This character has a lot to do with the teaching theme for the camps I will be teaching at this summer.

To believe you are worthy of love and belonging, so many believe that you must contort yourself to stay in relationships believing that it is the relationship that makes you loveable. The result of this is a lot of numbing behaviors.

We do the same thing in our relationship with Jesus. Because of shame we contort Jesus into an image that makes sense to help us cope.

Actual coloring page

Colossians 2:10 states “You are complete through your union with Christ.” A relationship cannot complete you—unless it is with Jesus. A Jesus true to the word of God, not the creation of your contorted image. You are worthy of love and belonging because God’s desire is to complete you.

Coloring is a part of the learning this year because coloring simply makes sense. A frank talk about dating relationships is also a part with another session for Q&A on relationship questions. You know from my blog here that I have a lot to say about dating as I embrace this new title I love of “dating coach.”

I actually put together my summer camp series last November—7 months ago. These thoughts, in a Bible camp setting for teens, “just” came together. You can see these thoughts taking shape over the last 7 months of my blog writing. And I’m sure those thoughts will continue here. It has taken me this long—7 months—to get this cartoon character created. 7 months and 3 fired cartoonists! This character will be with me all summer. And probably longer. I have named him Warp.

By the way, booking is now open for summer of 2016. Parts of this summer’s theme can be contorted (get it?!!!) to fit a retreat plan or multi-night plan.