Take a deep breath....now release- whew! Summer has come and gone at Camp Huawni and what an unforgettable time it was. I know we talk about it being the best Texas summer camp- and one big reason that happens each summer is because of our counselors. Quite literally our staff was more than we could ever ask for this summer- they gave everything they had and I know for certain hundreds of kids were impacted in a special way.

I went for a run this morning and was thinking about Camp and how at Summer Tree we talk about how being at Camp Huawni is just extra special, and how we really can take that "with us" the rest of the year.

Well, this morning I was reminded in a real, authentic way just what "that stuff" is. Check out the podcast on iTunes titled "The Wounded Soul" on 8/5 under "Tim Keller Podcast". Tim talks about how complex we are as people and what true joy is and where it comes from. It's a loud and clear message that really makes sense. He definitely served me my SOJ this morning!

We miss all of you at Camp, and remember- God Loves You!

Keep in touch through this SOJ Blog. Share it with your friends and our hope is to keep sharing SOJ with you throughout this year.

Love and inwauh!

www.CampHuawni.com

SOJ on Flag Pole Hill 6.15.11

SOJ was led by Katie Ballenger this morning on Flag Pole Hill and the message was about God's love for us. The breeze was blowing early this morning, the birds were chirping, and we even listened to the song "How Deep the Father's Love for Us." Then Katie read back over 1 John 3:1, which says:

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!"



Campers also shared what loving others looked like while at Camp Huawni- sharing your stuff with others, meeting new friends, and helping other campers with cabin cleanup.

One line from the song said, "What can I say to His reply...I do not have an answer."

Not only are we unable to fully comprehend God's love for us, but we certainly don't have an answer when it comes to deserving God's love. That's the beauty of His love for us...wow!

Rest in His love today- know that He loves us for being ourselves. He really wants to meet with you today....so spend some time with the One who loves us the most!

One God...One Creator

I was listening to Matt Chandler, pastor of the Village Church, in Dallas this week (Forgetting and Straining in 2011) . He described two types of people as it pertained to our faith.

Some people regularly attend church, memorize scripture, and do all the other so called "right" things because they think those things actually make them a better, more holy person. Obviously, going to church is not a bad thing. BUT- if we're not seeking to know God more and have a more intimate relationship with Him, then all that stuff is rubbish.

The other people Matt described were those who think their sin is too much for God to forgive. They think what Jesus did on the cross cannot erase the filth of their past. So, they just go through life thinking "I'm not good enough."

The truth of the matter is that life is about knowing and becoming best friends with Jesus. It's not about what other people are doing or about where we are right now spiritually, it's all about my relationship with Him today, and tomorrow, and the next day. Also- His grace is enough. Nothing you've done in the past can't be forgiven...it's His promise.

An example of this is so well displayed in the following video:

One God, One Creator (God of Second Chances) VIDEO

He is a God of second chances AND all of the people in history that rocked it for God (David, Paul, Mary Magdalene, and on and on) screwed up big time.

Know that He will do a great work in you today!

ps- you can check out SOJ much easier now through the new Camp Website www.CampHuawni.com