MONTHLY ARCHIVES: September 2017

Coffee and Convo with (Mary) Elise Moffatt

Posted by Becky Haltiwanger

Thanks for tuning in this week on another blogisode of “Coffee and Convo.” Today’s guest speaker comes all the way from Kennesaw, GA. She can casually do backflips, runs 100 miles a day, and has the most joyful energy out of anyone I know. Her wisdom and life-giving personality makes anyone who gets the wonderful chance to meet Elise Moffatt drawn to her. She is a true woman of the Lord and I’m so happy I get the chance to call her my friend roomie. GIVE IT UP FOR ELISE MOFFATT *air horn noises*!!

 

Me: Elise, what gets you the most excited about camp?

Elise: JESUS! JESUS! JESUS! AND MORE JESUS! I just love him. He is just so great and camp gives such a beautiful opportunity for people to hear his name and share his love with others.

Me: What is your favorite Singspiration song?

Elise: Jesus, you are my best friend! It is such a true song, it’s so worshipful. There is a lot of jumping moments and I love going crazy during it.

Me: What is the kindest thing anyone has done for you?

Elise: What Becky wrote at the beginning of this blog, is one of the nicest things anyone has done for me haha. Also honestly, during staff banquet, all of my Chickasaw counselors got me a gift that was all of my favorite things and it really showed me how much they knew and appreciated me. I was blown away by it!

Me: Well it is all truth Elise! Anyways, what is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?

Elise: Follow Jesus (forever and ever), go to camp, grow a garden, and floss their teeth, but just once.

Me: What is your favorite Bible story?

Elise: I love all of them truly. Right now, Matthew 8 really resinates with me, where Jesus calms the storm and He asks His disciples ‘Ye of little faith, why are you afraid?’ It’s a cool example of life and how we try to manage the storms of life on our own instead of just trusting the Lord.

Me: If you could either be a duck or an owl, which would you be?

Becky: A duck. Ducks are more family oriented and they have more of a community than owls do. I’m not an expert on either, but that’s probably why I would want to be a duck.

Me: If you were invisible, where would you go?

Elise: I don’t know! I don’t want to be a sneaky person! BUT, if it caused me to not have to pay for things, then I would hop on a plane and go to New Zealand and visit all the cool places, then go to Europe and hangout at all those cool places, then I would go to Africa so I could ride an elephant, and THEN I would go to Disney World and ride all the rides and rollercoasters, and then fly back to Ridgecrest and raid canteen, and then head over to Crestridge and raid the store (man I am setting such a bad example). At that point I’d be tired of being invisible but I would’ve saved a lot of money, but I would miss my friends so I’d go back to being visible.

Me: If you were forced to open a bakery, what would you name it?

Elise: Bakes R Us, or Go nuts, for donuts!, or We bake things, or THE BAKERY: the place where yummy things are made, or Risk it for the Biscuit. That’s all I got.

Me: What skill would you like to master?

Elise: I would like to be able to play the guitar really well, or be able to ride a unicycle, or throw a football properly haha. Yodeling is cool too, I really wish I could do it. Also impersonations of people are funny! And be able to paint things that are pretty. There’s a lot of things I’d like to do, but yodeling is definitely number one!

Me: If you could pick a slogan for your life, what would it be?

Elise: Pray about it more than you think about it.

Me: Solid.

 

Thanks for tuning in to another Coffee and Convo! Stay tuned for next week where we get to have a whole interview with the one and only Scout! If only he would return my calls… ANYWAYS! Take care, comb your hair and have a wiggity wack weekend.


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A Real Response

Posted by Karah

Pause

Pause for a minute and focus your thoughts on God. Thank Him for the redemption you have through Christ.

“And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” —Matthew 25:46

Read Matthew 25:31-46 in your Bible.

Look back over what you read and, using the list below as a guide, circle the loving actions the sheep carried out compared to the goats.

Loving Actions:

Gave the least something to eat

Gave the least something to drink

Took in strangers

Clothed the naked

Cared for the sick

Visited prisoners

The sheep in this passage represent the righteous, those who will spend eternity with God. The goats represent those who reject Jesus and will spend eternity separated from Him.

According to verses 37-39, how should Christ-followers serve Him? Jot down a few ideas in your journal.

Respond

Believers are called to care for others as if they are caring for Jesus.

Consider this—Are you a sheep or a goat? Why? Take a minute to examine your actions, thoughts, and words. Do they honor Christ? Confess any struggles to God and ask Him to help you live in a way that is pleasing to Him.

What can you commit to today to develop an authentic relationship with Jesus? Journal a few ideas and share them with your camp counselor or another mature Christian mentor.

Behind the Story

A common practice of Palestinian shepherds was separating sheep from goats. The flocks would oftentimes be combined, and all look alike from afar. However, a point would come when they would need to be separated. Sheep, which were distinct because of their wool, were more valuable and would be divided from the goats.

The Point

True followers of Christ will reveal their devotion through their actions.


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Coffee and Convo with Becky Haltiwanger

Posted by Elise Moffatt

Hey all of you blog readers out there! We are here with Becky Haltiwanger. Becky is one of our interns at Camp Crestridge this year. She is a wonderful soul full of life and love. Today, we thought it would be nice for all of you to hear a little bit more about Becky. So, sit down, grab some coffee and enjoy a nice convo with the one and only, Becky Haltiwanger.

Me: So, Becky, Tell me what you love most about camp.

Becky: All of the fun kiddos that come to camp. They bring so much joy to my heart. Meeting new campers and seeing old ones is always an awesome time. I love having the chance to be goofy and have dance parties along with seeing the Lord work in their lives. Those are definitely some of the best memories I have of camp!

Me: What is your favorite campfire song?

Becky: I just want to be a sheep! It just cracks me up from all the play-on words! It’s the song I definitely get hype about.

Me: What is your favorite childhood memory?

Becky: One of my favorite times during my childhood was when me and my close friends worked on our middle school news team together.  We would be goofy and weird for all the school to see. We loved each other, which made it really fun, honestly it was such a great time. We established great memories and bonding time that we still laugh about today. Truly though.

Me: If you could be any kind of animal, what would you be and why?

Becky: Honestly… a camp dog. These dogs have the life, man. They get to be loved on and get to run around camp and just have a great time with kids. But seriously, if I wanted to be an animal, it would be Scout.

Me: What is your favorite Bible story?

Becky: The story of Joseph. This is partially due to the fact that I was in the musical in high school and the songs in it are so fun to dance to and learn from. But also because it is such an amazing story of God and His provision and forgiveness. It’s such a great reminder of how God’s plan is so much better than our plan and how He will take care of us in every situation. He knows our stories even if we don’t.

Me: If you were a new addition to a crayon box, what color crayon would you be?

Becky: Shoot… I’d probably want to be a really pretty blue or a solid green. Like a nice pine green or a pacific blue. They are colors that can be used to draw nature. Nature is just SO beautiful if you’re catchin’ my drift.

Me: Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck or 100 horses the size of ducks and why?

Becky: 100 horses the size of ducks. I think they would be really cute and I’d want to be their friend. I wouldn’t want to fight them, I’d just be their friend. Then I could have a whole farm of these cute horses that people could come hangout with if they are feeling blue. I could bring them to camp and the kids could play with them during horseback skill and I’d be saving camp a lot of money. Except… we would have to buy mini saddles and lots of food so it might be too crazy.

Me: If you could only choose to play one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Becky: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” By Marvin Gaye because it is such a motivational song. You can dance to it, get hype to it and it has a great message for the listeners. And you know what, there ain’t no mountain too high for our Lord. Ya feel me?

Me: If you were a box of cereal, which kind would you be?

Becky: Fruity Pebbles. They are my favorite and they should be everyones favorite cereal. If it’s not your favorite, you’re doing it wrong.

Me: If you could pick a slogan for your life, what would it be?

Becky: It would be “Let your Freak Flag Fly” or “Dance like EVERYONE is Watching” (because you probably have some cool dance moves that I want to try). I just want everyone to know how unique they are as a person and how we can all learn from each other if we just be the person Christ made us to be– each with unique gifts and skills He has equipped us to use for His kingdom work!!!

Well, that is all we have for you folks today! Stay tuned for next week for Coffee and Convo with Elise! Until then, stay blessed, stay humble and keep serving on!!


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Believe In Me

Posted by Karah

Turn off your phone, TV, and any other electronics. Prepare a quiet environment as you concentrate on spending time with God.

Read John 14:1-6 in your Bible.

“I am going away to prepare a place for you . . . You know the way to where I am going.”

—John 14:2b,4

Dig deeper with these questions:

Based on what you read, fill in the blanks below.

 

We are to believe in _____, and also in _______ .

Jesus went away to prepare a place for ___________.

Jesus declared, “ I am the _______, the ________, and the ________.”

 

Where was Jesus going? What did Jesus say He would do when He left? Why was it important for Him to go? Explain your answers in your journal.

Other passages, such as Matthew 5:12 and Matthew 6:19-21, indicate that followers of Christ will receive a reward in heaven. However, today’s Scripture focuses on Jesus’ personal touch in the preparation of a place for His followers to dwell with Him for eternity.

-Jesus came to earth, died for our sins, and left to prepare an eternal place for us to dwell with Him. What does this tell you about Jesus’ claim that He was “the way”?

-Look at the end of verse 6. How did Jesus say His followers would get to the place He prepared for them?

Respond

In our culture, people have many ideas and beliefs about the way to get to heaven. Some say you only have to be a good person, and others believe there is more than one way to get to heaven.

-Meditate on the Scripture you read today. What is the true way to heaven? Are you focused on Jesus and living His way?

-Think about all Jesus experienced and did to enable you to have fellowship with God. Say a prayer of gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice and the gift of eternal life with Him.

Behind the Story

This passage is a part of Jesus’ farewell discourse. It took place after His last Passover meal and before His coming crucifixion. It was important for Jesus to give instructions to His disciples at this point because He knew He would soon leave them and return to His Father in Heaven.

Dwell (v.) = to settle or abide in a specific location

The Point

Jesus is truly the only way to a relationship with God.


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Weekend Camps Recap

Posted by Sharon

Our summer doesn’t end with Starter Camp. At the end of August and beginning of September we had close to 700 people come to Crestridge and Ridgecrest! We had our Mother & Daughter Camp at Crestridge and Father & Son Camp at Ridgecrest, then Family Camp over Labor Day Weekend.

These two weekends allow families the opportunity to come experience our camps but also grow deeper in their relationship with Christ and each other. They have the opportunity to get messy, go swimming, sit around a campfire, go off the blob or Giant Swing together and so much more. They create memories that will remind them of what God did in their life while at camp! We love being apart of this and creating a place for these memories to happen!

Here is what some of our parents had to say about our weekend camps:
“We had sweet time away, just the two of us. It was nice to adventure and have fun and laugh together! I think we made special memories, just the two of us. We have 4 children, so it is hard to have such concentrated individual time with one child. Our motto is ‘More of Jesus, less of me’.”

“We loved going on an adventure together and focusing on God’s nature surrounded by other mothers/daughters. It definitely lifted us up as a team going into hard work during the school year and just the challenges we both face whether a 6 year old or 35 year old!”

“Sharing camp together. Safe, distraction-free space to have “deeper” conversations. Trying new adventures. Personally, the weekend was refreshing and refocusing toward the task at hand and the Lord’s blessing of being a father.”

“This weekend solidified our bond as a family. We appreciated each other for who we are as individuals with no distractions. We were delighted with the wonderful family memories we made.”

Consider joining us for a weekend camp in 2018! Our Father & Son and Mother & Daughter Camp will be August 24-26. Family Camp will be August 31-Sept. 3. For more info, click HERE to visit our weekend camps website! You’re never too old to be a camper!

 


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Eternal Fellowship

Posted by Karah

Pause

Think about your dreams for the future. Now, meditate on the joy of spending eternity with God.

Read Matthew 8:8-10. The gentile soldier spoke with humility and showed greater faith than the religious leaders in Israel. Why is this important? Journal your response.

“I tell you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” —Matthew 8:11-12

Read Matthew 8:11-13 in your Bible. Answer the following questions:

-What comes to mind when you read the words recline and table? What about weeping and gnashing?

-Verse 11 gives us a glimpse of eternity with God: believers in fellowship not only with Him, but also with believers from previous generations. Knowing this, how do you envision eternity with God? Sketch a picture below.

-There is a clear difference in eternity for those who trust and those who reject the Son of God, Jesus Christ. What does this demonstrate about God’s character?

Respond

As a believer in Christ, you will always be with God and experience everlasting life. Think of how incredible eternity with God will be. In your journal, jot down a few words that describe the glory and character of God.

For further study on saving faith, read John 3:36 and Romans 10:9.

Behind the Story

In verse 12, the “sons of the kingdom” referred to the Jews who did not believe in Christ. Their disbelief would separate them from God. Regardless of their heritage, faith in Christ alone was the determining factor for how they would spend eternity.

The Point

Those who trust in Christ, enjoy eternal fellowship with God. Those who do not will endure eternal punishment and separation from God.


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Eternal View

Posted by Karah

Pause

Take a deep breath. Pray and ask God to help you focus on what He desires for you to learn today.

Today’s passage describes the beginning of John the Baptist’s ministry. His words constantly pointed to the One who would come after him—Jesus. John humbly acknowledged the surpassing greatness of Jesus’ work and ministry.

“His winnowing shovel is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor and gather His wheat into the barn. But the chaff He will burn up with fire that never goes out.”

—Matthew 3:12

Read Matthew 3:1-12 in your Bible. Think through these questions:

-In your journal, list four messages that John the Baptist proclaimed.

-What did John’s messages encourage people to do? Explain.

John the Baptist warned of Christ’s judgment and gave an illustration of grain and chaff being separated.

-Read verse 12. Underneath the headings below, record what will happen to the chaff and grain.

            Chaff                                                   Grain

This illustration indicates that no one will escape God’s judgment, and He will make no mistakes sorting the believers from the unbelievers.

How does this passage help you realize the urgency and importance of sharing Jesus with others?

Respond

Have you trusted in Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Journal your response. If you want to place your faith in Christ now, talk to your parents, your camp counselor, or someone at your church.

For further study on John the Baptist’s ministry refer to Isaiah 40:3-6.

Behind the Story

The winnowing shovel is a tool that farmers used in Jesus’ day to separate wheat from chaff when harvest time arrived. The chaff, hollow shells that covered grain, would blow away into the wind while the grain would fall to the ground so the farmer could gather it for harvest.

The Point

Jesus is the judge. He will preserve those who trust Him, but those who do not will face eternal punishment.


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