Tuesday, February 22, 2005

This is something that I never expected I'd do. Work at Calvin Crest. Growing up in Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church, I had the pleasure of signing up for summer camp at Calvin Crest. When I was very young, I went to Miwok Village. When I was still young, but not 'very' young, I spent a week every summer at Sherwood Forest; my Sherwood name, not quite as original as some, was "David Diamondback" as in the diamondback rattlesnake(I had a thing for reptiles back then). Then when I was in Junior High, I went to boomtown, had a tan bandana first time, then a green one, I still have both. But once I hit highschool, I stopped going. I don't really know why. I entertained thoughts about doing Outpost, but I never went for it. But since then I've been to a few retreats, dinners and such up there, I've always liked the place. My oldest sister was summer staff there once. And my middle sister did Outpost. I actually did a babysitting job at Cedar Lodge once...went for a little hike with this cool little kid, that was fun.
Now, I've worked at most of the Christian Camps in the area, Sugar Pine, Camp Oakhurst, and Emerald Cove/YSSC, I guess Calvin Crest is next on the list...then after that, maybe I'll see about working at Summit Adventure. Who knows? Hmm. I wonder if anybody else has worked at all of them...I could be the first one.
It's not set in stone yet, but I'm hoping that I'll be able to do the Common Fire thing for the next few months. I don't know what kinds of ripples I'll send into the bucket, but I think it'll be a good thing.

God is good. All the time. There aint nobody better!

Friday, February 11, 2005

Something came up very recently. Something that God had prepared me for. God is good, and He is always faithful.

Jesus tells us that we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. And also to love our neighbors as we do ourselves. Those are the first and second greatest commandments. So essentially, as His followers, we are all called to love.

Now, forgiveness is a big part of love. We all grew up hearing John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." NKJV. This awesome love of God gave all of us the ability to be forgiven of our sins. Indeed, Jesus atoned for our sins as He died on the cross.

If, then, we are called to love our neighbors(whoever they may be), should it not seem fitting that we too forgive them? I mean, really forgive them, finding no fault, and seeking no judgement. For men are not the judges of men, but God judges every heart in perfect justice. In forgiveness, you can show that you do not seek vengeace for wrongs done, vengeance is the Lords anyway. By forgiving others who wrong you, you show God that you are worthy of being forgiven. "For if you forgive people their trespasses[their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will forgive you." Matthew 6:14 AMP. And conversely, "But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses." Matthew 6:15 AMP. What more incentive do you require? This is repeated throughout the New Testament. Luke 6:37 is another example.

It has been Said to me, personally, that I am to forgive those who sin against me the very moment it happens. Now, this I have had no trouble with, for God has made my capacity for love pretty big. I would encourage everyone who reads this to also take this with you. To ask God to give you love, so that you might forgive those who sin against you, and let it go.

God is good. All the time. There aint nobody better!