I had made plans to travel back to Laurel this morning and go to church at Agape. I really enjoy Pastor James' teaching and just feel wonderfully fed when I leave. Well, often plans go astray. During the week, the campground is relatively deserted. However, come Thursday nights and Friday days, the campers start rolling in. During the weekend, the lake is alive and full of excitement. The boys have made new friends and wanted to spend the extra time with them. So today, we went to church under the trees.
The Pastor was a Brother Martin from Oral Baptist Church in Sumrall. Here at the campground, I think a particular church will take over the services for the month. Then next month it will change to another one. I thought that was pretty neat. There was a good crowd in attendance - about 40 or so. Most were wearing shorts and t-shirts. I like that - just everyone gathered to worship God and not caring about who wears what. It was a little funny, though, to see the preacher in a long sleeved shirt and tie out here at the lake. Bless his heart, I am sure that he is ready for the fall to get here!
We all had hymnals that they passed around. The first song was "Jesus Loves Me". This song holds a special place in my heart. When my daughter passed away, we had a graveside service. My cousin James sang only two songs: Jesus Loves Me and Jesus Loves the Little Children. To this day, when I hear either of those songs, I just feel an extra little tug at my heart for my Jesse. The next song was "Amazing Grace". One of my favorites, as well.
Bro. Martin's message was on Peter and how he had chosen to follow Jesus. He was so close to Jesus, and yet denied Him three times. But ya know, Jesus still loved Peter very much. The thing is, we all mess up. But Jesus loves us so much. He is passionate for us.
The closing song was "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus". Wow! To me, that song says it all. To follow Jesus, you don't have to sell your home and move into a camper and go out on the road to spread His word. You only have to make that commitment to Him in your heart. That's the first step. But you never know what He might put on your heart to do - you might wind up at the campsite next to us! Ha!
New little friends came to visit this morning. Last night I hung up bird feeders. They were quickly spotted this morning! If you look closely, you can see one sitting on the top right hand peg. How cool is this to wake up to? Picture perfect creations singing to us all day. I am so blessed!
While sitting here on the deck typing, another friend has returned to get a drink of water out of the water bucket. How cute is that little tale sticking up from the bucket? I do believe that if I were to have had my peanuts out here, he would have come right up into the chair with me! I am in such awe of His creations. What a wonderful God we have to give us little treats like this!
Wishing you all a wonderfully blessed day today! Time to grab a little lunch and make the most of the day!
