WC 2010!!! :)

A few words to describe WINTER CAMP 2010 = girls that I love, beanies amazing worship, Luke Simmons, cabin time, kosher food (always skip the meat), the Mark and Matt show, Dan’s tight pants and suspender action, the Gospel of John, fresh air, warm cabins, Mrs. Langdon’s puppy chow, great discussion, encouraging staff meetings, “who wants to be a hundred-aire” flying squid, long hikes, Ninja, Madelyn’s dance for the Adam’s family, too much candy, R’Ted horse races, lots of laughter, late nights, re-visiting Kirstee’s cliff, pterodactyl, karaoke, SNOW, chicken’s up, chicken’s down, card games, driving through the thickest fog EVER, undistracted time, communion, and incredible sessions in God’s Word.

Luke led us through 5 of the 25 “Truly, truly” statements in the Gospel of John. It was AWESOME (below I’ve highlighted a few of his key points)!

#1. John 3: 1-8 (about needing new life in Christ)

John 3:5 “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

In this excerpt Jesus is talking to the equivalent of the Pope… His words to Nicodemus are also, in the same way, a reality for us. We need NEW LIFE! Not a new religion, not an improvement of the old self, but rather the creation of a new self.

“New birth” = experiencing the supernatural in yourself (a reorientation of our entire life), not just affirming the supernatural in Jesus

Ez. 36: 25-28 “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statues, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances…. So you will be my people and I will be your God.”

Being born again is absolutely essential, entirely a work of God, and the experience of a radical transformation BY GRACE!

2 Cor. 5: 17-21 “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ… we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

#2. John 6:22-40 (about loving the giver more than His gifts)

Here’s a great question: “If you could have heaven (no pain, no suffering, great food, awesome friendships, natural wonders) without Christ, would you be satisfied? Not an easy question to answer… (Though we do know that any heaven without Christ would be hell)

John 6:26 “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.”

Luke’s observations from this text:

1. You will do what you want to do. The question is “Do you want Jesus?”
2. We are tempted to seek Jesus for His Gifts.
3. We are often satisfied with things that don’t satisfy. Our hunger for God is crippled not by poison, but by apple-pie… the nibbling at the pleasures of earth and the world’s substitutes for God.
4. We NEED Jesus Himself. He is worthy of everything!

The day after Jesus fed the 5,000 many walked away still seeking bread… Jesus asks His disciples if they too want to leave. Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. And we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” (Vv. 68-69).

Do you love the gifts more than the giver?

#3. John 8:31-38 (about sin)

John 8:34 “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.

The nature of sin is to suppress that knowledge of God and serve our own selves.

Rom 1:25 “For they have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator…”

Sin is:

1. Deceitful
2. Destructive
3. Defiling
4. Dominating
5. Deadly

Remedy: (John 8:36) “The Son shall make you free, and you shall be free indeed.”

It’s not something we can do, we need an outside source. The Gospel can set us free.

6 ways we minimize sin:

1. Defending (justifying)

2. Faking (not many people know the real me)

3. Hiding (conceal)

4. Exaggerating (drama)

5. Blaming (refuse to own our sin)

6. Downplaying (little weight to sin).

#4. John 13:1-7 (Jesus washes the disciple’s feet)

I loved RADDICAL LOVE OF CHRIST in verse one “…knowing that His hour had come that He should depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, HE LOVED THEM TO THE END.”

How true it is that no one else will love you like Christ? (As is captured the courtroom scene of Zachariah chapter 3. Joshua stands guilty, in his own dirty clothes, with Satan (the accuser) hurling charges before the Judge. Then God (“being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us”) intercedes, and declares Joshua His own.)

We forget that God rejoices over His people and that God actually LIKES his kids.

John 13:16 “Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master; neither is the one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.”

So what does the call to follow Jesus mean? It’s a call to become not that important… like John the Baptist proclaimed, “He must increase and I must decrease.” It’s a call to servant-hood; to voluntarily enslave yourself to another for THEIR GOOD.

4 Obstacles:

1. Pride (above this). We can measure our servants’ heart by the way we respond when others treat us like a servant.

2. Selfishness (don’t see other people’s needs because can’t see past myself). The opposite of loves is NOT HATE, but selfishness.

3. Losing focus (we forget we are serving Christ)

4. Bitterness (you WON’T forgive)

John 13:17, “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.”

#5. John 12:20-26 (dying to self)

John 12:24-26 “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal.

Verse 26 says “If anyone serves Me, let him follow me….”

In Jesus there is abundant life, but there is also a cost. We are called to follow him; Jesus Christ went to Calvary…. The call to follow Jesus is a call to be sold out. (What are you not willing to give up?) The stuff you have to die to won’t satisfy you anyways.

Is 55:1-3 “Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me and eat what is good and delight yourself in abundance. Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live…”

Christmas Vacation

12/19 (the drive part one)

Have you ever noticed how extremely beautiful the desert is at dusk? As I sped towards Phoenix, the swirling purple and blue sky seemed to grow closer with every passing mile. To either side the mountains were lit by the setting sun, while a glance in the rear view mirror revealed the last of the day’s dazzling light. A few green shrubs still remained from this year’s lingering summer and warm start to winter. As the sun sank slowly behind the mountains its fading light made the stretch of land ahead appear almost white, dusted by the silhouettes of a thousand silver spikes. As the dun dipped lower the purples darkened… the oranges, yellows and reds behind me were gradually lost to the night’s inky deep blue. So BEAUTIFUL!

12/20 (grandma’s house)

Turning into grandma’s neighborhood always brings back a thousand happy memories: those carefree summers, with unhurried days of being spoiled by grandma.... Her house unceasingly smells delicious (undoubtedly from the lingering aroma of our latest meal together) as we ran about discovering ancient treasure or learning a new art (she’s so awesome). Turning onto her street just fills you with the anticipation of her beautiful smile and tender hugs; her warm house is continuously overflowing with so much love. It’s a place you always want to go and never want to leave. SO GREAT TO SEE YOU GMA!

12/21 (let the Christmas vacation begin)

J My first (and least favorite) gift = a giant 3rd degree burn on my leg (Very annoying and slightly painful). Gma, can I borrow your shorts?

Grandma, Jeff, Meg and I spent the afternoon playing countless games; WWWAAAHHHHOOOOO, hot dice, scrabble and chicken-foot were among the favorites. Then it was dinner with the WHOLE family (minus Matt)… ribs, salad, fruit, rolls, green bean casserole, and Meg’s version of lemon pie. Stuffed, we congregated in the living room for a vivacious (can it be done any other way?) family chat.

12/22 (just like old times)

Following a FAMILY breakfast affair of gma’s homemade biscuits and gravy (MMMmmm good), Brett’s Airsoft arsenal begged the boys to combat…till the neighbors called and complained about the kids with guns.

Our dear old friend Bill Sam stopped by and it was so GREAT to see him. After a quick bite of spaghetti (gma makes the BEST sauce you’ve ever had) mom and I were off to the dentist (like a thousand times before). Now trust me when I say that you have never seen a dentist office like this one; you walk into a giant spaceship, past video gaming systems, on light up space-themed carpet, through astronaut doors, and are greeted by a friendly smile in the brightest scrubs you have ever seen. My favorite room (which I didn’t get to experience) = “the quiet room,” where it’s just you and the Mac Books. My AMAZING uncle Brian gave me an honest assessment (hard to find in Cali.) of my teeth: 6 cavities, 2 crowns needed… oh and my bottom four teeth are going to fall out sometime in the future because they have no root….. (This is all after the literal $27,000.00 [that is the right number of zeros] that has already been invested in my mouth). Celebrating Christmas Eve in the dentist chair…my uncle is that AWESOME!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!

12/23 (a Christmas celebration)

At 9:30a.m. I call mom to rescue me (not the first time, prolly not the last) from the dirty looks I get for being alive at that hour (all the other kids are seriously committed to not getting out of bed before eleven). We stop for our traditional AM coffee. GREAT TIMES

After a twice delayed flight, my man is FINALY here! But after circling the airport four times, we can’t find him (despite our four working cell phones). “Ok (Matt) stand under the green united airlines sign.” We circle again. “Are you at the wrong airport?” After our sixth circle we search the departing flights side... phew. Ok, NOW I’m ready for Christmas!

It’s time to get our party on at Brian and Julie’s new mansion (Brett was not happy about being packed safely in the trunk). Christmas with them was an absolute BLAST! Such an incredible treat to be WITH our OKC family, as these times are (unfortunately) now so few are far between. Gpa Robert made us laugh so hard our side ached and Gma McAnally was looking snazzy. Year one of marriage appeared to bid Stephen and his lovely bride, Mrs. Crissy, well. Charlie was looking good in his new leather jacket and studly cowboy boots. Brian and Julie are full of enthusiasm, joy, and creatively fashioning a seemingly zillion projects. Their kids are just as fun, incredibly smart and absolutely precious. It was a fun night of FAMILY, pizza, fellowship, kids on sugar, sword-fighting competition, presents, laughs, exquisite coffee and a hilarious game of DIRTY SANTA (just don’t steal Derek’s key finder because last week he found his missing house key in the front yard…. And make sure Megan gets that air filter for Boss dog)!

12/24 (an unforgettable Christmas Eve)

I woke up to ice pelting the window and sleet pounding the roof above me…it was a slow drive to Brian’s office (with mom and hubby for moral support). Now I have spent A LOT of time in the dentist chair and I must tell you that Uncle Brian is undoubtedly one of the best (not the laughing gas talking). SEVEN cavities and two hours later I have my first new years resolution: floss every night (novel idea right?). THANKS B!

Looking out the window, we discover it’s going to be a WHITE CHRISTMAS. I don’t know how that much snow fell in the last couple hours, but all of us west coast people (especially Jeff) are getting our wish.The thirty minute drive back lasted 2.5 hours…..Matt took over at the wheel because we knew we were in for it (of course his license is MIA and the only way he made it to OKC was with his passport… does that work in accidents?). The weather was CRAZY!!! Sheets of ice were masked by the rapidly piling snow and the extreme winds meant ZERO visibility. More than once Matt (who didn’t bring his coat because his wife told him not to) had to jump out of the driver’s seat (on the freeway) and bang the collecting ice off the window wipers. We passed about 30 accidents (Matt stopped counting after that) and even more people simply abandoning their cars in the middle of the street. Since Meg’s scion wasn’t going to suffice, we detoured to pick up the remaining kids. All six of us were piled into dad’s new avalanche with the heater blowing 90 degree heat at us (to keep the windshield from re-icing over). Occasionally we would roll down the windows for a blast of cold snowy air (till Derek smashed Megan’s finger in the window). Mercifully, the Lord got us safely to grandmas where were given giant hugs by Aunt Kelly and Uncle Darrell. We caught up with Denver’s GQ couple till they were off to celebrate Christmas with Darrell’s family. An hour later, I was awakened from my nap by the ringing doorbell… they were back?!? Apparently, all the roads were closed and they had been circling a ten mile radius the entire time (and they're from CO). After sharing dad’s favorite fried chicken and an enlightening game of “guess who”, it was clear that we were all SNOWED IN AT GRANDMAS!!!! It was a festive 14 person sleepover…. an unforgettable Christmas Eve.

12/25 (it's Christmas, it's Christmas)

After cold showers and warm muffins Gma’s kitchen was incessantly filled with lavish cooking…. I think it’s the first time we’ve gotten the entire family together in ten years!! SO FUN!!! Steve and his kids arrived (missed you Kim) and it was TIME TO EAT! There was stuffing and mashed potatoes and HAM and sweet potatoes and corn and cranberry salad and fruit salad and gravy and rolls and cherry pie and pecan pie and lemon cake and death by chocolate and raspberry chocolate mousse. YUM!!!! Dirty Santa #2 laughs = the adults stealing up all the cash, anti-ipod Matt, opening all the itunes gift cards, Cory & Taylor pilfering all Derek’s gifts, Kaitlyn & Kelsey bargaining for the gifts they had brought, and Grandma topping all gifts at the end. We also got to open dad and mom’s thoughtful gifts (I’m using that plane ticket AFTER the snow). Following the famous scrabble championship (and three loads of dirty dishes) we were off to the next party (we go where the food is…j/k). Having lived near the west coast the last six years I forgot to pack my boots and am resigned to 3 inch heels…. not a great idea amid a blizzard. All eight of us pile into dad’s truck, which is literally pushing the snow heaped around it (Where are the plows?), to continue our Christmas celebration at the Vanover’s. SO great to be with everyone! MERRY CHRISTMAS! J

12/26 (the drive part three)

We weren’t quite sure if sis’s scion could handle the elements… sheets of ice, piles of snow, abandoned cars, etc… THANKFULLY it did.

12/27 (predictably)

No holiday is complete without something breaking at our Arizona rental property. This Christmas, it’s the dishwasher…The positive = DJ and Danielle (and their newest addition Rueger) are a BLAST to hang with (and also the fact that Matt can fix anything)!