We enjoyed a full house this morning here at the church. Our students came back to finish up the weekend activities. Perseverance is one word to describe their weekend. Snow almost derailed the start of their retreat but they came on out the very first night. I got the pleasure of baptizing four of those students this morning. The water was very cold as the heater failed to do its part. Felt like my toes went numb after a few minutes in the water. Frigid feet are a small price to pay on a great day. Pretty sure that enduring some discomfort would be worth enjoying occasions like this one.

My thanks goes to all who played a part in making the Disciple Now experience such a success. Some of our people opened their homes so students could stay for the nights. My house ended up with five girls who are all juniors or seniors. They got to enjoy my son's video games as he allowed them to unwind with them after the sessions. He did a great job sharing with his sister's friends. Worship was a terrific time of gathering as they were led by young adults who guided them in their divine encounter. People gave their time to cook meals during the weekend. All of these people deserve recognition for a job well done.

I admit to being partial to student ministry. Seeing almost half of our church filled with young people always excites me. You cannot help but be grateful to God for blessing our efforts beyond our imagination. Sometimes people refer to students as the future of the church. My view is that they are the present and not just the future. We can all stand to learn a few things from our students in terms of our experience with God. Adults tend to have the thrill of being a believer knocked out of them on various levels. We can lose our enthusiasm from the daily grind that drains our emotions along with our spiritual heart. We can allow doing church stuff to wear us down until we forget our purpose in Christian living. We can become jaded from the hurts we accumulate in church and in life. We can all use a fresh touch of being in the midst of what God is doing in our world.

The week may be getting underway in very cold water but that does not mean it will be a bad one. Look to see what God is doing around you. Join with Him to touch the lives of others. Spend some quality time alone with Him this week. Our toes may be cold but perhaps our heart will get hot.

Bro Trey