It All Adds Up

I am thoroughly convinced that life comes down to little things. Over time, good or bad, the little things will always end up coming together to act as a catalyst for the bigger and more important. If you have been around KWest very much, you no doubt have heard Luke 16:10 quoted often, "He who is faithful in a little thing, is faithful also in much..."

This weekend, I was once again reminded that the "little" does add up over time. Long time Kanakuk kamper Austin Jarrett made enough of his shots this past week to secure his 1,000 point (check the picture above). As you look at his form, you can see muscle memory has taken over and shooting form looks text book perfect. He put in hours of practice and court time doing the little things correctly to achieve that goal. It was no doubt a sweet moment for him, his family, and his team.

With Christmas just around the corner, we will all get into the mode of checking off our holiday traditions. This past year, we have all invested in little things along the way and they have turned into habits or have been woven into the fabric of our character. One thing I pray that all of us have as a part of our lives on a daily basis is a grateful heart. Whether you're a parent, camper, or staff, I hope this year has been filled with daily "thanks" focused on the Lord, and with others.

As the Christmas rush picks up and things get crazy, remember that the small things, like taking time to tell people at the over crowded checkout line "thank you and Merry Christmas" helps both your heart and theirs.

I am grateful for the "little baby" who God gifted to us for salvation. Over time, that tiny baby has acted as a catalyst for a world changing love. It is what we celebrate every day of our lives with thankfulness and purpose.

So remember this holiday season, be faithful and grateful for the little baby boy who was given with a much bigger and more important reason that we could ever imagine.

Life in the faith lane

I’ve heard some stories recently that are inspiring me. I am excited to share one with you because if you are like me, you can always use a little inspiration! The stories are of ordinary people who are in situations where they can either trust and obey God--- even though it may be embarrassing, or they can just sit and struggle, and be anxious, and hope for good fortune to come along. A believer exercises faith; A non-believer exercises hope, at best. (Hmmmm. How many times have I acted like a non-believer? A LOT!) That is what it means to be a hypocrite--- an actor, who acts like a non-Christian, but says he is a Christian. Like the disciples afraid that they may die in the boat when the storm hit, Jesus said, “Where is your faith?” That’s what I am asking myself, as I recognize how much I am like the disciples. I abhor the thought of my hypocrisy.

The story I'd like to share with you today happened at Kamp on opening day, 2010. The very first vehicle to arrive at K-2 was a kamp bus, pulling up to the back gate 20 minutes early. The bus driver decided to turn the bus off since it was too early to drive into Kamp. When it was time to pull in, he turned the key, but the bus wouldn’t start. After trying everything he could without success, the gravity of the situation was weighing heavy. His bus was blocking the gate on the one-lane back road into kamp, with dozens of cars, vans, and busses stuck with no place to drive, and no way out! The bus driver decided to ask the kampers and staff who were around to lay their hands on the bus and pray that God might start the bus. He then climbed in, turned the key, and it started, and opening day at K-2 began!

There are other stories to tell, but I won’t take any more of your time. I’ll let you make your own stories of faith. That’s MUCH more fun than just hearing them. Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Take a chance—exercise your faith. You’ll never experience a greater sense of being alive, and your relationship with God will seem more real than ever!