hello all my beautiful friends. i hope you are doing well. i just wanted to let you know that things are going well for me. i recently found my old blog and decided to start it back up again! haha... for how ever long that goes... you can check it out here
http://joshuakedwards.blogspot.com/
i hope you are all doing well and have a great weekend!
life is better then most people think, stay encouraged!
love you.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
so i realized that i haven't updated in a while and for that i apologize, kind of... haha, you see i've been busy here at camp and i'm still learning how to keep up with many of my friendships back at home since i live so far away now, which by the way if you're ever in the santa cruz area, please call me, i'm love to see you and hang out!!
camp has been going really well these past few weeks. last week we had some low numbers in the college program but i still had a great week! i was able to connect with one of the students and have a few really great conversations about God!
this week has been cool so far, we(this is me and beth, the other college director) have a large group of students and there's been lots of participation. one of my favorite nights is monday, when we take the students down to the boardwalk for cheap night when all the rides are only 75 cents!!
sidenote: as i write this blog i'm listening to Urban Rescue, a local band from san diego that has been performing all across the country. their new ep is really good... the lyrics are heartfelt and you can easily resonate with them. musically this band is great as well. and to top it off, its well produced... you should check them out on myspace at www.myspace.com/urbanrescue and then go on iTunes and buy their album!!
okay, so the speaker last night preached about meditating on God's word. it was a very impacting message for me because i'm still learning how to sit and be still before God. he spoke about how important it is to just bathe ourselves in God's word. he used lots of scripture but one of favorites was found in the book of James, Chapter 1, verses 19–25:
i love this passage of scripture because it gives us simple yet powerful instruction. it says, "do not merely listen to the word... do what it says..." sometimes i think we have a problem acting upon what we learn from scripture. like we read it and we think oh, that verse was awesome, i love what it says. but then we don't ever act upon it. its like when my mom used to tell me to brush my teeth when i was a kid... sure i heard what she was saying but did i ever act upon it? haha... well i learned the hard way that if i didn't brush my teeth that there would be destructive consequences, like cavities and mean dentists who want nothing more then to put power tools in my mouth!
we're the same way as adults... we read the Bible and 'hear' what it says but yet many of us seem to not act upon it. we're so comfortable and we think we've got it all down... but by not acting on what we learn from scripture we are choosing to bring about destructive consequences on us. what i mean is that just like i wouldn't brush my teeth as a kid and therefore get cavities – by not acting upon scripture we're going to experience spiritual decay... (its kind a loose analogy but go with it, haha) we must stay in the word constantly, it is so important for us!
look at what the author(s) of Psalms 119:9–11 has to say:
ask yourself this question: when is the last time you memorized any piece of scripture? ..... if you're like me, probably not in a while. i was really challenged last night to read scripture and really marinate in it. i really want to memorize more scripture, not because i want to recite it to people so they think i'm such a good Christian, but i want to know scripture so when i'm in times of trouble i can recite it to myself in my head and stay encouraged!
i hope that you and i can learn more scripture. i hope we can hide the word of God in our hearts! i hope that when we read scripture it will compel us into action... i hope we can strive to be better followers of Christ because the world needs people of action. the church absolutely needs Christians of action.
my prayer for myself and for you is that we'll stay encouraged and be able to have complete JOY in Christ. because there is joy in being a Godly person, there is such joy!!
Be joyful always, my friends.
I love you all dearly.
camp has been going really well these past few weeks. last week we had some low numbers in the college program but i still had a great week! i was able to connect with one of the students and have a few really great conversations about God!
this week has been cool so far, we(this is me and beth, the other college director) have a large group of students and there's been lots of participation. one of my favorite nights is monday, when we take the students down to the boardwalk for cheap night when all the rides are only 75 cents!!
sidenote: as i write this blog i'm listening to Urban Rescue, a local band from san diego that has been performing all across the country. their new ep is really good... the lyrics are heartfelt and you can easily resonate with them. musically this band is great as well. and to top it off, its well produced... you should check them out on myspace at www.myspace.com/urbanrescue and then go on iTunes and buy their album!!
okay, so the speaker last night preached about meditating on God's word. it was a very impacting message for me because i'm still learning how to sit and be still before God. he spoke about how important it is to just bathe ourselves in God's word. he used lots of scripture but one of favorites was found in the book of James, Chapter 1, verses 19–25:
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does."
i love this passage of scripture because it gives us simple yet powerful instruction. it says, "do not merely listen to the word... do what it says..." sometimes i think we have a problem acting upon what we learn from scripture. like we read it and we think oh, that verse was awesome, i love what it says. but then we don't ever act upon it. its like when my mom used to tell me to brush my teeth when i was a kid... sure i heard what she was saying but did i ever act upon it? haha... well i learned the hard way that if i didn't brush my teeth that there would be destructive consequences, like cavities and mean dentists who want nothing more then to put power tools in my mouth!
we're the same way as adults... we read the Bible and 'hear' what it says but yet many of us seem to not act upon it. we're so comfortable and we think we've got it all down... but by not acting on what we learn from scripture we are choosing to bring about destructive consequences on us. what i mean is that just like i wouldn't brush my teeth as a kid and therefore get cavities – by not acting upon scripture we're going to experience spiritual decay... (its kind a loose analogy but go with it, haha) we must stay in the word constantly, it is so important for us!
look at what the author(s) of Psalms 119:9–11 has to say:
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
ask yourself this question: when is the last time you memorized any piece of scripture? ..... if you're like me, probably not in a while. i was really challenged last night to read scripture and really marinate in it. i really want to memorize more scripture, not because i want to recite it to people so they think i'm such a good Christian, but i want to know scripture so when i'm in times of trouble i can recite it to myself in my head and stay encouraged!
i hope that you and i can learn more scripture. i hope we can hide the word of God in our hearts! i hope that when we read scripture it will compel us into action... i hope we can strive to be better followers of Christ because the world needs people of action. the church absolutely needs Christians of action.
my prayer for myself and for you is that we'll stay encouraged and be able to have complete JOY in Christ. because there is joy in being a Godly person, there is such joy!!
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. "
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Be joyful always, my friends.
I love you all dearly.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
first week of camp is done...
so... hello to all those out in internet land. week one of camp is over and it was fantastic! i was a little unsure of how it was all going to go down seeing how i had never even been to a family camp before, let alone helped program one. BUT, this past week was really awesome! God has already put some really amazing people in my life up here in santa cruz! as i was driving up to mount hermon a few weeks ago i had some doubt as to whether or not i'd made the right decision... but it's already been made clear that i've made the right decision and i'm super stoked for the rest of summer!! i honestly don't have any plans for the fall yet, i want to be open to what the Lord has for me and for that i'm super excited! i even visited a sweet local church called vintage faith and it was a great service.
i have the privilege of being one of two young adult directors here for the summer, its sweet because it means i get to sit in on all the adult sessions and hear amazing speakers from across the country. last week's speakers were excellent teachers and i really got a lot out of both the morning and evening sessions. the morning speaker dove in to the Lords prayer and the evening speaker spent each night telling the story of different men in the Bible such as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
many cool things happened last week and some day i'll sit and write about all the things that happen during a regular camp week but for now i'm just skimming. however, i'm currently in lake tahoe hosting a family camp right on the lake with the help of some other mount hermon staff. it is absolutely beautiful here. its my first time to lake tahoe and it won't be the last... it's just incredible up here.
side note: i'm leaving tahoe tomorrow afternoon to fly out to orlando, florida to play drums with george williamson for the nazarene church at general assembly. its a really awesome opportunity to play out there and i'm super excited because my parents are going to be out in orlando as well so i'll get to see them! i'm flying all night long which should be interesting... flying from reno to las vegas to atlanta to orlando, its going to be a long night. but it'll be great to see george and my parents and some other people i know.
anyways... i'm off to dinner. i'll write you all more from my hotel room in orlando!! hope you are all having a great week.
parting note:
last week our young adult group really expressed how sometimes they just get worried about things in life. this passage came to mind as they were sharing with me... let this passage encourage you if you're questioning things in life right now. really take time to read these words and marinate on them...
praying for you.
love you.
i have the privilege of being one of two young adult directors here for the summer, its sweet because it means i get to sit in on all the adult sessions and hear amazing speakers from across the country. last week's speakers were excellent teachers and i really got a lot out of both the morning and evening sessions. the morning speaker dove in to the Lords prayer and the evening speaker spent each night telling the story of different men in the Bible such as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
many cool things happened last week and some day i'll sit and write about all the things that happen during a regular camp week but for now i'm just skimming. however, i'm currently in lake tahoe hosting a family camp right on the lake with the help of some other mount hermon staff. it is absolutely beautiful here. its my first time to lake tahoe and it won't be the last... it's just incredible up here.
side note: i'm leaving tahoe tomorrow afternoon to fly out to orlando, florida to play drums with george williamson for the nazarene church at general assembly. its a really awesome opportunity to play out there and i'm super excited because my parents are going to be out in orlando as well so i'll get to see them! i'm flying all night long which should be interesting... flying from reno to las vegas to atlanta to orlando, its going to be a long night. but it'll be great to see george and my parents and some other people i know.
anyways... i'm off to dinner. i'll write you all more from my hotel room in orlando!! hope you are all having a great week.
parting note:
last week our young adult group really expressed how sometimes they just get worried about things in life. this passage came to mind as they were sharing with me... let this passage encourage you if you're questioning things in life right now. really take time to read these words and marinate on them...
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:25–34
praying for you.
love you.
Monday, June 8, 2009
I'm finally here!!
Hey everyone in internet land! I hope this post finds you doing well! I started my journey up to Santa Cruz last Friday when I drove from Oceanside to Agoura Hills (right by Ventura). I met up with Chelsey Hutchinson and we had a great time! Her dad cooked tri-tip and it was amazing, her mom was super hospitable and I just had wonderful time hanging out with her and her family! The next day I traveled up north taking the 1... it was so beautiful!! The drive through Big Sur was amazing! I ended my drive safely to Santa Cruz on Saturday evening as the sun was setting. On Sunday I went into town and got some breakfast at a local hotspot called Chubbie's Diner, it was pretty cool and the food was good too. I was even invited to bring my truck to the car show they have here in the parking lot every summer!! I'm super excited about that already!
It's Monday today and this whole week is dedicated to staff development and planning. My department is called Youth Staff and my specific area is working with the Young Adults (college aged people). I'm at Peet's Coffee with my co leader Beth planning out our weekly schedule. Actually we're done planning for the afternoon which is why I'm taking some time to update you on what's going on :)
There are some really great people here and I've already started to cultivate friendships that I know will last for a long time!
Also, I'm not in the summer band this year but the regular drummer isn't coming up till next week so I'm filling in this whole week for our staff worship services. We've had some cool times of worship and I'm looking forward to the service tonight!
On a non camp related note, I would like to encourage you to pray for a friend... it could be anyone. Because I feel like we're always praying for ourselves and our own personal situations and struggles (which is good) but let's not forget our friends and family who are around us too!
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:4–7
Stay encouraged my friends!!
Shalom
It's Monday today and this whole week is dedicated to staff development and planning. My department is called Youth Staff and my specific area is working with the Young Adults (college aged people). I'm at Peet's Coffee with my co leader Beth planning out our weekly schedule. Actually we're done planning for the afternoon which is why I'm taking some time to update you on what's going on :)
There are some really great people here and I've already started to cultivate friendships that I know will last for a long time!
Also, I'm not in the summer band this year but the regular drummer isn't coming up till next week so I'm filling in this whole week for our staff worship services. We've had some cool times of worship and I'm looking forward to the service tonight!
On a non camp related note, I would like to encourage you to pray for a friend... it could be anyone. Because I feel like we're always praying for ourselves and our own personal situations and struggles (which is good) but let's not forget our friends and family who are around us too!
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:4–7
Stay encouraged my friends!!
Shalom
Thursday, April 16, 2009
moving on to a new adventure...
Well hello all my friends out on the world wide web... I hope you all are having a great week!! I can't believe it's already half way through April, my birthday is next Wednesday and I'm turning 25...
But the real reason you've come to this blog page is to read about what's about to happen in my life. I've given some hints on facebook that something was about to happen and how I told you I was moving out of southern California around the end of May... well here is my story, which I'll try to keep short but I must confess - I am wordy.
At the end of May I'll be packing up my things into the ol' Chevy and will be headed north to Santa Cruz! What?? Santa Cruz you say!?!? Oh my gosh Josh! What the...? What about graphic design? Why would you leave us?? It better not be for a girl... if its for a girl I'm gonna... (those are just some of the responses I've gotten, haha)
First let me say that I've lived in southern California, usually referred to as SoCal, since I was about 9 years old. Ever since then I've never really cared to venture anywhere north of San Clemente for more than a day or two... I just prefer southern California, haha... well my friends, that's all about to change for me.
I've taken a job at a wonderful Christian camp ground called Mount Hermon, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It's incredibly beautiful up there! My title is quite a mouthful: assistant college program director. To summarize my duties and responsibilities, I'll be doing stuff with people. haha, was that descriptive enough? Good, I thought so.
Many friends have been asking me why I've chosen to quit my well payed graphic design job with benefits to go work on staff at a camp... well to put it simply: I want to be used for something greater than my self.
My friend Jordan from Urban Rescue writes:
After some doors closed and others opened I found myself accepting the job at Mount Hermon. And let me tell you... I am so excited to have the opportunity to move up to Santa Cruz to serve at Mount Hermon! I know the Lord is guiding my steps. okay... so that was the short version, haha!!
Instead of collecting email address' and sending out a mass email I'm going to use this blog to document my journey with photos and videos and blog entries, so please feel free to subscribe to it if you wish or just check back every now and then.
Your encouragement, support and prayers are deeply appreciated! I'm so thankful for all of the people I've been blessed with in my life, you are all amazing! And if you don't know me and you're reading this... well, I still think you're amazing!
Have a great weekend!!
-Josh
But the real reason you've come to this blog page is to read about what's about to happen in my life. I've given some hints on facebook that something was about to happen and how I told you I was moving out of southern California around the end of May... well here is my story, which I'll try to keep short but I must confess - I am wordy.
At the end of May I'll be packing up my things into the ol' Chevy and will be headed north to Santa Cruz! What?? Santa Cruz you say!?!? Oh my gosh Josh! What the...? What about graphic design? Why would you leave us?? It better not be for a girl... if its for a girl I'm gonna... (those are just some of the responses I've gotten, haha)
First let me say that I've lived in southern California, usually referred to as SoCal, since I was about 9 years old. Ever since then I've never really cared to venture anywhere north of San Clemente for more than a day or two... I just prefer southern California, haha... well my friends, that's all about to change for me.
I've taken a job at a wonderful Christian camp ground called Mount Hermon, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It's incredibly beautiful up there! My title is quite a mouthful: assistant college program director. To summarize my duties and responsibilities, I'll be doing stuff with people. haha, was that descriptive enough? Good, I thought so.
Many friends have been asking me why I've chosen to quit my well payed graphic design job with benefits to go work on staff at a camp... well to put it simply: I want to be used for something greater than my self.
My friend Jordan from Urban Rescue writes:
I lay down all my crowns and yield to your wordThese lyrics describe some of what I've been going through the last several months. I've been holding on selfishly to my wants and my desires. I've been in control of my life and frankly that's the way I like it. I'm stubborn. But living for yourself can only be so fulfilling before you find yourself wanting more out of life. And that's where I found myself... wanting more out of life. I knew deep in my heart that I had to make a change. I knew I couldn't get what I was looking for at my current job and knew that probably meant moving away somewhere. After fighting those thoughts for months I finally gave up and "surrendered my world". I gave up my wants and desires to be open to what God would have for me.
and I fall down to the ground and surrender my world.
Jesus you are my world, all that I have, all that I have.
Jesus you are my world, all that I have is yours.
After some doors closed and others opened I found myself accepting the job at Mount Hermon. And let me tell you... I am so excited to have the opportunity to move up to Santa Cruz to serve at Mount Hermon! I know the Lord is guiding my steps. okay... so that was the short version, haha!!
Instead of collecting email address' and sending out a mass email I'm going to use this blog to document my journey with photos and videos and blog entries, so please feel free to subscribe to it if you wish or just check back every now and then.
Your encouragement, support and prayers are deeply appreciated! I'm so thankful for all of the people I've been blessed with in my life, you are all amazing! And if you don't know me and you're reading this... well, I still think you're amazing!
Have a great weekend!!
-Josh
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