UMA July Camping

I just sat down to watch 'Date Night' ... alone. Ironic?
Kelsey and I were able to take our UMA girls camping this weekend. Eight girls came, including two sisters who have recently moved back to the neighborhood. Whenever I start to wonder if God answers prayers, I think of UMA in recent months and how Juli and I used to ask God for girls when it seemed that they were all leaving the neighborhood. He has provided and I am confident that each one has been hand selected to cross paths with UMA. If that doesn't make you giddy inside, I don't know what would! Even though that's only a small glimpse of a miniscule part of His eternal plan, I'm thankful for it.
We took them to a state campground about an hour from Lynchburg. We set out our tents (the girls are great helpers) and quickly got the fire roaring for spiderdogs. I was introduced to spiderdogs a few years ago by some friends and these girls have loved them ever since I showed them. After dinner we walked to the lake to check it out and had a little devotional. With the recent storm and massive, disruptive power outages we talked about our own power source in our lives. After listing off things that made life difficult with no power, we then talked about how life can be difficult. How we get stressed, worn down, and frustrated and don't think we have enough energy for one more step... there's someone who has promised us He would be our refuge, strength, provider, protector; our power source. I gave the girls verses to read like Psalm 32:8 and 34:5, also John 15:5-7. 'Do you believe the words of the Bible are true' I asked them. They answered yes and we read each of these verses a second time just to allow God's promises to sink in a little deeper... for all of us. I want these young ladies to believe, to really believe, that God's Word is truth. To believe it even when another way seems brighter or someone lies to them. It was a great lesson for me as well.
Alright, this movie is too funny... Steve Carell and Tina Fey-excellent combination. More camping stories to come :)
Movie is over and I'm back! Did you miss me? I thought so.
The rest of the trip went pretty well and was a great experience of taking charge and calling the shots. Following other people comes way more naturally to me than leading ever has; decision making isn't my strongest trait. I guess you might compare me with Moses in the Bible. God had a sovereign plan to make a leader out of that timid, behind-the-scenes man... a leader for His purpose and glory. I don't know why He's placed me in this position with these girls but maybe you'll wonder as well and then be able to give Him glory for all that He will do!