| Hello everyone! I know it's been a long time since I posted, but it's also been a long time since I really had time to. Last week counseling went well, but because of various large camper issues I had to deal with I came out of the week very drained. This week (our last camper week already - wow) I am once again counseling, but I request prayer for my energy level and my attitude. After pouring into my campers so much last week I simply don't feel like I have the energy or the desire to pour into another set. I hate having this attitude so please pray that God would give me another energy boost and a heart on fire for sharing His love no matter how I feel. Love to all, In His GRIP, Courtney Lynn |
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
A quick update
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Update
| Hello everyone! I am once again counseling for the week, though this time not in BayBerry! I was moved to Balsam for this week and have a cabin full of 11-14 year olds. My current state is "perplexed but not despairing" (2 Cor. 4:8). :) I have a wide range of types of campers that I'm not quite sure what to do with. I have absolute innocence in 11 yo form and the exact opposite in 14 yo form. I have very solid Christians and non-Christians. As far as what to do for devos I'm a tad bit perplexed, but I'm resting in the fact (and constantly reminding myself) that all I can do is my best. I'm also perplexed about protecting my younger campers from the older ones simply because of what they talk about and the lives they lead - there have already been some things that they've been exposed to that I wasn't able to stop. Prayer requests would be for alot of wisdom, not stressing and for protection of innocence. In His grip, Courtney Lynn Malachi 1:2a |
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Blessing in Disguise
| Hello everyone - I wanted to drop a quick line before lunch in ten minutes to update you on my fingers. I have nine blisters in random but inconvenient locations all over my hands (ex: I can't put my hair in a pony tail.... lol I had to have Rachel do my hair this morning), but the random bursts of pain have ceased so I'm good (as long as I don't burst a blister... lol). Burning my hands was a major blessing! Because my hands were burnt I was excused from the night and had an hour and a half to spend time alone with God out at the lake and relax. Both were things I DESPERATELY needed. I have been non-stop (even on the weekend) for the last two weeks and I was just so grateful for the burns to give me the break I wanted and needed so badly. I had a great time in Malachi! :) So if you are lifting me up in prayer this week, please join me in praising God for burnt hands! And remember to praise God for the disguised blessings in YOUR life. In Malachi 1:2 God reminds Israel that He loves them and in their stupidity they ask "How have you loved us?". O How many times we neglect to see the ways He loves us. God loves me - my blisters are joyous proof! :) |
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Prayer Needed
| This is being hen pecked with my two good fingers.... yep, hurt again. :) An hour and a half ago i hot glued my fingers (pictures to come eventually) and burned at least five of them. they hurt really bad so prayer that they heal properly and that i have a decent attitude aboutmit. i laughed for the first 15 minutes cause i lloked pretty funny with fleece glued all over my thumb and my fingers were covered in glue. when we pulled the fleece off though it left a very painful burn and blister and now with time all the burns have started to hurt. so.... prayers requested for my general state of being since i've been up and down. at least this injury is comical, though it hurts so bad. thinking back to my initial reaction ansd that of my coworkers brings a smile to my face despite all the pain. love, courtney |
Monday, July 20, 2009
"Our God is a Great Big God!"
By the grace of God I am made it through the week not only without getting sick but also with enough energy to pour into my g i r l s. By the grace of God 7 of my 8 campers either rededicated or gave their lives to the Lord. By the grace of God I had an absolutely amazing week that will probably be the best of the summer!
I've been trying for the last 30 minutes to post the other pictures from this week but it's not working and now I'm out of time :(. The week was amazing and God blessed me with so many opportunities to talk to the g i r l s about serious stuff through casual and fun conversation. I had a blast hanging out with them and spending so much time with them. I really wish though that I could get the other great pictures up here!
"M" and I hanging over the side of the bridge while waiting to see who's stick would come out first. This was while we were playing the "Pooh sticks" from one of the Winnie the Pooh episodes. Right after this we played "pass the sea weed with your toes", "laugh until your sides hurt" and "compare messy hairdos". :) The bridge before this one we spent an hour and a half sitting and talking about prayer, why we have denominations and what God thinks of them, purity and relationships. It was an AMAZING God brought opportunity and the s were so open and were asking so many questions.
Our volleyball against Chestnut cabin. I didn't let my s down thankfully - they were proud that I won an entire on serves :) haha.
Unfortunately we didn't win the match (best of 3), so we had to eat without hands. And we did it to - no hands for drinks, spills, dropped items, throwing away garbage or taking glasses on or off. We had a blast but we were a mess :).
The shirt signing party that lasted all of freetime. It was another God given opportunity and we spent a long time discussing the impact of music on our lives and why God in Phil. 4:8 commands us to fill our minds with right, pure, noble, excellent things.
Cabin Cleanup is a big competition here everymorning and we went all out. This is us standing next to our Tower of Bable display :).
Our hard work paid off and our reward for winning cabin cleanup everyday was an end of the week ice cream party!!!
Back in 2004 there were about 35 s blessed to be part of the first year of camp's Seeds program - a special discipleship program for middle school s. This picture is symbolic of us Seeds becoming blossoms. Of this original group of s, 9 (7 pictured) of us were back at camp serving and leading others. Five of us are SSTers, 3 were back as volunteer counselors and 1 of them is finishing LDC (our counselor training program). It was really neat to see how so many of us have come back to pour into other s the way our SEEDS leaders poured into us.
Well I wish I could say more cause it was such a God week and I wish I could show pictures but I have to go. I hope you all are having a great week.
Prayer Requests:
- Health
- Energy
- Wisdom in how to spend my time this week
- Time to really spend on my relationship with God and grow closer.
Love to all!
I've been trying for the last 30 minutes to post the other pictures from this week but it's not working and now I'm out of time :(. The week was amazing and God blessed me with so many opportunities to talk to the g i r l s about serious stuff through casual and fun conversation. I had a blast hanging out with them and spending so much time with them. I really wish though that I could get the other great pictures up here!
"M" and I hanging over the side of the bridge while waiting to see who's stick would come out first. This was while we were playing the "Pooh sticks" from one of the Winnie the Pooh episodes. Right after this we played "pass the sea weed with your toes", "laugh until your sides hurt" and "compare messy hairdos". :) The bridge before this one we spent an hour and a half sitting and talking about prayer, why we have denominations and what God thinks of them, purity and relationships. It was an AMAZING God brought opportunity and the s were so open and were asking so many questions.
Our volleyball against Chestnut cabin. I didn't let my s down thankfully - they were proud that I won an entire on serves :) haha.
Unfortunately we didn't win the match (best of 3), so we had to eat without hands. And we did it to - no hands for drinks, spills, dropped items, throwing away garbage or taking glasses on or off. We had a blast but we were a mess :).
The shirt signing party that lasted all of freetime. It was another God given opportunity and we spent a long time discussing the impact of music on our lives and why God in Phil. 4:8 commands us to fill our minds with right, pure, noble, excellent things.
Cabin Cleanup is a big competition here everymorning and we went all out. This is us standing next to our Tower of Bable display :).
Our hard work paid off and our reward for winning cabin cleanup everyday was an end of the week ice cream party!!!
Back in 2004 there were about 35 s blessed to be part of the first year of camp's Seeds program - a special discipleship program for middle school s. This picture is symbolic of us Seeds becoming blossoms. Of this original group of s, 9 (7 pictured) of us were back at camp serving and leading others. Five of us are SSTers, 3 were back as volunteer counselors and 1 of them is finishing LDC (our counselor training program). It was really neat to see how so many of us have come back to pour into other s the way our SEEDS leaders poured into us.Well I wish I could say more cause it was such a God week and I wish I could show pictures but I have to go. I hope you all are having a great week.
Prayer Requests:
- Health
- Energy
- Wisdom in how to spend my time this week
- Time to really spend on my relationship with God and grow closer.
Love to all!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Still Going!
Hello again everyone :). An update two days in a row? I know - crazy isn't it?
Yesterday I had the privilege of going with five of my campers as a leader on the Adventure Experience canoe trip. Adventure Experience is a new program to give the kids at camp a new activity option and is a way to promote our various Adventure Trips. At registration the parents sign up their child to leave camp property for an afternoon to canoe down Pine river (an oxbow [a large loop that starts and ends very near each other] about 20-30 minutes from here). I had an absolute blast, even though we were 45 minutes late getting back to camp (because of low water and some steering challenged campers). We had to get out and pull the canoes over rock beds about 6 or 7 times because the water was so low, but my two g i r l s didn't have any problem with that and neither did I because it made for the best parts of the trip :). That's when the most splashing, laughing and lost flip flop diving happened :).
I'm still going and fairly healthy (considering). I'm grateful for that and know that it's only by God's grace if I make it through the next week and a half without really getting sick (allergies don't really count...).
Prayer Request Addition:
- That I'd be able to sleep through the night. I only have about seven hours max. to sleep most nights, but don't usually get to take advantage of all of it because I loose so much time waiting to fall asleep and then I wake up at least four times. If I could sleep straight through I'd feel so much more rested when I got up in the morning. So prayers that I would be blessed with that sleep, or if not, that God would give me a good attitude about it and the strength and energy that I don't have.
Yesterday I had the privilege of going with five of my campers as a leader on the Adventure Experience canoe trip. Adventure Experience is a new program to give the kids at camp a new activity option and is a way to promote our various Adventure Trips. At registration the parents sign up their child to leave camp property for an afternoon to canoe down Pine river (an oxbow [a large loop that starts and ends very near each other] about 20-30 minutes from here). I had an absolute blast, even though we were 45 minutes late getting back to camp (because of low water and some steering challenged campers). We had to get out and pull the canoes over rock beds about 6 or 7 times because the water was so low, but my two g i r l s didn't have any problem with that and neither did I because it made for the best parts of the trip :). That's when the most splashing, laughing and lost flip flop diving happened :).
I'm still going and fairly healthy (considering). I'm grateful for that and know that it's only by God's grace if I make it through the next week and a half without really getting sick (allergies don't really count...).
Prayer Request Addition:
- That I'd be able to sleep through the night. I only have about seven hours max. to sleep most nights, but don't usually get to take advantage of all of it because I loose so much time waiting to fall asleep and then I wake up at least four times. If I could sleep straight through I'd feel so much more rested when I got up in the morning. So prayers that I would be blessed with that sleep, or if not, that God would give me a good attitude about it and the strength and energy that I don't have.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Weary + Waiting = Renewed.
"He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increase power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who weait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40: 29-31
This week it is my privileged to one again be counseling in BayBerry cabin. I have three campers from previous years, five other fun g i r l s to get to know and 1 LDCer (L eadership D evelopment Camp) to set an example for. God blessed me with an excited heart going into the week and I'm still excited to see what God is going to do in and through me and the g i r l s.
I have a MAJOR prayer request though. I am absolutely exhausted. I don't remember a time that I was ever as exhausted as I am now. Sunday I almost feel asleep at lunch and last night in Chapel it required all my strength to clap. For those of you who were following my adventure last summer, you may remember that I contracted walking pnemonia. This is the week last summer that I became sick (this week's nurse also happens to be the one who helped me through it all to...) which led to my five day fever the following week. Needless to say I am very concerned about my health because I feel like I'm getting sick and I'm thourghly exhausted. On the flipside, God is truely blessing me with strength in His many varied ways. I know that if I put Him first and then my campers as I priority along with doing my best to take care of myself, the rest is in His hands.
So my prayer requests would be:
- That God would put a protective hand over my physical health and strengthen my body and immune system.
- That while exhausted I would continue to find joy in the Lord, that I would refrain from sinful behavior (I'm crabbier, irratable, more critical and emotional when I'm tired).
- That I would be content in whatever happens.
- That I would not be leaning on my own strength or knowledge this week, but that I'd give it all up to Him.
Last night God sent to me two of the fellow staff to encourage me right before devos. God knew I was crumbling and I sat there praying for strength and energy and for wisdom in leading devos. He sent me two people who prayed for me and encouraged me and by God's strength only I walked back to my cabin excited for devos without a hint of exhaustion to pull me down. I felt not only perfectly normal, but energized. My heart was singing for God truely does give strength to the weary and help to those who come to Him in faithful service.
Other prayer requests:
- That I would set a good role for my LDCer
- That the g i r l s' hearts would be open to the Lord. I feel as though God's going to do some big things this week in BayBerry so pray that we would all be preparing our hearts for change.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and for taking the time to read this. If you're also struggling with a lack of strength I encourage you, admonish you to wait on the Lord. "Come to me" he says - take His yoke for it is easy and light (Matt 11:28).
And to those of you who plan to email me and remind me that I can't serve without good health and that needs to be a priority, let me assure you that sleep is a definite priority and I am taking every opportunity to do so. :) I'm doing my best, and God'll have to do the rest!
This week it is my privileged to one again be counseling in BayBerry cabin. I have three campers from previous years, five other fun g i r l s to get to know and 1 LDCer (L eadership D evelopment Camp) to set an example for. God blessed me with an excited heart going into the week and I'm still excited to see what God is going to do in and through me and the g i r l s.
I have a MAJOR prayer request though. I am absolutely exhausted. I don't remember a time that I was ever as exhausted as I am now. Sunday I almost feel asleep at lunch and last night in Chapel it required all my strength to clap. For those of you who were following my adventure last summer, you may remember that I contracted walking pnemonia. This is the week last summer that I became sick (this week's nurse also happens to be the one who helped me through it all to...) which led to my five day fever the following week. Needless to say I am very concerned about my health because I feel like I'm getting sick and I'm thourghly exhausted. On the flipside, God is truely blessing me with strength in His many varied ways. I know that if I put Him first and then my campers as I priority along with doing my best to take care of myself, the rest is in His hands.
So my prayer requests would be:
- That God would put a protective hand over my physical health and strengthen my body and immune system.
- That while exhausted I would continue to find joy in the Lord, that I would refrain from sinful behavior (I'm crabbier, irratable, more critical and emotional when I'm tired).
- That I would be content in whatever happens.
- That I would not be leaning on my own strength or knowledge this week, but that I'd give it all up to Him.
Last night God sent to me two of the fellow staff to encourage me right before devos. God knew I was crumbling and I sat there praying for strength and energy and for wisdom in leading devos. He sent me two people who prayed for me and encouraged me and by God's strength only I walked back to my cabin excited for devos without a hint of exhaustion to pull me down. I felt not only perfectly normal, but energized. My heart was singing for God truely does give strength to the weary and help to those who come to Him in faithful service.
Other prayer requests:
- That I would set a good role for my LDCer
- That the g i r l s' hearts would be open to the Lord. I feel as though God's going to do some big things this week in BayBerry so pray that we would all be preparing our hearts for change.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and for taking the time to read this. If you're also struggling with a lack of strength I encourage you, admonish you to wait on the Lord. "Come to me" he says - take His yoke for it is easy and light (Matt 11:28).
And to those of you who plan to email me and remind me that I can't serve without good health and that needs to be a priority, let me assure you that sleep is a definite priority and I am taking every opportunity to do so. :) I'm doing my best, and God'll have to do the rest!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Sparse on updates but not on stuff to do!
There are always things to do at camp. Junior 1 wrapped up last week on Thursday afternoon, and a mere few hours later the Mid-Summer Family Campers rolled in. We had them here until Sunday and now this morning beings Junior 2.
I have become very run down and drained and am now sick as well so I'm not doing to well. I'm thankful I'm not counseling, yet I'm a tad nervous about taking on the new-to-me responsibility of craft shop supervisor.
Sorry this update is short but I have thirty minutes to be ready to go before orientation starts and the rest of the day goes haywire :). (Opening day is always a bit crazy). Hope you're all having a great summer and a great fourth of July!
I have become very run down and drained and am now sick as well so I'm not doing to well. I'm thankful I'm not counseling, yet I'm a tad nervous about taking on the new-to-me responsibility of craft shop supervisor.
Sorry this update is short but I have thirty minutes to be ready to go before orientation starts and the rest of the day goes haywire :). (Opening day is always a bit crazy). Hope you're all having a great summer and a great fourth of July!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Camp Life
| Lost teeth, holding hands, doing hair, bloody knees, little spats, sweet smiles, energetic hugs, illustrative devos, singing songs, lots of laughs, amusing questions, amazing stories.... the telltale signs of Junior camp! :) And don't forget: - Swimming in the freezing weather - Explaining to campers that 10 sprays of bug spray is more than enough - Making a schedule so everyone has a slot to canoe with you at freetime - Telling a camper they need to move and being told that "this is a free country" (lol) - Organizing who sits next to me at meals, devos and in Chapel And so many more funny stories about how amazing junior campers are. They make me laugh - I love them :). Jesus told us to have faith like a child, but not to act like children. Their innocence, their faith and their trust are such an example to me while at the same time some of their actions are also a great reminder and challenge to act mature and in a godly manner. So long for now! I'm off to attend a staff meeting, settle a dispute about the tooth fairy, bring restitution to two camp buddies, do seven girls hair, plan a devo, read my Bible, attempt not to get dumped in the lake while canoeing and many more adventures endowed upon me as a Junior camp counselor. Love to all - have a great rest of the week :) |
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
It's great to be back!
I'm finally feeling like I'm back in the swing of things again and it's great! I'm finally running! I decided to enjoy my cabin and I really am.
Camp is overflowing with energy and excitement. Junior camp in the past has always stressed me out and I would usually sorta dread it because they wear you out so quickly. This week however I was determined to enjoy them and I was so excited going into the week. By dinner I WAS really tired already, but I'm thoroughly enjoying them. It is the first week that we have a full camp and it is SO exciting to see camp full and surging with energy. Last night in Chapel during worship all I could do was smile as I looked around, every pew full of excited and shining eyes surrounding counselors who are energetically doing the actions to the songs.
Cabin devos went great last night and even though we went 20 minutes over (haha opps :) they were all still paying attention and learning. I'm loving it, it's great. PRAISE GOD.
Prayer Requests:
- Energy and Strength because they ARE very tiring.
- Sleep because for some reason I'm having a hard time sleeping
- Health cause I'm getting sick
Sorry this is so short but there's a line for the computer. I have lots more I'd love to say though and hopefully I'll be able to.
Camp is overflowing with energy and excitement. Junior camp in the past has always stressed me out and I would usually sorta dread it because they wear you out so quickly. This week however I was determined to enjoy them and I was so excited going into the week. By dinner I WAS really tired already, but I'm thoroughly enjoying them. It is the first week that we have a full camp and it is SO exciting to see camp full and surging with energy. Last night in Chapel during worship all I could do was smile as I looked around, every pew full of excited and shining eyes surrounding counselors who are energetically doing the actions to the songs.
Cabin devos went great last night and even though we went 20 minutes over (haha opps :) they were all still paying attention and learning. I'm loving it, it's great. PRAISE GOD.
Prayer Requests:
- Energy and Strength because they ARE very tiring.
- Sleep because for some reason I'm having a hard time sleeping
- Health cause I'm getting sick
Sorry this is so short but there's a line for the computer. I have lots more I'd love to say though and hopefully I'll be able to.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Prayer Request
| Energy and Strength and Health. The camp is swarming with 163 energetic 7-10 year olds! Keep us in your prayers this week! Thanks. :) I'm excited but already tired! |
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
I am a missionary.
The above photo is from missionary Chapel during Teen 1 last week. The missionary (Pete and Liesl Hypki - en route to Mexico with New Tribes Missions) did the above illustration to show the support group for tribal missionaries. On the far right is the Tribal Missionary couple - the rest are support staff including but not limited to airplane pilot, guest house manager, accountant, IT technician, printer, teacher, supplier, local church body. It was a neat illustration because I had never stopped to think about how many people are needed (and how many positions are avialable) to send out foreign missionaries. Then, after all the various positions were on stage, they all flipped over their signs and instead of titles they simply read "missionary". Each of them is a missionary for each of them are helping advance the message of Christ. I paid alot of attention to two of the mulitple things that Pete pointed out in this lesson: 1. Many people are needed to support foreign missionaries besides just the missionary themself and we can help with foreign missions even from our own home 2. Missions here in the states, in your own home, in your own homefront field doesn't require all the support staff!
Many times Chiristians think that they are not "called" to "missions". However, the Bible commands us to go out and preach the gospel, make disciples. This is not a call for a few select to go, but for each of those who have a personal relationship with the Lord. We are called to minister to any and every person we come in contact with. God does call some people to reach out in love to others on a foreign field, but most He calls to reach out to their families (yes, those who have hurt you), their friends (yes, those whose opinion we highly esteem), their co-workers (yes, those who make our lives difficult), thier classmates (yes, those who show us up), their neighbors (yes, those who are nosey, annoying and persnickity) and even unto strangers (yes, the homeless, the rich dude, the widow, the child).
A few days after this lesson I was thinking of this very truth once again and was reminded that I am a missionary. And that this summer, Lake Lundgren Bible Camp is my mission field. I have been sent out by all of you to serve, to love - to make disciples. I know where my summer mission field is - where's yours?
Monday, June 22, 2009
Teen 1 (June 15-20, 9-12th grade) in Pictures
My drama class performing "Love of another kind". The two on the right also happened to be my campers :)
Canoeing with my cabin! :) That was ALOT of fun.
"Zac Efron", Me (a talent agent and classy lady) and "Carrie Underwood". We're dressed up for one of the new night .
The immigration workers at the name registration office and myself. :)
My husband George (also a talent agent) and myself (Georgie).
Rifelry with the g i r l s.
Ping pong with my cabin g i r l s!
This is what I call "camp hands". Dancers talk about "dance feet" and last year I talked about "custodial knees" and last week I had camp hands. The watch: necessary for telling time. The red marker: for marking what team I'm on for night (this one specifically says I'm a rock [instead of paper or scissors]). The black faded marks: the absolutely mandatory reminders that will be forgotten if written on paper. The bandaid: a cover up a night injury. The half black finger: the result of slamming your finger in the door (which by the way still looks the same, but I'm almost able to use it again).
Friday, June 19, 2009
I've only got a minute but I just wanted to update you all on how I'm doing. I'm still struggling but I'm more awake and my attitude is better. I'm slowly trying to get my finger working again. I'm typing with it today but it hurts to do so. It's still really swollen and stiff but I need to get it moving so I'm trying. It still hurts alot though. Yesterday one of my campers bumped my finger at lunch and I almost cried - I don't know what's with it! lol It's really weird and a tad bit annoying....
Next week I will be in craft shop with Rachel which will provide the break I need to get things straightened out and will give me time to get more sleep, catch up and plan devos, etc. I'm really thankful for the upcoming break and knowing that I'll have time next week is giving me more strength for this week.
In His grip,
Courtney Lynn
Next week I will be in craft shop with Rachel which will provide the break I need to get things straightened out and will give me time to get more sleep, catch up and plan devos, etc. I'm really thankful for the upcoming break and knowing that I'll have time next week is giving me more strength for this week.
In His grip,
Courtney Lynn
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Encumbered (see Heb. 12:1)
I must keep this short since I'm in much need of sleep and will be doing that for my hour off. I have a few prayer requests to bring before you however. Things have grown increasingly more difficult since the last post. My g i r l s are great but my personal struggles have increased. There are many things I'm trying to eork through in my minf and heart and it is very difficult to counsel when you're trying to get yourself through just as many things as you are your campers. It leaves you feeling like a hypocrite and completely incapable of doing your job as well as being very distracting. On top of all my personal emotional and spiritaul struggles, I'm also struggling physically. I am really exhausted/tired (which is why I'm going to go sleep) and though I'm not sick (haha well not yet anyway), I feel really blah and have a number of pains I'm dealing with including but not limited to my finger. Tuesday night I slammed my finger in my cabin door. I got some ice and figured the pain would go away in alittle while. Well I took the ice off for the night but put some on again afterwards cause it hurt so much. It didn't go away overnight so All day yesterday I was walking around with ice: ice on, ice off, ice on, ice off (in addition to pain and anti-inflamatory meds). I'm trying to not do ice today to get myself using it more but it's still swollen and hurts with any pressure. The bottom half of my nail is a purplish black color and there's a good chance I'll loose thw nail (a horrifically disqudting thought to me). But the finger can't be used much. I apologize for my poor typing but I'm not using the finger and don't have time to go and fix all the mistakes. I am honestly really really really struggling and your prayers would be much appreciated. These campers deserve my all and they're not getting it - which makes me feel worse.
I'm sorry to write such a sorry and "down" post, but your prayers would be much appreciated in my struggle. I feel silly for struggling with something like my finger but it's a decent hinderance and it's amazing how much an injured index finger can effect your ilfe and attitude.
Another note: I've been told that misterious "s" has appeared in my blog again. "S" is the letter that the funky camp internet puts in place of the word "g i r l s" I tried everything last year to get around it anf all i could do was space it out. I will try to do that from now on - sorry about the confusion!
I'm sorry to write such a sorry and "down" post, but your prayers would be much appreciated in my struggle. I feel silly for struggling with something like my finger but it's a decent hinderance and it's amazing how much an injured index finger can effect your ilfe and attitude.
Another note: I've been told that misterious "s" has appeared in my blog again. "S" is the letter that the funky camp internet puts in place of the word "g i r l s" I tried everything last year to get around it anf all i could do was space it out. I will try to do that from now on - sorry about the confusion!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
I'm excited!
Last week I planned to post are note of the same title and didn't get around to it, so I'm going to today. :) I can honestly say I'm really excited. Last week I was excited for the summer because the staff was/is bonding so well and because I could already see that God was going to do so much in and through us this summer. This week I'm even more excited because God has blessed me with a different attitude about my campers this summer and about my job here. I decided this year to enjoy my campers. In past years I have become so burdened and stressed by trying to get everything done and do everything right that I never was able to relax and just enjoy them. I didn't have the energy, I didn't have the time and I didn't always have the desire because I was so burnt out. This year, they're my focus and I want to just spend time with them. Enjoy them, get to know them, come along side them, encourage them, challenge them - be with them. Even the difficult campers God has given me a heart for. My biggest frustration is knowing how little time I really have with each of them and my biggest stress (by far) is figuring out what to do for devos that will be applicable to their lives.
It has been so neat to see how God has changed me over this last year and how (even though I felt so very unprepared going into this summer) He has been preparing me all year for this summer. I'm excited for this summer - it's going to be a good one.
Prayer Requests:
- That God would guide me in devos and infuse in me a passion for His word like none before so that the s may benefit and that I may be an example.
- For wisdom in handling in love my rebellious camper who likes to contradict or test almost everything.
- That I would have the strength to uphold the modesty rules but the gentleness in doing so that the s may see the why and be encouraged to uphold them themselves.
- That I would get my duties done and be able to enjoy my campers.
Thank you for the continued prayers, financial support and letters and packages!
Additional Note: For those of you who know my dear mother, it is her birthday today. :) Happy Birthday Mom! I know I am once again away from home on your birthday but know I am thinking of you today!
It has been so neat to see how God has changed me over this last year and how (even though I felt so very unprepared going into this summer) He has been preparing me all year for this summer. I'm excited for this summer - it's going to be a good one.
Prayer Requests:
- That God would guide me in devos and infuse in me a passion for His word like none before so that the s may benefit and that I may be an example.
- For wisdom in handling in love my rebellious camper who likes to contradict or test almost everything.
- That I would have the strength to uphold the modesty rules but the gentleness in doing so that the s may see the why and be encouraged to uphold them themselves.
- That I would get my duties done and be able to enjoy my campers.
Thank you for the continued prayers, financial support and letters and packages!
Additional Note: For those of you who know my dear mother, it is her birthday today. :) Happy Birthday Mom! I know I am once again away from home on your birthday but know I am thinking of you today!
Monday, June 15, 2009
"Ready or not, here they come!"
Hopefully I'll have a post for you about training soon, but for now, I have twenty minutes to wrap up everything I need to do before campers roll in today! 10:30am is our staff meeting and from then on I'm scheduled til 3pm on Saturday. This week is our highschool week (9-12th grade) and I'll be counseling in BayBerry again. Please pray for the campers (who are often struggling with some weighty problems) and for the staff (who are preparing for the first week and still trying to get in sync). Pray for me also as I do not feel ready to do this. I keep switching between nervousness and excitement, but neither emotion is making me feel ready! lol I haven't had a chance to work on devos and that's my biggest concern right now. So please pray for me for wisdom, guidance and time to prepare devotions. I'm off! Hopefully I'll be able to update you on how I'm doing part way through the week.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Support Letter - June 12, 2009
Family and Friends,
It has been a fast and crazy but great week and a half of training! As this week wraps up, we’re preparing to launch ourselves into a busy summer. Come Monday, this place will fill with highschool campers, the décor will be up, the skits will be practiced, the camp will be clean, the sessions will be over and numerous volunteers will join the staff team to reach out to the campers this summer.
I want to thank all of you so much for joining me on this journey. It was such a blessing to arrive at camp to find all of you on my support list and to discover that my support minimum has already been met! Praise God! I am so excited about the summer and cannot wait to see what God does in and through myself and all the other SSTers.
Though I was off to a slow start the first two days, God led me to deal with my selfishness and has helped prepare me to run (see Hebrews 12:1). My schedule has afforded little discretionary time and only an average of six – six and a half hours of sleep each night, but God has been so gracious to grant me with enduring strength (and so far health) and a willing and persevering spirit. I know my attitude was not of myself and I firmly believe it was the result of the prayers of my friends and family. For those of you who have also supported me in prayer – thank you!
God has also answered the prayer of a unified staff team. It has been so neat to see us grow together and to see God working in everyone’s lives. God has placed each one of us on this staff team for a purpose – an exciting, yet sobering thought – and it is my prayer that we will all serve Him diligently to achieve that purpose.
One of the things that has kept me very busy this last week is my involvement in the skits. I’ve had the privilege not only to head up the planning and developing of this year’s mime (a four and a half minute piece acting out a powerful song), but also directing it as well. I threw myself into it, knowing from experience how impactful lyrical mimes can be if done well. In addition, I also have parts in two skits – one of which I have to impersonate sin. That role was a challenge for me because it contradicts my personality, but I have been told I’m doing well and I’m excited to be able to participate in this serious skit portraying out human struggle with sin.
Similar to most people, my own struggle with sin is deeply rooted in selfishness. It is selfishness that interrupts a close walk with the Lord and selfishness that keeps us from admitting our faults and surrendering once again unto His will. Last week I read the words of Psalms 51:10-13 (I don’t have space to write it out but I recommend looking it up). Though I’ve known this verse for years in song form, I have never paid attention to the words. I can identify with that passage so much and it instantly became the heart-cry of my summer. Gorgeous passage.
We serve a great and faithful God. May He continue to strengthen and sustain me and may He truly bless your summer. Let the race begin!
In His faithful and unfailing grip,
Courtney Lynn
It has been a fast and crazy but great week and a half of training! As this week wraps up, we’re preparing to launch ourselves into a busy summer. Come Monday, this place will fill with highschool campers, the décor will be up, the skits will be practiced, the camp will be clean, the sessions will be over and numerous volunteers will join the staff team to reach out to the campers this summer.
I want to thank all of you so much for joining me on this journey. It was such a blessing to arrive at camp to find all of you on my support list and to discover that my support minimum has already been met! Praise God! I am so excited about the summer and cannot wait to see what God does in and through myself and all the other SSTers.
Though I was off to a slow start the first two days, God led me to deal with my selfishness and has helped prepare me to run (see Hebrews 12:1). My schedule has afforded little discretionary time and only an average of six – six and a half hours of sleep each night, but God has been so gracious to grant me with enduring strength (and so far health) and a willing and persevering spirit. I know my attitude was not of myself and I firmly believe it was the result of the prayers of my friends and family. For those of you who have also supported me in prayer – thank you!
God has also answered the prayer of a unified staff team. It has been so neat to see us grow together and to see God working in everyone’s lives. God has placed each one of us on this staff team for a purpose – an exciting, yet sobering thought – and it is my prayer that we will all serve Him diligently to achieve that purpose.
One of the things that has kept me very busy this last week is my involvement in the skits. I’ve had the privilege not only to head up the planning and developing of this year’s mime (a four and a half minute piece acting out a powerful song), but also directing it as well. I threw myself into it, knowing from experience how impactful lyrical mimes can be if done well. In addition, I also have parts in two skits – one of which I have to impersonate sin. That role was a challenge for me because it contradicts my personality, but I have been told I’m doing well and I’m excited to be able to participate in this serious skit portraying out human struggle with sin.
Similar to most people, my own struggle with sin is deeply rooted in selfishness. It is selfishness that interrupts a close walk with the Lord and selfishness that keeps us from admitting our faults and surrendering once again unto His will. Last week I read the words of Psalms 51:10-13 (I don’t have space to write it out but I recommend looking it up). Though I’ve known this verse for years in song form, I have never paid attention to the words. I can identify with that passage so much and it instantly became the heart-cry of my summer. Gorgeous passage.
We serve a great and faithful God. May He continue to strengthen and sustain me and may He truly bless your summer. Let the race begin!
In His faithful and unfailing grip,
Courtney Lynn
Sunday, June 7, 2009
It's been a crazy week! But I'm learning, growing and praising God. The staff is unifying well and it is apparent that so much from this last year has prepared me to better handle this summer and staff relationships. I committed to actively working on my relationship with God - no more letting it slide, complaining, apathy, selfpity - nothing. I'm done. Pray for that (and that I get more sleep), but praise so much for all that God is doing!
God has really blessed me to place both my best friend and I on SST after a year of being seperated by hundreds of miles for school before she returns to Montana again at the end of the summer. When we first went to camp together in 1999 when we were nine we made plans to be on SST together and counsel together when we grew up, and ten years later God has placed us there together!
Cleaning out the C cabins - the bathrooms were put in this year and made a MESS, so I was on a cleaning crew.
Chapel!
Working on staff skits. I have two parts - A date and a sin :). I'm also helping develop the new musical mime for this summer - which I can't tell you anything about cause it'd spoil it.
T-Dog, Jordan , David, Sponz, Jordan, and Dan working on fixing the docks during work projects.
Our staff bonding work projects reclaiming the waterfront. I was working on the crew at the far right.
Warming myself at the fire on the SST outing. I was wearing 7 layers but Wisconsin hasn't gotten the memo that it's summer yet so I was FREEZING.
Driving to the SST outing.
Hanging at the SST outing at Morgan County Park.
My ies!!!! LeeAnnah, Rachel and I hanging out.
Checking my chore schedule for the next day. Between normal training and my returning SSTer scheduled chores (returning SSTers have more to do during training) I've had no time to get anything done and I'm WAY tired.
PQTs on the dock
I had kitchen for my chore yesterday and didn't have my first break (between training and hours in the kitchen) since 6:30am until 7:00pm. It was a long exhausting day - but I made it and it was a good day (I was just super tired).
As you all know my theme verse for the summer is Hebrews 12:1. This week I found my prayer and heartcry for the summer and that is:
"10Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit.
13Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners will be converted to You."
~ Psalms 51: 10-13
God has really blessed me to place both my best friend and I on SST after a year of being seperated by hundreds of miles for school before she returns to Montana again at the end of the summer. When we first went to camp together in 1999 when we were nine we made plans to be on SST together and counsel together when we grew up, and ten years later God has placed us there together!
Cleaning out the C cabins - the bathrooms were put in this year and made a MESS, so I was on a cleaning crew.
Chapel!
Rachel in a Courtney sandwhich :)
Missionary Staff Dinner at Missionary Staff Member Tonya's. It was a great night of staff bonding and it was an ab workout for the week!
The view of our root floats from her sweet loft.
The Staff that went to Tonya's: Tonya, Jenna, David, Sponz, Me, Doug
I decided to try and to conquer round robin pingpong and though I failed miserably the first 5 times, the second night I not only made it through the first round but I one! lol :)
Me playing roundrobin in my skirt in the last round right before I won! :) This has been a great staff bonding for us all.
Missionary Staff Dinner at Missionary Staff Member Tonya's. It was a great night of staff bonding and it was an ab workout for the week!
The view of our root floats from her sweet loft.
The Staff that went to Tonya's: Tonya, Jenna, David, Sponz, Me, Doug
I decided to try and to conquer round robin pingpong and though I failed miserably the first 5 times, the second night I not only made it through the first round but I one! lol :)
Me playing roundrobin in my skirt in the last round right before I won! :) This has been a great staff bonding for us all.
Working on staff skits. I have two parts - A date and a sin :). I'm also helping develop the new musical mime for this summer - which I can't tell you anything about cause it'd spoil it.
T-Dog, Jordan , David, Sponz, Jordan, and Dan working on fixing the docks during work projects.
Our staff bonding work projects reclaiming the waterfront. I was working on the crew at the far right.
Warming myself at the fire on the SST outing. I was wearing 7 layers but Wisconsin hasn't gotten the memo that it's summer yet so I was FREEZING.
Driving to the SST outing.
Hanging at the SST outing at Morgan County Park.
My ies!!!! LeeAnnah, Rachel and I hanging out.
Checking my chore schedule for the next day. Between normal training and my returning SSTer scheduled chores (returning SSTers have more to do during training) I've had no time to get anything done and I'm WAY tired.
PQTs on the dock
I had kitchen for my chore yesterday and didn't have my first break (between training and hours in the kitchen) since 6:30am until 7:00pm. It was a long exhausting day - but I made it and it was a good day (I was just super tired).
As you all know my theme verse for the summer is Hebrews 12:1. This week I found my prayer and heartcry for the summer and that is:
"10Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit.
13Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners will be converted to You."
~ Psalms 51: 10-13
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I'm Off and Running! (well okay.... maybe I'm jogging...)
Well everybody - I made it.
"...let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1
My last night home between packing a huge pile of to dos I managed to get only 2 1/2 hours of sleep! A sorry way to start a summer I must say. But God is good and my packing crisis cleared and I accomplished the "absolutely must dos" before I left. Yesterday afternoon was spent meeting new people and greeting "old" ones.
I'm going to be honest and admit that it was hard to be here yesterday and that though I'm doing better I'm still in the process of adjusting. It is a surreal feeling to be back here in a place so familiar, yet so far away from everything else I know, again for the whole summer. I can't believe it's already been a year! After I first arrived I just wished to go home - the summer ahead looks hard, not because there's something especially difficult about this summer, but because God wants me to give my all and I've been resisting. It didn't help that upon arrival I was already missing people from home, but that was no excuse and before the staff meeting I had spent sometime reading my Bible, in prayer and ready to try.
So I'm off to a jogging start. My prayer for myself, and something I hope you will lift up yourself, is that I'll start running. I'm tired, but I need to run - full fledged run without abandon. May I throw off my sin of selfishness and everything else that so easily entangles and may I RUN.
Have a great morning everyone - I'm off to breakfast!
"...let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1
My last night home between packing a huge pile of to dos I managed to get only 2 1/2 hours of sleep! A sorry way to start a summer I must say. But God is good and my packing crisis cleared and I accomplished the "absolutely must dos" before I left. Yesterday afternoon was spent meeting new people and greeting "old" ones.
I'm going to be honest and admit that it was hard to be here yesterday and that though I'm doing better I'm still in the process of adjusting. It is a surreal feeling to be back here in a place so familiar, yet so far away from everything else I know, again for the whole summer. I can't believe it's already been a year! After I first arrived I just wished to go home - the summer ahead looks hard, not because there's something especially difficult about this summer, but because God wants me to give my all and I've been resisting. It didn't help that upon arrival I was already missing people from home, but that was no excuse and before the staff meeting I had spent sometime reading my Bible, in prayer and ready to try.
So I'm off to a jogging start. My prayer for myself, and something I hope you will lift up yourself, is that I'll start running. I'm tired, but I need to run - full fledged run without abandon. May I throw off my sin of selfishness and everything else that so easily entangles and may I RUN.
Have a great morning everyone - I'm off to breakfast!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
One Week
In exactly one week – to the minute – I will be settling in for the drive up to camp. Next week Wednesday Rachel and her Mom will arrive here about 11am and our hopes are to leave around 11:30.
It is hard to believe that the time to leave is approaching so quickly. This last year has been a long and hard one, while simultaneously flying by. SST 2008 seemed like yesterday in some ways and years ago in others so it is hard to fathom my return to SST for summer 2009 is so soon!
I have many things to accomplish before I leave and it is hard not to be overwhelmed by it all. From packing to spending time with my siblings to finishing the updates on my business website I have MANY things to do. I’m trying to finish most of them before Friday because this weekend will be consumed by graduations and the last two days before I leave will have a mind and to do list of their own. So I have two and a half days to finish at least a week worth of projects!
Prayer Requests:
~ Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Readiness. Right now I am struggling to be ready for the task ahead and feel very unprepared. Pray that God would prepare my heart for this task in the short time I have left and give me strength and peace as I enter into staff training. (This same prayer request can also be for the rest of the staff)
~ Productive use of time. That I would be able to quickly and simply be able to finish each of my “To Do”s without my sleep or relationships suffering.
~ That God would be preparing the hearts of the staff and campers for a summer of service to Him and that it would set a pattern for the rest of our lives.
Thank you for joining me on this journey! It’s about to get exciting. :)
It is hard to believe that the time to leave is approaching so quickly. This last year has been a long and hard one, while simultaneously flying by. SST 2008 seemed like yesterday in some ways and years ago in others so it is hard to fathom my return to SST for summer 2009 is so soon!
I have many things to accomplish before I leave and it is hard not to be overwhelmed by it all. From packing to spending time with my siblings to finishing the updates on my business website I have MANY things to do. I’m trying to finish most of them before Friday because this weekend will be consumed by graduations and the last two days before I leave will have a mind and to do list of their own. So I have two and a half days to finish at least a week worth of projects!
Prayer Requests:
~ Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Readiness. Right now I am struggling to be ready for the task ahead and feel very unprepared. Pray that God would prepare my heart for this task in the short time I have left and give me strength and peace as I enter into staff training. (This same prayer request can also be for the rest of the staff)
~ Productive use of time. That I would be able to quickly and simply be able to finish each of my “To Do”s without my sleep or relationships suffering.
~ That God would be preparing the hearts of the staff and campers for a summer of service to Him and that it would set a pattern for the rest of our lives.
Thank you for joining me on this journey! It’s about to get exciting. :)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The packing has begun....
Over the last week or so I have begun sorting through my camp piles from last year, piling up things for this year and going shopping. I leave in a mere 7 and something days and June 3rd is approaching fast!
This is my "camp tub" that I dug out of the basement storage room. I saved alot of stuff from SST last summer and was happy to find that I had alot less shopping to do (and alot less spending to do!) than last year - a great blessing!
Here's some of the stuff I had saved from last year.
Me sorting through my stuff, happy to see that I already had so much stored away.
This is my "camp tub" that I dug out of the basement storage room. I saved alot of stuff from SST last summer and was happy to find that I had alot less shopping to do (and alot less spending to do!) than last year - a great blessing!
Here's some of the stuff I had saved from last year.
Me sorting through my stuff, happy to see that I already had so much stored away.
The growing pile in my room of "bring to camp" stuff along with a pile of purchases I made today (see white basket and contents).I've got "the itch" to get the packing done and crossed off my list so that project is definitely underway as I try to also wrap up all my other projects and complete my to do list before I head off for the summer.
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Preperations Have Begun!
I can't believe how time has flown and that it is already time to begin preparing for SST once again. I'm super excited, a bit nervous and definitely in a bit of shock :). It's only 36 days and 27 minutes and 54 seconds until the day that I load up and "move in" (as much as you can move in at a place where you move every week! lol).
Preparations are definitely underway here! My staff contract has been signed and sent in, my support letters are almost all mailed, my blog is up and running, my memory verse list is almost finished, notes are piling up for camper devos, packing lists have been scratched out and a general timeline for pre-camp to do's is forming in my planner.
God has already encouraged me by providing support commitments in various areas before letters have even been received. It is hard to explain how encouraging it is to have people partnering with me in this mission in so many ways. Financial support is necessary, but all four forms of support are precious to me. God has used many a letter, note, prayer and email, to help me get through the day or remember why I'm serving at camp. I have no doubt that this summer will be hard. Last year was very difficult and I expect this summer to once again test me and my commitment to serving the Lord in EVERYTHING, but I am excited to embark on this journey once again and see where God takes me.
Only 36 days - may God be glorified in my use of time these last days and may my preparations and hectic to do lists not hinder me from focusing on the priorities.
Prayer Requests:
- That I would manage my time well and accomplish alot of my To Dos so that I can focus on relationships before I leave.
- That God would be preparing my heart for the diverse group of staffers I will be working with: breaking down my critical spirit, dissolving bitterness and teaching me to love unconditionally.
Preparations are definitely underway here! My staff contract has been signed and sent in, my support letters are almost all mailed, my blog is up and running, my memory verse list is almost finished, notes are piling up for camper devos, packing lists have been scratched out and a general timeline for pre-camp to do's is forming in my planner.
God has already encouraged me by providing support commitments in various areas before letters have even been received. It is hard to explain how encouraging it is to have people partnering with me in this mission in so many ways. Financial support is necessary, but all four forms of support are precious to me. God has used many a letter, note, prayer and email, to help me get through the day or remember why I'm serving at camp. I have no doubt that this summer will be hard. Last year was very difficult and I expect this summer to once again test me and my commitment to serving the Lord in EVERYTHING, but I am excited to embark on this journey once again and see where God takes me.
Only 36 days - may God be glorified in my use of time these last days and may my preparations and hectic to do lists not hinder me from focusing on the priorities.
Prayer Requests:
- That I would manage my time well and accomplish alot of my To Dos so that I can focus on relationships before I leave.
- That God would be preparing my heart for the diverse group of staffers I will be working with: breaking down my critical spirit, dissolving bitterness and teaching me to love unconditionally.
Support Letter #1
My support letter, the first of four, is out!
The text (unformatted) is below:
Family and Friends,
In His faithful and unfailing grip, Courtney Lynn
_______________________________________________
Side bars:
Prayer Requests:
Preparation – that God would be preparing the hearts and minds of the campers and staff.
Unity – that the Summer Staff Team would be unified.
Strength – that even now God would be preparing my mind and body for this task.
Support – that enough financial support would come in.
------------------------------
The Race Set
Before Me…
“…Let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith….”
~ Hebrews 12:1-2 ~
-----------------------------------
Summer Schedule:
Staff Training:
June 3 – 13
Youth Camps:
June 15 – Aug 10
Home:
August 15
~ www.llbc.org ~
_____________________________________________________
Support Letter inserts:
The text (unformatted) is below:
Family and Friends,
Over the last few weeks spring has begun to show its shy face around Green Bay, WI and I am rejoicing in the anticipation of the freshness of a new (and warmer!) season. As I lay out here in my backyard, soaking in the new spring warmth atop a comfy blanket, my thoughts turn once again towards this coming summer.
Last summer I was blessed with the opportunity to work and serve at Lake Lundgren Bible Camp as a Summer Staff Team (SST) member. It was the hardest and most challenging summer I’ve ever faced but also the most stretching, worthwhile and rewarding one. God worked in and through me all summer, using me to reach into the lives of campers and fellow staffers, while working in my own heart to draw me closer to Himself and teach me many things about living according to His word. I am excited to announce that I have the privilege to once again join SST, returning for summer 2009 as 31 SSTers (including myself), countless volunteer staff, and over 1100 campers embark on a “Quest for Character” themed around Titus 2:11-12.
I will once again be counseling for a majority of the summer as well as hopefully having the opportunity to try some of the camp jobs I’ve never done before: craft instructor, A/V specialist, and cook. Coming in as a second year SSTer I will have the opportunity to encourage incoming staffers, sharing with them the things I have learned and being a friend and sister in the Lord to them in their new and demanding camp setting. I will also have the opportunity to build on the things I learned last summer to accomplish more things and be more effective.
I am really excited about this summer and all that God is going to do in and through me. I am writing this letter to ask you to join me on this journey! My friends and family were an important part of my service at camp last summer and I hope that many of you will join me again. You can do this in a number of ways:
(1) Pray! Knowing that people are praying for me is such an encouragement and motivates me to keep on “keeping on”.
(2) Read! I will once again be keeping a blog about camp, now and throughout the summer. It is an encouragement to have people reading it, taking interest in what God’s doing in my life, the lives of campers and the camp staff. It is also where I post my most recent prayer requests.
(3) Write! I cannot express how much it means to me to receive a word of encouragement (whether it’s two sentences or four pages) via email or the US postal service. Letters (and packages) from family and friends have blessed me over and over in previous years, many times brightening a difficult day.
(4) Support me financially. As an SSTer I must raise support. I know many of you cannot afford to help me in this area and please know that the other three ways of support mean just as much to me. However, if you’d like to or feel God calling you to support me financially, it is, as everything else, very much appreciated.
All of these forms of support are greatly appreciated. It is so encouraging to have people standing behind me in this important summer ministry. Thank you for taking the time to read this! May God greatly bless you and your family this summer!
Last summer I was blessed with the opportunity to work and serve at Lake Lundgren Bible Camp as a Summer Staff Team (SST) member. It was the hardest and most challenging summer I’ve ever faced but also the most stretching, worthwhile and rewarding one. God worked in and through me all summer, using me to reach into the lives of campers and fellow staffers, while working in my own heart to draw me closer to Himself and teach me many things about living according to His word. I am excited to announce that I have the privilege to once again join SST, returning for summer 2009 as 31 SSTers (including myself), countless volunteer staff, and over 1100 campers embark on a “Quest for Character” themed around Titus 2:11-12.
I will once again be counseling for a majority of the summer as well as hopefully having the opportunity to try some of the camp jobs I’ve never done before: craft instructor, A/V specialist, and cook. Coming in as a second year SSTer I will have the opportunity to encourage incoming staffers, sharing with them the things I have learned and being a friend and sister in the Lord to them in their new and demanding camp setting. I will also have the opportunity to build on the things I learned last summer to accomplish more things and be more effective.
I am really excited about this summer and all that God is going to do in and through me. I am writing this letter to ask you to join me on this journey! My friends and family were an important part of my service at camp last summer and I hope that many of you will join me again. You can do this in a number of ways:
(1) Pray! Knowing that people are praying for me is such an encouragement and motivates me to keep on “keeping on”.
(2) Read! I will once again be keeping a blog about camp, now and throughout the summer. It is an encouragement to have people reading it, taking interest in what God’s doing in my life, the lives of campers and the camp staff. It is also where I post my most recent prayer requests.
(3) Write! I cannot express how much it means to me to receive a word of encouragement (whether it’s two sentences or four pages) via email or the US postal service. Letters (and packages) from family and friends have blessed me over and over in previous years, many times brightening a difficult day.
(4) Support me financially. As an SSTer I must raise support. I know many of you cannot afford to help me in this area and please know that the other three ways of support mean just as much to me. However, if you’d like to or feel God calling you to support me financially, it is, as everything else, very much appreciated.
All of these forms of support are greatly appreciated. It is so encouraging to have people standing behind me in this important summer ministry. Thank you for taking the time to read this! May God greatly bless you and your family this summer!
In His faithful and unfailing grip, Courtney Lynn
_______________________________________________
Side bars:
Prayer Requests:
Preparation – that God would be preparing the hearts and minds of the campers and staff.
Unity – that the Summer Staff Team would be unified.
Strength – that even now God would be preparing my mind and body for this task.
Support – that enough financial support would come in.
------------------------------
The Race Set
Before Me…
“…Let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith….”
~ Hebrews 12:1-2 ~
-----------------------------------
Summer Schedule:
Staff Training:
June 3 – 13
Youth Camps:
June 15 – Aug 10
Home:
August 15
~ www.llbc.org ~
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Support Letter inserts:
- About financial support insert:
"To all of you who financially supported me last summer – thank you! It is because of you that I was able to serve all summer. I am being completely honest when I say that I understand that many of you won’t be able to help me financially and that’s ok! The enclosed form is for those committing to support me financially or in prayer. All of my supporters will receive a picture and three update letters throughout the summer. Please note that all checks need to be made out to Lake Lundgren Bible Camp and are tax deductible. Thank you ahead of time to those of you who choose to support me financially. It is, like the other forms of support, very encouraging to have people standing behind me in this ministry. "
- Financial/Prayer Supporter Response Form:Click Here for PDF
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