Hi once more, friends!!
God is so comical, and so good too. In the past three days, similar messages have echoed over and over again. While the speakers have changed faces, the message has been made so clear: He is NOT DONE YET with me!
The final Camp was truly incredible, and I learned something so incredibly important! Seeing such maturity and respect represented among youth challenged me to see the potential of good that young men and women possess and are able to demonstrate, if they are first respected by us adults. Despite what others may say or suggest, there truly is hope for the future. We just have to keep our eyes open to that hope, and we need to invest our time in the youth of this country and in other ones too!
My experience in hot Arizona is now complete. I was so incredibly blessed out there, and I look forward to sharing what I have learned in the near future. As you see with what I wrote throughout this internship, life will never be the same for me.
Since Friday, I have been settling back to life in Virginia. And while settling, I have noticed that the opportunities for employment and volunteering seem to be numerous. So now, I have many good choices to choose from, but I also have very little time to decide what I want and should do for work and/or with helping. In addition, three definitely trips to Vermont, New York, and Kentucky are part of my itinerary in the coming weeks and months, while I am contemplating on another potential trip to a new part of Kentucky I have yet to explore. Now in Virginia, I could be working at a number of places, if they hire me, or assisting with activities and services at a number of ministries, if they would like my assistance. So please be in prayer for me, as I have a lot of decisions to make in the next few days. Time is not a luxury I possess, but I always need to remember: God's timing is the best.
Yet, the good news. While coming back, I have truly been bombarded with the above message: God is NOT DONE YET with me. For example, in mid-October, I have the honor and privilege to teach English at Assumption University in Bangkok, Thailand (Soon coming: my new blog. Stay tuned for that web address).
So, at this time, I truly feel that I am in a place of unique transition in my life, climbing up and sliding down mountains I have never touched or conquered before. Seeing Robin Mark, a Worship Leader from Belfast, Ireland, encouraged me to continue pursuing a lifestyle of worship in every action I perform and every word I speak. Hearing Duane White, a pastor visiting from Texas, motivated me to go, grow, sow, and speak big, so that I can follow the One who went big before and for me. Hearing Fred Miller, the pastor from my home church, showed me a way of how I could be a blessing to others in a new way.
So, the truth is very clear: God still has BIG plans for me. Time will tell what exactly those details entail. Until then, I am ready for the roller coaster, anticipating what is next on this journey of life.
Thanks for reading my blog this summer in Arizona. I appreciate your willingness to walk with me as I fumbled and sprang forward into God's amazing work for my life. Stay in touch and God's best blessings to you this day and always!!
Joey :)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
In Remembrance
Greetings Friends!!
These are among my favorites from our group's trip to Window Rock,
where we spent time at the Navajo Code Talker Memorial.
How proud I was to visit this site!
What a gift they gave, what a sacrifice!
I just hope that we all can give them the gift of remembering them.
What they did is now a part of history,
but what they did allows us to live currently in freedom.
May none of us forget what they did.
And may we never forget our men and women who are currently serving,
in multiple areas scattered across the United States,
in Afghanistan, in Iraq,
and in many other nations.
They maintain the very freedom that we enjoy today.
May we not forget ANY of them.
Thanks for reading and remembering.
Never bank on having tomorrow.
None of us have that guarantee,
so we are called to live for just today!
Keep smiling, keep laughing, keep loving, and keep shining!!
"Flag in Sunshine"
July 2010
"They Fought. They Served. Please Remember."
July 2010
"Window Rock"
July 2010
"Soldier's Solid Statement"
July 2010
North East Beauty
Hello everybody!
Before the next and last Camp starts (in a matter of days),
and before I leave the great state of Arizona next week,
I wanted you to see what I have been seeing this summer.
Here are some of my favorite pictures from my Navajo Trip earlier this month.
Enjoy what you see,
admire God's Creation,
and thank Him for His creativity
as He has created SO MUCH for our viewing pleasure! :)
"Landscape de Canyon de Chinle"
July 2010
"Within the Cracks"
July 2010
"Past Ruins within Modern Vegetation"
July 2010
"Glancing Back"
July 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Stand-Alone Movie Quotes
Hello again friends!!
I love watching movies. I also like to listen to what others recommend. So during the off-weeks from Camps, I have spent some time watching from several new movies. While being out here in Arizona, I have seen the following movies, that I would recommend:
Out of those movies, I got a gem, a treasure, a memory from each one of them that I will always cherish. Those gems came in the form of quotes.
Now, I do not want to give away the plots to any of the movies, but I do want to impart some of the movie's quotes that are worth sharing and worth considering in their contexts. May these words speak to you, regardless if you have seen the film or not. I have many, but these are my favorites.
And I hope that if you have not seen these movies, take my recommendation and watch them, when you get some free time in life. Enjoy the rest of your day and may God Bless you in a special way today!!
I love watching movies. I also like to listen to what others recommend. So during the off-weeks from Camps, I have spent some time watching from several new movies. While being out here in Arizona, I have seen the following movies, that I would recommend:
Smoke Signals
Rabbit Proof Fence
3:10 to Yuma
Turquoise Rose
The Shipping News
Wooly Boys
Australia
The Terminal
Rabbit Proof Fence
3:10 to Yuma
Turquoise Rose
The Shipping News
Wooly Boys
Australia
The Terminal
Out of those movies, I got a gem, a treasure, a memory from each one of them that I will always cherish. Those gems came in the form of quotes.
Now, I do not want to give away the plots to any of the movies, but I do want to impart some of the movie's quotes that are worth sharing and worth considering in their contexts. May these words speak to you, regardless if you have seen the film or not. I have many, but these are my favorites.
And I hope that if you have not seen these movies, take my recommendation and watch them, when you get some free time in life. Enjoy the rest of your day and may God Bless you in a special way today!!
"A life lived in fear is only half-lived."
Australia
"We face an uphill battle with these people,
especially the Bush natives,
who have to be protected against themselves.
If they would understand what we are trying to do for them ..."
Mr. Neville (Rabbit-Proof Fence)
"The only one you really own is your story. [I'm] just tryin' to live a good one."
Drover (Australia)
"Sometimes, a man has to be big enough to see how small he is."
3:10 to Yuma
"Just because it is doesn't mean it should be."
Sarah & Drover (Australia)
"How do we forgive our Fathers?
Maybe in a dream.
Do we forgive our Fathers for leaving us too often,
or forever, when we were little?
Maybe for scaring us with unexpected rage,
or making us nervous,
because there never seemed to be any rage there at all.
Do we forgive our Fathers for marrying
or not marrying our Mothers?
For Divorcing
or not divorcing our Mothers?
And shall we forgive them for their excesses of warmth or coldness?
Shall we forgive them for pushing or leaning?
For shutting doors
for speaking through walls
or never speaking
or never being silent?
Do we forgive our Fathers in our age,
or in theirs deaths,
saying it to them or not saying it?
If we forgive our Fathers, what is left?"
Thomas (Smoke Signals)
Australia
"We face an uphill battle with these people,
especially the Bush natives,
who have to be protected against themselves.
If they would understand what we are trying to do for them ..."
Mr. Neville (Rabbit-Proof Fence)
"The only one you really own is your story. [I'm] just tryin' to live a good one."
Drover (Australia)
"Sometimes, a man has to be big enough to see how small he is."
3:10 to Yuma
"Just because it is doesn't mean it should be."
Sarah & Drover (Australia)
"How do we forgive our Fathers?
Maybe in a dream.
Do we forgive our Fathers for leaving us too often,
or forever, when we were little?
Maybe for scaring us with unexpected rage,
or making us nervous,
because there never seemed to be any rage there at all.
Do we forgive our Fathers for marrying
or not marrying our Mothers?
For Divorcing
or not divorcing our Mothers?
And shall we forgive them for their excesses of warmth or coldness?
Shall we forgive them for pushing or leaning?
For shutting doors
for speaking through walls
or never speaking
or never being silent?
Do we forgive our Fathers in our age,
or in theirs deaths,
saying it to them or not saying it?
If we forgive our Fathers, what is left?"
Thomas (Smoke Signals)
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Somebody’s Intended Messages
After a day trip to Sedona, Arizona,
I caught a glimpse of the following images, just in the nick of time.
May God bless you with what I have found for you to see and ponder.
Keep your eyes open, because He just might have a message to send your way too.
"Entrance to Montezuma Well"
July 2010
"Sharing The Land"
July 2010
"The Storm A'Comin'!"
July 2010
"Our Single Hope"
July 2010
Shepherding
“You can be like a shepherd. Look for the sheep.”
July 2010
I am not sure who said the quote above, but it did not, and still does not, matter.
The timing, God’s timing, was perfect.
Taking in the Valley’s sights before nightfall was incredible enough.
To then be spiritually challenged by this statement, while looking,
completely changed how I looked down upon Phoenix and its suburbs.
After our Campers returned home earlier that afternoon,
our team journeyed up to Dobbins Lookout that same afternoon.
After hearing someone mutter these words,
I looked down, and started thinking and praying for the homes,
businesses, and other establishments I saw.
And then I started praying for its inhabitants.
People who know the Shepherd.
People who don’t know Him, yet.
People who are far from His reach, now.
People who are almost within His reach.
People who are truly His, forever more.
People, all people, who “graze” their land
for His food, His shelter, His protection, His guidance, and His love.
The message is simple.
Must I say any more?
Enjoy the images.
And remember, be like Jesus.
“You can be like a shepherd. Look for the sheep.”
"Window, Mountains, Light"
July 2010
"Vertical"
July 2010
"His Light for His Sheep"
July 2010
Camp, The Third
The older the kids become, the more difficult they can become. Or so I have caught myself thinking, and honestly believing.
Yes, teenagers are in an awkward stage of transition right now. All of them are trying to find their identities, amid a number of voices vying for their attention. I remember their battles, struggles, and frustrations, because I have been there. But yet again, I must remember, that was a number of years ago. And they are all reacting to different situations in various ways than I did. Some rebel. Some laugh. Some cuss. Some cry. Some shut down. Some scream. And yes, … it’s true, … thank goodness, … because … some listen.
After building trust and understanding with them, like the kids at the two earlier camps, these teenagers warmed up to me, along with the rest of our staff, and became receptive to listen.
For this Camp, I had the privilege of using my talents and abilities that God alone has blessed with me in the ministries of Music and Drama. I led Worship as a singer, assisted with various tasks during the Music Class, and demonstrated how God can visually speak through Acting.
Because of such songs as Casting Crowns’ “Praise You In This Storm” and Shane & Shane’s “Embracing Accusation,” such spiritual inspiration and assistance from Kara Laufenburger, and the much-needed recruitment of five willing and talented Camp staff members as actors, God spoke to these kids in powerful ways through the skits. But He did not limit His speaking there.
The Spirit’s free rein upon our campus finally was physically demonstrated when our Campers’ walls collapsed on Wednesday night during the Remnant Service. God moved so radically and powerfully within the lives of our Campers that over 80 percent of them either accepted Jesus Christ for the first time or they rededicated their lives to Him.
While you may never see these teenagers, please pray for them, that they remain obedient in following Jesus, no matter what they face. And while you may never meet these teenagers on this earth, I know they will appreciate your prayers and say thanks when you meet them in Paradise.
Their mountain-top experiences may already be over, because some have returned to broken homes, unsaved parents and siblings, and other unspeakable conflicts. So while you may not even know their names, God knows, and they are precious in His sight. Your prayers matter.
While I enjoyed being a Group Leader for kids, there is something special with helping prepare and perform Music and Drama for teenagers, who on their own, have chosen to follow Jesus and walk in His steps from now on.
The week was long, the prep work was exhausting, the issues were undesirable. But honestly, I would not have wanted to be anywhere else, doing anything else. I saw Jesus move, and that was worth it!
Joey :)
Yes, teenagers are in an awkward stage of transition right now. All of them are trying to find their identities, amid a number of voices vying for their attention. I remember their battles, struggles, and frustrations, because I have been there. But yet again, I must remember, that was a number of years ago. And they are all reacting to different situations in various ways than I did. Some rebel. Some laugh. Some cuss. Some cry. Some shut down. Some scream. And yes, … it’s true, … thank goodness, … because … some listen.
After building trust and understanding with them, like the kids at the two earlier camps, these teenagers warmed up to me, along with the rest of our staff, and became receptive to listen.
For this Camp, I had the privilege of using my talents and abilities that God alone has blessed with me in the ministries of Music and Drama. I led Worship as a singer, assisted with various tasks during the Music Class, and demonstrated how God can visually speak through Acting.
Because of such songs as Casting Crowns’ “Praise You In This Storm” and Shane & Shane’s “Embracing Accusation,” such spiritual inspiration and assistance from Kara Laufenburger, and the much-needed recruitment of five willing and talented Camp staff members as actors, God spoke to these kids in powerful ways through the skits. But He did not limit His speaking there.
The Spirit’s free rein upon our campus finally was physically demonstrated when our Campers’ walls collapsed on Wednesday night during the Remnant Service. God moved so radically and powerfully within the lives of our Campers that over 80 percent of them either accepted Jesus Christ for the first time or they rededicated their lives to Him.
While you may never see these teenagers, please pray for them, that they remain obedient in following Jesus, no matter what they face. And while you may never meet these teenagers on this earth, I know they will appreciate your prayers and say thanks when you meet them in Paradise.
Their mountain-top experiences may already be over, because some have returned to broken homes, unsaved parents and siblings, and other unspeakable conflicts. So while you may not even know their names, God knows, and they are precious in His sight. Your prayers matter.
While I enjoyed being a Group Leader for kids, there is something special with helping prepare and perform Music and Drama for teenagers, who on their own, have chosen to follow Jesus and walk in His steps from now on.
The week was long, the prep work was exhausting, the issues were undesirable. But honestly, I would not have wanted to be anywhere else, doing anything else. I saw Jesus move, and that was worth it!
Joey :)
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