Lay My Burdens Down

This week had more than surpassed my exceptions. It was SO amazing. To be honest I feel as if this was one of my favorite camp trips. And that is due part to the girls in my cabin. They amaze me. They had me laughing, crying, smiling, rejoicing, and so many other emotions. Each one of their hearts I have grown to love. It's so easy at times to define someone for who they are on the outside, but its the "stuff" inside of the heart that is captivating. I got to hear them be vulnerable, and for some that may have been the first time they ever shared the deep ache they bottle up. In return though, they got to hear the truth of Jesus Christ, and how He can fill that emptiness they have inside.

 During my time there I learned a lot. During one of the leader meetings, one of the head leaders of the camp said, "It's not that we have to do this, it's that we get to do this." That really struck me. Every day when I felt emotionally drained, tired, or sore I just remembered God is giving me this opportunity to build relationships with these girls and share Jesus. God could use a rock if He wants to, but, no, He chose me. Because of Him, I get to be a part of this ministry and see each of those girl's lives change as they let go of the wheel and let Christ take His rightful spot. And Jesus did just that this week. Yesterday more than half of the girls and guys from Monroe High School started a relationship with Jesus. It was incredible. Jesus is doing big things at Monroe and I am so excited to see how he uses each one of those awesome people. After the 'say so', we got to sing "Lay My Burdens Down" by Ryan Long. As we all had our arms wrapped around each other, swaying back and forth, a verse really hit me.

Amazing help no more alone
New family new heavenly home
Amazing Grace how sweet the sound
I come and lay my burdens down
(Listen Here)

They are no longer alone. Jesus is in this with them forever and even when they drift away, Jesus is going to go right there with them. THAT'S INCREDIBLE. Jesus meets you right where you're at in the midst of your struggles. He wants to be there. Jesus is all forgiving. No matter what trials you face, nothing is too great to bear with Jesus. He has conquered death, I mean come on now...

So to all my friends who have accepted Christ this week, I just want to say welcome home.

"But whatever gain I had I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him."

-Philippians 3:7-8