GAMMA PHI!!!!

Gamma Phi, GF, Galilee Festival

As I come to a close of summer time and all its business, I finally have some time to just quiet my mind, look back, and reflect. This summer for me has been a busy one, no doubt. I went to kid's camp, vbs, youth retreat, and yadiyada. In short I went to a lot of retreats/events, where I personally have learned a lot, and have seen God move in amazing ways. Each event, I came out tired and beat physically. Don't get me wrong, it was a blessing, and I loved each event, but it was like one thing after another, beating up my sleep habits, my mental faculties, my patience, and my body. With that kind of non-stop beating, basically week after week, I went up to Galilee Festival (GF).

I went up excited, anticipating much, but also at the same time, a bit weary, and looking forward to the end of it all, when I can relax. What I ended up getting, was far greater then I had ever anticipated. From day one, I was blown away by the message, and bought into a remembrance of God's awesomeness, and the fear of God. On that first night, I knew right away, that this event was different from any other event I went to this year. This "retreat", "conference", "festival", whatever you want to call it, was for me. I didn't have to worry about making sure kids were sitting up straight, or messing around during the message. I didn't have to worry too much about leading or directing conversations so that they were meaningful and deep. I was among my peers, and even though I was a leader, I felt that I was another attendee of GF.

Everything from the messages, to the session workshops, to the praise songs, were such a refreshment to me. Being able to talk with the pastors and session speakers, and just listening to these great men and women of God was an encouragement to me. To see the lives of these fellow brothers and sisters living the Life faithfully after all these years, gave me hope. Talking with younger brothers who were about to embark on the journey called "college," allowed me to encourage them, and it encouraged me seeing how they wanted to continue their Walk, and grow in Christ. The "One-to-One" times were an especial blessing to me, as I was able to see what each person was going through, and I felt privileged to have shared to me what was going on with their lives now.

Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING was such a huge blessing for me. So much so, that I felt whoever wasn't there, invited or not, were missing out! I couldn't have asked for a better ending to my summer craziness. I came out of this particular event, tired still, but spiritually refreshed, renewed, challenged, inspired, and encouraged. I came out with a clearer objective and goal in life, and what to strive for as a Christian. Seriously, what a huge blessing this was!

Now all I have to remember now, is that, though I am back home, I am not home.

-Guess who....... it's so obvious though