“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4 

My dad never wanted me to say I “loved” something unless it was an individual I was sacrificing for or making a commitment to. I do love a lot of people, but I like a lot of things too. So let me rephrase this, I like quite a lot of things. I love people, but I like being at the lake, a fresh peach in July, cinnamon dragons from Trader Joe’s, Birkenstocks, the smell of eucalyptus, volunteers and Camp Buckner in Burnet, Texas.

One of my very favorite places to visit is Camp Buckner. I look forward to Buckner Family Pathways® and foster care family camps all year long. Recruiting, training and equipping volunteers to serve our families for a few days fills my soul and encourages my spirit. 

I like thinking through logistics, but more importantly I like to think about how we can engage families with love. This always causes me to rejoice with a heart full of joy. 

If you have taken a trip with me to Camp Buckner, you'll know every time I enter the gate, I turn up the worship music and roll down the windows to worship – whether it’s November or July. I truly feel the Lord’s presence at this place. I rejoice. 

I rejoice because I know his love and I rejoice because he knows me. I know the Holy Spirit will invade the hearts of those that come not only for memories, but to know Jesus more. 

Rejoicing in all situations can be hard to do, if not impossible, at times. However, God has called us to rejoice in him always, knowing we are loved and cared for by an eternal God.

Rejoice, according to Merriam-Webster, is to “give joy to” or “to feel joy or great delight,” while rejoice in means to “have or possess.” Scripture tells us to rejoice in the Lord, but we must remember to also have joy or delight in the Lord.

“Rejoicing” is not just an emotion, but a deeper state of joy in him that’s rooted in our relationship with him and the awareness of his love. This is rejoicing! Jesus wants our heart. So, while you may know him, love him and tell of the good HE has done – praise him! Rejoice in him!

Please be in prayer for Buckner families and volunteers who will experience the goodness and joy of the Lord at Camp Buckner through family camps in 2025.

Written by Reagan Maldonado, Buckner volunteer engagement coordinator for East Texas.