The WOW's of Student Ministry

It's a time like this, the story I am about to share, that you realize why we do what we do for those who serve as mentors in student ministry. Many times in ministry it seems we are deep in the battle, rescuing the perishing, caring for the wounded and it's times like these that through all the attacks of Satan, we can see the rewards.

It's also times like these that we realize that it's not us that causes the tide to turn, but it's God's grace and sovereignity that causes the tide to turn. Yes, He does use us as vessels, but it is ultimately Him that deserves all of the credit.

I had lunch today with one of my students, Alexander. I've sensed in the past few weeks God doing a work in his life and today our lunch confirmed that....a different young man than what I have seen in the past six months.

A few months ago, I saw the motions of a disciple....today I saw the heart reflections of a disciple as he spoke with conviction, humbleness, and repentance.

I've prayed many times for Alexander wondering what we could do better or what we weren't doing to reach this wounded student, but in time God's goodness through worship picked Alexander up and placed him on his knees in awe of who He is.

The beauty of a prodigal son returning to his first love Jesus is why I do what I do and today God gave me a glimpse of his incredible love and reminded me of what He saved me from.
Alexander, thank you for allowing me to see Christ in you. May God continue to do an incredible work in your life and may He use you to advance His kingdom!

MORE Gulf Shores Pictures!

Gulf Shores, Alabama Vacation Pictures

We just got back from Gulf Shores--what an excellent time with my family. It was just us--no schedule, I didn't wear a watch, I didn't have my cell phone with me--just me and Sarah and the kids! What a great vacation!

On the drive down we stayed overnight in Vicksburg, Missippi. We rode the ferry(car and all) from Dauphin Island to Gulf Shores--fed the seagulls and saw actual dolphins. The kids loved it! We stayed at the Gulf Shores Plantations which had six outdoor pools and one indoor pool(which came in handy on the day it rained). This was a great time to go because it wasn't crowded at all and most of the time our kids had the indoor pool to themselves.

This was the first time the we as a family went to the beach--what a great time. The temperature was great, we loved digging in the sand and playing in the water. We also caught us a jellyfish and saw some stingrays. The beach was about 100 yards from our condo.

On one day when it rained we went to the Naval Station in Pensacola, Florida. The kids got to see the airplanes and memorabilia. We didn't get a chance to see the Blue Angels, but the kids got a picture in one of their old planes.

On our way back we stopped overnight in Memphis and the next day went and got Elijah's build-a-bear! It was a great road trip for our family--one I think our kids will never forget.

Our family theme verse for our vacation--Psalms 33:6-9:

The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created.

He breathed the Word, and all the stars were born.

He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked ithe oceans in vast reservoirs.

Let the whole world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him.

For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.

We challenged our children with this Scripture as we looked upon the ocean and fascinated ourselves with God's creation.