In about ten days from now, me and some Concord homies are going to be headed to that little country up north called Canada. I am really really excited! Why am I excited, you ask? Well, why don't I tell you! Sit back, get some hot chocolate, and get ready to be excited yourselves!
On July 28th, our team is going to be headed to a city called Montreal. This is a city that is in great need of the Gospel. Montreal is the most unreached city in all of North America and is actually called an "Unreached City" which means it has less than 2% Evangelical Christians in it. Isn't that incredible? Their doesn't seem to be too many differences between Canada and the States to me, but I would have never guessed that their would be such a lack of Christian influence there. Our church sent out a team to Montreal last year and something the missionary stationed in Montreal said something that really made my heart sink. He said that (while in a restaurant) that "We could be the only Christians that have ever been here." And while at a huge mall, he said, "We could be the only Christians in this whole building." Does that not make any of you cringe? Think about how many people are dying everyday in that city from sickness, accidents, old age, homicie, etc... Think about how all those people are dying, damned for the rest of eternity.
This is the part where I get excited. The mission team I am on is going to run an Adventure Camp for kids that are in junior high. We are going to interact with them through games, silly skits, and lots of other awesome ways. We're not running the camp for just a good time though; we are running the camp so these kids can get a taste of the Gospel. At this age, these kids we are going to come in contact with are so impressionable. They are at the age where they are going to have to start figuring out what they believe for themselves, and what better way to start than with the Gospel? Our goal of the week is not to shove the Christ down their throat, show them how cool Americans are, or to show them how awesome we are. We are there so we can be a Christian influence in their lives and to show them the love of Christ.
I'm really excited about this trip, and I pray God will use me in an awesome way. If anyone actually reads this, pray for our Concord mission team. We can have the most awesome camp in the world, but if God isn't there, we'll have wasted our time. Please pray that God will show Himself to the kids in an awesome way, and that the kids will see Christ though us.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
I had a dream
Okay, so last night, I had this really weird, but really challenging dream. I couldn't think of anything else to type about today, so here it goes!
My dream started when I was in a doctors office. I was sitting in the examination room when the doctor came in with a stale face. He said, "Son, I'm going to get straight to the point. After a few tests, we've found a tumor in your brain. You have around 2 months to live." It took me a minute or two to process what the doctor just said. I went out of the office and headed home. The first person I saw was my Mom. I walked up to her with some anxiety. As I was telling her the news of my newly found tumor, this overwhelming peace came over me. My Mom started to get a little upset when I broke the news to her, but God helped me comfort her. I said, "Mom, It'll be okay! This didn't catch God by suprise! I know that their is a perfect plan for this!" So, around 2 months later, I was in the hospital on my death bed. All my family and friend were around me, and they seemed upset. As I looked at all of their faces, I laughed to myself. One of my friends asked me what was funny. I replied to him saying, "Why are you guys sad? I'm the one that should be sad for you! You see, I get to go home a little earlier than you guys do. I don't have to face the struggles of life and the sins of the world as long as you have to. I'm about to see my savior, while you all have to wait just a little longer. Don't be sad! I want my death to be a celebration!" As I said that, I feel asleep on my bed, and woke up in the real world.
Okay, so I know that my dream is WAY corny, but it was challenging to me. If I were in that same situation in my "real" life, would I have reacted in the same way? I hope I would. I hope that I would look more to my eternal future, than be stuck in the present.
My dream started when I was in a doctors office. I was sitting in the examination room when the doctor came in with a stale face. He said, "Son, I'm going to get straight to the point. After a few tests, we've found a tumor in your brain. You have around 2 months to live." It took me a minute or two to process what the doctor just said. I went out of the office and headed home. The first person I saw was my Mom. I walked up to her with some anxiety. As I was telling her the news of my newly found tumor, this overwhelming peace came over me. My Mom started to get a little upset when I broke the news to her, but God helped me comfort her. I said, "Mom, It'll be okay! This didn't catch God by suprise! I know that their is a perfect plan for this!" So, around 2 months later, I was in the hospital on my death bed. All my family and friend were around me, and they seemed upset. As I looked at all of their faces, I laughed to myself. One of my friends asked me what was funny. I replied to him saying, "Why are you guys sad? I'm the one that should be sad for you! You see, I get to go home a little earlier than you guys do. I don't have to face the struggles of life and the sins of the world as long as you have to. I'm about to see my savior, while you all have to wait just a little longer. Don't be sad! I want my death to be a celebration!" As I said that, I feel asleep on my bed, and woke up in the real world.
Okay, so I know that my dream is WAY corny, but it was challenging to me. If I were in that same situation in my "real" life, would I have reacted in the same way? I hope I would. I hope that I would look more to my eternal future, than be stuck in the present.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Just a Little Grace
So yesterday I probably had the biggest headache of my life. It started around 7:20, right before church got out. So after church, I talked to some of my Concord homies for a while, then I went and saw Transformers for the second time (Not because I liked it so much, but the first time I went and saw it, I didn't get to see the end because I had to leave a little bit early.) After the movie, my head felt like someone was taking a jackhammer to my skull. Everything made my head hurt: from the lights in the parking lot, to my air conditioner, to traffic lights, and every other thing on this earth that emitted light or made any sort of sound. My head wanted to die. The throbbing made it feel like my heart was inside my brain. Boom! Boom! Boom!
So I finally made it home. When I walked in the door, it seemed like we just got all new light bulbs, and they all seemed to be staring at me with the utmost intensity. I went over to the medicine cabinet, and I stopped squinting my eyes just enough so I could read the names on the bottles. Tums.. no. Rolaids.. no. NyQuil.. nope, don't want that either. I dug though the cabinets, and finally! I had reached the Advil! I took two from the bottle, and made my way over to our brilliantly white refrigerator. I opened the door, and took out some water. I popped the 2 Advil's in my mouth, took a sip of water and headed up to bed. I hoped in, covered up, and tried to get to sleep. It was around midnight when I got to bed.
My head was still killin' me, but somehow I got to sleep pretty quickly.
Around 2:30am, I woke up and my headache was worse than before! I felt my face getting tight as I began to sweat like I just got done running a marathon. It hurt so bad that it felt like my whole body was in pain, and I couldn't help but to start tossing and turning somewhat violently.
As I laid there, and as I felt my body attack itself, I started to pray. I prayed that God would take away this pain that felt so severe.
Right as I finished, I felt the pain go away, from the back of my head all the way to the front. It was amazing! It felt like nothing had ever happened! As I laid in my bed in amazement at what had just happened, I started thinking that God gave me that headache for a reason. I put my trust in the Advil. I know God gave us meds to help us feel better, and we should use them. But I didn't put my hope in the One that can make the medicine work. I never once asked God to take away my headache. I just took the Advil, knowing it would work in around a half-hour, just like it always does. God taught me that I need to rely on Him more. If I get another headache, sure, I'll take more Advil, but while taking the Advil, I'll be praying that God will use the medicine to take away my headache. That's just a little something God showed me yesterday, though His awesome grace.
So I finally made it home. When I walked in the door, it seemed like we just got all new light bulbs, and they all seemed to be staring at me with the utmost intensity. I went over to the medicine cabinet, and I stopped squinting my eyes just enough so I could read the names on the bottles. Tums.. no. Rolaids.. no. NyQuil.. nope, don't want that either. I dug though the cabinets, and finally! I had reached the Advil! I took two from the bottle, and made my way over to our brilliantly white refrigerator. I opened the door, and took out some water. I popped the 2 Advil's in my mouth, took a sip of water and headed up to bed. I hoped in, covered up, and tried to get to sleep. It was around midnight when I got to bed.
My head was still killin' me, but somehow I got to sleep pretty quickly.
Around 2:30am, I woke up and my headache was worse than before! I felt my face getting tight as I began to sweat like I just got done running a marathon. It hurt so bad that it felt like my whole body was in pain, and I couldn't help but to start tossing and turning somewhat violently.
As I laid there, and as I felt my body attack itself, I started to pray. I prayed that God would take away this pain that felt so severe.
Right as I finished, I felt the pain go away, from the back of my head all the way to the front. It was amazing! It felt like nothing had ever happened! As I laid in my bed in amazement at what had just happened, I started thinking that God gave me that headache for a reason. I put my trust in the Advil. I know God gave us meds to help us feel better, and we should use them. But I didn't put my hope in the One that can make the medicine work. I never once asked God to take away my headache. I just took the Advil, knowing it would work in around a half-hour, just like it always does. God taught me that I need to rely on Him more. If I get another headache, sure, I'll take more Advil, but while taking the Advil, I'll be praying that God will use the medicine to take away my headache. That's just a little something God showed me yesterday, though His awesome grace.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Why Insufficient?
For those of you wondering, I figured that I should talk about why I named my blog "insufficient."
Throughout my life, I can see that I'm kind of a loner. I'm usually not dependent upon other people. I like to put things together by myself, without directions, I like to work by myself, I like to drive by myself, I like to live by myself from time to time, and overall, I just like to do things by myself.
More often than not, I feel like I can do things without God's help. From simple things, like driving to work, or to more complex things, like mending together a broken relationship, I always catch myself trying to be self sufficient. I tend to feel like I don't need any ones help, and anyone who tries to help just gets in my way, or just slows me down. I tend to look at myself as self sufficient. I don't need anybody to make it though this world!
But when it all comes down to it, I am insufficient. As much as I may like to do things by myself, or as good as I get doing things by myself, I can never do enough to be sufficient in God's eyes. Because of my sin, I fail to live up to the standard of God's holiness.
But in 2 Corinthians 3:5, it says, "Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God." This means that anything that we may do that is good, we can't say "Yeah, I did this by myself. Give me the glory!" Anything that is good comes from the Lord. It also says that our sufficiency comes from God. When Christ came to Earth, lived a perfect life, and died on that cross, he became our sin, and when we believe in Him, we put on His righteousness! So even though we may be insufficient by ourselves, we are made sufficient to God though Christ.
This is what I need reminded of everyday. I am not enough. I can't live this life alone. And everyday, I receive God's mercy when I start feeling like "big stuff." Sometimes He has to show me that I'm not the center of the universe in ways stronger than others, but He always has a plan for what He does, and that's sufficient enough for me.
Throughout my life, I can see that I'm kind of a loner. I'm usually not dependent upon other people. I like to put things together by myself, without directions, I like to work by myself, I like to drive by myself, I like to live by myself from time to time, and overall, I just like to do things by myself.
More often than not, I feel like I can do things without God's help. From simple things, like driving to work, or to more complex things, like mending together a broken relationship, I always catch myself trying to be self sufficient. I tend to feel like I don't need any ones help, and anyone who tries to help just gets in my way, or just slows me down. I tend to look at myself as self sufficient. I don't need anybody to make it though this world!
But when it all comes down to it, I am insufficient. As much as I may like to do things by myself, or as good as I get doing things by myself, I can never do enough to be sufficient in God's eyes. Because of my sin, I fail to live up to the standard of God's holiness.
But in 2 Corinthians 3:5, it says, "Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God." This means that anything that we may do that is good, we can't say "Yeah, I did this by myself. Give me the glory!" Anything that is good comes from the Lord. It also says that our sufficiency comes from God. When Christ came to Earth, lived a perfect life, and died on that cross, he became our sin, and when we believe in Him, we put on His righteousness! So even though we may be insufficient by ourselves, we are made sufficient to God though Christ.
This is what I need reminded of everyday. I am not enough. I can't live this life alone. And everyday, I receive God's mercy when I start feeling like "big stuff." Sometimes He has to show me that I'm not the center of the universe in ways stronger than others, but He always has a plan for what He does, and that's sufficient enough for me.
Who is this Kid?
Well, hello there, and welcome to my blog!
I figured I'd open up this blog with the sparknote version of my life. Here it goes:
My name is Colton and I am 17 years old. I am from a far away land called Chillicothe, Ohio, but I moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee when I was 11. I am a senior at Silverdale Baptist Academy (woohoo for seniors!). I have gone to 4 different schools throughout my short life. From K-4 I went to Unioto Primary, in 5th grade I was home schooled, 6-8 I went to Grace Baptist Academy, and from 9-12 I have gone to SBA.
I have an awesome family. My Dad, Travis, works for Little Debbie. He is an awesome dad. I can always talk to him about anything. We've had such awesome times together. Some of the best memories I've had with him have been traveling to Ohio State football games, and bowling with him on a Friday night league. My Mom, Kelley, is pretty swell too. She always puts me and my siblings before herself. She is a great caretaker, and I wouldn't change her for the world. She is such a Godly woman, and I love her so much! My eldest sister, Brittany, is a pretty cool girl. I love talking to her about the things we used to do as kids, and the ways she would always get me in trouble! We like to talk about the Fresh Prince of Bel-air too! My younger sister, Malorie, is pretty much the sweetest girl a person could know. Even when she's only 7 years old, she puts other people needs in front of hers. The other day, I made her a sandwich, and after a few minutes of giving it to her, I turned around, and she was just sitting there with no bites taken out of the turkey goodness. I asked her why she wasn't eating it and she said, "I saw that there wasn't any bread left, so I wanted to share my sandwich with you." How sweet is that? My younger brother, Cooper, is a little rascal. That kid never stops moving! He always has to be busy with something, whether it be running down the hallway, eating, throwing a ball, putting together a puzzle, or eating some more, he has to be doing something! I love my family very much, and I wouldn't trade them for anyone.
I was saved when I was living in Ohio when I was about 7 or 8 years old. One day, my dad was leading devotions and at the end of that devotion, I really felt God tugging at my heart. I talked to my dad for a while, then we went to his room and I asked for Jesus to come into my heart. Ever since then, I have been growing in my love and in my knowledge of my God. Jesus saving me was the coolest thing that has ever happened to me and the coolest thing that could ever happen to me. But so far, I think the second coolest thing that has ever happened to me was in 8th grade. One day, I was in Mr. Faulkner's Bible class and he was teaching us about Hell, and he gave us a glimpse of what it will be like for those who die not knowing Christ as their personal Savior. That greatly disturbed me. The next day we talked about "The man on the island," and how even if he doesn't know about Christ, or hasn't had any opportunity to hear about Christ and he dies without Christ, he will face God's eternal wrath along with the other people who deny the deity of the Son. The Bible talks about that in Romans 1:20 (I'll blog about that verse another day.) Ever since those days way back in 8th grade, I've felt like God is leading me to the mission field. I don't know exactly where God wants me to go, but I have a good idea that its going to be in either Africa or Eastern/Middle Asia. I know that sounds broad, but that's all I've been told!
I go to Concord Baptist Church. I really love it there! Its a church that really loves the Bible, and is dedicated to teaching from it correctly. Its not a feel good church. Its a church that will convict you, encourage you, pray for you, love you, and will help you grow in your love for God. My youth group is awesome! I love everyone in it, and would do anything for them.
Ohio State is pretty much the best ever. Enough said about that.
I've had 3 cars since June of 2005. I had a Ford Escort (I loved that little car!), but it got totaled in a car wash, I had a Subaru Legacy, but it was crushed at my friends' house, and now I have a Ford Mustang, AKA the bumblebee. I really like the car I have now. Its soooo much fun to drive!
Well, this is probably a lot to take in, and I can't think of anything else to type, so I'll conclude it here. I hope you have fun reading future blogs of mine, and keep me in your prayers. Heaven knows I need 'em!
I figured I'd open up this blog with the sparknote version of my life. Here it goes:
My name is Colton and I am 17 years old. I am from a far away land called Chillicothe, Ohio, but I moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee when I was 11. I am a senior at Silverdale Baptist Academy (woohoo for seniors!). I have gone to 4 different schools throughout my short life. From K-4 I went to Unioto Primary, in 5th grade I was home schooled, 6-8 I went to Grace Baptist Academy, and from 9-12 I have gone to SBA.
I have an awesome family. My Dad, Travis, works for Little Debbie. He is an awesome dad. I can always talk to him about anything. We've had such awesome times together. Some of the best memories I've had with him have been traveling to Ohio State football games, and bowling with him on a Friday night league. My Mom, Kelley, is pretty swell too. She always puts me and my siblings before herself. She is a great caretaker, and I wouldn't change her for the world. She is such a Godly woman, and I love her so much! My eldest sister, Brittany, is a pretty cool girl. I love talking to her about the things we used to do as kids, and the ways she would always get me in trouble! We like to talk about the Fresh Prince of Bel-air too! My younger sister, Malorie, is pretty much the sweetest girl a person could know. Even when she's only 7 years old, she puts other people needs in front of hers. The other day, I made her a sandwich, and after a few minutes of giving it to her, I turned around, and she was just sitting there with no bites taken out of the turkey goodness. I asked her why she wasn't eating it and she said, "I saw that there wasn't any bread left, so I wanted to share my sandwich with you." How sweet is that? My younger brother, Cooper, is a little rascal. That kid never stops moving! He always has to be busy with something, whether it be running down the hallway, eating, throwing a ball, putting together a puzzle, or eating some more, he has to be doing something! I love my family very much, and I wouldn't trade them for anyone.
I was saved when I was living in Ohio when I was about 7 or 8 years old. One day, my dad was leading devotions and at the end of that devotion, I really felt God tugging at my heart. I talked to my dad for a while, then we went to his room and I asked for Jesus to come into my heart. Ever since then, I have been growing in my love and in my knowledge of my God. Jesus saving me was the coolest thing that has ever happened to me and the coolest thing that could ever happen to me. But so far, I think the second coolest thing that has ever happened to me was in 8th grade. One day, I was in Mr. Faulkner's Bible class and he was teaching us about Hell, and he gave us a glimpse of what it will be like for those who die not knowing Christ as their personal Savior. That greatly disturbed me. The next day we talked about "The man on the island," and how even if he doesn't know about Christ, or hasn't had any opportunity to hear about Christ and he dies without Christ, he will face God's eternal wrath along with the other people who deny the deity of the Son. The Bible talks about that in Romans 1:20 (I'll blog about that verse another day.) Ever since those days way back in 8th grade, I've felt like God is leading me to the mission field. I don't know exactly where God wants me to go, but I have a good idea that its going to be in either Africa or Eastern/Middle Asia. I know that sounds broad, but that's all I've been told!
I go to Concord Baptist Church. I really love it there! Its a church that really loves the Bible, and is dedicated to teaching from it correctly. Its not a feel good church. Its a church that will convict you, encourage you, pray for you, love you, and will help you grow in your love for God. My youth group is awesome! I love everyone in it, and would do anything for them.
Ohio State is pretty much the best ever. Enough said about that.
I've had 3 cars since June of 2005. I had a Ford Escort (I loved that little car!), but it got totaled in a car wash, I had a Subaru Legacy, but it was crushed at my friends' house, and now I have a Ford Mustang, AKA the bumblebee. I really like the car I have now. Its soooo much fun to drive!
Well, this is probably a lot to take in, and I can't think of anything else to type, so I'll conclude it here. I hope you have fun reading future blogs of mine, and keep me in your prayers. Heaven knows I need 'em!
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