Some Dreams

Some dreams won't die, instead, they continue to stare you straight in the eye. You can't walk away, no matter how hard you try. Any Attempt to leave it behind is made futile in your mind. It haunts your days and fills your nights. With visions and longings you just can't fight. Your one desire is what it becomes. Drowning out all others or passion or fun. Some dreams won't die. No, they live on evermore. Taking over your life like never before.
6/18/2014 - ALJ

Jars of Clay

Today our pastor talked about being vessels; specifically looking at 2 Corinthians 4:7 - ^"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."

[Side Note - The phrase 'jars of clay' sticks out to me mainly because of the band. My favorite band, in fact. They're celebrating 20 years this year.]

Our pastor talked about how we are all weak vessels, but that our contents are strong. That we are filled up and then are poured out upon others.

It made me think of some clay teapots that were over 400 years old. And the only way to maintain them was to continue to make tea in them. That without their continued use they would dry up, crack, and break.

Some days I feel like a dried up teapot. Or worse, just a lump of clay still waiting to be turned into a teapot or whatever God chooses to mold me into, but I digress.

My prayer for you and the staff this week is that you may all be jars of clay. That God will fill you up and that you may pour out on the children this week His love, His strength, His mercy, and His grace. 

Ltrs to Sheesh - 6/15/14 - ALJ

Round Lake

Over the years, I have visited many great bodies of water - Lake Michigan, the Atlantic & Pacific Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Yet none of them will hold the memories I've had at the waterfront of Round Lake:

 - the joy of taking the swim test that first summer

 - the thrilling horse ride down to the lake

 - our futile attempt to find Dave's glasses after he jumped off the dock

 - the starry night sleeping on the beach during H.S. week

 - the many Staff/Camp Picture days

 - and the wonder of praise and fellowship during beach campfires

It may not be a grand body of water, but these moments are priceless.

Ltrs to Sheesh - 6/12/2014 - ALJ

Med Hill

It's a special place.

I'm sure a lot of people say that. And most probably mean it.

But I couldn't be more sincere when I say that Med HIll holds a special place in my heart.

I've been blessed to travel to some amazing places, but so far, only one other place has even come close to matching what I feel when I'm on top of Med Hill. Getting to visit last spring reaffirmed me of that.

This may sound a little morbid, but I'm going to go ahead and share. (Heck, I''m not even sure you're actually going to read this email.) Anyways...if I got to choose my last place on earth to be before I died, it would be there. 

But only God knows where I'll be when that day comes. So, until then, I will continue to search for more Med Hills and dream of visiting the real one.

Ltrs to Sheesh - 6/9/14 - ALJ

Need to Move On

I need to move on now

I need to break free

From the what if’s and if only’s

About you and me

I was ready to go ahead

And give you my heart

But it was all in my head

Right from the start

I need to accept

That the distance is too far

You may live underneath them

But not my wishing star

I may reach for you

And try to hold on tight

But you don’t reach back

Ignoring me with all your might

The pain may last

For days, months or years

And the sadness may linger

Along with my tears

But I will move on

I will make myself strong

For you are not the one

Though something tells me I’m wrong

I will crush that voice inside me

That yearns, hopes, and dreams

It's time to move on now

Though hopeless it may seem

6/1/2014 - ALJ