District Youth Rally in Crossville

I love how God loves us!  

We had an amazing time in Crossville last night!  Simply AMAZING!  By we, I mean "The Experience" (me on lead vocals and keys, Shelton Campbell on vocals and lead electric guitar, Cody Stubblefield on bass and Max Taylor on drums), Lauren Harding, Will Tabor and Carol Erickson (who sang their hearts out) and the other 200+ people who were there.  From the moment we arrived, we were right at home.  Pine Grove Church of God of Prophecy was SO gracious to us.  Every age group came out to support our young people and it was beautiful to behold. 

God's presence was powerful during rehearsal and even MORE powerful during Praise and Worship.  Sharon Farruggia delivered her heart, her soul and everything in between through an EXTREMELY powerful sermon challenging us, as adults, to be the people our young people desire to spend time with because we walk in the power and anointing of God.  Our names should spring to their lips when they are asked "If you could pick anyone in the world, who would you want to spend a day with?"  Why?  Because we should be men and women of POWER and they should have US to look to!  We MUST love, encourage and help develop our young people through love and listening.  Sharon pointed out an incredibly sad fact that really spoke to my heart.  Our youth know more people who are suicidal than we do.  I haven't ever thought about that.  We must show LOVE because the other things our youth face DON'T offer real love.  The darkness, cruelty and bitterness, however, can ALL be overcome by God's love.

I am filled to overflowing with God's love today.  I am reminded that "...God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8).  

A HUGE thank you to "The Experience" who traveled from Knoxville, Cookeville and Chattanooga to be with us in Crossville.  An ENORMOUS thank you to Pine Grove COGOP and to Lauren Harding for the invitation to serve.  A GREAT BIG thank you to all the churches who came out and supported the event with your youth and your adults.  We are blessed to have been part of it. 

Most of all, Thank YOU, Lord Jesus, for wrapping your arms around us and for loving us more than we even love ourselves!  Thank you for grace and mercy and forgiveness and compassion and provision and blessing and every other good and perfect gift.  We LOVE You, Lord!

:::G:::