God Loves You.

That was pretty much the theme of the youth group retreat this past weekend.

I went to the retreat with a student's heart - eager to learn, hang out and worship as a family. The speaker was very anecdotal and it was a bit difficult at times to find the lesson or main message, but in the end that worked out as a positive. I talked to a few students about the retreat and they also felt they didn't really learn as much as they thought they would, but in the end it only made them more hungry for the Word. Overall, I was so encouraged by the students. I learned so much from them.

I loved...

• watching Ben and Andrew rock out during praise.
• watching our FPC youth group worship freely.
• praying with the students.
• the testimony sharing time - hearing about how God is moving.
• QT in the morning sitting on a rock and closing my eyes as I looked up at the sun. I really love that orange glow. It warms my soul.
• watching the youth group kids welcome my innocent tutor boys from Murrieta.
• small group with the 13th and 12th grade girls. They even woke up earlier than the other students so we could have more time for QT sharing because they know that they talk a lot and they didn't want to be late for breakfast.
• watching Brian Kim eat.
• bonding with DChon.
• praying with Mansoo. Why is that kid so sweet?
• staff meetings. The youth group staff is amazing. I'm always so humbled and challenged by the hearts of the teachers. They're so devoted and full of love. It truly was a privilege to serve with them.
• meditating on the fact that God loves me. I've heard it so many times, yet I think it's been a while since I've actually understood it. I'm not sure if I fully do, or if I ever will. I want to actualize that thought.. truth in my life.

God loves you.

Such a simple statement filled with power that leaves me in wonder.