This weekend Pam and I are hosting a ninth grade girls group for Elevation Weekend. Elevation weekend is an in town retreat where middle school and high school kids in groups of 8-10 stay in a home for an entire weekend. The weekend includes worship, preaching, teaching, service projects, food, and building friendships. I gained 10 more daughters over the weekend. 8 high school freshmen girls (Lauren, Lindsey, Courtney, Keren, Sarah, Alyssa, Ashley, Heather) stayed with us all weekend along with college leader Meaghan Gillies and Hannah’s friend Alexandria). What’s one more daughter to my already three? (It does mean no hot water!!!) This afternoon we went down to Evergreen Nursing Home during our free time to share songs and time with them. The girls in our group were amazing in the way they shared with these people. Special thanks to Robin Lingo who played the piano for group. As I watched this scene, joy flooded my heart when I thought about how these precious teenagers were claiming the promises of God through those hymns as they were giving of themselves to these new friends. Serving is always two-way street. I know I walked out of that place extremely blessed and encouraged!

Tonight the Micah Watson band and Pastor Zac led an amazing worship service. God was speaking so loudly to His people through songs, hymns, and scripture that was shared. I know I was forever blessed in being here. The song that is still singing in my soul is based upon Zephaniah 3:17, “The Lord God is with you, and He is mighty to save!”

Church, you would have loved watching these students lay their lives down before Jesus! Well I have to go for now. Daybreak is coming! (Theme of Elevation weekend) and I have a little more preparing to do before I finish preaching Nehemiah 13 tomorrow. Hope your heart is ready to listen and to respond!