Roosters crowing at the break of dawn... and noon.

We have some new little chicks at the house. I love to go out and watch them at their work. They stay busy most of the time, foraging for bugs, fluffing up their nests, and establishing their pecking order. Our two new roosters have been working hard at learning to crow, and it's a painful thing to hear, at first. The larger golden rooster jumps up on the hay bales in the morning and works himself up to a good, strong crow, but the little black one is still struggling. First of all, he seems to have no internal clock. He tries to crow at dawn, and at noon, and at sundown. And his sound needs help: he lets out little squawks, like fingernails on a chalkboard, and that's about it. He's sooooo far from perfect! But, he is not at all disturbed or deterred from his efforts: he's just a rooster, trying his best to do what roosters do.

Believe it or not, youth groupers, our little roosters made me think of you. I know that some of you were nervous about speaking in front of the church last Sunday, and I wanted to tell you how proud I am that you all got over your fears and did it, and you were wonderful! You shared your personal Mission Camp experiences in a direct way that I never could have, and drew our adult members into your adventure. I've been reading from 1 Timothy. I struggle with some of Paul's writings, but I wanted to share this with you from 4:12-16 - you’ve read it before, but it’s good to hear it again:

"Don't let anyone put you down because you're young.
Teach believers with your life:
by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.
Keep reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching.
And that special gift of ministry you were given
when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—
keep that dusted off and in use.

Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them.
The people will all see you mature right before their eyes!
Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching.
Don't be diverted. Just keep at it.
Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation."

I believe that with all my heart, so keep crowing, roosters. Thank you for being courageous and using the gifts God has given you! We are not perfect - we can leave that up to God. And what we say, or the way we say it, will not always be "perfect" - but when you share the good news of perfect love, we are all blessed.

Mission Trip 09 a Success!

We had a great Mission Trip this year! Pastor John joined us for a week on the Texas coast, working on hurricane relief. We gathered with teens from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Illinois, working on the homes of people who've been displaced by Hurricane Ike. Some of the people we met were living in dilapidated houses and needed a great deal of help to make their homes livable again. Worship and contemplation were an important part of our camp experience: we held worship services each evening, as well as morning and mid-day devotionals. Many of the residents we were assisting joined us in our devotional times. Our theme for the week was "Lord, Reveal Yourself to Me."

After our hard work, we spent some much-needed rest time at the beach in Galveston, and a highlight was our own beautiful sunrise service on Sunday morning. Thanks to everyone who helped make our trip possible, to all of the teens who participated, to Pastor John for his support, and to the friends we made in youth groups we met from around the country. And thanks to God for opening our eyes and helping us to see beyond our own tired fears, prejudices and limitations. For those of you who were unable to join us this year, don't worry - we have great plans for the next trip, too. Help us make it happen!