The "things" of this World

I don't realize how caught up I get in things until I go on vacation. We hadn't even been in the Outer Banks a couple of hours and I was already thinking about the things I'd just left behind. I was sweating details that were actually out of my control and not able to handle from 4 1/2 hours south of Stafford, VA. I was calling H20 kids up and making sure details were covered. Funny thing was I had already covered all that before I left to go on vacation. Finally my trusty friend and colleague, Pastor Jim told me to just let it go. In my mind I argued back, "no!"

Fast forward to Tuesday afternoon and I realized it's taken me 36 hours to finally realize that I am starting to relax and letting go of things. As I was doing my devo's this morning, while watching the sun come up over the ocean, I read a verse that helped me understand and accept the peace that God can give. In John 16 it says He's with us. Even though He's gone in the flesh He is with us, through his Holy Spirit. His Spirit is our peace, and our wisdom and our joy. Today as I leave my todo list for four more days, and contemplate the loss of a dear friend, I choose to receive His Peace that comes to us when we ask for it.

Receive His Peace Today no matter what the circumstances are.

Sincerely,

"the sometimes uptight pastor"

-Andy

John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Wacky Wednesday Ends in Sleepy Thursday!

Today it's Thursday morning and I really need to get some sleep. We are having an overnight with our Sr. high kids. Missy is over at the Scott's with the girls and I'm over here at my house with Josiah, Cory and Don and a bunch of xbox 360 gamers going strong @ 3:25am. Scott Simmons wimped out on me and went home early. Thanks, bro! Scott and his wonderful wife Robin have been helping out with us since last spring and just found out that there is a job opportunity that takes them to Oklahoma and they are leaving at the end of the month! It came as a shock and H20 and Missy and I will truly miss this fantastic couple. May God truly bless them because truly they have been such a blessing to us.

Earlier tonight we played some serious ultimate Frisbee. Pastor Rich played with us and showed his athletic skills! Gregg Tomlinson and I both went for the disc at the same time and I think he won! I had the disc and then I felt this "wack!" and then I was picking my self up off the turf! Needless to say we have some old dudes who still know how to mix it up on the field. We had a blast!

I'm tired and I'm out. Here's a video of our amazing camp that H20 was a part of this summer. Thanks to everyone who helped make H20 Youth Ministries summer session awesome!

cool video

Recuperation!

Today is my son Zachary's birthday and I have to confess that with the busyness of youth ministry and worship that I almost forgot that today is his day, if it wasn't for him telling me two hundred times yesterday and then running into our room this morning and yelling at the top of his lungs, "Dad, it's my birthday!!!"

Zach is a special guy and I've never met anyone who has the drive and determination he does. I'm amazed at his zeal for life and how he can walk into a room and people are taken in by his charm and cuteness. That can be a strength or a weakness as he gets older! I love that kid!

We had an awesome time at H20's Messiah Camp. This year had to be one of the most amazing camps we've ever had. Our "Big Idea" this year was understanding the "Father's Heart". We had over one hundred kids and I would venture to say everyone was blessed big time. The facility and the camp staff was top notch and our kids were deeply touched by the messages and the worship that took place over the course of the five days we were there.

We are planning on going back next year and we will be expanding our camp as I believe that our youth ministry will probably double by this time next year. God's blessing has truly been on this ministry and we feel that God has brought the right H20 staffers to bring this ministry to a new level. I can't wait to see how God works this fall! There's a foundation that is being laid and this camp is like a launching pad for us as we do ministry this fall.

May God truly bless you all this week and as I recover from camp and actually turning 45 the last day of camp, I truly pray that God gives you rest in the middle of an incredible summer.