Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2
Summer is slowly coming to an end. Although I am ready for the heat to go away, I am not ready for summer to transition into fall. I love summer. I love spending time outdoors. I love the opportunities that summer offers. One of my favorite things to do in the summer is go on mission trips and summer camp. Since I was in the 7thgrade, I have made it to a mission trip or a camp. It is such a joy to join with friends from all over to worship, study, serve, play, and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Summer church camp is a special place and event.
At church camp is where I first encountered a wonderful tradition. During the day, students and staff would take time to practice what is called TAG (Time Alone with God). Each camper and staff would take their Bible and a devotional and find their place away from the rest of camp to have a time alone, encountering God. As a young teenager, this was an extremely difficult practice. I wanted to enjoy my friends. I found it hard to be quiet, be alone and be still. After some time, the practice of sitting still and having time alone with God grew on me.
We do not have to go to camp to have TAG time. God is with us. If we find a moment to step away from the things that so easily occupy our attention, and focus on God, we can have the blessing of a time that grows our faith and strengthens our relationship with our Lord. When do you take time to just focus on God? When do you work to remove yourself from all that is going on around you and have some focused time with the One who loves you?
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
