Back in the Swing of Things

It was awesome to come back home and get right back in the swing of things. Things have been so hectic, yet they have been a great joy. I got back on a Wednesday and headed to Church. What a sweet return that was, back to seeing all of my friends and family in Christ. A large group of us went out to eat and that was pretty awesome. It was cool to see everyone together.

Thursday I hung around the house and Friday we (FBC Youth) took off and headed to our Big House Retreat. That was an amazing weekend. Friday night we had a dinner together and played a little basketball and had our intro-session for the weekend topic of coming to know God better; to better understand who God is. Saturday we got to hear more great teaching from Tim and played a ton of sports. My old knees just aren't what they use to be as I was pretty sore at the end of the day. As the night came to an end we enjoyed a movie, chatted a little, and went to sleep. I want to send out a special thanks to my roomies: John, A-ron, and Caleb for not keeping an old man up all night. Sunday we got to sleep in a little later and were greeted with a wonderful breakfast cooked by Wendy and a few of the girls. We had our last session and a lunch to end the great weekend. We packed our stuff and headed off.

It was an amazing weekend and I enjoyed it a bunch, yet sorrow was in my heart to some degree. I remember back to the days of a different youth that isn’t quite as youthful as they once were. Hard core basketball games with a bunch of guys who were all about the same level. No one person dominated a game, other than Josh when he wanted to. I missed some of the older girls that are gone. But it was great to have Rye there, on the other side this time. She did a great job with the younger girls and it was awesome to see.

Sunday night was church and it was good as always. Monday was fun, I got a car. It was my aunt and uncle's and they hooked me up on a great deal. Thanks guys. Tuesday I missed prayer breakfast like a moron. Wednesday I went to church and then we went out to eat afterward. Thursday I can’t remember. I know one of those days I went to lunch with Tim, but can’t remember which one. Friday I went to the High School for the Happening rally, then to lunch with the group at Pizza Hut, then I spoke at White County Middle School (That was rough. By far the biggest group I have ever spoke in front of.), then had lunch with Rudy (an Army friend), and finally to the Men's Conference.

That was a great opportunity. Dr. Hunt was the speaker and he did a good job of challenging men to be leaders and to remain strong through grace in the race of life. He is a very talented speaker and gifted teacher of the Word.

I woke up early Saturday to go to the second and last day of the Men's Conference. We had a good breakfast provided by the Gum Spring's ladies and heard another great lesson. After that I went to the Church to help get things ready for the Happening. After that I went home to have lunch with everyone and our special guests R.V. and his son, Xavier. That was fun. R.V. is kind of crazy, in a funny way.

Then it was off to the Happening. Man, this may have been the best year that I have experanced. Nancy, Rye, and I were the leaders of the greatest game known to man, Corn Hole. It was a tough competition, but the camps were decided. It was an amazing night. Fun, exciting, and moving. R.V. delivered a compelling and moving message, and through the power of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit sixty-two people gave their lives to Jesus Christ. Ninety-nine rededicated themselves to Christ after they had fallen away from their walk. In total around 620 young people heard the message of Christ death and resurrection and ten percent were convicted and came to saving faith. I want all of you to pray for these people who made a profession of faith in Christ. They are like babies in a forest of wolves and it is our responsibilities as Christians to go out and put a hedge of protection around them so that they may grow in Jesus Christ and be conformed to His image.

It was a great night for me in the fact that I just got to hang out with a lot of friends and the opportunity to meet a friend for the first time. I was excited to hear how Kayla is trying to get back to China. How Kristie is trying to get into Oxford. I got to meet a girl who I have talked to quite a bit while in Iraq for the first time, Michelle. It was a great night of hanging out with Nancy and Rye as we worked together. Another night I hope never escapes my memory.

Then came Sunday, everyone is tired. Sunday school was great as always as Sam leads us deep into the truths of Thessalonians. R.V. spoke during the morning service and delivered another powerful message. A friend of mine, Rudy, came to church with me and that was awesome. It was good to have him there. After that I went to lunch with my normal group,Dustin and Anna, added at the best food in town, El Tap. I had to say good bye to Kristie and Kayla once again as they headed back to school. Played a little football with the guys and I got my "bottom" smoked.

After a shower I headed to Sunday night service and discipleship. We talked about the Happening and discussed what could have been better and prayed for those whose lives were changed. Listened to Jeff bring a message and then went to eat at Yanies. Spent the rest of the evening with Erin, Kara, and Rye and then headed home.

I slept in today and then got up and cut some wood with Dustin. I have to get ready here shortly to go and speak for the Daughters of the American Revolution. That should be fun and hopefully I do better today then I did in front of the Middle School.