Jordyn's Journey

Wow.  There are so many things that I could say about this trip to DC.  Most of them are the little things, but those are really what make the most memories.  We’ve been to monuments, a ton of fast food restaurants, and even hit a car!  

There’s a road trip for you.  Every night we have the most amazing Bible studies [not that they’re worse back home], learning about the past leaders and events that took place in our country.  

The sacrifices that these people made were so amazing, and it was beyond incredible to walk through those war monuments.  The silence that we kept through that place was very different compared to the rest of the trip.  It was great to be able to experience this with our youth group.  

Pastor Tony always speaks in ways that make me think, and I really like that because then I get fired up.  I get to thinking and doing the little fill-in-the-blank areas on the Bible study we have.  Every morning I get to wake up [a little too early sometimes] and to being welcomed by the greatest people.  In fact, I’m writing this from Jillynn’s room right now.  Haha.  I’m just so thankful that I have Jillynn and Pastor Tony in my life.  They’re both so wonderful, and I don’t think trip would be as – exciting – without them.  So, we got two more days!!  I can’t to spend New Year’s Eve with these people.  It’s so great, so wonderful, to have a place like The Station.

Love,

Jordyn Tawney

Madalyn's Memoirs

The start of this week was exciting. We were all so pumped for the journey and experience that GOD was leading us to. We got to our first hotel and man, we thought it was the best. That night was an experience. 

With all of our leader’s, we had our service and then went for a very fun time at the pool and weight room! The next day we were off to the city of Washington D.C. when we got there we were all amazed. It was a long walk a long journey but we got through it!

I learned a lot from the people who fought, died and lead our country. We got back to the hotel after our second day and we had service. The title was Abraham Lincoln and to stand straight under pressure. 

Rev. pastor Tony really was on fire for this message. GOD really spoke to me and really showed me to stand for him in EVERYTHING I do. GOD has taught me so much so far on this trip and I am so thankful for him giving me this time and experience with my youth group.

The Real Truth

In a society surrounded by lies what is truth?

Someone tells you to do this, believe that, follow this, what’s truth?

Then the next persons tells you to do something different, believe in something different, follow something different, what’s truth?

Someone pledges their undying commitment ask you to trust them, and then leaves you, what’s truth?

Your families fall apart, people step out of your life, relationships end, problems overwhelm, what is truth?

The church says, “The Truth Will Set You Free”, what is that truth?

With an always changing, unstable world, let us discover; THE REAL TRUTH! 

Join us on Wednesday in January as we Get Real and Get the Truth

Having Joy At Christmas

Rejection, being left out, not really fitting in, is a feeling we all know to well. I don't need to describe what it looks like and feels like when you are left out, you know when it has happened to you.  It's not fun and it's not right.  

Remember the old Christmas song "Joy To The World", it goes on to say the Lord has come. Webster's Dictionary defines joy as, 1)a very glad feeling; happiness, delight 2)anything causing this. Thanks Webster! So if Joy is "a glad feeling, happiness and delight" and anything causing this" is joy what do you do with these words? "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad..." (Matthew 5:11-12a)

"Rudolph" moments of life make it difficult to experience JOY! So here are a few thoughts for you.

1) Joy is to be Expressed in Spite of What's Happening!

* The Bible exhorts us numerous times to have JOY in SUFFERING!

2) Joy is Known in Light of God's Choice!

* God has made specific choices and decisions and in them there is joy.

Where does Joy come from?

The Bible says every good and perfect gift comes from above. (James 1:17)

Is Joy something for a select few?

No. Joy is for all who hope and believe in God.

Is Joy given to us or is it something to be attained?

Yes!

During this Christmas season just remember this: Joy to the world the Lord has come!