Feeding the sheep of The Good Shepherd

I've been reading a book called The Round Table. It talks about Jesus being our good shepherd. I've been thinking about how much I really need Jesus these days, just as a sheep needs its shepherd to guide it. I need His help with so much. So many times I try to take stuff on alone, and it doesn't work. We need God if we want to succeed with things.
It mentions John 21 where Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him, three times, each time Peter says yes, and Jesus always reply's with "then feed my sheep". It started me thinking about how many chances I've had to "feed His sheep" and I just get to uncomfortable, and scared. When I think of this I'm reminded of a quote from Ken Davis, "Why are people always scared to talk about God, yet when they hurt themselves He's the first god they start talking about?". I find myself to be like this too many times. Sometimes I'm scared to talk to people about God, but when something bad happens... My mouth runs loose too often. Which I find really weird, because when I have a good talk about God with a friend, I feel so refreshed. But yet so many times, I don't talk about God when I know I should. I think we all need to step out of our comfort zone and talk to people about God. I feel like God has given me alot of chances to do this lately. It's up to me to recognize that I need to step out of my comfort zone.
I don't think "feeding His sheep" applies to only non-Christians, don't get me wrong I believe it does apply to them a lot. But I also believe that it applies to other Christians. If we know someone who is having trouble with their walk with God, and not taking His guidance, and is having challenges in life. We need to be willing to step out of our comfort zone and talk with them, and help them through. Maybe "reconnect" them with God. If I feel God telling me to talk to someone and I can't "buck up" and step out of my comfort zone, I always think about "what if something bad happens to them, and I could have helped it, how much would I regret it?". This usually encourages me to accept the fact that I need to step out and "feed the sheep" of the Good Sheppard. This is an area that I hope to improve on in my life. I already find myself more and more excited to talk about God to people now, and I hope that this excitement keeps growing.

Challenges

I find it so hard to keep pushing for something you want to happen. Sometimes it feels like you're "fighting" for the impossible. I heard a quote that I find truth in "Anything that's worth having in life doesn't come easy". I think that if we truly want something we need to be willing to fight for it. Whether it be change in our lives, or fighting to keep a friendship out of trouble, or fighting for something we know is right. I think we need to be determained and push through it. Challenges can be used to our advantage, I beleive we can use them to strengthen our morals, or our character, or our walk with Christ. But if we try take challenges on alone they can hurt us. I have a thought floating through my head lately these days. I still am undecided on my opinion on it, but to me it seems just when I'm getting close to giving up on something I want, I start to think that "Giving up is a cowards way of failing" I don't no where I heard that, or if it's something that I thought up. I'm still confused as to whether it's true or not. But one thing is for sure, I've been challenged by alot of things this summer, and I'd like to say it's drawing me closer to God, and shaping my personality, and I beleive it's bring about change in my life.

Kinda Bummed...Kinda REALLY bummed

So, I was recently informed that Steven Page (lead singer from Barenaked Ladies) was arrested for drug charges. Now I'll admit I have less respect for him now. Especially because he admitted to police that he snorted cocain with a bill, but then in court he pleaded not guilty. Basically he screwed the whole band with this stunt. They've had to cancel shows all over. Plus they were gonna head back into the studio to start recording. All the members of the band still support Steve, according to their band manager. Still I was really bummed to hear this, because I've always thought that BNL's members were above this kind of thing. This was just a harsh awakening to reality for me I suppose.

Intermediate Camp

Before I went to Teen Camp I had the chance to council at Intermediate camp. Once again it was at Covenant Heights Bible camp. It was a great time. I got to meet some really funny and all around great kids, and I really enjoyed counciling them. Along with being a councilor I also played drums for the praise and worship. I must say, I have never seen kids that appreciate drums as much as these kids did. I really liked playing for them. I screwed up countless times, and they didn't notice and told me it was amazing. I found that hilarious but I also really appreciated all the compliments from them. I'm hoping to council, and hopefully drum for Intermediate camp again next year.

Teen Camp

So I'm back from a week at Camp at Covenant Heights Bible Camp. I must say it was definitly a memorible week for me. Alot of interesting, hilarious, and just some straight up weird things happend. I think it was really exactly what I needed, a chance to slow down and appreciate creation, and a Chance to be still and qiuet and listen to the voice of God. Throughout the week I was shown many areas in my life that need improvement, or even a total overhaul. I really think that this week has inspired change in my life. I really appreciate the chance to go. I met alot of new wicked neato people, and hope to keep in touch with them. It was a wicked good time, and I'm hoping to get back out there next year.