Worthy2011

Worthy 2011 was just amazing.  It's incredible how much fun you can have and just how much God can accomplish in 4 days.  The Ennis connect group remained towards the bottom of the points list for most of the retreat.  We got 9th in the end, but that's ok.  The Ennis connect group was relatively new, and we had fun so it really didn't matter what placement we got.  Northbay definitely outmatches Sandy Cove in the way of activities.  I went on the Giant Swing with my friends 3 times, rode the water zipline, and went water-tubing.  I think 15 minutes of tubing per year is all my shoulders can handle!  The Admin were smart this year and instead of doing Crud Wars (which took forever to wash out of my hair last time), they did PAINT WARS.

A field.  

500 teenagers.  

20 huge bins filled to the brim with paint.  

On Mr. Brewer's signal, that field was instantaneously turned the major colors of the rainbow.  We had cups to carry paint, noodles to protect our sheet from being tinted with the enemies' paint, and sponge mallets to smack other people with.  Paint flew everywhere and I was soon drenched in the stuff.  All the paint soaked through my shirt and tinted my bathing suit redish-pink.  Oh well, I was needing a new one anyway :)  I was on the red team and WE WON!!!       

As in past years, I could really feel God's presence at Northbay Retreat Center.  By the end of the week, I was on an emotional high from all the worship.  I and my friends had prayer sessions at 11pm every evening.  and we had some awesome discussions.  My favorite session was Jon Smith's message.  He preached on CRAZY GRACE using the story of Jonah.  He spoke about God pardoning Jonah's enemies and the grace he extended to Jonah, who had been shaking his fist at God the whole time.  God's grace is sooooo crazy and I'll never understand it.  I'm just so grateful for it and pray that my pride will not hinder me from receiving it.

Ministry night was absolutely...just...I can't express how incredibly overwhelming and awe-inspiring it was.  God met us.  He met Me and renewed a fire in my heart for him that I hadn't had all summer.  The day after Worthy, at 1:53pm there was an earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter Scale.  In my Bible time that morning, I had prayed for God to give me an eternal perspective and He certainly did!!!  That earthquake reminded me that I could die anytime and God could return at any time.

I read aloud to my siblings a portion of Matthew 24:  "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.  All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.  Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake.  And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.  Any many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.  And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.  But the one who endures to the and will be saved  And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed through the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

August is Crazy

August.  It's the month of craziness.  What can I say???  It's not My fault I entered artwork...and a botany notebook...and a demonstration board on Canine Epilepsy...and a lemon cake...and my dog...in the County Fair.  Well, actually it kind of is.  Oh well, my mom always says I'm an over-achiever and I believe her sometimes.  That's probably why I'm always so focused on my performance instead of my Savior's death on the cross to pay for my sins.  It's always like..."I'd better work hard to get through this crazy month!  Here we go..." instead of "God, by your abundant grace and powerful strength, I will get through this month with my eyes upward on you."

From the beginning of August, it HAS been hectic.  I've been to workshops to complete our club parade walking unit, dog training, and a youth drama singing workshop with Vicki Cook.  BTW - she really knows her stuff!  I've been to the fairgrounds tons of times to enter stuff in the fair, water flowers, go to the parade, watch the 2011 crowning, walk in the cake auction, and yes...the dog show.  Jenn, Kylie, Kiera, and I also got to visit and talk with Matt "on the job."  He was working with the ponies at the Fair, lucky :)  I also wandered around the fair with Jenna, Daniel, Stephen, Jenn, Allie, and other people until 10pm.  LOTS OF SMELLS AND LIGHTS AND STUFF!!!  I love the fair.  

The 12th of August was Kiera's Birthday Bash.  HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY KIERA!!!  Liam brought his Ukelele and played for us.  I'm serious, the tiny guitar is the most adorable instrument EVER :)

BIGGEST THING COMING UP IN THE NEXT YEAR IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!!!!  CAN ANYONE GUESS WHAT IT IS???  

WORTHY YOUTH RETREAT 2011!!!!!! 

I'M SOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I just know God is going to do incredibly amazing things.  I've never ever been to a youth retreat where I wasn't on my knees wonderstruck with my Savior.  I hope every single teenager sees the power of God during these next few days.  I'm praying for it.  See you guys at the retreat!!!!!!!!!!  Back in 5 Days...