Tuesday, December 8, 2009

SV Shoutouts


Katie Thach - A Senior at HHS
"My prayer request: I have a hard time relying on God. For anything I need, for any struggle, for advice, I sometimes go straight to my friends before God. It puts a damper on my relationship with God because I am relying on people, who will fail me, before relying on my perfect Savior. It's easier to rely on people who can give you a direct answer, but I wish I could trust God enough to rely on Him FIRST. :)"

Keegan Wilkinson - A Senior at HHS
"My journey with God started in December 2008. I was going to church and youth events at my church then in March of 2009 I was invited to a Student Venture meeting. Upon meeting the leaders of SV my life was changed as it had automatically felt like we had known each other for years. In fact, everyone at SV was so welcoming and just held their arms wide open to accept me into their group. Through that love my relationship with Christ has grown so much stronger and it has given me a true view of what being part of a Christian family is all about. I have so much love for SV and plan to be involved for many years to come! Please pray for me as a student leader."

Monday, December 7, 2009

If I must boast then I will boast in the Lord

It has been so hard for me to walk in the way of righteousness when it comes to dating. When I was younger and developing some desires for a counterpart I would start to watch what was around me and try to figure out what relationships were all about. The things I saw and heard for so many years had given me such a twisted view on the purpose of courting and of marriage. My relationships would be very superficial and very short. Though I was a nice guy and the relationships didn't end in a lot of bitterness there was much hurt involved. As I found that there was no true satisfaction in the relationship between man and woman I started to focus on the relationship that I knew had unending satisfaction. It has been a rough road in which I have made mistake after mistake. However, God (through his mysterious grace) was intent on my learning. As I continue to dive into His word and seek Him out, He continued to bring to me women who were closer and closer to His Heart. Each one helping to grow me closer to Him and mold me into the image of His son.
Despite all of the pain and all of the tearing down that I had caused, God is intent on healing and building up. I am having so much fun on this journey and am thankful for all of the relationships that have been brought to me.

Kandice,
I am very blessed to be able to walk with you through this season of life and there is no doubt in my mind that your friendship is a gracious gift from God. Thank you for the joyous way you lead me closer to His great love. I am having a blast with you!

By His Will,
Ben Ferris
AKA Mr. Magoo

Romans 12:2
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."