February 5, 2011- John Menendez

J Money, I guess I will start this entry off with a thank you:I really do appreciate you always sharing with me! I got the pleasure of meeting John Menendez during staff week of camp two summers ago, and luckily he thought I was cool enough to hang out with, even as a CIT. I didn't truly get to know John until this past summer when I would go hang out with him, his brother and the Andrews boys around the camp fire, but I am so thankful I did.


John has a fire for things he is passionate about that few can touch. When he gets excited something nobody can bring him down, and at camp, this is probably the best quality you could have. Campers want to be him and honestly, so do most counselors. His spirit is untouchable, and his love for others is incredible to see. My favorite thing about John though, is his fire for the Lord. He is never afraid to share Christ's love with others and truly lives a life that glorifies his creator. His understanding for who Jesus is, is beautiful and personal, but never a secret. The boldness of his faith is encouraging and inspiring to be around, and the respect he has for the Lord is wonderful to see in all that he does.


I have taken a lot out of my friendship with John, and as much as we joke about it, one of my favorite things is the fact that he always shares with me! It started out with Reese's Pieces but has now become everything we eat together. I guess it helps that we love the same foods, but it has taught me a sense of selflessness that I have never fully understood before this perpetual joke. Nothing on this earth belongs to me; food, clothing, a home, a car, or any other object of this world is not mine. Constantly sharing food with John reminds me of that, and how selfless I need to be with everything I own. J Money, thank you so much for being such an incredible example of Christ's selflessness. I encourage you to stay strong in who God has created you to be and to never succumb to the ways of this world. I have loved getting to know you better, and of course sharing food with you everywhere we go. Thank you for being such an encouraging brother in Christ, I love you forever.


Philippians 4:8
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."