camping

I’m home from camping, alive and well! We got in late Friday night extremely exhausted and I’m proud to say, with only 4 bug bites! Its great that God cares about the small : ) We stayed at a boy scout camp called Blue Water Creek. It was a quaint little place with an eating area, kitchen, roof covering (for lectures), and complete bathrooms. I’m sorry to disappoint everyone, but it definitely wasn’t “roughing it.” The only wildlife we saw was lots of bugs, a couple of snakes, a kangaroo, and TONS of tree frogs. The frogs pretty much overtook out bathrooms. Seriously, on some nights there were up to 5 frogs staring at you when you showered.

God did some serious stuff in my life during camping. I had heard from all the staff on base that its one of those pivotal check points in your life where things are never the same. I believed them, but didn’t know what to expect. (That’s one thing God is teaching me. My expectations are too small. When I place my own opinions about what should happen, its limiting what God can actually do. I’ve found that when I dive into something without expectations, just a desire to have God move, He is faithful to meet me. And its beyond what I could ever have expected.)
^that was a little side note for you guys.

However, at the beginning of camping, I went aside and asked God if He would give me insight into what He was going to do. And the only thing He told me was, “Kaitlyn, you are going to fall in love with me all over again. You are going to listen and obey me not out of obligation, but out of a love response for me, your Father.” And God is certainly good at keeping His promises. I have a new heart realization of His incredible love for me, one that compels me to love Him and His people. I have recognized Him as Lord over my life and have been brought to my knees by His pursuing love. God showed me His intimacy through speaking to me often and answering several of my prayers. He wants to know what on my heart. He cares for me like a daughter. We have a new relationship. He speaks. I listen. I’m also learning that I have to commit myself to Him on a daily basis. It’s not a one time, mountain top experience. It’s a process. And I’m ready for it!

Other things about camping:
-Swimming in the river, rope swings, jumping off bridges : )
- Worship and good conversations by the camp fire.
- Looking at the stars for hours (they look so much closer and brighter over here)
- Being on Supper crew with Caitlin (supper = dessert) and making some amazing cinnamon rolls.
- Playing in the rain. (which was basically a monsoon)
- and NOT getting wet in my tent! Praise the Lord. (most of the guys and some of the girls were flooded)
- playing “take two” for hours upon hours

It’s hard to believe two months have gone by. I miss everyone a lot but I’m also at peace with knowing that this is exactly where God wants me at this time in my life. Love you guys! Three more months to go : )

Here’s a cool but random thought to leave you with:
When you sin, don’t get down on yourself. Get on your knees. Because Jesus didn’t come for the perfect, he came to seek and save the lost. He came for the sinners. Jesus is not far from you when you sin. He is the closest. (Mark Parker, our 2nd week speaker)