (lack of ) smell of success!

Well! Today was a complete success. And I am not just speaking about the morning study that continued today in our First Principles Day Camp. We covered repentance and baptism today! It was great. But more than that, the day was a success because of what did not occur this year. I refer you now to read this blog posted approximately one year ago. Tell me what you think about that!

First Principles Day Camp

Today was the 1st day of our First Principles Day Camp. We had 18 4-8 graders who came ready to learn about sin, accountability and the focal point of our faith-the Cross! The camp goes through Wed and we will cover other great foundational principles of our faith in Christ-repentance, baptism and living in Christ. I am looking forward to the days to come!

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I am just chillin' like a villain with my good pal and former student, Jasmine Nelson!

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Tonight, we will try to resume the book of Hebrews in our Meat Eaters study.

Traveling Man

The whole family has traveled to AR this week for a speaking engagement I have at an Area Wide Youth Function at the Northside Church of Christ in Benton. We are here in Conway staying with Elizabeth's mother for a while. I will try to blog a few times while here. It just won't be the same because Internet access is not as great as it is at home.We won't be getting back 'til later in the week. I will keep you up-to-date as the time goes by.

Bust A Gut!

I busted a gut laughing at this and I think we all need a laugh right about now! Go check it out!!

Aftermath

I am busting at the seams over the handful of teens that are willing to be on call for this week and the weeks that follow to help with the cleanup in the aftermath of the flooding.

Yesterday, we drove to Spicewood to help the Montgomery's clean up. I believe their home, of all our members, was hit the hardest with over 5 feet of water coming in and destroying the lower half of everything. We had a full day of tearing out drywall, fiberglass and shoveling detritus and fecal matter. Yep, water and mud were not the only Montgomery home invaders. Feces made a grand appearance. I am gonna have to go update my shots (Hep A and Tetanus) after hearing Connor tell me about his cut on the 1st day of cleanup. His foot and leg swelled up and turned purple due to a staph infection. I need some shots and soon!

Today, most of the same group moved furniture at the home of Clint and Tiffany Young. It was not as grueling as the first day, but we helped get their house back in order. They just have no carpet now.

I want to thank the teens and people like Jim Moore and Don Graves for all of their hard work and service after this disaster.

Please continue to pray for all who were affected by what meteorologists are calling a 'rain bomb.'