Camp at Burnt Cabin

I took a week and wasted it not.
New friends I made. Christians I didn’t know, now I love.
Counselors, Teachers: genuine, caring, and real
Who love when I’m not so loveable . . .
We shared the sunrise, the games, and classes;
Singing praises to Him never felt so sweet.
Witness to new births,growth, and conviction.
I came for fun – Oh selfish me! – Now I see it’s all about Him!
Hugs, smiles, and that unforgettable 'Word Up.'
“Make me over, Lord, We’ll go home forever changed. Amen”
By GARY CANAN 7-20-05 at Burnt Cabin Christian Camp

‘Word Up!’ to BCCC, Fort Gibson, and Barrett Vanlandingham for a life-changing week at Lake Tenkiller. Beginning with a tremendous staff of veteran counselors, committed educators, and zealous college students, the July 17th session touched the hearts and lives of 192 campers. Youth Groups from places like Haskell, OKC South Walker, Sand Springs, and Piedmont joined the great Fort Gibson Family for a spiritual retreat.
“Blue collar” sermons, straight from the heart and Truth from the Word, mixed with intense Bible classes, devotionals, and memory work helped everyone focus on “Revive in 2005.” Canteen, sports, and concerts can wait for a trek to the pool for baptisms, 20 of them. Inspiring singing, timely hugs of encouragement, and Christian role models draw out the best as Satan is turned away. This is my pat-on-the-back for all you guys at camp who put a time-stamp on my life. ~ gary

My other Shepherd

Mentor, guardian, wise counselor, role model . . . what is a "shepherd" to you? In my previous posts, I have written about our Lord Jesus Christ living, longing, and yes dying to be our shepherd.
In our lifetime we may be fortunate to have other shepherds, too. Please allow me to honor just a few who have helped me to steer away from danger and benefit from safer pastures. I.V. Ashby, an elder in Edmond, was the first hand of fellowship for this young man coming out of the waters of baptism. Everette Baird insisted that I go as a 6th grade camper to the very first week of Camp Rock Creek in Norman. Other elders of my teen years at the Edmond Church [Paul Weiss, L.A.Holland, and Darvin Gruver] were giants of faith to me.
The next shepherd to come into my life changed me forever with his encouragement and example. Morris S. Childress, a short Texan with a "ten gallon" heart, brought his family of girls to OKC so I could cross paths with my lifemate. After Jeannette and I met as counselors at Rock Creek Youth Camp, Morris, or "Jack" as his friends knew him, became my father-in-law and mentor. You may have guessed. . . his middle initial stood for "Shepherd"... Self-educated, humble war hero, student of God's Word, Morris Childress was an elder of the South Woodward flock. His stellar work ethic got everyone's attention at Harter Concrete. His love for lost souls became a model for the next generation.
We are truly blessed to have good shepherds. gary

I really need my Shepherd

The words for Denise Jernigan's 1988 song were inspired by Psalms 100:3 - "We are His people, the sheep of His pasture."

"I am a Sheep"

I am a sheep and the Lord is me Shepherd
Watching over my soul!
My soul to keep guarding over me ever
Watching wherever I go!

And when the winds blow He is my shelter!
And when I'm lost and alone He rescues me!
And when the Lion comes He is my victory!
Constantly watching over me!
He is constantly watching over me!

We are His children and He is our Father
Watching over our soul!
Great is His love for His sons and His daughters!
Watching wherever we go!

Lord, help me to behave today... gc