Encouragement for the Day

Exercise DAILY - walk with the Lord

The Junior-Senior Retreat

      Smiles crept across the faces of all whose eyes fell upon the sign – “There will be no orchestra or choir today. That means no volleyball, no hanging out in the halls, everyone to the dorms. It's time to pack.” What seemed to be edging up ever so slowly was now only one sleep away: Junior-senior campout.

     Packing was lighter this time; there were no tents, no air mattresses, and there wasn't an extra bag needed to be packed for the food each of us were usually required to bring – lest we starve. How was this a campout, you ask? It wasn't. This was our retreat. You see, normally Junior-senior campout is a legitimate campout that consists of hard dirt floors, tents, fires for warmth, and a lake for a shower at Seton. This campout was different. Because of an unexpected dilemma with camping at Seton, it wasn't available for us eager campers this year. The breaking of tradition was about to take place because we were on our way to Camp Hope. That's right. Cabins, beds WITH MATRESSES, a lodge, and best of all...showers with HOT WATER.

     Load luggage, get on bus, sleep on bus, arrive at Hope, unload bus, scramble to best cabin room, RELAX. Volleyball and soccer were the first of many activities that unfolded, followed by telephone charades, skits and various activities planned by the mighty fantastic Senior Class Officers. You see, the class officers – Mr. Chris Donatelli as President, Ms. Sierra Buhler as Vice President, Pastor Diane Carvalho, Treasurer Michael Jensen, and Secretary Eileen Corrigan – planned the entire trip for the luxury of the juniors. We were never required to help cook food in the kitchen, which by the way was the best food ever thanks to Beth and Agnes, nor were we required to help clean up or wash dishes. Even seniors's only requirements were to help make breakfast and clean up once the entire weekend.

The weekend reached its climax Saturday night. All of us campers were in the lodge singing hymns after the close of Sabbath when shrieks of terror erupted from the room. Bandits burst into the room terrorizing different victims. A bag was thrown over there heads and the poor souls were dragged from their seats and out the various exits. Some tried to kick their way free while others gave up the fight – all, however, were gone. Noises of confusion murmured from the lips of us who witnessed this terrible scene. It was now our job to go rescue one of the captives. Given a map and a glow-stick for light, we were sent on the hunt. Into bushes, through dimly lit trails, under rocks, over hills, and climbing walls, we were required to find the next clue. Not only that, but we had to beware of the bombs that were thrown at us along the way: water bombs (or balloons for those of you that are less imaginative). Time after time we were assaulted with balloons. Many moments were spent lost and in confusion of where to go next. Where was our captive!? What were they doing to them? Finally the last clue was found: “I am fed, but don't touch me or your hand will turn red”. That could only mean one place, the fire pits. When we arrived, we found all the captives warm and laughing by the fire. We joined the happy throng as we all reflected on the amazing hunt. Some never made it entirely through but were brought to the fire for delicious smores, hot chocolate, and lemonade. That night, or should I say morning as the clock read 12:30 a.m., was the most memorable night of the year.  

Worship Group

My hall has a lot of awesome people. We have enjoyed mornings together in worship and devotion as well as an awesome Sunday eating splurge. (:

1 sophomore, 3 juniors and 2 seniors

The OPTIONAL Campout

This was quite the experience. I didn't sleep well but I sure did get the "rest" I needed: time away from the busy schedule. I had fun canoeing, swimming, and keeping warm. (: 

On Sabbath, God gave me the time alone with Him I needed. I asked Him to make Himself real to me that day, and boy did He ever! Especially I opened my Bible and the verse that popped out was "He is alive!" Weather was nice and it was just an awesome experience reflecting on what He had done in my life previously and how I have changed and how much more I still need to change. 

I hope you enjoy the pictures! 

Bailey M. 

Scarlett did my hair on the bus

We had to build a teepee over the fire because of all the wind and rain

Ninja

These are my beautiful shoes Hannah Rasmusen made for me because mine got wet when I got out of my canoe rather ungracefully the day before

I am learning

We made a story but each contributing a random sentence...it was interesting to say the least

How many guys does it take to play guitar?

They both hurt the same foot on the rope swing

9. The Future

If we were left to ourselves to plan, we should make mistakes. Our prejudices, our weaknesses, our self-deceptions, and our ignorances would be manifest in many ways. But the work is the Lord’s, the cause is His; He never leaves His workmen without divine directions.... {ML 10.5}

I always seem to forget that God has every little detail in my life figured out. Why am I so willing to let Him control the universe but not as willing to let Him provide for my needs everyday? Why do I trust Him in caring for those missionaries across the world, yet trusting him with my career is so difficult? Why can I believe He did everything in the Bible, yet be afraid and worried about where He'll lead me in a year? 

I pray for God's will - everyday. But there is not one person who can sincerely pray and be worrying at the same time: especially me! Does that mean I'm not sincerely praying? Am I not honestly asking for God's will, but rather my own? This is something I've been struggling with a lot lately. 

I will have FAITH that God is doing what is right at the perfect time it is necessary. 

(:

Ice Skating with the Gang

Skating is always fun, especially with those that have never skated before.

(:

Love Never Fails

"I do not forget," says the Lord.
I'll never leave you; I've always kept my word.
Do not worry - I am here!
Just, simply let me into your heart and I'll
Wipe away your tears.

Trust in me, oh child. Trust in me.
Keep the faith and you'll see...
Trust in me, oh child. Trust in me.
I'll never leave you, no I'll never forget you.

Part of a song written by one of my best friends, the one and only, Johanna Mosquera.

God is always by your side. He is constantly there watching over you and loving you. I've heard that a lot...but when I actually take the time to digest it and let it sink into my mind...WOW. God, who created me from the dirt I walk to and fro on every day, is RIGHT BESIDE ME. Look at it this way: A toymaker making little wooden figures. They are so insignificant compared to the maker himself. They have given him numerous splinters and don't care about him. Now come back to God. We are so insignificant. Our earth...not even comparable to a speck of dust - and we're on it. He is beside us. He loves you. How do we know? He died for you on a cross. Beaten by, mocked, tortured, pierced, and hung to die. While hanging on the cross and seeing his mockers around him cursing him he uttered the words, "Father forgive them!" That's love. How can we even know what love is here on this world? It's so distorted.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
     Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

Take My Son

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam‐ conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art. The young man held out this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.' The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.'

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later.

There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?' There was silence . . Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.' But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100?, $200? Another voice angrily shouted, 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts. Get on with the Real bids!' But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?' Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting.' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. 'We have $10, who will bid $20?' 'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.' The crowd was becoming annoyed. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!' A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!' The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.' 'What about the paintings?' 'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!'

Many are looking for, striving for, wanting to acquire the treasures of heaven: knowledge, wisdom, prophecies, charity, even the gifts or the fruits of the spirit. Yet, the Father's message today is: 'The Son, the living Son, who'll receive the Son?' Because, you see, whoever receives the Son inherits everything! 

My Siblings!

I love my siblings so much! You know, we don't always have pleasant stories to tell or fond memories for every day, but we love each other. Some days you just have to look deeper into each of our hearts. 

Sam - Thank you for your kind words and loving smile. You always have cheer in your voice and I love how you can be knocked out cold in the car, but when you wake up you are chipper as ever. Talking to you is something I have always enjoyed. I want to encourage you to keep pressing forward. When things get difficult, don't give up! Keep pressing on the upward way and new heights you'll gain every day. 

Bren - Ahh, sometimes you worry me like none other. Don't ever think you have to leave when you're upset. You are my best friend and I know as well as you do that we can talk about anything and everything. I trust you. You have such a sweet heart, you would do anything you could for everyone if they asked. My encouragement for you is to let God help you overcome that which you can't alone. You know what I'm talking about. When you're stressed, angry, worried, etc...talk to Him first, then to me (:

Snake the Jake - You, my brother, are hilarious. You don't try to be a lot of the times, but you can make anyone smile by your random comments and punny jokes. (They really aren't that funny, it's just the fact that you laugh at them by yourself that makes me laugh.) Thank you for your strength in God and for your bountiful talent on the violin and guitar. Keep it up! We don't always get along, but we love each other...even if you don't always like to show it. (: Jake, never be afraid to share your faith with those around you! At school, you have a huge impact. At home, God can work wonders. I love you so much - thanks for all the laughs!

I'll Cut Off Your Head / God-Given Aim

This is a poem I wrote for English class. We were asked to write a Sacred Poem. I didn't want to write the typical sacred poem where there's a Christian going through a struggle and conquering. Those are important and yes, it is a very important subject and very relavent in the Christian life, but I desired something different. This is what evolved:

War was inevitable with the occupied hills,

Only a valley between, brought both people chills.

The Philistines and the Israelites, on good terms they were not;

Because God was the one whom the Israelites sought.

Goliath the Philistine towered nine feet.

All people cower - not wanting to meet

This bellower shouting a great demand,
“Is there any soldier in the land

Brave enough to come down and fight?”

Now there was David, not a threatening sight.

Sent to battle to bring his brothers bread,

David heard the taunt but was not filled with dread.

Instead, he questioned those running away,

“Cannot our Lord win this battle today?”

David’s brother spoke in anger, tearing him apart,

“I know you’re conceited and wicked at heart!”

Then joined in Saul: “You’re but a young man.

Goliath the warrior, you are less than.”

David rebutted, “I fought lion and bear!

God saved me then and will continue to spare!”

With that he was bid to go down and fight.

He wore no armour, but sling, stones and might.

David ignored the taunting and blatantly said,

“The Lord will deliver and I’ll cut off your head.”

Meeting Goliath, David clutched his stone.

Slinging it high it came down on his bone;

It sank into his skull, and down Goliath went

That once fierce warrior, now dead and spent.

David ran over, the giant’s sword in hand

Over his body did he stand.

One quick movement and off came his head.

David so thankful the Lord had lead.

David’s strong faith and trust in the Lord,

His uncanny courage and strength that soared,

Is not impossible for you and I to attain;

We need to strive for that God-given aim.