This past weekend was our high school fall retreat to Logan Valley.  It was a great time – for shizzle.  (is that how you spell it??)   The weather was gorgeous and Logan Valley is a great place out in the middle of nowhere to enjoy it.  Good sunshine, great company – what else can I say.  The youth did a great job of just having a great time and enjoying each other’s company.  NO DRAMA – yeah!  Thanks, girls, for leaving that at home.  Love ya.

We talked about sharing our faith through relational evangelism.  Really, honestly caring about people and their needs and through our lives and words introducing them to Christ. It was a great study for all of us on how much God loves each person and wants to have a relationship with them.  It was some hard studies but I think many of us left knowing better how to share our faith in ways that are like Christ – not like self-righteous vigilantes.

So youth ministry hangovers – yeah, those are the hours and days right after retreats or lock-ins or big events.  It takes a few days to recover lost sleep and to get back to the living.  Plus, I’m having to deal with the sadness of not being at my nephew’s dedication on Sunday.    I heard he was a handsome little . . . angel.  I’ll post pictures when I get them from the parentals.

Was at work all day today and then attended a training event in Columbia tonight.  One looong day.

So, remember boys and girls, God is all about having a relationship with you.  This is one relationship that none of us should take for granted.  Spend some time with God today – you’ll be glad you did.

Peace -Melissa

Hope everyone had a good Wednesday.  Work was very busy and I had several of those "should-have-had-a-long-time-ago" conversations with some folks.  Draining but needed. 

Funny youth thing for the day:  During our middle school program one of my 8th grade guys fell to the ground during our game. He stood back up, put his hand in his jeans pocket and pulled it back out – totally covered in yellow gunk. MUSTARD!  He had three packets in his pocket and they all burst when he hit the floor.  So, he went to the bathroom to wash out his jeans and returns a few minutes later with one of the dark trash bags around his waist with his boxers on underneath.  Between laughs, I sent him back to the bathroom and told him to put his jeans on over the plastic trash bag.  He stank all night! Extremely funny and I’m still laughing.  Just anothe reason why I love youth ministry! Thanks, Tyler! Love ya, man

Tonight a friend of mine from college was in town for a concert.  We got together afterwards and chatted until early morning.  Great to catch up on life with old friends. 

Tomorrow I will see my handsome nephew, Blake!  I’m excited about that.  He is growing so fast. 

Peace -
Melissa