Proverbs 12:24

"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad." Proverbs 12:24

Life is funny. You never quite know how things are going to work out, and if you're not careful, you can really let negative things affect you more than they should. If you are wound a little too tight and things don't go exactly your way, then you can succumb to having anxiety. We so want things to work out how we envisioned them that when our plans fall short (and they do a lot for some reason) then we tend to get all nervous, anxious, and depressed. Nervous and anxious over what could have been and over the new direction that life seems to be taking us in. Depressed again saying to ourselves, "why can't anything ever work out for me?!" Isn't that just the way it is?

That's why I like talking things over with seasoned saints. You know, people that have been there - done that, who can give me a good perspective on life. I consult older people who have experience in the things of the Lord. They usually give great advice and allow me to see things from a different point of view. "But a good word makes it glad". I've learned to not be embarrassed to talk to people that I trust about stuff because we are all in this thing together.

Not only that, but we have our Lord Jesus who knows exactly what's going on in our lives. Twists and turns are nothing new to the Lord, in fact, he allows them. He knows about things before they happen and then allows stuff to enter our life. "Well that's not fair! God is just toying with me, He doesn't really love me!" we protest. But remember, God is not so much worried how comfortable we are, but what character is being established in us. Difficulties are there in our lives to get us to rely on the Lord more and to grow deeper in the things of God. Get used to it, that is how God works.

The other thing to think about in this verse is this, maybe you can be the one who is giving a good word to someone else. For those of you who have been Christians for a while now, you know how to give a good word to a friend who is down. I see you do this all the time in youth group and it just makes me smile. We are here for each other, and that's the way things ought to be.

Anxiety in the heart causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.

Jeremy

Happy New Year

Winter Camp 2008 pix from Dakota

The crew

Cesar crowd surfing

Kendra here is wondering why Ebiuwa is wearing shorts in the freezing mountains.

guys don't look, we are not supposed to see the girls dorm!

Kendra about to get wailed in dodgeball!

Check out Erik!

Thanks Dokata!

Equip Youth Christmas Party BBQ

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Equip Youth BBQ Christmas Party!

We are going to be having a youth group BBQ lunch / white elephant gift exchange Christmas party. This is serious business. Listen up...

When? Sunday, December 21

What Time? 2:00p - 5:00p

Where? Josh Schultz house.

3030 Bronco Lane

Norco, CA

What's the deal? I'm glad you asked. Josh' dad, Ray, is a firefighter. If there is one thing that firefighters can do, its cook BBQ. Ray will be hooking us up with burgers, dogs, cokes, and all the rest. You do not have to bring food. You can bring a dessert though. If you want to bake some cookies, get a pie, or whatever it is you like, then please bring it.

What's this white elephant thing all about? OK, this is good. We want you to bring a gift, under $5, all wrapped up looking sweet to the party. The thing is, this is no regular gift. This is a gag gift. If you want to print out a big picture of you and autograph it like you are a Hollywood celebrity, then go for it! If you want to wrap up one of your parents Barry Manilow records, then by all means. If you want to wrap up a dead fish, then... well, don't go that far. But make it funny. Make it thoughtful. Make it memorable. Don't spend much money, if any. Just put your brain to work.

Also, there will be a ping pong tournament going. Team up with someone, and we will see who gets to the top of the mountain. As it stands now, Erik and Vicente are kings of the court. They showed everyone at Winter Camp their insane pong skills.

What do I wear? Christmas stuff preferably. You know, ridiculous sweaters with reindeer, high stockings, bells on your shoes, beanies...

See you there!

Questions? call me at the church (951) 272-9673, cell (951) 710-0354, e-mail jeremy@ccnorco.org

Equipping the saints

Jeremy

Ephesians 4:11-13

Winter Camp Reflections

As I stare at my white wristband, I can't help chanting to myself, "Victory, sweet victory". Of the 5 years that I have been to Winter Camp, my team has never won first place. I thought all was hopeless, unfulfilled dreams that were never going to be realized. But you know what, life is all about the comeback. This year as part of the yellow team, I have tasted victory. In the words of MLK, "I have reached the mountain and seen what is on the other side!" Thanks yellow team for making my dreams come true. So go on, wear your wristband with pride. Red, Blue, Green, Purple teams - you did okay. Rep your squad. Be a true fan. Me? I am enjoying the white wristband of victory.

Did you guys all have a good time? The food was better this year, the bands were amazing, the weather was good, and there was no crazy teenager drama! It seemed to me that everybody seemed to get along with everybody and life was good. Did you guys know that Cesar had 25 clothes pins from the game by the end of the weekend? He was unstoppable. Aaron Shepard turned 14 years old on Saturday. The kids who came for the first time were awesome. Erik and Vicente took home the gold medal in the ping pong tourney. My son Luke and I went on an extreme 2 hour hike during free-time. It was really an awesome weekend. Be sure to thank those counsellors who came up with us this year. They were really cool for doing that.

Remember, the victory was not only the yellow team's this year. (though the yellow team utterly dominated the competition, unparalleled in winter camp history) The victory also belongs to all of you who took the next step in your walks with Jesus. He loves us so much. He bought us with a price, His own blood. We are His now, we answer to Him, we honor the King, we bow down to the Lord, we are His Own special people. I am proud of you guys who have purposed in your hearts to follow God and not the world. You guys are awesome.

Romans 8:18 "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
Whatever we go through down here, doesn't compare to what we are going to receive up there. Keep going strong people!

Drop a reply and share with us what you learned at Winter Camp.

Enjoying victory,

Jeremy

Ephesians 4:11-13

Winter Camp 2008 pix from Mandy

Suzanne & Ashleigh hanging out late. Hey Suzanne, is that a cell phone on your bed?

Ebiuwa looking refreshed

the bridge to Tarabinthia... That's a movie right?

Kendra always smiling

Is there anybody happier than Maddie Renfree? The girl is always smiling!

Becky Bower repping the Anahiem Ducks

Suzanne, Mandy, and Sarah enjoying the good life

Kendra striking a pose, Gabby looking joyful

Happy Birthday Aaron!

life is good at the top

Will she make it?

pretty sweet, huh?

Mandy getting sandwiched by Suzanne and Kristin

Jonathon Lumley, you're awesome!

Riley... Earth to Riley... come in Riley

Riley got the message

The guys

Lasagna wasn't such a good idea, if you know what I mean. Guys dorm smelt a little... funkadocious.

Kinda gross, very funny

Look at that beautiful family.

Sarah and Mandy showing the pearly whites.

Hey Everyone, send me your best Winter Camp pix and I'll throw them up on the blog. My camera is lost, I didn't snap one photo this weekend so I am counting on you. Email me at... Jeremy@ccnorco.org

Adios

Ephesians 4:11-13

-Jeremy

Gay marriage - some thoughts

Gay marriage - a phrase we constantly hear. I wanted to equip you with a great article that I read from a man who has put a lot of thought into this issue. Please click the link and prepare to be enlightened. I know a lot of you have been engaged in conversations in class about gay marriage. Hopefully this article opens up some good dialogue for you with others.

Remember, always speak out of love, respect, and integrity.

http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6553

equipping the saints,
Jeremy