You might be in China if...

You see over 4 people on a bike
You find yourself in a traffic jam... not even during rush hour
There are no forks, only chop sticks
Someone discretely takes a picture of you because you're a foreigner
After asking, "how are you?" the response is, "I'm fine, thank you, and you?"
You hear English names like, Bamboo and Echo
You see people EVERYWHERE, no matter what hour
You can get a massage for $4
You never wear your shoes in the house
The ultimate holiday is Chinese New Year
There is rice at every meal
A whole lot of smiling and nodding is going on!
There are no front yards
The elderly are going strong!
The babies have a split right down the middle of their pants, no need for diapers
There are extravagant seat covers in every vehicle
Grand openings are HUGE!
Hugs are not popular, just arm locking as you stroll
You don't actually see anything that's exported
You meet someone new almost everyday!
There is always a chance to share the gospel with someone who's never heard

lecrae Send me aof

Humbled

In the words of my pastor, Hollie Miller, it is "only when we humble ourselves can we seet the righteousness of God." This is taken from the passage in 2 Chronicles when the leaders of Israel were humbled during Shishak's invasion. This message was a HUGE wakeup call because I am so quick to recognize pride in others, those in high positions or influential figures in society. All the while....I am "eat up" with pride! Proverbs 6 talks about what the Lord hates, and the very top of the list deals with pride. The first thing that came to my mind when pondering this issue was how Jesus did not hesitate to wash the feet of those who He came in contact with..WOW! This is the Son of God we're talking about....if that doesn't send chills up your spine, I don't know what will. Humble me, Lord.

Nathan Isaac Allen

This is a story about a family journey that gets sweeter with every step. A family who is very close at heart, but the distance among them is widely dispersed. This family spent a large number of their days all together in a land that was familiar. A land that seemed comfortable and consistent. In the midst of familiarity, consistency, and comfort, the leader of this family decided to choose the path of uncertainty with much faith. A path that would take part of this family across the world with many questions and concerns. Amidst the questions and concerns was an overwhelming peace due to God's sovereignty. As the mother and father of this family became somewhat accustomed to this foreign land, they began to reach out to people and build relationships. One particular relationship that was built will never be forgotten. It was that of a young lady who was broken and unsure of her next step. It was only by the grace of God that she connected with this particuluar family. She was with child by a man who left her all alone with nowhere to turn. She moved in with this family not knowing what she had gotten herself into. Not knowing that this mother and father had a gift to give that would far exceed a roof and four walls for her and her baby to be. They had the gift of sharing the gospel with her. She could not understand this gift because she had never been exposed to it. All she knew was hurt. The baby came into this world with half asian decent and half african decent. He knew not the world he had entered. This young, new mother gave him the English name, Nathan (a gift from God). She gave consent to this family to be the official caretakers of this sweet baby boy. She knew she could not provide him a home or a stable life. She had seen the love of Christ and love for each other this family possessed and could not explain the peace she felt during her stay. She went on to pursue her career leaving a huge piece of her heart with this family. Nathan did not understand the complexity of his situation, he only knew the need for food and rest. He did not understand the diversity in his surroundings. He did not understand that God had a special plan for his life to bring him out of a potential mess. He did not understand that his life was and will be a message that will only be explained the power of our Mighty God. This young child is a blessing to all who know him, not because of who he is, but because of where God has brought him from.

captivate us

I have been so amazed by the love of my Father in Heaven. In hard times, He strengthens me. In good times, He reminds me. In fun times, He fills me. In uneasy times, He humbles me. In lonely times, He comforts me. In idle times, He occupies me. In busy times, He evaluates me. HE IS GOD!

Psalm 139 assures me that He knows my steps. I want Him to constantly search my heart and examine my ways so that I can walk worthy of His calling.

The Lord is a Warrior; The Lord is His Name.

I stepped foot on grounds that were so unfamiliar a few months ago, not sure of what would come of this place called Pine Cove. Unsure of who I would get close to, who I would confide in, who I would develop inside jokes with, who I would simply call a friend. It just looked like a lot of unfamiliar faces. Some confident, some overwhelmed, some just as unsure as I was. I was able to be sure of this, that my God would carry me through it. Now it's July...over half way through this journey, and He has not only carried me through it, He has completely used it for His glory. I have learned so much about the simplicity, yet the unfathomable power of His gospel. It's the core of christianity and we miss the mark so many times by getting caught up in the nit picky details of life. We've been studying the story of Gideon in Judges chapter 6 and 7. I have never taken the time to appreciate this story, but I have absolutely loved it this summer. In a nutshell... God uses Gideon to lead the Israelites with 300 men to defeat the Midianites with 100,000 men. I read this and felt so convicted at how often I lose sight of how powerful God is and how little faith I have to trust that He will do even the simplest things in my life. Shame on me. But glory to God!!! I've also learned from those i've been around. From campers, to other counselors, to cooks, and now the family I am a nanny for. They have each taught me something that I will take with me throughout the rest of my life. It's funny that we, at camp, see it as the norm to wear your hair messy, sing cheers about bald headed granny's, and to cry and laugh at the same time. Praise the Lord for Pine Cove and the lives that are being changed because of this ministry in Tyler, Texas. My prayer, along with many others, is that the gospel doesn't stop here. That the campers and staff whose lives have been changed in this place would carry the message into all the world, just as we are commanded in Matthew chapter 28. I am blessed to be able to experience such a time as this!

Soon by Brooke Fraser

(Verse 1)

Soon and very soon

My King is coming

Robed in righteousness

And crowned with love

When I see Him, I shall be made like Him

Soon and very soon

(Verse 2)

Soon and very soon

I'll be going

To the place He has prepared for me

There my sin erased, My shame forgotten

Soon and very soon

(Chorus)

I will be with the One I love

With unveiled face I'll see

There my soul will be satisfied

Soon and very soon

(Verse 3)

Soon and very soon

See the procession

The angels and

the elders'round the throne

At His feet I'll lay my crown, my worship

(Verse 4)

Soon and very soon

Though I have not seen

Him My heart knows Him well

Jesus Christ the Lamb

The Lord of Heaven