Summer Testimony | Caitlyn

   My summer was incredibly busy but also incredibly amazing! I'll start with our church's Vacation Bible School. To be honest, I think what I learned most from that is that God will often exceed our expectations. Going into VBS, many of the teen workers thought that this particular theme was not going to go over well. We thought the skit was boring and frankly the entire theme itself didn't seem all that interesting. On top of that was the fact that we were staring on Fathers Day, I didn't expect much out of it. But God really used it and not only was it was our biggest year attendance wise, but there were also quite a few saved!

   Next came summer camp at Wildwood Christian Retreat. It was thoroughly exhausting as usual, but it was also epic as usual:) I enjoyed making new friends and seeing my friends from previous years. The main thing I got out of that week was about surrender to God. Not just as a once in a lifetime thing, or as a New Year's resolution, but on a daily basis; surrendering my selfish will and pride for His selflessness and humility.  I praise the Lord for all the ones who received Him as their Savior and for those who made decisions to live for Him that week.

   Next came summer camp 2.0 at Mount Moriah in Tennessee. That was my first time there and so it was a different experience for me. The preaching was excellent and there were a few saved and lots of decisions to surrender to whatever the Lord wanted them to do. I really enjoyed getting to know the staff (as I talked to them most of all); they were all awesome and it was great fellowship!

   Then came the Cola-Clash at Lighthouse Baptist Church in New Concord, Ohio. I had a great time getting to know the people of that church better and I loved talking to the visiting teens. While I was there I stayed on a farm with one of the families there. That was something I've never done before and I loved it! We would garden and feed the sheep and go four wheeling. I loved getting better acquainted with their family and look forward to seeing them all again:)

   Last but not least came my youth groups annual missions trip. Every year some of our teens go on a in-country trip for about a week. This year we were helping out at Every Nations Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. There are many different ethnic groups there and so it was a new experience for all of us, going up to a door, not knowing whether or not the person behind it speaks your language. There were many days where we would be soul-winning for up to five hours. It was days like that where we all had to learn to depend on God for our strength. It was hot and hard and we could not do it ourselves. But God was with our efforts and the Friend Day that we were inviting people to was a big success. Our youth group agrees that this was the best missions trip bonding wise. We would all flip flop who were soul-winning with so everyone got to know everyone better. ( We also came home with like, a million inside jokes so our families all probably thought we were crazy).

   I am so glad for those opportunities to get to know my youth group better and we are all much better friends for it. God was with my summer. He stretched me. He grew me. Sometimes it hurt, but I'm glad that He did, and I look forward to what He's going to do next.

~Caitlyn

Camp Joy | Carissa:)

   This summer, like Charis, I had the amazing opportunity to work at Camp Joy in Whitewater, WI.

I worked in the Housekeeping department. Basically, we cleaned everything. By everything I mean bathrooms (at least most of them which was a lot!), the chapel, the Lodge (which included the Fireside Room and Dining Hall), the Heritage Room, the Office, the Gym, the Nurse's Station, etc. We also serviced the Driftwood Cabins and Deluxe Rooms where families stay during family camps and sponsors stay during teen or junior weeks. Every afternoon we stocked the Gym Snack Shop and Snack Shack (try saying that five times fast! "Stocking the Snack Shop."). In the afternoons and evenings we worked in the different shops: the Bookstore, General Store, Gym Snack Shop, and the Snack Shack in the Lodge.

   Because I wasn't able to be at Camp Joy during training week, I was definitely baptized by fire! I honestly had no idea what I was doing the first week, but thankfully, the other girls and both my supervisors taught me well:) I may or may not have exploded a blender during Junior Camp 1, dump hot chocolate mix all over me, and cut my thumb open two days before I left, but I survived! During Teen 3, a lot of us Housekeeping girls were able to help out in the kitchen because the Kitchen staff had lost a few people. We didn't really have any idea what we were doing in there, but the Kitchen staff graciously taught us. We waitress-ed, worked in the dish room (we REALLY didn't know what we were doing in there ;)) and helped clean up as much as we could before doing our own jobs.

   I made a lot of friends over the summer as well! I had my own little cleaning buddy (the nurse's three-year-old son) who helped me clean every morning. He called me Cleaning Carissa:). And then all the other op-staff people. We had so many inside jokes that no one would ever get and would probably think we're crazy. But we had tons of fun. I was able to go to most of the evening chapel services. There were so many great messages and God was definitely working in every one of the camps. I had an amazing time this summer and hope to be able to do it again next year!!

   If I had to sum up my entire summer in one sentence, it would be "God is good." Pastor Tom Ferrell was one of the speakers for Teen 3 and that was his theme. It was just a really awesome reminder that even when it doesn't seem like God knows what's going on, He's still good. I had to leave before the last week of camp so Teen 3 was my last week. One of the things that was said in the last staff meeting I was able to attend was, "God has a plan." Even if I don't know what God has for me in my life, He does have a plan and He is always good.

~Carissa:)

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My Testimony from Camp Joy 2015

Deciding to work this summer at Camp Joy in Whitewater Wisconsin was honestly the best decision I've ever made. I met so many good Christian leaders and had so many different opportunities to serve in many different ways.  

The main thing this summer that influenced me was God's persistence. For a while, I had been planning on going to school for something to do with music. That's all I've known all my life, and people just naturally assumed that's what I would go in to.  

During the second semester of school last year, I struggled because I felt God calling me into missions but I wasn't willing to listen. Honestly, music was number one in my life. It was the biggest idol I've ever had. Everything in my life was based on what song I was learning, what competition I was going to next. Basically, I had to be the best, and if I wasn't then I had to work and work until I was the best. 

During teen camp III, Tom Ferrel and his son, Ben Ferrel, came and preached. One of the messages was on fully surrendering to Christ. The whole entire service, I could feel conviction. I knew God was calling me to be a missionary, but I kept saying no. When the preacher did the invitation, I refused to leave my seat. When I went back after the service ended, I was asked to help counsel. I should have said no because I was personally struggling with surrender, but I went to where everyone was counseling, and I sat down next to a girl who hadn't been talked to yet. I asked her what God had spoken to her about, and she said, "I think God wants me to be a missionary." I was immediately like, "Oh great." As soon as I finished helping her, I was so convicted that I went to one of the staff and asked them to counsel me. 

That night, I gave my life to Christ to be whatever he wants me to be. I believe He's called me in to missions. I would love to do something with the deaf on the mission field, but I'm willing to go wherever God leads. I claimed a verse that night, and that verse is really special to me. I'm the type of person that cares way to much about what the world thinks. Because of that, it's hard for me to just walk up to someone and start giving the gospel. In this verse, it says that God will give me the power. It's not my words that will make a difference, it's Gods words.  

~Charis 

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Wednesday Quote | Love

"If you are a child of God, the immense full force of the Father's love for His Son is directed to you." -author unknown

Wow! That's a lot of love! Stop and read that quote again...

It's basically saying that if Christ lives in you, then you are a child of God. And because of that, God loves you as much as He loves His Son! 

I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 

   ~John 17:23 

Have a fantastic Wednesday!! 

-Autumn

Sunday School | Joseph Part 2

As my sister said in the last post, we've been going through the life of Joseph for the past couple of weeks in our Small Group Sunday School class. This was one of those lessons that I wasn't super excited about. I mean, I've heard about Joseph all my life. But for the past two Sundays, I've learned so much! Here's a few things I learned.

First, Joseph's responses were very important. If he had responded differently just once, the outcome would have much different. For instance, if Joseph had disobeyed his father and not gone to find his brothers, he wouldn't have been sold into slavery. While this may seem like a good thing, you have to follow through the entire account.

If he hadn't been sold and taken to Egypt, he never would have gone to Potiphar's house. He never would have been wrongly accused and sent to jail. He never would have interpreted the butler's and baker's dream. He never would have been remembered by the butler and interpreted Pharoah's dream. He never would have become second in command over Egypt and saved thousands, if not millions, of lives when the famine came.

His responses mattered.

That was really eye-opening to me. What I do right now affects me, my family, and everyone around me; even if it seems like it doesn't matter.

Second, Joseph was content to be where he was. He didn't get mad or angry when he was sold to Potiphar. Instead, he worked hard and gained his master's trust. He became the best steward he could be.

When he was put in jail, he again worked hard and gained the prison keeper's trust. This sort of ties in with his responses. If he had had a bad attitude and pouted or whatever, he probably would have never been put in charge of those two men from Pharoah's house.

Joseph didn't complain when the butler forgot about him for two years. For two years!! He just waited and trusted that God had a perfect plan for him. And God did. One of the things Lisa (our SS teacher) said, was that whatever I have right here and right now, it is enough. God provides exactly what I need when I need it.

He was content with where God had put him and with what He had given him.

Anyway, that's my take on the lesson. What do you think?

 Have an awesome Friday!!

~Carissa=)




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Sunday School | Joseph Part 1

In Sunday school my class is going through Genesis. Last week was about Joseph in Egypt. Although I wasn't able to be in this lesson, my class kindly recorded it for me! We basically went through a worksheet that had three main sections. This is taken from Genesis 39-41.
 

•JOSEPH'S CIRCUMSTANCES 

1. Sold into slavery.

2. Tempted by Potiphar's wife.

3. Wrongly imprisoned. 

4. Put in charge of two men in prison.

5. Taken out of prison to interpret Pharaoh dreams. 

•JOSEPH'S RESPONSES

1. He served his master well

2. He ran away from her

3. He served his master and was trustworthy 

4. Asked why they were troubled; interpreted their dreams and gave credit to God

5. Gave credit to God and recognized His sovereignty over ever circumstance and event; interpreted the dream.

•JOSEPH'S RESULTS

1. His master found favor with him; Joseph prospered; God was with him

2. Potiphar's wife lied and Joseph was sent to jail

3. God made Joseph succeed in whatever he did; God showed mercy to Joseph 

4. The dreams came true exactly how God had said to Joseph

5. Joseph made second in command under pharaoh; he was given a wife. 

Although at first glance things don't seems to be going well for Joseph, we find out in the end what God's ultimate purpose was for him.

 "Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to save much people alive."  -Genesis 50:19-20 

There is SOO much more that I could say about this lesson, but here is one thing that was said in class: 

"No matter our circumstances, our circumstances do not determine the results, [but instead] our response to our circumstance determines our results."

~Autumn

Devotional Thought

~Charis

Sunday School Quote....

Just because we aren't bothered by something doesn't mean that it's right.

-Dr. Chris McNeilly 

Personal Blog|Charis

 I just wanted to let y'all know that I finally took some time to start a personal blog! I'm going to be at camp this summer, so I wanted a way to give updates, stories and more. :) 
It's called Dewitt Adventures! Feel free to check it out! :) 
~Charis

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Sunday School Thoughts

In Sunday School, we have been going over the passage of Matthew 5. This morning, we talked about verse 7. It spoke to me, so I thought I would share. 

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7 KJV)

Mercy- Giving someone something that is not deserved. EXAMPLE: Sinners deserve hell, but God came to earth to save us from our sins. 

I. The Beauty of Mercy

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV)

Luke 10:30- The Good Samaritan 

There are 3 kind of people in the world: 

The beater-uppers

The passer-uppers

The picker-uppers 

What kind of person am I? 

II. The Basis of Mercy

Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. (Psalms 85:10 KJV)

III. The Blessing of Mercy

With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; (Psalms 18:25 KJV)
~Charis

When Your Heart Needs a Pep Talk

A couple days ago, I read this post from http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/and I thought that I would share it.

Enjoy! 

-Autumn 

My heart is way too good at being sad. Bogged down. Bummed out. Frustrated, annoyed, wearied, and so done with everything.
I’m really good at feeling extra insecure about all kinds of things. My hair, my makeup, the way I get tongue-tied when I’m nervous about talking to someone.

Jesus lavishes the beautiful rays of His love all over you.

It doesn’t take long for me to feel lonely, especially when I feel like I’m so introverted that I just don’t know how to make friends the right way. I wonder if people actually like me, if they just smile at me because they’re supposed to, and if they think I’m fun to be around.
Sometimes I feel defeated before I even get out of bed in the morning. The stress of what a day holds overtakes me, and my stomach turns into knots. I’d rather just pull the covers over my face and hide.
And my heart feels like it’s a 100-pound weight, keeping me down, not letting me feel free.
I’m not the only one who’s ever felt like this, who’s ever felt darkness overtaking them. We all wrestle with our hearts, because the enemy shouts words of defeat and sadness and darkness and ugliness. But he doesn’t have to win. We can’t let him win. Because we have the One who’s more powerful than the darkness.

Jesus is the resting place for our souls.

So sometimes, our hearts need a pep talk. Mine needs one almost every day. I’m weak, sinful, and desperate for the joy of my Savior to shine into my aching heart. Because it’s Him we’re really aching for.
Here’s a gospel-power-filled pep talk, from my wearied heart to yours.

Jesus Loves You

Jesus Christ loves you unconditionally. He doesn’t show love one day and remove it the next. No, it’s always there, and it always will be. That’s who He is. The Lover of our souls; the One who lavishes the beautiful rays of His love all over you.

Jesus Wants to Know You

He wants to know you. You, with all your messiness. Because He wants to heal you from it, little by little, piece by piece. He knows the ugliness in your heart, but He’s not backing down. He whispers to your heart, “I’ve set you free. Live in my glorious light.”

Jesus Is Good

And even when you mess up again, He won’t withdraw His goodness. So keep running to Him. Run with abandon to the King of kings who offers freedom from the brokenness of ourselves. He’s good, and He’s kind, and He’s the resting place for our souls.

Jesus Is Your Friend

He’ll be your best friend, even when you feel alone. Don’t let the enemy convince you of your insecurities. Your identity? It’s not the insecurities rushing around inside you. No, your identity is in Christ. You’re His. He claims you. Let that sink in . . . and let that make you sing!
So take your sad, wearied, broken-down heart, and lay it at your Maker’s feet. He doesn’t just put those pieces together again. He makes a whole new creation—and it’s glorious.
Breathe deep. Smile. Because the Redeemer of this aching earth is at work. There’s beauty around you—and He doesn’t want you to miss it.
Step out into the sunshine, and let its rays radiate onto your face, and know that His love is shining on you, too.
And when you start to feel sad again, run to Him, and let His saving power wash all over you again.
He’s made this day, and it’s going to be good.

Promises to Live By

Here are some verses to run to, when your heart needs a pep talk.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” (Lam. 3:22–24).
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Ps. 103:1–5).
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good;his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations” (Ps. 100).

What gospel truth do you need God to shine into your heart today?
~From Lies Young Women Believe.

Study To Show Thyself Approved Unto God

At my church, I am involved in many children's ministries. One of my favorite things about working with kids is that when they genuinely care about someone, they aren't afraid to show it. Sometimes, they send home a paper they colored, a poem they wrote, or just a little handwritten note. They never fail to make it clear how much they appreciate and love you. 

There's just something so unique about a person taking the time to write down a heartfelt note that makes you truly feel loved. It doesn't have to be poetic, romantic, or pretty, just truthful and sincere. 

The Bible is God's letter to us. It was written by people that God handpicked to have the special task of writing the most important letter of all time. God revealed himself through written words so that we could read those words again and again, to gain an even deeper understanding of who He is and His love for us. 

 

II Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Recently, a co-writer on this blog (Autumn) sent me the verse above. I read it through several times, just thinking about what it meant. What a blessing that God sends us little messages through friends, family, church family and others when we need them most. 

There are so many encouraging messages throughout the Bible. God tells us over and over again that He is sufficient for us. His grace, love and strength will get us through any trials that we go through. Although we aren't perfect, God still took the time to write notes to us in many different places. 

Joshua 1:9 - ... Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

No matter what we go through, God will ALWAYS be with us. 

Psalms 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Psalms 28:7 - The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Psalms 34:4 - I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Although there are so many incredible love notes throughout the Bible, we are all guilty of neglecting and rejecting God's words. We start reading the Bible out of obligation instead of yearning for more. Instead, we listen to sermons, Christian Radio, pod casts and recordings ABOUT the Bible without really studying it for ourselves. We might even feel like all we do is learn about the Bible, when in reality, we haven't actually opened a Bible in weeks. 

We have the opportunity of living in a time when we have everything on our phones, our computers, or on google. These resources are amazing when they help us study God's word, but not when they replace the Bible. 

For example, imagine that you're trying to learn a formula in Algebra. All that your teacher has given you is a paragraph on how to use the formula. Without the formula itself, the "how-to" would be useless!

It might take more time, it might not be as easy to understand  and it might take more effort on our part, but God took the time to write the Bible for us. The least we can do is take the time to read it. 

Remember: reading what someone else has to say about the Bible can never have the same impact as studying God’s word for yourself.

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Q&A | Take Two ;)

Sorry this is so late!! Have an awesome Thursday!


     1. Where do y'all go to church?

Autumn: Lighthouse Baptist Church in New Concord, Ohio where my dad is the pastor.

Charis: Heritage Baptist Church in Michigan. My dad is also the pastor.

Caitlyn :Grace Baptist Church in Kettering, Ohio

Carissa: Same as Audi, my sister;).

     2. Do you all live near each other?

Autumn and I (Carissa) live in  Southeastern Ohio, Caitlyn lives  about 2 1\2 hours away from us also in Ohio, and Charis lives in Michigan about 5 1\2 hours from us.The last time we all saw each other in person at the same time was almost a year ago in May. :(

     3. Would you rather be forced to do grammar or math for an hour?

Autumn: Math. Only because I don't like grammar.

Charis: GRAMMAR!!!!! No questions asked!

Caitlyn: Math, because I have to do math for an hour and up a day anyway...(But I like Grammar better)

Carissa: Hmmm. Well, probably math because I don't like grammar unless I'm in my writing mood:)

     4. What is your favorite Bible verse?

Autumn: I have a lot, but here's a couple: Isaiah 41:10 and Colossians 2:12-14

Charis:I have many favorites. It's literally impossible to choose just one, but one of the passages I like is Phillipians 2:4-11.

Caitlyn: John 16:33, 2 Corinthians 12:9, and  Romans 8:37

Carissa: I have two favorites; Joshua 1:9 and Jeremiah 32:17.


~Not I But Christ:)

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Questions About Prayer

About a week ago, my youth pastor preached on prayer. It was a huge blessing to me, so I thought I would share.

Prayer is a personal thing.

"Prayer is the Christians greatest privilage, and the Christians biggest failure." 

Prayer can do ANYTHING God can do. Which is everything. 

Why should we pray? I mean, God knows our needs and wants anyway. 

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. (Matthew 6:7-8 KJV)

We don't pray to impress God. We don't pray to inform God. We pray to invite God into our lives. Prayer is for fellowship with God. Also, it helps us learn how to depend on Christ. 

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:6-7 )

Prayer shows that we completley abide, or depend, in Christ. 

What should I pray about? 

Everything. There is nothing to big, or too small for God. God made the earth and everything in it, so what could be bigger than Him? 

Why do we pray in Jesus' name? 

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14)

We want to make sure God approves of our wants. 

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. (John 15:16) 

We want to give God the authority to say yes or no. 

A prayer that begins in heaven has a better chance of getting back to heaven. 

Does God always give us what we ask for? 

No. This is because sometimes we ask for things that are not right. 

And Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers? Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. (Numbers 11:11-15) 

Does prayer change God's mind? 

No, of couse not. God doesn't change. 

What if my prayer is not answered? 

God says to be persistant. God needs to know how serious we are about our prayers. Daniel prayed for 21 days. 

Just some thoughts that spoke to me... :)

~Charis

Questions Please!!

Hi!! Tomorrow or next week we're hoping to have another Q&A post ready to go, but first we need some questions. Is there anything at all anyone wants to know more about? Be them about us, or anything. We love answering them!!!!

In fact, I'll even give y'all some sample questions to get your brain juices flowing (since it's so cold they might have frozen;)).

• Where do you go to church?
• Do you all live near each other?
• What do you think about ______? (Go ahead and fill in the blank. I'm having a mind blank about what to put in there...)
• What's your favorite Bible verse?
• Would you rather be forced to do math or grammar for an hour?

There you go!! You can either ask specific questions for one person, or general ones to everyone:) And you can either comment here or click on the link below.

Thanks so much!

Carissa (and Caitlyn, Charis, and Autumn)

Ask any questions you may have at Girls Inspiring Girls!