lovely.

Alrighty.... so yet again it has been a really long time since I last wrote... and I don't even know how to begin to catch up on everything that has happened in the past few weeks. There has been so much. Almost too much to remember. But there were a few really good things that have happened that I will never be able to forget!

First of all I am going to jump back to the last week of Camp Bob. What a life changing week for me. God showed me some really important things about myself and brought me to a place where I am just sitting inside His love. God brought some really fantastic people into my life this year who have come along side me to pray with me and encourage me. I honestly don't know how to tell you how incredible they are. They spoke words of truth and wisdom into my life and continued to encourage me no matter what. And through them God opened my eyes and taught me amazing things.

As sad as it was to leave camp, that place where God and fellowship are so close, it was time to say good-bye and return to the "real world". Haha. I was actually really excited to leave camp and hang out with people my own age again. And right away I headed off with a bunch of friends to Palmerston Point on the west coast of Vancouver Island for a whole week of chill time.

Initially 7 of us set off on Sunday morning in one very full truck and canopy and a hot squishy little car for the 5 (ish) hour drive north. Upon arrival we carried load after load down the trail to the beach and set up camp. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and we enjoyed a beautiful sunset, moonset and star gazing (seeing the tail end of the August meteor shower). By mid week we had another 7 people join us for our week long party at the beach. We took a day trip out to Raft Cove and enjoyed the sandy beach and sunshine. The guys set up a volley ball net on our beach. And every evening we enjoyed hours around the campfire. Some times we had some interesting neighbors camping on the beach.... but we stuck it out longer than any of them.

We enjoyed a feast of fresh muscles and crabs one evening and fresh rock fish another. Mmm so good! My amazing friend Janelle put together the food for the whole week and it was so good! (the fish, muscles and crab being a new addition to the original menu)

And again this past week God taught me new things.

I normally think about the 1 Corinthians 13 passage only to apply it to being 'in love', in a relationship. But God revealed to me how everyone deserves to be loved (experience love) in that way. And that it is the kind of love that I need to show to EVERYONE. Not just the people I like and love.

LOVE IS PATIENT. It puts up with the annoying things. It waits for the best to come and sees the good in others.

LOVE IS KIND. It is gentle and compassionate. It takes the time to do the little things that make big differences.

IT DOES NOT ENVY. It doesn't lust over the love that others have. It isn't dissatisfied with what it has or doesn't have.

IT DOES NOT BOAST. True love has nothing to prove. It is comfortable and secure.

IT IS NOT PROUD. It is humble and giving. It is broken and real before others - unashamed.

IT IS NOT RUDE. It doesn't gossip. It is pure in its thoughts and actions.

IT IS NOT SELF-SEEKING. Love is not interested in personal gain. It is selfless in its motives. It looks for ways to improve things for others. It is thoughtful.

IT IS NOT EASILY ANGERED. It doesn't even take offense easily. It is peaceful and understanding.

IT KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS. It is forgiving. It believes that people can change.

LOVE DOES NOT DELIGHT IN EVIL BUT REJOICES IN THE TRUTH. It seeks truth and honesty.

IT ALWAYS PROTECTS, ALWAYS TRUST, ALWAYS HOPES, ALWAYS PERSEVERES. It takes care of those around them. It is self-sacrificing. It trusts (and is trustworthy) regardless of what has happened in the past. Hope comes only from God - and the hope love has are the hopes of God's heart..... to see more true love and the hope that real love will be shown and received by all. Love never gives up. Even when it is disappointed and sees no 'fruit' - love never quits. It continues to give even if it doesn't receive.

LOVE NEVER FAILS. It NEVER fails!!!!! It can withstand any and everything.

AND NOW THESE THREE REMAIN: FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE. BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.

I truly am trying to demonstrate this kind of love, but man is it ever tough!!! My challenge to you today is to demonstrate a new aspect of love to each person you come in contact with. Ask God to help you... because there is no way we can do it on our own. True love comes from Him... and can be demonstrated though us. Take this truth and run with it. Help make the world a more loving place!!!!