Random Words and Lyrics Spit Out Of Our Mouths Just Like Flaming Fire From a Dragon...

2009 - 2010 FCA Camp and Conferences Work Crew

    The title of this post is a random lyric line from a goofy song that my brother and one of his friends wrote... and basically describes what my life feels like right now. Everybody's favorite question is "So what are you doing now that you're home?" and I am tired of not having a really solid answer. The next question usually is along the lines of "What is God telling you to do?" and I am not completely sure... but I think things are starting to get a little less "foggy."
    This past week both our Sunday morning service and our home group study was on what it means to take care of the widows and orphans. James 1:27 says that "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." The discussion at home group last night turned to how in modern times it isn't just the widows and orphans, but the needy in general, which is also Biblical. James 2:14-20 says "What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,' and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself." When it says faith without works is dead it isn't just a figure of speech. The original Greek literally means "as a corpse", so without acting on your faith you are no different than a dead body for the purpose of Christ.
    An analogy that came to mind when I was laying in bed last night was this: Your faith and relationship with Christ, and a want and hunger for more, is what inspires the works. Like a child who wants to help mom and spend more time with her so the child tries to help fold the laundry, or do the dishes. The child may not do well at first, but the outward action is the proof of the inward love and seeking heart.
    I have been asking God to open a door for me here, and to guide where He sees fit. Through all of the searching what impressed upon my heart the most was what was preached this past week and I believe it is God's way of saying "Here, take this step, I gotcha."
    I say all of that to put into perspective that I am researching and considering applying to several different ranches/residential homes for "at-risk" youth here in Utah. When I was in Mississippi at French Camp Academy I discovered a passion I didn't know I had for these kids and I want to get involved with a similar program out here. Do I still think I will end up back at FCA someday, yeah, but for now I think I will enjoy something similar out here in the west if opportunity arises.