Getting Rooted in the Church

This week i met with two of the high schoolers from FBC and asked them some questions about the youth rafting trip. And both, Michael Bartholomew and Kiley Andersen, gave me the same answer....they LOVED it! When i asked what they thought was the best part both in some way had to do with the unity that the youth group had. Being a high school student, unity becomes very important! From my high school experience clicks are very popular yet unwanted.

The theme of their week was "Who do you say that I am?" And Forgiveness played a big role in the sermons each night. Kiley said, "It was nice to be reminded of who God is and remembering that He forgives us constantly even if we don't deserve it." This was Kiley's 1st year rafting!

This was Michael's 2nd year going rafting with FBC. He said that the small group time has impacted him greatly. "I liked being able to share and know that i wasn't the only one going through a hard time or the only one who needs advice. It was nice to be reminded that we are all human." Michael told me as he was recapping the trip.

As our discussion went on we started talking about our youth group and what they would like to see change or how they would like to see it evolve. We all agreed that unity is the ultimate goal for our group. We want to be comfortable enough to be able to "walk up and talk to anyone on Sunday mornings," says Kiley. As i read Psalms 1 this week this verse hit me:

"And he shall be like a tree firmly planted by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaves also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper and come to maturity." Psalms 1:3

So i asked myself...If we are to be the tree firmly planted in Jesus Christ, who or what is our stream of water? I came up with two conclusions, 1) as humans we are going to stumble, its a given, so we need to surround ourselves with our brothers and sisters of Christ to keep us accountable. ex: staying connected with the church, youth group, and Christian friends. 2) we need to realize we are not perfect yet still strive to be like Jesus, and stay in His word, live His word, and share His word. This will help our youth group grow together.

With that said, to keep our group whole we also need to celebrate with them...while on the rafting trip three of our high schoolers were baptized! Garrett Bibb, Jesse Hester, and Emma Kitchen! Congratulations you guys!

As you go through this next week and school starts next Monday for most of you at FBC remember where your roots are..or where they should be and remember to get in His word and live it everyday. In the Relient K song, "Taking You With Me," it states, "...if home is where the heart is then my home is where You are, but its getting oh so hard to spend these days without my heart....so im taking You with me." So go through your week but keep you heart with you...bring Jesus to work, school, Starbucks, target, Costco, and anywhere else you may go. He is the reason we are alive.

Remember your roots!