Well, the summer has ended and I have started school. This will be my last post on this blog. Thanks for reading it friends.
I learned a lot about myself and Jesus this summer even though there was not my growth being facilitated through people, or so I thought. I saw a side of Jesus that I don't think I had seen before. I saw and experienced the peace and openess of Jesus. A lot of grace, perahps a bit less truth than I am used to in the ol' grace plus truth equation, but it was a really good summer.
LCBC thanks for the memories, the laughs and certainly the facilitation of my re-evaluation of my overall outlook on Christ.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Hello whoever reads this. It's me, Phil. Yeah, the other person who updates this thing we call a blog. Computer access was very limited to me this summer, and when I did get a chance to use the internet, it was not my first priority to recap the weeks for you all. Dean seems to have done a fabulous job at that. So here I go, giving you a summer recap from Luther Crest Bible Camp: Summer 2007!
Staff Training: I was nervous entering in because I had grown to love all the staff from last summer and I just knew it wouldn't be the same this summer because only a handful of us came back this summer. We got there late. It was my fault. I thought we were supposed to get there at 4, but we were supposed to get there between 2 and 4. I got there and saw the family I would be spending the next 11 weeks with, and I began to get excited! They seemed like a great group of crazy people, so I knew it was going to be a great summer. The canoe trip was fantastic! My favorite part of training. one of the best ways to really bond is to spend three days on a river together and then not talk to each other the last day! Yeah it actually works. I remember training was a lot more stressful last year. This year it was a breeze. the musical practices, the mandated reporting session, getting peed on by a dog at West, surprise party, Alphas and Omegas, freezing cold camp out, life group times... the list goes on and on. Staff training will always be in my heart.
Week 1-Fishing Camp: We moved fishing camp from Luther Crest West to main site in Alex, and it couldn't have worked out better! It was a group of 4th-6th graders and we fished 6 hours a day! Let me tell you, we pulled in ::drum roll please:: OVER 150 FISH!! The record for the past two years was 1. One fish total in the past two years at fishing camp combined. The kids had a great time and I was glad I was put into a cabin the very first week at camp!
--> Spiritual Growth: I felt comfortable for the first time at camp leading Bible Talks. I connected with the kids and felt a gentle reassurance that this is exactly where God has called me to and I fell in love with scripture and worship!
Well, I feel this post is sufficient for the reason that my hands are cramping. Stay tuned for the next installment of: PHIL'S EXPERIENCE AT LUTHER CREST BIBLE CAMP! (lame I know)
God's Peace "HUG STYLE"
<+>< PH
Philippians 1:2-6
Staff Training: I was nervous entering in because I had grown to love all the staff from last summer and I just knew it wouldn't be the same this summer because only a handful of us came back this summer. We got there late. It was my fault. I thought we were supposed to get there at 4, but we were supposed to get there between 2 and 4. I got there and saw the family I would be spending the next 11 weeks with, and I began to get excited! They seemed like a great group of crazy people, so I knew it was going to be a great summer. The canoe trip was fantastic! My favorite part of training. one of the best ways to really bond is to spend three days on a river together and then not talk to each other the last day! Yeah it actually works. I remember training was a lot more stressful last year. This year it was a breeze. the musical practices, the mandated reporting session, getting peed on by a dog at West, surprise party, Alphas and Omegas, freezing cold camp out, life group times... the list goes on and on. Staff training will always be in my heart.
Week 1-Fishing Camp: We moved fishing camp from Luther Crest West to main site in Alex, and it couldn't have worked out better! It was a group of 4th-6th graders and we fished 6 hours a day! Let me tell you, we pulled in ::drum roll please:: OVER 150 FISH!! The record for the past two years was 1. One fish total in the past two years at fishing camp combined. The kids had a great time and I was glad I was put into a cabin the very first week at camp!
--> Spiritual Growth: I felt comfortable for the first time at camp leading Bible Talks. I connected with the kids and felt a gentle reassurance that this is exactly where God has called me to and I fell in love with scripture and worship!
Well, I feel this post is sufficient for the reason that my hands are cramping. Stay tuned for the next installment of: PHIL'S EXPERIENCE AT LUTHER CREST BIBLE CAMP! (lame I know)
God's Peace "HUG STYLE"
<+>< PH
Philippians 1:2-6
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Swoosh!
Not too much to say. I just had the greatest week yet I think though. I was a counselor for the 4-6 basketball camp. But the catch here is that I have never played basketball except with friends.
I put in 15 hours of practice with these kids and it was amazing, I learned so much and they loved being able to teach me things. My cabin was amazing, I loved it so much. I guess my campers liked me a lot too, but they were just so much fun and had a lot of really good questions. Obviously some parts were harder than others but boys will be boys.
This week I will be doing ANOTHER day camp. This one is in Chanhassen. I have been told by many that this is the best day camp we do because the kids are so wonderful and the host families practically live in mansions I am excited that I get to work with the age group that I have been with all summer, it is probably my favorite.
There is only two weeks of the summer left and it feels like it. I am getting antsy about going home and then going out to UWEC. I am very excited but at the same time a bit bummed that the summer is ending so soon. I have made a lot of friends that I will keep in contact with for a while I hope.
Well, Im going to get going. Please keep my family in your prayers, Grandma is in the hospital. It doesn't seem to be serious but you know how it goes.
Finally, since im on a day camp I can get phone calls past like 4pm so feel free to call anytime after that.
Bye!
-Dean
I put in 15 hours of practice with these kids and it was amazing, I learned so much and they loved being able to teach me things. My cabin was amazing, I loved it so much. I guess my campers liked me a lot too, but they were just so much fun and had a lot of really good questions. Obviously some parts were harder than others but boys will be boys.
This week I will be doing ANOTHER day camp. This one is in Chanhassen. I have been told by many that this is the best day camp we do because the kids are so wonderful and the host families practically live in mansions I am excited that I get to work with the age group that I have been with all summer, it is probably my favorite.
There is only two weeks of the summer left and it feels like it. I am getting antsy about going home and then going out to UWEC. I am very excited but at the same time a bit bummed that the summer is ending so soon. I have made a lot of friends that I will keep in contact with for a while I hope.
Well, Im going to get going. Please keep my family in your prayers, Grandma is in the hospital. It doesn't seem to be serious but you know how it goes.
Finally, since im on a day camp I can get phone calls past like 4pm so feel free to call anytime after that.
Bye!
-Dean
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Another One Bites The Dust
The weeks just seem to be rolling by here at camp and I love it. I am having a blast and now that I am actually reading my bible on a regular basis I am exeriencing a lot of growth. This summer has been awesome, challenging and fun, but it still is not over.
This week I am on another day camp. I love these little kids, they are so much fun and so intelligent. The day camp is actually at the camp, so the kids come everyday and are on-site with us from 9am to 3pm. Some of the kids are a bit difficult at times but in the end they are really a lot of fun and they are teaching me more than I probably am teaching them, amazing how that works eh?
The conflict that I was experiencing at the start of the summer is nearly gone, it just doesn't bother me any more. There is one counselor who calls me a wacko Christian because I went to sonshine and other such things(Sonshine was amazing BTW). Basically I am a bit evangelical and this counselor disaproves, but its cool.
I am at Caribou right now. That is another decent thing about daycamps; we get the rest of the day to re-engergize after abouty 4pm, after some debriefing and planning for the next day we headed off into town last night and tonight. Tomorrow we will be hanging around and then Thurs. will be the banquet.
If anybody wants to call me this wee, you can, after 4pm I should answer and if not then I will shortly return your phone call. I am excited for all the things that God is doing in my life right now and all the things I know He will do. Keep me in your prayers and know that I am praying for all of you back home and miss you all a lot.
-Dean
This week I am on another day camp. I love these little kids, they are so much fun and so intelligent. The day camp is actually at the camp, so the kids come everyday and are on-site with us from 9am to 3pm. Some of the kids are a bit difficult at times but in the end they are really a lot of fun and they are teaching me more than I probably am teaching them, amazing how that works eh?
The conflict that I was experiencing at the start of the summer is nearly gone, it just doesn't bother me any more. There is one counselor who calls me a wacko Christian because I went to sonshine and other such things(Sonshine was amazing BTW). Basically I am a bit evangelical and this counselor disaproves, but its cool.
I am at Caribou right now. That is another decent thing about daycamps; we get the rest of the day to re-engergize after abouty 4pm, after some debriefing and planning for the next day we headed off into town last night and tonight. Tomorrow we will be hanging around and then Thurs. will be the banquet.
If anybody wants to call me this wee, you can, after 4pm I should answer and if not then I will shortly return your phone call. I am excited for all the things that God is doing in my life right now and all the things I know He will do. Keep me in your prayers and know that I am praying for all of you back home and miss you all a lot.
-Dean
Weds, July 11th
Written on Wednesday, July 11th
This week has really been hard for me. Kitchen crew was more difficult then I had thought it would be. I have really been going at ends with some of the people here, I am happy that this week is nearly over. God has really been challenging me this week through the trials of manual labor and trying to get along with others. I have probably complained a bit too much this week but also I feel there was a general lack of willingness to help at the start of the week. People have been trickling in to help us more the past few days. I am happy that I leave for sonshine tomorrow. It will be a welcome break.
I have been reading the bible at least a little bit this week and it really helping. It is hard to have time to think about what I have read but I will be taking some time at sonshine for myself I hope. I do a lot of hoping now and less concrete planning for my life, the only things that are concrete are the things that they plan for me here at camp, my life is clay in their hands sometimes and it is annoying at times, but it is just another thing in the challenge of the summer. I had a heart to heart with God tonight which was much needed. I had some authentic tears of humility and submission to my Creator, it has been a while. Thank you Father.
Well friends, I must go and pack for sonshine. Night
-Dean
This week has really been hard for me. Kitchen crew was more difficult then I had thought it would be. I have really been going at ends with some of the people here, I am happy that this week is nearly over. God has really been challenging me this week through the trials of manual labor and trying to get along with others. I have probably complained a bit too much this week but also I feel there was a general lack of willingness to help at the start of the week. People have been trickling in to help us more the past few days. I am happy that I leave for sonshine tomorrow. It will be a welcome break.
I have been reading the bible at least a little bit this week and it really helping. It is hard to have time to think about what I have read but I will be taking some time at sonshine for myself I hope. I do a lot of hoping now and less concrete planning for my life, the only things that are concrete are the things that they plan for me here at camp, my life is clay in their hands sometimes and it is annoying at times, but it is just another thing in the challenge of the summer. I had a heart to heart with God tonight which was much needed. I had some authentic tears of humility and submission to my Creator, it has been a while. Thank you Father.
Well friends, I must go and pack for sonshine. Night
-Dean
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Live Every Moment and Leave Nothing to Chance
Quick update then I'm off to bed...
I am doing much better about the disagreements and such that I had because of the passage in Romans 14 and such. Also, I am spending more time in the word(in theory).
I say in theory because I have been home since the 4th and am going back tomorrow. It was nice because I got to see Krystal this week, she was surpirsed to see me because she did not know I was coming home. It was a last minute choice for me to come home also, rather spur of the moment.
I traded off kitchen crew again last week because they needed another guy counselor for they had 8 more kids sign up for intro to camp. It was an amazing 3 days I had with those kids, I had a blast. Also, according to evals, they loved me. I really do enjoy working with little kids, it is an odd thing considering at the start of the summer it was the last thing I wanted to do. I think that it really shows how God has been working in my life.
I head back tomorrow morning and will be on kitchen crew for the week until Thurs. It is going to be a crazy week because there is something like 100 campers coming, so this week will be a lot of dishes I think. Oh well, I leave early this week because I am going to sonshine! I am so excited for sonshine. I get to see all my friends for 3 days straight and listen to some good non-camp music.
I am getting more meat though. I am going through Galatians on my own in the Message and NIV. I am just going to read through it a couple times these few weeks. I like the Message for this because it is an easy read and it is not too hard to sit down for 5 mins and just read a chapter. I am doing this at the advice of Greg M. It is working wonderfully so far, but since I have been home I have stopped.
Well, I just seem to want to go on and on so this seems like a good place to end it.
Overall, things are going good for me. Money is a bit tight, I am not going to be able to save as much money this summer as I had planned, but if things go as planned now I should still have some money to live off of at UWEC, I'll just need to find a job perhaps a bit faster. I am very excited to experience all God is doing in my life right now and I just ask for all of your continued prayer support.
Bye Friends
-Dean
I am doing much better about the disagreements and such that I had because of the passage in Romans 14 and such. Also, I am spending more time in the word(in theory).
I say in theory because I have been home since the 4th and am going back tomorrow. It was nice because I got to see Krystal this week, she was surpirsed to see me because she did not know I was coming home. It was a last minute choice for me to come home also, rather spur of the moment.
I traded off kitchen crew again last week because they needed another guy counselor for they had 8 more kids sign up for intro to camp. It was an amazing 3 days I had with those kids, I had a blast. Also, according to evals, they loved me. I really do enjoy working with little kids, it is an odd thing considering at the start of the summer it was the last thing I wanted to do. I think that it really shows how God has been working in my life.
I head back tomorrow morning and will be on kitchen crew for the week until Thurs. It is going to be a crazy week because there is something like 100 campers coming, so this week will be a lot of dishes I think. Oh well, I leave early this week because I am going to sonshine! I am so excited for sonshine. I get to see all my friends for 3 days straight and listen to some good non-camp music.
I am getting more meat though. I am going through Galatians on my own in the Message and NIV. I am just going to read through it a couple times these few weeks. I like the Message for this because it is an easy read and it is not too hard to sit down for 5 mins and just read a chapter. I am doing this at the advice of Greg M. It is working wonderfully so far, but since I have been home I have stopped.
Well, I just seem to want to go on and on so this seems like a good place to end it.
Overall, things are going good for me. Money is a bit tight, I am not going to be able to save as much money this summer as I had planned, but if things go as planned now I should still have some money to live off of at UWEC, I'll just need to find a job perhaps a bit faster. I am very excited to experience all God is doing in my life right now and I just ask for all of your continued prayer support.
Bye Friends
-Dean
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Faded Memories Against an Empty Canvas
I just finished a very awesome but tiring week doing another day camp. This one was in Forest Lake. It was a blast.
It started out on Saturday though. I am very happy that I made the trade that I did. We slept in the youth room of the church, all 6 of us. It was a blast, we played Life, Scene It, Guitar Hero, and Singstar Pop. Those games were all amazing. Oddly, that singing game was my favorite and when I go to Eau Claire I will be buying it for me and Krystal to play.
I am actually at home right now, sorry for those of you who did not know and such. It has been a good weekend home, many fun times and many times when I just wanted to stay home and not go back to camp. But I know that I need to go back because that is my place right now. The challenges that I am facing at camp I need in my life, they are causing me to grow in ways that I have never grown. I got to go to that new arcade off of 65 with my family on Thurs night and then again with Mike and Chase last night. I have spent too much money this weekend, ohh well. This break from camp has been nice but I want to go back too.
I am going to be on kitchen crew this next week which will not be nearly as bad as it would have been last week.
So, in Forest Lake, my group was 4-6th graders just like in Fergus Falls. This group was amazing! I had some boys that had a large amount of energy which made it difficult to get them to sit still long enough for even a 30 minute Bible Talk, but that was okay. I had these two girls that were from a foster home and had histories of drugs and prison in their families, they were willing to share this with me. Because of this I was able to relate to them very well and share some of my stories, I think God used me in a large way in their lives through my ability to relate to them. Thank you God for that.
After a talk with a mentorish person yesterday, I feel more at ease about the differences I have in the views between me and most of the other counselors. We are all called to have views on specifics within Christianity but not to let them be stumbling blocks for others. Basically, don't let them get in the way of the bigger picture, which now that I think about it, has existed since the early Christian church. I recall now in Galatians the almost argument that is happening between Paul's teaching and Peter's. Peter is teaching much about the law still while Paul is talking more about grace. Interesting to think about, the challenges I am going through now were faced also by two of the biggest founders of the early church. Humbling...really.
I have one more day at home and it seems that I am going to be doing a lot of things with a lot of people. I must get going.
Bye Friends!
-Dean
It started out on Saturday though. I am very happy that I made the trade that I did. We slept in the youth room of the church, all 6 of us. It was a blast, we played Life, Scene It, Guitar Hero, and Singstar Pop. Those games were all amazing. Oddly, that singing game was my favorite and when I go to Eau Claire I will be buying it for me and Krystal to play.
I am actually at home right now, sorry for those of you who did not know and such. It has been a good weekend home, many fun times and many times when I just wanted to stay home and not go back to camp. But I know that I need to go back because that is my place right now. The challenges that I am facing at camp I need in my life, they are causing me to grow in ways that I have never grown. I got to go to that new arcade off of 65 with my family on Thurs night and then again with Mike and Chase last night. I have spent too much money this weekend, ohh well. This break from camp has been nice but I want to go back too.
I am going to be on kitchen crew this next week which will not be nearly as bad as it would have been last week.
So, in Forest Lake, my group was 4-6th graders just like in Fergus Falls. This group was amazing! I had some boys that had a large amount of energy which made it difficult to get them to sit still long enough for even a 30 minute Bible Talk, but that was okay. I had these two girls that were from a foster home and had histories of drugs and prison in their families, they were willing to share this with me. Because of this I was able to relate to them very well and share some of my stories, I think God used me in a large way in their lives through my ability to relate to them. Thank you God for that.
After a talk with a mentorish person yesterday, I feel more at ease about the differences I have in the views between me and most of the other counselors. We are all called to have views on specifics within Christianity but not to let them be stumbling blocks for others. Basically, don't let them get in the way of the bigger picture, which now that I think about it, has existed since the early Christian church. I recall now in Galatians the almost argument that is happening between Paul's teaching and Peter's. Peter is teaching much about the law still while Paul is talking more about grace. Interesting to think about, the challenges I am going through now were faced also by two of the biggest founders of the early church. Humbling...really.
I have one more day at home and it seems that I am going to be doing a lot of things with a lot of people. I must get going.
Bye Friends!
-Dean
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