Summer Blogging Siesta

“It’s quiet. It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is asleep. The day is coming.

In a few moments, the day will arrive. It will roar down the tack with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decision to be made and deadlines to be met.

For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.

I choose LOVE…

No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I chose love. Today I will love God and what He loves.

I choose JOY…

I will invite my God to be my circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical, the tool of a lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything but less than human beings, created by God. W will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose PEACE…

I will live forgiven. I will forgive so I man live.

I choose PATIENCE…

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment and pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I choose KINDNESS…

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. I will be kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God treated me.

I choose GOODNESS…

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be over-looked before I boast. I will confess before I accuse. I choose goodness.

I choose FAITHFULNESS…

Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word.

I choose GENTLENESS…

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it only be in praise. If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer. If I make a demand, may it only be of myself.

I choose SELF-CONTROL…

I am a spiritual being – after this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot rule the eternal. I choose self control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self control.”

"Without you Lord, my day has no direction; no service loses its purpose. May you guide each step of mine today, teaching me to be faithful in everything I do. May my life be to the praise of your glory.”

I found these passages at the Potter’s House when I was visiting Edinboro a week ago. They really touched me as I read them over and recorded them into my journal, so I thought they would be a great farewell post until August.

I will be packing up and heading out of Kittanning to Ocean City, New Jersey for eight weeks on Saturday. Why the extended beach vacation? Well, let me explain.

I was approached by my campus minister about a year ago about an opportunity called the Ocean City Beach Project. The OCBP is designed to be a time of intense learning and development for students with a heart for the world and a passion for Heaven. It is dedicated to better equip us as leaders and as disciples of Christ for our time in college and in the years beyond. The two-month Beach Project will take place in Ocean City, New Jersey and will consist of four CCO staff and 25 students. Our schedule will include classes, Bible studies, worship, meals together, a local job, and in the little remaining time I’ll be connecting with my housemates and having fun together. After fervently praying about this decision for several months, I knew that God was leading me to a summer I’ll never forget.

I’m nervous and excited to go, for I know this will be an unforgettable summer, one I will look back on for the rest of my life. Although my communication is cut down to some phone calls, occasion e-mails, and everyone’s favorite snail mail, I will always keep in touch one way or the other!

So here’s to you having a great summer filled with sunny rays, warm temperature, and maybe even a little sand in your shoes. God bless, and see you in August!