"They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.."

Well, summer break is coming to a close..and a counseling update is long overdue. Where to begin!

At the beginning of the summer I remember praying specifically that Christ would stretch, mold, use, and break me in order that i'd be stripped of any self. Looking back, not only did He allow each of these, but taught me exceedingly more. From day one of counselor training we were reminded of the vitality of the Gospel message and the importance of declaring it moment by moment to our campers. One week specifically, I remember being overtaken with the immensity of this task. 'I only have 7 days to invest in these girls lives!', was my constant thought.

That same day I was reading 1 Corinthians 3 and cried out to God in thankfulness as Paul reminds us in vs 6: "I planted the seed, Appolos watered it, but God made it grow." Christ has given me the privilege and beckons me to proclaim the Gospel. As long as i'm faithful in planting the seeds amidst my campers, in His perfect time He'll cause them to grow.

So what was my greatest challenge? Simply trusting in Christ's sovereignty and sufficient control as I sought to share Him with my campers (although its far from simple:). Yes, the message of the Gospel is urgent and must be proclaimed-- without the work of the Holy spirit who draws and reveals need, however, this proclamation would be void. Through counseling I learned that I must live, proclaim, and pursue the Gospel message regardless of who I'm around or how long I have.. and Christ will faithfully do His work when and how He desires!

On the wild side, I learned that bears really do exist at Barakel. One bright mornin around 6am I was running the lake trail and as I rubbed (what I thought was) fog from my eyes, to my astonishment a bear sat 40 yds in front of me! After he looked at me for what seemed a lifetime, he darted away. So I decided to take my leave in the opposite direction:) Never a dull moment on the shores of Shear Lake!

The stories are endless, but my OB Nursing textbooks must be cracked open. I honestly can't thank God enough for His constant wisdom, strength and perseverence throughout the summer. He knew full well each tribe i'd be assigned..and needed! As I was faced with circumstances I knew I couldn't handle, I was driven to my knees realizing that my Savior would provide the complete strength and guidance needed to face what was ahead. For those of you that prayed for the counselors at Barakel this summer, thank you. Having seen the power of prayer in incredible ways each week, your part of Barakel's minsitry was (and is!) vital. It was A true privilege counseling 60 awesome girls..and seeing God at work first hand!

Rejoicing in God's complete sufficiency,

Emily

"The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.." Isaiah 40:28-31

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a knowing God."

Filling out job apps, registering for online college classes, and dreaming of the endless possibilites of awesome roadtrips to take this summer has consumed my mind the past month. Until last week, I thought it'd be reality.

For reasons unknown to me, my class options were full and possible jobs weren't available
until fall. Not that there weren't other options, I just wasn't at peace. Also found out 3 weeks
ago that Grandpa has terminal lung cancer, so staying within a couple hours drive was a major consideration. Last night in my devos I was reminded of Gods certainty and perfect purpose amidst my uncertainty and doubt. Romans 8:28 brought to mind counseling at Barakel last summer. By far it was the most exhausting, yet entirely rewarding and worthwhile summers I have ever experienced. Week after week my campers would ask what it's like to be a counselor, or why I did it in the first place. Looking back, if it were for personal fulfillment I wouldn't have lasted a week-- it brings one past any physical or emotional strength (or will). If it were for the campers fulfillment, I may have quite after the first "counselor, I DON'T want to make my bed!" or vomit all over the floor. Counseling, i've found must be out of A desire to see and know Christ at an entirely new level. A level that HE epitomized by humbling Himself as He became a man and stooped to meet mankind's greatest need. Counseling must be an outpouring of CHRIST to every camper I have the privelege of meeting.

Seeing Christ's incredible strength made perfect as my wobbly knees constantly fell at His feet last summer was beautiful.. and by the grace of God, next week i'm headed up to counsel once again. I'd Appreciate your prayers as I lean on the ever faithful strength and sufficiency of Christ throughtout my 10 weeks at Barakel. Pray that my campers will see not I, but Christ and His love manifest as I counsel 60+ girls this summer. In Christ alone!

Emily

PS Oh!! and.. getting mail from outside the northern woods is fantastic. If you ever want to update me on your life/ how I can be praying for you, Camps address is: Camp Barakel PO Box 159 Fairview Mi, 48621 OR emails can be sent via campbarakel.org =] I'll try to keep this *periodically updated.

What is Life?

Driving down our highways, backroads, or city city streets, its evident that we live in a world where life is viewed flippantly as another simple 'choice'. My prayer this Sanctity of Human Life month is that we'd be drawn to Christ, who IS our life-- and see the vastness of His love and value for every precious child.

Check out this clip of a family that held on to and cherished every moment of their child's life..realizing full well his limited time on this earth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6Njr-qkq0

Hidden Christmas Letter

What’s in a note? Letters have brought on a new meaning as we’ve written and gotten notes from my brother Andrew while he’s been teaching overseas the past 5 months. With heavy hearts, Christmas morning came and my family carried on our normal traditions. Thankfully we were able to Skype in Andrew so he could take part in the gathering. There he was, with a mile-wide grin, the box in front of him we had mailed in late Nov. (We had his package waiting to be opened under our tree.) With a glistening tree behind him, Andrew sat on our computer screen as dad blared “Joy the the World!’ and the family filed into the living room.

Our family’s tradition on Christmas morning is to present a ‘gift’ to the family, which is something we’ve put thought and time into. In the darkness of Christmas dawn, before any gifts are exchanged, we share these most precious treasures…often a portion of scripture memorized, a poem, or piece of music. Going from oldest to youngest, it now came to Andrew, and all eyes turned to the computer screen. He asked brother Austin to turn the skype camera to one of the corner coffee tables. “Put your hand underneath it Austin. Before I left last August, I taped my gift to the family to the bottom of the table. Take the note to mom and have her read my gift to the family.”

As Austin now searched under the table there was not a dry eye, while the family sat frozen in amazement . Austin untaped Andrew’s Christmas gift from under the table that we’ve moved, swept under, and bumped against for the past 5 months. There it was.. the letter, still unhampered and securely taped to the bottom. “Now read it please, mom!” Andrew said. Right. Mom was in no shape to read! She gathered herself, and slowly began, while we soaked up every word. A beautiful poem, comforting us all in his absence. His love for his family. His heart for sharing Christ. Even instructing Austin to plant his beloved garden plot well in the Spring.

Christmas lights, music, the celebration of our Savior’s birth..Andrew’s favorite time of the year. ‘ Let’s go caroling! Who will sleep under the tree with me?’ Andrew has always had a way of bringing the family together in celebration. And now a hidden poem waiting to be read Christmas morning. As we each celebrate the true meaning of Christmas this season, I’m beginning to grasp the importance of thanking the Father for those He has graciously placed in my life, and cherishing the precious time (however long or short that may be) He has given us together. Be blessed as you spend time with those you cherish this holiday season!! I love you Andrew!!

“Teach me to number my days, that I may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12