God's Courtroom

Tonight we read from Hosea 4:1-9. We talked about being faithful to God as a lifestyle rather than just playing a game with Him. God tells his people we are not living a life that is full of truth or faithful love and knowledge of Him, but rather getting caught up in our sin of lying, cursing, murder, stealing, and adultery which is where our sinful nature kicks in and sin is never enough…we always want more.

We began to understand that without knowledge of Christ our sin kills or destroys us and we become useless. In verse 9 of chapter four we see that God get swift justice over all.-Aaron

James 1: 13-15
first step towards sin is to be drawn away by human desires.
Desire gives birth to sin which then fully grows and keeps getting bigger and then BAM death!
Don't put your burdens on God for it is your own desires which is tempting you towards sin.

basic
instructions
before
leaving
earth

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Stand-Ephesians 6: 10-20

When you are having problems you should give yourself to God and let Him take over. Put on the full armor of God and He will take control. -Jason

Life is a battlefield, so you must me strengthened by God's Word.  -Aaron B.

Following Jesus means standing up for what you believe in. Face the world head-on, even though it may be rough.  -Jason

You must be filled with Truth, Righteousness, Readiness, Faith and Salvation: which is your armor in the never-ending battle of Life.  God's Word is your Sword. -Jason

You must use God's strength to combat and win the battle of the world vs Jesus.  -Aaron B.

Battle Plan: Pray, Stay Alert, Perseverance, Speak Boldly.

Sin is Real

Sin is Real

“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk- not as unwise people, but as wise- making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled with the Spirit:”

Ephesians 5: 15-18

These things should not enter your life:

• Sexual Immortality
• Impurity
• Greed
• Foolish Talk
• Crude Joking

You need to recognize!

No sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the Kingdom of the Messiah and of God. This means that if you fall under any of these categories, you do not have a place in God’s kingdom, heaven.

Sadly these things do become daily habits. If we do not live imitating Christ, and do not set our boundaries low, these things can and possibly will, happen to you. So you need to remember that sin is real! It happens every day to everyone.

 -Paige

You Better Recognize! -->said in gangster-like voice

In tonight's lesson, we discussed imitating Christ.  To imitate means to follow as a model or example (dictionary.com).  The example we try to set as Christians is that of Christ's love.  We are saints because we have been made in Christ's image, but even though this is true, we can still fall victim to sin.  Even sins such as sexual immorality, foolish talk, and greed.  For example...

     Recently, a famous pastor and youth speaker was scheduled to speak in Bowling Green at the Spoken Conference. Instead, he was unexpectedly arrested for an act of sexual immorality that will most likely forever haunt him and has ended any hope of continuing his ministry.  

As you can see, anyone can stray from God's path.  Sin is REAL, the wages of sin is DEATH, and God's wrath is coming on the disobedient. So, to be ensured of your future with God, don't become a partner. A partner is just another way to say participant.  If you don't wish to get caught up in sin, then don't be partners with people who you feel will lead you away from God's path. For we were darkness, but now we are light. 

So, to live Him out, remember these 3 things:

1. Speak to one another in psalms/hymns 

2. Give thanks always for everything

3. Submit to one another in fear of Christ

*Brought to you by: MSW (Miranda Stone & Sarah Walden)

  

Walk This Way

This week we learned about walking this way.  Well.... walking HIS way.
You must walk out your old life.  Leave it behind.  You must become a new man...a new person.  There are many different ways to become this "new" person.


Put away                                       Put on
Lying                                             Speaking the TRUTH
Sinful Anger (hate)                        Be angry, but don't SIN
Stealing                                          WORKING
Selfishness                                     SHARING
Rotten Talk                                    Build others up, speak GRACE
Bitterness                                       Be KIND
Anger/Wrath                                  Be COMPASSIONATE
Insult/Slander/Gossip                     Be FORGIVING
Wickedness                                    Be CHRIST-LIKE


Living in sin is just like living in ignorance.  Living in Jesus is living in truth.  Without Christ we will be excluded for a life with God.  Sin is never enough because we will always want more and more sin.

B- Basic
I- Instructions
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L- Leaving
E- Earth

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Thanks for tuning into this blog about chURch. Come back soon and look for our next blog!

Well

Sorry for the lack of updates! I have not been able to talk to the team the last two days to get much info. They finished up last night and will spend all day today driving back, so please pray for safety!!

I know that they loved Rainbow Express and did not want to leave the kids yesterday. I also know that the other day they were talking to the kids and telling them they were from KY. One kid said "oh KY Chicken!"
And Another kid said "no it's KY FRIED Chicken, there's an F in it!" Ha!

Hopefully when the team returns they will share some stories on here about their work projects, rainbow express and Mission Arlington overall. Until then be praying for safety and God to continue to work in the lives of they people they invested in.


- Mrs.Pate via my iPhone

A full day's work....

I got to talk to the team last night for a little while and get an update! Day 2 went great! Here is the news:

• Dustin and McKenna drove a truck to pick up donations for Mission Arlington. They had a good time and got to talk to one lady for awhile. 
• Casey, Pam and Haley drove another truck to pick up donations. 
• Miranda and Dorris went to deliver food to an apartment complex. The Texas Rangers gave their leftover food from a game to Mission Arlington to distribute. It was a hot task, but a needed one. I am sure many of those families are so thankful for the food. 
• The team did their first day of Rainbow Express yesterday and loved it! They had 12 kids at their site and were able to really bond. Dustin and Miranda are teaching the older kids and McKenna and Haley are teaching the younger ones. They are all helping with the games, puppets etc and Casey, Dorris and Pam are helping shepherd and keep the kids together etc. 
• Their site for Rainbow Express is mostly concrete will a little shade and a playground nearby. They said it is a great location for spliting into the age groups. 
• Today they will get there a little early and get the kids to help them find more kids, as most of the ones who showed up are just from the buildings right by the space they meet in. Pray for more kids and deep relationships!
• It is really hot there, so please be praying for shade, a cool breeze, and time for the team to rest!! 
• They got some good time at dinner to just share about the day and what they took away from it. Be praying for these bonding times too. What a blessing!

Remember to be praying for these guys! The work is hard, hot and long but so needed! 

Update from the Arlington Team

I have gotten a few little updates from our team while they are busy working away!

• First off, please be praying for them to get cool breezes and lots of shade- it is very hot there.
• Yesterday the group got to be a part of the "house churches" of Mission Arlington. The Mission is to take church to the people who will never come to a church building. Maybe they are intimidated or feel out of place or just cant get there. Anyhow, it was a trying time for some of the team bc of a lack of organization, but McKenna and Haley got to lead the "sunday school" kids portion for theirs and loved it! 
• The team also went and passed out fliers yesterday about the backyard bible club they will be leading this week, called Rainbow Express.
• Today they have met up with all the volunteers down there for morning worship, and then were split into groups for work projects. Two groups took trucks out to pick up donations, and one group went and delivered food at one of the complexes. Each day these work projects will vary a lot and just be meeting real needs in this community. 
• This afternoon they will begin Rainbow Express! They will go to the same apartment complex each afternoon and minister to the kids and any parents hanging about. Please pray for them to develop relationships quickly and easily. Pray for boldness as they share the gospel with these people and pray for these people to respond! 

We will keep you posted when we hear how it all goes! 

The Mission Arlington Team!

Mckenna, Miranda, Dorris, Haley, Dustin, Casey and Pam (not pictured). 

Our Mission Arlington team left yesterday! Please be in prayer for them and their ministry while they are there! Pray for the people they are ministering too to trust them and love them fast, for effective communication of the gospel fast, and for energy in the midst of hot hot work!

Pray daily for them. This is your way of being on mission with them. They cant do it without the prayers of their brothers and sisters!

Camp High vs Living in the day to day

So you guys have been home for a week now. This is about that time that the "Camp High" wears off and you start wondering why you aren't as excited about things as you were. It's a natural feeling. You cannot live on a camp high forever.

My devotion a few days ago made me think of you guys and what you may be going through. He brought up the point that we are not born with habits; instead we have to form them on the basis of the new life God has put into us.... Just because you guys went to camp and felt close to God there doesn't mean you will automatically feel close to Him everyday at home. You have to seek Him. You have to try.

"Do not expect God to always give you His thrilling minutes, but learn to live in the domain of drudgery (doing the same thing day in and day out, or doing the ordinary and maybe boring) by the power of God."

I love that quote. We often live expecting God to give us the most exciting moments all the time. And when he doesn't, we feel distant and disappointed. But do we expect this from anything else in life? Do you expect every second with your family, friends, or boyfriend/girlfriend to be the most fun you have ever had?

Newlyweds are a great example. Once they tie the knot and begin life together, what do they get excited about? Getting to shop together or cook together or do all the normal family things together. Is that exciting? Would they be that excited to do that with their mom or dad? No! It's WHO they are doing the activity with that excited them.

You have the same opportunity now, to get excited about doing ordinary life with God!

Please take the challenge this Summer and begin each day with Him. Then as you go about each part of your day, think about how God fits in. Maybe you are enjoying swimming- it's a great time to thank Him for amazing weather and a body that is able to swim. Maybe you are goofing off with friends- it's a great time to thank Him for friends and talk to your friends about how you are growing.

I know the Camp High is a popular feeling, but if you ask me, I want to live in the normal everyday life walking right in step with my Savior. How about you?


- Mrs.Pate via my iPhone

Pictures for days!

We took a TON of pics this week. I know I don't have them all, so if there's some you would like me to add, just bring your camera to church on Sunday, and we'll get them on here! I'd like to have one specific place to keep all of our pictures this year. Click on the following links to see the fantabulous pictures!!

- Opening Day
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Final Day

Oh, The Places You'll Go!!

So, today was our last day at camp! All you parental units have your children safe at home (unless they've already run off to be with their friends)!! A wonderful time was had by all!! Enjoy pics from the final day!

That's all she wrote folks. Crossings 2011 was awesome!

Day 4...Shine!

The kiddos (and chaperones) were definitely moving quite a bit slower by Day 4. Picture everyone in extreme slow motion until the last possible second before breakfast. The girls in my room HATE my alarm, but hey...it woke them up!! It also made Gina think there was a fire alarm. Oops!

Day 4 was a slow day for POI pictures. *Cuz the chaperones wanted to participate :D*

Aaron Masterson, Haley Carter, Miranda, McKenna, Drew, and Brett went yakaking!!

Sarah had ziplining (and her mommy tagged along)! Awesome!

Hannah, Gracie, and Paige did some arts and crafts.

Hailey Masterson had messy games...let's just say that she had to work pretty hard to clean the shower afterwards.

Jonathan went tubing!!

Penny, Winter, Jason and Laney had a great time playing basketball!!!!

Aaron Burkeen, Scot, Dustin, Lucas, (and Justin and Haven!) played BAZOOKA-ZOOKA ball!!! And dominated...just saying.


We spent our Connect time as a church at the always delicious Belew's! Yummo. Everyone enjoyed the refreshing shakes and ice cream!

We also had the B-B-B-BOAT RACE!!!!!

Our boat looked fantastic...SEE!

Fearless Captain.

Dustin being a goofy French dude :)

There goes our boat!! The shower curtains were cumbersome...

Getting prepared.

The competition...Mystery Inc.

Down they go!! They totally won the "Titanic Award."

Get it, Jonathan!

Here he comes...determination!

Now some fun shots of how the girls keep from getting bored while anxiously awaiting the boat race!!

Aztec Warriors!

I forgot to mention that we did a couple teambuilding activities yesterday...see more on that in Justin's post! :) Here are the pics from those crazy activities.

Listening intently...comprehending?! Not so much.

He can fly!!

Working together.

Getting them across!

Haley, the worker.

The chaperones are not convinced these kids know what they're doing!!

Go Aaron Go!

Cheese, please!

Swing across!

Go Scot!

Hannah helping Aaron get his feet in!

Jason's turn!!

He did it!!!!!!!

Humiliating or Humidity

That's right, we did a little team building. We were told that the focus was supposed to be on Humility--putting others first. However, when we debriefed after each team building exercise the kids said the goal was to Humiliate themselves (which they did) and then after the second exercise they said the focus was Humidity (which it was very humid and we were sweating). Oh the fun of a Freudian Slip.

Anyways, we have had lots of fun and really built a more unified community. Overall, camp has been an incredible experience that will hopefully be the catalyst for great things for God's glory in the lives of our youth. We had one student commit their life to ministry--probably missions as a translator or medical missions. We have challenged our group with some areas we need to grow in as well as individually share areas that we want to grow in on a personal level.

We have spent a great deal of time talking about Going Beyond--which means living on mission. We have been brainstorming on ways to help children in the slums of India--mainly raising money to help feed the kids their one meal a day and share the gospel with them. We are really focusing on how we can live daily as a missionary in our homes, at our schools, and in our community. Be sure to ask us lots of questions about how we will combine our passions with our burdens to go beyond. Help hold us accountable to living out the commitments we have made at camp.

Most students have said they want to read their bible daily and pray. They want to actually be a witness at school and on their sports teams and in their clubs. They want to go on mission, not just do missions.

Thank you for your prayers. Remember to hold us accountable and have us share our experiences with you in person.

Day 3...Scrub-a-dub-dub!!

Remember how I said Day 2 was HOTTTT?? Day 3 was super-duper (Ahhh!!) HOTTTTTTTTT!!!!!

Paige, Penny, Winter, Miranda, Gracie, and Jonathan all climbed on the tower!!! Everyone got to the top (except Penny, but she was oh so close!!!)

Get it, Penny Jo!

She did such a great job!!

Such a look of concentration...

Made it to the tippy-top! Go Winter!

Miranda Brooke!

Conquered her fear!!

Jonathan was determined....

to make it to the top!

There goes Gracie!

She made it to the top...

and this was her view!

ANTS!!!

Go Paigey!!

A little dark, but she made it (and her shoes look awesome!!!!)


Scot, Jason, Sarah and Haley Carter enjoyed the coolness of the swimming pool!! Those boys were ballin' in pool basketball!!

Scot being awesome!

Jason ballin'!!

Scot ballin'!!

Jason playing some defense!

The girlies playing in the H2O!


Aaron Masterson, Brett, Hannah, and McKenna played Bazooka-zooka Ball!!! They were hardcore.

Bazooka-zooka Charlie's Angels??

Brett...sweet!


Laney went kayaking yesterday and wore her tiny arms out!

Adorable!

Go get it, girl!


Lucas, Dustin and Haley M went tubing!!

Bon Voyage!


Aaron Burkeen and Drew rocked out some indoor games.

**I forgot to post this on the first day, but here are our gorgeous campers on opening night!!**

YAY CAMP!

GOOFY GOOBERS!