This Sunday was great! It was so awesome because even though there was a pretty clear age difference between us and the congregation, we still all came together as believers to worship our God. What a great thought! No matter where we are in life, He still deserves and is worthy of all our praise! Though we grow older, and change, God stays the same. He is still every bit as powerful, and loving, and sovereign as He was at the beginning of time. Our God is so good. But, anyway, back to our Sunday morning at Riley! Can I just say how much I loved the fact that we sang "Old Time Religion?! Hahaha, I guess that goes back to what I was saying before. But I love when our generation gets to step back and experience another generation's form and style of worship. But like I said, it's still to the same God! Well, I did get the privilege to pray with a lady that morning. She was didn't give me details about what she was going through, but I loved that I was able to pray for her. Life is hard. I've definitely been through a decent amount of hard in my short 20 years of life. But, just to be able to remind her that God is still in control, and that He can get her through anything, give her strength, and that He has a plan in all of this was so good. I wish everyone knew that! (Which explains a big part of my reason being in Glowing Heart!) After the service, it was fun eating lunch with the congregation. I actually was able to sit and talk with the pastor and his wife. They were so sweet! I loved them. And then the kids! Oh goodness, a bunch of them were outside playing tag, and they were so cute. I met two twin girls, and fell in love. One, Madison (at least, I believe that was her name!), sat down beside me after we had finished packing up and I got to talk to her and ask her questions and stuff. Ahh, seriously. She was so precious. That's one of the things I LOVE about this ministry, though. Not only do we get to invest in Jr and Sr High students, but we also get to invest in younger kids, and older adults too! But, I particularly like the little kids. :) They're so much fun! Every weekend I'm reminded over and over again what a HUGE blessing it is to be a part of Glowing Heart, and our Sunday morning at Riley was no exception! Yes, God is good. :)

Much of their enthusiasm seemed to be spurned by the movie we went to see Friday night, The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry. The Perryton youth were moved by the example of the characters in the movie, to be bold in their faith and to seize every opportunity to share Christ. The challenge was reinforced throughout the sessions that we had with them, during which we talked about taking risks in our lives as Christians. On Saturday night too, during the worship service, Henry’s message on Romans 13:11-14 was very convicting that time is fleeting and the time to act is now. His message Sunday morning was also very appropriate for many of the youth in Perryton, concerning forgiveness and its importance. There were many wonderful testimonies given Sunday morning about what God taught the youth this weekend and about changes they want to make in their lives for the Lord.

Several of the youth are currently dealing with grief for the death of loved ones. This was a feeling I can personally relate to, as there was a death in my family just last week. But it never ceases to amaze me how pouring into the lives of others brings healing and this weekend was very precious to me, with much joy and comfort. It was also encouraging to see and hear some of the others walking through this same situation come to the Dnow and stand up and say God is still good.

It is never easy to leave people you’ve just become close too, but the CWC youth are in wise and capable hands; Nolan and Salem, thank you for your example of being godly leaders, having a godly family, and of serving so consistently for many years! May the Lord continue to bless you! And thank you Perryton youth for a wonderful weekend! We love you all!