That Jammin Camp

I just read Dan's post. If you haven't read it yet you should.

I really like knowing how my friends are doing spiritually but for some reason it's a lot easier to read about them than to talk to them. I wonder if they feel the same way about me?

In any case I just returned from Jam Camp. It was my 4th time. While I don't think that that number really matters I do feel like I know what I'm doing when I'm with the junior high group at Jam Camp. Usually a feeling of accomplishment and understanding is accompanied with something new that turns what you thought you knew into something very not known. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?

Well I wish I could say that Jam Camp was enlightening with every word that the speaker Joel said being meaningful. But actually I found his talks confusing. I would say the best part of that weekend was listening to Bradley Hathaway with Joel and hearing him cry out about just wanting to be hugged by Jesus. You know, that's exactly how I felt.

I wanted to be done with theology, done with morality, done with philosophy and especially done with religiosity and just have Jesus be around me, bearing down on me with the intensity of the someone who knows and yet forgives. I still feel that way.

And as I read through the Sermon on the Mount for some reason I was struck over and over with the verse from 1 Samuel "to obey is better than to sacrifice". So I guess all those times I sacrifice my time and money and talents don't make up for not obeying. Interestingly enough time, talent and treasure are the three points in the Harvest's stewardship campaign.

But really, Jesus is a great God. One thing Joel did remind me of is that Jesus isn't just our friend but He is also our Lord. Hard truths hard, but they are good.

Lately I am thankful for things that are hard.

On the way back we almost got run over by a plane. On the highway.