When days are long, we can be short with each other—yeah, the picture of us smiling at the lake was only after a much needed hour long paddle to re-hash miscommunications and to escape the to-do lists for a bit. So pray for us in the midst of what we do. That we would be honoring to each other…that we would seek HIM to order our days…That we really could laugh. That we would have realistic, God honoring perspectives on life.
Mailing - Used as a noun: “I am going to work on the camp mailing.” Used as a verb: “We will be mailing thousands of pieces.”
So, many hours this last month has been spent working on multiple camp mailings. These are packed with news of next summer’s camps and retreats along with camp updates about building projects. It is a daunting task, and I am thankful that I am not in charge of it all. Rather, it is a chance to simply fold and stuff knowing that these little bits of paper will be headed to the homes of many.
(picture compliments of Jesse…)
What do you worship? I have recently been challenged with the thought that my fears and desires are so often linked to what I worship. In fact, my desires can be so contrary to what God’s desires are for me! We have been talking in small group about how we are all worshipers—It is simply a matter of what or who we worship. All to often it seems that I worship comfort, approval, control, and productivity. (Or all of them mixed together under some sort of seemingly spiritual umbrella for me sometimes.) Wow, to think that I desire, and thus, come to fear all the wrong things sometimes. I have so much to sort through!
Yet in all of our waywardness, God desires our holiness. I can be so oblivious to the mixed allegiances in my heart. But God, (to use the emphatic biblical-like transition) enters in to test my heart and expose my heart’s true desires so that I can ultimately see and then repent with His perspective. Exodus 16:12 talks about how through this testing, ‘you shall know me deeply’. Oh, wow….I’m still trying to wrap my head and heart around it all.
After a summer of jogging with a friend, I realized I truly have loved running and spending time getting in shape with Julie. Early mornings, some blisters, Gatorade, a new pair of shoes, and many miles lead me to the Fox Cities Half Marathon. I must say that it was incredible to set a goal and simply do something that I had only dreamed of doing.
What is better than lots of food (meat), shooting guns, and hanging out with other men studying God’s Word together? That’s what I did this past weekend during our Father/Son Retreat. There were 72 fathers and sons here at camp having a blast. The weekend was full of dodgeball, paintball, mountainboarding, trap shooting, 3-D archery, flag football, capture the flag, and great lessons from our speaker Craig Peters. It is so great watching fathers and sons being together spending quality time. Many fathers bring their sons year after year and is a fond tradition in their family; however, this year we saw about 24 brand new campers to father son retreat. Hopefully they too will make this a yearly tradition with their sons. Our speaker Craig did a great job as he was able to challenge both the fathers and the sons at the same time, and many needed his challenges and encouragement. If you know of fathers and sons who would love this let them know about Camp Forest Springs.
There is something about a fresh box of crayons and a brand new notebook. I have always loved school supply shopping. This school year, I found myself in the school supply aisle once again. I am teaching part time. Many know that I have partnered with the school in multiple capacities previously. It is a long story how I stumbled upon such a unique opportunity and such unique classes, but to cut to the conclusion after much prayer, I teach two classes of high school English and partner with an at-risk middle school study hall. It is challenging. It is good. It is where I need to be for this season.
