Wednesday, July 28, 2010

happy heart

If I could sum up what my summer has been like in one word, I know what that word is.

Love.

In two words, true love.

My mind and heart are full of such wonderful memories and one-on-one encounters with God. I can't believe that next week is my last week to work camp with CK5 2010. This summer has flown by, and yet, I can honestly say that my life has been changed forever. I could go on for days about the relationships that I have formed with each member of our incredible staff, but I'd like to specify one right now.

I met Kimberly in May before we left for our program training. We had lunch at Chili's since we live in the same area, and I knew from that day forward that I would like her. What I didn't know was how much I would end up loving her. She has been such a blessing to my life. God put me on CK5 so that I could spend the summer with Kimberly. She encourages me so much, and makes me laugh like crazy.

One thing that Kimberly has done for me this summer is to tell me to have a happy heart. I can probably count on my hand how many times I've been really upset or frustrated, but in those times she always reminds me to have a happy heart. I like this phrase. It's so simple. But even during times when I get frustrated or upset about fickle, meaningless situations, to be reminded to have a happy heart really does change my heart.

This is quite literally the tip of the iceberg as far as how much this staff has encouraged me. But I'm going to go to bed now, and share those when I have more time to write. :)

-Mary Chase

Sunday, July 11, 2010

it's the most wonderful time of the year

Have you ever felt the spirit of Christmas morning in July?

I have.

The past week of camp at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri was incredible. Each week I see how God is changing me and making me to become what I was made to do. This week I had a great bible study, a great church group, a fantastic group for my track time...it was just a good week of camp. Being stationary this weekend was a huge lift to my spirits as well.

I had a BLAST this week. God is so good.

Also, after partaking in the festivities of CentriKid Christmas week, I have to say, my heart is full. I say that a lot.

We exchanged gifts with secret Santas, decorated cookies and had hot apple cider and hot chocolate, and had a Christmas morning breakfast at Tarah's house. It felt like Christmas. Being with 24 of my closest friends whom I love dearly, sharing fellowship while celebrating the birth of our Savior....it doesn't get much better than that.

During Christmas week I received a journal. In this journal, there are notes to me from my fellow staffers. They (well...most of them) did not sign their name, but simply wrote me a note. It is the most encouraging, uplifting, and sweetest thing I have ever read. I laughed and cried and cried and laughed when I read it. I read it everyday. I am so lucky to be in the presence of this many incredible people who care about me. It's hard to imagine that the summer is halfway over; I don't know what I'm going to do when we have to say goodbye.

love love love,
MC

Sunday, July 4, 2010

falling in love

I wish I was able to express how I feel right now. My heart is overflowing in love. This is the first time in my life where I have been surrounded by true Christian fellowship. And it's easy to do that in camp world. But to be quite honest, I believe this is the first time in my life where I can feel myself falling head over heels in love with my savior. I now am beginning to fully realize that Jesus is the greatest love story I'll ever hear, and it's not just "a" story....it's my story. God loves me so much that He sent His son to take my place...I have heard that so many times, but now I view it differently. This is not a story that I hear in church. It's not "Sunday school answers". It's not a religion. It's a love story. My love story. God longs for my heart and loves me more than I can ever understand. If that's not the most beautiful and captivating love story in the world, I don't know what is.

He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realise just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me
.
And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all
Yeah, He loves us,
Oh! how He loves us,
Oh! how He loves us,
Oh! how He loves.
We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
And Heaven meets earth like an unforseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way that He loves u
s...

-DCB