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Reading: Matthew 17: 14-21 Reflection: When you think of the word "healing" you probably envision doctors, hospitals, and cures for all that ails us. When someone is sick or has been diagnosed with a deadly disease, we want them to be healed. We want them to be better. We want them to be "normal." When you think of the word "healing" you probably do not think of relationships. But often they need to be healed, too. Incidents and actions may occur that cause us to distance ourselves from people who at one time we were close to. We may hear things about people and react accordingly, even if we don't know for certain that it is true. Healing in relationships sometimes takes time. But over time, we can mend broken relations and "start anew." Or, maybe there is someone you haven't talked to in awhile. Your relationship may be fine, but it may just be nonexistent because you haven't spoken for awhile. Get on the phone and call that person today, or drop them a letter. Mend those broken relationships. Life is too short not to. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Pray for the healing of broken relationships.
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Reading: I Corinthians 12: 14-31 Reflection: Isn't it amazing how other people influence our lives? Someone can introduce you to a new genre of music and you become a fan for life. Someone can ask you to get involved with a charity and you do, immersing yourself in all aspects of its being. Someone can recommend a new restaurant and you try it and eat there often. Like or not, we are influenced by the people around us. Sometimes, others can have a bad influence on us. We can be influenced to do things that we shouldn't, or to engage in activities that we know are wrong. We can get involved in the wrong crowd and end up making big mistakes in our lives. Many times others can have good influence on us. They can make us want to be better people, or can strengthen our spirituality by challenging us to do more for God. People's lives can also be changed by getting involved in the right crowd. There are many different gifts that we have each been given. I think that those gifts can be used to positively influence the lives of others. Use those gifts to the best of your ability. You never know how they may influence another person's life. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Discuss with another or meditate on following quote by Ken Kersey, "You can count how many seeds are in the apple, but not how many apples are in the seed." Discussion:
Reading: Genesis 3 Reflection: Good versus Evil. It's a common theme in movies and television shows today. We usually watch the good guy triumph and the bad guy get what he deserves. We usually root for the good guy, hoping that everything will turn out for the best for him. We want to see good win over evil. It's easy to see that on the TV screen or on the movie screen. But in our daily lives, it may be a bit harder. In our walk on this earth, we are tempted by the forces of evil. At any corner, the devil could throw you something that looks better than doing the right thing. Eve faced this in the Garden of Eden. The serpent made that apple seem so appealing. She knew what God said, but decided to listen to the snake. The opportunity was there for her to just say no, but she didn't. When you are in situations where you are tempted, try to find the way out. Strive to act as God would want you to and don't let the situation get the best of you. Remember what happened to Adam and Eve. They had paradise—but were banished to a life of work and hard labor. Strive to act as God would want you to and don’t let the situation get the best of you. It may be hard, but you will be rewarded in the end. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Draw a picture of what you think paradise looks like. I write this today with a heavy heart. This month has been especially hard on our camp community. A longtime supporter and volunteer lost his mother last week. This week, our office manager lost her husband suddenly. It reminds me that we know not what life will bring us. Hopefully through the reading of scripture, we can all find comfort in God's Word, knowing that God is with us in these times.
Today I will also attend the funeral of one of our former campers, who happened to be a camper with me in the late 1980s. I wanted to share this story here because it was through this devotional that I was reconnected with him. Shortly after we started doing this digital "First Light," I received an e-mail from another fellow camper, sister of the first, from my Mount Luther camper days. She said she had been reading these posts and was interested in trying her hand at writing devotions. She wondered if I remembered her (which, of course, I did) and we got "caught up." I hadn't talked to her or her brother probably in 20 years, but they were part of some of my great senior high camp memories and I was delighted to reconnect with both of them through e-mail and Facebook. Christine shared some of her writings here. She also saw a blog post I wrote about my children and how my oldest was adapting to life with a baby brother. I mentioned in that writing that I once read that your siblings are the people with whom you have the longest relationship during your life. She shared that article with her brother, too, and later told me how much that meant to her when we read it. Unfortunately, I got those words from her on the day I learned that her brother was being taken off life support. I was shocked and saddened. Today, she will bury her sibling and I will be there at the memorial service to remember my friend and fellow camper. He walked along side of me as a group of teenagers reenacted the Exodus. He laughed at the stunts of the staff during the Camel Lounge Pavilion. He was at the Jewish wedding of our fellow campers the year we learned more about Judaism. He always was vibrant, carefree, and loved by those he came in contact with. Today, I think of the camp song that reminds us that "Our God is an awesome God. He reigns from heaven above, with wisdom, power, and love, our God is an awesome God." Our God is awesome because of the love that God shows to us. It's unconditional. It will never fade away. I invite you to read Romans 8: 35-39. Can something separate us from that love? The answer is no. Nothing can. As St. Paul writes, "Neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world nor the world below can separate us from the love of God." I'm told that passage was read by David Conz's bedside in his final hours and will be read at his service today. It will be that love that wraps itself around those who mourn and sustains loved ones that are left behind. It is also that love which I know is comforting and sustaining the families of Elinor Zimmerman and Ronald Aurand this day, who like David have gotten a big hug from our Lord and have touched the face of God. May God comfort those who mourn and may you feel God's love this and every day. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Discussion:
Reading: Psalm 124 Reflection: Our help is in the name of the Lord. When we need anything, we should go to God and ask for help. God can help us with the big things and the small things. In April, we honor administrative professionals. They also help with big things and small things. When I was young, I was told that in any place you are, the two people you should get to know are the secretary and the janitor. If you know them, you can get anything done. One place I worked, it was tradition to take the secretaries out to eat on their special day to show them they are appreciated for what they do. Shouldn't we do that to everyone who helps us out each day? Tell them they are appreciated and thank them for their efforts. A little show of gratitude will go a long way! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Make a thank you card today for someone whom you need to show gratitude. Discussion:
Reading: Romans 5: 1-5 Reflection: Hope keeps us going. Hope can make a bad day seem not-so-bad. Hope can help us to endure through our trials. Hope is something all of us need as we embark on the future. We have troubles. That is normal for any human being. Trouble does produce endurance. We fight the good fight. When we endure, we gain God's approval. God's approval gives us hope. Never lose hope. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Pray for those who feel hopeless. Discussion:
Reading: Matthew 21: 22 Reflection: I got a call one Saturday morning with some shocking news. A friend of mine, who was in her early 30s, had a stroke. At that time, I guess she was in pretty bad shape. I called several of our mutual friends to pass on the news and ask for prayers. I myself started praying as well. And, I prayed quite frequently. I couldn't believe that someone so young was facing this problem. I had just seen my friend only a few days before. At that time, she shared her joy that she was pregnant. I was worried about her and her unborn child. I went to visit her in the hospital a few days later. At that point, she was well on her way to full recovery. She did not have any paralysis, but did have to relearn some basic skills. I was a little apprehensive about visiting her, not knowing what to expect, but I was glad I went to show my concern and support for her recovery. I can't help but think that the power of prayer helped my friend in her time of need. So many people were praying for her. Her husband is a minister and he asked all of her visitors to offer a prayer for her before they left the hospital room. I thought that was great. I am convinced that prayer helped in this situation and that it can help in any situation. -Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Pray. Discussion:
For today's devotional, again we will use the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which will also be a big part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers this summer. First, read the passage and then discuss the four questions below. Conclude by reading the reflection and ponder the quote presented. Reading: Psalm 139: 7 QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, or challenges me in this text? (or for younger kids, which part of the story doesn’t make sense to me?) QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text? (or for younger kids, what is my favorite part of the story?) QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? (or for younger kids, what does this story remind me of?) QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? (or for younger kids, what is God or Jesus doing in this story?) Reflection: Over the years, I’ve been able to do some research on prayer. I’ve studied different styles of prayer, how you “should” pray, and how prayer improves the spiritual well-being of each of us. A short time ago, I read a devotional book that had a new interesting twist on prayer. The author writes, "A few years back, I started beginning my prayers differently. I began saying to God, 'You go first.' Then I would quietly wait for thought to start crossing my mind. I assumed that God would bring to mind the most important things I needed to pray about. If they were positive thoughts, I would pray them back with joy. If they were negative thoughts, I would pray about them with courage and honesty." Ever since I read this, I’ve been intrigued. I occasionally try it and he is right; usually, something comes to mind that I should pray about. I think it is good for us to remember that when we turn to God in prayer, it should not just be a laundry list of things we want. Rather, we should look to God in praise, thanksgiving, and in genuine conversation with our maker. Perhaps if we listened more than we talked, new and interesting things might start happening in our lives! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: (Prayer) Christ Jesus, our Shepherd and Savior, give us water when we thirst, food when we hunger, and life when we face death. Thanks be to you for satisfying our needs. Amen. Discussion:
Reading: John 6:28-40 Reflection: So often during family holiday meals, my mom bakes rolls to go with the dinner. Recent holidays have been no exception, as we have enjoyed both white and wheat rolls to accompany our large dinners. It’s a family joke, though, to remind my mother of a particular meal in the past which she has never lived down. As per our usual tradition, mom bought the brown and serve rolls to go with dinner. She even got them out of the freezer to get them ready to bake. She busily prepared the rest of the meal and when we sat down to eat, she remembered the rolls. Problem was, she had forgotten to put them in the oven. So, we did not get to enjoy the rolls for that holiday. We laugh about it to this day. I’m sure we all could tell similar stories about times when we forget something. And, as in this passage from John, we could probably tell a story when we needed something and didn’t have it at our disposal. But we can rest assured that God is not one of these missing items. Jesus says He is the bread of life. He will provide our “daily bread” and will be with us as we journey through life. When we sit down to the dinner table, we can be sure that Jesus will be there, providing the rolls to nourish us on holidays and every day. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Pray the Lord's Prayer, especially paying attention to the line, "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread." Discussion:
Reading: Psalm 84: 3 Reflection: It was a beautiful summer night in an area of Pennsylvania known by the Greek word meaning "love." Thousands of people had gathered to hear a nationally known musical artist. The musician dazzled the crowd with his gift of song, but also took the time to tell a few stories about his life and his experiences traveling around the world. The performer mentioned that recently his band was in another part of the United States, heavily engaged in the rigors of their current tour. Caught up in the stress of touring, our star told him band, "Maybe we should quit doing this, sell our equipment, and move to Pennsylvania. It is so beautiful there." About a month later, I vacationed in another part of this country. As we boarded the bus at the airport to go to our hotel, I remarked, "Where are the mountains?" And while I enjoyed visiting the city (despite the high heat and humidity which is the norm for that time of year), I longed for the dog days of a Pennsylvania summer which now just didn't seem so bad, and the majestic Appalachians which surround and protect us in Pennsylvania. It is so beautiful there. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we forget about the beauty that surrounds us. In my home state, we are blessed with green mountainsides in summer, a rainbow of colors in the fall, and the freshness of a white winter day. Sometimes we need to leave the place we call home to truly appreciate the benefits of living there. Or sometimes, a famous musician has to remind us that there is no place like home. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Look around you and note the beauty in the place where you live. Discussion:
Reading: Matthew 19: 30 Reflection: One Easter I received a graduation card. No, it wasn't the typical college senior card for someone who was just a year away from entering the career world. It was a high school graduation card. At the time, I was approaching my senior year of college, three years removed from my high school days. I guess it was one of those cases where they say, "Better late than never!" My card was from a "recovering procrastinator" as she wisely put it when she handed me the card. She explained that she had very good intentions of giving it to me three years ago but she didn't see me after the graduation ceremony. She was going to send it to me that summer, but she kept putting it off, putting it off, putting it off. What would've happened if God decided to put off creating light? Would we still be in the dark? Would the world have taken seven weeks to create instead of seven days? What about Noah? If he put off building the ark, he would've drowned! He was told to start construction right away. Thank goodness he was not a procrastinator! We live in a fast-paced world and often have to prioritize things. We put off lower priority items to get other tasks accomplished. When we don't really want to do something, or are not motivated, we procrastinate. Remember as a child finding 100 other things you needed to do instead of going to bed? The "recovering procrastinator" is making great strides in being on time and on top of things, she tells me. But I'm still awaiting for my college graduation card! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Pray to God for help with your own procrastination or something else you'd like to be better at doing. Discussion:
For today's devotional, again we will use the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which will also be a big part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers this summer. First, read the passage and then discuss the four questions below. Conclude by reading the reflection and ponder the quote presented. Reading: Matthew 6: 30-34 QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, or challenges me in this text? (or for younger kids, which part of the story doesn’t make sense to me?) QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text? (or for younger kids, what is my favorite part of the story?) QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? (or for younger kids, what does this story remind me of?) QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? (or for younger kids, what is God or Jesus doing in this story?) Reflection: When I worked in a politically-appointed job, an upcoming election caused me great anxiety. If those who appointed me to my position lost the election, I would most likely lose my job when a new administration came into power. I knew that possibility existed when I took the job. But the other positives about the position outweighed that negative. It still, though, was a concern to me that I could lose my job. And, if my bosses won, we'd still have to go through that in four more years. Early in the year of the election, I came across this passage in Matthew. I decided to make it my "theme verse" for the year. When I started to worry about the future, I would read this verse and hopefully not worry anymore. For God says that the provisions will be made for us and we should not worry about tomorrow. Today's troubles are enough for us to deal with today. Living one day at a time can be tough, but it is the right thing to do. I had a new peace about elections and was resigned to the fact that I would deal with the hand I was dealt. I knew that God would take care of me and provide for my needs. On the Sunday before the election, we sang "A Mighty Fortress" at my church. The line that struck me that day most was "Were they to take my house, goods, honors, child, or spouse; though life we wretched away, they cannot win the day; the kingdom's ours forever." I was comforted again that God would provide. And in the end, my bosses won the election, and a year later I was hired as the director at camp and would leave that position. But that year, I learned a very valuable lesson to take one day at a time and not worry! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Discuss or meditate on this quote: "A friend is a person with whom you dare to be yourself." Sometimes we worry about our relationships. Should we not take God's advise when it comes to that, too? Discussion:
Reading: 2 Peter 1: 3-9 Reflection: Frisbee is one of my favorite sports. I like to pass the Frisbee to others. I like to play Frisbee golf. And, I really like Ultimate Frisbee. Frisbees can be used as good team builders. I’ve played a game with groups of people where you have to pass the Frisbee in a line without dropping it. If you drop it, you need to start all over again. It can take some time, but eventually most people can do it. To get good at throwing and catching a Frisbee, you have to practice. It’s really not that hard. Anyone can learn how. God’s love is like a Frisbee. A Frisbee is circular and if you trace the outside of the disc, you would never stop. God’s love is like that—it is never-ending. Frisbees can be easily thrown into almost any terrain. You can take God’s love everywhere, too, and you can share it with anyone in any place. Anyone can learn to throw and catch a Frisbee. It doesn’t take too much skill. God’s love is available to anyone, too. The next time you play Frisbee, think of God’s love. When you have it you, you will be soaring like a Frisbee, flying through the air. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Go get a Frisbee and throw it around, using that time to pray to God in thanksgiving for unconditional love. Discuss:
Reading: Jeremiah 45: 5 Reflection: Before coming to camp to serve as director, I worked in the public relations field. There, I did a lot of work which other people got credit for. I didn't mind because I knew my job was to do what I have to do to the best of my ability. I knew that it was my responsibility to make my bosses and my company look its best. There are people, though, who do want to get all the credit, even if they have nothing to do with that particular project. They thrive on the recognition and the publicity. They want to be at the forefront. I read a quote once that I thought was appropriate in these matters: "There is no limit to the good a person can do it he or she doesn't care who gets the credit." I think that God wants us to do just that-- do good and not care about getting praise for it. So practice "random acts of kindness" and know you've done good! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Do a random act of kindness for someone. Discussion:
Reading: Isaiah 53: 8-11 Reflection: Now that we are a few weeks removed from Easter, we might look back and consider how things have changed since the waning days of Lent. For instance, the majority of the people who were at the crucifixion did not care about Jesus' fate. If only they know what we know now! Hindsight is 20/20, of course. But how do you think the people would have reacted if they knew that the resurrection was going to occur? Do you think they would have treated Jesus in a different way? Playing "what if" history, consider how our view of that time in history would be different if we had cable TV and the internet back then. It's scary to think about, isn't it? --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Write down ways that you want observe Lent differently next year. Are their disciplines you think you should have tried this year that you don't want to forget? Discussion:
For today's devotional, again we will use the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which will also be a big part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers this summer. First, read the passage and then discuss the four questions below. Conclude by reading the reflection and ponder the quote presented. Reading: Mark 15: 6-15 QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, or challenges me in this text? (or for younger kids, which part of the story doesn’t make sense to me?) QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text? (or for younger kids, what is my favorite part of the story?) QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? (or for younger kids, what does this story remind me of?) QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? (or for younger kids, what is God or Jesus doing in this story?) Reflection: Since Holy Week, I've been thinking a lot about Barabbas. I saw two movies around Easter that portrayed this character in the Passion narrative. It reminded me of freedom. Tradition dictated that a prisoner be freed during the Passover. Pilate decided to let the people decide which prisoner would receive his freedom. Their choice: Barabbus, a murderer, and Jesus, who did nothing wrong. Pilate asked the crowd, "Which one?" And they responded to "Crucify Jesus, Crucify Jesus." "What crime did he commit?" Pilate asked. But he got no answer. Wanting to please the people, Pilate released Barabbus. Barabbus got his freedom. Jesus went to Calvary. We also got freedom-- freedom from sin. Through Christ' death and resurrection, we are free from bondage. The blood that was shed was shed for us. That day one man was freed. But so many more were freed by what happened on the cross. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Pray to God, thanking God for the ultimate sacrifice of God's son, Jesus Christ. Discussion:
Reading: Proverbs 27: 1 Reflection: It was laying on the sidewalk. All alone. We were walking down the sidewalk, talking, laughing, and having a good time. It belonged to no one. It was unprotected. We had just eaten lunch. He thought it wouldn't happen. But it did. And I have a pair of jeans to prove it. Did you ever buy one of those great ham sandwiches that Boy Scouts, bands, and other groups sell? Most times, there is a handy little packet of mustard included with each sale. These same packets are found in restaurants, home refrigerators, and dining halls. And, in this case, a sidewalk. He never thought it would happen. So he tried it. Walking down that sidewalk, he stepped on one of those mustard packets. And, to his disbelief, the mustard pack tore open and squirted on a pair of jeans-- my jeans. He was overwhelming surprised. Apologies came out of his mouth for hours after the messy moment. But all was okay. A little laundry detergent, some water, and a lot of stain stick can cure an emergency stain situation like this. Who knows what tomorrow brings? Every new day is a gift from God. Many days we are given surprises-- some good, some bad. But in the end, everything almost always works out. And usually for the better. There are only a few mustard stains on my jeans today. No harm was done and to this day we still laugh about our run-in with a lonely mustard pack on a sun-warmed sidewalks. "Pardon me, but is that Grey Poupon you are wearing?" Why yes, it is! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Discuss with others or reflect on the following quote. "I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all of God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment." --Farmer Discussion:
Reading: Hebrews 12: 22-24 Reflection: If you've been to Camp Mount Luther, you know that you have to drive up a hill to get into main camp. In some ways, I feel like when I drive up that driveway, I'm climbing up to go "into the mountains." Camp Mount Luther is a place that has been set apart by God. To me, it is different from the rest of the world. It’s a place in the world but not of the world. It’s a place where I feel God’s presence, especially among fellow staff and campers, as we all live in the outdoors, singing, worshipping, and playing. In this passage from Hebrews, we are reminded that through Jesus Christ, we now live in a world of grace instead of living in a world under the law. We are no longer living in the City of Man but now are living in the City of God. In the old times, the Israelites lived in fear of God because God showed great power. In contrast, Christians today live in a time of unconditional love shown to us because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. It’s a new covenant! Our relationship to God is different than those in early biblical times. Mount Zion is the place where God is present. We need to remember that as we go about our daily lives. God is with us at camp as we hike, swim, do crafts, worship and teach Bible studies. God travels with us as we go on trips and take campers from activity to activity. God is indeed present in all we do. Our challenge is to look for God. Where have you experienced God today? You may be surprised at how you can find God in simple things. But isn’t it great to know that you are not alone as you travel upon this earth? --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Ask yourself, "Where have I seen God today?" Answer the question, then pray to God in thanksgiving for traveling with you. Discussion:
Reading: Matthew 21: 16 Reflection: One summer a bunch of my friends and I were invited to a concert of a band one of our colleagues was a member of. The concert was being given during a carnival in a town where another colleague lived. She invited us to spend the afternoon at her home where he parents had planned a picnic. The town we were visiting, New Bloomfield, PA, was in Perry County, which has the reputation of being very rural. When we arrived in the town, we laughed as we said to each other, "Pinch me, I'm in New Bloomfield." We got to the picnic and were amazed at the number of people there. On our way to the concert, we stopped at a convenience store and purchased cigarette lighters. No, we were not smokers; but, we wanted to wave the lighters during the concert like they do at major music events. We got to the carnival and our friend's act went on stage. Boy, were we surprised. We thought he was part of a rock band. But, we soon found out that instead, he was part of a community band with brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. They played marches. Since we bought the lighters we used them but we looked silly considering what we were listening to. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. It doesn't matter what you are playing or how you sound. God always likes noise which is played to God's glory! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Watch this video of the camp song, "All God's Critters Got a Place in the Choir." Discussion:
Reading: Psalm 1: 3 Reflection: Spring is my favorite time of year. Warmer weather, sunnier days, green grass, and colorful flowers arrive in these days. The birds seem to sing a little louder; the days get longer; spring is a great time to celebrate creation. When I was in the second grade, I won a contest at my elementary school. I wrote a poem for Arbor Day, which is celebrated in April. Among my prize for winning was $10 and a small tree to plant. To this day, I can still recite the poem that I wrote so many years ago. It went like this: Once there was a tree It was beautiful to me. Among the green leaves The oriole weaves His sticks so round And then a squirrel found A little nut for me Which someday may be another tree. God created the world and created humans to take care of it. That is one thing we should remember every day of our lives. This spring, I look forward to the trees, and the birds, and the squirrels, and the nuts. They remind me of the awesomeness of our God and that God is present with us each and every day, especially in the beauty of creation. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Write a poem that shows your thankfulness for God's creation. Discussion:
Reading: Mark 8: 34-37 Reflection: When Jesus called his disciples, He told them to follow him, giving up whatever they were doing, leaving behind all their possessions, and trusting fully in Him. He told them to lose their old life and become a new person, giving their live to Him. I read a sign on a church bulletin board that said, "Jesus died for us. We should live for Him." I thought it was a great quote. We should live our lives for Christ. Would it be hard for you to give up all you had and follow Christ? You probably would have to think about it, wouldn't you? As humans, we are so driven by what we have and many times we don't want to give that up. But we should be willing to do that for Christ. Imagine what it was like to be Job. He lost everything, but still he trusted in the Lord. And, he was ultimately rewarded. Giving up everything may be tough at the time, but in the long run, your rewards could be even greater. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Discuss with others, or meditate on the following quote by St. Bernard of Clairvaux. "All things are possible to one who believes." Discussion:
Reading: Matthew 7: 1-5 Reflection: You've probably heard the expression, "You only get one chance to make a first impression." First impressions are important, especially when you are interviewing for a job, meeting a new client, or going to your first family function with the in-laws. I think first impressions are a little overrated. Yes, I agree that it is important to be on your best behavior and look good when you first meet someone or go somewhere. But it has also been my experience that after a little time, my impressions of people change. In fact, I can think of several people who have truly touched my life and have become some of my best friends. Ironically, when I first met them, I would never have imagined that we could become close. I've thought about this often, trying to decide what course of events took place that changed my somewhat negative first impression to something more positive. In most cases, there was an event that caused us to share close quarters which leads me to believe that the saying is true, "You don't really know someone until you've had to live with them." But more so than that, I believe it was because I left myself be open to their ideas, to their way of life, and tore down walls built between us. I tried not to be closed-minded or prejudiced towards them even though I amy have at first been intimidated by them, felt like they were "beneath me" or were just unsure of how they felt about me. This proves one thing: when we open ourselves up and are willing to share ourselves with others, it may very well be reciprocated, our lives may be blessed with the gift of a good friend, and we may learn a little in the process. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Discuss with others or meditate on this quote by Mother Teresa. "If we judge people, we have no time to love them." Discussion:
Reading: 2 Corinthians 13: 11-14 Reflection: Saying goodbye is often very difficult. But, it is inevitable. I wrote the following poem after my second year on summer staff at camp. It was difficult to say goodbye to my friends, so I wrote this piece to help me see that we all must say goodbye eventually to those we love. This poem is dedicated to the 1991 Camp Mount Luther Staff. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director We have come, and now it's time to leave, Our time together was all but guaranteed. And we have endured, through thick and thin, We've done many things that we have lost, We've done things that we did win. It's time to say goodbye now, with teardrops in our eyes, When we first came here, all we could do was surmise. And there's a rainbow in the garden, where it leads nobody knows, We can try to find it, and watch it as it grows. The rive runs right by us, there's a stone along the shore, It's a part of God's creation, but we really don't know what it is for. And end is a beginning, death brings on a new life, A part of those that we meet, carries us through our strife. From many different places, we've all joined as one, And spent out waking hours in the rain and in the sun. The last of our great journey is ending very fast, But we know that all good things, cannot forever last. So don't forget each other, they'll always we there for you, A part of each one of them, is with you in whatever you do. The time has come, the mood is right, we all must go our separate ways, And we try to forget it, but somehow it just never goes away, Because eventually, we all have to say goodbye. May the Lord bless and keep you, may God's face look down with grace, May God always go with you, keeping a smile upon your face. Have faith as you go-- never look back. Keep the memories close to your heart. Everything that you have learned, Has made you really smart. And now it is time to say goodbye. Closing: Pray for those you have said goodbye to recently and all those who are saying goodbye today. Discussion:
Reading: Matthew 18: 11-14 Reflection: The lesson in this gospel reading is one of my favorites. One hundred sheep belong to a shepherd. One wanders away from the flock and is locked. The shepherd goes to find the lost sheep and rejoices over finding the animal. The other 99 sheep are still back where they belong but the shepherd is happy that he has found the one that was lost. Sometimes it can be hard when one person slows you down. If you are in a group of people and you are awaiting for one, you may be tempted to forget about the one person and leave with the others. But just as Jesus said that one sheep was important, so we must remember that everyone is important. We should be willing to wait for that one, or look for that one, or seek out that one, even when it may not seem to be the "thing to do." One versus 99 is a difference of 98. But to God the difference is a lot more. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Reflect upon the camp song, "I Just Wanna Be a Sheep." Words and music by Brian Howard ©1974 Mission Hills Music CCLI Song # 454057 CHORUS: I just want to be a sheep BAA! I just want to be a sheep BAA! Pray the Lord my soul to keep I just want to be a sheep. BAA! I don't want to be a Pharisee (repeat) Cause they're just not fair you see I just want to be a sheep BAA! I don't want to be a Sadducee (repeat) Cause they're all so sad you see. I just want to be a sheep BAA! I don't want to be a Hypocrite (repeat) Cause they're just not hip with it. I just want to be a sheep. BAA! I don't want to be from Babylon (repeat) Cause they just babble on. I just want to be a sheep. BAA! Discussion:
Reading: I Corinthians 13: 4 Reflection: Love is patient. But are humans patient? Patience is a hard thing to learn; but, it is a good virtue to have. I learned patient from a boy named Brian. Brian was one of my first campers when I was a counselor at Mount Luther. I could tell from the first day that Brian would be a challenge. He turned out to be one of the worst behaved campers to ever come to our camp. He antagonized other campers, used foul language, and was very trying to his first- year counselor. At times I felt at wit's end. I just didn't know what to do. By the end of the week, we had Brian calmed down. He was civil and was listening to instructions and abiding by the rules. On the last day of camp, he acted up again. When his mother came to get him, he told her, "See, I made it." Evidently, his mother said he wouldn't last the week at camp. Although we had talked about sending Brian home early, I'm glad we didn't. You could tell on Saturday that he felt a sense of accomplishment for staying all week. I think the camp experience was good for him. And despite pulling out my hair, it was a good experience for me. I learned patience that week. I learned that you have to take things as they come and just wait to see what happens. At times I wanted to react and punish Brian. But at times, it was better to wait until a more appropriate time. By learning patience, we can be better people. And, we can also learn to get rid of stress in the process. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Think of ways that you could be more patient. Write them down and work on them in the next week. |
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