StudentLife2014 - Stetson University, Deland FL


In America, it's become the annual summer pilgrimage for most church youth groups.  Hop on the church bus/van or caravan to the most affordable student camp and spend a few days in worship, Bible study, recreation, team-building, and connecting with other students from across the region or nation.

Our home church, Ingalls Avenue Baptist Church, has chosen StudentLife as our youth camp of choice for the past nearly 10 years.  The staff and leadership are over-the-top excellent leaders and they simply OOZE the love of Christ for students and pastors.

This year, our camp date had to reschedule to accommodate mandated calendar changes within our Mississippi school systems, so our plan for a late July camp became a 'hurry-up-get-ready' plan for late June.  Wow.  We had NO idea what God had in store for us!

Student Life at Stetson University was our choice where we met Sam Bhatt and again enjoyed the worship music of Bellarive.  God showed up.  We encountered the LORD Himself in worship along with a thousand other students.  As a local church group, during our Quiet Times and Family Group Bible study moments, we were faced with the choices to dig deeper, love one another more authentically, make life-changing decisions to step it up in our Christian journey, and bottom line:  TAKE A STAND for Christ, no matter what life throws at us.

Today, we are home after a hot, sticky, bus-engine-repair laden trip from Deland FL to Pascagoula MS.  The journey to south central Florida was a long and hot humid ride.  The expectation of camp made the ride all worth it.  The journey home took 4-hours longer than expected because of mechanical failure on the bus.  And, yes -- it was ALL worth it!

GOD changed our hearts at StudentLife2014.  The challenge today:  REMEMBER what God did in you at StudentLife2014.  ENDURE hardship.  CHOOSE joy.  REMAIN humble and obedient.

Already looking forward to StudentLife2015!

Happy Fathers Day

Traditionally an American holiday, the first Father's Day celebration dates back to 1908 in Spokane, WA.  The festivities do not carry quite the allure of Mother's Day celebrations, however it is certainly an opportunity to give thanks and appreciation for those men who fill the role of "Dad" in our lives.

John Eldredge states that "The Power Of The Father Wound" may be the most significant cause for the debris of brokenness that is felt by most men who struggle with addictions, anxieties, worries, and a plethora of unhealthy emotions.  Of course, the battle with sinful behaviors is that which leads to destruction and ultimately, for some, untimely and unexpected death.   The fact is, guys, often we simply blow it.  We fail to meet the expectations of our spouses, our children, our employers, and our closest friends.  Maybe our 'father figure' failed us, or even hurt us.  Maybe the pain is too unspeakable to even recall.

Jesus said of Himself, " ... Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." ~ John 14:27   He is referring to the Peace that the Father will send through His Holy Spirit, our Advocate.   Jesus makes the promise to his followers that His Father will send Peace for those who trust in Him.  He said that if you had seen Him, you had seen his Father.  He simply modeled what His Father did ... and He still does.

Dads, I pray that you have an awesome Father's Day weekend with your family.  I hope you rest and enjoy your favorite hobby or activity.  More important, I pray that you findPEACE ... as only The Father can give to those who follow Jesus.  I promise, you're gonna need it in this life!