Three Words

Christmas Tree Shops

Whoo~Hoo!!!
Yup, I got to go there today - and as a bonus, one of my favorite people came with me.
We had a great day of shopping and talking.

Sweet Sunday

I attended service at Hawthorne Gospel this morning. It was exciting to be back amongst familiar faces, and getting hugs from people who have been praying for and encouraging me. There were baptisms and a good message about Heaven (which I would like to share with you but my brain's a little fuzzy now - why, oh why, do I wait until late at night to write these blogs?).

I also helped out with the 4 year old Sunday School class that I was a helper with before I left. They are getting ready for their Christmas presentation. It's next Sunday night at 6 if you want to come!

After church was lunch with some of my favorite girls. It was a sweet time of starting to catch up with each other. Even for as long as I have been away (only 6 months) we just fell back into our usual chit-chat routine. Such a blessing : )

A Super Saturday

Today I enjoyed a nice quiet day at home in my jammies: did laundry, finished unpacking, ate taylor ham & egg on a bagel, "helped" Kathy put up the Christmas tree, watched tv, read magazines, and took a nap.

Tonight I went out to dinner with the guys (something I have definately missed), then played Wii games. Even though I did not do well at bowling, I am the CHAMPION of sword fighting. Oh yea!

Black Friday

The following devotional is from Ron Hutchcraft Ministries.
http://www.hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you/your-mission/grabbing-opportunities-5969

It looks long, but it's definately worth the read!


Try to picture it. Maybe you don't have to picture it. Maybe you've been there. It's the Friday morning after Thanksgiving, just before doors open at Wal-Mart. It's still dark, but a lot of people are lined up, anxiously waiting to enter. It's the day of those fabulous sales that stores like this have to encourage early Christmas shopping. And for a short time after doors open, there are some absolutely amazing prices on many popular items. But you have to move quickly to find them and scoop them up. One year recently, the crush of people was so great, at one store a lady was nearly trampled to death when the doors opened. And at another store, another year, a man actually was trampled to death. Once you're in the store, you know what to do. No browsing. No chatting. Just look for those sales opportunities and you grab them while you can!

I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Grabbing Opportunities."

Aggressively seizing opportunities because time is short - that's not just a picture of a sale day shopper. That's supposed to be the picture of every follower of Jesus Christ. Not just browsing and cruising through our days, but really making them count...really making a difference with your life.

If you read our word for today from the Word of God in the original language of the New Testament, you can see just that kind of urgency and intensity. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise, but as wise" - now here's God's definition of what it means to "live smart" - "making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil." The original Greek conveys the idea of aggressively buying up every opportunity you have to do something about the darkness around you.

Near the end of this letter that Paul wrote from a prison cell, probably chained to a Roman guard, he gives us a living example of this "make a difference" mindset in action. He says, "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel...pray that I will declare it fearlessly, as I should." In another letter, we learn that there were believers ultimately in Caesar's household; likely some of those soldiers Paul spent so much time with. He saw his imprisonment, not so much as an ordeal, but as an opportunity to tell people there about Jesus and to rescue them from evil.

Life is full of life-saving opportunities for those with eyes to see them; for those who understand that we're supposed to be looking for them, wherever we are. When one of our family was in the hospital lately, the reason seemed clear. This was a patient who left a trail of Jesus all through that hospital. There just to get well? No. They were also there positioned by God to help spiritually rescue some of the people there.

If you want to make the greatest possible difference with the rest of your life, if you want to help some people be in heaven with you, if you want to obey your Savior, then each morning pray for natural opportunities to bring up your Jesus. Then look for those opportunities to open up. Buy them up like an alert shopper.

When someone shares a burden or a concern with you, don't just promise to pray for them. Ask if you can pray with them right there. Chances are they have never heard their name in a prayer in all their life! I've never had anyone turn down that offer. And if God opens the door, tell them after you pray that you weren't always able to talk to God like that because there was a wall between you and Him that Jesus took down. Look for opportunities to share your personal hope story - the story of the difference Jesus has made for you in a particular need or life situation.

Look for those opportunities. Pray for those opportunities. Grab those opportunities. Why? Because God is putting people in your life so they can have a chance at Jesus...and a chance at heaven. That's an opportunity you must not miss.

Happy Thanksgiving

Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name.
1 Chronicles 29:13


There is always something for which to be thankful.
Charles Dickens


What are YOU thankful for?
Have you praised God for His goodness to you?

Road Trip Recap

11 Days

10 States

3 Time Zones

2917 Miles

48 CDs

0 Accidents or Speeding Tickets!

This is Love...

...a Yankees blanket on my bed!

...a fake spider on the blanket!

...colored pictures in my shoes!

Thank you, Huizings,

for a great visit!!!

I miss you already : (

the end is near

Soon I will be making the final part of my journey. I have mixed emotions about this.

I already am missing my friends and life in Montana.

I'm having a great time visiting my friends in Pennsylvania.

It will be nice to stop living out of suitcases and my car.

There's a lot of good friends in New Jersey that I am eager to spend time with.

Through it all I am certain that God is in control.
He has blessed me in so many ways, and I know that there is much more to come.


Deuteronomy 2:7 (Hannah Version )

The LORD my God has blessed me in all the work of my hands. He has watched over my journey. All these years the LORD my God has been with me, and I have not lacked anything.

TRUST and OBEY

I enjoyed visiting a friends' church for their Thanksgiving supper and service tonight.
The song leader encouraged us to not only sing the words which we may already know so well, but to really think about what they say.


This hymn was my favorite of the night because God has been teaching me a lot lately about trusting and obeying. They sound like such simple things to do, but putting them into practice can be scary and hard. The promised rewards are truly worth it though.


When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

Refrain

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

Refrain

But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

Refrain

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Refrain

This song gives a sim­ple, clear ex­pla­na­tion of living the Christian life. The title expression was used in a testimony meeting, following an evangelistic crusade in Brockton, Massachusetts, by Dwight L. Moody. A young man stood to speak, and it soon became clear he knew little Christian doctrine. But he finished by saying, “I’m not quite sure—but I’m going to trust, and I’m going to obey.” Daniel Towner, who was in the meeting, jotted down the words, and gave them to John Sammis, who developed the lyrics from them.
(info and lyrics from http://www.cyberhymnal.org/)


What's your current favorite hymn?
Why do the lyrics stand out to you?

Life Lesson

Colossians 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Pray...

listen...

obey...

be blessed...

give thanks!

kid fun

Fed some pigs...

Saw doughnuts being made...

Played games at Chuckie Cheese...

Lunch at McDonalds...

Chicken Tacos for dinner...(because no one wraps them as good as I do)

Movie and Popcorn...

Bedtime!

YUP, a good day was had by all!!!

Family Time : )

This evening I arrived in Saegertown, PA to spend a few days with the Huizings.
Whoo-Hoo!!!
What could be more fun than that? Not much, I tell ya.

Moving Right Along

The drive is always easier when there's a friend at the other end!

Right now I am in Indianapolis, Indiana visiting with my good friend Lisa. We enjoyed a yummy dinner and dessert at the Cheesecake Factory. It was good to catch up with her, share stories and laughs, and encourage one another. Her family was gracious in offering for me to stay overnight as well, and it's been fun getting to know them.

Lisa makes wonderful purses and wallets. Her 10 year old nephew showed me an amazing power point presentation he made of their business plan. This kid's got a future in marketing for sure! And I have the privilege of saying I was her 1st customer.

Just in time

With the approaching time change from Central to Eastern, I stopped driving with time enough to get a blog done today. It's 11:00 here in Geneseo, Illinois (1o pm in Montana, and midnight in NJ).

I have finally figured out the secret to successful night driving! At 8pm...
Contacts Out
Mocha Cappuccino - double caffeine blend! In
Newsboys On
Fear Off

Around 9:30 I started talking to myself. Out loud. Just little phrases of encouragement to keep up the good driving and that I (we?) were doing just fine. And singing too. Maybe double caffeine was not such a good idea after all.

I forgot my camera out in the car, so no pictures tonight. But here's something else for you to enjoy instead. And it will give you some idea of what humors me at times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnFY9jMKYcQ

Pictures

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=121760&id=757198519&l=1dd7743a8a

Wyoming and Nebraska (so far)

The problem with these w i d e states out West is that I don't feel like I am making much progress driving. Should get better after today though. This time of year it starts getting dark early (4:30!) which makes driving much less fun too. But I have plenty of CDs to help pass the time.

Thanks for the prayers. God hears and answers!

What a great day!

The service we attended this morning was very nice. Jim and Andrea Hawthorne (camp directors) gave a presentation about camp and also their personal stories. One of their main objectives was to encourage obedience.

We were warmly welcomed by the church members. There was soup and sandwiches for lunch and we enjoyed some good conversations with the folks there. The Q&A time that I prepared for ended up not happening (not sure why) but at least now I have a good start on presentations that I can give at home.

Thanks for all the prayers, especially for safety - please keep 'em coming. The roads were bad during last night's travel. Route 80 closed just after our exit.

Praise the Lord that He took good care of us during the trip.

Happy to say that I am now in Nebraska! Looking forward to another long day of driving tomorrow. There's plenty of good sight-seeing and shopping nearby.

I don't have any pictures from being in Idaho yesterday because I was following the camp van in my car, and the roads were not in good condition for the quick-stop that's necessary for proper road trip pictures anyway.

There's a few pictures from Wyoming that I will post on Facebook soon.

In the meantime:

Car Shadow : )

See the rocks on sides of the highway?
That's what most of Wyoming looked like today.









Night-time picture
I was pulled over with my high-beams on

On the Road Again!

Today is the first day of my road trip back to NJ. First stop will be Evanston, Wyoming.
YAA has been invited to attend and present at their missions conference tomorrow. Luncheon to follow. That's always a bonus : )

Please pray for safe travels and that I don't mess up too badly when I speak tomorrow.

Look here for updates. I'll try to keep posting daily.

See ya soon!!!

Feedback Friday!

I think it will be fun to dedicate one day a week of my blog to asking for your feedback about a subject that has been on my mind. This week's discussion topic comes from the following verse:

1 Samuel 12:24 Be sure to fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.

My question: What great things has God done for you lately?

Please share your stories here - they will be an encouragement to me and to others who read them. We serve a great and mighty God. Don't be shy in giving Him praise!!!

And, just for fun, some snow day pictures.

The sky is bright and clear today.

The front of my house, with our tubing hill to the right.

I hope to get out on it later tonight.

My car - after I dug out just enough to get in and grab the camera.

...in the meadow we can build a snowman...

Such a beautiful sight

I'm happy tonight

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Well, it's not quite Winter yet but you would not believe it from the weather out here. The snow started sometime after I went to bed at midnight and when I woke up today at 7 there was already a foot on the ground. 10 hours later, the snowfall just stopped. Total accumulation of about 2 feet!

I very much wanted to post a nice picture so you can share in the beauty with me, but my camera is in the car, and the car is BURIED under all the snow.

This picture was taken with my web cam so it may not show up too large or clear. Anyways, if you can see it well, look to the left of the house and that's my car. At least I think it's mine. Hard to tell from just a mirror!

Here's hoping Santa brings me snow pants and a Subaru!

Speak Up : ()

1 Peter 3:15b Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

One of the "perks" of my job here is that I get the opportunity to tell people what Christ is doing in my life. It's not an easy thing to do. Not because there's nothing to share (because God is doing great and wonderful things!) but because of my own shyness and insecurities.

Facebook updates are quick and painless, and blogging here has become easier and even fun to do.

It's the face-to-face stuff that freezes me in my tracks sometimes.

Please pray for me to have extreme BOLDNESS in my daily life and interactions with others, and that God will give me the words I need to be an effective communicator.

Looking Up

One of the many benefits of living out here in Big Sky Country is the big sky. From the camp's location I have a great view of the heavens above. Tonight is very clear and there are billions of bright stars shining down on me.

Psalm 147: 3-5
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

Coolest Shirt Ever (so far)

What makes this shirt very cool is not only the subtle black-on-black pirate ship detail, but the fact that the skull, swords, and words...get this...GLOW IN THE DARK! I tried to get a picture of that, I really did but it was not clear enough to see.

Yup, that was $2. well spent at WalMart's after Halloween clearance.

*Public Service Announcement*
Please be over 21 if you plan on using rum to make yourself into a pirate.
Thank You.

Wasting Time

Yesterday I started reading "I Dare You: Embrace Life With Passion" by Joyce Meyer.



Now, she is not one of my favorite authors (although she does have some good things to say) but the title sounded interesting and the book was on clearance and I had a B&N gift card to use so I decided to purchase it.



Chapter 7 is called Eight Ways to Waste Your Time.

First sentences: "There is a Web site you can visit called Bored.com. Its whole purpose is to offer 'fun stuff while you are bored.'"



That's as far as I got in the book (so far). I'm wondering if I am the only one who (at least temporarily) gave up the book to check out that webiste.



Not to leave you hanging, I skimmed ahead to find her list of 8 wastes of time:

~worry

~guilt

~trying to change what only God can change

~complaining

~anger

~fear

~blame

~comparisons



I wonder if I multi-task and do several of these at once if it is still a waste of time? LOL j/k



No worries... I will continue the reading until the book is done!



**Special note to my literary friends: I am sorry for any incorrect puncuation in this posting. Titles and quotes and lists - oh my!

Achievement

It's nice to have my talents noticed and appreciated.

This certificate is going to be framed and hung for display.

THANK YOU, ANDREA!!!

11/8/09 UPDATE

The certificate is now

framed and hanging.

I don't like the way

he is looking at me!

stay tuned...

Exciting things are happening!

If I Only Had the Nerve

The Wizard of Oz...classic movie that I'm sure we have all enjoyed many times.

Rememberly the cowardly lion as they all prepare to approach the wizard?

(no, I'm not a movie dork - I copied this off a website but forgot to copy the website's address so proper credit will have to wait)

Cowardly Lion: Wait a minute, Fellows. I was just thinking. I really don't want to see the Wizard this much. I'd better wait for you outside.

Scarecrow: What's the matter?

Tin Woodsman: Oh, he's just a scared again.

Dorothy: Don't you know the Wizard's going to give you some courage?

Cowardly Lion: I'd be too scared to ask him for it. [sobs]

Dorothy: Well then, we'll ask him for you.

Cowardly Lion: I'd sooner wait outside.

Dorothy: Why? Why?

Cowardly Lion: Because I'm still scared. [sobs]

He had come so far, with this one goal in mind, and now that the end was near he was going to chicken out because he did not have enough courage to ask for courage!

This popped into my head in a spiritual way today, as I come to terms with some of my own fears. The Bible talks a lot about having courage; and men and women who, despite their fears or weaknesses, obeyed courageously.

A dear friend (love you S.B.) recently told me that "courage is faith in the face of fear".

Is my faith stronger than my fears? Can I look beyond my weaknesses to God's strength? Am I willing to start down a path when even the first step is scary? Will I keep my eyes on Jesus long enough to walk on water? Do I trust that He will close the mouths of lions I encounter, or that the fiery furnaces I enter will not burn me? Can I pick and choose which promises/blessings I will claim as my own and which I will still doubt? Will I go all the way to obedience, or just close enough that it does not become hard?

KUTLESS has a great song on their new "It is Well" CD (available at the Bible House, of course).

The song is called What Faith Can Do and it talks about taking the small everyday steps of faith. You can view a video of it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7elxC8LXfzE

What was the last big stop on your faith journey? I would love to hear the story!

Root Root Root for the home team

I have not watched tv since May (or really missed it too much).

The only newspaper I have read recently is the local town one (and only occasionally).

Yes, I am more than a little out of many loops. Including sports.

It has come to my attention that the world series is going on - and even possibly ending tonight.

So...to all my dear friends in NY/NJ/PA who care about such things, let me just say....

LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!

win it all in your new stadium

wOOt wOOt

I'm tired

Yes, I'm tired. *sigh*

Not so much a physical tired, but more of a mental or emotional kind of tired.

Perhaps weary is a better word.

Ever have one of those days when there's so much on your mind and no answers to the questions/problems/maybes running around in your head? Then you know how I feel.

Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

I have no solutions to my situations. God does and I'm sure they are very good ones. He only ever wants the best for me. Yet I still seem to waste time worrying and what-ifing and wallowing in self pity. What does that accomplish? NOTHING! No wonder I'm weary. Time to pray and enjoy God's peace.

How Much is Enough?

Luke 12:48b says "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

I heard a message in church last week that has been on my mind quite often since then. Pastor challenged us to ask God how we can use what He has given us a lot of. So I started thinking about what it was I had a lot of:
Money...Time...Clothes...Food...Love...Compassion...Talent...

How will I go about using these abundances to bless others?

Why do I still find myself craving MORE when I already have so much?

The thoughts hit me hard yesterday as I was packing up and feeling convicted by the visual reminder of just how much STUFF I have. Not that stuff is bad in and of itself, but my deisre to hold on to so much of it is not so good.

I was listening to music while I worked and this song came on. Very appropriate and I thank God for His timing. Sit still and listen to it. Reflect on the words. Will you let God be ENOUGH for you? Please pray that I do!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI9RIbaa87I&feature=related

(if this does not work as a link, copy and paste in your browser)

Happy NaBloPoMo

What exactly is NaBloPoMo? I asked myself the very same question just this morning when I read about it on a friend's blog. NaBloPoMo stands for National Blog Posting Month! And since I have been recently reminded several times of my neglect of this blog (sorry, friends) I decided to jump on the bandwagon and commit to writing EVERY DAY this month. Who knows...the habit just may stick past the end of November. I would not start holding your breath just yet though ; )

October was filled with wonderful adventures here in Montana. I learned how to set and empty mouse traps and how to skin a deer. Both very practical skills to have.

We had about 4 feet of snow total so far, with some very warm days in-between. The snow looks absolutely beautiful on the mountains! We get quite a bit more here in the canyon than the center of town gets. Thankfully my car only got stuck once - on a camp road. Unfortunately, the early cold and snow meant that there was not much in the way of Fall foliage to enjoy. Not that they get a lot of pretty colors here anyway, but all there was this year was brown. Thanks to everyone who posted their East Coast Fall pictures on FB for me to enjoy!

We have had guests here almost every weekend, which is great. I enjoy planning menus (especially for the ladies) and doing their cooking. I am very blessed to have such great co-workers who jump in to help out with dish washing. I really could not do my job well at all without them, and we have fun together!

During the weeks I had the opportunity to take several day-trips for sightseeing. I have lots of pictures of the beauty of God's creation. Pictures only show a fraction of how amazing everything looked.

These two are from Yellowstone National Park (which is technically in Wyoming, but it still counts as a Montana adventure to me). The 1st one is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The 2nd one is Old Faithful in the middle of an eruption.

So now you are a little more caught up with my life. Tune in tomorrow for more!

spreading my wisdom

In addition to posts here, I have joined on as a food writer for Asphalt Eden.
Nothing specifically camp related, but interesting and educational none the less.
Check it out and let me know what you think!

www.asphalteden.blogspot.com

Monday!

Today was the first full day with these campers. Our chapel speaker for the week is Pastor Ron from Cheyenne, Wyoming. He gave a very good message with a couple of powerful demonstrations.

First was about sin. He started with a glass of clean water and asked who would drink it - 0f course everybody would. Then he showed a glass of "toilet water" which was actually made with a few bouillon cubes and different seasonings and stuff from the kitchen. He asked who would drink that - of course nobody would. He then dipped a fingertip into the dirty water and put it into the clean water and asked who would still drink that. Again, nobody would because even a little bit made the whole cup dirty. That's the problem with sin. Even a little bit makes us totally unclean in God's eyes. He then drank from the "toilet water" cup (one little girl was gagging in her seat, poor thing). That represented Christ taking the punishment for our sins. He then poured clean water from a pitcher into the remaining "toilet water" until it overflowed and ran clear. That represented Christ washing us and making us clean in God's eyes.

For the next demonstration, he had help from David - our program director (seen in previous blogs as Mr. Incredible). Ron asked the kids who would like a Snickers bar. Almost all hands went up. He said, OK...if you can do 250 push-ups you may have one. One very confident girl did try and got up to about 5 before giving up! Ron said that if David could do 4 push-ups for each person, he would give them their candy. So he went around the room, person by person, getting each camper's/counselor's name and asking them if they wanted the candy. As one said yes he would tell David "Will you do 4 push-ups so this one can have a candy?" and David did them, and the person got a candy. Even if someone did not want or could not have one he would still tell David "Will you do 4 push-ups for this one who does not want a candy?" and David did them. After all the campers and counselors had their turns, Ron went around the back of the room to myself and others and went through the same routine, and David did more push-ups.

I had to leave then to get lunch finished, but Ron told me later that he ended the message with explaining to the kids how Christ died for everyone! Even though some people may never accept the free gift of salvation, Christ still loves them enough to have paid the price. Amen!

All in all poor David did about 200 push-ups on that concrete floor. He is Mr. Incredible indeed!

At evening fireside the high school students did a skit called "Is it Time Yet?"

I did take a good video of the kids singing, but I need to change the format before it gets uploaded. Check back in tomorrow for that.

My overall BEST part of the day was getting chocolates in the mail from a good friend back home! The kitchen crew was very happy that I shared with them too.

Today's Highlights

Well, day 1 with our new campers has just come to an end.

There are 40 kids here in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade.

Dinner was sloppy joes (on hot dog buns which are the perfect shape/size for shoving into your mouth), potato chips, broccoli and carrots with ranch, and fruity jell-o for dessert.

The kids then made up team names and cheers and were off to play tug of war.

Not just any tug of war - 4 way tug of war!

Counselors had their turn as well.

With the exception of a few minor rope burns, it was a good time all aound.

Evening fireside time was next. First, our high school studens put on a skit called Doctor's Office. Then we had some great worship time. Tonight's songs were Every Move I Make, the Infantry Song (military, outer space, and Mexican verses), and I've Got a River of Life.

They all have really fun motions. I'll try to get videos of them soon.

Jerome Jackson was teaching on Mark 16:15, the great commission.

His wife Harriet does a "2 minute tidbit" story of someone on the mission field.

The camp's theme this Summer is Heroes. As a mission project, we are supporting IJM, the International Justice Mission. They are a group of lawyers (real-life heroes) who work to free people from slavery and introduce them to Jesus. Any money found laying around camp, or in pockets when Harriet does the staff's laundry goes into a jar for IJM. At the end of the week, kids have the option of donating any money leftover in their store accounts as well.

FYI...this poster was made by Jim Howard, Andrea Hawthorne's dad!

The kids were then sent off to get ready for bed.

I'll be doing the same thing myself soon.

Watch for another update tomorrow!

County Fair

This weekend was the Gallatin County Fair right here in Bozeman. I went this morning because it was FREE admission day.

There was a rodeo scheduled. It was some girls (maybe junior/senior high) doing barrel racing. Now for those of you who don't know what barrel racing is, it is when you ride your horse around 3 barrels. But you have to go in a certain pattern. You can lose points for not following the pattern. I think their moms were the announcers and there were many comments about how nice a rider's helmet was, and how cute that the rider's shirt matched the horse's leg wraps, and oh no she lost her hat/headband, etc.

The 4H had barns full of animals being judged. I did not go into most of them because they were smelly. OK, so I am not a total farm girl. It was fun to look at the chickens/hens/roosters. I love the hairdo on this guy!

Other displays included plants, art, food, etc. I got a free shirt from the MDT (Montana Department of Transportation) who were there promoting seat belts. I wear mine every time I am in the car and I make my passengers buckle up as well. Do you?

There was an interdenominational church service put on by the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys. That was fun to go to even though there were no cowboys there. Where are they all??? The leader is running a rodeo Bible camp here in town next week.

Thus ended my weekend time off. We're expecting about 40 campers here this week. I see a group of them playing on the field outside my window right now. Please keep us all in prayer: that the Holy Spirit will fill this place, that we will work enthusiastically and safely, and that our desire to serve the Lord and see kids get saved will leave Satan shaking in his boots.

I have a lot more pictures posted on Facebook. If you're not on Facebook and would like to see them, email me and I'll send you links to access them!

Day Off

I did not have to work at all yesterday (Andrea, thank you sooo much for that blessing!) so I went out exploring. No specific itinerary, just got in the car and started driving. Thankfully my Echo has been averaging 37 mpgs out here so I don't have to feel too guilty about driving around aimlessly.

First stops were at garage sales. My car just follows the neon arrows alomost automatically! Couldn't resist looking around and picked up a couple of small things.

Then I went and got my first Montana bagel and it was pretty good. Slightly smaller than NJ's but very similar texture.

The road trip brought me to Livingston, MT. There was a railroad history museum there, which normally would not interest me but it was free so I decided to go in.

I walked around their historic downtown. Lots of little stores to stop in. One street had several thrift/consignment/resale/antique shops.

Next stop in town was Sacajawea Park, where they were having Summerfest. There was an old car show and lots of vendors. I treated myself to a necklace/earring set.

The park is located along the Yellowstone River. I spent some time sitting on a bench there just relaxing and praying. It was quite peaceful despite the crowd. I had a cherry-lime shaved ice to help beat the heat.

Downtown Bozeman had crazy days sidewalk sale this weekend so I then went to check that out. I got a big box of beads in a storage container for out craft shop and a t-shirt for myself. All that for $10. Sweet deal.

Next stop was Target. Best thing I found there was a new kind of laundry detergent sheet with fabric softener and anti-static stuff built in. Now, I realize that this is not a big deal for most people but since I am allergic to most fabric softeners it made me very happy. I don't even like the smell of them or the artificial "cotton blossom" or "clean laundry" candle/air freshener scents. Anyway, this one is labeled as clinically proven to be hypoallergenic. Can't wait to try it tonight.

Final stop was for dinner at MacKenzie River Pizza. I had half of a personal size Thai chicken pie. It was good.

Another week over

WOW...what a week!

Our campers left this afternoon, we had a staff debriefing and prayer time, and now I can sit down and share some stories of the week with you.

It was a large group here and that did not leave me much opportunity to leave the kitchen and make it to the chapel services. I did go one morning and the speaker was giving a great message about self-worth. He reminded the junior high kids (and staff as well) that we are God's workmanship, created in His image; we are chosen by God and adopted as His own; we are a new creation because of His loving sacrifice; and other great things! Image is something almost everyone struggles with so it was encouraging to once again hear how special we are to God. Let's pray everyday that Satan will not fill our heads with any negative junk.

For evening fireside time, the speakers ("retired" missionaries Jerome and Harriet Jackson) have been encouraging everyone to surrender all to God and make ourselves wholly available to Him and be willing to do whatever He asks us no matter the cost. Quite a challenge!

They have been telling stories of different missionary organizations (Samaritan's Purse, Mission Aviation Fellowship, etc) to show how God can use us no matter what our skills and interests are. He created each of us with the ability to serve Him in a unique way. Hmm...sounds a lot like what we were learning in the morning.

One night for fireside, our camp director and his wife (Jim and Andrea Hawthorne) shared a bit of their personal history. It's pretty cool. Jim's mom's brother was Jim Elliott, the missionary. Andrea's dad's sister was Elizabeth Howard Elliott. They told the story and showed some video of their 2006 trip to Ecuador to commerate the 50th anniversary of when Jim Elliott and 4 other missionaries were killed by the Waodani tribe there. This is the event that the movie "End of the Spear" was based on. There's great examples of reconciliaton by the widows (Elizabeth Elliott later went to live among that tribe) and children who lost their dads (Steve Saint showed mercy to his dad's killer). Another example of God's power to heal hearts and change lives. If you have never read the story or seen the movie I would have to recommend it.

There were lots of sweet God moments throughout the week as staff encouraged the campers and one another. Several of our staff members have left for the Summer. Please pray for them and for those who are still here and missing them. In such a short time we have become like family and it will be hard to have our new brothers and sisters away from us.

Last night was our traditional Thursday night surprise for the campers. Counselors got them settled into their cabins at bedtime, then we rang the "you need to be somewhere" bell. After the usual confusion, everyone was led to the dining hall for party time.

The treat was a 40-foot ice cream sundae!

Might be hard to see in the picture, but on these tables is 4o feet of gutter (which I personally cleaned and sanitized before use) filled with bananas, ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles.

You might have noticed that there were no bowls out.

Oh yea, all 75+ people got to eat from the gutter with spoons.

Very messy and unsanitary but it was a great time!

Makes me thankful that I am not a big fan of ice cream. Although I did manage to steal a spoonful of Jim's later in the evening. It came right from the freezer and had m&ms in it.

Of course, things got a little bit out of control, as they often do when you mix kids plus sugar.

The guys came up with a creative way to help clean up.

I'm guessing that chugging ice cream is something they probably don't get to do at home.

By the end of the night we were all worn out and ready for a good sleep. There sure were lots of tired faces at breakfast this morning!

I am officially off-duty until Sunday afternoon. Please pray that it will be a time of physical, emotional, and spiritual refreshment. I certainly need them all.

God is good.

July so far...

Well, a lot has happened since my last (long ago) post. We hosted family camp from July 3 to 6. The speaker gave really good messages about relationships. On the 4th we celebrated our country's independence with a big bbq and fireworks at night.

There were no guests here from the 7th to 11th and it was a good time for the staff to refresh and enjoy one another's company. One night we set up a make-your-own ice cream bar. Everyone got to choose their own treats to mix in, and then we enjoyed a movie together.

Last Saturday we took a trip to Townsend, MT for a play day at the lake. The local Alliance church provided lunch for us and we grilled some shish-kebabs for dinner. Packing food and snacks for 50 people is no easy task! The weather was beautiful that day and we had a lot of fun in the water.

This past Saturday I had some free time and got out to enjoy the town a little bit. Went to the farmers market, a couple of garage sales, some antique shops, the thrift store ($1.75 jeans!), and for a short hike at Hyalite Canyon. Yes, that is SNOW on the mountain top. No, I did not go that far up.

This week we have 7th to 9th graders here at camp. They are a fun and energetic bunch! There is also a group of guys spending the week backpacking in the mountains.

Personally, I just finished reading (along with my small group at home) "One Month to Live" by Kerry and Chris Shook. It was a great book about living life to the fullest and without regrets. It's available for purchase at the BIBLE HOUSE in Hawthorne.

Please continue to keep the camp in prayer, and I'll try to do better at keeping you posted with what God's doing here.

Ready...Aim...

Today I had the chance to visit 3 more skill builder classes.

The archery class was having a "shoot off". The leader had strung plastic milk jugs filled with water from a clothesline in front of the regular targets. Altogether the boys got about 8 arrows through them. Impressive!

The riflery class was shooting rifles (I know, no surprise there). I got to shoot a round as well - from a chair,not on the ground. The boy who carried in my paper target was very excitedly telling me that I had a hit. Whoo-Hoo. Very exciting only until the instructors informed me that the hole was way too small to be from my bullet. I think the boy poked a hole with his fingernail or something. Hmm....pity points given by an 11 year old...good enough for me. I was allowed to keep my shell casing and was promised an adult lesson on another day!

The camp craft (camping skills) class was learning how to tie knots today. This leader has a tremendous amount of patience to be teaching these little girls how to tie fancy knots when they only want to use them for bracelets! Boys in the class were wanting more fire-building skills.

One of the activity directors tried to talk me into participating in a game of paintball. Sounds like fun except that running, being hit, and getting dirty are all on my top 10 list of least-favorite things. Maybe by the end of the Summer. Keep praying. : )