Hot, Happy & Helping

Our church is at camp this week. Last night I went to see the talent show that my nice and nephew were in. I go every year and I love it. It is amazingly hot within everyone crowded into a giant screened room with a few fans that I did not feel. As sweat would roll down my body all I could see was smiles and laughter by kids, youth and adults.

First of all I love seeing kids get up in front of their peers and do their talent! One of my favorites was a little girl who made the sound of a rooster and a kitten. I always felt like I did not have a talent and was too scared to do anything. Then I had to beat myself up for not doing anything. This little girl did excellent and I was so impressed with her creativity! The cheers and chanting were crazy. I know some of the kids were nervous but as I prayed I watched the other kids and youth cheer them on. As soon as the next name was called the cheering started for that person. You could see the smiles as they heard their peers rooting for them.

My nephew played the guitar and my niece wrote a song and played it on the keyboard. I tell them all of the time how proud I am of them. I am proud of their many talents but I am most proud of who they are! Their character! That is how I felt last night about all of the youth.

I sat there thinking about 1 Thessalonians 5: 11, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." This is what these youth did! i know just like I as a parent are proud, God was smiling and proud!

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their abor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has o one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, Two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

God knew we could not go through this life alone. He told us we need others to help lift us up. While the youth last night had a great time they gave a silent sermon, "believers supporting believers!" God is a God of encouragement. He wants to use each of us as vessels of encouragement to one another. He wants us to call to one another, to help strengthen one another to keep running, keep going, keep believing, keep depending on Christ, to finish the course God has given us. Who can I encourage today?