Instagram story viewer> @jake_bellinger> Posts

Jake Bellinger

@jake_bellinger

2K

followers

1666

following

“You can do all things through Christ.” -Philippians 4:13
ACC ➡️ TXST ➡️ LSU
@dollywood Landscape Tech
@lsugradschool Leadership and Human Development

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

The saying, “You make your plans, you’ll hear God laughing.” Is an UNDERSTATEMENT.

If you told me in high school, “You’re going to obtain an Associate’s Degree from Austin Community College.” I would not have believed you.

If you told me at ACC, “Your credits are going to transfer towards a Bachelor’s Degree at Texas State University.” Again, I would not have believed you.

If you told me at Texas State, “Post graduation, you’re going to drop everything to pursue a Young Life career.” Need I say it a third time, I would not have believed you.

If you told me after SharpTop, “Surrendering your hopes and dreams of Young Life staff will open the door for a job in the Tennessee Smokies that pays for LSU Grad School.” Okay you get the point, I would not have believed you.

“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs 19:21

If any of you have struggled or are currently struggling, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. You will get your opportunity to shine brighter than the stars in the sky.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

I humbly announce that I have been accepted to LSU’s Masters in Leadership and Human Development. The program does exactly what my life verse declares.

“Iron sharpens iron, one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

The Master of Science is equipped to train students on preparation, collaboration, strategizing, problem solving, effective communication, talent development, prepare those for leader positions and help others reach their goals.

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

Even if this disappoints any of you, I am now officially an LSU fan.

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

Geaux Tigers!🐯 by @jake_bellinger

211

38

2 months ago

Summer Staff 2022 at Carolina Point was so impactful, I took the opportunity to do it a second time. This time at the backpacking camp in the Mountain State.

“In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of all, the most important place on earth. It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship.” Isaiah 2:2

The adolescents of Chestnut Ridge Church came eager to learn, explore, cheer and goof around like they are supposed to.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” Matthew 19:14

I had the privilege of leading and sweeping canoe rides through Summersville Lake as the campers cliff dove, paddled under a waterfall, played don’t rock the boat all while singing songs of praise throughout the adventure.

“Come let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to Him with thanksgiving. Let us sing songs of praise to Him.” Psalms 95:1-2

On the final morning, the weather channel said, “It’s supposed to keep storming till 1:00 PM.” But then, my almost heaven West Virginia experience happened.

Before the close out prayer, it was cloudy without a speck of light to be seen. Maybe 60 seconds later, we opened our eyes after “Amen” only to see the sun had been shining bright as the clouds had parted.

“In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.” Psalms 19:4 taken in Adventures - Wild Ridge - A Young Life Camp by @jake_bellinger

116

6

3 months ago

“Do not make idols of any kind. None! I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 26:1

Shortly after my spiritual awakening, I made Young Life an idol.

“They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless.” 1 Samuel 12:21

But because of God’s grace alone, He opened every door for me on the way to full time Young Life staff.

“The Lord is kind and merciful. He is patient and full of love.” Psalms 103:8

During the midst of everything, I surrendered my Young Life idolatry to God.

“Repent and turn away from your idols.” Ezekiel 14:6

But I was holding onto my hopes and dreams of going on full time staff.

“What He opens no one can close and what He closes no one can open.” Revelation 3:7

After the door was sealed closed, I had no choice but to surrender my hopes and dreams of going on full time staff.

“The older I get, the more I realize when we get to a point of surrender, it opens the door for God to work on us in ways He’s been patiently waiting to do.” -Soon to be retired LHR Manager

Because I reached the point of surrender, the door was opened for God to work on my lifelong struggles of perfectionism, anxiety, stress, self respect and self forgiveness to prepare me for my new chapter in East Tennessee.

“Lord I know that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course.” Jeremiah 10:23

I’ve promised many to stay involved with Young Life as I get older myself. Although I’m no longer pursuing full time staff, I’m content with being on committee alongside volunteering.

If that door ever does open one day, I will trust God to guide me through that door if it’s His will for me.

Thank you Lord amen. taken in Windy Gap - A Young Life Camp by @jake_bellinger

139

8

3 months ago

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2-3

Since September, I applied for over 100 jobs, had less then 20 interviews and struggled to find my place in times of uncertainty.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Increasing daily prayer to multiple times a day instead of once a day this past year as well as read the entire Bible all the way through for the second time, it’s what kept me going when I wanted to give up.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

“I am so proud of Jake. He never gives up, doesn’t let anything get in his way and doesn’t stop at nothing until he achieves it.” -My Grandpa Bellinger

Just in time for summer, I had an interview with the Dollywood landscape team.

“I was looking at your resume and saw you went to Texas State… George Strait University, DONE! You are the furthest person away from Tennessee I’ve ever hired.”

“For whoever has been born of God overcomes the world and this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith.” 1 John 5:4

As promised, I will stay involved with Young Life. With DFO Tennessee right down the road from my office, I will be involved as much as they possibly allow.

Jesus, thank you for blessing me with a career that combines thrills and elevation. by @jake_bellinger

160

22

5 months ago

This weekend marks my eighth time going to the place where Jesus and I became one. Upon arrival, I reminded myself to practice everything my advisors instructed me to work on. Read the room, let others speak before you, know the time, avoid name dropping and don’t overthink.

“Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” 1 Timothy 4:15

Here’s how it went. “Jake, I don’t see you very often but I have seen tremendous growth. You’ve done very well in all those things you’ve been told to work on this weekend and it really does show. It’s not always that you’re not ready, but sometimes the job isn’t ready. It’s totally normal to feel disappointed by others. The only one who doesn’t disappoint is God.”

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.” Psalms 118:8

At the end of the weekend, I hiked up to Rattlesnake Trail where I met Jesus for the first time nearly five years ago. Feeling guilty about telling it so many times and maybe being boastful about it, the same lady who affirmed my growth said this.

“Jake, don’t worry about telling your story 100 times over. Never mind that it’s encouraged multiple million dollar donations towards the 10 year plan. You speaking about how you were born again through Christ alone is enough to inspire others.”

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” Proverbs 12:25

On my knees in my prayer right on the edge of the hill where God gave me His vision, I told Him this. “Lord, you can do whatever you want with me. Even if it pains me, it doesn’t take away the fact that you saved me right here for all eternity.”

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 taken in LoneHollow Ranch by @jake_bellinger

167

15

8 months ago

When I first joined Young Life five years ago, I thought to myself, “I’ll join but I’m probably not going to get super involved.”

“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” Proverbs 18:2

Four and a half years ago I was born again through Christ near the center of the North American continent. When I thought I had peaked, it was only the beginning.

“For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living Word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23

The rest of my time at Texas State University was spent involving myself in Young Life as much as possible, leaving me with words I never thought I’d hear myself say.

“I’m going to pursue a Young Life career. If I have to travel to the ends of the earth for it, so be it.”

“Be very careful about what you think. Your thoughts run your life.” Proverbs 4:23

Since college graduation, Jesus has taken me to ten young life properties across both ends of the North American continent and across the seven seas to Europe to serve.

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

All ten Young Life properties have welcomed various kinds of people. With each individual teaching me various parts of the whole body of Christ, leaving me with more and more knowledge of Jesus each time we go separate ways.

“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12

The more I adventure, the more determined I get to serve alongside new regions to take in as many parts of the Body of Christ as possible.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 taken in Woodleaf - A Young Life Camp by @jake_bellinger

151

15

a year ago

Over these last seven weeks, I’ve been experiencing the HARDEST part about being a Christ follower, suffering.

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

Since September, I’ve dealt with anxiety, stress, sadness, sleepless nights, nightmares, body pain, mood swings and struggling to find happiness in things I used to enjoy.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalms 34:19

This is the first season of my life where I prayed multiple times a day instead of once. All because I wanted the Lord to relieve my anxiety.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Just in time for another weekend at the cove, Jesus relieved me from suffering and gave me nothing but peace the day before my seven hour road trip.

“Christ suffered here on earth. Now you must be ready to suffer as He did, because suffering shows that you have stopped sinning.” 1 Peter 4:1

Fallen victim of trying to “perfect” every Young Life event I have served, all I asked for this time was, “Jesus, I’m done trying to be a perfectionist. It only stresses me out. All I want you to do is speak through me and give me peace this weekend without worry.”

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 1 Corinthians 12:9

Finally not overthinking my mistakes while serving, I came to realize, “Wow, all they seem to care about is that I am offering to help them. They do not seem to care about the quality, but the willingness to serve.”

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

When I mess it up, He says His love’s enough. Just like every other time, I’m leaving camp saying, “I will never be the same.” taken in Clearwater Cove - A Young Life Camp by @jake_bellinger

207

16

a year ago

Coming into this weekend, I was stressed, nervous, anxious, scared, overthinking and lacking sleep causing me to feel pain all over my body.

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10

My thoughts on the way to LoneHollow Ranch were, “Coming back here is going to revert my progress and take me back to my old ways destroying my future potential.”

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” Ephesians 4:25

Wanting to refrain from speaking as little as possible out of fear of messing up, my wrangler leader gave us a verse that set up the weekend.

“For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Matthew 10:20

Reverting back to all the constructive feedback I received at SharpTop Cove, here’s how it went.

During the weekend, I was able to pay attention to surroundings and accurately assess my actions, feel the Lord telling me what to say and when to end the conversation, not overthink work, remain on task, and love on Texas, LoneHollow Ranch, and Texas State Young Life without coming across as prideful.

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

No matter what happens, I know the Lord will take care of me and pave the way for me to remain serving Him for the remainder of my time here on earth. taken in LoneHollow Ranch by @jake_bellinger

208

20

a year ago

Dear SharpTop Cove,

Were you everything I wanted? No
Were you everything I needed? Yes

Did I enjoy every work shift at your place? No
Did I need to work every shift at your place? Yes

Did I want to be at your place everyday of the internship? No
Did I need to be at your place everyday of the internship? Yes

Were there days I wanted to quit? Yes
Were there days it was okay to quit? No

“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Of the 365 days in the calendar year, there were only about 30 where you weren’t hosting guests providing a seat at the table. This included Young Life groups, non-profits, churches, private schools and more.

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” Psalms 122:1

All this lead to wear and tear which caused difficulty in finding rest. The best rest I could get was seeking the Lord’s presence.

And the Lord answered, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

Now that my assignment is complete. It is time for this tumbleweed to tumble back to Texas.

As of now, Jesus wants me to stop and take a break. But I have several phone calls planned to discuss and figure out what God’s next assignment for me might be.

“The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.” Exodus 15:2

Spoiler alert, I still feel the urge to serve in the Young Life mission. God clearly wants me to continue pointing adolescents to His Son in the most fun wholesome way possible.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3

Thank you @sharptopcove for not being everything I wanted but what I NEEDED. taken in SharpTop Cove - A Young Life Camp by @jake_bellinger

268

40

a year ago

Just like that, the summer 2025 season at SharpTop Cove has come to the end. But it was one to remember.

“Remember the days of long ago; think about the generations past. Ask your father, and he will inform you. Inquire of your elders, and they will tell you.” Deuteronomy 32:7

Starting out session three, I was dead tired and wanted nothing more than rest.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

After learning the previous session that I’m closer than I realize to being ready for full time staff, I wanted to become lazy and not work as hard as I need to.

“Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.” Proverbs 13:4

My co bikes intern became unavailable to give bike rides during this session, which meant I needed to step up and work harder than before to overcome fatigue and laziness.

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

But what made it possible for bikes to continue the last part of the session was the summer staffers that volunteered to give bike rides alongside while occupying their current assigned tasks.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10

This summer became possible for me, interns, co-workers and campers because of volunteers.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

The SharpTop Cove 2025 season was one for the books. taken in SharpTop Cove - A Young Life Camp by @jake_bellinger

288

44

a year ago

Session two is now in the books as is 2/3 of the summer 2025 season at SharpTop Cove.

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8

About two weeks ago, my advisor assigned me a task for the rest of the summer as he believes I would benefit greatly from it.

“Read the room. Before you say or do anything, pay attention to the situation, observe what’s going on, and watch what others are doing.”

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Proverbs 19:20

As for now, I need to focus on my summer internship and my next assignment will unfold on its own.

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10

I’ve been praying for the Lord to give me military style discipline on reading the room so I can prove myself ready for what’s next.

“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of His reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom He loves, as a Father the Son in whom He delights.” Proverbs 3:11-12

Two sessions down, one to go! taken in SharpTop Cove - A Young Life Camp by @jake_bellinger

289

27

a year ago

“Jesus, athleticism has never been my thing and you’re tasking me to be a bikes intern and lead groups that are a lot more athletic than I am?”

“On top of that, your tasking me to lead my first ever group of summer staffers and they are in much better shape than me. I’m going to be a joke this summer.”

Sounds a lot like Moses’s excuses of his slurred speech when the Lord tasked him to rescue the Egyptians out of Egypt. Here’s what the Lord had to say.

The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord?” Exodus 4:11

Instead of sulking since it won’t do any good, I prayed that the Lord would give me enough athleticism to ride a bike all the way across SharpTop Mountain at a satisfying pace for campers. As well as leadership skills needed to set up summer staffers for success on their end.

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” Philippians 2:14-15

Before I knew it, I was efficiently riding my bike all the way across the bike trail with no complaints of being too slow. The summer staffers also didn’t complain about a lack of leadership skills. It was all positive feedback from leaders, campers and summer staff.

“And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.” 1 Corinthians 6:14

These past 3 weeks made me realize with God alongside me, I am capable of doing far more than I realize.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

Can’t wait to do it all again for 2 more sessions! taken in SharpTop Cove - A Young Life Camp by @jake_bellinger

259

43

a year ago