the potter and the clay.

Wow... it's been a while! Admittedly I have more than neglected this little blog in the past months. And for that, I do apologize. We had lots of summer camp preparations to tend to and then we got right into summer camp full-throttle! Not to mention following it all up with a busy conference season!Summer camp was wonderful, as always!
We did a little of this...

and this...

lots of this...

met lots of friends...

and even did some of this...

Like so many of us that spent our summer by the bay, I am still reflecting on all that God taught me through this summer at Wabanna. I look back on all the fun and all the challenges and I am still sorting through it all. Still sorting through what it is that God revealed to me-  and I am excited to share some of that with you on this blog throughout the fall!

For today I want to look at Jeremiah 18:3-6...

"So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do . Then the word of the LORD came to me: 'O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the LORD. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.'"

Okay, so if you have ever made pottery, taken a ceramics class, played with play-doh, or even stuck your fingers in some of the dirt/clay of the ground, you can understand what God is saying here. Clay is so moldable so easily formed and shaped- but not on its own. It needs a potter (or a small child sticking his or her hands into some neon colored play-doh) to be shaped into anything. That is what I want of my relationship with the Lord- I want to be clay and allow him to be the potter. I want him to mold me and use me in whatever way he deems best.

Sometimes I act like play-doh that has been left out without its lid and I get all stiff and less moldable- harder for the potter to work with. I do this, I think, becuase I am sometimes afraid of how he will choose to mold and use me. I am afraid he will ask me to be something that is too hard or painful. I don't want to be used for anything too important. I am sometimes almost sure that I know best, not God, (ridiculous, I know) and I am just fine doing what it is I am doing in the shape that I am right now... no need to re-mold anything here, I mean, let's not get too crazy.

But then I remember that I am HIS clay. I am nothing if I do not allow my potter to mold me. I am not living for him as I have vowed to do, I am not living out his commands and desires for me, if I am not allowing him to work with me and mold me! What potter wants to work with stiff, difficult clay? Thankfully, he is always willing to work with me, I just have to allow him. Even if it means that he takes my clay, molds it, breaks it down, and molds it again- just as the potter did in the book of Jeremiah. "the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do". I love that part "as it seemed good to the potter to do"- this is going to sound silly so bear with me, but it was not the clay that cried out to say "this is not the shape I want to be in! This is now how I want to be used!" No, of course not, the clay was remolded as the potter knew what would be best for the clay. 

It does seem a little strange, how much I just referred to myself as a lump of clay- but it is truly a great metaphor that the Lord gives us in scripture. And such a great reminder- that he is in charge... he is the potter, and I am the clay- the clay in his hands.

posted by: tara

preparing for Easter

Easter... sometimes when I am preparing for Easter, things come to mind that have nothing to do with my Messiah. I think about hunting for eggs, I think about bunnies, I most definitely think about chocolate. I am not suggesting these things are necessarily bad- but I am suggesting that they are not the meaning of Easter either. Much like Christmas, I enjoy things about Easter that are not based solely on Jesus. At Christmas I admit I enjoy my Christmas tree adorned with some 101 ridiculous ornaments both handmade and purchased. At Easter I admittedly eat my weight in those Reese's Eggs (why is it that they are so much more delicious than a regular Reese's cup?!?) But just like at Christmas, when Easter rolls around I have to pause, reflect and really consider what this holiday is all about. And it humbles me to my knees when I really, really consider preparing for Easter.

I had a roommate in college who told me that her favorite holiday, hands down, was Easter. I looked at her like she had three heads and asked "how can anyone love a holiday more than Christmas?" Again, I have to be honest that some of my love for Christmas revolves around the hustle and bustle and music and joy- but I truly love Christmas because we prepare for the coming of the Christ child! To which my sweet roommate responded "yeah, it's true- His arrival is amazing... but if after His arrival He didn't die for us, then we could not live. And that, is why Easter is my favorite."

Of course. If Jesus did not die- then we could not live. And if Jesus didn't conquer death, then we could not live! 1 Peter 2:24 says,
"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed."

I would encourage you to read the whole story in Matthew chapters 27 and 28 (you can of course find the story in Mark, Luke and John as well)- but hang on until the end. Don't only read the crucifixion story. Jesus took on death- a hard and painful, undeserved death, so that he could bear our sins! Scripture tells us that when we sin we deserve death (Romans 6:23) but Jesus took our place- he died for us. He, who was without sin, took our sins, and died for them (2 Corinthians 5:21). But the story (thankfully) does not end there! Jesus conquered death, death could not hold him! He is risen. Chapter 28 in Matthew tells the story of Jesus risen from the dead.

And now, we need to tell everyone about it! He came back, on what we call Easter, to say "now go and make disciples of all the nations..." (Matthew 28:19). We need to share Easter with everyone! So this Easter, it is my prayer that we would all remember what it is really all about. It's about telling everyone about it! Telling everyone who Jesus is and what he has done!  As Christians, it is our job- it is the great commission (Matthew 28:16-20). We are to take this Easter message and share it with all the nations! He died, he rose, he lives... he saves. That is cause for Easter celebration, I think.

posted by: Tara

hard work.

Work is hard sometimes. Probably work is hard most of the time. The definition of the word can even be to toil or to labor. It's tough but it is necessary and does not come without its accomplishments and reward- work results in something. Sometimes the work we have to do feels more difficult than usual, sometimes we are more stressed or feel bogged down by work, even upset by how dadgum hard it is. And sometimes we may be taking on too much or maybe we are even in the wrong job. But I believe that when we are serving God in whatever work we do- we ought to do that work well and work hard at it.  

When the wall of Jerusalem was destroyed the people decided to work together to build it back up. They said ...

"'Let us arise and build.' So they put their hands to the good work." Nehemiah 2:18 

The people were ridiculed and mocked and despised because they were told they were rebelling against the king. But God had told Nehemiah to rebuild- in chapter 2 verse 8 we read, Nehemiah's words 

"The God of heaven will give us success; therefore we His servants will arise and build...". 

I can only imagine that it was in fact hard work rebuilding a wall. No cranes, no bobcats,  there was no machinery like we have now, back in Nehemiah's day. Which, I would think, makes the work even harder. Not to mention how discouraging it must have been to be mocked and ridiculed as you work. They were called feeble as others stood around mocking, "do they really think they are going to do this by themselves? Will they finish it in a day?  hah."  Nehemiah 4:3 says that one man stood by and said "Even what they are building- if a fox should jump on it, he will break their wall down!" How disheartening that must have been!

But then, I love the words in Nehemiah 4:6 where he writes-

"So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart." The New American Standard Bible says "...the people had a mind to work."

This work was to honor God- they were in God's favor, so no ridicule or amount of hard labor was going to stop them. They worked. For God.

This story truly encourages me to ask myself as I work in this ministry or as I do any kind of work that I say I want to honor God with- whatever that may look like-- am I working with all of my heart? Do I have a mind to work? If I want to honor God with my work, if I desire to serve Him, then my heart and mind should be in it.

posted by: Tara

ordinary.

I often feel like I am not enough. The simple truth is, I am not enough- God is enough. But sometimes my feelings of not being enough are more like feelings of inadequacy. How could God possibly use me?! How could he take this young, selfish, temperamental, emotional girl and use me to further his kingdom?! Okay, okay- self deprecation aside, I am just too ordinary a girl to be used for great works. Maybe small works of God- but not the bigger stuff. Not enough knowledge or ability. I am just not enough- not equipped for that.

Then, I am encouraged by Jesus' twelve disciples. The twelve men Jesus chose to reach numerous other people.

At least four of them were fishermen, most of them just common working men. Not wealthy, not necessarily of nobility, or even well-learned scholars. I wonder if their hands were dry and calloused from the harsh salt of the sea. I wonder if their hair was somewhat unkempt and their faces burned by the hot sun. I wonder if they lost their tempers, took things personally or got grumpy when tired.

Jesus saw in these men- these seemingly simple men- greatness. When I was in middle school I remember we had this banner in the hallway that read "The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra." I remember thinking it was way too cheesy but also so interesting- how that little word "extra" really does change the word's meaning entirely. I think these ordinary men had that little extra. I think, by all accounts of their time and people, they would be considered a highly unlikely bunch to do anything great for Jesus. But Jesus saw potential in them- potential in their willingness to follow and learn.

If I... the highly unlikely, unequipped girl am willing to follow and learn from Jesus Christ I know that I can be used. I know that I can reach and further the Kingdom of God- as long as I (like the twelve) am willing to be molded by Christ, then why couldn't I be capable of anything?...

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you." John 15:16


posted by: Tara

to serve, not be served.

I was thinking today about our LIT program- the oldest campers who do a lot of "camper" things but also learn about and exercise a little leadership. I was also thinking today about one of the questions we ask on our staff application: "How would you define servant leadership?" I think there is a  lot to serving and a lot to leading and I think that the two often should go hand in hand. But if I had to pick the most important of the two words, I think I would say it's the "servant" part. To serve... to wait on, to assist, to offer, to render services, to help. Why is this so important? I think because scripture points out serving others quite often.

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." -1 Peter4:10

"...to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up..." -Ephesians 4:12

" Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." -Philippians 2:3-4

But perhaps the most humbling and most compelling reason that serving others is an integral part of following Christ is what we read in Matthew 20:28, "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Sometimes when I read that I have to pause and ask myself, "did you catch that?" Jesus came to earth- the Lord of lords- to serve. And that honestly blows my mind... if there is anyone I can think of that most deserves to be served it is Jesus. I strive to serve Him!! And this is how it should be- however we have a Savior who came to first serve us, in fact give his life and die for us. What a great motivation to serve him! And others. As those other Bible verses point out we must, must serve others. And we have a fantastic example in Jesus Christ. 


posted by: Tara

resolutions for a new year

Happy New Year! It is 2011 and we have (a little less than) a full year ahead of us. I love the excitement of the new year- thinking about all that is ahead... feeling like you can start with a clean slate. And the new beginning- New Year's resolutions.

There are always resolutions to be made... I know I have made my fair share over the years. Every year since middle school I make the New Year's resolution that I will stop biting my nails once and for all. I have never ever succeeded with this. I resolve to work out more, eat better, love people better, do my job better, give more, serve God better, keep in touch with long distance friends more... the list goes on. This year I thought I would share a list of "resolutions" with you that come completely from scripture. Simple commands from our Lord- many of which I let slip through the cracks or just plain fail to do well. So, here is my list of resolutions. Maybe you will join me in this list...

In 2011 I want to...
-"pray continually." 1 Thessalonians 5:17

-"trust in the Lord with all my heart, and lean not on my own understanding" Proverbs 3:5

-Love others even when it is hard, and "lend to them without expecting to get anything back." Luke 6:35

-"Share with God's people who are in need. Practice Hospitality" Romans 12:13

-Care for orphans and widows. James 1:27

-"Let no corrupting talk come out of my mouth but only such... that it may give grace to those that hear." Ephesians 4:29

-"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave me." Ephesians 4:32

-Honor everyone. 1 Peter 2:17

-Put on "a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness and patience." Colossians 3:12

-Read the Bible more. "faith comes from hearing, hearing through the word of Christ." Romans 10:17

-Be cheerful whenever I give to others. 2 Corinthians 9:7

-"Give thanks in all circumstances." 1 Thessalonians 5:18


posted by: Tara

advent: the coming of peace.

The other day it snowed here at camp. (I mean, I am sure that it snowed in a few other places too, but nevertheless...) I love snow. I do not love being cold, at all, so I am sure this seems conflicting. But, I figure if it has to be cold sometimes, it had better snow, at least. I just think it makes the cold feel worth it. My favorite is when the flakes are big and fluffy and they seem to lay on the ground slowly. I love how the trees catch the snow in their bare limbs. I love how though the sky is gray and cloudy everything looks brighter with a blanket of white. I get that when you have to drive in it, or shovel it out of your driveway, it is not quite as lovely. But still, I love, love to look at it.

Anyway, the other day at camp when it was snowing I was standing outside in it for a moment with my friend Beth. I told her I loved how peaceful the snowfall was. We both stood for a minute not talking and just looked around. It was silent. Almost eerie. We looked out over the Bay which looked like frosted glass. We saw the snow falling all around us but heard nothing.

It's like the snow absorbs all sounds around you and the snow lays quietly onto itself- not making a sound, unlike rain. I think snow (maybe for some, not all) is so peaceful in that way. For the fourth week of Advent we look at peace. This is the last week of Advent- leading right up to Christmas this weekend! I think peace is an appropriate thought for this week. I know peace can mean different things to different people. For example, I am talking about the peaceful beauty of snow and maybe you cringe at the thought. That's fair. But for Christmas I think that this week in Advent, it is good to reflect on peace.

We know that Advent means the coming of something- the anticipated arrival of Christ. And finally, this week, the waiting is over. The anxiousness, anticipation even nervous excitement that builds as we wait, finally comes to a close. Mary and Joseph, the people who heard of the birth and were anxiously awaiting it- they all finally get to experience it. Finally, the baby comes and great, great things, lie ahead.

We, thousands of years later, of course already know the baby comes, grows and does great things. He is Jesus and we know of his ministry on earth. We can rest peacefully knowing that he came and did what he said he would do. And we have the Bible which tells us of the great peace that Jesus brings.

Jesus says in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful."

Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Colossians 1:20 "and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."

So, in this week of Advent, and as we celebrate Christmas this weekend I hope that we find peace in these words. I hope we find the peace that Christ brings. That he promises. I pray that peace, beyond whatever else, rules in our hearts this Christmas. As Christ came, he brought hope, love, joy and peace for us all. And I am thankful.

Through the hustle and bustle, the pain heartache and loss, he offers peace to us today, on Christmas, and always.

posted by: Tara