Pastor's Corner: Time to set a new normal

My wife and I just returned from two weeks in the Frazier Park mountains for our church organization’s youth camp. The kids arrived at camp with anticipation of seeing friends they haven’t seen in a year, all the activities that have been planned and, of course, the amazing food at the camp snack shack.

As campers and workers have all returned both tired and refreshed, it reminds me that the end of youth camp is the unofficial sign that summer is soon to be over. Back to school shopping will start with the knowledge school is starting right around the corner.

To the workers, the staff and all who sponsored and supported the students to attend camp this year, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you. I am not referring to any particular camp, but to any of the many camps that help our young people establish a closer relationship with God.

To any of the students who may read this, I have this advice to offer. Don’t allow our culture to rob you of what you received at the camp you attended. God did something in your life, and it was not just for the time you spent at youth camp. Whatever God did for you, He did it so you could build upon it once you got home.

I know it is easy to get back to life as normal and forget all about God and everything He did at camp. I would encourage you to establish a new normal. A new normal that says to the world, “I am different. I am a child of God. I am special. I am important. I am loved.” No matter what the world around you is trying to tell you, remember God is always there.

If I can ever be of help to you or your family you can reach out to us. We meet every Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Shafter High School Auditorium. You can reach out to Community Circle Church on social media @yourccchurch, and we will get back to you.

I look forward to seeing and hearing from you soon.

The best Is yet to come!