I always think it's for the kids

I'm back from a week at youth camp. 
I have realized that even though I leave for a youth camp thinking it is all about the kids I come home knowing God put me there for a reason.

The chance to watch all those kids get closer to each other, watch them worship and really minister to each other, watching my own kids grow in their faith is a privilege every time I go.

I always question my girls to make sure they want me there.  I have been involved with their children's groups and their youth groups and don't want to be there if they need some space.

 

It was funny how little I saw my own kids or really interacted with them at camp this year. 

 

 

And as usual, I came away knowing God had put me there for my growth and not just to help.
Getting to know other leaders (this year I wasn't the only leader above 25) was truly a gift. 

And I mean really getting to know their hearts, see their passion for Christ and their love for those kids.
Laughing and laughing and laughing.

Staying up way too late.















Bonding over coffee with the other coffee lovers in the group.

The worship was just for me I'm convinced. 

 I can't get this song out of my head.  I needed to be reminded I guess...

 

Your plans are still to prosper,

You have not forgotten us
You're with us in the fire and the flood
Faithful forever,
Perfect in love
You are sovereign over us

 

Being in Texas, we encountered a HUGE tarantula while we were there.  And of course the sign that makes me laugh every year

I won't make you look at the mascot statue and what is wrong with that.
On second thought

 

Boys eat A LOT

Our church is having it's annual D Now weekend and we were the host home for the 9th grade boys.
How on earth did that happen?
Our house couldn't be more girly!
But.  They are here and they seem to be having a good time and doing ok.

Bible Men

and Bible Dog

I am loving that they like to eat.

 I've never seen people that excited about breakfast.

I wish a had an after picture.

They have been here just under 24 hours adn here's the rundown:

7 boys
1 college leader
24 eggs
2 lb bacon
20 tortillas
24 rolls made in to monkey bread
1 gallon of milk
6 2L soda's
3 bags of chips
3 packages of cookies plus a batch I made them
1 bag of candy
maybe 6 showers?
maybe 6 hours of sleep
and we still have one night to go...

But in the end, I couldn't be happier to have this group and be involved.  They are out right now praying over my neighborhood.  God is good.

8 teenage girls, two college leaders and a million animal crackers

We are hosting the freshman and sophomore girls from our church this weekend for Discipleship Now weekend.
We have 8 sweet sweet girls. Two precious, pretty, and Godly college girls leading the girls.
Not to mention more hair dryers, brushes, straighteners, and make up bags than I can count!

They brought plenty of snacks!

Elvis got excited when the youth minister came by and loved him... he got to show of his t.v. watching skills...

So far it hasn't been any crazier than the usual weekend... as a matter of fact I have enjoyed listing to the Bible study they are doing, enjoying getting to do my own quiet time with them and watching such sweet leaders be so loving and encouraging to the girls.  They have to come away a little better just for being around leaders that are such a good example!

And because we wouldn't want to have too much girl fun and peacefulness, we're off to the loud pizza and game place to meet the rest of the youth!