Altared From the Inside Out.

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- that is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

This past week God gave me an opportunity of a lifetime.  He blessed me with chance to change myself, as well as enabled me to assist many junior high students in changing theirs. Being down in a canyon with 200 people on fire for God, no cell phone reception, no distractions, and the presence of God is something you really can't describe in words. In fact, it's nearly impossible.  I did find out through the journey though that one week is all it took for my life to be changed from the inside out.

Before I left for camp... I was a little nervous because this year, I was attending camp as a leader instead of a camper. Not only was I nervous because I didn't know what to expect, but I was also a little hesitant about leading a bunch of 7th graders through the curriculum.  I had decided before I left that I was going to make the best out of any situation and try my best to not hold back.  I knew I'd regret it later if I didn't listen to God's will and try to lead students on the right, spiritual path.

The beginning of the week started off a little like I had worried about.  I was nervous, the kids were quiet, and I wasn't too sure I knew what I was doing.  Monday night, I prayed long and hard for God to give me the confidence and courage to start over on Tuesday.  The next day, my whole experience turned around. Now, it could have been the fact that it was Tie-Tye dye-Tutu-Tuesday, but I'm pretty sure it was the power of God working through me.  My small group started to warm up to each other, my partner, and to me by the end of the day, which made the experience that much better.

There were so many great things about last week that I'd love to share, but I'd be writing a novel.  Between the non-stop laughing in my small group, to watching the kids battle it out in volleyball, to them trying to figure out how to get from one plank to another on the low ropes, to watching the Spirit work through them in worship... it was an awesome week. All of these things were just a few of the things that showed me why God had called me there.  Not only were the kids amazing, but so were the staff. We all got along so great and brought out the best in one another. It was so great to know we were all there for a reason and understood that God was working through us.

Needless to say, I learned a lot about myself, but I learned more about what junior high students face in today's day and age. I received the chance to relate to many of the students and be an ear for them to talk to.  It was by far one of the most rewarding things I've ever done and taught me what is truly important in this life.  I met so many amazing kids that have so much going for them if they keep their eyes on the real prize and be blessings to others just as they were to me.

I was truly changed last week from the inside out. I know that kife is truly slipping by one day at a time and it's up to us to be the real change we wish to see in the world. Our children are the next generation and if they aren't well equipped for what they'll face, how will they cope? How will they know there is a God that loves them and there is more to the materialistic things the world shows them?  I believe that it is becoming harder and harder for students to live a life for Christ. By taking a week out of my somewhat busy schedule to be an example and leader for them, I'm making a positive difference in their lives, as well as my own.

My God is Greater. My God is Stronger. My God is a God Who Saves. <3