Christmastime at Pine Cove

Camp in the summer is always fun and in full swing...but camp in the winter...who knew that Pine Cove is going all year, and this year I've gotten to be involved and see so many different aspects of the different seasons. 

I had the privilege of working a conference just a few weeks before Christmas, and it was such a fun few days spent with families and their kiddos. We made gingerbread houses, used more paint, glue, and glitter than I thought was possible in arts and crafts, dressed up for Christmas skits, and as always had some great worship and speaker sessions.

This was our small little team of champions during the Gingerbread House Competition...the stakes were high, and as much as I wish I could say our house is the one on the right...I'm proud to claim that candy yard and fallen down house in the middle. :) A fun night! 

Got to be in a Pine Cove skit...which if you know a lot about Pine Cove you know skits are the epitome of camp fun...I was Ellie the Elf with my friend Eddie the Elf and we were working hard to get things ready in Santa's Workshop...but the two "Lumberjerks" came along and wanted to chop down all the trees and destroy the workshop...throughout the weekend we finally brought them back to the true meaning of Christmas and had them turn their chopping skills into making their very own Gingerbread House...a fun few days with these friends!

Arts and crafts...making Christmas ornaments and painting pine cones...if you don't make a mess, did you even really do arts and crafts?! Haha...I did, however, realize that glitter is extremely hard to clean up...but as an elementary teacher, I say more glitter, more fun, right?! :) ....most of the time...

In the midst of loving on campers, making gingerbread houses, being in skits, and painting ornaments, there are always meals to serve and dishes to clean. This is our incredibly fun and hard-working Work Crew that we got to hang out with all weekend. They made the meals run so smoothly and were so eager to serve and help! Love these girls and the friendships made!

These are my fun friends who make working on the weekends a joy and a lot of fun. We serve at the Shores, the high school camp, and the Bluffs, a family camp, helping out with retreats and conferences. These guys keep me laughing, always take pictures when I fall asleep, and know how to play a great game of Mafia at a Christmas party...haha! Love serving for the sake of the Gospel with these guys. 

Two Weeks to Raise $1,000

One of the biggest things I’m learning right now is how to truly trust and depend on Him as I am raising $12,000 and that sometimes prayer is bigger than I could ever have imagined and usually more fruitful than I could have ever dreamed. I am so thankful for every donation that has already been so graciously given, tears always come to my eyes as I look at my spreadsheet and think that you would be willing to support me in furthering God’s ministry in this way.

I wanted to update you as partners and supporters that for the first time, I just missed my financial deadline for this month, and am currently on an extension and have just two weeks to raise just under $1,000. I know the Lord can provide and I am learning how to trust Him, but also humble myself and ask for help, which is sometimes the absolute hardest. I know it’s nearing the holiday season and things are absolutely crazy, but someone once told me that if I never ask no one will ever know where I stand in support, so I wanted to let you know and bring you in on the journey to pray that the Lord will provide the remaining $940 for this month and $6,340 for the duration of the Forge.

Right now, I am praying for 12 people who would be willing to support me with $100 a month for 5 months. However, He is teaching me that if I am obedient in little He will be faithful in much and that He often uses the smallest blessings to add up to exactly what we need. I think this time of being dependent on Him has taught me more than I’m even realizing now. So, I am thankful for this time of fundraising even in the hard days and also very thankful for you and your support in this journey.

After prayerfully considering support in this crazy season, if you do feel led to give, you can donate either with one time gift or a monthly donation. All gifts are tax-deductible and you can donate directly online at pinecoveforge.com by just putting my name in the Forge Student section. But most of all, just having a partner in prayer that He would provide over the next few months and continue to teach me and use this for his glory would be incredible.

Thank you doesn’t even come close to expressing my gratitude for your encouragement, support, and prayers. I can’t wait to share all that the Lord is teaching me in this journey and would love to hear from you and keep you updated.

With so much love and thankfulness, and a heart learning to trust,

Tabitha 

Just a few things I'm learning...

The past twelve weeks I have seen the Lord be so faithful in me being in the Forge – here are just a few snapshots of some of the takeaways I am learning right now.

•  I am learning how to truly study God’s Word and not just scan it like an ‘iTunes service agreement.’ We are reading five chapters in different sections of the Bible every day, as we are memorizing the entire book of 1 Peter, along with studying it in depth and choosing a passage to teach next semester. This has been so fruitful as I am seeing the benefits to truly having Scripture on you heart and in your bones. We are also studying the Bible through the eyes of Israel and learning the culture, background, language and context of so many stories as we are preparing for our two-week trek through Israel in March.

• I am also learning what true Christian community looks like, and what a blessing that I get to live in the midst of 28 believers for eight months. This community has already experienced incredible joys and very low valleys, and I am learning what it looks like to encourage each other, spur each other on, and point each other to the Word as bringers of salvation.

•  I am learning the ins and outs of being a leader and skills that I will be able to apply in any aspect of life. The joys, hardships, challengers, strengths and weaknesses that come along with being a servant-leader.

• We are learning about ministry in a way that I truly think will impact the rest of my life, no matter what I do or where I go. I am discovering who God has specifically designed me to be and how I can use those gifts and strengths for his kingdom throughout my life. Whether I am a teacher, mentor, wife or mom, these truths that I am learning will help me more fully live out my design and walk in the good works he has planned.

Even just a few months in, I am seeing how faithful the Lord has been in me taking eight months to slow down, learn more about who He is and in that process learn more about who He has created me to be. He has softened my heart so much toward being his follower and finding so much joy in learning what he is teaching me and walking in faith through every step of the way. 

Community

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” 

- Psalm 133:1

Life with 14 girls...so much fun, laughter, tears, honesty, truth, and hot tea. I am learning what it looks like to live with in Christian community and to spur each other on, coming to one another as bringers of salvation.

An Anvil

An anvil...

It has never been an image that I have thought much about until being in the Forge. For almost three months now, I have been learning what it looks like to have a Blacksmith mold and refine you until you are the piece that He intended you to be. Through the joys and trials, I am seeing how faithful the Lord has been in me taking eight months to slow down, learn more about who He is and in that process learn more about who He has created me to be and how I can walk in that to glorify and serve him the rest of my life.

Life Together

Life Together

by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” 

- Psalm 133:1

Life Together is a book describing and explaining authentic and true Christian community. Bonhoeffer describes the fellowship that takes place under the Word and the benefits, hardships, and joy that comes from experiencing true community. “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” - Psalm 133:1 This is foundational statement that Bonhoeffer explains through outlining the community, a day together, a day alone, ministry, and the act of confession and communion.

Reading this book was so enlightening, as I was made aware of the authentic and true Christian community that can comes from being under the Word, being of one mind, and of giving thanks for the community that you are so graciously able to be a part of. I agree with Bonhoeffer as he gave new perspectives and shed light on several different parts of fellowship in our daily life.

Three huge takeaways are community is a gift, we must not think of others or ourselves greater, and we must be intentional with the ministries we live out.

• “Let him who until now has had the privilege of living a common Christian life with other Christians praise God’s grace from the bottom of his hear. Let him thank God on his knees and declare: It is grace, nothing but grace, that we are allowed to live in community with Christian brethren.” (p. 20) Community is a gift, and we should thank God for the times when we have been able to dwell together in unity.

• “There arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be the greatest.” – Luke 9:46 “It is vitally necessary that every Christian community from the very outset face this dangerous enemy squarely, and eradicate it.” (p. 90) “Strong and weak, wise and foolish, gifted or ungifted, pious or impious, the diverse individuals in the community, are no longer incentives for talking and judging and condemning, and thus excuses for self-justification. They are rather cause for rejoicing in one another and serving one another.” (p. 93)

• “The Ministry of holding one’s tongue, the ministry of meekness, the ministry of listening, of helpfulness, of bearing, of proclaiming, and of authority.” (ch. 4) It is a progression that one must do in order to achieve the full benefit of the ministries.

iTunes Service Agreement

"Some of you read your Bibles like your iTunes service agreement -- you just click accept." 

What makes one Bible student better than the other? ...What they can see.

Over the past few months, I have learned a lot about seeing. We are reading five chapters of the Bible every day from different sections of the Bible. We started in Genesis, 1 Samuel, Job, Isaiah and Matthew... Five different perspectives every day and the coolest thing is when they overlap and you get to see that as you read. We also are taking an Israel Prep class, where we are studying the Bible through the eyes of Israel and preparing ourselves for our journey in March. We have an Inductive Bible Study class, where we are learning how to study a book of the Bible and walking through how to Survey, Analyze, and Synthesize what we are studying. We are memorizing the whole book of 1 Peter, along with picking a passage that we want to study in the book and preparing a lesson on it to teach in the Spring. All of these things are helping us see...helping us understand what we so easily and often just "click accept" and base our life off of.

I love having a deeper understanding and a love for God's Word that is helping create a foundation and belief that the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God, which is true and sufficient, more precious than gold and sweeter than honey.

Serving on the Weekends

During the Forge, we are able to apply what we are learning and get to serve on the weekends for different retreat groups that come in and conferences that Pine Cove hosts. My first weekend at the Forge, my roommate, Anne, and I were able to serve a retreat group coming to the Shores. I was the Work Crew Director and had the the privilege of leading our Work Crew that came in to serve for the weekend. We helped get out all the meals and helped behind the scenes, so that the retreat group could spend the weekend learning and growing more in their faith. It was such a fun weekend leading and serving.

One of the chefs at the Shores gave us a knife skills lesson and taught us how to cut and chop...felt like I was on the Food Channel!

This is the Work Crew that I got to work with for the weekend...they were so eager and willing to serve. They truly lived out being joyful servants, and they were such a big blessing to the staff and to the retreat group. It was a joy to spend the weekend with this youth group.


 “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls.” 2 Corinthians 2:15

Ropes Training

Three days of intense ropes training...tying knots, harnessing harnesses, setting up courses, sending people off the zip line, coaching them through walking across wires and climbing ropes and passing a written and skills test.

It was a more intense training than I ever thought...but we are now certified to run the ropes course for retreat groups and conferences on the weekends.

Climbed these 50ft telephone poles twice in order to set-up and take-down the high-ropes course...

Bowline on a Bight knot...took me a few times to master. 

This is my hub for Shores and Bluffs. We will be working together on most weekends, and I couldn't have made it through Ropes Training without these guys.

A New Adventure

Moving into the Forge...

What a whirlwind it has been moving 13 hours away from home and trusting that this is where I am supposed to be. Calling this place home for the next 8 months and living and learning in the little town of Tyler, Texas.

As 28 of us sat and watched the sun set over the lake our second day at the Forge, I gave these next eight months to Lord, as I am trusting that this is where I am supposed to be right now and walking in that faith. Watching the Lord's glory proclaimed in the sky and praising Him that His will is not fragile and He is ever-sovereign.

Every leap of faith has moments of uncertainty...

The beginning of the school year for a teacher...who is not teaching...

This summer and beginning of August has been full of so many emotions as this is the first year that I am certified as a teacher and could be setting up my own classroom and welcoming in little ones who I get to call mine and love on throughout the school year. Feelings of making the wrong decision, of feeling behind, of second guessing my path that I am on... However, even though I am not "teaching in a classroom," I know my year will be full of teachable moments, both as the teacher and the student.

"Don't dig up in doubt what you planted in faith." -Elisabeth Elliot 

My journey through the Forge isn't the same path that most of my friends/fellow teachers are on, but as one of my mentors and Education professor's said, "Stay focused on your purpose - you KNOW you are walking in His will and being completely obedient. Don't think of it as a delay to teaching - you were called to do this work and you answered in complete faith."

This isn't how I imagined spending my first August out of college, but it is neat to know that this is where I am right now, and I will continue walking in it and trusting that it is where I am supposed to be.

"The fear of making a wrong decision shouldn't strip the faith right out of our faith." 

"As long as you desire to please God with your decisions, no decision you make will be completely awful. Nor will any decision you make be completely awesome. Every decision is a package deal of both. Every thrill has an element of risk. Every leap of faith has moments of uncertainty. And every great success story has elements of failure." 

-Lysa TerKeurst, "The Best Yes"

In these moments of uncertainty, I am holding fast to the faith that I have, and trying my best to walk daily in obedience and trust. Thank you for walking alongside of me in this journey. I can't thank you enough for every prayer, donation, word of encouragement, and support.

With so much love and thankfulness, and a heart learning to trust,

Tabitha

Fundraising

Wow...who knew one word could hold so much fear, excitement, anticipation, trust, faith, reliance, and lessons all in one. I am just embarking on the path to raising $12,000 and in a lot of ways it seems daunting and impossible. But I know we serve a bigger God who is not limited by money or funds.

In so many ways asking for money is uncomfortable. It goes against society and the cultural norms of "supporting yourself." It is humbling and hard to admit that you honestly cannot do it on your own and have to ask for help. For me, as a teacher, I love and find joy when I can help others and support and serve them in so many ways. However, when it comes down to me needing help, it is a harder story.

For six weeks now, I have talked, prayed, and sought wisdom from people about fundraising for the Forge. I have walked away from some conversations feeling encouraged and from others feeling like I may not be able to do it...but that's where I have to stop myself - it is not me doing this at all it is the Lord. In this journey, I am simply walking in faith. So far, so many doors have been opened and I have to continue walking in and trusting that He will provide. And if there comes a point where that provision is not there, I know then that it is a closed door, but not now. For now, I am doing my part of honestly asking and seeking help, trusting and praying, and learning so much along the way.

I have always loved to "save my money" and agonize for days over the smallest purchases, but after four years of college, there is only a small amount in my savings, and as I continue to put that toward the Forge, I see that amount continuing to dwindle. However, instead of being sad about the amount going down, it is exciting to think that the Lord has given just enough so that I can be my first donor in this long journey. I have been praying and asking for who I should ask in this journey and where the money is going to come from. I will continue to pray, and also believe, truly believe, that the Lord will provide in this. From the few donations I have gotten already, tears have to come to eyes that people would actually want to support me in this and join my team of praying for this year. I am excited for all the ministry that will happen and the foundation that will be created to serve and glorify Him for the rest of my life.

If you are reading this and do feel like you are in a place to help support, any amount is appreciated with an open heart and hands filled with more gratitude than you will ever know. Prayer, however, as I am learning, is so much greater. I am thankful for all the times that this has been prayed for by so many people, and wish I could express how grateful I am for your support and encouragement in this journey and ministry. I hope to keep you updated as the progress continues to unfold this year.

With so much love and thankfulness,

Tabitha 

A Step of Faith

A journey of stepping out in faith and into this crazy program called The Forge...what is it and why am I going? 

As the chapter at Samford closes and all the unknowns of life are still as unknown as they have ever been, I have been praying through one particular opportunity for most of my senior year.  It is an eight-month leadership and discipleship program through the ministry of Pine Cove called The Forge. I have spent the last three summers in Texas working at Pine Cove, serving middle school students in order to spread the Gospel and show His love at such an impressionable time in these students’ lives. I have seen how God uses Pine Cove to truly transform lives for His purposes and His glory. In addition to youth camps and family camps, Pine Cove offers a leadership fellowship and discipleship program called the Forge. I have heard about this program every summer I have been there, but it was not until this past summer that the Lord started putting it on my heart.

The Forge is a program designed to challenge and refine your faith in order to develop character, identity, and discipline consistent with Christian leadership. It is a challenging, but purifying eight months as you spend your time being refined as a follower of Christ and learning more about God’s Word and His design for your life through classes, living among community, and six different trips around the country and world. You are able to put your faith into action as you are given hands-on learning opportunities to apply what you are being immersed in. Pine Cove describes their program in a simple metaphor of a forge being a furnace where metals are heated so they can be shaped according to the blacksmith’s design and desire. In that same way, The Forge program exists to be that same kind of environment for growth and transformation.

           

As I think about my past four years in college, I have put all my passion, effort, and time into becoming a teacher, which is something I value and love. My heart for children and for learning goes beyond what I could have imagined. My degree from Samford will allow me to spend my life teaching and pouring into elementary-aged students. In addition, the Forge will provide the opportunity to challenge and equip me in my Christian walk and provide leadership skills that I can apply to my teaching and any future endeavors. I will be learning how to use my talents, strengths, and leadership skills to best glorify Him through my teaching and ultimately my life.

Through so much prayer, asking for open and closed doors, and seeking wisdom and guidance, I decided to take a leap of faith and apply for this discipleship program. Pine Cove handpicks 28 young men and women for this program, and I am honored to be one of them in The Forge class of 2016! I am open for what the Lord has in store for me throughout this next year and how He will use me as a vessel to share His love around the world. 

Thank you for stopping in and sharing this journey with me. I really feel like this is where I am supposed to be right now and am excited to continue to share all that the Lord is teaching me and how He is using me. I appreciate all of your prayers throughout this next year. The support of my family and friends has meant the world throughout the beginning of this journey, and I couldn't do it without the prayers and encouragement from so many. One of the requirements of each student is to help fundraise the operating cost of the program. Honestly, it is a little daunting, but I know the Lord is sovereign and faithful. I have committed to raise my share of $12,000 by March 1st, 2016. I am already committing $1,200 of my own funds towards the cost, but can afford little more. I am praying for some of my family and friends that might be able to help me make up the difference with a tax-deductible gift to the Forge. I’m looking to find a team of 5 people who would support me at $100/month, another 10 people who would support me at $50/month, and 14 people who would support me at $25/month for 8 months. A one-time gift is also an option, which would be a tremendous blessing as I go throughout this program. If you do feel like you could be one of those people, you can donate straight on The Forge's website at http://www.pinecoveforge.com.

Again, I am so thankful for all of the support and encouragement throughout this process. I appreciate your prayers more than you know, and any financial support will be a wonderful blessing throughout these eight months. If you have any questions or would like to know more, I would love to hear from you. Thanks for sharing this journey with me.

-Tabitha