Let Your Light Shine On

Wow, it's hard to believe that the Honolulu Conference Retreat has come and gone. It was an exciting 3 days of worship, diving into the Word, fellowship and fun. The theme this year was "Let your Light Shine." And we got cool bright yellow T-shirts that say "shine" on it. For those of you who have never attended the HIM Honolulu Conference, it's an incredible Christian event that gives us a glimpse of what heaven may be like. Over 4000 believers gather together from all over the islands and even from around the world to worship God and be exhorted by His Word. World renown speakers challenge us to love more, think deeper, live fuller and shine brighter. The David Crowder Band makes the whole building shake as we shout our praises to God. (No kidding - it was like an earthquake!) We all laugh together as we ponder the mysteries of the Middle School antics. You have to join us next year!

This year we were blessed with over 30 youth and college students. There were many of our friends there at the conference, but couldn't join us for the retreat. We homestayed this year and we are forever grateful to our host families who fed us and gave a good place to rest. Although we hardly spent any time at the homestays, after a long day of sessions, seminars, and more it was nice to welcomed back "home". We also met mostly with our small groups, which was nice because we got to talk more together. So the short times during some of the meals and the pool party that we all got together as a group seemed extra special. By the way, the BBQ at the pool party was awesome!  And we enjoyed relaxing at the pool after the conference ended.

Well, even though the retreat has ended, we don't want to forget the lessons God taught us.  He spoke to us in so many ways. Make sure you write it down, or share it with a friend so that we can keep letting our light shine. For me, my greatest lesson was the wonderful reminder that God doesn't just want to first in our lives, He wants to be everything! GOD ALWAYS! It's my new motto. Shine on, shine on!