A Temporary, But Much Needed, Hiatus

As you read this, I am currently sitting in a Starbucks located in Santa Carlita, CA. Why am I here, you may ask? These past two years, Youthfront Camp South - due to a shortage of high schools students wanting to go to camp over the weekend of July 4th (assumedly to blow things up) - has given the summer staff a week off to vacation, relax, and recuperate from the first half of the summer. So, my father decided now would be the ideal time to take that father-son road trip we had always been planning since I was just a young boy. Hence the reason I sit here in a SoCal Starbucks. So far, we have covered almost 1500 miles in the last 3 days and are on our home-stretch back to San Diego.

We flew into San Diego on Sunday night and from there, in the first two days, drove Highway 1 north to Redding, CA. Now, on the path backtracking to San Diego, we are just outside Los Angeles and only 155 miles north of our destination.

Along the way, we have stopped at notable sites such as The Winchester Mansion, Hearst Castle, and The Golden Gate Bridge. I have loved every minute of this trip and am looking forward to its continuation upon departure from this lovely, little Starbucks.

Although I enjoy traveling, Kansas never loses its charm, and I eagerly await no traffic, people that dress like me, and less bustle, overall.

God bless!

Jared

Chapel Watching

So, here I am, sitting in front of the Chapel at Youthfront Camp South helping to facilitate an experience our campers are partaking of at the moment. Today's experience involves the Stations of the Cross and remembering Christ's suffering. My job is to ring the Chapel bell every four minutes to notify the group it is time to switch stations. In between these short shifts, I have taken up a hobby I like to call "Chapel Watching." The same idea as "people watching," the only difference being my location is at camp with my staff family who I know and love each one. The following are my specimens:

A slow start to "Chapel Watching"

Chase taking out chairs for other facilitators on the trail

Hannah prepping the Snack Shack for today's customers

Kyle stopping by to say hello

Harrison in "go mode" making sure everything is running smoothly

Another pause to take in the beauty of creation

Little brother, Jake, trying to find something to do

I love this place and all of these people very much - this staff has blossomed into one of the most beautiful communities I have ever been a part of and I am so thankful that God has blessed me with such fellowship. Thank you for all your continued prayers and support. God be with you, bless you, and keep you.

Love,

Jared

Week One

The first week with campers has come and gone. Filled to overflowing with students, the camp facilities and staff were working hard to keep up with the demands of the week. I am so proud of my family here at camp.

The Redneck Rodeo event this Wednesday night at camp

Staff taking in a Royals game last weekend

Both YF South and YF West staff get-together at Topher Philgreen's

Circus Night on Thursday - the big sports event this year

Our community is truly blossoming; we share each other's joys and burdens as we journey along this summer together. What a blessing it is to see how quickly we have congealed as a group - one of the fastest bonding communities I have ever had the privilege of being included in. I do not doubt that it is because of your fervent prayers for our mission here at camp this summer.

Thank you for all of your support! Continue praying for unity and perseverance through whatever traps the Enemy tries to set for us. No matter the trials and tribulations this summer, may we always remember that God, and God alone, is in control.

God bless!

Jared

And So It Began

The summer is off to a quick and exciting start with training, more work projects, and fellowshipping with this year's staff composing the first two weeks of orientation. With Memorial Day Weekend free, I got to go home and see my family for a few days - mom's homemade pizza, watching movies with dad, and sleeping in my own bed - and I enjoyed every second of it.

Some of the program staff I am honored to be serving alongside this summer.

Now that camp has started, I have become more and more aware of what an excellent team God has blessed Youthfront Camp South with this summer. Thank you for all your prayers and support. Looking forward to continuing this journey with you! Updates coming soon!

God bless,

Jared

Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)

³ I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Work Week

Work Week was this past week down at South. Many projects were taking place throughout the duration of Monday to Friday - mowers and weed-eaters running constantly, construction, and painting were just a few of the things we had on our To-Do list.

Big Red was an invaluable assistant for duration of the week

We are finally prepped for the staff to move in! Words cannot express how excited I am for this summer.

God bless you all!

Jared

Next Up: Training Week

Second Home

Tomorrow morning I will be leaving for what I have come to know as my "second home" - a place known as Youthfront Camp South. Camp has been one of the most formative influences in my life. I have spent more than a sizable portion of my two decades of existence within the confines of its 660-acre grounds. Growing up, riding bikes (and wiping out), learning, and serving in community with nothing but the best people I could have ever thought to meet have all made this place a second home to me. Needless to say, I am more than excited about packing my things and driving down the familiar thoroughfare known as US-69 South.

One of Tommy Thompson's stained-glass windows in the Chapel

This, dear readers, marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of yet another in my life. Nothing would please me more than for you to join me on my journey this summer at camp. Follow along, comment, ask questions about what's happening in the daily life at camp, and, I ensure you, I will do my best to capture the awesome-ness of this summer's exploits.

- Jared

23 The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Numbers 6: 23-26

Mom

So I know Mother's Day is still a little ways away, but FarmHouse just celebrated Mom's Weekend 2011 this past weekend. From talent shows to reminiscing the past year to seeing college friends from the past and rekindling those friendships, MW11 was a success. I enjoyed my weekend with mom thoroughly (it didn't hurt that she spoiled me quite a bit). Regardless of whatever we were doing, I was proud to have my mom here in Manhattan for the weekend.

Mom and I in front of FarmHouse

Mom,

I am so thankful for all the things you have done, and continue to do, for me. Taking care of me before I was even born, teaching me and guiding me through my childhood and teenage years, and caring enough to call and make sure everything is okay even now that I am out of the house. I could not ask for a better mom. I know that is a cliche used all too frequently, but, in this case, is completely genuine. If I asked for a better mom, I would be acting in an awfully presumptuous manner because you are as close to perfect as they come.

I love you, mommy!

Jared

Grind

The end of the semester draws nigh and, as a college student, that means finals for me. At this point in the game, motivation becomes more and more scarce which makes any form of studying and/or homework more difficult and painful to complete. However, as one of my brothers once told me - and often tells everyone in the house - "just grind."

These two words are supposed to bring encouragement and put into perspective a visible end. The discomfort of preparation for finals and the fear of actually taking them is only momentary. Step back, look at the end objective, realize there is a finite timeline, and just grind. Nothing worth having comes without a little adversity.

So, with that being said, what better way to close this post than with a reference to Paul's letter to the Philippians about the race of life:

Philippians 3:14

¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

A Life Celebrated - Now More Gloriously Appointed

Finally, at last, my life complete,

I, my Savior, dwell with thee.

Absent from the body and present with God

Now, before the Throne, to sing His laud.

Though life strains and tries,

I will not faint. I will not grow weary.

True, my precious LORD,

I have mounted on wings like eagles'

And flown, nay, soared

Above the Heavens; my goal reached.

To have finished the race

And in such a way to keep integrity and face

But more so than these

To give honor, glory, and praise

To Thee, my Maker, mine eyes whom now have seen.

In all Thy glorious omnipotent self

Thy power radiating in, around, and through

Your spared lambs before the seat

From which all mercy, love, and justice flow

Freed from angst, trials, and pain

From work, sickness, death, and stain.

Never to return to the world I knew

But with my brothers and sisters in faith

We anxiously wait for you

To learn the joy we now know

Liberated from the Earth below.

As I await our joyous union soon,

The crystal sea is mine to partake

The streets of gold, the pearly gate

My mansion prepared and its estate.

Loved ones, do not mourn

For I have risen with the dawn

To meet the Creator of all things

My pain, no more, death without sting.

Live life well, love, and grow

And if nothing else,

This one thing know.

God is good,

Both now and then

Your one True Love

And closest Friend

Your Ally, Shield, and Shepard bold

Whom fought the lions you now hold

Against your heart they do strain

To leech life's precious joys to sorrow and pain.

Take rest, my loves, to comprehend that these

Are but futile, temporary things.

No more than a speck in sight

Of eternity's awe-inspiring light.

God bless thee and keep thee well.

Remember the times that were ours to share

In this life, yours, take care.

But look forward to those yet to become.

I love you all,

Ron.

Brothers

Today was too beautiful a day to spend indoors. Thus, after a long meeting and a long weekend, several guys and I went on a bike ride around Manhattan. Fighting steep, uphill runs and flying down near vertical slopes at break-neck speeds that pushed the limit of both our bikes and nerves, we circled the sights of the Flint Hills.

While pushing through the pain of climbing those hills, I found myself being motivated by the perseverance of my brothers, struggling to make it up the hill alongside me. I felt a connection between both the bike ride and the hills we climb in life. I know that this year would have been much more challenging and difficult - nearly impossible - if I had not had my brothers carrying my burdens and struggling up the hill right there with me. I am thankful for the trials God has deemed me to experience this year and am even more thankful for brothers that have spurred me onto growth and continued trust in God and in His perfect will for my life.

To say, "thank you" would be nowhere near great enough an expression of gratitude for all the things you have done for me. I love each and every one of you and thank God every time I remember you. God sent you into my life to save it.

In brotherly love,

Jared

Window Open

Today has been a blessing to my very soul. The fact that I have been able to throw off winter's jacket and open the window to my study room has been just the thing I have needed amidst all the drab winter weather. I love winter - don't get me wrong. It's just that after a while it becomes almost depressing; the blackened slush from the road, the incessantly cold temperature and wind, and the ominously grey sky.

However, thanks to the benevolent, placid, sun-filled day, I can prepare myself for another bout with Old Man Winter (if necessary).

Praise be to God for another successful week completed at college. Good brothers and friends, beautiful weather, and a reason for hope. Thank you, LORD for all Your mercies and blessings of which I am the least deserving. May I bring glory and praise to You.

Amen

Snow on Snow on Snow..

Well it snowed about 4.5 inches here in Manhattan last night. Actually it was more like all yesterday. From 10am all the way through to 2am, snow was coming down in some fashion or another. Luckily, the sun came out today so it's not quite as dreary and depressing as it has been the last few days.

Second semester is underway here at KSU and I'm buckling in for a wild ride. Four engineering courses that are sure to give my GPA and me a run for our collective money. Literally. Scholarships hang in the balance.

Also - hoping to get a call from the good folks at Youthfront to let me know if I have the opportunity of serving at Camp again this summer. Maybe jumping the gun a bit on this, I know. Summer's still a long way off. A lot left to learn, more growing, and experiencing to be had before then.

Dear Father,

Give me patience in all things as I eagerly look forward to Your plan for me. Keep my feet on the path that leads to life and far from the way of wickedness and destruction. May I bring glory and praise to Your name all the days of my life.

In Your Son's precious name

Amen