A few weeks ago I announced that I was embarking on a week-long media fast. The purpose was to get away and have a time of soul refreshment. For a while I had been feeling rather depleted on a number of levels, and I was sensing the call of God to come away with Him. Several months ago a college buddy of mine, Heath Goodson, invited me on a Canadian wilderness trip along with some guys from his church and a few other guys we had gone to college with. I was very intrigued by the idea and really wanted to go, but a few things unfolded at home, and when the deadline approached, I had to make a call and told him that regrettably I wouldn’t be able to go. I was bummed, but I just moved on. Fast forward about a month, and I got a message that someone had dropped out of the trip, and they had an opening for a guy to go. I started receiving texts and calls from my college buddies asking me to reconsider and encouraging me to come. By this time the issues on the home front that were a concern to me had resolved themselves, and I re-mentioned the trip to my wife who gave me her blessing to go.
So, on June 5th I flew up to Rochester, NY and joined up with my buddies James Dodzweit and Jonathan Schwandt, and the next day we drove up to Toronto, Canada where we met up with Heath and the guys from their church in Chicago. After a late night dinner and a brief time of sharing and getting to know each other, we drove 3 hours north of Toronto to Algonquin Provincial Park. On Sunday morning we put our canoes into the water. Over the next 5 days we paddled 50 miles and portaged (carried the canoes) 5 miles. It was a fantastic week of conversations and camaraderie, physical exercise, personal reflection, and enjoying the sights, sounds, and serenity of nature, the all of which climaxed in (ironically after the lack of sleep and all of the physical exertion) feeling so rested and quieted in my spirit.
I will share in future posts some of the lessons I learned during the week.
This is incredible and it reminds me to pray for the people of North Korea today.
I MUST go here!
Hi friends. Just a note that beginning this afternoon I will be fasting from media for the next week. I will be using the time for some deep soul care, contemplation, and community. I will share about my experience when I return.
Last night we had our dinner to celebrate our 2014 Seniors. One of our student ministries volunteers, Jen Halfant did a phenomenal job organizing the evening and making it so special for our students and their families and friends. Excited for these young people as they head off into the next chapter of their lives, and praying that they will truly seek to find their place in the redemptive story of God, and discover how God has gifted them to play a role in His work in the world as they go through their college years.
So proud of my girl who gave this speech at her high school a couple of weeks ago. She’s such an awesome daughter!!!
Read all about and see pictures of all that’s been happening in our Student Ministries recently. Great content for students, parents, and everyone else!
“Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
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