Living in Peace

Our family was in Colorado last week. One afternoon we hiked the Grizzly Creek Trail in the Glenwood Canyon along Interstate 70. At one point we stopped and sat on a huge boulder in the shade right next to the creek/small river. We were quiet and listened to the rapids and soaked in the beautiful surroundings. Then it hit me...all of the stress of life's responsibilities and frustrations of life's difficulties were gone. It all seemed so far away. I was at peace in God's presence, in God's creation.

But God offers us peace wherever we are. One way to look at the Sabbath rest God calls us to, is to weekly pull away from everything that stresses or burdens us. Put it in God's hands. We usually do not like to relinquish control, but we need to. Just rest in God's love, peace and presence. It is real and nourishing and needed. Simply live Psalm 23. It will change your life.

Location:Grizzly Creek, Colorado

Silence in the woods

This past week I led my TC summer camp, Outdoor Explore. I usually have about ten students. This year twenty-eight 5th through 8th graders signed up (my wife helped me lead the camp).

I save one of my favorite hikes for last. On Friday we hiked in the creek at Waterfall Glen. At one point I was so struck by the beauty of God's creation, I asked everyone to be quiet for about two minutes. Even though the group was large, everyone was quiet. We looked at and listened to nature. Students were challenged to pray and/or just contemplate God's presence and greatness. It was such a worshipful time. How about you doing this outside this summer?

Psalms 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God;

This is a camp photo, but not of Waterfall Glen:

Location:Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, DuPage County, IL

Tree Walk (surprise, surprise)

My daughter is playing in a summer basketball league in Lisle. This is a new thing for both of us. I went to a couple of games this week and both times arrived early. To be honest, my first thought was we left too early, and now I have to wait around. But then I thought...waiting means an opportunity to go on a tree walk! Little did I know that Lisle High School is right next to the "crown jewel" ( I read this on a plaque) of the Lisle Park District. It is a park with vast open spaces, trees, lakes, hills--beautiful.
A FRUSTRATED PLAN CAN RUIN YOUR DAY OR OFFER YOU A WONDERFUL UNPLANNED OPPORTUNITY. Be on the look out for opportunities to marvel at God's world, to pray for and help the needy, and to be a light for Jesus.

Location:Lisle High School, Lisle, IL

God's World and Word

ATTENTION all incoming students to Timothy Christian High School:
Take a great picture of you and a tree. There is a prize! The student with the best picture from each class will get to choose their chapel seat for next year. Email the picture to mactrees40@gmail.com.

Also please e-mail to mactrees40@gmail.com thoughts on how God has spoken to you through the Bible this summer. Thanks!

Location:Timothy Christian High School, 1061 Prospect, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Last Week of TCHS Chapels

May 22: Senior Chapel. Seniors sit on the stage to watch the 17 minute, 500 plus picture slideshow that Mackenzie put together. To close, the faculty formed a circle around the soon to be graduates and prayed.

May 24: Last chapel of the year. With the seniors gone, students sat where they wanted to. The time began with asking random students what they are doing this summer. We then had a time of Scripture, song, challenge, and prayer.

'12-'13 TC High Students: remember the tree contest! Send photos with you and a tree to mactrees40@gmail.com. Also send devotional highlights from the summer to this address as well.

Location:Timothy Christian High School, 1061 Prospect, Elmhurst, IL

Mr. Day reflects & encourages and "Getting Rid of Idols"

On May 15, Mr. Day spoke words of wisdom in chapel on the eve of his retirement. His message included a brief walk down memory lane from his time at Timothy and a heart-felt exhortation to live with hope and trust in God's goodness.

On May 18 we had a complete worship service in 20ish minutes with the theme of getting rid of idols and focusing on Jesus. We started with a video (Jimmy Needham, "Clear the Stage"). The service then followed this order: Greeting and Opening Prayer, Opening Song, Brief Message (with a student skit), Scripture Readings, Confession, Assurance of Pardon, Brief Message (more skit), Prayer, Closing Song (with the faculty on stage leading), Blessing.

NEXT WEEK: May 22--Senior chapel. Parents welcome.
May 24--Last chapel of the year!

Location:Timothy Christian High School, 1061 Prospect, Elmhurst, IL

Student-led Worship Band

On May 8,
Rev. Darrell Johnson challenged us from the book of Jonah to answer God's call on our lives.

On May 10, the student-led worship band led us for the last time this school year. The video clip highlights two of the songs.

Next week: May 15-retiring English teacher Tom Day gives his final thoughts to students. May 18 (Friday, not Thursday this week)-a complete worship service with student leaders in 24 minutes.

Location:Timothy Christian High School, 1061 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL