Just a thought…

I wanted to make a quick post about the awesome power of God.  I woke up this morning at about 5:00, and after I had finished eating breakfast, a terrible pain stuck my chest.  I was literally crying out in pain and laid down, praying that God would heal it so I could go serve for my church.  I remembered what one of my mentors was going through, and prayed a ‘Sun Stand Still’ prayer.  At this point, I was in too much pain to think about anything else but prayer, and I started praying, not only that God would remove my pain completely, but enable me to serve Him all day, helping to lead others to Christ.

After about 15 minutes of prayer, the pain in my chest just stopped, as if it were never even there.  I got up, still in awe, and left for a spiritually uplifting day at church.  I had never experienced a moment of prayer like that, and it has really opened my eyes to the power of prayer.  I know I wasn’t in a life-threatening or dangerous condition, but I believed with all my heart that God would heal me that morning.  And, he did. 

I now believe with full certainty that my God can make the sun stand still, raise the dead, heal his children, and remove all pain.  Next time you pray a bold prayer, remember, that nothing is impossible with God.  Prayers, big or small, He is capable.

Looking Ahead…

In a few days, I’ll be leaving for an awesome place called Camp Evergreen.  I worked there last summer, and I loved it a lot, and this year will be amazing as well.  My aunt, uncle, and their two little kids run it every year for a church in Georgia.  I’ll be gone for a little over three weeks.  I’ve been thinking a little about the sacrifices I’ll have made for those three weeks. 

I’ll miss church for those three Sundays.  A year ago, this would have been a bonus, but now I attend the most amazing church on the planet.  I’ve been working pretty much every Sunday (during the entirety of the day) for at least three months, and I’ve been volunteering for eight.  It’s going to be tough. 

Another sacrifice will be no internet and TV.  So, essentially I will have no idea what is going on outside of camp during the time I’m there (or how awesome the new Batman movie is).  This won’t be so much of a big deal, as I’ll still have my iPod.  I won’t know what’s going on with my friends either.  There is some cell service at the camp, but I probably won’t be able to use it much.  There’s also no air conditioning, an amazing quantity of bugs, and limited showers.

But, I also started thinking about the plus side of three weeks away with all of this.  There will be no temptation, limited ways for Satan to attack me while fullfilling my purpose, ample time to spend alone with God, and a beautiful sunrise over the lake every morning (and coffee too).  And, I’m planning on bringing my guitar.  Which means I can spend time writing and taking in all God has offered to me.  I can spend a lot more time focused on God’s purpose in my life than I could do here, around all these distractions.  These could be the most amazing three weeks of my life.  I encourage you to pray for me as I go through this.  I don’t know what God has in store for me during this time, but I sure want to make the most of it. 

Here are some more cool things about the camp that make it worthwhile:  Great food, time with my awesome Uncle, a great staff to get along with, Great kids that make you feel younger, sleep, Capture the flag, swimming, staff pranks. 

Thank you to everyone who takes time to read this blog.  You all are really awesome.  Again, pray for me as I enter this transition point in my life.  I’ll be needing your prayers.  Bye!