Like a Winter Snow

This weekend, I'm pretty sure that I heard the most beautiful Christmas song ever written. As part of the Savannah Christian Church production of "The Christmas Station", Skylar Reed (who is a senior at Calvary Day School in Savannah) sang a song called "Winter Snow". The song was written by Audrey Assad and premiered on Chris Tomlin's "Glory in the Highest" Christmas album, which was released in 2009. You can listen to the song HERE. My advice is to open the page now, push play, and finish reading while the song plays.

The song simply explains that there are many ways in which Jesus Christ could have entered this world. He could have come like a tidal wave, immediately effecting everything in his path. He could have come like a forest fire, instantly engulfing everything in his path. Instead, he came in the middle of the night, in a cave that served as a stable for the owner of some run down inn located in some little old town in the middle of nowhere. He came silently, almost unnoticeable. He didn't have to, but he did. Is there any better way to paint a picture of what a humble God we serve? That he caused his son to enter the world in such conditions? He didn't send Jesus with an earth-shaking entrance, he sent him as a baby in a cave.

He came slowly, softly, and quietly. Isn't it fitting that the Prince of Peace came in such a peaceful way? He could have arrived with the sound of drums, covered in jewels. He could have entered this earth, demanding the attention of all its inhabitants, but he didn't. He came like falling snow.

At first, the presence of God's son was almost unnoticeable. As he arrived, no one knew that he was different than any other baby. Actually, most people just assumed that he was the son of some unknown man that Mary had been sleeping with. Though he came without notice, he went on to become the Savior of the world. From a wooden feeding trough to a wooden cross, that's our Savior's story. Though he came without notice, it wasn't very long until he couldn't be ignored. Suddenly, people were being covered by the love of Jesus. The blind received sight, the sick received health, and the heartbroken received healing. The love of Jesus Christ surged through the country side like and avalanche down the side of a mountain.

Maybe that's how God really works in people's lives. As we allow him into our hearts, the snow begins to fall. A snow so pure and so white that Hell cringes, just at the thought of it. Maybe he comes without notice. Soon though, we're covered by the love of Jesus. A love so deep and so pure that we can't feel anything beyond it, because we're covered.

He came like a winter snow, silent, soft, and slow. Falling from the sky, in the night, to the earth below. Allow this song about that first chapter of the most beautiful love story in history change you. Allow him to fall onto your life this Christmas season. You won't regret it.....

From the Hilltop,
Hunter Odom
hunter2444@coastalnow.net
Romans 8:28

Maybe......

This evening, I had the privilege of attending a production called "The Christmas Station" at Savannah Christian Church. First of all, if you're reading this and you live anywhere near Savannah, you need to go see this play. Show times can be found of SCC's website. Trust me, it's well worth your time.

The production focused in on the live of a man named Eric. Eric is an important businessman working in New York City. His only focus in life is the fast paced world of his demanding job. On Christmas Eve, in an attempt to catch a train back to his hometown in Pennsylvania to be a part of the family tradition of attending the nativity at the local church (something that he is not very excited about), Eric ends up stuck at the train station waiting for a delayed train. As he impatiently paces back and forth, waiting on his train to depart, Eric comes into contact with many people that begin to change his perspective.

First, he meets a group of businessmen that are waiting on the same train. At first, they seem to be just like Eric, focusing only on their jobs. After talking with them for a while, Eric learns that they have actually just accomplished their goal of financially providing for a children's' homeless shelter with food for an entire year! The three men share with Eric the importance of giving. They explain how wonderful it makes them feel that they can help these children, especially when God has given them so much. After their conversation, Eric begins to feel the love of Christmas, a love that he has been shutting out.

Later, Eric meets a couple that has relied on their faith for everything in their lives. They are unemployed, and they are having trouble making ends meet. Their son has cancer, so they are having to choose between treatments and rent. To make things even more difficult, the husband's father is suffering from alzheimers. The two explain to Eric that even though their lives are very difficult, they have learned to place everything in God's hands and to trust him. After their conversation, Eric begins to think about true faith, though he doesn't fully understand it.

Throughout the evening, Eric meets people that share their faith in God with him. He begins to understand that maybe he is moving to fast. He thinks about his sister, who has just had a baby, Eric's first nephew. He has not even talked to his sister since then, much less seen the new baby. He then remembers his mother, who wanted so badly for him to come home for Christmas. It has been ages since he last saw her. Finally, the train arrives and Eric leave for his hometown, thinking about his life as he travels.

After arriving, Eric finds himself outside of the church with his mother. As a light snow falls, he tells her that he has had many strange conversations on his journey home. He explains to her the encounters with the businessmen, the faithful couple, and the other folks that he has met. He says that they all seemed to be filled with this unyielding sense of joy and peace. He tells her that he doesn't understand it. His mother replies with the simple words that, "Maybe God is trying to get your attention." The two go into the church for the nativity.

During the service, Eric realizes that all of the volunteers in the nativity are the same people that he spoke with at the train station. He becomes overwhelmed with a desire to share the peace that they all have in Christ. At that moment, Eric makes the decision to enter into a relationship with Christ, finding the peace that he so longs for.

In our lives, we often go through seasons in which we are much too similar to Eric. We get so caught up in our day to day lives that we forget to focus on the things that matter. Life becomes so fast paced that peace is impossible. I am certainly guilty of this. We need to learn to slow down, and focus on eternal things, instead of things that will eventually fade away.

In thinking about this, a certain quote comes to mind. Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, once said that "roads are nor for destinations, but instead for journeys." This is something that we all should live by. The focus of our lives should not constantly be the reaching of our goals. It should instead be to enjoy the journey that we take on our way there.

During this Christmas season, things are going to become busy. The constant callings of the shopping, the parties, the decorations, and the other worldly things associated with Christmas are going to appear in abundance. The important thing is that we don't allow these things to keep us from spending time on the important things. Instead of worrying about getting everything done, maybe we should spend more time with our families. Instead of worrying about the world's definition of Christmas, maybe we should focus on the true reason for our rejoicing. Maybe this Christmas is the time for you to lay everything down and rejoice in him. Maybe he is waiting for you, begging you to come to him and be embraced in his unfailing love. Maybe God is moving in your life right now, changing the way you look at things. Maybe he's trying to get your attention.

From the Hilltop,
Hunter Odom
hunter2444@coastalnow.net
Romans 8:28

Something Encouraging......

CLICK HERE

From the Hilltop,
Hunter Odom
hunter2444@coastalnow.net
Romans 8:28

A Much More Glorious Hilltop

Today, Richmond Hill said goodbye to a true American Hero. On Friday, August 7th, 2009, Captain Matt Freeman was killed in the line of duty while fighting for our country in Afghanistan. Matt was just like a lot of us. He grew up in Richmond Hill, went to church at RHUMC, and graduated from Richmond Hill High School. Matt was a true patriot. He was the second person in his family to graduate from the US Naval Academy, and he loved his country. Today, hundreds of people lined the streets of Richmond Hill to pay their respects to a man that gave everything for the country that he loved, as his casket was carried in a grand processional from Savannah International Airport to Richmond Hill Funeral Home.

Today, Captain Matt Freeman looks down on Richmond Hill from a different Hilltop than he is accustomed to. As Matt looks down from Heaven today, he sees what Richmond Hill really is; a group of people that love each other. Matt sees the people of Richmond Hill gathering around his beloved family and letting them know that we are here for them. Matt sees something beautiful. He’s looking down from a much different Hilltop, but it’s all the more glorious.



From the Hilltop,
Hunter Odom
hunter2444@coastalnow.net
Romans 8:28

A God That Provides

As I sit in my seat on our train home from Washington DC, I am continuously reminded that our God is a God that provides. This past week at the DCLA Conference in Washington DC has been one of the most amazing experiences that our Youth Group has ever been a part of. At each and every session of DCLA, the Holy Spirit’s presence was strongly felt in the room and he was constantly looking into our hearts and molding us into the leaders that he wants us to be.

The worship services, small groups, and seminars offered at DCLA focus around the idea that we are made to BE, LOVE, and SERVE. God commands us to BE his light into the world. We are meant to spread his message to his people and to bring them to him. We are commanded to LOVE always. No matter how we feel about someone, we are obligated to extend God’s love to them just as we’d love any member of our own family. Finally, God calls us to SERVE others. Just as Jesus did, we are to commit our lives to serving the needs of others. These three ideas are not merely practices of Christians, they are a lifestyle. This is a lifestyle that we as the children of God are called to live out everyday, and not just when it’s convenient.

The exciting part about all of this is that our team has the opportunity to change lives if we can commit to showing this love to others. Each and every one of us can make such a huge impact on our community if we choose to use the ideas that have been presented to us this week. With God’s help and these amazing new tools, we can lead people to Christ. Love is the answer.

Once again, our God is a God that provides. When we needed spiritual rejuvenation, he provided us with an amazing conference in which to receive it. When we needed funds to get to DCLA, he provided it. When we needed leaders, he provided Cindy Hardy, Triple Cooper, Sharon Cooper, David Lyle, Catherine Warren, and Judy Scott to come on this amazing journey with us. Most importantly, when we need support, he provided you. Without all of the support that we’ve received from our friends and family, this trip would have never happened. Thank you for your prayers and support. We couldn’t have done it without you.


From the Hilltop,
Hunter Odom
hunter2444@coastalnow.net
Romans 8:28

Another Amazing Lakeside Experience

What an amazing week! Over the past few days, a group of musicians from RHUMC have been at the Music and Liturgical Arts Confrence at Lake Junaluska, NC. As uaual, we entered the week with very high expectations, those expectations were certainly met! From start to finish, the entire week was huge blessing!

The confrence was jammed packed with rehearsels, concerts, seminars, and worship services in which the presence of the Holy Spirit was most certainly felt! This year's theme was "Genesis through Revelation, The Story of our Salvation". Throughout the week, worship services focused on the glory of our Lord and some of the high points in Christ's life. What a wonderful experience it has been!

There are several main aspects of worship that Music and Liturgical Arts week focuses on. The names of all our team members from this week along with the groups that they were a part of are listed below:
*Yoon Nam (Minister of Music)-Chamber Choir
*Jason Moon
*Nam-Soo Chung (Yoon's Mother)
*Dawn Pape-Adult Choir
*Barb Kirshner- Intermediate Handbells
*Hunter Odom- Intermediate Handbells/Instrumental Ensemble
*Caleb Ingram- Intermediate Handbells/Instrumental Ensemble
*Allison Lott- Intermediate Handbells/Instrumental Ensemble/Liturgical Dance
*Anna Lott- Intermediate Handbells
*Audra Warren- Intermediate Handbells
*Christine Moon- Children's Program
*Joanne Moon- Children's Program

It is our prayer as a group that all of the things that we have taken away from this confrence will positively impact the ministry of Richmond Hill United Methodist Church. None of this would have been possible without all the support that we've had from the congregation. Without the support, this trip would never have happened. The financial support and prayers throughout the week have been greatly appreciated. Without them, none of this would have been possible. Thank you.

From the Hilltop,
Hunter Odom
hunter2444@coastalnow.net
Romans 8:28

Here We Are Again

As I write this blog, I’m on my way to the place that it all started. About a year ago, on a RHUMC Music Ministry trip to Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, I was inspired to start a blog. After some thinking, I opened my account of Blogspot and “Hilltop Experiences” was born. It was my goal to update the blog at least once a week. At first, that was easy, but as the year progressed, it became one of those things that sat at the bottom of my To-Do List. With 52 weeks in a year, I only updated 25 times; it’s something I regret and something that I’m trying to get better at.

The style of my updates has always been ever changing. Sometimes, they consisted of just a summary of what was going on in my life. In others, it was me taking a lesson that I had learned and sharing it with others. But usually, it was way for me to take what was running through my head and get it out. No matter what my updates look like, they all have one thing in common. All the postings that I’ve written have been a celebration of the wonderful things that God has given us.

At first, I began to think that all my postings were going to go unread. I knew that this was a possibility, but I refused to let it bother me. Thankfully, I was wrong. I suddenly began to receive encouragement from some of the people that had come across “Hilltop Experiences”. Through comments on the blog, conversations in person, and other means of communication, people let me know that they were reading, and some even offered their input about some of my postings. The support and encouragement that each and every one of you has given me has been more helpful than words can ever describe. For that, I am eternally grateful.

There are so many people that I wish I could thank individually for being there for me, but that would take an incredibly long time. There are a lot of people that have helped to mold me and make me into who the person that I am. These are people that have been there with me not only when things were going great, but also when everything seemed to be falling apart. I would be nothing without my friends and my family. They are the people that keep me sane. There are so many people that I can go to when there’s a problem or when I just need to talk, and sometimes I fail to realize how lucky I am for that.

Above is all, there is one that I owe everything to. My eyes are on Him, my hope is in him, my faith is in him. The God of my days, King of my nights, Lord of my laughter, sovereign in sorrow. The Prince of my pains, love of my life, He’ll never leave me, He is faithful, the God of my days. He is the one that have given me everything. Without him, my life would never be what it is. He is the one, he only one.


So I leave you with this, the call of my heart, and the mission of our lives:

I worship you alone, in the quiet place. Where the stillness of my soul meets the brilliance of your face. My heart is bound to you with a bond as thick as blood. I’ve struggled in my strain to break through sin’s chains, but you did it with your love.

My heart is bound to you. Deep calls out to deep. Staggered by you love’s sheer intensity as its waves break over me. My heart is bound to you. Deep calls out to deep. I’m circled in your strength, caught up in your grace, and folded in your arms.



From the Hilltop,
Hunter Odom
hunter2444@coastalnow.net
Romans 8:28

ROCKY 2008, Finally!

So after months of waiting, I finally have a copy of Richmond Hill High School Marching Band's marching show for the 2008-2009 competetion season! The show is entitled "Rocky: Go the Distance". Music was arranged by Stan Phillips and drill was written by Stephen Hendricks and Mike Thomas of Countermotion Inc.

The show won 1st place at the Coastal Classic Marching Competetion at Effingham High School, 4th place at the LaFeyette Marching Classic at Fayetteville High School, and 3rd place at the Old South Marching Classic at Newnan High School. Enjoy!!



From the Hilltop,
Hunter Odom
hunter2444@coastalnow.net
Romans 8:28

Sweet Summertime!

As we sat in the bandroom closet in anticipation, thoughts of the months ahead continuously swirled though our minds. It was the day that we had been waiting on for what seemed like an eternity, May 22nd, the last day of school. After 180 days of getting up early and coming home tired, we were finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. As we continued to check our cell phones for the time, we talked about our plans for Summer Vacation. The trips, camps, opportunities, and other events that only Summer could bring were getting closer. Suddenly, we heard it; the sound that we had been waiting for. The tone of that final school bell couldn't have been any more beautiful. It was finally 11:25, and we were finished.

The doors of Richmond Hill High School swung open immediately, and a massive surge of students eager to get their first taste of Summer exploded onto the sidewalks. It was loud, chaotic, overwhelming, but somehow beautiful. Cars peeled out of the wet parking lot, eager to be the first to reach Shinto's, El Potro's, Taco Bell, and of course Beef O' Brady's. Summer had finally begun, we were finished.

As I sit here thinking about this wonderful day, I can't help but think about what an amazing year it's been. On August 8th, 2008, I walked through the doors of Richmond Hill High School as a really confused Freshman. I was immediately pulled into an amazing marching band that took up most of my first semester. Our show was based on Rocky, and it was nothing short on incredible. I think I learned more on that parking lot during practice than in any class all year. The value of true hard work was finally realised when that we stood on that hill at Newnan High School and cried our eyes out not because our marching season was over, but because we had put so much of ourselves into the season that it was emotionally overwhelming.

I also remember the other experiences such as Concert Band Large Group Performance Evaluation (Festival), Pep Rallies, Football Games, Parades, and other events that made us realize how happy we were that we were part of Richmond Hill High School. Though this has been a crazy year, I wouldn't have had it any other way. I walked out of Richmond Hill High School not as some crazy Freshman, but as a Wildcat. The friendships that have been formed and strengthened over this past year are by far our most precious possessions. The memories that we have made will be treasured forever. The legacy that we have left will last a lifetime. We are finished.

Though it's exciting to finally see the year come to a close, there are also several things that make it heartbreaking. We're losing some pretty amazing seniors. The senior class of 2009 has been pretty amazing. Though we are all extremely excited to see them graduate and go on to bigger and better things, we will also miss them very much. The band program is also suffering a huge loss. Our assistant Band director, Steve Hendricks, is leaving to attend Grad School at Florida State University. Once again, we are heartbroken to see him leave, but we are also very proud and excited that he has the opportunity to become an even better director.

But life doesn't slow down, even for moments and memories like these. An amazing year like this has to come to an end sometime. Summer is going to be pretty amazing. We really do deserve a vacation, and we really need it. It's time to catch up on some of that sleep that we've lost over the past year. Maybe head out to the beach for few days. Possibly take a trip to somewhere far away. Regardless of our summer plans, we're excited, we're ready, we're finished.

I end this post with the paragraph found on the first page of our Yearbook for 2009. The book was titled "Uncovering Our Roots" and it was nothing short of amazing. Compiled by Lauren Reagan and her staff of dedicated students, it took this amazing year and preserved it forever. Not only did it show the value of Richmond Hill High School, but of this wonderful community in general. So I leave you with this:

Sunrise By Lauren Reagan
Home, as defined by Webster, means a place where one resides, or your origin. However, Webster barely scratches the surfaces of this enormously profound word. Home, for all 1,614 of us, is right here, right now. Home is waking up to the magnificent sunrise, long drives to Kilkenny Marina, walking in J.F. Gregory Park, pick-up games at the Buckhead basketball courts, spending hours eating chips at El Potro's, and ending not with the sunset, but with the lights turning off at the football field. Although we are all going different places, we will never be able to change where we started. You can run as far as you want, but you will never be able to escape the loving, ever growing small town of Richmond Hill. It takes a lifetime to grow up, and with each sunrise, you continue to uncover your roots.

From the Hilltop,
Hunter Odom
hunter2444@coastalnow.net
Romans 8:28

Love is an Ocean

As I sat here this afternoon after a long morning of cleaning Barbecue Grills at RHUMC, I heard a song that caughts my ear and really made me think. The song is titled "Ocean Wide" by The Afters. After hearing it once, I put it on repeat and listened to it several times. Surprisingly, it very accurately mirrors the current situation at RHUMC. As most of you know, Jared has been gone since Easter, and it has been pretty rough on everyone. The entire Youth Group is trying to get through this together.

The song starts off by saying: "Look outside, it's already light and stars ran away with the night." This really describes our Youth Group right now. Even though something that I would consider to be pretty terrible has happened, we're already beginning to see the other side. We're not really able to find a good reason for losing Jared, but we do realize that we're going to get through this, and we're going to be stronger because of it.

It also says: "Things were said, words that we'll try to forget, it's so hard to admit. I know we've made mistakes. I see through all the tears, and that's what got us here." The mistakes that have been made in this entire process are pretty obvious. The way that the church handled this situation ,whether it was the right decision or not, was completely innappropriate. A lot of people have been seriously hurt by the actions taken in the past two weeks, and there are a few people that have lost a lot of credibility and respect in the eyes of the congregation. Though many tears have been shed in all of this, those tears have shown us something.

"If love is an ocean wide, we'll swim in the tears we cry. They'll see us through to the other side. We're gonna make it. When love is a raging sea, you can hold onto me. We'll find a way tonight. Love is an ocean wide." The tears that we've all cried together have truly brought us closer. The love that has been shown by all of the youth, the parents, and the members of RHUMC could truly fill an ocean. The love that we have is going to get us through this. As we hold onto each other, we'll end up coming out of this stronger than we were before. We're gonna make it.

That's the bottom line. We're gonna make it. Richmond Hill United Methodist Church has experienced something that no house of God should ever have to go through. Even though we've all been so deeply hurt by this, we realize that things are going to get better. This church is bigger than all of us, and no matter what Satan throws at us, we're going to make it through. Evil has limits, but love is infinate; you can never run out. The love that we show toward one another in this situation is going to be the thing that saves us. The most important people to show love toward in this moment are our youth, our parents, our leadership team, our staff, and our beloved former Youth Leader. We have to pull this church back together. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." That is our cry. We can do this, we're gonna make it. Love is an ocean..........



From the Hilltop,
Hunter Odom
hunter2444@coastalnow.net
Romans 8:28

Unanswered Questions

There are times in our lives when we don't understand why the Lord does the things he does. We don't understand why something terrible could happen to a righteous person that loves God with all their heart. We don't know why, at times, life is just so difficult. Though it's incredibly hard to understand these things, God often uses tragedy to unveil triumph.

On Easter Sunday, at about 9PM, I received the call that Jared had suddenly been asked to resign. News spread very quickly throughout the youth group, and every one had the same question: Why? No one understands why this would happen, and the future is very blurry. Though many were angry and upset at first, those feelings quickly turned to love for one another and for Jared. We realize that there is no possible way that we're ever going to make it through this if we aren't unified as a youth group and as a church.

It is often said that the Lord works in mysterious ways, but what is his plan in this? What does he have in store for us? Satan is trying his hardest to take our youth group out, we've become to much of a threat. If we're able to get through this, what could be on the other side? The bottom line is, God has something for us in all of this, though finding it may be difficult.

Even in the last few hours, Richmond Hill United Methodist Church has stood together as a family. We're not going to let this ruin what we've started. We're not going to fall to Satan's schemes, we have to much to lose. All we know to do right now is to stick together, and look to the Lord.

Even as I write this I am reminded that we've seen storms before, and we've gotten through them. This is no different. In a note on Facebook, Mary Henderson just made the analogy that this is just another earthquake. It's painful and destructive, but it doesn't last. Though picking up the pieces is going to take a while, we're going to get through this. The aftershock of it all is still looming, but it's just something that we're going to have to deal with. What matters is that we have each other to get through this.

Right now, the future is what's one everyone's mind. Why did this happen and what are we going to do? Is something miraculous going to happen? Is our youth group going to fall apart? Can we get through this?

I've seen the Lord do some pretty amazing things. He's saved lives, healed relationships, and so much more. There's no reason that he can't help us through this, and he will! The most important thing we can do is continue looking to him. All the unanswered questions will have to wait. We just have to concentrate on the Lord, because he's got a plan. Though it may be incredibly hard to understand all this right now, we will. Somehow, things are going to work out, we just need to pray.

Jared needs to know that we love him, even though we're all confused. In just 8 months, he and Jenn have changed RHUMC forever. So many amazing things have happened, and so many close relationships have been formed. We can't lat Satan win this battle, and he's not going to. We just have to stand together, and continue seeking the Lord, he will take care of the rest.

I love yall....

From the Hilltop,
Hunter Odom
hunter2444@coastalnow.net
Romans 8:28

Dust

Today is Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40 days before Easter that we call Lent. As I sat in the service at RHUMC tonight and listened to Hank's sermon, I thought about how much we really need God. Hank emphasized the fact that we all go through really hard times and that God is the only thing that can help us through them. It all ended in the usual lesson of Ash Wednesday: that we are all nothing compared to God. Our lives are so worthless compared to the being that is the ruler of the entire universe. We are dust.......

Upon walking up to the alter and hearing the words "remember you are dust and to dust you shall return", I really thought about how worthless we really are. As much as we may want to believe otherwise, our lives are nothing more than a speck of dust. We're going to die, God never will. When we speak, nothing happens; when God speaks, the entire universe comes into existence. These 40 days of Lent are a time for self-denial, they are meant for us to sit down and take a good look at our lives. Lent is just a season for us to remember one thing: We are dust.........

From the Hilltop,
Hunter Odom
hunter2444@coastalnow.net
Romans 8:28

Another HUGE Blessing!!

Most of you already have heard that God has finally blessed RHUMC with a wonderful space that "The Beginning" (formerly known as RHUMC Youth) can call their own! This past Sunday, the Brookshire Family and our Youth Minister, Jared Curtis, unveiled a beautiful new Youth Room! The Katie Brookshire Youth Center is going to be officially dedicated to service for the Lord this coming Sunday! We're all so excited that God has granted us this wonderful place in which we can worship and fellowship!

Katie Brookshire passed away 8 1/2 years ago while attending the South Georgia United Methodist Annual Conference in Macon, Georgia. She was 20 years old, and she had a lot going for her. She was in love with the Lord and was 100% dedicated to Richmond Hill United Methodist Church. Kristin always said that Romans 8:28 was Katie's verse. Romans 8:28 says, "and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love, who have been called according to his purpose." We remember Katie toady as we praise Lord for this wonderful gift.

**Below are some pictures of the Katie Brookshire Youth Center. They are very low quality, as the lighting inside is not at all suited for taking pictures!


























From the Hilltop,
Hunter Odom
hunter2444@coastalnow.net
Romans 8:28

What I Already Have

Most of you know that Jared Curtis, the youth leader at RHUMC got married this past Sunday. To start with, the wedding and the reception were great, but the ceremony was not typical. After Jenn's father poured his heart out to Jared and Jenn, they were united in Christ as a team that I'm sure will be changing people's lives for years to come. As Mr. DeWitt spoke, he said one thing that caught my attention. He reminded Jenn how he had always told her to run as hard as fast to the Lord as she possibly could, and as she ran, to look next to her and see who God intended her to spend the rest of her life with. As we rode home on Sunday night, I had some time to think about the things that he had said.

On the way home, the car was very quiet. We were all tired form a very long day of traveling.....and shopping. As we flipped radio stations, a song came on that I had heard before, but this time, it had a whole new meaning. Scroll to the bottom of the post and click play, then continue reading!

The artist asks God why he still cares about her, even after she has avoided and ignored him and pushed him away form her for so long. She finally realizes that even though she doesn't deserve him, God loves her no matter what. As we rode home from Orlando, I realized how off track I have been in my relationship with Jesus. Over the past 3 or 4 months, my relationship with the Lord has fallen to the very bottom of my list of priorities. I've realized that even though I've completely separated myself from God, he still cares about me. I've always been a firm believer that there is nothing more amazing than being in a relationship with the man that hung on the cross and thought about his beloved children. I realized that I have fallen so far behind, even though I know that being in a relationship with God should ALWAYS be our top priority.

As we rode on, I was humbled by the fact that God still cares, even when I don't. I realized that even though I am so far away from him, he is still just as close to me as he has always been! I somehow still deserve what I already have,being Jesus, even though I don't do anything to deserve him. That night, I made a promise to myself and my Jesus that I was going to get back on track in my relationship with him. Since Monday morning, I have been doing my very best to keep that promise. I've learned many things through this, starting with the fact that Satan will do all in his power to stop a believer's communion with the Lord. He'll throw just about anything at you (his most powerful too is the SNOOZE BUTTON)! The most important thing we can do is to just ignore his temptations to do something else, or go back to sleep.

Throughout his word, the Lord tells us that sacrifices are necessary and that we can never look back when walking with him. In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus tells a man that he must surrender everything in order to follow him. In Genesis 19, Lot and his family flee as the Lord destroys Sodom and Gomorrah, but his wife looks back and her journey is quickly and violently ended. In Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus tells us that we must be hot or cold, but never lukewarm! We have to be all for him in order to follow him.

Even through the first 4 days of this transition, the Lord has revealed so many things to me! I've learned that even 15 minutes with him in the morning makes a huge difference all throughout your day! There's nothing more refreshing than waking up with the Lord and his word. Laying under the covers with some soft music playing, being absorbed by his love; it doesn't get much better than this!! The past 4 days have truly changed my life! I wake up knowing that I will be able to spend time with God before facing the challenges of the day, it really helps!

It is my prayer that you all will join me in making a journey back to where the Lord wants you in your relationship with him! He is so worth it! Your life WILL change if you make the commitment to him. The love he has for you cannot be matched by anything or anyone. Only Jesus can make you complete.



It's not about the two.
No, it's all about the One.

It's not about two lives,
But the one walk for Jesus.
Not two aspirations,
But one Spirit filled life.

It's not the two's talents,
But one eternal passion.
Not the two's dreams,
But one perfect plan.

It's not two achievements,
But one humble submission.
Not two objectives,
But one set apart calling.

It's not two separate journeys,
But one small narrow way.
Not two hopeless sinners,
But one blood stained cross.

It's not the two branches,
But one life giving Vine.
Not you and I,
But our one precious Lord.

It's the cry of our hearts
That each one of you would see,
This life's not about us.
No, it's all about Him.







From the Hilltop,
Hunter Odom
hunter2444@coastalnow.net
Romans 8:28