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

advent: the coming of joy.

The third week of Advent- we reflect on Joy.

I think we do experience a lot of Joy in the Christmas season. I think sometimes life's circumstances may impede our feelings of Joy- trials don't cease just because it is Christmas. But, I do think that there tends to be a good bit of Joy floating around. It is a joyful thing (albeit stressful sometimes) to buy gifts for those you love- to find the absolute perfect thing. It is a joy to receive gifts- the most perfect gift someone put the thought and time into finding for you. There is something that is joyful about having a tree in your house- covered in lights and ornaments you've collected over many years. There is joy in the three radio stations that play all Christmas music, all the time. There is Joy in gathering with friends and family who travel "home" to visit. And there is so much joy in the coming of Christ. Because (I know, if I've said it once I've said it a thousand times) the Prince of Peace has come to save the world.

We sing Joy to the World over and over this time of year (much to my delight), and I think it does a pretty good job of reminding what really makes this season so joyful:
"Joy to the World, the Lord has come!...  Joy to the World, the Savior Reigns...repeat the sounding Joy... He comes to make His blessings flow... He rules the world with truth and grace... makes the nations prove, the glories of His righteousness... and wonders of His love."

It is indeed a joyful season today because Christ was born. So, I can just imagine the joy felt when He was born in Bethlehem. The Magi, (or the three kings, or the three wise men) followed a star to find baby Jesus. They followed, and followed, and followed until the star finally stopped over where they could would find Jesus. Matthew 2:10 tells us, "When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy." Maybe they were filled with such joy because they had finally reached their destination... finally they could stop walking. Maybe. But I also think they were able to rejoice exceedingly because they would finally be able to worship, adore, thank, praise & glorify this baby- this Savior of the World. The next verse in Matthew 2 gives me a pretty good idea of this: "After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him..."  

They fell to the ground. I think the joy of their season was found in this child. Their joy was found in being honored and blessed to be able to bow down and worship this tiny little boy- who they knew was the Son of God. How humbling. How joyful. I am in awe sometimes at Christmas when I remember my King, the author and perfecter of life, was born in a manger- and he did it all for you and me. What great love. As I remember that, in this third week of Advent, it brings me joy.


posted by: Tara

advent: the coming of love.

We are into the second week of Advent. Christmas day is fast approaching! In this week of Advent, as we are excitedly anticipating the birth of Christ, we will focus on:: love.

I can imagine that there were a lot of emotions felt by Mary and Joseph as they awaited the birth of their son... the Son of God, the savior of the world... Jesus. I think that there was probably some fear and trepidation, excitement, wonder, and so much more. But I absolutely think there was love.

I am a sucker for Christmas music- mostly the tried and true hymns that we sing year after year, but even in some of the newer Christmas songs, whenever we sing about Mary and her experience I have to tell you, I get a little weepy. I also have a friend who is a fabulous musician and songwriter. She wrote a beautiful song about Joseph- expresses some of the thoughts and feelings he might have had surrounding the birth of Jesus. The idea that this man and woman were expecting a baby boy, a precious tiny helpless baby who needed the care of a mom and a dad. But not just any baby- again, this is the savior of the world we are talking about! Whoa. So, when I think of the parents of Jesus I can't help but to catch my breath. What emotion they must have felt!

I have never been a parent- but I have parents and I have friends who are parents. I have watched friends as they anxiously await the arrival of their baby. As they worry over every little thing, wanting everything to be perfect. Once the baby comes, how overwhelmed they are with love for this child they have only just met. They watch the baby sleep. They touch its face over and over. It is amazing to see how parents love them some babies!

I imagine Mary and Joseph, as they waited for the arrival of Jesus, were somewhat nervous, wanting everything to be perfect. And I wonder what Mary thought when she looked at the stable, the night she was going to give birth to her baby. I don't know exactly what that stable was like. I have had little manger scenes in my house that depict a hay filled barn. But I have also heard from Biblical scholars that it might have been more like a cut out in the side of a hill- like a shallow cave basically. Either way, not a comfy bed and especially not the maternity ward at your local hospital. And I wonder if this mother wanting everything to be perfect, already loving the baby that she has carried under her heart for months, looked at that stable and offered up a quiet prayer to God saying something like, "anywhere but here Lord. I don't want my precious son, your precious son to have to be born here." I don't know. But I do know that she was faithful and she, in faith, had her baby in that stable that night- her child, the king was born.

And I think Jesus' parents loved him. Just loved him. Here is how I know. I think this might be one of the sweetest, most dear verses to me in scripture: Luke 2:16-19 (as always, the emphasis, is mine)...
^"So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."

Christ had come! The baby was born and this was really, really great news! It had to be shared, with all (and still does) the Prince of Peace had come to the world and the word needed to be spread! But Mary, the mother, the faithful woman who carried this child and gave birth in a stable, I think, needed a minute. A minute to touch the sweet head of her child. A minute to count each of the toes and fingers on Jesus' body. A minute to kiss his sweet cheeks and tell him she loved him. Maybe, a minute to tell him she would love him forever... and to be thankful that this child who had come, would be the perfecter of love, everlasting.


Love had come. Love has come. Christ was born and he loves you. He loves me. So this week as we continue to prepare for Christmas, we prepare our hearts for the coming of love, Jesus Christ.

posted by: Tara