Summer Camp Commentaries

Backstreet’s back; Alright!

Maybe not Backstreet, but I’m back! Close enough, right? Back from all the fun summer camp festivities, the walk down memory lane with friends and family in New Jersey, and the amazing experiences that were shared during those two weeks away. I love some fresh perspective, don’t you? It’s funny how returning to an old, familiar place can inspire you with new, life-changing thoughts. I believe that’s God working. Here are some (and great emphasis on “some” or else we’d be here all day) of my take-aways from my days spent in New Jersey and Pine Bush Bible Camp.

1. Your family is seriously important. Not just your blood-relatives, even though they’re awesome, but your eternal family through Christ. The world should look at our relationships, as Christians, and see something dramatically different:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you much love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

My prayer is that this is not something I take lightly. That those words of Scripture will not just fade into a memory, but rather I act on them and commit my life to loving others, especially my brothers and sisters, in the way Christ loves us.

2. Time flies. And I think it is just going to get faster. I have missed the past four years of camp, only to come back to meet teenagers who are much taller, smarter, and wiser than their 10-year old selves. Peers of mine are experiencing new life adventures of mission trips, marriage, and careers. The word “lifetime” had new meaning to me. Our lives are short.

“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 14:4b

Now, that can either be a depressing statement, or a driving one, but the choice is yours. I know God has a plan for our lives and with the little time I have here, I want to be all in for Christ and going wherever He leads.

I know that ice cream is not Paleo, but it’s TRADITION! And delicious…

3. YOU ARE SO VALUABLE. No matter what any single person on this entire planet says… You are loved greater and deeper than you can possibly imagine by a Creator who values you more than you can fathom. “The Son of God gives you the upmost value— that is something man cannot touch!” (Nate Bramsen) We are a people who long to be loved. We often let the world define us or sometimes, we even let our own self define us (both of which, I am guilty). We need to look at ourselves the way God sees us: beautifully unique and created in His image.

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 I am so thankful for the time I spent up North. I am beyond thankful for the work God did in my heart– the way it has been transformed. I am blessed to have the brothers and sisters I was surrounded by for those two weeks (if you’re reading this, know how much I deeply love and appreciate you guys). I am also grateful for returning back to my brothers and sisters in Florida and their eager ears to hear what God has taught me and challenging me to act on it (if you’re reading this, also know how much I deeply love and appreciate you too). Thank you to everyone who follows The Thrive Life and I can’t wait to dive back into some delicious Paleo meals & treats. 

Finishing out with a special shout out to the five (one not pictured) lovely ladies who were baptized this summer! Thankful for your testimonies and your boldness to declare the name of Christ with your lives!

 

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Packing Heat on a Plane (Okay, they’re really just snacks.)

I’m leaving for the wonderful state of New Jersey in less than 24 hours. I am headed up to visit some family and friends and then be reunited with all my childhood (and teenage/adult-hood) memories at Pine Bush Bible Camp as a camp counselor. Yes, people entrust their sweet children to me for a week. Trust me, everything will be fine. 😉

Camp people understand this type of behavior is not only acceptable, but expected.

All of this got me thinking about traveling and sticking to the Paleo lifestyle. I am trying to be as prepared as possible to stick to it while traveling. There is only so much I can do once arriving at camp, but while boarding planes and road tripping, I’m arming myself with paleo-approved snackage. (Whoa, I just sounded like my father. He loves to add “age” to words for a reason unknown to me. Boilage. Beepage. Snackage. Love that man.)

The trick is to keep things simple, portable, and carry little-to-no liquids, which seem to upset airport security. Let’s get to it:

1. Raw, Mixed Nuts & Seeds: For me, cashews are currently a big hit with my taste buds, but any mix or nuts & seeds will do. Nuts and seeds are a great source of healthy fats and will keep your tummy satisfied when paired with a protein source. Try not to overdo it, as it is easy to do when reaching your hand in a large bag of mix. I like to separate mine into single-servings pouches so I’m aware of how much I am eating.

2. Bars: Another perfectly portable snack. My favorite is the Coconut Cream Pie Larabar (shocker), but I like to bring a variety of bars for whatever mood I’m in. Sometimes I’m feeling all Colonial American-like and Apple Pie strikes my fancy. Just make sure whatever bars you bring along have real food in them and none of those crazy artificial & chemical ingredients that you can’t pronounce.

3. Canned Meats: Portable protein for the win! Canned tuna (or salmon or chicken) is a great addition to bring along with you. Some people love to eat it straight from the can, or you can add it to a garden salad you’ve purchased in the terminal. Either way, eating a quality source of protein (check the cans for organic and/or wild caught) will keep you satiated and loving that you didn’t go for that sugary donut instead.

4. Coconut Water: Dehydration can become a bit of a problem due to the low humidity on airplanes. You many not even be aware it’s affecting you, but sometimes air travel can cause dry-skin, itchy eyes, and lethargy. Plain coconut water contains a natural source of electrolytes and is high in potassium, which will aid to ward off dehydration. Try and drink some before or after your flight. Also, drink some good ‘ole H2O while on the plane. Staying hydrated while traveling will keep you feeling energized and refreshed.

It may be tricky, but it is 100% doable to stick to healthy choices if you come prepared. I hope these are a few things you bring along on your travels so you will feel nourished and energized! Travel well.