AUTHOR ARCHIVES: Karah

Dance Dare Session 2A

Posted by Karah

Check out this video for some more Dance Dare fun!


Posted in Girls | Tagged , , , | Leave a reply

Poor In Spirit

Posted by Karah

❶ Read Matthew 5:3-4 carefully in your Bible. Then, consider the definitions some of the key words and phrases below.

BLESSED —adjective
endowed with divine favor and protection; those who live with God in heaven.

THE POOR IN SPIRIT—
people who depend only on him (CEV); who realize their spiritual poverty (NCV); those who know there is nothing good in themselves (NLV)

THOSE WHO MOURN–
those people who grieve (CEV); when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you (MSG); those who have sorrow (NLV)

❷ The Point
It’s an unavoidable truth: to be a follower of Christ, you must be “poor in spirit” (admit your need for God) and mourn over sin and its consequences. If you don’t, you can’t have a right relationship with God.

What that does and doesn’t mean:

Sin bothers you but doesn’t defeat you.

You’re happy because God is awesome, not because you are.

You are content because heaven is yours, not because your life on earth is so satisfying.

You readily admit your sin—and God’s grace, not legalism, compels you to do so.

❸ Journal
Take some time to think over what this verse really means. By the definitions, are you poor in spirit?

Are you someone who grieves over sin? What does it really mean to say you’re blessed today? Pour out your thoughts and feelings to God. Use your journal to record them or your prayer.

LEGALISM —noun
• excessive adherence to law or formula
• (theology) the doctrine that salvation is gained through good works; the judging of conduct in terms of adherence to precise laws.


Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged , , , | Leave a reply

Meet the 2013 Village Directors

Posted by Karah

 

Chippewa

Julianne Weatherall is from Morristown, TN. She is a Sophomore Nursing student at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. This will be her second summer at Crestridge. Last year she served as a counselor in Chippewa 1. She has two older siblings, a nephew she adores, and beloved dog named Sailor. Julianne is excited for camp and cannot wait to hang out with all the Chippewas!

 

Chickasaw 

Lacy Fisher is from Camden, TN. She is currently studying Nursing at Union University in Jackson, TN. This is Lacy’s second summer serving at Crestridge. Last year she was a counselor in Chickasaw 8. Lacy is excited to be back at camp playing Gold Rush, eating Chicken Tenders on Tuesdays, and most of all getting to know all the Chickasaws!

 

 

Cheyenne

 Lisa Saari is from Lilburn, GA. She is currently a Psychology major at Furman University. This will be here ninth year at camp and second to serve as the Cheyenne Village Director. Lisa is ready for mini pizza Mondays, Night of Chaos, and hanging out with the Cheyennes!

 

Choctaw

 Ryann Andrews is from Tallahassee, FL. She is studying Nursing at Florida State University. This will be Ryann’s thirteenth summer at Crestridge and her second summer at the Choctaw Village Director. Ryann is excited for another summer full of campfires, packet meals, and quality time with the Choctaw Village!

 

Cherokee

Aubrey Edkins is from Fayetteville, GA. She is currently studying at the University of Alabama. This will be Aubrey’s ninth year at Crestridge. Aubrey is excited for this summer! She is ready for singspiration, building new relationships, and hanging out with the Cherokees!


Posted in Girls | Tagged Leave a reply

What’s The Attraction?

Posted by Karah

Do you go to church . . .

  • to see your friends?
  • because you think the speaker is cool?
  • to learn about God?
  • because your parents want you to?
  • because the music and media stuff entertains you?
  • to serve others?

    Read Matthew 5:1-2. Ask yourself:

What do these verses tell you about why the disciples came to where Jesus was?

Do you go to church for the same reason? Why or why not?

Do you have a personal relationship with Christ? Explain. If so, how is it challenging or changing you?

Think About It
Today’s Scripture passage describes a huge crowd. In today’s church culture, we’d get so excited. We’d roll out a sweet sound system, set up a stage, bring in a cool worship leader, and put together a PowerPoint presentation complete with info about upcoming events for the big screens. Jesus didn’t operate that way, though. In fact, He did the exact opposite. When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and sat down. He didn’t have to try to draw people to Him; those who longed to know Truth came to Him and listened. The stuff wasn’t the attraction. Jesus was. Jesus still is.

The Point
True disciples of Christ don’t need to be entertained; they know they need a personal relationship with Him that challenges and changes them. Jesus’ disciples came to Him to be taught, to learn what it means to follow Him. Do you do the same?

Take Action
What are some ways you will spend time with Jesus this week so that He can challenge and change you? Comment a few ideas below, or jot them down In your journal.


Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged , , , | Leave a reply

Dance Dare Session 1A

Posted by Karah

You never know when somebody might just decide to start dancing behind you. These people were definitely unsuspecting!


Posted in Girls | Tagged , , , | Leave a reply

You Are Precious To God

Posted by Karah

“Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid therefore; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

—Matthew 10:29–31

Think about it
Read Matthew 10:26-31 in your Bible. Jesus told the disciples that His followers would face opposition as they chose to obey and follow God. So will you. When you do, take Jesus’ advice: don’t be afraid. Trust that you are precious to God, and He is in control.

Take Action
In what ways do you doubt that you are worth much to God? Honestly express those fears to Him today.

In what areas of your life are you facing opposition to really living out your faith? What steps will you take this week to trust those areas to God and actively believe that He is in control?

What are you afraid to turn over to God, fearful that He can’t be trusted or that He will not replace it with something infinitely better? Turn it over to God today!


Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged , , , | Leave a reply

What Could Happen If…

Posted by Karah

What could happen if . . .
➤ you break your curfew?
➤ you don’t study for the big test?
➤ you wear flip flops around camp?

In our society, and at camp, there are rules and laws set up to protect us from danger, injury, or pain. We can choose to obey them or ignore them, but there will be consequences.

Read Jeremiah 38:19-23.

What were the choices Jeremiah presented to King Zedekiah?

What were the consequences of each of those choices?

How do you face similar opportunities to obey or disobey God every day? What opportunities have you had today?

Do you think that as Christians, we’re still called to proclaim a similar message when we share the gospel? Why or why not?

The Point
Like King Zedekiah, every person will face a simple choice in their lives: surrender to Christ and gain eternal life, or rebel against Him and face eternity in hell.

Take Action
Have you responded to the gospel? If you have not given Christ control of your life, you are not a Christian and do not have eternal life. Read “Do you really know God?” on page 4 for more information on how to become a Christian.

If you are a Christian, who in your life needs to know about the hope the gospel provides? What steps will you take this week to be God’s ambassador to those who need to hear God’s message of forgiveness?

Going Deeper

Explore the passages below for other models of sharing the gospel:
– Acts 17:16-34
– Colossians 4:5-6
– 1 Peter 3:15

“One act of obedience is better than one hundred sermons.”

—Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Behind the Story
Surrender is an interesting word. In Zedekiah’s case, to surrender to the Babylonians was a sign of humility. It would have been a sign of remorse and repentance. If Zedekiah surrendered it would be as if he were admitting on behalf of the entire nation that they had sinned against God and deserved the punishment.

When you surrender your life to Christ, you admit much the same thing. To surrender your life to Jesus is to admit you are a sinner, that only Jesus can save you, and to give Him absolute control of your life.


Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged , , , | Leave a reply

Waterfront Fun

Posted by Karah

There is nothing better on a hot summer day than to spend a little time at the Crestridge lake!


Posted in Girls | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a reply

Be Bold!

Posted by Karah

A superhero, police officer, and an army ranger. What do all three have in common?

The answer? All three display great courage and boldness. In the movies, superheroes courageously do what everyone else is scared to do. The Army Rangers are elite members of the U.S. Army who have displayed great courage and boldness. Police officers often face difficult situations in which they have to be daring, valiant, and brave.

As Christians, courage and boldness should also be traits in our lives. Read Jeremiah 38:14-18 to learn more. Ask yourself:

How did Jeremiah exhibit courage and boldness in this passage?

What would you have done or said if you had been Jeremiah? Why?

Jeremiah must have felt like he was in a “no-win” situation. When you’ve been in “no-win” situations that called for you to be bold about your faith, what did you do? Why? What did you learn?

Journal
It’s easy to say that you’ll be bold for Christ when you’re not in the middle of a “no-win” situation. But Jeremiah proved his trust in God was more than just talk—and when he faced a scary situation, he delivered a message that could probably lead to his execution. Take some time to process that today. In what areas of your life could you use a little more boldness or courage to stand up for Christ? As you think or pray over that, jot down your thoughts and prayers in your journal. Express your fears, concerns, and desire to boldly follow Christ.

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
—Winston Churchill

BOLD— adjective
– (of a person, action, or idea) showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous
– (of a color or design) having a strong or vivid appearance

COURAGE— noun
– the ability to do something that frightens one
– strength in the face of pain or grief


Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged , , , | Leave a reply

Encourager

Posted by Karah

Who’s the most encouraging person in your life? You know, the one who reminds you of what’s really important. The one who lifts you up, prays for you, and sticks by you when you’re suffering or life is just hard. Jot down the first few names that come to mind.

Read Jeremiah 38:7-13. Think through these questions:

In these verses, who stood up for Jeremiah?

Do you think it took courage for Ebed-Melech to stand up for Jeremiah? Why or why not? What risks might he have undertaken in order to help Jeremiah?

Think about a time when you’ve felt defeated or abandoned. Who stood up for you?

Being abandoned at the bottom of a cistern was probably a spiritual low point for Jeremiah. What has been your spiritual low point? Who encouraged you in your faith during that time? What did you learn?

The Point
As a Christian, you don’t have to handle opposition or tough times on your own. In times of trial and suffering, God will provide people, His Word, and His presence to encourage you and lift you up, just like He did for Jeremiah.

Take Action
Look at that list of encouragers you created earlier. Over the next few weeks, find a way to express your appreciation to those people. Write them a Facebook message, send a note, or call them up. Just express your thanks for how they have encouraged you in your faith.

 
Maybe you’re not the one who’s discouraged or going through a tough time. Who do you know who needs an “Ebed-Melech” in his or her life? What steps will you take to encourage that person this week?


Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged , , , | Leave a reply

Newer posts
Older posts