3 Useful Tips To Remember about Snow

Posted by Sharon

As you may have seen, we got a few inches of snow here at Camp Crestridge.  Winter is always more enjoyable when you have snow.  Since some of you have not been in snow, we figured we would give you a few tips about experiencing snow.

If you want to see pictures, check out Camp Crestridge on Facebook.


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Focus!

Posted by Phil

God’s plans are often different from ours. Let that sink in. God’s plans are often different from yours.

Are you content when others are given credit and you are forgotten? As Christians, we should be content for God to fulfill His plans however He sees fit. Are you willing to rest in God’s wisdom, power, and faithfulness?

Don’t miss verse 16 as you read 2 Samuel 7:11b-16.

What does it mean that God will build a house for David?

Who was David’s son? (Solomon)

Who was the future Son of David who would ultimately reign over God’s people forever? (The Old Testament tells us that God was faithful to His promise in the reign of Solomon and ultimately in Jesus who will reign forever and ever. See Rev. 5:13.)

God invited David to stay focused on the tasks He had called him to do and not to focus on what others were doing. Is that advice you need to hear? Why?

Although David experienced great victories in his reign as king, God had determined David’s son, Solomon, would actually build the temple. It’s easy to look at all the people around you doing great things for God and start comparing. That’s not what He asks of us. God has specific tasks for you to do. Focus on them, be obedient to do what God calls you to do and go where He leads you to go. God’s plans include you—and those who follow you. Focus on the things God calls you to do and be obedient. Your obedience will have a lasting effect.

“Your house and kingdom will endure before Me forever, and your throne will be established forever.” —2 Samuel 7:16


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December’s Secret Assignment

Posted by Karah

It’s that time again! That’s right folks, December’s Secret Assignment is here and we have made things a bit more challenging than they have been in the past. This month, your picture must be taken with a NON-CAMP person. No family members allowed, but other than that, go crazy. Get famous people or your friends who don’t come to camp but should. Either way, keep up the creativity. Submissions are due Thursday, December 15th. As usual, send your pictures to RHBARNHARDT@GMAIL.COM. Have fun and good luck!


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Let God lead. He knows what He’s doing.

Posted by Phil

Do you ever feel like God could never use you? What characteristics do you think God looks for in those who serve Him? Do you know of any examples in the Bible or history of unlikely men and women whom God used greatly? Name a few.

Read 2 Samuel 7:8-11a, focusing on verse 9.

What about David’s past made him an unlikely hero? (Hint: notice his former job!)

What do these verses tell us about David’s accomplishments and success?

Why should this have kept David humble?

How have you seen God’s hand in your own life?

Do you acknowledge that everything good in your life is due to God’s power and mercy? Why or why not?

David needed to be reminded that he was not ultimately the one doing great things for God. God is the One who had done great things for him, like raising him up from being a poor, unknown shepherd to the greatest king in Israel’s history. Today’s passage should encourage all believers to be grateful. Like David, we cannot take credit for any good that we have done. Our victories and achievements are gifts from the Lord. Whatever we accomplish is due to God’s power working through us. God is very active in our lives. God wants to direct your life and display His glory through it. Let God’s Word remind you daily that your success is the Lord’s work. It’s not about your plans or what you can do. It’s about what He can do. Let Him have control!

“I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. I will make a name for you like that of the greatest in the land.” —2 Samuel 7:9


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Happy Thanksgiving

Posted by Sharon

What a great time of year we are getting into!  Great food, extra time spent with friends and family, fun music, time away from school and work, and most importantly, the reminder of what God has done for us.  As we were thinking of how we could best say “Happy Thanksgiving” to you, we kept coming back to our video from last year.  It was just too hard to top!  So here’s another look…


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Good Plans vs. God’s Plans

Posted by Phil

Think about that time you planned to do something extraordinary, only to have it backfire on you. What happened? What did you learn?

Do you ever find that you are motivated to do something good for the wrong reason? Is this ever true in your relationship with God?

Read 2 Samuel 7:1-7, stopping to think about verse 7.

What was good about David’s plan to build God a house (temple)?

How did God respond to David’s plan?

What does God’s response say about David’s plans?

What was God’s problem with David’s plans?

David wanted to do something wonderful for God, but his plans didn’t correspond to God’s plans. When have you seen that scenario play out in your life? What happened?

We shouldn’t read this passage and think that God doesn’t want us to do great things. He does, but He wants us to do great things according to His plan and through His power and strength. Even our greatest efforts and talents are gifts from Him.

David wanted to do something good for God. He wanted to honor God by building a temple, but it was never God’s plan that David would be the king who would build the temple. David’s motives were pure, and he wanted to do a wonderful thing, but his plan didn’t match up with God’s.

The point you need to understand? You may want to do great things for God, but if He hasn’t called you to do those things, you shouldn’t be doing them. Make plans to serve the Lord, but seek His leadership, then go where He leads and do what He asks.

In all My journeys with all the Israelites, have I ever asked anyone among the tribes of Israel, whom
I commanded to shepherd My people Israel: “Why haven’t you built Me a house of cedar?” —2 Samuel 7:7


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This Month’s Honorable Mentions

Posted by Sharon

The Honor Band assignment was a definite hit, and many of you submitted awesome photos wearing your honor bands. Here are some pictures of you ladies looking good!

Catherine Green sports her honor band at the center of  the state of Alabama on her campus of the University of Montevallo. It’s just a coincidence she is wearing green and white.

Grace Valentine eats at Cafe do  Monde in her home of New Orleans while wearing her honor band.

Ragan Story and Kierston Haddock represent Crestridge and show off their honor bands while away at school.

Thank you to all who participated! We love to see your submissions. December’s assignment coming soon!


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November Assignment Winner!

Posted by Sharon

This month, Ron wanted you to get creative and snap a picture wearing your honor band. A bunch of you submitted fabulous pictures of yourselves looking stylish with your honor bands on. However, we did choose a winner. This month’s assignment winner is Mary Massey. Mary snapped a picture of her other Crestridge gal pals wearing their honor band’s while riding on a carousel.

Allie Buchalski, Molly Speese, Cari Phillips, Kayla Gula and Ashley Gryska all sporting their honor bands at North Point Mall in Alpharetta, GA.

Winner will receive a free store item of her choice sent to her door! Enjoy, and everyone stay tune for next month’s assignment.


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Let Him Lead

Posted by Phil

Read Proverbs 16:1-4.

Have you ever heard the saying, “Things aren’t always as they seem?” Sometimes, the things we think are certain may only be a wish—or even worse, a scam. If only we could pull the curtain back and see things as they really are, we could avoid so much sin, confusion, and heartache.

Often, the problem may be our own pride or selfish motives. All too often, we fail to consider God’s will when we make our plans. We may think we have everything planned out, but only God knows the outcome.

Proverbs 16:1-4 is a reminder that we don’t ultimately determine our futures. Our plans don’t necessarily succeed; God’s plans, on the other hand, are sure to succeed. Even terrible circumstances cannot ultimately disrupt God’s purposes for His people, since He gives believers the strength to endure all situations.

It’s easy to come up with our own plans, then take them to God and ask for His blessing. But that isn’t what He’s asked us to do. Instead, as today’s passage says, He invites us to surrender our plans to Him and line them up with His purposes. When we give our plans to God and pursue His purposes, those plans will be achieved because He’s the One who is doing the leading.

Surrendering your plans to God isn’t easy. It doesn’t always feel good. But regardless of what you think or feel, will you trust God with your present and your future? Your Heavenly Father is worthy of trust, and His promises are sure. Don’t foolishly and arrogantly ignore God and live as if you are in control of your life. Depend on God—He’s the path to true freedom and joy.

Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be achieved. —Proverbs 16:3


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The 2011 Crestridge Intern…Kayla Dulhagen

Posted by Sharon

That’s right…Kayla is here, ready to work hard and prepare for the summer!  Kayla started working November 1st and has already been a huge help.  She will help recruit and hire staff, brainstorm some new activities, write devotionals and blogs, and more.  We are excited that she is here!  Check out the video to get to know her better.

Don’t forget, submissions for the November Assignment are due this Monday, November 15th!


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