Don't Forget Old Friends

Yesterday (Saturday 30th), I traveled up to Northland Baptist Bible College for their annual Springfest, and I had a terrific time talking to teens and friends. Maranatha asked me to be the representative for the college, so for most of the day I was stationed at the college booth talking to teens. One of the greatest blessings of yesterday was seeing a long time friend and having time to catch up w/him. Micah Coston and I met as campers at Camp Cobeac at some stage in my grade school years. He and his brothers (and sister) would always come up for summer camp. In the summer of 2001, Micah worked as a junior program assistant at Camp Cobeac, and I had the privilege of spending two weeks getting to know Micah. However, those weeks were the last time I saw him until yesterday. I walked into the recruitment tent to hear, "Jason Harrison!" (I am still shocked he recognized me). I look up to see my friend, Micah, standing there. So throughout the day or whenever I got the chance, I talked with him and got reacquainted with him. He was an indescribable encouragement! I am so glad we still have a friendship. I am challenged now not to forget old friends.

Not only did I fellowship with Micah, but I also saw several other friends too. I spent some time with Rob Fipps, a Northland Camp program assistant. Rob was my power group leader from last summer, and a spiritual sustainer the whole time I was at Northland. I caught up with Helaine Rozelle (05’ Northland teen counselor) for some time. I chatted with Mark Whitcomb (05’ Northland PV counselor and fellow campus services worker) and Phil Trach (05’ Northland teen counselor) right before we left. Northland senior Aaron Scott and I talked about our futures and how God is in control, and all we have to do is sink beneath his wings. I also talked to Tammy Prine, Jeff Kahl, Kyle and Kevin Keltner and a few other friends.

It is so easy for our flesh to feel dependent of ourselves when God blesses us. No wonder He often chooses to place trials (sometimes small, sometimes big) in our lives to humble us and to cause us to depend totally on him. If only we could learn to depend on God through the good times. To think: some day we will.

Message of Hope

First post has to do with the title of the my blog.

Today, I found a song written by John Wesley with a great message of hope for my days and your days.

O Jesus my hope, for me offered up,
Who with clamor pursued Thee to Calvary’s top,
The blood Thou hast shed, for me let it plead,
And declare Thou hast died in Thy murderer’s stead.

Come then from above, its hardness remove,
And vanquish my heart with the sense of Thy love;
Thy love on the tree display unto me.
And the servant of sin in a moment is free.

Neither passion nor pride Thy cross can abide,
But melt in the fountain that streams from Thy side;
Let Thy life-giving blood remove all my load,
And purge my foul conscience, and bring me to God.

Now, now let me know its virtue below,
Let it wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow;
Let it hallow my heart, and thoroughly convert,
And make me, O Lord, in the world as Thou art.

Each moment applied my weakness to hide,
Thy blood be upon me, and always abide,
My Advocate prove with the Father above,
And speak me at last to the throne of Thy love.

More soon...