July 1st, 2025

Welcome to Laguna Beach, FL

I arrived at Laguna Beach Christian Retreat Center just over a week ago after my Uber Driver, Barbara, picked me up from the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. I flew in from a week in Utah with my buddy Orland with whom I went to middle and high school. While this first week in Florida would turn out to be one of the best weeks of my life, I wasn't here on vacation. I am working for Reformed Youth Ministries as a camp photographer and videographer. I settled into Lazarus house, where the interns were staying, and spent the evening eating some delicious fajitas and playing volleyball. This was the start of my growing relationship with the interns. Two weeks previous, I had been at the camp in Colorado with another media guy, Caden Van Cleave, but he was not here for the first week in Florida. I knew I would need to become better friends with the interns if I was going to survive the week without Caden. And that I did, but not alone. The interns made it easy, always inviting me to play games or just hang out with them. They are all pretty awesome people and have taught me a lot about genuine kindness and service.

Photo Of The Week

Blythe, Anna Grace, Willy P, Becky, Brooklyn, Joe Deegan, and my knee are pictured riding back from Whataburger on the last night of the conference in Andrew's Toyota Tacoma, along with seven other people (14 people in one little Taco). This picture sums up my week of joy with the interns. While I have not gotten to know all of them as much as some, I look forward to spending more time with them and getting to know them better.

Highlights

A New Appreciation For Middle Schoolers

Going into the week, I was somewhat dreading the attention-seeking middle schoolers following me around because they wanted to see themselves on the big screen, but by the end of the week, I was happy that they were there and encouraged by their sweet care. While some of them did follow me around seeking attention (which actually sometimes made it easier to get enough shots), others wanted to give me attention. One day, while I was sitting alone eating lunch, a girl named Isabel, whom I had met the day before at the beach, came to say hello and sit with me for a while because she did not want me to have to eat alone. Another girl, Mary, would shout, "Hey girl, heyyyy!" or "Paxtoooon!" whenever she saw me. She did not always want to be on camera, but she loved to take my camera around and interview people. I think she was better than I at just walking up and talking to strangers. My sister, Merit, is in middle school and has middle school friends, so I know the drama and ugliness of that age well, but I also know its deep sweetness, and this week, I was greatly encouraged by all the sweet middle schoolers filled with kindness, care, and love for Jesus and others.

Jonathan and Nadiya's Engagement Photos

Another highlight from the week was getting to take Jonathan and Nadiya's engagement photos on the beach. Jonathan, an instrumentalist for RYM worship and singer-songwriter based out of Nashville, asked me the day of, if I could take some engagement photos on the beach. Of course, I said yes. I had so much fun being able to be a part of this special moment in their lives and capture it for them so they can look back at it, and so they could share the news!

God is Big Even In The Small

Not having a car this weekend meant Ubering food to my door. One day for lunch, I ordered Panda Express with a Mango Guava Tea. I noticed that they brought me two straws, so I just set one aside and used the other. Later that night, after talking to my CAVA delivery guy about his new coaching job at Abilene Christian University, I got back to my room only to realize that he had not brought any cutlery or a straw for my drink. This is when I remembered some forks which I had stuffed in my bag from Lifetime Fitness because they felt nice when I was visiting Soren at work. I sat down contemplating drinking my strawberry lemonade by the gulp, but then I saw the extra straw from Panda Express sitting right there in front of me. Like the refreshing sip from the straw, the rest of my weekend was a welcome refreshment. I spent many hours on the beach relaxing and mentally resting while playing some volleyball and spikeball. God is big even in the small.

Books

While some of you might know that The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry has held position as my favorite book for many years now, a new competitor challenges its rank, Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.

THEO of GOLDEN by Allen Levi

Levi's first novel is absolutely and wholly engaging and enriching. An old gentleman moves to the fictional Southern town of Golden, Georgia, for an undetermined period in time for an unknown reason. This mysterious soul brings joy to the lives of all who interact with him by listening to and reminding them that they are made in the image of a beautiful, creator God who loves them and wants them as His saints. Please buy this book and participate with Theo's friends in learning from him and enjoying his love. Signed copies are available for a cheap price at allenlevi.com.

MAKE IT YOUR AMBITION by Jeremy Writebol

My mom preordered me this a few months ago, and it arrived when I was just leaving school. I have read through this book in these first weeks of summer and just wrapped it up. It provokes great thoughts for young Christians thinking about ministry or Christians who are not but should be. While not everyone is called into vocational ministry, all Christians ought to pursue some type of ministry in their vocation. It all starts with the first six pursuits that Writebol outlines in his book. I would definitely recommend this short read for young Christians. Each chapter ends with some discussion questions, which would make this a great book for a small bible study or youth group.

Birthdays

(June 25th) Happy 18th, Chloe! I pray that you find growth and excitement as you move to Georgetown and begin your studies at Southwestern. I pray that you will find a church and family while you are there.

(June 27th) I know this is not a birthday, but it seemed appropriate to mention that my parents celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary, which is what made my birthday possible. I am so thankful for their example to me as a husband and a wife and mother and father, and the ways that they have loved me and taught me about love, which stems from God. This long-lasting marriage is an excellent allegory of Christ's eternal love for his bride, the church.

(July 1st) Happy 17th Birthday, Stella! I cannot believe you are going to be a senior in high school. I cannot wait to read, listen to, and talk about your Thesis! I continue to pray that God will, as he has, draw you ever closer to him and use you as an instrument for his glorious purpose. I know you are doing great and important things afar in England, and even in the mundanity of life during boring summer days.

What's Next?

High School Florida One begins this week, and there will be no breaks until the end of HSFL 3 on July 13. It is going to be intense, but Caden is back in town, and splitting the work will make it easier. I am looking forward to experiencing the difference the high schoolers bring and spending more time getting to know people like Theo would, humbly listening and interjecting only when it is important.

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