That's the theme for our weekend. We don't normally select themes for our family weekends but this is a special one! This weekend is Disciple Now for the youth of our church.
What is Disciple Now? It is a weekend where the youth are hosted by families within our church - to get them out of their usual environment. Technology is removed - no cell phones, no iPods, no television, no video games. Beginning Friday evening, they are immersed in worship and Bible study. Saturday afternoon is the heart of the weekend as the students are led in a service project within our community. Some projects are for people within our church family. About half of the projects are performed at homes or organizations not connected to our church. They'll return to the church after dinner for another group worship session, followed by a more personal study time in our home. Sunday, we'll all attend church together.
This year, Bud and I have the privilege to host nine ninth grade boys. Shayne, a returning college student, is also here as their study leader. This afternoon, they are at the home of a single mom to help restore order to her yard as well as to complete some home maintenance projects for her. I'm back at my house getting dinner ready for these man-boys (and, yes, that is an accurate description of them!) who are sure to be starving when they return!
And we do sneak a little "play" into our time. The boys sat around a late-night fire to roast marshmallows and played football in our backyard until almost midnight last night. (I probably owe our neighbors an apology for that!) Tonight, we'll have a build-your-own ice cream sundae party. (Shhh! They don't know about it yet!)
And we do sneak a little "play" into our time. The boys sat around a late-night fire to roast marshmallows and played football in our backyard until almost midnight last night. (I probably owe our neighbors an apology for that!) Tonight, we'll have a build-your-own ice cream sundae party. (Shhh! They don't know about it yet!)
Do you know what I've enjoyed most so far this weekend? Listening to the prayers of ninth grade man-boys who love Jesus!
And from a "mom's" perspective...
I stand in awe as I watch the food I've prepared be devoured in no time flat! Where do they put it?!
And with that, I'm heading back to the kitchen.
10 comments:
Ha! That's awesome that you're hosting the boys and being their chef for the weekend. :) I'm sure they are having a great time and hopefully, they'll also have their hearts challenged this weekend too.
Thanks for the tips on the bulbs. The end of February it is! ;) I am planning to FILL our front planter, so I hope they bloom beautifully for spring!
Oh wow! That has to be the funnest time. And to see these young men worshipping probably does your heart good as well.
...are their thumbs twitching from not being able to text?!!!
Wow...what an awesome experience for them---and you!
Guess you better keep that food comin'!
Very proud of you and Bud for hosting--the reward will be great!
Looking forward to hearing how it goes...
Love,
YBFA&F
What wonderful young men. I pray it goes well and that you enjoy yourself.
We do DNow, too, but the service part is not part of our thing; we have that as a week-long event in the summer. Our spring DNow is mainly discipleship, going deeper in their walk, with fun time built in, too. It's one of our most favored youth events. It's always an adventure to be a host home!
I am sitting in a recliner identical to the one in your picture and I have been here for hours trying to get caught up on blog reading. I think I should definitely get out of the chair.
You are a wonderful Momma to do all of that cooking!
Have a great week!
What an awesome thing Dawn! Very encouraging to hear youth praying and loving Jesus!
that sounds really neat!
How inspiring! I hope my boys will have an opportunity like this some day!
I forget not everyone still has a few feet of snow in their backyards. Although, it will be 48 degrees here in Wisconsin today... we're grilling out to celebrate!
Blessings, Carolynn
Post a Comment