First off, these pictures are not from this week of camp haha, but Saturday we went out in the pond right after we got done with camp. This 100 degree heat calls for some kind of cool off!!
We’re almost done with another week of camp and I feel like the Lord has been teaching so much, but in such a different way than I expected to be learning this summer. I was telling a friend this past weekend about how I had expectations of this summer being a season of learning and of growth, but I thought I’d be learning through reading books and studying the Bible and diving deeper into the Word. Well we’re 3 weeks out at camp (including staff training) and I can definitely say I’m learning and growing, but instead of through books it’s been through experience. I guess experience really is the best teacher. My same friend I was talking to sent me this,
“So often we say ‘It’s just a phase, you’ll get through it.’ When we ought to say, ‘It’s just a phase don’t miss it.'”
So 3 things from the past week:
1. 2 Chronicles 20:12
This is the verse they preached on Sunday at church.
It says, “O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do but our eyes are on You.”
No matter what we’ve got going on and when we find ourselves confused and unsure, we’ve just got to make sure we are looking to God. I’ve got this verse as my lock screen now as a reminder to keep my eyes on Him and not worry about the day-to-day. So often I worry about the little things, when really, if I’m focused on God and my goal is to glorify Him in all I do, everything else is going to work itself out.
Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
2. “I need to start asking myself ‘how can I serve?’, not ‘how can I lead?'”
This is something my Aunt Missy posted this past week and it really struck a chord for me. Now obviously, leading is so important and leadership is vital. I mean part of my major is “Women’s Leadership.” I love leading Bible studies at my home and leading through other things, but lately I’m learning that leadership may not always be the thing that is needed…or at least the leadership I am picturing in my head may not be what is needed of me. I’m looking over right now as I’m writing this at one of the maintenance boys who I know could very well be leading a Bible class for the younger boys or could be a counselor out here. But camp needed someone to serve as maintenance. Just like camp needed a photographer. I’m learning service may not always look like you picture it, but to just help out wherever someone needs you. You may be in a position where you feel like you could be doing more significant work for the kingdom, but the church is made up of so many parts and God has given us all different gifts and talents!I think theres also different seasons for different things. When God gives you a little responsibility He wants to see how You’ll do with it before He gives you more. Also I think there are just seasons of growth. So I’m learning no matter where or how I find myself serving, to do my best and do it for the Lord. Because in serving, you’ll also find yourself leading. I think it turns out that it’s hard to separate service and leadership. Where you find one, you should find the other.
Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…”
3. I love Liberty.
Liberty has given me so many great things and great opportunities, but especially great friends. Haha I think it’s been exactly a month since I’ve seen my school friends and I MISS THEM. I am LOVING the staff out at camp, and am making so many GREAT friends who love life and love the Lord, but Rach and Lor, I miss ya.
I am also reminded here of how much I love my school because I find myself telling all the younger campers and counselors they should come!
SO…two weeks of camp down and this is what I’m learning. <3
(also the fail pics of me trying to stand on Bella’s shoulders were too funny not to share hahaha
Swimsuit: Eleswims
(I wear a medium in the suits to make them a tad longer!!)
Love these pics! Glad to hear you’re learning so much 🙂
I love the verses of scripture, especially the one about Leadership. I just got back from camp as well!
i want to come!!!
Mary Kate, you are so wonderfully awesome! I love reading each of your posts and I genuinely look forward to them. I especially appreciate your excitement in always learning new things about Christ – it really shows in your writing! Somehow you so often share things that are exactly what I need to hear or learn, and I am so thankful that you do!
This week, I am so glad you shared what you’re friend said to you, that “So often we say ‘It’s just a phase, you’ll get through it.’ When we ought to say, ‘It’s just a phase don’t miss it.’” That’s exactly what I needed to say about my life right now, but I’ve never been able to find words that describe it so perfectly. I also am really glad you shared 2 Chronicles 20:12 & your aunt’s quote and how that fit into your life.
I’m working at a Christian summer camp as well and I have been learning and growing in a very similar way as you. May God continue to bless your time at camp and allow you to continue the work of His kingdom. I’ll be praying for you.
I love & miss LU so much toooo! Cannot wait for August 🙂
Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!