GYC was powerful this year...at least from what I did hear. Between helping with Registration or late nights at the booth, I had a hard time getting in on many of the seminars. I did enjoy Justin Kim's morning devotionals though, and I managed to catch a couple of Nathan Renner's seminars on The Three Angel's Messages - very powerful! But otherwise....I missed out. Thank God for audioverse!! (Yes, I love you guys...and you know it!!)

Since I've been back here in Loma Linda, besides catching up on some much needed sleep, I've been on AudioVerse listening to a few that I had heard were really good. I could jot down a bunch of notes here...but for now, I want to share about two seminars that have not only blessed my life, but I believe will be a big encouragement for many of my friends. They revolve around the topics of "Prayer and Faith" and "Dating and Romance." Ahhhh....now you can't wait to see what I have to say huh? I can just see the curiosity growing...

Well, what I think or have to say does not matter....and believe me, I could say a bit. But let me share the highlights of what these two seminars have given me....

GYC Seminar by Pastor Jerry and Janet Page ~ A Life of Prayer

- We must not only pray in Christ name, but by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
- Our greatest need - a revival of primitive godliness. This revival can only be expected in answer to prayer...1Sm121


Pastor Jerry and Janet shared story after story of how God has answered prayers and worked in their lives. From their own conversion experiences, to watching others lives grow and change.

Janet talked about how she doesn't teach any new method or doctrine, just that we must take time to spend with God in prayer.

- God says, "Will you just be STILL in my presence?"
- Start your day, not pouring through the testimonies or heavy topics, just take your Bible and stay there until you get Happy with God....let God lead you!
- Praise God, confess your sins, pray for guidance...Pray scripture...

She shared about a women that was wanting to get a divorce, but how she began to pray with this woman and encourage her...don’t complain about his faults, praise God for what He has done in your lives. Look for ways to praise your husband....and the more she did, the more she loved her husband! Their marriage was saved and turned around!

Then she talked about pain and trials and how....even in these, we must learn to praise God. She lost her first husband (also a Pastor) to a drowning accident....and didn’t know how she could go on, but although she cried, she sought to praise God in the trial and despite her pain. And she had such peace. She went on, "There is power unleashed when we choose to praise God in our trials! God needs people that will surrender their pain and trials to Him, and let His name be glorified."

"In the future life, we shall see that some of our seemingly unanswered prayers and disappointed hopes have been among our greatest blessings." MH 474

Her husband shared about how, often we think we are awake when actually we are asleep. Of course, none of us think we are asleep...we think we are awake....but most of us are just sleep walking. Then he shared secrets of prayer that their team has learned...

1. Power of united prayer - pull together
"Where two or three are gathered together, God is in the midst"

2. Pray much, preach little
Early apostles....Prayed for 10 days, preached for 10 minutes and thousands converted
Today, we pray for 10 minutes, preach for 10 days, and hope someone gets converted.
"At the sound of fervent prayer, Satan’s whole host trembles..."

3.Claim the Promises, and expect Great things
"It’s part of God’s plan to grant us in answer to the prayer of faith that which he would not bestow did we not thus ask..." GC

4. Be earnest in Prayer...
God answers every earnest prayer
Power given proportionate to the unity of the members and the faith expressed

Their personal testimony of prayer for their conference and church over the last 10 years has seen offerings go from less than $100,000 a year to over 3 million a year at SoCal campmeeting....

II Chron 16:9 - God wants to shew himself strong on behalf of them whose hearts are perfect towards Him.

Janet encouraged everyone to Journal God’s blessing....the more you remember what God has done for you, the more He will do! The more you remember, the more He pours out his blessings upon you!!

And finally, if you are praying with a sincere heart, God is working...you may not see evidence of this right away....but HE IS WORKING!!!!

[I love Jerry and Janet and hope to get them down here to Advent HOPE to help with a prayer weekend in the future. Janet has already told me she will come....if we can find a time where both our schedules fit!]

The second seminar I am going to share about here is by Dr. Mills on relationships. I haven't listened to all of the series, but this one I heard, really had some insightful concepts that I wanted to share with all my single friends. So enjoy... ;-)

GYC Seminar by Dr. Phil Mills ~ Love and Friendships

"God wants you to have a match made in Heaven...But if you are looking to others for the happiness only God can supply, you will be disappointed in marriage. Once you have found fulfillment in God, then you can be happily united with another."

Things to Watch for as you look for a potential marriage partner:
- Observe those that are faithful
- Note those that take responsibilities and fulfill them
- Don't miss those that see what to do and do it
- Become better acquainted with those who are studying the Bible and have a genuine prayer life - Watch those who are always thoughtful to clean-up after themselves and helpful with others
- Take note of those that seek out the lonely and befriend the strangers
- Watch how people interact, watch for those that are humble and teachable
- Be guarded with those that don't work well with others or have difficulty with authority
- Note those that are upbeat and positive when life is difficult
- Note those that are adaptable and uncomplaining with an unexpected load
- Learn to appreciate those that are happy and content no matter their situation
- Look for those well adjusted people who are not restless but at peace with life
- Look for those that are courteous and thoughtful to old and young alike
- Listen to conversations, see who are supportive or critical
- Pay attention to those who know how to economize without being shabby
- Look for those that have spiritual insights and promote the spiritual growth of others
- Take note of those that are concerned with health and lifestyle
- Take note of those that are tidy, attractive, yet modest in their dress
- Do they seek to please the Lord in their dress, or are they slaves to fashion
- Watch for those that are not argumentative about their beliefs, but just quietly live their convictions

Become a student of human nature! People SHOUT out what they are really like if you just watch and observe...

Alan & Nicole Parker also talked last GYC on how to know if you've found THE ONE. They brought up some really profound thoughts that I've never forgotten that go right along with what Dr. Mills was talking about this year.

If you think you've found the ONE.....Pray pray pray!!!
(The following is from Adventist Home pg 45)
- Weigh every sentiment, watch every development of Character, know someone over time...
- Ask yourself "Would married life be happy with this person?"

The three MOST IMPORTANT Questions to consider
- Will this union help me Heavenward?
- Will it increase my love for God?
- Will it enlarge my sphere of influence/usefulness in this life?

If the answer seems to be yes, make haste slowly! Study the character...are they Selfless to others? (See questions above that Dr. Mills mentioned.) How much is this person like Jesus? The more you have in common, the better off you are.

- After 5 years we don’t even know what our spouse looks like, we only know how they act!!
- True Love is based on qualities not passion

How much does this person and I have in common?
- Spiritually
- Socially
- Intellectually
- Habits
- Good fit, enjoy same things
- Lifestyle
- Doctrine
- Integrity, truth
- Trust
- Personality - Can you work well together personally and in ministry?
- Friendships
- Goals and dreams
- Communication
- Ability to say "I am sorry" and work out problems
- Promote each other to positive growth and closer walk with Christ

God warns us of following our hearts in the choice of a marriage companion.
Just because someone is a baptized SDA, does not mean they are a safe person to marry!

Wow...lots of powerful concepts there!!! So for all my dear friends out there that are "Looking for True Love," involved in what they think is "True love," or like me "Waiting for True Love"....let's keep these things in mind.

Marriage is the second most important decision (after that of choosing to follow Christ) that we will ever make. Let's make this choice wisely!!!!

To hear more great seminars and talks from GYC - click on the following link: GYC 2008 on AudioVerse