Oh man, let's talk about people I miss a lot: Camp peeps! Unfortunately, this also happens to be the group of people I have kept in poorest touch with. Fortunately, I plan on visiting them sometime between Christmas and New Years. Let's just fill everyone who isn't blessed enough to go to CRBC every summer in on how cool each of these dearest friends are.
I suppose we'd have to start with
Peter. I have only really gotten to know him these last few years, but oh man, better late than never. This guy rocks my world. His heart for God, his energy, his open-mindedness, and his mad skills in the band make everyone want to idolize him. Which is it is so significant that he always overtly gives credit to God and displays a humility uncharastic of guys our age. I've picked up quite a bit of wisdom and perspective from this guy, not to mention a great friend and brother. Thanks Peter.
And this is the amazing
Ashley Eggar. I only really met Ashley E. last year at camp, but the past two years have been so friggin' awesome. Mostly, she is just inspiring. Let me tell you a little a bout her, and why she makes me so happy. I guess the most important part is that from what I can see of her, her heart is dead centered on God. We're talking a wonderful young woman of God. But what makes that so powerful is that people look up to her. So often I hear about how Christians should be making non-believers wonder "what have
they got that I don't?" Do I ever actually see that? Well I do with Ashley. She is extremely athletic (I've never seen a girl... well, anyone actually, in person, as buff as her). She is also funny and intelligent. And one of the most amazing things about her is her modesty. She is about the most beautiful woman you'll ever see, and we've already mentioned she's athletic... but she's humble, and dresses humbly as well. Like Peter, she is pretty uncharacteristic of American youth, and it's refreshing. Thanks Ashley.
Now let's talk about
Missy and
Kelli (left to right). I only just met Missy this year, but I got to hear her testimony and see her interact with campers and counselors quite a bit. Hers is one of those unbelievably powerful stories, where friends steer a Child of God down a bad path, and God waits until the perfect moment to bring it all back to His glory. She alone is evidence enough that CRBC is worth it. I look forward to seeing more of you in the years to come Missy. Kelli has been a dear friend for ages, though you wouldn't know it given how much I write her (sorry friend) . I don't remember which year we met, but the last two summers with her at least have been pivotal points in my life. Two summers ago the whole experience got me back in line with God. Last summer though, was real crucial. See, for years and years I've been seeking God - saddling up next to people I knew were in close contact with the Big Guy, and hoping to catch every drop of knowledge and wisdom they might send my way. But Kelli was the point around which God gave my life a spin this summer. See, though I'd been a Bible Study leader for a full year, I was still the type who wanted to glean all I could from others, and hog all the holiness I could contain for myself, so I could try and figure things out for me. I've also struggled a lot with my imperfection and depression. This last year, Kelli got a little dose of that herself. And God finally brought me out of the shadows of others, and demonstrated, through my interactions with her, that no really, I can lead people. I can affect them. I can even <
gasp> help them sometimes, and effectively point them to God. I'm not professing a hidden arrogance, or even saying I do that all the time now. But I do know that it is possible, and that God is using me. He uses me! Thanks Kelli, for letting me see that, and for being an unwitting accomplice to the Will of God.
Aaaah, my Sumo brothers.
Jesse and
Patrick are both critical figures in God developing male-fellowship into my life. They've been around a few years now, but it was really only this summer that I really became friends with them and let them into my heart, so to speak. They are both pretty talented musically, and
obviously cool. I mean just look at their picture! Anyway, we got to talk a lot about male issues, and keep each other accountable given the abundance of immodesty, even at a conservative Christian summer camp. We really impacted one another, and though I'm horrible with keeping in close contact with them as well, it isn't unheard of for us to still keep each other accountable and in prayer. I truly love these guys and the time we shared together. They again made me feel as if God was so almighty and powerful that not only could He hand-craft the cosmos, He could even change stubborn and rebellious little me. Thanks boyos. I'll be visiting over Christmas break my friends, look for me...
And this would be
Jessica Cline, who I only met this summer and is now going to Ecola Bible College in Cannon Beach last I heard (I hope to go to Ecola after Whitman). She is my example of someone flexible to God's will. First of all, she had a heart just breaking for many of the girls at camp. She is full of love and compassion over the family situations, bad attitudes, and just poor judgement some of the young teen girls had to deal with at camp. Then, as she's seeking God as to her purpose and His will for her throughout camp, being frustrated with not being able to share with her girls the forsight they are lacking, God calls her to Ecola. Camp is at the beginning of August folks, and she didn't decide until the end of camp to up and go. Now I don't know how that worked out for her, I'm too lame and haven't written her since shortly after that, but I do know God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, and she fits that description! May God bless all you do Jessica, and be a Light unto your Path.
I suppose we'd have to start with Peter. I have only really gotten to know him these last few years, but oh man, better late than never. This guy rocks my world. His heart for God, his energy, his open-mindedness, and his mad skills in the band make everyone want to idolize him. Which is it is so significant that he always overtly gives credit to God and displays a humility uncharastic of guys our age. I've picked up quite a bit of wisdom and perspective from this guy, not to mention a great friend and brother. Thanks Peter.
And this is the amazing Ashley Eggar. I only really met Ashley E. last year at camp, but the past two years have been so friggin' awesome. Mostly, she is just inspiring. Let me tell you a little a bout her, and why she makes me so happy. I guess the most important part is that from what I can see of her, her heart is dead centered on God. We're talking a wonderful young woman of God. But what makes that so powerful is that people look up to her. So often I hear about how Christians should be making non-believers wonder "what have they got that I don't?" Do I ever actually see that? Well I do with Ashley. She is extremely athletic (I've never seen a girl... well, anyone actually, in person, as buff as her). She is also funny and intelligent. And one of the most amazing things about her is her modesty. She is about the most beautiful woman you'll ever see, and we've already mentioned she's athletic... but she's humble, and dresses humbly as well. Like Peter, she is pretty uncharacteristic of American youth, and it's refreshing. Thanks Ashley.
Now let's talk about Missy and Kelli (left to right). I only just met Missy this year, but I got to hear her testimony and see her interact with campers and counselors quite a bit. Hers is one of those unbelievably powerful stories, where friends steer a Child of God down a bad path, and God waits until the perfect moment to bring it all back to His glory. She alone is evidence enough that CRBC is worth it. I look forward to seeing more of you in the years to come Missy. Kelli has been a dear friend for ages, though you wouldn't know it given how much I write her (sorry friend) . I don't remember which year we met, but the last two summers with her at least have been pivotal points in my life. Two summers ago the whole experience got me back in line with God. Last summer though, was real crucial. See, for years and years I've been seeking God - saddling up next to people I knew were in close contact with the Big Guy, and hoping to catch every drop of knowledge and wisdom they might send my way. But Kelli was the point around which God gave my life a spin this summer. See, though I'd been a Bible Study leader for a full year, I was still the type who wanted to glean all I could from others, and hog all the holiness I could contain for myself, so I could try and figure things out for me. I've also struggled a lot with my imperfection and depression. This last year, Kelli got a little dose of that herself. And God finally brought me out of the shadows of others, and demonstrated, through my interactions with her, that no really, I can lead people. I can affect them. I can even <gasp> help them sometimes, and effectively point them to God. I'm not professing a hidden arrogance, or even saying I do that all the time now. But I do know that it is possible, and that God is using me. He uses me! Thanks Kelli, for letting me see that, and for being an unwitting accomplice to the Will of God. 
Aaaah, my Sumo brothers. Jesse and Patrick are both critical figures in God developing male-fellowship into my life. They've been around a few years now, but it was really only this summer that I really became friends with them and let them into my heart, so to speak. They are both pretty talented musically, and obviously cool. I mean just look at their picture! Anyway, we got to talk a lot about male issues, and keep each other accountable given the abundance of immodesty, even at a conservative Christian summer camp. We really impacted one another, and though I'm horrible with keeping in close contact with them as well, it isn't unheard of for us to still keep each other accountable and in prayer. I truly love these guys and the time we shared together. They again made me feel as if God was so almighty and powerful that not only could He hand-craft the cosmos, He could even change stubborn and rebellious little me. Thanks boyos. I'll be visiting over Christmas break my friends, look for me...
And this would be Jessica Cline, who I only met this summer and is now going to Ecola Bible College in Cannon Beach last I heard (I hope to go to Ecola after Whitman). She is my example of someone flexible to God's will. First of all, she had a heart just breaking for many of the girls at camp. She is full of love and compassion over the family situations, bad attitudes, and just poor judgement some of the young teen girls had to deal with at camp. Then, as she's seeking God as to her purpose and His will for her throughout camp, being frustrated with not being able to share with her girls the forsight they are lacking, God calls her to Ecola. Camp is at the beginning of August folks, and she didn't decide until the end of camp to up and go. Now I don't know how that worked out for her, I'm too lame and haven't written her since shortly after that, but I do know God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, and she fits that description! May God bless all you do Jessica, and be a Light unto your Path.
You don't think I'm already done talking about camp do you? Nonsense! Let's talk about the Woolbrights. This family may just be the largest most constant influence at camp. They've always been, and always will be. From left to right up there it's: Ashley, Jessica, Nathan, Rachel and myself. Not pictured are Karen (the mother of this fine bunch) and Alycia, who sadly wasn't there this year. I don't know what to say about this family to do them justice. Karen and I talked a ton this year, and it's no wonder her children turned out so perfect. She's sweet, understanding, wise, loving - ya know, everything the mother of perfect children needs to be. Jessica, the oldest of the Woolbright offspring, just graduated from college and is an inspiration to me personally. Her advice concerning my sister (given that she has so many) was nothing like anything I'd ever heard before. She has made connections I never would've realized, and helped me at least to get on the path of being more loving to my sister (though I still need to love you better Mariah). I try and let Jessica know how thankful I am, maybe someday she'll realize it. Alycia, next in line, got married between last camp and this one. The most remarkable thing about the very few days I had the pleasure of spending with Alycia was her friendliness. You want loved, this girl knows how. Missy, from up above, was at camp because of this woman. Not only do I wish her the best in her marriage, but I think her for counseling me through rough times last summer. Next come Rachel and Nathan, the two I know the least well. Rachel is also at Ecola Bible school, last I heard. She's got a heart for God, like the rest of the family, but she's also uniquely "cool." Ya know, that look and attitude that makes people want to be like her because she's just... cool. And Nathan, I'm not even sure if I've even talked more than twice with this guy, but he's the only boy man, you gotta take your hat off in reverence for that. So my hat's off to you Nathan. And then Ashley, the youngest, is really close friends with Ashley Eggar. I met them both at the same time, and they are a lot alike. Charming, athletic, sweet young women of God. Ashley W. is probably the person who is most forgiving and most consistent in trying to maintain ties of communication with me out of all the CRBCites. Thanks Ashley, for proving to me that young people with ample opportunity to turn away from God might still choose Him. God bless this whole family, because they have blessed me SO much.
Here is a picture of the band. You already know Peter, but Amanda (to his left) is another key player. She leads the worship band every year now, and is also a counselor for part of camp. That's a lot to handle, that's all I'm saying. The fact that she can still have fun, while maintaining all of her duties and trying to genuinely love a bunch of sometimes ungrateful or unwilling teenage girls is... admirable. Plus, she tolerate's me :) Being in the worship band this last summer, though only for a day or two, has opened up a new world to me back at college. Her invitation to lead has wrought an entire semester of leading worship here on campus - plus vocal lessons and a renewed perspective and passion for worship music. Yay!
And Don? Don was essentially my archetype for male-fellowship - he gave me the first real taste of the beauty of this half of the human race, and all my male comeraderie now is at least loosely based on what God blessed me with in Don. Don helped me through a lot of deep questions and pivotal life choices, but was someone I never viewed as superior or infallible. Just... a great guy. He was comfortable with who he was, and real about his struggles. He gave me straight up advice and wasn't afraid to tell me when I was bonehead. In addition to introducing me to cool words like "flyblowed," Don has been a Guru of sorts - someone who has done as much inspiration as revelation as far as how I should live, how to make God a priority, how to recognize Truth etc. As I began to recognize certain dangers or limitations with loading all of my support and friendship onto co-ed relationships, Don was the man who I went to to get straightened out. Days like today make me greateful to God for all of the forming He's done, and is doing, to my person. People like Molly and Don have so radically altered the course of my life that their impact is literally incomprehensible. My hat's off to you two. I love you both more than you can possibly know this side of heaven.
Fall Conference was almost a week ago now, and for readability/brevity I'll just focus on the highlights, but know that it was awesome! The thing I am most thankful for is that it was much more than emotional high, which come on, in a pinch I could have induced chemically. My personal relationship with God, my walk with Jesus, the anointing of the Holy Spirit - however you want to word our dialogue with the Big Guy - was very specifically blessed and directed last weekend. In addition to a rockin' Small Group, I'm talking very specific callings, which I will now enumerate:
