THE Retreat

Wow!


That about sums up the weekend just experienced by myself, 25 middle school students, 4 high school student leaders, and 4 adults. I want to get a little more in depth about some of the things that we talked about and experienced over the weekend, but I'll start us with some highlights by the numbers.

9: Number of students I threw off the dock (have I mentioned I love my job)
2: Number of times I got thrown from a tube
1: the best belly flop ever, as painfully done by Jordan.
0: The number of pranks successfully pulled on me
225: Number of Bible verses memorized by our students
25: Number of students I shot with a water gun (that's funny, that's how many we brought)
12: Pounds of bacon consumed
75: The average temperature (a little better then last year's 45!)

One of the really awesome things we all experienced this weekend was our big group worship. We turned the Dolfin's living room into a worship center complete with colored lighting, sound system, mics, projector, and a wood cross. And worship we did! The passion our students displayed in worship showed their love and commitment to God, and that they really are a generation that loves to give God their praise. They sang until hoarse, danced until sore, and really poured their hearts out. Special thanks needs to go to high school music leaders Mal and Erin for helping make this such a worshipful weekend. At the request of some here are some of the songs we sang this weekend and the recording artist who made them famous if you want to get them off ITunes.
Cartoon Song: Chris Rice
I am Free: Peter Furlor (Newsboys)
Not to Us: Chris Tomlin
Your Grace is Enough: Chris Tomlin
There is no One Like You: David Crowder Band
No Sacrifice (theme song of weekend): Jason Upton
Grace Like Rain: Todd Agnew
Every Move I Make: Fusebox
Let it Rise: Big Daddy Weave
Undignified (the "hey!" song): David Crowder Band
The Happy Song: Delirious? (Chris Tomlin also has a famous version)
You are Holy (Prince of Peace): Michael W. Smith
The Power of Your Love: Lincoln Brewster (although everyone has recorded it at sometime)
Love Enough: Hillsong United


That's it for now. Check back throughout the week for more on this amazing retreat, including some picks. Mega thanks to the Dolfin's for letting us take over for the weekend, as well as the high schoolers and adults for their time and great ministry.