Looking back at the past week, we are simply thankful for the Christmas season.  From the cookies, to time with family, to ultimately the remembrance of Jesus’ birth, we had a fantastic Christmas season.  In fact, our tree is definitely still up, there are still a few Christmas CD’s in the player, and we have a pile of cookies on our counter that we’re nibbling .  We are so blessed.  (I often times hesitate to used that word at the risk of sounding trite, but I mean “blessed” to the capacity that my human brain can understand.) 

Our Family after Christmas Dinner & The ENTIRE Den Hartog Family
 

Making Christmas Cookies with Re’anna & Larry with his Brother-In Law attempting to pull off law enforcement—I think we’ll leave that to Bryan, and stick with camping ministry!
 

The Light Before Christmas….Every December camp puts on a dinner theater production.  This years show focused on light vs. darkness.  It was written as an outreach to show people the love of Christ and that the light (God) has conquered darkness (Satan).  This production was written by one of our staff members who is extremely talented in music and drama.  The show was supposed to be 3 nights; however, due to the amount of interest and a large waiting list we opened up a fourth night.  Some say that we could fill 100 seats for 6 nights.  The show was a lot of work, but extremely fun and rewarding as we knew that many non-believers were hearing the gospel. 

Today I am reminded that each day truly is a gift.  Early in the morning on December 3rd, grandma passed away in her sleep.  So here I sit, grieving the loss of such a dear woman and remembering the sweet memories with her.  She would patiently read stacks of books to us while we nibbled on her home-made popcorn.  My sister and I would sit on the steps eating Cheetos as she washed clothes and wrung them in the old fashioned wringer. We loved feeding the farm cats and coming in to feast on her home-made noodles.  Most of all, we treasure her humble love that she had for her family.  Each day truly is a gift.  Despite the daily demands of daily life, may we be reminded of what is important.

We are so thankful for the opportunity to spend time with family and friends in PA.  The highlight was simply getting to spend time with people.  We are grateful for how others encourage and challenge us, laugh with us and love us.  Below are a few pics with others….

 
                    —-Our Small Group—-                                                                  —-Running the Gobble Wobble with Friends on Thanksgiving Morning—-

 
        —-Before Bedtime with our Niece and Nephew, Autumn and Josh—-                                                    —-Dinner with Friends and Holding Baby Gavin—-

 
    —-Larry and Baby Ruth…you really think we’re ready for parenthood?!?—-                                      —-Dad and Makayla ready for Turkey—-

So many have been asking about snow, so I thought I’d post a few pics of the first snow.  (Which was a while ago, but there is still layer of white here with more to come soon!)  We are on the brink of our winter season here with snow being made for the ski and tube hill, the Christmas Dinner Theater this weekend, and Wintertainment (high school winter camp) just around the corner.  Soon retreat groups will be swarming in snow boots.  I can’t wait!

.....we’ll update Thanksgiving pics soon!

Today’s word of the day is SETTLE.  { set·tle (sět'l) To discontinue moving and come to rest in one place; To put firmly into a desired position or place; establish. }

After months of being in transition we have learned that “home” is with whatever people and whatever place God has us with that night.  We are so thankful for the countless people who have welcomed us in as live-in friends or live-in kids or live-in consistent company that no longer constitutes company.  We have learned much through sharing life with so many of you.  Furthermore, we are also so thankful to be serving at camp and to sign a one year lease to a little house in the country that we call, HOME.  Many of you have asked to see pictures of where we now live.  Below is a glimpse…How does one capture through pictures, the feeling, concept, emotions, and gratefulness of settling though?  Just know that if you show up at our door tomorrow or any day, we will gladly welcome you HOME.  Thanks for sharing in our excitement as we praise God for an opportunity to “settle” a bit on this side of heaven.