What I Learned At TeenPact Survival Part 2

Often when you are about to experience something new, you come up with your own expectations of what it will be like. The week I spent up in Glorieta exceeded my expectations! It was exciting, challenging, and I learned so many things, as well as being reminded of other things I had forgotten.

Real quickly, I’d like to share with you something that may not seem like a big deal, but really touched me. During TeenPact Survival, the students were taught many different things, such as navigation, how to make a water still, using and sharpening knives, making a sun compass, how to create a solid shelter, and so forth. The day came, later that week, when we were to apply a lot of what we had learned, by “setting up camp“. Some of the staff took the different teams to various places they had chosen, a bit farther out in the woods (more secluded then we were, when by our cabins) and left us for a while, as we prepared our campsite. Our team of eight seemed to work really well together, (Of course, I am biased) and we finished our set-up early. While making sure everything was just right and waiting for the staff to show up and check on us, one of the members of our team suggested we pray together, for our week, that the rest of it would go well,  we would work well as a team, and glorify God as we work together that whole week. We gathered by the shelter we had made, and had sort of a mini “prayer meeting”, since most of our team members ended up praying as well. I think it really helped our team bond together, whether we realized it or not. There we were, out in the woods, among all of this beautiful creation, and offering up our own simple prayers to the Maker of it all; what a blessing!

Here are some other thoughts I brought back with me from Survival.

• Working As A Team

When you get some people together, they could be referred to as a gang, community, assembly, team, group and so forth; so what marks the difference between a group of people and a team of people?

Think about it for a moment. Anyone could gather together a group of people-but it takes some effort to build a good team. It is amazing what you can accomplish when you have a common goal in site, and everyone in your team knows what they are to do, and does it cheerfully.

-1 Corinthians 12:5-11


Now, there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

So what are some ways to build a good team?


When you work as a team we all need to know each others strengths and weaknesses. God has a purpose for where he has put us, and we need to fulfill that purpose, to the best of our ability. The Team mentality applies to many things in life, such as siblings, the work world, marriage,the church and so forth. Right now though, I'd specifically like to mention the church.

- 1 Corinthians 12:12
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

As I previously mentioned, we have all been given gifts from God, but they are not going to be the same gifts. Although this may seem basic to you, I think it’s important to say this; God made us all different. We are given talents to use to the glory of Him, and we should not spend time looking around at others and their “wonderful talents and gifts.”


When you complain about the gifts you have been given, you condemn the God who gave them.


Strive to glorify God with the gifts you have been given, and look around you at the strengths and weaknesses of others. In the church, we are to work together as the body of Christ. Each member should do their job as we all work together to further the kingdom of God. Let’s take a  look at:

1 Corinthians 12:27-31


“For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.


Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”

Something else mentioned during my week at Survival, was that we shouldn’t be only willing to fill the place in the area that “we are good at.” Maybe “your” position is already filled. Be teachable and willing to serve others in a place that maybe you don’t think you’re the best at. God knows what He’s doing and the body of Christ won’t function if we have two or three of the same member, and at the same time, lacking of another member.


I would now like to talk a bit about cohesion. In Webster’s 1828 dictionary, “cohesion” is defined as:


“The act of sticking together; the state of being united by natural attraction, as the constituent particles of bodies which unite in a mass, by a natural tendency; one of the different species of attraction.”


Cohesive is defined as:


“That has the power of sticking or cohering; tending to untie in a mass, and to resist separation.”

Something we talked a lot about at Survival, was how to work together as a team. Team members are to be unified together as a group that is cohesive. Or, “glued” together. An example used was, one piece of wood being held off of the table by two other pieces of wood on either end. A student was called up to break the wood. He successfully karate chopped it in half. The student was then given two pieces of wood, of which he broke as well. Then, he had the task of breaking three pieces of wood in half, and although a bit more difficult, he was able to do this as well. Then, he was given two pieces of wood, only this time, they had both been glued together; the student had a harder task of breaking the two pieces then before. Lastly, he was given three pieces of wood, all of which, were glued together.


These three glued pieces, cohered together,he was unable to break.


The point of this demonstration? The closer you are as a team, and the better the members work together, the stronger you will be, simple as that. When little pieces of wood were stuck in between the blocks of wood, about five pieces at a time,  they were more easily broken. There were large gaps in between each piece.


A team, the body of Christ, siblings, couples, and even families in general, will encounter occasional difference of character and disagreements and conflict or strife. This comes with being human, unfortunately. The important thing is knowing how to work through these conflicts in a way that honors and glorifies God.


How do we respond when accused of doing something wrong? How do we respond when there is conflict that we have involuntarily been brought into, or maybe had nothing to do with at all?


When accused of something we have or have not done, what we should not do, is get uptight, angered and defensive. Instead, talk with your accuser and, if wrong has been done on your end, make it right.


Sometimes though, we have nothing to do with the conflict; but maybe, as a leader, it is your job to get involved before great disruption and separation creates those nasty little wedges in your team. In this case, talk with the person one-on-one, and if nothing is resolved, bring one or two people, who both disagreeing parties respect, to help resolve the conflict. Almost nothing breaks a team faster, then one, rife with disagreements, or people who do not know how to properly, and biblically deal with them.


Let me give you a warning though, taken from Proverbs 26:17 :


“He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.”

In other words, be prudent in the arguments you choose to step into. We are to be wise as serpents, gentle as doves. Pray that God gives you the wisdom to know when you should speak out, versus when you should step down and choose to settle into a meek silence.


Something else we discussed at Survival, was witnessing. What are some ways we do this? Do we throw out a bunch of “good arguments”, statistics, proof and data to “convince” this person that the Bible is real, and God exists? Do we convince the nonbelievers that if they ask Christ in their heart everything will be “sunny days and rainbows"-happy all the way? Now, I don’t want to go around, telling you “the sure-fire way to witness to a nonbeliever” because, quite frankly, none exists. There is no “formula” for witnessing. We should be careful however, with our words. Facts and data have their place, but you don't want to go overboard.

If you can "convince" someone into Christianity, they can be convinced out of it.

Also remember, this person has a heart, and we are no better, if not worse, then they in our sin. Thankfully, we have been introduced to a God who can help us overcome these sins, or He will work through us despite them. (And even using our sin to bring about His perfect will!) But I don’t want to get off track here, (as I am very good at doing!) and this topic could lead into a whole other paper.

Most of all though, make sure your life is one that pleases and honors God, giving glory to Him in all that we do. We are reflecting Jesus Christ, and our light will show only if we are living a life that is pleasing to God.


Since we’re on the subject of witnessing, there’s something I’d like to mention.


There have been times when I feel God gently tugging at my heart to witness to someone and tell them about the gospel. Some of those times I have listened, and, although I can’t think of specifics now,  shamefully, I know there have been times when I did not respond to that gentle call. Why? Is it fear? Pride? Probably both. Something that I must remember though; If I feel the Lord is telling me to witness to someone, then I shouldn’t worry about what words will come out, or how I will sound. God presented the need, and gave me the job to fill it. If I don’t, or make excuses, I become a disobedient child, a quivering Moses, a proud and conceited individual, unwilling to yield to God's call, as well as, in my eyes, a person who is wholly inadequate to fill this need; Well, I AM inadequate and I cannot do it on my own! What pride must be lurking to think that it is all of my doing, when telling others about Christ?


No! May I be a willing child, teachable, in the hands of a God I am not worthy to serve. May we all be humble- moldable as clay in the hands of the potter.

So to sum up my week at Survival- Challenging, engaging, thought-provoking, entertaining, inspiring, and much, much more! You’ll just have to go and check  it out for yourself!

God Bless,

Kelsey Anne

Random Notes From TeenPact Survival

Kelsey Hoppman


TeenPact Survival SW 2010
Last week I had the incredible privilege of attending Survival SW. Since all that I learned there made such an impression on me, I thought I would share it with you all as well. Of course, I’ll *try* not to say too much, since I think you should experience it for yourself!

Kelsey Hoppman Written on 7/21/10


The Stage of Forming: By Curtis Whatley

What our team needs to do in order to thrive:


1. Put God first; He should be our foundation


2. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of yourself and your team members.


-The typical way the world operates in the job industry:
                                                        -
                                                       --
                                               CEO/BOSS


                                             ----------------


                                           Vice President


                                         -----------------------


                                       Small Team Leaders


                                    ------------------------------


                                  People who do the real work


                            ---------------------------------------------




The Way It Should Be:




                             -----------------------------------------------------


                             Team members having greatest impact


                                  --------------------------------------


                                        Small Team Leaders


                                        ------------------------


                                        Leadership Team


                                            -----------


                                           LEADER
                                                ---
       ________________________________________________________


             GOD           GOD               GOD


     -____________________________________________________________


                    ------------------------------------------------------------




Some Survival Plant Info:


Calsey’s Butter Root- Yellow Flower


Scrub Oak- Used for tanning hides


Palmate- A lobed leaf


Douglass Fir- Use to make pine needle tea-simmer the needles


Yucca- The flowers, if  young,  are edible-You can use it to make a poultice, or use it to make a rope.  


Decocting is simmering tea


Ponderosa: Group of two needles, young, dark bark, get’s darker with age. Smells like citrus, long needles, downward spikes at the end of a pinecone.



Starving out in the wilderness and your not sure if this particular plant is poisonous?


Testing Toxicity:

1. Take a piece and rub It on the inside of your elbows. If no rash-



2. Touch it to your lips and tongue- wait 10-15 min. If no problems-



3. Prepare. (Cook if at all possible-simmer-boil-etc) Chew a small bit, and leave it in your mouth about 15 min.

If no problems- Enjoy!



Some Tips When Making a Fire:

-Use dry bark as a platform for the fire, if the ground is wet.

-You need sun access.

 -For wind, dig a trench that funnels down to the fire.



Rabbit/Small Animal Trap:

*  Circles on the sketch represent notches. You would make the notches with a pocket knife or something similar.

We are to “Die to self”- work as a team member, willing to do the task God has called us to do, not our own selfish desires. Do not be envious of other team members, but don’t ignore them either. They are there for a purpose and they are needed. Play your role well. We (I) need to be a servant of all. That (Or the lack of it rather) will build or break a team. Doing only “My share” is not enough.



Curtis Whatley


TeenPact Survival SW


2010


In a Conflict:

• Restore the Other

• Look at the possible plank in your own eye

• Support each other

• Don’t think more highly of yourself then you should.

• Appeal to a higher authority. (God!)

• Be humble

• Ask for forgiveness (Even in it was not “Your fault”)

Most of the time conflict arises on account of a misunderstanding.




When trying to resolve a conflict-

• Ask questions. It may have been a misunderstanding.

• Bring some people/parties who are respected, to help resolve it.

• We will fail sometimes. Mistakes are what you learn from.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens the continence of others.”


Do not “Throw the baby out with the bath water” Accept correction. Don’t dwell on the criticism. Learn from it and simply go on.------


Authority/Power

Power is taken


Authority is given


New Definitions:


AC - Authority current


DC - Dictator Current



Our Authority is given by God. We should not attempt to gain power.

Below is a story Mr. Whatley told the students. I don't think I got it exactly right, but you'll get the idea. :)


There was a boy who really wanted this boat in the shop window. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the money on hand to by the boat. After some encouragement from his father, the young boy worked all around the neighborhood doing odd jobs, until he had the money he needed. Happily, he went to the store, and bought the boat. He loved sending the little boat down the stream, watching it float a ways, and then, with his stick, bring the boat back to him, and start all over again. One day, as he played with it in this manner, it had rained the day before, so the current was stronger, and the river fuller than usual. As the boy, after watching his boat float downstream, reached his stick out to take his boat back, the current had pulled his boat farther out then the little guy could reach. Helpless, the boy watched, as his little boat, which he had slaved over the buy, floated away. Days later, the boy went back to the store with his father. Kind of bored, he looked around the little shop. His eye’s widened with surprise as he spotted something pushed off in the corner. It was his very own boat! Excited, he ran over to his father and the shop owner. “It’s my boat!” he tried to explain. The shop owner said, “It’s in my possesion now. If you want it, you’ll have to buy it back.” The little boy just loved his boat, and so, once again, he worked hard doing odd jobs around his neighborhood, until he had the money to buy his boat back. Excited, he walked over the store, and bought it back. Gently holding it, he began walking to the shop door. Now, if you were there, you might have heard him talking. He said, “You were mine before, but I had to buy you back, so now your twice mine.”


Well folks, thanks to what the Lord did for us on the cross:

We’re twice His.

We are twice-God’s.


--------------------------------------------------------------------


--------------------------------------------------------------------

• God has delegated authority to different people. They need to stay in their spot of authority, and give all the glory to God-because authority-is given.

• Our faith shows understanding of authority. We trust others, work as a team, and trust each other.

• GIVEN pride will stand alone, and fail.

• Real faith is submitting our lives completely to God. If we are really trusting in God, we have nothing to fear.

• Do not “Be your own power.” Stay under God’s, and follow His authority.

Hey all, let me know what you thought of what you just read. I’d love to hear your opinions as well. Glad you took the time to read! Also, I'll be posting some more of my own thoughts later. :-)  


God Bless,

                      Kelsey

A Glimpse At One Of The Hoppman’s Animal Escapades

Here is something that happened about four to five years ago. Hope you all get a laugh from it!
(There's a reason Josh makes such a great stunt man for our movies! ) :) 
God Bless,
Kelsey

Mom and Josh both decided to take our white donkey, Lily, for a walk. Lily was currently in the process collecting pockets of fat on her sides. Honestly, she looked like a pack mule, laden down by various packages strapped to her back, and so Mom figured she could really use the exercise.






We owned a black, Tennessee walker horse at the time. The horse’s name was Fancy, and she and Lily were best buddies. The two of them fought most of the time they were together, and yet, it seemed they could not stand to be apart!






Shortly after the happy trio left, I was planning to join them, but a little setback ensued. Someone had carelessly left our metal gate to our animal pen open, and Fancy took the liberty of running through the gate, and out into our 2 acre yard. It was fenced, and Fancy was not happy that her little grumpy friend had been taken away. Very upset, she ran back and forth by our front gate, hoping to catch any glimpse of Lily, and supposing that her unhappy neighs would bring her comrade running back home.


Whether Lily wanted to come back or not, it wasn’t her choice. She was subject to her owner, Josh, a halter, and a thin white and black lead rope .






After a short chase with my upset horse, I took hold of Fancy and carefully led her back into her pen. I then set off to catch up with Mom, Josh, and Lily.






As I came over the hill, I saw a funny sight, which gave me the impression that Josh and Lily had some excitement as well. Lily, was not being held by her owner, instead, the lead rope was flying freely, only kept fast by the halter which was attached to a running white donkey.






Apparently, Josh and Lily did a little “jogging” together. Lily decided to run faster and faster, until Josh was unable to slow the stubborn equine down. He fell to the ground, And, still bravely holding fast to the lead rope, our fleeing donkey gave Josh a cowboy face plant in the dirt. He tried to hold on, and was dragged through sand, tumble weeds, and rocks, refusing to let go, but as kicking ensued near his head, due to an upset donkey, he let go and Lily took off like a bullet.


Whoever knew the tubby donkey could run so fast?






Back to the present: I charged over the hill, hoping that I could cut Lily off by crossing the road to her side, before she passed.






As I struggled to catch up, a man in a pick up who was passing by, saw the problem and began carefully driving backwards (after first checking for cars) to keep our donkey from running out into the road and getting hit by someone. I was able to catch up to our now tired donkey, and take control of her as she slowed down. I thanked the man as he drove off and Josh came huffing and puffing behind me, rather annoyed at his “faithful donkey“.






We all decided that both Lily and Josh had received proper amounts of excitement and exercise today, so we all walked back home. This time, Josh was very careful to keep a tight hold on Lily’s lead rope, and they didn’t go jogging together again.





The End



By Kelsey Hoppman

A Very True Story

1/8/10

Another Animal Experience...

Saturday afternoon, Mykaela decided that she wanted to give baths to some of the animals. Chiquita, (mini horse) Scooter, (our bigger dog) Joy, (our smaller dog) and our two puppies, Copper and Zinc.

Well, I wasn't thrilled with the idea. For some reason I did not feel at all like giving the animals a bath, particularly five of them. Mykaela insisted and mom was unable to help at the moment, so I was voted for the job. Mom decided that Mykaela should be able to handle Joy, since she was not a large dog, and I would help her when it came time for Scooter, Chiquita, and the pups.

Mykaela went outside and began the bath for Joy using the hose and dog shampoo which she had set up in the front yard on the driveway. Needless to say, Kayla came in rather upset, and unhappily informed me that "dearest" Joy had slipped through her collar and run off. Mykaela had difficulty holding Joy because Josiah, (our five year old brother) had picked up the hose and was squirting poor Kayla as Josiah giggled the whole time. (And no, Joy doesn't care for baths, in fact, as we found out Saturday, she abhors them!)

I went outside to see if I could catch the little trouble-maker. Sure enough, Joy was hiding under the trailer. I walked over there, bent down and reached under the trailer. Fortunately, I was able to catch her, carefully pull her out from under her hideaway, and help Kayla resume the cleaning, which Joy now needed more than ever.

It was an interesting process as I tried to hose off Joy as she squirmed around in a circle, at the same time, I was trying not to get Mykaela wet, who was holding her leash and collar. I then covered her back and legs in suds, hoping to get her nice and clean. I had instructed Kayla on how to hold her leash (which we were also using as a collar) in a way that didn't pinch her if she pulled hard, but would be effective in keeping her still. She willingly followed my directions, and as I turned around for a moment, I heard Kayla's wail of despair. Looking back I noticed Mykaela standing on our driveway with an empty leash in her hands. I think my face gave away how I felt about this new turn of events... Joy ran away, once again to her secure, hiding spot under our small trailer, with suds and dirt (but now, mostly dirt) covering her. I ran over there determined to get the runaway, this time going around the other side of the trailer, in hopes that she wouldn't notice me.

Joy is alot smarter then she looks! Seeing me coming around, she slipped out from under the trailer, ran past Mykaela, and crawled underneath our 15 passenger van. Using my most ferocious sounding voice, in a low tone I called, "Joy, come here right now!" I don't think it came out sounding too scary though. If she could she would probably laugh at how it sounded... :)
Don't get me wrong, Joy is usually a very obedient dog, but in this case, she refused to come over to me. As Mykaela and I circled around the van like hounds around a tree, Joy, once again, bolted. It was then that I happened to glance in our neighbor's yard, noticing several men working there, knowing all to well they probably saw the whole thing. At that point though, I just had to forget about how silly it must of looked and I determinedly walked to our trampoline in the backyard were Joy was now hiding. Please understand, Joy was not acting like an abused, poor dog. She was enjoying this chase! I guess she decided it wasn't as much fun anymore, but for whatever reason, she allowed me to walk up to her and pick her up. At this point, our once white furry Joy was brown, and even dirtier than when poor Kayla had started. We finally got Joy hosed off, cleaned, and dried. Kala and I eagerly let Joy in the house glad to done and over with that whole ordeal.

Next, was Chiquita. Though she did not run free from Mykaela's strong, determined grasp, she did continue turning circles as we attempted to hose her off. (horses are supposed to like water!) Of course, our mini horse did get alot of treats given to her as we washed her off.

Things are never slow around the house if you own animals! I'm sure all of you that have some would agree! :)

Now, I was planning to say something about how Joy was like people that keep returning to their sin whether they know what's best for them or not, but I think (after doing my last post) that Joy has been picked on enough. Though it may be hard to believe after reading this, she really is a wonderful, and sweet dog.

Mykaela and I did not have enough time that day to wash Scooter or the pups. (much to my relief!)

I guess that sums up one adventure for the day!

By-the-way, yes, I believe (from what I've heard) the the pups would enjoy a bath, but as far as Scooter goes... Let's just say, unlike the pups, I know from experience he doesn't. That is a story for another time though! :)

The Theory of Evolution

Kelsey Hoppman
5/17/09

“By Chance Museum”
The black lettered words were printed plainly on the brick building.
“Interesting” A young man mused, as he strode into the museum. He was greeted at the door by a portly gentleman, clothed in a suit coat, dress pants, and a black tie. “Good morning!” he began. “Welcome to the “By Chance Museum” where every thing is made by chance! “What!” The visitor exclaimed incredulously. His dark eyes than narrowed critically. “That’s’ impossible!” “Oh is it now?” The museum guide challenged. “Well then, let us step over to this painting here. This whole painting was made completely by chance. See the lovely bridge and water fall, depicted in such a grand way, that you can almost hear the rushing water, see the thicket of bush and tree, smell the flowers!” The museum guide closed his eyes as if he were seeing it better with them in that manner. He suddenly opened them and quickly glanced over to his guest. Strongly skeptical eyes met him. “I see you don’t believe me!” “Of course not!” His visitor exclaimed. “I would be a fool to believe such nonsense!” “Well then,” returned the guide, “Let us take a little walk down this hallway. I present to you a piano. Perfect condition, fully tuned, and it was put together as a result of a small earthquake that happened just 3 years ago. The whole earth seemed to but rumbling, the dirt was cracking, and a lady (who prefers to remain anonymous) watched with her own two eyes that, amidst confusion, broken pieces of lumber, bent wire and music notes combined themselves together and created this!” The visitor was getting tired of all this “talk” “I think I’ll leave” he decided. “Better than staying here and listening to this complete nonsense!” “Please,” asked the guide; “Just take a look at one more display.” Unhappily, the young man complied. His guide brought him over to the outdoor part of the museum. “Do you see the trees, flowers, grass, blue sky, clouds, and everything else out here? Do you see that cat over there? And the bird sitting on the tree? The chattering squirrel gathering nuts? Every one of these creatures where, like the piano, and painting, created by chaos, a big bang to be precise, was the creator of these amazing creatures and all of nature actually.”
The young man looked at the guide and smiled. “Well, it’s about time you got something right!”


The End

We don’t believe that something as simple as a painting, wood table, piano, books, or things like houses where created by chance. Those are just the simple things! Isn’t it crazy to believe that our world was created by chance? Can you honestly say your proud to claim truth to this?