Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Thoughts on Fathers Day

This past Sunday I found myself at church telling several different dads "Happy Fathers Day". It was a nice feeling to look at them as they looked at their kids and smile. It was something that touched me in my deeply in many ways.

I myself don't have the great relationship with my father. This is something that truly saddens me at times and is something I wrestle with often. I love my dad very much and I do realize that I wouldn't be here in this world if it wasn't for him. No really I wouldn't, babies come from a mom and dad incase you weren't filled in on that little bit of knowledge when you were little. There are certain characteristics that I have gotten from my dad, for instance  he taught me that a man's character and word are the most important thing a man has. He taught me to be proud of where I came from and of our name (yes, pride in the last name is a mexican culture thing... I think). These are a few things I learned from him that have stuck with me all these years.

This past fathers day, I found myself getting frustrated because of somethings but I found myself drawing close to the idea that I might not have the greatest relationship with my dad but I have a heavenly father that I have a great relationship with and that is one relationship I can continually draw close to. There is no doubt in my mind that my dad loves me, or that he cares about me, I do love him and care for him very much and no matter how strained our relationship is. He will always be my dad and someone I thank God for.

I just wanted to wish my dad a happy fathers and hope that he knows that I am glad he is my father and that I pray for him continually. I love you dad! Happy fathers day to Ramiro F. Rubio and the rest of the dads out there. 

Friday, June 17, 2011

Thoughts on Jr. High Summer Camp

Its been a week since I had the great honor of leading about 39 Jr. high students and 6 leaders to Forrest Home for our Jr. High summer camp. I'll be honest even though I am young I am just now fully recovering from all the craziness.

Camp was filled with good times and plenty of crazy things went on in that week. From Rec with our amazing blue team (we took second this year...BUMMER!) to being one of the MC's for the entire camp. All in all it was a lot of work but looking back on it now after I slept for three days straight afterwards, it was all worth it.

Highlights from camp
-Spending time with all the Jr. Highers from North Ridge Community Church
-Cabin time with some of the guys in my cabin (solid discussions)
-Blobbing our leader Ross and watching him do a full black flip (I still say we should of won the contest)
-Being and MC for the camp and giving out a million high-fives daily different Jr. High students.
-Watching the students worship.
-Spending time with other great Jr. high Pastors that share the same passion as me.
-Seeing young college students fall in love with ministry and hanging with the Jr. High students.

Camp was a blessing to be a part of and now that it is over it is time to look forward to the rest of the summer and ride that momentum built from such a great experience. I'll be praying that God can use all that time up there to bring our group together and push us to pursue Him more deeply.

Summer camp is always a blast and is something I know the students I shepherd look forward to. What do you do for the summer at your church?