My Set-Apart Weekend

God will work in the lives of those who are willing. And sometimes, I forget this. 


I was beyond blessed this past weekend. I went up to Camp Barakel, heard the Ludys speak, and enjoyed time with God, nature, and some good friends. 


I learned way too much to even describe in this post. Way too much. Wow.
(If you want to learn more about the Ludys and their ministry, click here.)


God spoke... and I had ears to hear Him only. It was fabulous.


Also, I got to meet Leslie and Eric Ludy. 
They are such an amazing example of Christ's love poured out for others. When I met them, I looked in their eyes and saw an outpouring of radiant and genuine love; it was so powerful.  
I promised myself I'd be "chill" with the whole thing. I wasn't excited about meeting them, I was mostly just excited about seeing the people God had used so effectively to encourage and inspire my faith. 


Well... 
I went up to Leslie and told her how much I appreciated her books; they had encouraged and inspired me more than she could possibly know. Then, I gave her a hug.
We embraced and my eyes were glistening with admiration and love for these precious people, who God dropped directly in the middle of my life. 
I then shook Eric Ludy's hand and introduced myself. 


After meeting them, I walked to my seat in the chapel. Two tears silently rolled down my cheeks. I couldn't control this from happening (trust me, I really tried). 
I never cry; especially not in public. Good grief! 


Feeling stupid and embarrassed, I desperately tried to get my emotions under control before someone looked in my direction.  


Why in the world was this happening? I was a little upset at myself. 


As I was starting to regain composure again, my friends gathered around. 
And I groan.  


I was desperately wishing not to see anyone until my stability and control had returned. However, my sweet friends came -- I can only imagine what they must have been thinking of me. 


To make it clear, I have good friends. And I have an even better, gracious God. He knew I needed that dose of humility.  


It was a powerful time. Like I said, I learned a lot. 


Also, I learned a valuable life lesson. 


If you drink a lot of liquid before a long (emphasis on the long) chapel session, you must either "rush the stage" or wet your pants. It's a hard choice for those who don't like to draw a whole lot of attention to themselves. 
*Ahem* I chose the former option. I had to. Let me just add, this has happened way too often in the past few months.


Yes, I rushed the stage (as my friend's mom put it) while (WHILE) Eric Ludy was preaching a powerful and convicting message. 
If you've been to Camp Barakel, you'll know that the only bathroom in the chapel is up the stage and to the left. Oh man. Oh man. Oh man. Oh man. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.  


P.S. Leslie and Eric watch Anne of Green Gables together. I already have so much respect, admiration, and love for the Ludys; the Anne of Green Gables thing just adds even more. Oh, yes.

Eric Ludy, Leslie Ludy, and I.

Gracie and I out on the lake... having a little too much fun.

Stephanie and I on The Hayride [of Misery].

Stephanie, Alisha, Gracie, and I. (Our reunited SAF group!)