Question 1:
Generally, yes, i have a harder time focusing on God during the summer because my routine is thrown off, but once I get that all straightened out, I’m usually back on track and where I should be - growing - with God.

Question 2:
My plan for this summer is to start up a new branch of children’s ministry at my church called the Lord’s Army. I did it when I was young, it promotes memorization and gives the kids something to work towards. Kindof like Awanas, only (my opinion) better. Right now I’m praying that God will give me someone to work with me in this ministry- i can’t do it alone.

As i do this, i can name several people off the top of my head who will accuse me of doing this for the wrong reasons. To bring glory to myself and not God, but i am resolved not to listen to them any longer.

Question 3:
Well, I’m in Texas, so my summer feels like its already started with the hot weather lately and my new farmers tan, and yes! It has been crazy!! But i think He’s teaching me to lean on Him in these situations, and that His grace IS sufficient for me.

Question 4:
My summer is a little quieter than i want it to be because i have several friends who are preparing to leave this fall for either college or mission trips. I’m going to miss them so much!!! But here again He whispers in my ear- “Kellie, am I enough for you?” This is the question that i must answer each day. Without my friends to talk to, I have the oppurtunity to lavish a little more time and effort on my Very Best Friend, Who sticks closer than a brother.

question 1: I look back and realize that during summers in the past I haven’t even been trying to grow spiritually. I guess I only thought of it as a break from life. And now I think, how the heck did I even survive doing absolutely nothing for three months straight? And then the more saddening thought: What could I have done? How much closer could I have grown to God? And how might I (more accurately: how might God working through me) have affected other people’s lives, or helped them? Just how many opportunities did I lose?

question 2: I’m determined not to waste this summer–or the rest of my life, for that matter. I’ll find ways to help where I can, like extra chores and such, maybe find some volunteer work, and make a point of tearing through the barriers of my uncomfortably small comfort zone. I don’t have anything big lined out in particular, but I figure God will direct me where he wants me to go. If not now, then when I’m ready. I’ll be overjoyed to follow.

I want to stay focused on growing closer to God, so that I can feel His passion and do His good work. I’m not expecting anything definite as of now, but God has a nice way of acting when I don’t expect it and, usually, when I need it the most. =]

Also, my school year was crazy. I was loaded up with way too much work on top of all my recreational activities, leaving me exhausted and often discouraged at the end of the day because I still had more work to do. When I got done with school, I expected my summer to be like what I just explained above, but now that I’m headed into it I’m realizing that’s not going to happen.

I guess God is just reminding me that even though school’s over, I still need to rest in Him regardless of my schedule. And now that I’ve learned the value of time, He’s shown me how to use it better than just reading, writing, sleeping, surfing the Net, and going to the pool. Instead, He’s taught me to have a devotion at a set time each day, help out with the endless chores around the house, play games with my little brother, and read books that help me in my spiritual growth.

Ephesians 5:15-17, “Look carefully, then, how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

I want to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel, even through the summer, and make the best use of my time. And I want to depend on God every single day of that wonderful, school-free summer.

At first I was really mad about be dragged along on this trip and spending a month of my life in a car with nine other people when I could be out DOING things. But God had a much bigger plan for this trip than I thought. I realized that I didn’t really, truly love my family. This wasn’t glorifying God at all, but I kept it on the back burner. It was easy to forget about it when I was at home doing school or going to open gym, or Right now I am on a vacation with my family. We’re driving down to Georgia and we’re currently in track practices.

I’ve also been doing a lot of reading on this trip and right now I’m about halfway through The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis. This book has really opened my eyes to spiritual warfare. Because of this, I’ve realized that my not loving my family not only displeases God, but it actually makes satan happy!

My main goal for this trip is to genuinely love my family the way God wants me to!

Tory

Bennett: I think that’s a really cool idea! I’ve never done a forum thing before, and I’m not sure if a can. But I thought about what you said and I think it’s pretty great! Best of luck (and God’s blessings!)

Camille