Solid Rock Resources

September 2004

I can hardly believe that the summer is over. As much as we traveled and as many young people that we spoke to in camps and mission's trips; it all seems in some ways like summer started only a few days ago. I guess that's the way life goes. In the midst of our day to day living so many things seem to last forever. It's been my experience that when you get buried in your day to day chores, work and everyday living, you sometimes fail to see how time quickly passes. All my life I've always heard older folks say, “enjoy every minute you have in life. Time is a gift from God. Nothing is more valuable then time.” There are so many things you can catch up with in life, however time is not one of them. As much as I travel, I realize when I return how valuable time is. After every trip it seems that my children have grown twice in size. Moments like that put life in perspective.

When a friend close to your age passes away, you realize how precious time is. When you are in the middle of a spiritual struggle, when the storms and fires of life seem to never end in the midst of the battle, God reminds us all this too will quickly pass.

This summer I met so many young people that never wanted camp to end. Some students would tell me they wish camp could last forever. Some would tell me of their terrible home lives and struggles. How they didn't want to go back to their old lives. The last night of camps I spoke a message referring to the scripture 1st Kings 18, how God used Elijah to accomplish the miracle of fire falling from heaven. After the great miracle, Elijah ran and felt all alone. God reminded Elijah who he was and the power he possessed. He told him to go back to Damascus where he was from and anoint his servant Elijah. This story reminds me that in the midst of life's ups and downs, as time passes so quickly, we are to go back to our first love. To go back daily to God and thank him for every opportunity to be used of him.

In a previous news-letter we wrote about two doves that had made a nest in our tree and sadly their eggs were eaten by a large black crow. The kids prayed so hard that God would bring another bird family to our tree. God answered their little prayers and they were able to see a new nest get built and several baby birds hatch and learn to fly. The nest now sits empty, but it's a beautiful reminder of how time and the hands of God makes all things new. We are grateful for your prayers and support as we continue to take God's love to youth and families across the nation.

Yours For Youth,

Jaroy and Kim Carpenter