Have you ever been right there in the moment of it all? Where you are so wrapped up in what is going on you think you are one of the people that you are sitting with? I so had this happen to me at Sr. Youth Camp in Arkansas last night where I was 15 ½ years old. Yep I was.
Since I am such a people person I cannot sit in the back of any church, auditorium, general conference, court room (okay maybe I can in a court room). I just have to be in the front or I get lost in people watching.
Last night we sat right behind the “plush” chairs in the tabernacle. I was pumped. I was sitting by one of our awesome NLC teachers and her friends. At 7 PM the doors opened and the body heat rose to about 200 degrees in there. The campers came rushing in. I saw high hair, lopsided hair, curls, braids, buns, flowers, ribbons, and bobby pins galore. There was primping, ponytail arranging, dress adjusting, and purse dragging going on. There was also slow swagger walking, girl checker-outing guys. I loved it. I was right in the very moment of it all. I even checked in my purse for lip gloss but could only dig out some Bistex. Don’t you think for a moment I didn’t put it on. I sure did.
The music started and they were all jumping, leaping, swaying, swinging, singing and shouting. I think I was sitting in the midst of about 1500 of them. Actually probably more like 500. It took me back to the days of Camp Galilee- which was the camp that I went to when my parents would come back to the United States. It is the keeper of some of my best memories. Minnesota mosquitoes and all.
Last night my Pastor from New Life Church in Cabot- Tim Gaddy spoke. When he got up there I wanted to just yell it out- PREACH IT- but thankfully I didn’t. I was ever more proud of him and the way he let GOD USE him to minister to those SR. High campers last night.
When it was all over I know that there were many that were healed, touched, had new direction in their lives, and walked away changed. As for me I was ready to find my date to the concession stand. Because you know once someone buys you that drink and snack there- you are- well you know- SERIOUS! Can you believe this really tall six feet eight guy was checking me out all night? Yes he was. He kept trying to talk to me, would tap my knee if something was funny, and even bought me a snack afterwards. I think that means we are an “item”. Someday I hope we get married and I have his kids- WAIT- too late- I already did!
Happy Church Camp Time People. You know this blog post brought back four thousand memories to you. Don’t even let me type out the word Noxzema because you will have instant memories flood in with that smell. You know you love this time of the year. Bring your bug spray you’re gonna need it!
14 comments:
HA!! LOVE IT! Just got back from our church camp. So relate to this! Too cute. :)
These pictures are FABULOUS!!! :) Loving the middle one. heehee
Thanks! Now I'm 15 1/2, right there at Redfield! I love camp!
ohhhhh how I loved camp!!!! I once said no to a trip to Florida because I would miss camp.. no way, not for all the chili in Mexico! :-)
HAHAHA!! I never actually got to go to a UPCI camp because my parents weren't saved, and wouldn't let me go to church after I came home and told them I had gotten the Holy Ghost. I was too old when I could make my own decisions. I do remember going to Girl Scout camp. Sooo, not the same memories. =)
June Hughes- OH Youth Camp...where the love of my life and I met and married almost 59 years ago.
Anita Thompson Wade-
Camp Galilee the best Camp in the USA hands down - miss it!!!
Vicki Thomas Simoneaux-
THIS so totally made me want to be 15 1/2 at Alabama Camp and all dressed up for our Thursday night after service banquet! LOVE IT!
Love this post!
I leave for camp on Monday - CANNOT wait!!! And today is my 36th Holy Ghost birthday - got it at Youth Camp, Bethel in the Hills, Frazier Park, CA on the first night of youth camp.
That is awesome Kathy- Today is the 4th anniversary of Emma being baptized!
I have a lot of wonderful memories from camp. The other night I was walking in my neighborhood and smelled a combination of bug spray, pizza, and something else (don't remember what) that instantly took me back to the days of standing around the Canteen after service at Wisconsin Youth Camp. Life was so much simpler back then. Camp was the highlight of my summer.
One word - AQUANET!
Miss you,friend. I LOVE the smell of Noxema. Thanks for bringing back memories. I got the Holy Ghost at youth camp when I was 15. I was a newbie, so things didn't sink in much that year...but I made up for it in years to follow. A bit reminiscent of us getting ready for a chorale tour performance - all of us in church bathrooms or gyms or some other cramped, crowded space. Where are those pictures?
You have me in stitches. I didn't get to go to any of the youth camp services this year, but that post just brought back a FLOOD of memories (that overwhelmingly ranked of Rave and Freeze It). Miss you like CRAZY. A visit out to see you is MUST. Lets coordinate our schedules.
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