Northland Camp ‘09

Finally, after several attempts and failure here is the camp video I put together. I hope that it brings back many great memories but also challenges you to continue in the things that you learned while at camp. Enjoy!

PS – I will be making a DVD copy for each of you that went to camp, but if you have a desire to download the video, you can here.

MSM Recap

Well, we had a great time during Mid-Summer Mania. On Wednesday night, during Wacky Water Wars, Andrew walked away with the guys record in the slip ‘n slide and and Katy did as well for the girls. On Thursday, while at Metro Beach Park during DU, Bri turned a quintuple play during three ball “kick ball”. On Friday, at the Tigers game, Mercedes learned that hitting a home run in real life is harder than hitting one while playing on the Wii. We had a great time and I hope that you all not only had a great time but were also challenged in your walked with the Lord because of the reality of what He did for you on the cross.

Update: Here is a link to pics from Friday night at the Tigers Game.

Happy Independence Day

I am so grateful to those who have given their lives to attain and protect my freedom and to those who are currently in harms way to do the same. Thank you.

More Videos

I also just posted several more video clips from our week at Northland Camp, including the girl’s Tug ‘O War (Susan, you can thank me later for putting this one up). You can find them here.

The Power of the Cross

On Friday night the choir at Northland sang one of my favorite songs.

Here are the words to the last verse and chorus.

“The Power of the Cross”

Oh, to see my name written in the wounds,

For through You suffering I am free.

Death is crushed to death; Life is mine to live,

Won through Your selfless love.

CHORUS

This, the pow’r of the cross: Son of God–slain for us.

What a love! What a cost! We stand forgiven at the cross.

Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend

Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music

The Friday night of Mid-Summer Mania we are going to a Tigers game. Starting tomorrow night there will be a sign-up list in the Teen Room. Make sure you sign up if you are planning on going. The cost is $15.

Camp Videos

Hey, there are several video clips from camp that are now up under the Video Clips tab. I’ll probably put more up soon and as soon as I get done with fixing a few things from the video I put together, I will post it on the main page. Enjoy!

Summer Camp Info Letter

Camp is under a month away. Each of you that are going to camp will get a letter tonight giving you all the important details, but if you want to download it you can click on the picture below to get the letter. Please remember to fill out the permission slip on the second page…you must have that completely filled out to get on the van when we leave!

God, My Heart, and Music

I just read a small book titled Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World. You can buy it here for only $10.39. Not very long ago I shared some thoughts on from the chapter “God, My Heart and Media” (here, here and here). The next chapter is titled “God, My Heart, and Music” and while I disagree with the author more in this chapter than any other part of the book, he still has several challenging practical thoughts when it comes to our music choices.

The question is this, how can we use music for God’s glory? After all, as he writes, “Music is meant to be a means of bringing glory to God.” Then he shares several specific steps we can take as we pursue glorifying God with our music. Here are a few of them:

Specific Steps

• Delete or throw away music you’ll listen to only if you backslide…it’s wise to get rid of what could hinder our growth in Christ 
• Listen to music with others. Part of the joy music communicates comes from sharing it.
• Evaluate your current intake of music. Areas to consider include how much music you listen to, what types, in what situations and times of day, and for how long.
• Go on a music fast.Maybe you can’t imagine giving up your music far a month, a week, or even a day. But there are few more effective ways to measure the place music holds on your life, thinking and behavior.
• Listen to old music.Music that stands the test of time is worth giving our attention to. We’re shortsighted, proud, and poorer if we never appreciate the music God has given throughout history.
• Intentionally thank God every time you enjoy music. Music is a gift from God. But God never intends his gifts to replace Him as the object of our desire and delight. Music, like all of God’s gifts, is meant to draw our hearts and attention to His glory, His power and His love.

Camp Work Day

Hey, don’t forget about the camp work day this Saturday. We’ll get started at 9:00am and go until the jobs get done. Anyone needing help for camp should plan to be there. If you plan on coming, make sure to sign up on Wednesday night. See you then.