Sunday, July 21, 2013

Calling all warriors

Please pray for Winding Creek camp as we welcome about 100 campers to NaCl Light Camp this week. Please pray that the counselors, staff, and campers would humbly seek God's love, truth, and justice. Pray that He would be our strength as we seek to reach the world for His name sake. Pray that He would empower us that we might empower others. Thanks!


A New Normal

As wedding plans continue, Tuck and I's next big step is trying to figure out catering.  In this process, we've been less than impressed with the vegetarian options that are out there, and surprisingly, this has been a bigger issue for Tuck (the carnivore in the relationship =)) then it has been for me.  A recent conversation on this issue went something like this:
S: "Tuck, it's okay; I can just eat the side dishes."
T: "No.  You're not going to have food you can't eat at your own wedding.  We'll find a veggie option."
S: "Babe, I'm used to it though; it's not a big deal."
T: "Just because you're used to it doesn't mean it's right."

Mmmm, truth right there.  Just because this is how life's always been, doesn't mean it's right, nor does it mean it has to continue that way.  Just because I've accepted a lifestyle as normal, doesn't mean it's just.  Yeah, I'm talking about more than just meat at this point.  =)  I'm continually amazed by God's perfect provision, by the gift of Tuck's compassion and protection, and with how God continues to patiently teach me.  And I'm excited to live a life in love, truth, and justice, if not in this world, then someday.  =)  To God be the glory, now and forever!

Have a blessed week!

Monday, July 8, 2013

If he is a demon, he must be a good one, for look at the beautiful place he's brought me.

"If he is a demon, he must be a good one, for look at the beautiful place he's brought me."

When I heard this quote while watching a movie the other day, it struck me: such a strange thought, associating demons with goodness!  And as I pondered the thought, I realized how often we believe this.  So often we give into the temptations of this world, we pursue the things that God has warned against, we believe this lie: "How could this thing be harmful when it's led me to such delight?  How could it bring devastation when it feels so good, so right?  How could a demon led me to such a beautiful place?"  The father of lies deceives his; the crafty one knows that, were we to see the results of our choices that God has forbidden, we would flee from them!  We would run hard away and straight into the arms of Jesus!  He knows, and so he deceives us into believing that the deadly brings life: surely premarital sex will enhance your future marriage; after all, you'll be more experienced.  Surely stealing from the company will give you the head start that you need; every fortune starts somewhere.  Surely taking your anger out on that driver will help you; after all, catharsis is good for you.  Satan is up to his same ol' tricks, promising the goodness of God only to deliver death.  It's what he's done since the Garden.