What did you do this weekend?

I had the complete joy of going on a JR High retreat with our youth group. As most of you know my husband is a JR High pastor and we have been part of an absolutely amazing church for about a year and a half.

We moved in view of a call in May of 2010 and it has been a whirlwind of a blessing. We were very lucky to be able to move back to our hometown and be a part of a congregation that we would honestly go to whether or not Ryan was on staff. That might sound weird to say but many times in ministry you are called to a church in spite of the fact that the church is in a super small town and there are no other people your age. I am not saying that joy can't be found in these amazing churches as well, I just believe that God knew Ryan and I needed to be somewhere that we could serve and pour into students as well as making new lasting friendships. I am so thankful for where God has us right now and couldn't imagine us being anywhere else. Serving in the youth and joining a small group has really changed our marriage and for me, strengthened my walk with Christ. We have always been a part of a church but in Fort Worth our schedules didn't allow much time for pouring into people or serving so we never quite felt like we fit. We felt at home from the first time we set foot inside Faith Bible Church and that feeling is indescribable and has been life-changing. I honestly think we have been incredibly spoiled beyond what we deserve in being a part of Faith Bible Church.

Our youth group is amazing. There really is no other word for them- these students have taught Ryan and I so much in such a short period of time and getting to know them has been such a great experience. We spend the most time with JR High but I have also been able to build relationships with some pretty awesome High School and now College freshman girls that I miss so much!

This past weekend we really felt like we had come full circle. I remember last year Ryan and I being so stressed and nervous about retreat, just trying to get everything ready and we were so blessed by a smooth sailing weekend. This year couldn't have gone better! The weather was beautiful, the students were so receptive and our volunteers are just wonderful. Getting to hang-out with the girls until all hours of the night always brings ridiculous laughing and fun and spending time with my fellow volunteers is really encouraging. Just being outside for two days in itself was great because the camp we go to (Carolina Creek) is just gorgeous. From ziplines to tree top obstacle courses to swimming pools there is never a time where you aren't having fun. If you are looking for a place to go you should definately visit Carolina Creek!

One of my friends/fellow volunteers said it best, "if you want to be blessed volunteer in your youth group." I couldn't agree more!