Great and Marvelous Things

Redesign

2011-10-03T20:32:00.001-05:00

For new posts, please go to our new site, www.tallpinetales.com All of my current posts are being moved to that address as well. In the future, "great and marvelous things," will be dedicated to sharing about "God using Ordinary People to do Extraordinary Things."

Thank You, and God Bless!

Scrunching up to God

2011-07-07T12:00:00.001-05:00

It was 3 am when I woke to the sound of 2 year old feet. They were pounding out a steady rhythm as she took the familiar path from her room to mine. I listened, recognizing the sound of her knee as she climbed up the cedar chest at the foot of the bed and I felt as she landed on the mattress. Without a pause, she crawled the length of the bed and plopped beside me and then like waves lick the sand, she wriggled her body back and forth until she had scrunched up close. Listen… there went the thumb and almost simultaneously her breathing slowed and there was a contented sigh.

I felt a smile spread across my face in the dark and I reached out to smooth the soft silky tresses of this child God gave us. She wasn’t planned by us, but God in His wisdom knew how much she would mean to us. I thought of the book of blessings under the night stand. I started to turn to write this one down, but then, no. Some gifts are better left to linger over. This moment would be written on my heart.

And then I thought…

“Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29: 12-13

I have fallen in love with the lexicon. The English language is watered down by comparison to the Hebrew language of God’s people, Israel. This passage is loaded, but let us just focus right now on the word “find”. The original word is “matsa,” a verb, and in this tense, here is what it means:

1) to find, attain to

a) (Qal)

        1) to find
            a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought)
            b) to find (what is lost)
            c) to meet, encounter
            d) to find (a condition)
            e) to learn, devise
         2) to find out
             a) to find out
             b) to detect
             c) to guess
          3) to come upon, light upon
             a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with
             b) to hit
             c) to befall

In light of my little snuggle bug who doesn’t want to stay in her own bed, I can’t help but be drawn to this definition, “to happen upon, meet, fall in with.”

God is never far away. He isn’t hiding. He has told us where to find Him and He is listening for the sound of our footsteps. If we are seeking Him with all our hearts we will chase after Him and fall in with Him… we’ll plop right beside Him and then scrunch up just as close as we possibly can. He is our comfort, our strength and our joy! Feel like a great big sigh of contentment?

Being made in His image, when we fall in with Him, I’m imagine He smiles.

Morning Thanks

2011-01-31T13:01:00.001-06:00

1. I am thankful for the gift of sibling love

2. For early morning snuggles

3. For baby fingers

4. Precious smiles

5. Captured moments

6. Giggles in the hallway

7. Little voices outside my door

8. Freshly laundered clothes

9. Warm floors

10. children eager for a warm breakfast

From Head to Heart~ Being Transformed

2011-01-20T17:12:00.001-06:00

Today was my first piano lesson in say, oh, 19 years! And if you had heard me play for the teacher to assess my ability-- oh, my. Nervousness does not become me! I had some head knowledge of the notes and theory, but I have forgotten most of it and my fingers were not used to putting that knowledge into practice.

This is how we learn a new skill.
Head knowledge first~ then to my hands~ over and over until my hand muscles are strong, coordinated and playing the piano becomes natural.
And for a dancer, head knowledge~ then to her feet and the rest of her body~ practice to become perfect.

Our spiritual lives are no different. Behavior stems from what we think - our attitudes, beliefs, values and opinions.

Paul said in Romans 12:2

"Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]." Amplified Bible

Be transformed. The Greek word is metamorphoo. Like the Caterpillar who goes into his cocoon to be meta morphed into a butterfly, so we are to spend precious time in God's word so that the Holy Spirit can renew and change our minds~ which will translate into a changed heart~ which will translate into a changed life.

In short, we are what we eat. The enemy knows this. That is why He works so hard to provide us with a steady diet of input that runs contrary to the Word of God. We are a society constantly bombarded with ideas through "education", television, books, radio, cell phones, computer Internet, video games, and so much more. When we are not careful what we allow to be input we find ourselves buying into the assumptions they present without even thinking about it.

In a 2003 survey, the Barna Group reported that only 4% of Americans were making decisions from a biblical world view. Only 9% of born again Christians were making decisions from a biblical world view.

So does that mean we should sequester ourselves? Only read the bible? No, but we should read more of the bible. And we should be purposeful in what we allow ourselves to think on.

I heard a pastor tell of growing up in a home with an unsaved father who swore vehemently. "All those bad words are up here," he said, tapping his head. He chooses not to use them, and diligently strives to lead a Godly life. "But," he continued,  "in the event that someday I am no longer in control of my mental faculties, and you come to visit me and I fill the conversation with vulgar language, I apologize." he said. "It is still in my head."

It is easy to try to justify watching or listening to something we shouldn't because we will choose to live right anyway. But once it is in our head, it stays in our head. And all of it influences our world view, which shapes our heart, which determines how we live. That is why teachers are held at a higher level of accountability.

If we want to act like Jesus, we have to think like Jesus.

     ^8"For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]."   Philippians 4:8 Amplified Bible

Lets be transformed~ meta morphed into Christ's image.  It will change in our lives, our families, our communities, and yes~ even the world.

Change My Heart

2011-01-16T15:42:00.001-06:00

There is something about new beginnings, isn't there?  January is the month of resolutions, reorganization and reinvention. "Out with the old and in with the new". How often, I wonder, do most of us really establish new habits versus simply take an extended vacation from the old?  I have to admit, I struggle with this.

After Christian's birth, I had an extended period of time I had to be careful not to overdo my physical activity.  I was frustrated by the accumulating list of things needing doing that I could not do.  Our five girls love their baby brother, but there are still some bumpy days as everyone adjusts to the new addition. Add to that post-pardom hormones and interrupted sleep schedule and you end up with, well, a crabby mom. I didn't want to be. In a "God and Me" moment I poured out my feelings of inadequacy. "Please, God, help me to be more patient, kind and understanding with the children, regardless of how I am feeling on the inside. Please help me to savor this day instead of trying to hurry through it!"

Then I found myself thinking that this prayer of mine was all too familiar. Year after year, baby after baby, I have learned what sorts of things trigger my crabby disposition to surface. In response, I have learned to try to implement "climate control"--- keep my "To-Do" list manageable, establish a level of organization, make sure we all get enough sleep, spend enough time with my Heavenly Father = reduce stress. What was disturbing me was that while maintaining these things is always helpful, increased stress usually produces a predictable response.  And it was my response that needed to change.

Our pastor was doing a series of sermons on the book of James. The next Sunday's focus was on taming the tongue.   The following scripture is James 3:2-10 and is from the Amplified Bible.

2 For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature.

3 If we set bits in the horses' mouths to make them obey us, we can turn their whole bodies about.
4 Likewise, look at the ships: though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze!
6 And the tongue is a fire. [The tongue is a] world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man's nature), being itself ignited by hell (Gehenna).
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea animal, can be tamed and has been tamed by human genius (nature).
8 But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God's likeness!
10 Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not to be so.

I do want to make a point here. It is not always what you say that is hurtful to others. For me, it is often how I say what I say that is a struggle. Some of it what I learned from example growing up. Some of it is just plain old me. All of it is mine to own, and to change. As I sat there listening to Pastor Paul present the truth from James, I wanted to knod my head and say, "I know, I know! I want to be better. I care and I try. And I can't do it on my own. So, what do I need to do?"

I heard someone say recently that we really have to come to the end of ourselves in order for God to have a free hand in our lives. Have you ever been there, at the end of yourself, and then heard that still, small voice? I was there, and then that He reminded me...

But whatever comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this is what makes a man unclean and defiles [him]. Mathew 15:18

... and then I heard Him.

"Stop asking Me to change your behavior. Instead, ask Me to change your heart. Your behavior will follow."

Of course. The tears came. And then the moment of truth. But, God... what if it's hard? What if it hurts? What if the process is long? What if...?

Obedience isn't always easy. It's just obedience.

"To constitute obedience, the act or forbearance to act must be in submission to authority; the command must be known to the person, and his compliance must be in consequence of it, or it is not obedience. Obedience may be voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary obedience alone can be acceptable to God." ~Websters Dictionary 1928

Everyone's journey is different. Sanctification is a process. We won't be perfect until we get to heaven. But I know God is peeling back the layers of my heart, healing and changing. And I have more joy. And I am glad.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

Eating Healthy and Affordably

2010-12-03T20:26:00.001-06:00

Have you ever looked back on your life and been able to single out one thing that completely changed the course of all your days since? Of course, there are many such times in life. Some are more conspicuous than others.

One of the big ones for me was the news that I had food allergies. The worst one is wheat. I had to learn how to cook completely differently. Gone were many of my favorite dishes. Convenience foods were no longer an option. New foods entered into my vocabulary...amaranth anyone? New recipes came home to our table.

It happened again when my oldest daughter was born with a milk allergy.

And again when our 5th baby developed horrible eczema as a result of a potato allergy. (sweet potatoes, here we come!)

However inconvenient these allergies have been, I can honestly say we're probably better off. It is good for our bodies to eat more variety, and we really do eat more healthfully than we would have without the allergies.

The flip side has been the monetary cost to provide these allergy-free health foods for our family. I've learned a lot along the way. Here is what has worked well for our family.

Gardening:
Obviously, if you live where you can garden, it is the most affordable way to eat fresh organic produce. It is also a wonderful teaching tool for children and the exercise is good for everyone.

Compare Prices:
Certain health trends have helped by resulting in larger grocery chains develping "health food" sections. I always compare prices between the health food stores, coops and the big grocer in town. While I like to support small business owners, farmers and coops lets face it... we are now a family of 8 and my budget is $500 a month. If Cub Foods is more affordable then the coop, I confess that is where I will shop.

Amazon:
Sometimes amazon.com is good for our budget. Really, for food! Yes! Rice noodles are our pasta substitute since I can't have wheat flour and Tinkyada brand is the best! I can buy a whole case of pasta noodles on amazon and save a substancial amount over the local stores, and shipping is free.

Azure Standard:
A friend shared with me about Azure Standard. I had been buying my spelt flour from Purity Foods, but the UPS shipping was prohibitive. Azure Standard delivers by semi once a month if you have a minimum order, and delivery cost is minimal. Ordering with a group is your best bet, or if you order alone, twice a year works out well for a lot of folks. Azure carries a wide variety of "healthy" shelf foods as well as fresh organic produce. I even buy my Jason brand organic shampoo and save a lot over other sources.

The Azure Standard Truck Meeting Our Group at a Local Parking Lot

"The Lord is my shepherd" is painted on the cab.

Vitamin Shoppe:
I also have a lot of chemical sensitivities which made me think "green" before it was a trend. I order other healthy toiletry items, vitamins and Spry gum and toothpaste (xylitol based products recommended by my dentist) online from Vitamin Shoppe. They carry my childrens' Animal Parade multi-vitamin on which I save $10 a bottle.

I know there are a lot of other good resources. Do you have any tips to share?

Let Them See You Grow

2010-11-01T00:41:00.001-05:00

"L et them see you grow. Let them hear your pleas for forgiveness after a bitter tirade when they haven’t obeyed. Let them watch you develop self-control as you seek discipline for losing focus. Let them into your heart as you are made less, and He shines in you more and more."

To read the whole post, click here

Faith or Feelings?

2010-10-18T16:38:00.001-05:00

My daughter Rebecca is just turning 9. She has a lot of fears, mostly which stem from the fear of being alone. She seemed to be born with this fear. She has never had to confront it because she has always had a big sister and has rarely ever been alone.

Recently, it has become a bigger issue, spilling into other areas of her life. I can tell Rebecca she does not have to be afraid. I can even tell her God is with her, but it is not enough. She needs me to take her to scripture and there to share with her all of God’s reasons for her not to be afraid.

If you ask her how she feels after reading God’s word concerning fear, she will tell you she still feels afraid. Yet, I see her going back to the scriptures on her own for reassurance. She believes God, and that gives her comfort. She will continue to need reminded for awhile, but as her faith grows, so grows her testimony.

What I want to share with you is that we don’t always have control of our feelings, but we can still live by faith! The world tells us to do what feels right. “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” Romans 1:17 NAS

One of the greatest weapons the enemy uses against us is fear. If Satan can cause you to live by fear, He can keep you from being an effective tool of God.

If you are living by faith you will:

Fill your mind with Truth. “Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth.” John 17:17 Amplified Bible

One thing God has been teaching me in every area of my life is that no matter what I give up, I have to replace it with something... with truth. If you struggle with fear, learn what God’s word says about fear. Hint: God promises to be with you, fight for you, uphold you… if you are walking in Him, you need NEVER be afraid. God’s word feeds our spirit.

Believe God. Believe His word. Believe His promises. (conviction of things not seen) Understand that feelings are not always based on what is true. They are ever changing based on emotions, hormones, the amount of sleep we have had, our current stress level, and all of the other ideas that have become a part of our thought processes. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NAS

Choose to act on in faith, not on your feelings. If you still feel afraid, it’s okay, but do not let that stop you from doing what God asks. When we hold back because of fear, we are really the ones who miss out. God doesn’t need us in order for Him to accomplish His will. He can use someone else, but when we are available to God, we reap incredible blessing through our faith. “For by it the men of old gained approval.” This is obedience, and it is our "reasonable service", our "act of worship". Romans 12

In an upcoming post I will share with you a project we used to help encourage our Rebecca in filling her mind with Truth.

~Linda

Do You Jump For Jesus?

2010-10-09T02:56:00.002-05:00

And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all].
Matthew 18:3 Amplified Bible

Our family wraps up each summer with a camping trip. It is funny, I know, since our career field is camping. It's different to be roughing it in a camper rather than the posh cabins at Camp JIM... *wink*.  My husband's hours are long in the summer and we need to get away (completely) to be together and reconnect.

This year we had vehichle problems and borrowed my inlaws 5th wheel. Talk about posh! Bathroom, bumpout with floor space and the "kitchen" had a fridge and microwave! Nice. Especially with me being 7 months pregnant. I loved the good God had hidden in that vehicle crises *smile*.

The 5th wheel was pretty high off the ground and it took 3 big steps on an unstable stair case to get up and down into the camper. With my big belly and sore hips, I really needed to hold on to the door frame to keep my balance going up and down. That meant setting Abigail (22 months) at the entrance of the camper while I made my way in and out. "STAY, wait for Mommy," became the phrase of the week.

Abigail loved camping. And she loved being outside. If anyone else was out, she wanted to go too. She would stand at the edge, obediently waiting, and as soon as we said "okay" she would jump into our arms. No pause, no fear, no doubt that we would catch her... just jump.  She kept us on our toes.  My little inspiration.

"Unless you repent and become like little children,"  [trusting, lowly, loving and forgiving]
And what is the opposite of this? How often did Jesus shake His head at his disciples and say, "Oh, you of little faith".

Abigail jumped because she trusted completely that we would catch her and take her where she wanted to go! She had absolute faith...

NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, ]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. Hebrews 11:1 Amplified Bible

...and she jumped. I think she probably thought about it a little more the first few times, but by the end of that camping trip, she didn't think about it at all. She jumped faster and farther. She was always ready~ evidence of her faith.

Are you ready with a childlike faith, poised to hear His "Okay, now!"  ?
Do you trust God's will for your life, knowing that He will never ask you to go where His love and strength cannot sustain you?
Do you jump for Jesus?

Teach Them Young

2010-08-20T18:43:00.006-05:00

All of my children have grown up singing bible songs. I began reading to them from a childrens' bible when they were around the age of two, and have spent one on one time going through "God and Me" devotional book for girls. Our oldest became saved the day after her 6th birthday, and each child has been saved at an earlier age.

I thought we were doing good. But God opened my eyes to the reality that we could have been doing better.

Babies have an amazing capacity to take in information. They can't relay it back, but they are assimilating it.
When I was pregnant with our fifth child, God told me to pray for her. Specifically, for her to "love good and hate evil." That is a quote from Amos 5:15.

I prayed that verse for her every day before she was born, and almost every day since. We did not know whether we were having a girl or a boy, but the names we chose reflected our desire for our child. Abigail, meaning "fathers joy", was a woman of wisdom in the bible. So we named our baby girl Abigail hoping that she would be a woman of Godly wisdom, loving God, loving good and hating evil. (And she brings her daddy so much joy!)

When Abigail was just born, I would pray out loud for her. When she was nursing, during quiet moments, I would recite for her the verses that her sisters were learning. I began reading the childrens' bible to her before she could even sit up. And she is a lover of music, so she has been sung to by all of us, usually bible songs.

She is 21 months old now. One of her first words was "bible"... the 7th word actually. Fitting since 7 is the perfect number *smiles*. She asks for her bible every day. I often hear her in her crib in the morning, singing "Jesus Loves Me" in her baby english. If ever there is a video she may ask to watch (yes, we watch some screened movies) it is a bible movie. I am finding she has an amazing recollection, often communicating to me about things that happened so long ago I never thought she would remember it today. Yet, she does remember.

I have no greater joy than to know that my childrens' hearts, their treasure, is in Jesus.

I heard a mother once ask how she would be living her life if she knew she would only have three years with her child. Three years to teach her everything that was important for her to learn. That puts it into perspective. If I knew I only had three years, would I wait for anything, or would I begin sharing everything, trusting that if I repeated the important things often enough, she would remember when I was gone?

Pray for your children. If you don't know how to pray for them, ask God and He will instruct you.

Don't wait to teach them until you think they are ready. They are always learning, always assimilating, and always hungry to learn more.

Teach them young.

Enjoy Cabbage Year Round; Sauerkraut Directions

2010-05-31T20:49:00.005-05:00

Growing cabbage in your garden? Wondering what how to use it all? The following is an easy and delicious recipe for making your own sauerkraut. Our family made this last fall and really enjoyed the addition to our winter menu!

1. Trim cabbage heads and wash thoroughly. Quarter, core and shred the cabbage finely. I am using an antique Kraut shredder.

2. Pack loosely but firmly into sterilized quart jars by tamping with a fork, leaving 1 inch headspace.

3. Add 2 teaspoons salt and 1 tablespoon cider vinegar to each quart. (the cider vinegar improves the taste and preserves the color of the cabbage)

4. Cover with boiling water within 1/2 inch of rim, pouring slowly and working air bubbles out with a fork.

5. Cover with standard, self sealing lids, and apply bands firmly.

6. Place immediately in a cool, dark place on a pad of newspapers.

7. Allow 6 weeks to cure and then enjoy!

Improper trimming and washing can cause a gray color. Insufficient water will cause the kraut to rot, so make sure all the cabbage is covered with liquid. All of my kraut turned out last year. It was very good. I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Life Trials are Like... Manure!

2010-05-28T12:36:00.003-05:00

This past weekend we were blessed by a family from church to be able to go out to their farm and get "black dirt" for our new garden. Of course we all know it for what it is--- cow manure. Partly decomposed, it looks a lot like black dirt, until you find a piece that still looks like a cow patty. And of course, you really want to knock it off your shoes well before getting into your vehicle because it still has a foul smell.

A thing that we would normally consider gross and untouchable (something we would not want near the dinner table) we will dig right into because as unpleasant as it really is, it is good for our garden. It enriches the soil and nourishes the plants, producing a greater harvest.

As I helped shovel the stuff into the trailer, trying not to inhale the dust, I had this thought:

How like the manure we lavish on our gardens perhaps are the trials and difficulties we experience in life. They are unpleasant and even painful. Far from the stuff dreams are made of. Not part of our plans. And yet, God allows us to experience them... even admonishes us to welcome them because they enrich and refine our character. They draw us closer to the Savior, make us more apt to retain His goodness, and train us to nurture others in His grace.

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4

Other scripture references:
Soil condition/ harvest - Matthew 13:3-23
Comforting others in suffering as God has comforted us - 2 Corinthians 1:3-3
God's goodness and our responibility as partakers in Christ's suffering - 2 Corinthians 1: 4-11

If gardening is a family activity for you, it is a great way to paint life application of biblical concepts for your children to understand and remember.

Happy gardening!

Experiencing Miscarriage, A Glimpse at God's Heart for the Lost

2010-05-14T22:58:00.008-05:00

My husband was getting ready to walk out the door for a week long trip of summer staff recruitment for the camp where he was interning. He stood with a worried look from the doorway of the bathroom as I let out a sob at the sight of blood. I was eleven weeks pregnant, but his trip was important to his knowledge of the camp's workings as well as his grade.

"It's okay," I said as I put my emotions in check. "It happened a few weeks ago and it went away. It will go away again this time."

I told him goodbye at the door a few minutes later. "It will be fine," I reassured him, but as I closed the door and watched him walk away through the living room window, warm tears stung my eyes and cheeks.

Even before the spotting had started several weeks earlier, I had experienced strange dreams of losing the baby in the public restroom of the local Kmart... calling for a strangers help.

I said everything would be fine, but in my heart I did not believe it.

The spotting did not go away, but continued intermittently throughout the week. My mother drove from Texas to Wisconsin to be with me. Having survived three miscarriages before having me, she did not want me to be alone.

I went through the emotional gamut that week. Fear, denial, bargaining, and hope. Finally, two hours before I thought my husband would be home, it was heartbreak as I found myself in the unmistakable pain of labor.

My mother kept my 16 month old daughter, Angel, out of my bedroom as I anguished in my bed. The pain was unrelenting. The labor was the same as that I had experienced at full term and it lasted almost as long.

"It hurts," I told my mother when she came in to check on me. "How can something so small cause as much pain as a full term baby?"

"I don't know." She told me sympathetically. "But I know, it does."

I hoped desperately to hear my husband come home as I willed my body to stop the process I had no control over. Finally, 5 hours later, the labor was finished. Instead of holding a warm sweet baby, I had empty arms.

Perhaps you have survived a miscarriage. Your experience may have been similar, or it may have been completely different. Whatever the circumstances, a closer look at the labor and loss of miscarriage gives us a glimpse at God's heart for the lost.

A thought that I had as I neared the end of my experience was the fruitlessness of my labor. All that pain pales immediately upon holding a living, crying, hungry little baby. Suddenly the labor seems worth it. Going through labor, knowing that there will be no reward, I have to admit having the thought that it was not worth it! It was not something I would have willingly chosen.

Christ knew that not everyone would come to the cross. He dreaded the experience just as all of us wish to avoid pain, yet he chose to suffer. Like a mother in labor who longs to see and hold her new child, he died for us because he desired a relationship with every *single* one of us. He was, "longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish," 2 Peter 3:9

By giving us free will, God allows us to choose where we will spend eternity. The bible says God's wrath will be upon those who do not choose life, but I have to believe that He also grieves for them as well. He makes sure we have the opportunity... a loving parent would do no less.
Despite Christ's suffering, some still enter into eternity lost, yet He considers His suffering worth it for every soul that IS born into the kingdom of heaven.

Ice Cream and Jesus

2010-04-16T11:07:00.007-05:00

George lives over an hour away. Every Sunday of Summer Youth Camps he and his wife pull in with a van load of kids, and every Satuday they come back to take them home. That is, at minimum, 10 trips a summer. He has been making these trips since the early 1960's.

George is one of my heroes. If you sit down and talk to him long enough, you will inevitably hear him say that “Everyone has a story.” He is a retired counselor who “listens” to the people in his community at no charge. He cares about people's hearts. He knows that God is the only way to become truly healed. He also understands the way Jesus ministered to those whose lives He touched... looking after an individual's physical and emotional needs today goes hand in hand with looking after their eternal needs.

George and wife Karen on their farm with our children.

Every summer George goes around and finds the kids that who have no place else to go, who are bored, who's families are not involved, who may be getting into trouble and may otherwise think no one cares. He talks to them. He listens to their stories. He will go visit the parents and ask for permission to send their kids to Camp JIM. Armed with permission, he tells the kids, “Come on! Lets go to camp this summer.” As if that isn't enough, he promises to stop and get them a treat at Dairy Queen--- twice---once on the way to camp and once on the way back. For most of these kids, a trip to Dairy Queen is a rare and coveted indulgence and so they say yes... we will go to camp.

Some of them come to camp for the ice cream, but they love George because he loves them, and he doesn't ask them for anything in return. While at camp, they discover that lots of people care about them.

Even God.

Especially God.

And we see these young lives transformed. Most return to camp with George every summer. Many stay and volunteer the whole summer. When they are old enough they become our counselors and lead others to Jesus Christ. Some have led their parents and friends to Christ. It is thrilling to see them off to a Christian College-- to full time ministry careers-- and raising Godly families.

Ice Cream and Jesus.

Loving people where they are today...
and leading them to the foot of our Savior who will love them eternally.

Thank you, George.

*Who has God placed in your path?

*How can you love and lead someone today?

Excuse This House

2010-02-13T23:33:00.008-06:00

As I continue to unpack and organize my new home, I wish for my house to be a warm and inviting place for all who enter in. I especially desire for it to be a place of belonging for my own family, where good memories will be formed and character will be built. It is nice to have everything clean and tidy, and I want it to be. Sometimes I spend too much time "working hard" as my children say it, and not enough time just being with my little blessings. I am trying to reach a balance.

The following is a poem that a reader posted in the comment section of another blog, generationcedar, and when I have time I will have it neatly typed and framed for the entry of our home.

Excuse This House

Some houses try to hide the fact
That children shelter there.
Ours boasts of it quite openly,
The signs are everywhere.

For smears are on the windows,
Little smudges on the doors;
I should apologize I guess
For toys strewn on the floor.

But I sat down with the children-
And we played and laughed and read.
And if the doorbell doesn't shine
Their eyes will instead.

For when at times I'm forced to choose
the one job or the other,
I want to be a housewife...
But first I'll be a mother.

Many blessings to you. Thanks for stopping by. Your comments are welcome--- Have a Happy Valentines Day.

Motherhood: Teaching by Example

2010-01-05T13:10:00.005-06:00

There are so many ways we teach our children and they are all important, but one of the most important is by example. This came home to me when my first born was 2. We had been having issues with her trying to stand up in shopping carts. One day I heard her playing with her baby doll and toy shopping cart in the next room. Her baby was standing up and she was telling her to sit down. In each word and tone of her voice my own manner and method of discipline was mirrored back for me to observe. The reality of my influence was a little bit shocking and a whole lot sobering.

Do we take to heart the responsibility we are entrusted to love, nurture and raise our children up in the Lord? Do we realize how much a part we have in shaping their lives? Everything we do: the way we handle frustration with everyday annoyances, how we treat relationships, what attitude we have toward work, the tone we use with each other, how we manage our time, how we take care of ourselves, the world view we communicate...

...every single thing we do and say is taken in by our children, processed and then lived out by them for better or for worse.

How many times do we say grateful thanks for our parents who taught us something wonderful, praise them for being godly examples? Or find ourselves struggling to overcome some bad habit, unlearn a negative trait?

What kind of legacy are you living?

Lord, help me to be aware of how I am living, to remember to do everything as unto You, and be intentional in the example I set for my children.

Praying For Our Children

2009-12-31T00:10:00.007-06:00

A friend gave me this list called "How To Pray For Your Child". I want to share it with you. While it was designed to pray for young children who are still under their parent's authority, I am placing a * next to most of these to remind you to pray for adult children as well because we never outgrow the need for prayer. In fact, as we get older life can become more complicated and our cares seem more plentiful. Our need for prayer is just as great.

Pray for grandchildren!

And don't forget that you do not have to be a parent to pray for someone's child. Many an individual has grown up to enter into a relationship with our Lord because someone else took the time to care and to pray for them.

1. Pray that nothing would hinder your child from accepting Jesus as their Savior early in life. (Matthew 19:14 and 18:16)

2. * Pray that your child will learn to know his God, the true and living God, and will have a deep desire to do God's will for his life. (Psalm 119:27, 30, 34, 35)

3. *Pray that as your child hears truth from the Bible, a genuine love for God and His Word will become such a part of his/ her life that it will be the basis for all his decision making throughout life. (Ecclesiastes 12:1; Psalm 71:17; II Timothy 3:15)

4. *Pray that your child will develop a keen sense of what is right and what is wrong, that he will truly abhor evil and cling to that which is good. (Romans 12:9; Psalms 139:23-24 and 51:10)

5. *Pray that your child will increase in wisdom (mentally and spiritually) and in stature (physically) and in favor with God (spiritually) and man (socially). (Luke 2:52) This prayer covers his total development to his full potential.

6. *Pray that your child will develop a thankful heart and a positive mental attitude. (Psalm 126:2-3; Romans 8:31)

7. *Pray that God will protect your child from Satan and his wiles in every area of your child's life. (John 17:55; Psalm 121)

8. *Pray that God would destroy the enemies in your child's life whatever they may be (weaknesses, lying, selfishness, disobedience). (Psalm 120:2 and 140)

9. *Pray that God would make your child successful in the work God has planned for him to do. (Psalm 118:25; 139:9-10)

10. *Pray that your child will have a strong sense of belonging to a family (yours and God's) that is loving and dwells together in unity---keep that family unity and loyalty, even as they are adults! (Psalm 133; Colossians 3:12-14)

11. *(even adults need help in this area sometimes) Pray that your child will respect those in authority over him. (Romans 13:1; Ephesians 6:1-4)

12. *Pray that his entire life will be a testimony of the greatness and love of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:15-16; I Thessalonians 5:23).

"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And his ears are open to their prayers..." I Peter 3:12

~Linda

Motherhood

2009-12-27T00:30:00.002-06:00

Several months ago, I admit, I was worried over finances. I had talked with my husband over the possibility of getting a part time job where I could work some evenings while he could be home. His response had been that he thought it would not be a good thing for any of us. "Being at home, investing in the children, is important. Don't spread yourself too thin." And then he said,

"You never know the lives you may bless just by doing what you do as a mother."

What is in a name?

Consider the names of God:   Eloham; "Strong Creator", El Roi; "The God Who Sees", Jehovah-Rohi; "The Lord Our Healer". A name does not just identify who we are. It is indicative of what we do.

We may have many names in our lives. In this season, when our children are young and still under our protection and authority, the most predominant name we women carry (after Child of God) is Mother.

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Mother. It is not just who we are. It is what we do. Most assuredly, our role has far reaching implications. As we minister into the lives of our children we are instrumental in laying the foudation that their lives are built upon as well as shaping their character.  We are not isolated in this role. Not only are we responsible for training our children in the way they should go, what we do touches the lives of all those within our circle of influence.

Last Friday I took my 5 girls on a much needed shopping trip.  Several times, I was stopped by other shoppers who wanted to speak to the children. People who I have never met would smile and say how wonderful it is to have such sweet girls. Two people actually said, "Praise God" for my "little women". They thanked me for bringing my children shopping with me and told us we had been a blessing to them by being there. I was so very touched. It was such a reminder of my husband's encouragement,

"You never know whose lives you may bless just by doing what you do as a mother."

Mothers, whatever season of your life you are in, be encouraged! What you DO is important.

Book Studies

2009-12-19T22:54:00.001-06:00

So what is a book study?

In a book study, systematically read and study one book of the bible at a time, and learn to apply it to real life.

How do I do this?
1. Choose a book with stories
A wonderful place to start is Genesis. Going on from there, good books to use this type of study are Exodus, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and so on.

2. Decide how much to read.
* If you have a bible with division headers in it, you may choose to read a section at a time while getting used to new ways of studying.

* Or, you may want to read a chapter at a time,

* Or if you are really into the story, read until you reach a logical break.

3. Choose a method and write down what you learn. You can use:
     a. 3questions; to learn how to use this method, see here.
    b. attributes of God; To learn how to use this method, see here.
     c. Characteristics of the believer's life- learning through the Epistles; To read post on how to use this method, see here.

Good Resources to Use: Bible Concordance, Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, Bible Knowledge Commentary, Bible Dictionary, What the Bible is All About- For Young Explorers

Are You Listening?

2009-12-15T13:11:00.001-06:00

"Make time for the quiet moments as God whispers and the world is loud."
Author Unknown

How To Do A Character Study, Part 2

2009-12-06T22:48:00.003-06:00

How To Do A Character Study, Part 2
Last time we looked at the attributes of a Godly Leader.
Now, lets look at doing a character study on those who 0ppose God: (shows us what NOT to do)

1. Who is someone that 0pposed God?
2. Read about them to find out how they 0pposed God.
3. Ask yourself some questions:
     -What are some traits they had that you should avoid?
     -What negative influence did their actions have on themselves and others?
     -How did God deal with their opposition?
      How did their lives end?
     -What is the opposite trait or action of the one who 0pposed God?
4. Ask God to help develop the positive trait in you, or
     show you how to develop it in your children.
     (You can use a dictionary or thesaurus to help you find the positive trait, then do a word study on it.)
5. Keep notes on what you learn.
6. Be watchful, note how God is pointing out undesirable traits or actions that He wants to help change in you.

Bible Study Methods: How To Do A Character Study

2009-12-05T22:21:00.005-06:00

Character Study, Part 1

Look at the attributes of a Godly Leader:
1. Choose a leader by looking in your concordance.
2. Read about them to find some of their desirable traits:
     *loyal, courageous, bold, humble, loving, obedient*
3. Choose one trait to study further.
      Ask yourself some questions:
          -What were the circumstances when the
            trait was developed?
          -When/how did he demonstrate that trait?
          -How did the trait benefit the person and others?
          -How did it glorify God?
4. Look in the gospels to see how Jesus demonstrated
     that trait. (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John)
5. How could you develop that trait, or instill that trait in your children?
6. Use a concordance or Topical Bible to find others with the same trait.
7. Keep notes on what you learn about each and how they might apply to you.
8. Be watchful; Note how God is changing you to be more Godly.

Characteristics Of The Believer's Life

2009-12-02T15:46:00.013-06:00

Learning through the Epistles
Quiet Time- Method 3
Characteristics Of the Believer's Life

*The New Testament Epistles are the books that are letters: Romans,1&2 Corinthians,Galations, Ephesians... **

Questions to ask, things to think about as you read the epistles"
(All these questions won't necessarily be answered in each epistle.)

1. How is a person to begin with Christ?
2. How does a person grow in Christ?
3. What does God expect from believers?
4. What are some problems believers face?
* What are some sins?
* How can they be avoided?
* How does a believer handle temptation?
* What is the purpose for suffering?
5. What is God's will?
6. What are some present and/or future rewards of serving Christ?

After studying several epistles, compare them:

1. Note parallel passages to see how the different aspects of the believer's life
are expressed differently.
2. Are there attributes or behaviors that should be put off?
3. What attributes should be put in their place?
4. What are some recurring themes between the different epistles?
5. What are some repeated teachings?
6. What do those themes and teachings mean to me in my everyday life?

Use what you are learning in your prayer life to ask God to help you develop the characteristics He wants you to have.

Using Scripture to Know and Worship God

2009-12-01T17:57:00.018-06:00

You will need: A new notebook (or section in a divided notebook), a good pen or pencil, and a Bible that has a concordance in the back. A concordance is laid out like a dictionary. It lists main words, and below that word it gives a small exert from the passage as well as the passage's "address" so you can look it up to read the whole thing. If you own a Strong's Concordance, it is recommended as it more exhaustive than the one in the back of your Bible.

What does scripture say about who God is?

1. What is God's character; what are His attributes?
- The Psalms are a great place to see the character of God. Start with Psalm 145 & 146.
-List each attribute or characteristic on the top of a notebook page.
-Look up that attribute in the concordance of your Bible.
-List the verses on the appropriate page of your notebook.
-Use these verses to praise Him!
-Read these verses when you need to remember this side of Him.

2. What does the Word tell you about how God relates to people?
-What does God DO?
(Example: He gives, forgives, keeps promises, commands, etc...)

3. What are God's emotions?
- Think of, and list, any emotions that you can think of.
- Search scripture to see what it has to say about God having these same emotions.
- How does He handle them?

**Note** As we are made in the image of God, you will be able to identify your own emotions with those of God. Learning when He experiences them and how He handles them helps us learn the appropriateness of our emotions and how we can and should handle them.

4. How does God view things?
- Think of various "things" and list them.
(i.e. - eternity, sin, vows, our relationships, etc.)
-Search scripture to see how God sees them.
-As you read stories in scripture, look for ways that tell you how God looks at things. Record them in your notebook.

5. Reasons to love Him more
- Anytime, as you read scripture, take notes on what God has done that causes you to love Him.

What do I do with this information about God?
1. Worship Him by telling Him you recognize these awesome characteristics.

2. Read verses back to Him. Pray them back to Him in your own words. These are His words, so your worship will be based on truth and not what you think scripture means.

3 In prayer, ask Him to help you become like Him in these ways.

4. Look for Him to work in you.

5. At the end of the day, look back and see what God has done for you, how He has been there, what He has said to you (in your heart or in the Word), how He has revealed Himself to you in your situation at home, work, or elsewhere. Write it down!

Quiet Time- Method 2

Getting More Out of Your Bible Study Time

2009-11-30T23:29:00.008-06:00

We have talked about the importance of spending time in the Word. So how to get more out of your study time?

I have had the privilege to be part of the committee that plans and helps facilitate the Fall Ladies Retreats at Camp JIM for several years now. One of the things that has come to my attention is that many women, even those who have walked with the Lord for many years, struggle when it comes to studying the bible. They find it difficult to understand and don't know how to apply it to their lives.

If you have ever felt this way, do not let it get you down. We all need someone to come alongside us and help us at some point. Even the very learned, if they are wise, keep a teachable heart and find there is something new to learn each time they open God's word.

Sandy Albrecht from the Gateway Church in Elk River, Minnesota is a speaker with Women's Bible Study Fellowship. She has been a wonderful mentor for the ladies at our retreats the past two years and she has been good enough to give me permission to share her notes with you.

This is the first in a series of posts on different methods of studying the bible, starting with the most commonly known method. This is a good method to use when doing a book study... choose a book with stories, decide how much to read, and try this method.

Quiet Time Method One:
Three questions to Ask Yourself

1.) What is this passage about? What?
2.) What do I learn from it? So What?
3.) How can I apply this to my life? Now What?

THE WHAT? What is this passage about?

-List the facts or content of the passage:
Who are the people
What are they doing
Where does it take place
When does it take place

-You might not know all, or even several, of the answers to these. Think about the questions and write down what you can!

(As you begin your adventure of getting to know God more through the study of His Word, I would recommend you use ready one or more spiral notebooks for the purpose of keeping your notes and the PT's: personal thoughts that you have as you dig deeper. Another option would be a three ring notebook with dividers.)

SO WHAT? What do I learn from this passage?

A. So what's the lesson I can learn?
Pick out one or two things from the list below that really stick out to you; write them down. These will be the things you can concentrate on during your quiet time.

Is there a :
- Warning
- Command
- Promise
- Example to Follow
- Example not to follow
-Lesson or principle to follow
- What is the main truth?
- What do these verses reveal about God's:
* Character or attributes
* Ways He relates to people
* Views (what does He think about it?)
* Reasons to love Him more

- Are there specific things to pray for?:
* for me
*for my family or loved ones/ friends
*for people I don't like (or my enemies)

- Is there a new thought to me?
- Is there an encouraging thought to me?

B. Write down your answers
- concentrate on 1 or 2 things that are especially meaningful

Now What? How can I apply this to my life?

A. Think of things that are going on in your life at:
- home
- work
- in ministry
- in personal life

B. In one of those situations, ask yourself a personal question that requires you to take an action:
- for an example let's use: Deut. 17:19

"The word is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees."

Don't Ask: "Will I spend time in God's word?"
Ask This: "What time will I set aside time this week to study?"

C. Write the answer to your question:
"I will get up 30 minutes earlier to read one passage and work on the "three questions" method, three times this week."

D. Do It! (This is where prayer comes in!!)

How Fresh Is Your Perspective?

2009-11-29T20:36:00.012-06:00

Today my kids decided to make "guitars". They raided my rubber band stash so they could stretch them around shoe boxes and play music. They learned that rubber is a wonderfully fun and stretchy thing, unless it is not maintained... then when it is old, it just gets dry and well, it is "overcome" by the stress applied to it during the stretching process. It breaks.
Romans 12:2 says,

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Because I am a Christian, I am called to be "in the world", but not "of the world." While I am out there living in the world, I am supposed to show the world what Jesus looks like. I have become his Image Bearer, or for lack of a better description, "Jesus with skin on". The only way I can look and act like Jesus is if I know what Jesus looks and acts like.

In John 17:17, Jesus is praying for his disciples just before his crucifixion. He asks the Father,

"Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth."

I need to be in God's word every day, being sanctified by it, renewing my mind. The more I learn about Him, the more I am changed into His image. As I am immersed in His Truth, I develop more of a kingdom perspective and my world view is set right. When I go for a time without spending time in God's word, the world is still at my door, pressing in on me, and I am amazed at how quickly my perspective can become dull and dry. James 1:12

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

Being sactified keeps my perspective fresh. It keeps me set apart, safe... stretchy. Being in the world, trials and temptations are going to happen. How will I stand up to those trials? If I have allowed my perspective to get old and brittle, I will most likely be overcome and break. If my perspective is fresh, I'll be stretched. Yet, I will come out like a champ, still conforming to the shape of my Savior.

Stretch, or break... How fresh is your perspective?

Superheerio

2009-11-26T20:29:00.010-06:00

Every summer, when the season of youth camps and extra long hours winds down, our family goes camping too! We usually go to a state or national campground where we can get away from the normal business of life and pause to be together, regroup and strengthen our family connection.

Two summers ago, the place we chose to park our pop up camper had unwanted neighbors lurking in the post that rangers used to hold the site's identification tag. It was evening while our 4 girls were riding their bikes and trikes through our camp site. A very pregnant me was cleaning up dinner dishes inside the camper when I heard one of those screams. You know, the kind that stops a mother's heart. In the time it took me to move my stiff pregnant hips to the door of the camper, my wonderful husband had already reached our 3 year old Ella. Realizing that she was being attacked by vicious ground wasps, he quickly scooped her up in a towel and ran her to the other end of the camper while killing the wasps and brushing them from her body. It was a precious sight to behold him gently cradle her while whispering words of love and reassurance that she was safe.
In a moment he brought her inside the camper for me to clean and treat her wounds. She was amazingly calm and nodded to his explanation that he was leaving to tell the park ranger to come kill the wasps so she would not have to worry about them anymore. As soon as he had gone she began to recount for me in her 3 year old way how the "bees were stinging me, but Daddy grabbed me and killed the bees off me." She paused to catch her breath, and then she summed it up. "Daddy saved me. He's my Superheerio."

For days, Ella recounted the story for us and anyone who would listen, and every time she told it I noticed my husband silently beamed. He smiled a little more and stood a little taller. Ella made him feel like a Superhero.

When we came home from vacation the story of the Dastardly Wasps and the Daring Daddy was retold one more time for our camp friends. The programmers rather liked the tale and decided that every super hero should have a cape. They got creative (that is what programmers do) and they made him this cape pictured above... it says, "Ella's Super heerio." That day Daddy wore his cape home and all of his little girls cheered for their hero one more time.

Dad's bear a great responsibility. They are only human. Their example, though flawed, is the first reference point our children have to begin to understand the love their Heavenly Father has for them--a love so heroic that He sent His own Son to rescue us from the "big, bad" sin that hurts us.

Dad's work hard. They try hard. They love us a lot. They are all heroes. So, don't forget to thank them. Make them a cape. Give them a cheer. However tall your dad is, inside he will grow at least a foot.

As Good as It Gets

2009-11-24T11:24:00.019-06:00

We've all heard the expression "Let go and let God." It occurs to me that most often, it is what we say when we have reached a dead end and realized we are powerless to change our circumstances on our own... we can't help the child who is being rebellious; our finances have spiraled out of control; our diet has led to weight and health problems; a relationship seems hopeless; ___________... You fill in the blank.

Then there is, "It is what it is." Is it? I mean, how did it become what it is? How did "it" become something that we, in our inadequacy, determine best to be handed over to God?

May I suggest that somewhere along the line, it all begins with a simple choice. And then another. And then another. A choice to plunge ahead and do what feels right, or to pause and wait on God. How do you make your daily decisions? Do you ask for protection every time you buckle your family into the car, or only on a long trip? Do you read the bible and find interesting stories, or do you inquire of the Lord how to apply its truth to your life?

This concept is so clear to me when I watch my growing children. When they are young, everything is new and they ask for help in everything. When they get a little older and have gained some experience, they will sometimes decide that something new does not seem as difficult as they once thought and so they will attempt to "figure it out" on their own. Sometimes they get it right, albeit their methodology is interesting and often more cumbersome than the way I would have shown them. Sometimes they get it wrong, and try as we may to salvage their project, we can never get it "as good" as it could have been if they had asked for direction ahead of time.

So it is with our lives. We can remember that as Christians, God had already given us the blueprints for life in His holy word. If we will consult Him before leaping in even the seemingly "easy" things, He will save us steps and always keep us from stumbling.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5

I don't want to look at my life and say, "It is what it is". I want to know that my life is as good as it gets because I trusted God and waited on His perfect direction.

Don't wait until you find yourself in a pickle to "Let go". Let God today.

A "Real" Job

2009-11-21T23:56:00.005-06:00

My husband and I were newlyweds the fall we moved into our cute and cozy college apartment. Tony was a psychology major looking forward to moving on to a masters program in marraige and family therapy. He wanted to serve families of rural churches. I was looking forward to my honorary "Putting Hubby Through" certificate.

Within our married housing community, we were sandwiched between Camp Ministry Majors.

"What is that?" we asked.

"Camp Ministry?" They would look at us like we were missing a few marbles. "Duh? Working in christian camps."

"Camping..." Tony would shake his head and smile. "That's not work. You need to get a REAL job!" In private he would tell me, "Those guys just don't want to grow up!"

Well, a year and a half later Tony was still teasing the camp majors. However, I noticed that when our camp friends would come back to visit during their internships, he listened keenly to their adventures. He began asking questions of the camp majors around campus, and one day he dropped the bomb. "Honey, would you get mad if I wanted to change my major?" Did I mention that his psychology internship was just months away and I was pregnant with our first child?

Well, I don't know about you, but I am not "happy" if my husband is not happy. So he checked into this camping major. When he talked with the camp he would have to intern with, he found that they had a 2 year waiting list. Door closed.

We continued on course, had a baby girl and were applying for a masters program in South Dakota. Then, at the latest possible moment the phone rang, and the camp intership program with a 2 year waiting list suddenly had a place for us. Door open.

We went out to visit Camp Forest Springs in Westboro, Wisconsin to see their facility and learn more about their LTD (Leadership Training and Development) program. The LTD director probably thought he was going to have to scrape my jaw off the floor. This was not "camping" as I had experienced it. No rustic summer cabins here. This was... like a resort!

There are still some rustic summer camps out there. But in the professional world of Christian Camping, most camps are year round and most offer conference facilities. Activities can include swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, biking, "mini-farms", archery, paint ball, high and low ropes initiatives, orienteering, crafts, rock wall climbing, super nice "canteens" and gift shops. Other winter programs include down hill skiing, snow boarding, ice skating, and there is so much more. Staff receive thorough and intensive training. Is it fun? Oh, yeah. And it is PURPOSEFUL. Activities are designed to teach a skill and be fun, but just as the apostle Paul used Greek Olympics terminology to draw parallels about Christian Living for his readers, (ex: "run the good race" and "hitting the mark", biblical priciples are applied to camp activities so that campers remember lessons for a lifetime.

Today we serve at Camp JIM (Jesus Is Mine) . Needless to say, he decided Christian Camping IS a "real" job. It is an intensive job. It is a lifestyle that requires long hours and dedication. However, it was not the "job" that won us over, but the privilege of being part of the ministry. Camping is one of God's tools to build relationships in which we can share that because we live in a fallen world we need saving, and the good news is that Jesus saves. A lot of people receive Jesus Christ as their Savior at camps. Many return to share their stories.

If you would would like to attend a retreat or send a child to a life changing week of camp, this is the time to begin planning. Visit http://www.ccca.org/ (Christian Camp and Conference Association) to find a christian camp near you.