I got my back, back.

I wanted to officially send an update about my back and thank you for all the prayers.  I know that many were praying, loving, and helping us.  It was a wild ride.  But I am certain that God intervened and I am so grateful.  I keep dancing and skipping around saying, "I got my life back!" There is still so much that doesn't make sense but so much that does.  Here is bit of the timeline of events;

1.  Back kept going out last 2 months each time significantly worse than before.
2.  This last time was the worst.  Ended up seeing a Chiro and Orthopedic surgeon.
3.  MRI showed a ruptured disc and a bulging disc on my nerve roots.
4.  Ortho wanted to schedule 3 surgical procedures- 2 nerve blocks, and a nerve obliteration.
5.  Couldn't get a 2nd opinion due to no one would see me until Jan.
6.  Pain at highest point- ended up in ER.
7.  ER doctor gave us a referral to a spine specialist- neurosurgeon and gave me a lot of pain meds.
8.  Really struggled with how long this pain would last and how long recovery could be.
9.  Prayed a lot.  And throughout the steps above.
10.  Saw the neurosurgeon.  See the report I posted below:

"The neuro surgeon (spine specialist) read my MRI and saw me. He said I have no need for any procedure or surgery. He said that I have small disc bulge and it does not need anything. That my issues from pain all can't be explained but it is mostly all muscle related and basically a tendinitis of the muscle. I have a new med to help that. Have 6 weeks of limited movement and no heavy lifting and then begin core strength training. So praise God. I was scheduled for a surgery procedure for tommorrow... And got to cancel all of those!"

11.  Am carrying and lifting Otto!  Holding and rocking him and loving every minute.  :)  
12.  Living gratefully and enjoying things I've overlooked.  

Thanks for loving us through this.  I know it's not the last thing to come my way that's hard.  I know that some of you are in the midst of hard now.  I know that God listens, even when we don't think He is.  I know that He can work all things for good.  I know that God never leaves us and feels our pain with us.   I know that I matter and you matter to Him.  I know that I love my husband and his mad praying skills.  I love his heart for Jesus and his reliance on the Lord.  I know that it feels incredible to be surrounded by a community of loving people.  I know that when my hope runs low He puts others in life to step up and He offers hope.  

Everything comes from him;
Everything happens through him;
Everything ends up in him.
Always glory! Always praise!
    Yes. Yes. Yes.
Romans 11:36- Message

I Never....

I never thought I'd be writing you from my bed on bed rest from a bad back injury. I've been on my back and in excruciating pain for 9 days now.   I've not held my son since Dec 4th his first birthday.  I never thought my faith would be tested and my hope depleted as I try and find Him within me.  Now, reflecting back on this year with Young Life I never thought I'd see…

-  Adults join us for our leader dinner before club and beg to be a part of the YL team.

- 150-250 kids come to hear truth.

- A leader team that I love and that loves one another, and is exceptional.

- 50 of us go to rad dog road trip and love it.

- God using me while serving on jury duty in crazy ways.  (Ask me more)

- God using leaders to literally save the life a kid.

Needless to say, I am here in bed, longing for a full recovery and uncertain of the future, but this I know…

Life just got simple again. The Christmas hustle for gifts and busyness is gone. I just want to be able to walk and pick up my son. I didn't get to decorate the house or make cookies and that's okay.  I want to be with my family and see joy, feel hope, and celebrate the one who came to give it. I know there are times when our faith is tested; I’m in it now.  I know there are times when our hope supply runs low and can only come from the one who came to give us hope and life; I'm there.  I know He knows me and loves me.  I know He is powerful and mighty.  I know He makes things new.  I know He is the same yesterday and today.  He is a God of the ages. He told a man to pick up his mat and walk and he healed him inside and out. I know that He has given me friends and family to help find hope for me. I know that I matter to Him.

As I lay here I've had a lot of time to think. I think of this year. This year I've had a son and I am so thankful I'm struggling instead of him. I think of how much Jesus took our struggle on himself for each of us. I think about how much I love my YL family, from my assistant, Kim to the new freshman girls. I think I've had a great year seeing the goodness of The Lord in the land of the living.

Jesus is My Pilot

Have you seen the bumper sticker saying, "Jesus is my co-pilot?"  I think it's not the right phrase to slap on the back of your car and live by.  I think it should say, "Jesus is my pilot."  You see we are invited to let him fly our life, our plane, on the path he has for us, to see amazing things, to fly through dark clouds, to find joy and his presence in all things.  We are invited to let go of the controls and let Jesus pilot us.  To let him lead us as we follow him.

Yesterday on of our leaders, Curtis, shared an incredible metaphor with students of following Jesus is like flying a plane.  It was amazing and Jesus used Curtis to meet students where they are at and speak truth.  Curtis wrote a poem and shared it last night.  Take a moment to hear these beautifully written words of truth and life.  I'm so grateful to be a part of this ministry and to have a team of volunteers like Curtis love Jesus and students.

Recently, a pilot was practicing high-speed maneuvers in a jet fighter.
She turned the controls for what she thought was a steep ascent-
And flew straight into the ground.
See she was unaware that she was flying upside down,
And instead of pulling back up, into the sky,
She actually cut down, so hard she couldn’t eject,
And died.
Now what actually happened here?
She thought she was going up without any fear,
She was still confident, even with the ground so near,
Confident in her pattern of flight, 
That the way she was flying was up right,
And for a mindless mistake, something many would think simple, she paid the 
ultimate price. 
And just like this pilot- how many of us fly,
Full speed through our lives,
Not knowing which way is up?
It’s a difficult question,
Really this issue of direction,
How to fly your life so you can make a correction,
And be confident in your selection,
So you know without a doubt, which way is up.
You’d be surprised by the answer: It’s a simple connection.
It’s a connection. 
You see it fits together,
One made for another,
Like points that make a line,
Like the vertebrae of your spine,
Like when you’re cryin,
The predictable answer: I’m fine.  
But you’re not fine,
Don’t give me just another line. 
Because under further inspection,
I can see that lack of direction.
Your life spiraling begins, 
Caught in an upside down tail spin.
You’ve hit that wall
And call as you fall,
Faster and faster
Deeper your voice gets small,
Beating on your minds wall
But it’s too tall, and it’s fighting back.
So your engines stall. 
And now you can’t get it to restart.
That’s right, you can’t get it to restart
Because you need a new battery,
But wait, the verdict from the jury
“Wires crossed during
High-speed flight”
As the gavel comes down with a bang 
Your life, out like a light.
And as the judge turns to your attorney,
You scream at him, “Why can’t you help me?”
But the ruling is in. Done let the next case begin.
Another victim,
To internal assault and battery.
And then you realize,
Your attorney was you, and the jury too. 
Materialized by your desperate tries, and desperate lies.
Why can’t you help me?
Because me is yourself, all you did was take another book off the shelf,
Of your own mind.
Searching internally to find the answer,
You dodge questions like a dancer,
Spinning around,
But the trend is down if you keep your hand down,
To shy to ask a simple question. 
No this connection
You need to jump-start your engine, 
To stop your spin
Can’t be found by searchin
a library within. 
No this connection isn’t between metal and flesh,
Dragging one across the other so you may gain a little rest,
Externalizing the internal pain in your chest. 
No this connection isn’t about the way you dress,
Looking your best to try and impress,
The rest of us.
Or if not that just to fit in
Like a chameleon changing its skin
Just camouflaging 
To keep people dodging,
That question: What’s on the inside?
Guys this connection isn’t between you and a girl,
Girls this connection isn’t between you and a guy.
It’s not an expression visible
In anything you do physical. 
Understand what our culture feeds you is criminal.
But they don’t put nutrition facts on media,
So you could look up- Google or Wikipedia-
What they pour in your cup.
It’s nicotine and it will give you leukemia.
They tell you physical is typical
And neglect one syllable
About the atypical miracle you view as minimal.
But I can’t bring this to a close
Without telling you about the connection I chose. 
You see it’s the best present I could ever give you. 
The connection with His presence in your present,
A connection that gives your lost life a direction,
Up.
So no this connection can’t be found in money, clothes, or hoes,
You’re offered this connection because one man-
Jesus Christ, the Living Son of God- rose.
He rose to close your eyes to those
Unsatisfiable knives.
He rose to show you
You’ll never find fulfillment in material to clothe you.
But most importantly
He rose to know you.
To show you and to grow you
Into something you’ve never been
Seen or done.
He’ll give you a light from within,
As bright as the sun.
And he wants his connection to shine
To give other’s fruit from your vine,
And He’ll stand in line
Of the next bullet of your mind
That trigger- you want to pull it
To silence the voices in your head,
No, you aren’t better off dead.
Because he has plans for you,
Plans for good and not for disaster
To give you a future and a hope,
No, don’t just fly faster.
No, don’t for one second
Think it’d be better to plaster
Your mind on the wall, put down your weapon. 
Because the one that created you,
Has a bigger plan than
That dark cloud your mind flew through
Saying if you just ended it tonight,
It’d be alright if you were dead, 
Another fighter fallen victim to the flight in your head.
 
But He’s screaming at you
I NEED YOU.
I’ll show you a light,
That shines through that cloud,
So you can set your life up right,
So you can set your controls right,
I rose so I could pull you up
I rose to pull you up to my Son,
And save your flight, your life. 
So please, loosen the noose around the throat,
Of your mind, He knew you’d write that note
He knew you’d turn to that knife,
Even before you allowed him into your life. 
You see because even I didn’t know,
He’d pick me, 
A worthless man you see
To show you that you’re still needed.
That you’re still needed regardless of how impeded or depleted your flight 
path is.
I’ll live as a testimony, to show you, He can still grow you,
Up to that light, you can still pull up to His light, no matter how dark the night,
Like the rings around your eyes, as the enemies fist flies, despite your 
desperate tries, to dodge his words like knives, as he lists fault after fault.
BUT when you begin to faulter, as his blows halter, your advance to the light.
When you’ve hit that wall, when your engines stall, and your hope is growing 
small 
Know this
Jesus Christ, the living son of God, is chanting from your chest.
I’ll still fight
I’ll still fight
I’ll still fight
For you

(Curtis Edwards)

Rad Dog and Camp Trip

We are excited to offer a Road Trip!  That's right YL is headed to Tan-Tara Resort for a YL RAD DOG ROAD TRIP.  You won't wanna miss this mini version of camp.  There will be 3 clubs, cabin times, a water park, fun, truth, and depth.  We are hoping to make this a yearly tradition.  Think about joining us... (click link for info) RAD DOG ROAD TRIP   Something magical happens at camp.  Friendships that last forever are formed, adventure happens, real life happens, kids find out they are not alone that God is for them, that their friends and leaders are beside them, it's incredible.  But camp happens once a year.  It is epic, but unfortunately most students can only go to camp once in their life and if they're lucky twice.  So that is why we are created RAD DOG... we all need more times in our life where we grow closer to God and each other.

YL CAMP TRIP- Crooked Creek Ranch (all info here on this link)   http://lsylcamp.weebly.com/ 

Sign ups will be open on Dec. 1st at 12:01am for 1st timers.  If you have already attended camp and would like to join us as a 2nd timer we have very limited spots.  Sign ups for 2nd timers will open Feb. 1st at 12:01am and be a first come first serve basis as well as meeting the cabin quota.  If you have more questions about that please contact:
traceecobb@gmail.com

Press On

This week at YL Club we invited one of our YL leaders Landon Nichols to share his story.  You see we believe in sharing truth... truth about our own life and truth about who Jesus is.  We believe that we all have a story and that Jesus is in that story, from the moment you were conceived to the moment you meet HIm face to face.  Landon shared a snap shot of his journey with us and ended with a spoken word he wrote.  Let me tell you it was a treat.  God uses our yesterdays to make a difference in the lives of others today.  

I press on

through the sharp thorns

past the bulls and their prominent horns

I press on 

to a new shore

to open a new door

where purpose and adventure are in store

I press on 

through the dense trees 

wiping away fallen leaves

being calmed by the present breeze

even though on the horizon awaits stormy seas

I press on 

wading through the frigid wave

the cold is not my master, I not its slave

yet it calls out, and offers me a watery grave

I will not succome, until my all I have gave

so I venture on, continuing the trail I blaze

I press on

with muddy feet

I'm but a vessel facing a giant fleet

yet I lead the charge, there's no retreat

the enemy quakes at the echo of my heartbeat

even if my fate renders defeat

I fear not, for my Father is who I'll meet

I press on

through the fire, through the flame

through the bricks and the wall of shame

through deceit, through the fame

through hypocrites and "friends" who don't know my name

through the depths, through the blame

through expectations and others painted picture frame

through the lies that tries to coincide with suicide

through the punches, though the blows

through the struggle and the hurt no one knows

through the pain, through the fears

through the blood and through the tears

I press on

striving towards the goal

I press on

running after heaven's pull

I press on

though my feet will fall

I press on

chasing after my call

I press on 

to finish the race

I press on

till I meet Him face to face

I press on

I press on

(Landon Nichols)

http://lsyl.weebly.com/

What is YL?

Out There In a World of Kids

Young Life doesn’t start with a program. It starts with adults concerned enough about kids to go to them, on their turf and in their culture, building bridges of authentic friendship. These relationships don’t happen overnight — they take time, patience, trust and consistency. 

So Young Life leaders log many hours with kids around the world — where they are, as they are. We listen to their stories and learn what’s important to them because we genuinely care about their joys, triumphs, heartaches and setbacks. 

We believe in the power of presence. Kids’ lives are dramatically impacted when caring adults come alongside them, sharing God’s love with them. Because their leader believes in them, they begin to see that their lives have great worth, meaning and purpose. 

This is the first step of a lifelong journey; the choices they make today, based upon God’s love for them, will impact future decisions … careers chosen, marriages formed and families raised. All ripples from the time when a Young Life leader reached out and entered their world. 


A Time-Tested Approach

Young Life began with a few simple ideas about sharing the truth of God’s love with adolescents. Those simple ideas have become time-tested methods for reaching out to middle school, high school and college students in friendship and hope. 

Caring for Kids — Contact Work 

Because kids don’t care how much you know till they know how much you care, Young Life leaders show they care by going where kids are, meeting them as they are, believing in who they can be. Within Young Life we call the persistent going out into the world of kids “contact work.” But kids just call it friendship. 

A Party with a Purpose — Club 

What is it about Young Life club that makes it the best night of the week for thousands of kids every week? We like to think of it as a party with a purpose. It’s controlled chaos that’s almost impossible to describe, but kids know it when they see it. And before the party ends, we share a simple message about God’s love for them. After all, that’s what the celebration is all about. 

The Best Week of Their Life — Camp 

Kids consistently tell us that Young Life camp is the best week of their life. That’s a rousing (and unsolicited) endorsement! But how else would you describe a week where deep relationships are forged in the midst of mind-boggling fun and where you experience and listen to what we believe is the greatest love story ever told? 

A Time to Question, Learn and Grow — Campaigners 

Campaigners is a weekly gathering for kids who wish to learn more or grow in their faith through study, service and leadership. We invite kids to actively follow Jesus Christ — and we’re with them for the long haul to help them take those steps of faith with unconditional love. Along the way, we encourage kids to celebrate their faith through participation in a local congregation. 

Adults Who Care — Committee/ LEAD and LIFE Teams

Young Life is making a difference in the lives of kids around the world because we are supported by adults who care about kids in their community. For every talented Young Life staff person there is a team of dedicated leaders who works directly with kids. In each community, the local “committee,” comprised of parents, Young Life alumni and civic leaders, provides a foundation of financial, administrative and moral support for the local Young Life team. 

Hole in the Roof

You may have heard or been to a hole in the wall, but YL is a hole in the roof.  One of my favorite passages in the Bible is:

Mark 2:1-12.  

2 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. ² They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. ³ Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. ⁴ Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. ⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

⁶ Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, ⁷ “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
⁸ Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? ⁹ Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? ¹⁰ But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, ¹¹ “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” ¹² He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

I got to speak at Club this week and share with students this story.  You see the main characters of this story are:  4 friends, the paralyzed man, Jesus, and the teachers of the law- "the haters."

While doing some research, I was really impressed by these 4 friends.  You see they had a friend with a need that they knew they couldn't meet.  So what do they do?  They walked for 17 MILES carrying their friend who is stuck on mat to the only person who may be able to help- Jesus.  Then they arrive and there is no room.  Long story short, desperate to get their friend to Jesus, they go to the roof dig a hole and lower their paralyzed friend.  He heals their friend but in a way that no one expects He heals his heart and his legs.  

We want YL to be a place where people can bring their friends who are stuck on a mat, where people can come who have a need that no one can meet- that only Jesus can.  Where kids can come and find hope, healing, and life in Jesus.  And our biggest hope is that after encountering Jesus, the "haters," the friends, the paralyzed or stuck will all say...   “We have never seen anything like this!”

Thank you to those adults and leaders who have been digging a hole in the roof for students by supporting this ministry.  By your prayers, you encouragement, your donations, your meals, your leadership.  God is good.  

Our Hole in the Roof

 

The Hangover

Last night we had our first YL Club of the semester.  I am currently nursing what I call a "YL Club hangover," and I wouldn't have it any other way.  You see it feels good to go all in- and give 110%.  I love that my YL Club leader team goes BIG, loves well, has crazy energy and huge smiles, includes all, isn't afraid to sing loud, dance crazy, or dress up in weird outfits.  I love that Wednesday my leader team and I are still smiling, tired with bags under our eyes and mild headaches, but joy overflowing.  It is good to be a part of what GOD is doing in LS.  We are overflowing with joy because we got to see 156 high school students run through our club doors, dance, sing, feel accepted, laugh, and listen to truth of who Jesus is.  We are often amazed at the love God has for us to let us be a part of something so beautiful.  So club hangover day is here and we are grateful. 

First Club

Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
Psalm 115:1

For more info:
http://lsyl.weebly.com/ 

Muckfest 2014

Muckfest 2014

Over 200 students @ Muckfest 2014

MVP's here- the Muckiest

LSN Broncos representing

Having a blast. 

We did it again.  Over 200 students and our volunteers came out to get mucky.  Thanks to all our parents, Lead team, and YL leaders for making this event epic.  The goal was accomplished...to have fun!  Kids made memories and bonded over oatmeal, slime, flour, whipped cream, and games.  We just want to let kids know that YL is a safe place to come as you are, be a kid, have fun, make memories, and hear truth about who Jesus is.  The only downside to Muckfest is I don't think any of us will be eating oatmeal anytime soon.  :)

Join us at CLUB.  See our calendar of events:
http://lsyl.weebly.com/

You Know What's Cool?

I was laying in bed trying to wind down and I thought man... "You know what is cool?"  And I began to name thing after thing about what God is doing. 

1. The Bronco's won their HC game this weekend. 
2.  7 YL leaders were there cheering on students, meeting students celebrating beside students.
3.  The HC court was introduced as they walked across the field and student after student share YL as one of the things they are involved in.  
4.  Did I say the Broncos WON??!!!

HC Game

5.  We had 4 weeks of Coed Campaigners (small groups) and it was amazing. 

6.  We are launching a new thing called CREW for our high school senior girls to serve.  

http://lsylcrew.weebly.com/

7.  We are starting our first ever YL Mom's Bible Study.  What?!!  I love when God directs us and we think, wow- how have we never thought of this?  It is for any Mom... Mom's of YL alumni, current YL kids, or even just interested ladies who are looking for more.  See picture below. 

 

 

YL Mom's Study- All women are welcome.... Mom's, grandmas, Aunts, friends.

8.  Our prayer team is inviting more students in to receive prayer by having a "prayer box" at Club where the can write their prayer request with name and number or anonymously.  And the prayer team will pray for them that week and an encouraging text. 
9.  Our LEAD team and LIFE team are growing and giving back! 
http://supportlsyl.weebly.com/
10.  Our LS YL leader team is also growing and going all in with Jesus and students! 

Coming Home

Wow.  What an amazing week at Lost Canyon Ranch.  Check out the camp video- July 27-Aug 3rd.  http://scrapbook.younglife.org/pages/lost-canyon

20 students said YES to following Jesus and John 10:10 life.  We are so thrilled as YL leaders to walk beside them as they journey with Jesus.  Many of our other students committed to walking deeper with Jesus and being "all in." 

Our trip ended with one big finale... a surprise detour to the Grand Canyon.  To surprise students with one of the wonders of the world was incredible.  Memories were made and unforgettable times were had.  God is good! 

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." (Psalm 19:1)

Grand Canyon

72 Surprised students! 

Bailey and Hannah taking it all in. 

What's next?  YL is not just about camp.  It is about sharing life with students all year long.  See our weebly for updated campaingers/small groups and club dates. Mark your calendar for Tuesdays... YL events each week! 

http://lsyl.weebly.com/

Day 6/ Day 7

Day 6
Quick update for today our last full day at camp.
Each leader met with each camper for one on ones.  Campers
Enjoyed free time, club, cabin time, hearing more from our work crew and had a huge banquet feast.
A full day of fun and great conversation.  Many prayers answered today.  God is good.

 Day 7
Today is our last half day at camp.  We will eat breakfast and lunch here, enjoy one last epic club and head home!  Wait.... A surprise for campers is coming.  We are only 60min from one of the wonders of the world that is too close to pass up.  We will be surprising students and having a quick detour at the Grand Canyon on our ride home!  We are excited to let kids see God's beauty and spend some time connecting with him there and making memories.  Students will have their phones about 5pm our time- and 7pm LS time.  Our eta for LS at this time will be 5pm, Sunday night.  I will be emailing you with more updates.  Sorry no pictures- busy enjoying our last few moments!

Day 5

YL Camp is one of the best weeks because we tell the truth.  Yesterday we got to hear the greatest love story ever told.  We heard the truth about who Jesus is and tell the truth about our own lives.  Our YL leaders have loved getting to hear truth from each camper and point them toward Jesus.  Today each leader met one on one with each one of their campers to listen, love, and pray.  What a gift that was.  We love our students.  They inspire and encourage us and we LOVE them.  We LOVE them regardless of their decision to follow Jesus or not.  We LOVE them in their brokenness and their confusion, we LOVE them in their joys and hyper-activity.  We LOVE them here at YL camp and the good news is we will LOVE them in LS. 

Students listening to camp speaker Bo at club

Camp crush :)

The giant swing

Day 4

Time seems to be flying by.  Yesterday was full of surprises I don't want to give away.  Let me tell you it was a beautiful day.  It was a sight to see 500 kids being kids...dancing, singing, screaming, playing, and laughing.  There are so many things we do at YL camp that have a bigger purpose and a why behind it.  I love watching students "get it."  Many students would say I would never... to jumping off a tower in the trees to grab a trapeze bar, or square dancing the night away.  Those experiences break down walls and allow kids to consider more I would nevers as they consider the full life Jesus offers.  God is good. 

Ropes course

Otto with his biggest fan- Alex Diaz

Western Night

Landon and Paul- YL leaders taking pie in the face

A beautiful night of dancing

Day 3

Another great day at Lost Canyon.  Food, fun, messy games, a rodeo, an incredible outdoor dinner and dance party, club, cabin time and a wee bit of sleep.  Students heard a club talk on John 5:1-10 and learned more that Jesus offers us real life.

Pictures coming soon!

Day 2

Wow.

Day 2- We ate 3 amazing meals.  Enjoyed all the free time at camp and activities.  Dressed in our crazy cabin outfits and competed in cabin challenge games, rode horses, and did a ropes course.  Had an epic club where we heard more about how Jesus comes to us and how He calls us son and daughter.  We are having a great time!  Check out our pictures and stay tuned.

Horse ride

Cabin challege

Junior girls cabin praying before their early horse ride on the mountain. 

Day 1- Lost Canyon

The place where we have club each night. 

They destroyed the big cookie. 

Maybe 1 min to eat the big cookie. 

Our amazing LS YL leader team!

We arrived 21 hours later!  We were greeted by the work crew. 

 

 

Lost Canyon Ranch

We made it!  21 hours of pure energy, exhaustion, and anticipation.  We arrived at Lost Canyon Ranch where we will call home for the next 7 days.  The reaction on kids faces was priceless.  To have them see the beauty of this camp, the places to experience adventure, and find truth.  Yesterday after getting off the bus students ziplined, ate snow cones, shopped the YL store,  went on the blob, played soccer, swam, went down the waterslide, made new friends.  We had our first meal and let me tell you it was delicious.  The epic big cookie made an appearance.  Then the best- our first club.  I had tears watching our LS crew stand outside the doors to club chanting, cheering, and screaming.  It did not disappoint.  We laughed hard and listened in to our speaker Bo share more about what Jesus invites us into.  The night kept on.... we had an obstacle course in the rain storm, late night pizza, and ended with a cabin time where we got to share more about our own lives and journey.  We are in for a treat.  These students are not here by accident.  They are here for a reason... they are here to be free, to be kids, to find purpose, to connect to Jesus and one another.  It's the best week. 

4 Days to the bus

We depart in 4 days to experience the best week of our lives.  Stay tuned to more info on the blog and how our group of 73 from LS YL are doing. 

Come celebrate with us... it's tradition.  The 2 bus send off will be this Saturday 7/26 at 8pm from LSN parking lot by the tennis courts. 

Also a big thank you to those who sponsored and played in our LS YL golf tourney!  It was a successful and fun day supporting LS YL. 

Special thanks to those who volunteered above and beyond:

Kim and John Carlson
Laura Fitzsimmons
Kevin Enyeart
Kathy Johnson
Carol Mela
Pam Wilson

And thank you to our sponsors:

Farmers Insurance - Greg Olinger
Complete Strength Sports Performance Training
Anderson Dental
Auto Color and Equipment
Talley's Auto Body
Janet Sanders
Batteries Plus
State Farm - Jim Hallman
Spencer & Spencer Pediatric Dental

The Best Kept Secret is Out

 Wow, pretty grateful to the LS Tribune for featuring YL.  Click the link below to read the article.

Check out the article on LS YL in the LS Tribune


News:

1.  We still need Golfers for our LS YL Golf Tourney.  It is not too late to sign up as a sponsor or golfer.

Click the link below for more info.

http://lsylgolf.weebly.com/

2.  Our YL Camp trip is coming up!  Be praying for our group of 74 heading to Lost Canyon Ranch to experience the best week of their life.  Finding adventure, developing deeper relationships with their peers and YL leader, and pursuing truth. 

3.  Do you want to help behind the scenes of LS YL?  We need LIFE team members who can serve.  Specifically we are looking for volunteers to be on the prayer team, volunteers to help with the golf tourney on July 21st, volunteers to help coordinate leader dinners during the school year, volunteers to provide a leader dinner for our leaders.  See the link below and sign up if you are interested.

http://supportlsyl.weebly.com/

Class of 2014

YL Seniors- Class of 2014

Last night we wrapped up another semester of YL Club.  We honored and celebrated the soon to be graduating seniors.  We handed the reins of club over to them.  The best part was for our talk we had open mic and invited seniors to share what God has been doing in their life.  I was overwhelmed.  If I'm honest I've been in "go" mode since having our son.  But, this night got me.  God got me.  It took my breath away.  It brought tears to my eyes, a quiver in my voice, and I celebrated the Lord his goodness and his presence.  Over and over again seniors came to the mic and shared that before YL they knew of God and know they know Him.  So many of our students met Jesus in YL and it has given them life.  John 10:10 life.  They took time to encourage the underclassmen to leave a legacy, to be a part of the YL family, to start or grow that relationship with God.  Some shared of their struggles through high school and how YL was there for them, ultimately pointing them to Jesus.  Others shared of the depth of friendship YL gave them.  I presented the seniors with a link.  Just a metal chain link and challenge them to stay connected to Jesus and that they would always connected and a part of the YL family.  I had the honor of praying slash crying over them as they go out to the big crazy world.  I love this ministry and that God is at work.  I'm so grateful for a semester that God has exceeded our expectations with the number of students (and parents) involved in YL and exceeded our expectations in what He can do in hearts of his children.

Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.  Psalm 115:1

YL doesn't stop this summer.  Leaders will continue to do life with kids and point them to Jesus.   
We will be posting events to the website.  http://lsyl.weebly.com/

FInd out more of how to support LS YL

3 weeks

Let me update you on the last 3 weeks of LS YL. 

3 weeks ago we let LSCC know that we were growing and couldn't fit in the coffee shop and the hooked us up in the small auditorium in the basement.  And it may look as if we have outgrown that as well.  :)  170 students showed up to club and I had the honor of sharing the greatest love story ever told.  John Harris a local artist painted as I spoke and the art had an incredible impact on students.  The night was epic. 

2 weeks ago we had a fun event:  Instagram Scavenger Hunt.  It was hilarious and a blast. Students went out in teams to complete different challenges and documented them on Instagram.  Like kissing the Starbucks barista, sitting in a dumpster, making the YL sign with their bodies.  Great night of fun, new friendships, feeling included, and being kids. 

1 week ago we were back for YL Club and we had Wacky Tacky Prom.  One of our volunteer leaders, Allison Hunt, spoke about what it looks like to say YES to more, to truth, and to a relationship with God.  

And tonight.  We just had our 1st ever and probably now annual Old Life meets Young Life Club.  I'm going to be honest... this was not my idea.  Part of my job in YL is to raise funds to sustain and support our local YL and raise community support.  It's often hard to get parents in the door and people to show up to hear about what God is doing in YL.  So I was a bit reluctant when a student asked me to have Old Life Club.  I thought sure, but I doubt it will work.  Well I was wrong.  Kids invited and WANTED their parents there.  They wanted to share with them what YL is about, how it has been a huge impact in their lives, they wanted them to be there and to experience it.  They wanted them taking pictures, and see why every Tuesday the MUST go to club.  The wanted their family to experience the YL family.  Students wanted their parent to hear truth, to feel loved, to be a part of a bigger story.  It was incredible.   98 parents came.   So I love that God continues to exceed my ideas and expectations and uses this ministry to change lives of many young and old.  

 "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us."  Ephesians 3:20-21 (The Message)

Calendar of events:

http://lsyl.weebly.com/

Upcoming Golf Tourney
http://lsylgolf.weebly.com/

Give to LS YL:
https://giving.younglife.org/Views/dp/donate/controller.cfm?ministry=area&fundcodearea=MO55&isrecurring=0&appealcode=&fundcodeareadesc=Young%20Life%20Lees%20Summit

A Parent who Rocks

Roxie Lanier and her family

 Tuesday we had another great night at YL CLUB.  Over 120 students are showing up.  Some hours early to meet with their leader for coffee, real talk, and Bible study (campaigners).   Audrey Lanier, a volunteer leader, was gone on spring break so her mom stepped up and came to club to see some YL girls she has gotten close to over the years.  I am so impressed with her support of this ministry, her relationship to the girls her daughter is leading, and her fearlessness to jump right in.  Also on Tuesday, Roxie and her husband volunteered to provide a meal to our leaders- and we ate some delicious BBQ!  As the girls say, "Roxie rocks!"

I asked Roxie to share what Lee's Summit Young Life means to her:

"My big kids have been instrumental in my involvement with Young Life. When Audrey was in middle school I began driving her to WyldLife and eventually driving her and Lance to Young Life events.  As the parent I attend meetings, dinners, fund raisers, pray for young people, build relationships and support my children in their life events.  It’s like Young Life philosophy -to meet you where you’re at and help you grow in your faith.  Our home is always open and I love, love, love having the house filled with people, sounds, food, fun and faith."

"The best part of YL and something I always quote to others is what I heard Tracee say years ago, “every young person needs 5 adults in their lives” and that is what YL has offered to Audrey and Lance not only adults that provide experiences that have been life changing, and nurturing their love for Christ but even better now Audrey and Lance share their faith with others."

"Lance is a senior at LSN and will graduate in 8 weeks and has built relationships through YL and at camp that have been amazing. Audrey is a junior in college at UCM studying social work and for years has driven up to LS every Tuesday night to volunteer and love and encourage her girls.  Life presents many challenges and YL has been there to encourage my kids and other youth to stay connected to Christ during challenging and fun times in life."  - Roxie Lanier

A few YL girls who think Roxie rocks!

Roxie visiting some of her favorite girls at club.

If you are interested in giving LIFE to LS YL check out how here:

http://supportlsyl.weebly.com/