I have been having a rough week. There have been two verses that keep coming to mind:
Matthew 2:18 "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."
Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
The tragedy in Newtown, CT hit me pretty hard. First, I have a child and younger nieces/nephews and couldn't imagine them in that circumstance. Second, I work with youth at our church that I care about. Third, I thought of all the campers I spent time with this past summer. I even started thinking about how I would react if something like this happened at a school, church or even at camp while I was there. What would I do? Would I be able to do anything?
I have no answers.
What I know and what I believe is that last Friday more angels were added to the ranks. There have been so many posts on FaceBook about the children, the teachers, the school and the community and the ones that hit me are the ones dealing with those young angels and the guardian angels in the school.
As we prepare for Christmas and the silence of Christmas Eve and the promise that brings please pray for those angels and the safety of all children no matter where they are - school, playground or even their home. Make sure to hold your loved ones (and maybe not so loved ones) tight as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. There is good in this world - even in the midst of tragedy and I will be looking for that as the New Year begins.
Merry Christmas, Peace and Blessings to you all!
Camp logo
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Community (Subtitle - the manager or the cross?)
I have had a few things happening in my life as we prepare for Advent.
A very significant one is that my Grandpa - the Rev. C. Keith Epps passed on to his heavenly home on Saturday November 24th. He was 94 and I think ready to go as he knew where he was headed. I have been thinking a lot about him and camp the past two weeks since he was a part of the group that helped to purchase the land and get camp going. It really makes me think about connections and community.
I have also been leading a small group for my church via FaceBook set up to look at the book "Silence and other surprising Invitations of Advent" by Enuma Okoro. Usually when we prepare for Christmas we think about Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Prior to them was Elizabeth and Zechariah. When Zechariah was in performing his priestly duties in the holy of holies at the temple many people were praying for him in community. It was at this holy time that he learned he would have a son - even in his old age and Elizabeth was no spring chicken either.
It was in this community they were supported.
My community over the year has been changing and growing in many different ways and I am glad to have the support as I learn what God has planned for me. Know that I also pray for you and what God has planned for you as I know it is great things!
With Advent comes Christmas music and I wanted to share one of my FAVORITE songs by the Go Fish Guys..
Video: http://www.gofishguys.com/track/its-about-cross
It's About the Cross
Verse 1:
It's not just about the manger
Where the baby lay
It's not all about the angels
Who sang for him that day
It's not just about the shepherds
Or the bright and shining star
It's not all about the wisemen
Who travelled from afar
Chorus:
It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday
It's about the cross
It's about the cross
Verse 2:
It's not just about the presents
Underneath the tree
It's not all about the feeling
That the season brings to me
[m/lyrics/g/go_fish/about_the_cross.html ]
It's not just about coming home
To be with those you love
It's not all about the beauty
In the snow I'm dreaming of
Repeat Chorus
Bridge:
The beginning of the story is wonderful and great
But it's the ending that can save you and that's why we celebrate
It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about God's love
Nailed to a tree
It's about every drop of blood that flowed from Him when it should have been me
It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday
So that you and I could have real life someday
It's about the cross
It's about the cross
A very significant one is that my Grandpa - the Rev. C. Keith Epps passed on to his heavenly home on Saturday November 24th. He was 94 and I think ready to go as he knew where he was headed. I have been thinking a lot about him and camp the past two weeks since he was a part of the group that helped to purchase the land and get camp going. It really makes me think about connections and community.
I have also been leading a small group for my church via FaceBook set up to look at the book "Silence and other surprising Invitations of Advent" by Enuma Okoro. Usually when we prepare for Christmas we think about Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Prior to them was Elizabeth and Zechariah. When Zechariah was in performing his priestly duties in the holy of holies at the temple many people were praying for him in community. It was at this holy time that he learned he would have a son - even in his old age and Elizabeth was no spring chicken either.
It was in this community they were supported.
My community over the year has been changing and growing in many different ways and I am glad to have the support as I learn what God has planned for me. Know that I also pray for you and what God has planned for you as I know it is great things!
With Advent comes Christmas music and I wanted to share one of my FAVORITE songs by the Go Fish Guys..
Video: http://www.gofishguys.com/track/its-about-cross
It's About the Cross
Verse 1:
It's not just about the manger
Where the baby lay
It's not all about the angels
Who sang for him that day
It's not just about the shepherds
Or the bright and shining star
It's not all about the wisemen
Who travelled from afar
Chorus:
It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday
It's about the cross
It's about the cross
Verse 2:
It's not just about the presents
Underneath the tree
It's not all about the feeling
That the season brings to me
[m/lyrics/g/go_fish/about_the_cross.html ]
It's not just about coming home
To be with those you love
It's not all about the beauty
In the snow I'm dreaming of
Repeat Chorus
Bridge:
The beginning of the story is wonderful and great
But it's the ending that can save you and that's why we celebrate
It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about God's love
Nailed to a tree
It's about every drop of blood that flowed from Him when it should have been me
It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday
So that you and I could have real life someday
It's about the cross
It's about the cross
Monday, November 19, 2012
It's what is on the inside that counts!
Mark 13:2“Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
I asked to give the sermon at my church this past weekend and it was a great experience. I want to share my take away message with those of you that read this blog :-)
The lectionary passage was Mark 13:1-8 and it just so happens I am in New Testament I class right now so I was able to use some of my learnings in the sermon. The author of Mark was a very blunt writer and didn't sugar coat Jesus' messages. That is evident in verse two above. There is no sentimental value to the building or the fact that it will be destroyed. I saw the temple when I was fortunate to visit Israel and it is a huge structure that is very impressive even now!
As Jesus talks to the disciples according to the commentary by Matthew Henry he is more worried about their conscience vs. the date events are going to occur.
That is my take away as we start the Advent season and look to go shopping on black Friday. It isn't about the presents, the decorations, the "temple". It is about how you behave and prepare yourself for the New Kingdom. Whenever it comes!
P.S. Registration is open on-line for the Winter Youth Retreat January 25-27th!
I asked to give the sermon at my church this past weekend and it was a great experience. I want to share my take away message with those of you that read this blog :-)
The lectionary passage was Mark 13:1-8 and it just so happens I am in New Testament I class right now so I was able to use some of my learnings in the sermon. The author of Mark was a very blunt writer and didn't sugar coat Jesus' messages. That is evident in verse two above. There is no sentimental value to the building or the fact that it will be destroyed. I saw the temple when I was fortunate to visit Israel and it is a huge structure that is very impressive even now!
As Jesus talks to the disciples according to the commentary by Matthew Henry he is more worried about their conscience vs. the date events are going to occur.
That is my take away as we start the Advent season and look to go shopping on black Friday. It isn't about the presents, the decorations, the "temple". It is about how you behave and prepare yourself for the New Kingdom. Whenever it comes!
P.S. Registration is open on-line for the Winter Youth Retreat January 25-27th!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Thanks - I think!
Psalm 100:4 (RSV) Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him, bless his name!
My brain again is scattered in many different directions. I seem to thrive on that though and like having many things going on. I do seem to have a hard time quieting my mind. Right now I am feeling guilty because I see all these posts on FaceBook and Pinterest dealing with what people are thankful for as we get closer and closer to Thanksgiving and my list seems to be pretty standard and boring. Sorry to my family and friends - I am thankful for you, but the idea of being thankful for you is boring to me. Those are two different things! Anyway, I did some research on the internet I want to share what I found some other people are thankful for and I realized I am too!
http://meanttobehappy.com/49-unconventional-things-i%E2%80%99m-grateful-for-that-i-bet-are-not-on-your-list/
http://christianteens.about.com/od/christianliving/tp/ThankfulList.htm
http://www.thefreedomexperiment.com/2012/01/09/48-things-to-be-grateful-for-when-you-need-to-shift-your-focus/
There are a lot of pages on the internet and these are just a few and just these three helped me to realize how much is not boring about my life and what I am thankful and grateful for :-)
I would be interested to know what you are thankful for!
My brain again is scattered in many different directions. I seem to thrive on that though and like having many things going on. I do seem to have a hard time quieting my mind. Right now I am feeling guilty because I see all these posts on FaceBook and Pinterest dealing with what people are thankful for as we get closer and closer to Thanksgiving and my list seems to be pretty standard and boring. Sorry to my family and friends - I am thankful for you, but the idea of being thankful for you is boring to me. Those are two different things! Anyway, I did some research on the internet I want to share what I found some other people are thankful for and I realized I am too!
http://meanttobehappy.com/49-unconventional-things-i%E2%80%99m-grateful-for-that-i-bet-are-not-on-your-list/
http://christianteens.about.com/od/christianliving/tp/ThankfulList.htm
http://www.thefreedomexperiment.com/2012/01/09/48-things-to-be-grateful-for-when-you-need-to-shift-your-focus/
There are a lot of pages on the internet and these are just a few and just these three helped me to realize how much is not boring about my life and what I am thankful and grateful for :-)
I would be interested to know what you are thankful for!
Monday, October 29, 2012
There is unrest in the forest, there is trouble with the trees....
Psalm 1:3
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
There is a project with the state of Wisconsin to help clean up the trees on our property. This happens every 10-12 years or so and is a necessary action to maintain a healthy forest for the trees and the animals.
First an assessment is done to see if there are any dead or dying trees that need to be removed because they are a danger due to falling over and causing injury or damage. Then the trees are assessed for disease and if diseased trees are found sometimes trees 10-30 feet around that one tree will need to be removed as well because the damage could be spreading underground.
Once all the assessment is complete, the work can begin, but the company can't go in with the biggest trucks and equipment available. They need to find the right tools for the job to minimize any damage to healthy trees and have an organized clean up.
I am thinking tree harvesting is lot like camp...
Campers come each week to hear and participate in the programs we spend many hours preparing. As we work with them and spend time together we see where they may need to be lifted up or pruned. We have to be careful on both accounts though to do what is right for the camp as a whole or the individual camper as false praise and over-pruning can cause damage as well. Sometimes the campers come to realize what may need to be removed from their lives to help them live in a healthier relationship with God.
As leaders, we don't always know what lies underneath the need and how the camper got there so we need to keep in mind those aspects of their life. The maintenance of a forest takes years. Same thing sometimes with people and their spiritual life.
The right tools need to then be put in place. Brimstone and fire may have its place, but most often it is the small prayer, word of encouragement and written note that have the most meaning.
This may seem like a stretched analogy, but I think this can also apply to our own spiritual lives. Do you ever stop to take an assessment of the people or attitudes around you that are creating your own root system to deteriorate? Do you find ways to manage your spiritual life in healthy ways like setting boundaries or really celebrating a Sabbath? Sometimes trees that have lived their life cycle are left in the forest to help house other animals - do you share what you have learned with others or build relationships that are mutually beneficial?
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
There is a project with the state of Wisconsin to help clean up the trees on our property. This happens every 10-12 years or so and is a necessary action to maintain a healthy forest for the trees and the animals.
First an assessment is done to see if there are any dead or dying trees that need to be removed because they are a danger due to falling over and causing injury or damage. Then the trees are assessed for disease and if diseased trees are found sometimes trees 10-30 feet around that one tree will need to be removed as well because the damage could be spreading underground.
Once all the assessment is complete, the work can begin, but the company can't go in with the biggest trucks and equipment available. They need to find the right tools for the job to minimize any damage to healthy trees and have an organized clean up.
I am thinking tree harvesting is lot like camp...
Campers come each week to hear and participate in the programs we spend many hours preparing. As we work with them and spend time together we see where they may need to be lifted up or pruned. We have to be careful on both accounts though to do what is right for the camp as a whole or the individual camper as false praise and over-pruning can cause damage as well. Sometimes the campers come to realize what may need to be removed from their lives to help them live in a healthier relationship with God.
As leaders, we don't always know what lies underneath the need and how the camper got there so we need to keep in mind those aspects of their life. The maintenance of a forest takes years. Same thing sometimes with people and their spiritual life.
The right tools need to then be put in place. Brimstone and fire may have its place, but most often it is the small prayer, word of encouragement and written note that have the most meaning.
This may seem like a stretched analogy, but I think this can also apply to our own spiritual lives. Do you ever stop to take an assessment of the people or attitudes around you that are creating your own root system to deteriorate? Do you find ways to manage your spiritual life in healthy ways like setting boundaries or really celebrating a Sabbath? Sometimes trees that have lived their life cycle are left in the forest to help house other animals - do you share what you have learned with others or build relationships that are mutually beneficial?
Friday, October 5, 2012
Ch Ch Ch Changes
Genesis 8:22 (ESV)
While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”
Hopefully everyone has noticed the weather changing, the leaves turning color and falling to the ground, the frost advisories that are coming out and the shorter days. I know I have. I admit that I am a summer girl. I tell people that I would make a good lizard sitting out on a rock soaking up the sun! I am not looking forward to days getting shorter, having to lug water to the animals and freezing my fingers while I do chores.
What is interesting with the verse I picked for this blog is that in the NIV the word "remains" is replaced by the word "endures". Endure is a verb that means to suffer or tolerate. Even though I grew up in Wisconsin it still feels that I endure winter every year.
I think these are interesting word choices as we look at our walk with God as well since we are of this earth. There are things we need to endure. I think each thing or situation is different for each person, but I know the path of faith is not always easy. What is also interesting is if you look at synonyms for endure: bear (well, bears can hibernate :-)), stand, suffer, tolerate, sustain and undergo. The word sustain and undergo stick out to me. In Wisconsin we can't have the beautiful springs unless the earth can undergo a transformation and flowers can regenerate, trees can grow deeper in the ground and have a seeming time of rest. The way the seasons work also helps the earth to sustain resources. We noticed that especially this past summer when things get out of whack and there isn't a sustaining rain to help all the growth.
As you endure on this earth, what helps to sustain you through the difficult or changing times?
I am looking forward to the Winter Youth Retreat the end of January - that can be a time of enduing through the long months until we can spend time at Tamarack again.
If you aren't someone that can make it to the retreat...what helps you?
What is interesting with the verse I picked for this blog is that in the NIV the word "remains" is replaced by the word "endures". Endure is a verb that means to suffer or tolerate. Even though I grew up in Wisconsin it still feels that I endure winter every year.
I think these are interesting word choices as we look at our walk with God as well since we are of this earth. There are things we need to endure. I think each thing or situation is different for each person, but I know the path of faith is not always easy. What is also interesting is if you look at synonyms for endure: bear (well, bears can hibernate :-)), stand, suffer, tolerate, sustain and undergo. The word sustain and undergo stick out to me. In Wisconsin we can't have the beautiful springs unless the earth can undergo a transformation and flowers can regenerate, trees can grow deeper in the ground and have a seeming time of rest. The way the seasons work also helps the earth to sustain resources. We noticed that especially this past summer when things get out of whack and there isn't a sustaining rain to help all the growth.
As you endure on this earth, what helps to sustain you through the difficult or changing times?
I am looking forward to the Winter Youth Retreat the end of January - that can be a time of enduing through the long months until we can spend time at Tamarack again.
If you aren't someone that can make it to the retreat...what helps you?
Monday, September 24, 2012
What do you see?
Lord, You are more precious than silver;
Lord, You are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds;
And nothing I desire compares with You.
I know I don't have a Bible verse listed up there. I have a verse from a song we sing at camp and I have been humming it all day. Yesterday I was sitting on the dock (for those of you that go to camp it was the dock on the right that ONLY the lifeguards are supposed to be on, but I am the Director so there) and working on my being still and knowing. It was cloudy, but when the sun did make an appearance it was warm. I closed my eyes and was listening to nature and praying. When I opened my eyes, the sun was just coming out from behind a cloud and it appeared on top of the lake that a path of sparkly diamonds was headed toward me. Now, I can explain all this scientifically with how the sun was refracting on the waves as the wind pushed the water, but I don't want to go there right now. I want to go to a place where things are transformed and where I felt like the richest person in the world with God showing me all the diamonds in my life. I am not a writer and am probably not describing this very well, but I know what I saw on the water and how it felt and I am rich in God and His blessings. Sometimes I just have to look at things in a different way.
Anything you need to look at differently?
Lord, You are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds;
And nothing I desire compares with You.
I know I don't have a Bible verse listed up there. I have a verse from a song we sing at camp and I have been humming it all day. Yesterday I was sitting on the dock (for those of you that go to camp it was the dock on the right that ONLY the lifeguards are supposed to be on, but I am the Director so there) and working on my being still and knowing. It was cloudy, but when the sun did make an appearance it was warm. I closed my eyes and was listening to nature and praying. When I opened my eyes, the sun was just coming out from behind a cloud and it appeared on top of the lake that a path of sparkly diamonds was headed toward me. Now, I can explain all this scientifically with how the sun was refracting on the waves as the wind pushed the water, but I don't want to go there right now. I want to go to a place where things are transformed and where I felt like the richest person in the world with God showing me all the diamonds in my life. I am not a writer and am probably not describing this very well, but I know what I saw on the water and how it felt and I am rich in God and His blessings. Sometimes I just have to look at things in a different way.
Anything you need to look at differently?
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Less of me...
Set me free from my prison,
that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me. Psalm 142:7
My Pastor is preaching a series on the fruits of the spirit and last Sunday she preached on goodness. The passage she used was Psalm 142. That message has stuck with me the past couple of days. There was a quote she used that was some thing to the effect of ....when there is less of me, there can be more of God.
How many times do we look to fill our days, our time, our calendars with stuff to do, people to see and work. I know that I do. I am comfortable with my to do list, my hours, days, weeks, months planned out. With my vocation changing and the life changes my family is going through, I do sometimes feel less of myself. My identity was wrapped up in my work and what I did. I don't have that anymore so I started looking to see how I could fill that time. Maybe I don't need to fill that time, God will do that for me.
That is easier said than done. During class this weekend I learned I am borderline type A personality and like things structured, orderly and "right". Sometimes God doesn't do order and structure. Plus His idea of right may be different than mine.
I am learning to let go and learning how to play. I think God has plans for me, but I may miss the forest for the trees as I keep updating my to do list and calendar.
Anyone else out there that needs to be less of themselves and let God fill the space?
P.S. - I was also told in class that I am normal, just a little weird :-)
that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me. Psalm 142:7
My Pastor is preaching a series on the fruits of the spirit and last Sunday she preached on goodness. The passage she used was Psalm 142. That message has stuck with me the past couple of days. There was a quote she used that was some thing to the effect of ....when there is less of me, there can be more of God.
How many times do we look to fill our days, our time, our calendars with stuff to do, people to see and work. I know that I do. I am comfortable with my to do list, my hours, days, weeks, months planned out. With my vocation changing and the life changes my family is going through, I do sometimes feel less of myself. My identity was wrapped up in my work and what I did. I don't have that anymore so I started looking to see how I could fill that time. Maybe I don't need to fill that time, God will do that for me.
That is easier said than done. During class this weekend I learned I am borderline type A personality and like things structured, orderly and "right". Sometimes God doesn't do order and structure. Plus His idea of right may be different than mine.
I am learning to let go and learning how to play. I think God has plans for me, but I may miss the forest for the trees as I keep updating my to do list and calendar.
Anyone else out there that needs to be less of themselves and let God fill the space?
P.S. - I was also told in class that I am normal, just a little weird :-)
Monday, September 10, 2012
What's next?
“Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 (NASB)
Last week I wrote about looking back or reflection on the summer and I have asked my Pastor if I can give a sermon in the near future about my reflections at camp. I am pretty excited about that as it will be my second real sermon ever.
This week, I am looking to the present and future. Since camp has ended for this season, I have had a lot of people ask me what I do now?? Well, I sleep and then get up and nap, and maybe eat and then sleep again :-) Maybe for the first day or two after camp ended that was my schedule. :-P
I moved back to my farm full time and took a couple vacations with my family. It was great to be together 24/7 after not being home much this summer. I think the animals are happy to have me back too and in a normal routine. Animals thrive on routines and I do too.
For my Camp routine, I come to the Milwaukee office once a week and work on paperwork, database updates, miscellaneous followup from the summer and look toward the Winter Youth Retreat and setting up that weekend with a theme, leaders and getting the registration out there plus next year's camping season.
I am also in seminary pretty much full time and have a class gong on right now for Formation for Christian Ministry so I have papers, reading, projects and class time to work in to my routine.
The hardest part has been my home routine. I am not used to being home as much as I am now and it is throwing me for a loop. I feel guilty if I am not working on a to do list or organizing something. I have created a home to do list and am working on getting my house and farm in shape. We moved in about 6 years ago and there are some boxes I still haven't really unpacked. I have also done some research on organizing and simplifying all aspects of your life and removing clutter helps to move forward. I definitely have some clutter that can go!
I also started being the primary cook in our house. For those of you that know me well, I will wait a moment while you stop laughing. You good now? Yup, I am planning menus, cooking and trying new things and you know I actually like it.
I am still a little nervous about the future, what this Camp job brings, what leaving my other job means and what will I do with all this schooling, but I look to the verse at the top of this blog and I know I have committed my works to the Lord and He will work out the plan.
What has you nervous or scared that you need to commit to the Lord and trust in His planning?
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Looking back or reflection?
Know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. Deuteronomy 4:39 ESV
As I drove into the office this morning I continued my internal "looking back" over the summer and what went well, what didn't and what I learned. When I sat down to write this, I Googled "looking back" in the Bible and the verses that came up were not kind as God wants you to look forward. I decided I didn't want to be like Lot's wife when she looked back so I have decided to reflect back on the summer. I mean, I like salt...would not like being turned in to a pillar of salt though.
I think one of the biggest things I came to understand is that what works for one person doesn't work for all and what works for all, doesn't work for one. The Spirit moved in many different ways this summer and you can't predict what will hit home for someone or what will touch their heart. We had many different leaders with many different styles and they all worked! I am a planner and I do think you have to go in to anything having a plan, BUT you also have to be willing to let things evolve and shift as needed. Sometimes....it is just Faith that gets you to the next scheduled event that day.
The most difficult thing for me to deal with this summer were the camp rules. We have them written down and most people (campers, camp leaders, renters) follow them, but there are those people that don't think they apply to them. That is a challenge for me as I am a rule follower and the rules are there for a reason. Now, that doesn't mean I don't think that rules can't be bent if there is a purpose or reason. I felt very responsible for the safety - physically and spiritually - for everyone so I had a hard time with those that went their own way.
Behind the scenes at Camp Tamarack is something I had never witnessed before this year and it is truly something to behold! There are many people that want Camp to be a great experience! My staff was amazing and touched many lives in many different ways with the kitchen, craft barn, waterfront, canteen and overall interaction. You guys/gals ROCK! Mark and Deb are also very dedicated to Camp and do so much we don't all see. Thanks to them for helping to guide my first summer.
Networking with the Camp Tamarack family is very different than networking in a corporate environment. In the corporate world it always felt the networking relationships were about - what can you do for me? In this new environment I felt it was more - what can I do for you? I was humbled many times by people's generosity to help as a cabin leader, drive campers and staff to and from camp/home and all the prayers and well wishes that went our way was amazing.
God spoke to me in many different ways and sometimes I didn't always want to hear what he said. What was interesting was the mediums He used: campers, camp leaders, staff, nature (I have a squirrel and duck story that will be part of sermons some day), chaos, quiet and I am sure I am missing a few. My point is - be willing to see Him anywhere. He is talking.
The Bible verse I picked today pretty much sums up my reflection on the summer - through it all, God is it and there is no other.
As I drove into the office this morning I continued my internal "looking back" over the summer and what went well, what didn't and what I learned. When I sat down to write this, I Googled "looking back" in the Bible and the verses that came up were not kind as God wants you to look forward. I decided I didn't want to be like Lot's wife when she looked back so I have decided to reflect back on the summer. I mean, I like salt...would not like being turned in to a pillar of salt though.
I think one of the biggest things I came to understand is that what works for one person doesn't work for all and what works for all, doesn't work for one. The Spirit moved in many different ways this summer and you can't predict what will hit home for someone or what will touch their heart. We had many different leaders with many different styles and they all worked! I am a planner and I do think you have to go in to anything having a plan, BUT you also have to be willing to let things evolve and shift as needed. Sometimes....it is just Faith that gets you to the next scheduled event that day.
The most difficult thing for me to deal with this summer were the camp rules. We have them written down and most people (campers, camp leaders, renters) follow them, but there are those people that don't think they apply to them. That is a challenge for me as I am a rule follower and the rules are there for a reason. Now, that doesn't mean I don't think that rules can't be bent if there is a purpose or reason. I felt very responsible for the safety - physically and spiritually - for everyone so I had a hard time with those that went their own way.
Behind the scenes at Camp Tamarack is something I had never witnessed before this year and it is truly something to behold! There are many people that want Camp to be a great experience! My staff was amazing and touched many lives in many different ways with the kitchen, craft barn, waterfront, canteen and overall interaction. You guys/gals ROCK! Mark and Deb are also very dedicated to Camp and do so much we don't all see. Thanks to them for helping to guide my first summer.
Networking with the Camp Tamarack family is very different than networking in a corporate environment. In the corporate world it always felt the networking relationships were about - what can you do for me? In this new environment I felt it was more - what can I do for you? I was humbled many times by people's generosity to help as a cabin leader, drive campers and staff to and from camp/home and all the prayers and well wishes that went our way was amazing.
God spoke to me in many different ways and sometimes I didn't always want to hear what he said. What was interesting was the mediums He used: campers, camp leaders, staff, nature (I have a squirrel and duck story that will be part of sermons some day), chaos, quiet and I am sure I am missing a few. My point is - be willing to see Him anywhere. He is talking.
The Bible verse I picked today pretty much sums up my reflection on the summer - through it all, God is it and there is no other.
Friday, July 27, 2012
More than meets the eye
Psalm 119:17-18
Be good to your servant while I live,
that I may obey your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law
Be good to your servant while I live,
that I may obey your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law
Well, so far this first summer at Camp Tamarack has been very eye opening in many different ways. I blogged in June about the behind the scenes stuff that it takes to get camp ready for the season. That continued for the rest of the summer. I learned something new every week, if not every day on what it takes to keep the camp up and running.
I learned that everyone has a story and a place they are coming from when they come to Camp. You have to listen to and honor that in everyone. It might not always jive with where you are coming from, but that is where learning and growing comes from.
My eyes have been opened to different ways of approaching faith. We have had some rental groups that don't have the same theological background or ideals I have, but it's ok. What we did have in common such as the love of this space was enough to start a conversation.
God has spoken me to in many different ways this summer and has gotten his point across each time. Some took a little longer for me to catch on than others! He spoke to me through the campers and leaders and I truly saw miracles happen. He spoke to me through nature and I learned lessons from ducks and squirrels. He spoke to me through my family and the hardship of not being at home for an extended period of time. He spoke to me through silence.
I hope that everyone has a chance to have their eyes opened in a new way to new things or maybe even seeing the same things in a different way!
Monday, July 9, 2012
2 for 1
I am falling behind on my blogging! In the past two weeks we had the Junior Camp (5th/6th graders) and the Jr. High Camp (7th/8th) graders.
After those two weeks I am exhausted, but in a good way :-)
The Junior Camp really followed the message of Journey and one day had a Journey of the Cross.
For Jr. High, I am going to paraphrase a message Pastor Phin posted on FaceBook:
After those two weeks I am exhausted, but in a good way :-)
The Junior Camp really followed the message of Journey and one day had a Journey of the Cross.
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| What would Jesus have worn |
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| What smells - when Mary washed Jesus feet |
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| How much would you sell out your friends for? |
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| Communion |
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| The rope that tied Jesus up - what it would have felt like |
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| The cross |
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| Say cheese! |
For Jr. High, I am going to paraphrase a message Pastor Phin posted on FaceBook:
Adverse Circumstances - Heat in triple digits with temperaments to match
Entangling Relationships - Rookie director with 5 cabin leaders from Sr. High Camp and an additional assortment of adults; 51 campers of varying backgrounds sharing a small space to beat the heat + a rookie Director of Camping Ministries!
Mistakes - We got over it and moved on.
And we overcame them all and pressed on to NIKE! VICTORY!
Keep on moving forward, for WE ARE OVER-COMERS!
It has been a very rewarding and exhausting couple of weeks. God has worked miracles in campers, volunteer leaders and staff! I love this job :-)
Entangling Relationships - Rookie director with 5 cabin leaders from Sr. High Camp and an additional assortment of adults; 51 campers of varying backgrounds sharing a small space to beat the heat + a rookie Director of Camping Ministries!
Mistakes - We got over it and moved on.
And we overcame them all and pressed on to NIKE! VICTORY!
Keep on moving forward, for WE ARE OVER-COMERS!
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| Proof of heat and humidity.....cold camera meets the warm air! This is our group photo :-( |
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| We were here over the 4th! |
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
I just want to be a sheep....
Baa Baa Baa Baa :-)
Last week we had the primary and middler camps up here at the Chain 'O Lakes.
The first thing the staff and I realized is that the work we needed to do was different. There were less numbers of kids so the dishes were less, but they did need more oversight at the craft barn and waterfront. We were all tired, but it was a good tired as we were rewarded with many smiles, pleases and thank yous!
I am pretty sure there were some kids that if they weren't picked up the staff would have been ok with that.
Speaking of staff, I am still watching them as they start their third full week of campers and the conversations continue to be about superheroes and their powers. My superpower is looking through windows :-P
Here is a picture of Nola explaining to her primary campers the story of Jonah and telling them to look for rocks that are in the shape of a heart.
At the end of the middler week, the Director has a peanut carnival. I didn't get to see much of the other games, but here are a few of pictures of campers playing Hang the Hanger:
One of my a-ha moments last week had to do with the people that make camp happen and the ownership and love that goes in to being here. I already knew it on some level, but watched how deep it really goes in action. Thanks to EVERYONE that helps to support this ministry - God is absolutely at work here - in the campers, leaders and staff!
I received some bad news on Friday afternoon and took off in the kayak to just get away. When I found a quiet spot on the lake I opened my Bible and found Proverbs 16:20 calling to me: Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he that trusts in the Lord.
Once I was able to reset and pray I felt so much better. I hope everyone has a moment to realize that they are blessed!
Last week we had the primary and middler camps up here at the Chain 'O Lakes.
The first thing the staff and I realized is that the work we needed to do was different. There were less numbers of kids so the dishes were less, but they did need more oversight at the craft barn and waterfront. We were all tired, but it was a good tired as we were rewarded with many smiles, pleases and thank yous!
I am pretty sure there were some kids that if they weren't picked up the staff would have been ok with that.
Speaking of staff, I am still watching them as they start their third full week of campers and the conversations continue to be about superheroes and their powers. My superpower is looking through windows :-P
Here is a picture of Nola explaining to her primary campers the story of Jonah and telling them to look for rocks that are in the shape of a heart.At the end of the middler week, the Director has a peanut carnival. I didn't get to see much of the other games, but here are a few of pictures of campers playing Hang the Hanger:
One of my a-ha moments last week had to do with the people that make camp happen and the ownership and love that goes in to being here. I already knew it on some level, but watched how deep it really goes in action. Thanks to EVERYONE that helps to support this ministry - God is absolutely at work here - in the campers, leaders and staff!
I received some bad news on Friday afternoon and took off in the kayak to just get away. When I found a quiet spot on the lake I opened my Bible and found Proverbs 16:20 calling to me: Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he that trusts in the Lord.
Once I was able to reset and pray I felt so much better. I hope everyone has a moment to realize that they are blessed!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Sr. High and more
Now may he who supplies the seed to the sower...supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness. 2 Cor 9:10
No offense to any Sr. High campers that may read this - I survived the first real week of camping! My staff also survived, but I am concerned about them as they were talking yesterday at breakfast about getting a sugar glider, making a walnut helmet for it and shooting it out of a canon. I think they will be OK, but I am keeping my eye on them.
We had a great week of the Lord moving in many different ways. Because I was running around trying to fix all the things I messed up and getting ready for a wedding at our farm, I missed out on a lot of the worship time, but heard that it was wonderful and messages were given that needed to be heard. I was given a lesson as well on making sure the light of Jesus is shining even when people are feeling it isn't there.
The verse above was part of a calendar of the day I received as a gift about leadership, but it also struck me as relevant to the camping experience of last week. Many many seeds were planted last week and I saw some start to grow even before campers and leaders left. Some I know still need watering and time to germinate and God will provide what is needed to increase His kingdom.
Where are you in your growing? Are you helping to spread the seeds God has provided? Are you finding a way to tend to the plants that are growing? The love and encouragement I saw last week was amazing and I pray that it continues long after.
What a great looking crew - on the inside and out! :-)
Thank you campers/leaders/volunteers/staff and whoever I may have missed for a great week - thank you God for the opportunity to help multiply the seeds!
No offense to any Sr. High campers that may read this - I survived the first real week of camping! My staff also survived, but I am concerned about them as they were talking yesterday at breakfast about getting a sugar glider, making a walnut helmet for it and shooting it out of a canon. I think they will be OK, but I am keeping my eye on them.
We had a great week of the Lord moving in many different ways. Because I was running around trying to fix all the things I messed up and getting ready for a wedding at our farm, I missed out on a lot of the worship time, but heard that it was wonderful and messages were given that needed to be heard. I was given a lesson as well on making sure the light of Jesus is shining even when people are feeling it isn't there.
The verse above was part of a calendar of the day I received as a gift about leadership, but it also struck me as relevant to the camping experience of last week. Many many seeds were planted last week and I saw some start to grow even before campers and leaders left. Some I know still need watering and time to germinate and God will provide what is needed to increase His kingdom.
Where are you in your growing? Are you helping to spread the seeds God has provided? Are you finding a way to tend to the plants that are growing? The love and encouragement I saw last week was amazing and I pray that it continues long after.
What a great looking crew - on the inside and out! :-)
Thank you campers/leaders/volunteers/staff and whoever I may have missed for a great week - thank you God for the opportunity to help multiply the seeds!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Past due
The title of the blog this week has different meanings for me:
1) This blog is 10 days late :-(
2) Have you ever had a decision to make or a tug on your heart and when you finally made the decision you can't believe you didn't make it earlier? I quit my job of 18 years on May 24th. While I loved the industry, most of the people I worked with and opportunities I had, I am ok with the decision to move on. The tagline for our company was "Bringing the Miracles of Medicine to Market Sooner". It was time to move on to different miracles. Doesn't mean the process has been easy, but I know I have made the right decision.I feel like an onion with layers of stress peeling away. May take awhile though.
3) Still looking for lifeguards to help this summer and if I don't find any the plan is to fill the lake with oatmeal. Ok, maybe not really, but I am feeling like the cut off date is coming and I may not be able to provide the campers with the lakefront experience.
4) This past weekend was the AB Women's retreat and the speaker shared a lot of stories and ideas and I think one that has stuck with me was the idea that you need to love yourself and take care of yourself otherwise you won't have any love to give away. I am not very good at that. I go, go, go (writing this blog at 10:15pm when I should be getting ready for bed) and then have crashed before and can't take care of anyone.
5) I started my summer class and already feel behind there. My own issue, not a camp issue :-)
Even though as I read this list it sounds negative, I know God is already at work here and will continue to do amazing things this summer.
Thanks for the support and continue to pray for us and the needs of the camp as we start with Sr. High this Sunday! The Journey begins....
1) This blog is 10 days late :-(
2) Have you ever had a decision to make or a tug on your heart and when you finally made the decision you can't believe you didn't make it earlier? I quit my job of 18 years on May 24th. While I loved the industry, most of the people I worked with and opportunities I had, I am ok with the decision to move on. The tagline for our company was "Bringing the Miracles of Medicine to Market Sooner". It was time to move on to different miracles. Doesn't mean the process has been easy, but I know I have made the right decision.I feel like an onion with layers of stress peeling away. May take awhile though.
3) Still looking for lifeguards to help this summer and if I don't find any the plan is to fill the lake with oatmeal. Ok, maybe not really, but I am feeling like the cut off date is coming and I may not be able to provide the campers with the lakefront experience.
4) This past weekend was the AB Women's retreat and the speaker shared a lot of stories and ideas and I think one that has stuck with me was the idea that you need to love yourself and take care of yourself otherwise you won't have any love to give away. I am not very good at that. I go, go, go (writing this blog at 10:15pm when I should be getting ready for bed) and then have crashed before and can't take care of anyone.
5) I started my summer class and already feel behind there. My own issue, not a camp issue :-)
Even though as I read this list it sounds negative, I know God is already at work here and will continue to do amazing things this summer.
Thanks for the support and continue to pray for us and the needs of the camp as we start with Sr. High this Sunday! The Journey begins....
Monday, May 21, 2012
And we are off....
Alright everyone, the camping season is literally days away and I am already tired :-)
Last weekend was the mini-mission weekend and most of my family came up to help. It was nice to see everyone's talents being used! My dad helped clean and may come back up this summer to help paint. My mom helped with organizing the craft barn, canteen (new t-shirts are in!) and cooking. Emma took over the dishwasher in the kitchen and even trained another volunteer on what to do. My husband came up too for a little while and did some plumbing work on the Director's cabin.
The other people that volunteered were amazing! Many hands make light work. We didn't have too many hands, but the work was definitely lighter overall and it takes things off the to do list for Mark and Deb.
Thank you to all who came up and shared their talents!
This is my last day in the office and I am trying to tie up loose ends. I read a devotional this morning and the verse really stuck with me:
And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work He had done for Israel. Judges 2:10
This is what Camp Tamarack is all about! If you aren't a part of Camp Tamarack - you are an honorary camper just by reading this blog in my opinion - this is what witnessing is all about.
Emma and I had long talk in the car up to Camp about what it means to witness and I know there are many different approaches, but for her I said it was about walking the talk and showing others we are trying to be good Christians even though we don't always get it right. At least we are trying. We don't want anyone to forget God's goodness and we want to show those who haven't seen it how good God is.
In Judges it took a few generations for people to forget, during our time on this earth, let's see if we can help people to remember!
Last weekend was the mini-mission weekend and most of my family came up to help. It was nice to see everyone's talents being used! My dad helped clean and may come back up this summer to help paint. My mom helped with organizing the craft barn, canteen (new t-shirts are in!) and cooking. Emma took over the dishwasher in the kitchen and even trained another volunteer on what to do. My husband came up too for a little while and did some plumbing work on the Director's cabin.
The other people that volunteered were amazing! Many hands make light work. We didn't have too many hands, but the work was definitely lighter overall and it takes things off the to do list for Mark and Deb.
Thank you to all who came up and shared their talents!
This is my last day in the office and I am trying to tie up loose ends. I read a devotional this morning and the verse really stuck with me:
And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work He had done for Israel. Judges 2:10
This is what Camp Tamarack is all about! If you aren't a part of Camp Tamarack - you are an honorary camper just by reading this blog in my opinion - this is what witnessing is all about.
Emma and I had long talk in the car up to Camp about what it means to witness and I know there are many different approaches, but for her I said it was about walking the talk and showing others we are trying to be good Christians even though we don't always get it right. At least we are trying. We don't want anyone to forget God's goodness and we want to show those who haven't seen it how good God is.
In Judges it took a few generations for people to forget, during our time on this earth, let's see if we can help people to remember!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Continuing the Journey
It seems like I just started this blog and this new role for Camp Tamarack and in about 2 weeks I will be moving up to camp for the summer. The past few months have flown by and I have learned a lot already - I am sure there is more to come!
Recently I watched the movie "The Book of Eli" with Denzel Washington. He is in a post apocalyptic world and has a very sacred possession. He is told to walk west by a voice and he did it. He didn't know what he was walking towards, only that a divine providence was leading him. Being that this is a post apocalyptic world you can imagine the journey wasn't easy. He needed to find food, shelter and ran into evil forces as he tried to move west. In about 100 minutes the story wrapped up and the quest was completed, but this got me to thinking. We all start journeys and are pushed and prodded along the way and run in to road bumps and blockades. The trick is to not give up, to continue forward knowing there is a destination...sometimes without knowing what it is!
I feel this camp season and this job is a journey and one that maybe I needed more prodding than normal to take on for various reasons, but I am here and excited to see what happens! I hope you will all stay with me during the journey :-)
Recently I watched the movie "The Book of Eli" with Denzel Washington. He is in a post apocalyptic world and has a very sacred possession. He is told to walk west by a voice and he did it. He didn't know what he was walking towards, only that a divine providence was leading him. Being that this is a post apocalyptic world you can imagine the journey wasn't easy. He needed to find food, shelter and ran into evil forces as he tried to move west. In about 100 minutes the story wrapped up and the quest was completed, but this got me to thinking. We all start journeys and are pushed and prodded along the way and run in to road bumps and blockades. The trick is to not give up, to continue forward knowing there is a destination...sometimes without knowing what it is!
I feel this camp season and this job is a journey and one that maybe I needed more prodding than normal to take on for various reasons, but I am here and excited to see what happens! I hope you will all stay with me during the journey :-)
Monday, May 7, 2012
Staying connected
Psalm 46:10
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
Yesterday in church Pastor Karen talked about connections. Our passage was John 15:1-8. We had a reminder that we are connected to the vine, but it isn't always easy as some are pruned back to help facilitate more growth and some are pruned off as they are not productive at all.
I spent a lot of last night and today thinking about connections. I thought about friends, I thought about co-workers, I thought about family, I thought about places and so on. In class this past weekend we talked about the Hebrew idea of heaven...there isn't one. The legacy and connection is your family and the generations to come. That is why stories are so important and making sure things and people are remembered.
When I travel, I don't buy a lot of "stuff". I don't need more "stuff". Instead, I take a lot of pictures. I want to remember the time I spent there and when I look at those pictures I am connected to a different time and place.
Since this is about Camp Tamarack and I have heard from several people the last few months about how disappointed they are that they can't come to camp this year for one reason or another...my question is where else do you feel connected to God?
I feel connected watching my daughter play and learn, I feel connected with family, I feel connected in the barn as I work and talk with the animals, I feel connected when I sit in the beautiful space at Green Lake Federated, I feel connected on the water. I truly feel connected when I take the time to just be and breathe in where I am and breathe out where I was.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
Yesterday in church Pastor Karen talked about connections. Our passage was John 15:1-8. We had a reminder that we are connected to the vine, but it isn't always easy as some are pruned back to help facilitate more growth and some are pruned off as they are not productive at all.
I spent a lot of last night and today thinking about connections. I thought about friends, I thought about co-workers, I thought about family, I thought about places and so on. In class this past weekend we talked about the Hebrew idea of heaven...there isn't one. The legacy and connection is your family and the generations to come. That is why stories are so important and making sure things and people are remembered.
When I travel, I don't buy a lot of "stuff". I don't need more "stuff". Instead, I take a lot of pictures. I want to remember the time I spent there and when I look at those pictures I am connected to a different time and place.
Since this is about Camp Tamarack and I have heard from several people the last few months about how disappointed they are that they can't come to camp this year for one reason or another...my question is where else do you feel connected to God?
I feel connected watching my daughter play and learn, I feel connected with family, I feel connected in the barn as I work and talk with the animals, I feel connected when I sit in the beautiful space at Green Lake Federated, I feel connected on the water. I truly feel connected when I take the time to just be and breathe in where I am and breathe out where I was.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Random thoughts
My brain is a jumble of many thoughts today so try to stick with me:
I stayed in the newly renovated Basile Retreat Center this past weekend and it is a GREAT space. The Missional Group had their meeting there and I brought up the food and stayed to visit. Sounds like some great conversations are being had!
B) Still looking for two full time accredited lifeguards for the summer!
*) Before starting to write today, I looked at the stats for this blog and the pages have been viewed over a 1000 times in the continental US plus Alaska! Next I conquer the world! Ahem, or maybe share my message with my friends in different countries. :-) Thanks everyone for the support!
4) I started ordering for the craft barn this summer - that was FUN! Plus Lauren has some cool new ideas.
C) I am working on my paper and project for Hebrew Bible II and picked Amos 5:18-24. I love this passage and have gained a lot of insight already into the prophet and his message to the people of Israel. I actually have too many ideas and need to pick one. (Or two??)
&) I follow a blog on FaceBook that asks a question every day - thought I would share this one with this group since I have gone through many changes with work, school, family, friends.7) In a month I will be up at camp!!!!
Hope everyone is having a great Monday - Shalom~ Carolyn
Monday, April 23, 2012
Gardening 101
Isaiah 58:11 And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
Last week a friend (pretty sure we are friends, never really talked about it :-) ) and I were talking about different things and she was telling me about a message she heard during Holy Week and the gist was something along the lines of "what gets watered grows". In my corporate world there is also a saying that what gets measured gets done. That has stuck with me the last few days as I have been thinking about what I have been watering and measuring the past few months.
Part of me is ashamed to list out all the things I have been watering and shouldn't have been. My garden has the following things growing in it: worry, too much work, too much time on the computer, too much TV. I have updated my list of what needs to be watered and what really should be measured and my relationships with my husband and daughter are on the top of the list. Next on the list come things like all my critters and farm work, time outside, school, family & friends and the positive parts of work. To me, if I water and nurture those aspects of life my relationship and faith will also grow.
I am really looking forward to my first summer at Tamarack and seeing all the campers and leaders have water dumped on them. You know what I mean :-)
What are you watering that shouldn't be and where should the watering can be focused?
Part of me is ashamed to list out all the things I have been watering and shouldn't have been. My garden has the following things growing in it: worry, too much work, too much time on the computer, too much TV. I have updated my list of what needs to be watered and what really should be measured and my relationships with my husband and daughter are on the top of the list. Next on the list come things like all my critters and farm work, time outside, school, family & friends and the positive parts of work. To me, if I water and nurture those aspects of life my relationship and faith will also grow.
I am really looking forward to my first summer at Tamarack and seeing all the campers and leaders have water dumped on them. You know what I mean :-)
What are you watering that shouldn't be and where should the watering can be focused?
Monday, April 16, 2012
Where you go I'll go, Where you stay, I'll stay - I will follow you
Numbers 9:18 At
the command of the LORD the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the
LORD they camped. As long as the
cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.
What's up at Camp Tamarack this week?
I am getting lots of registrations starting to come in for the summer! It is great to see names I know and new campers. Pretty sure we have all our Directors and Pastors lined up. We will probably need volunteer cabin leaders for some of the weeks. Let me know if you are interested.
I am starting to worry a little as I don't have all my full time staff hired. By Friday I anticipate having all positions filled except for the 2 full time lifeguards....that seems to be an elusive position to fill. Know anyone??
Starting this Sunday I will be on a "speaking junket" for camp at several different churches and was working on my children's sermon material and presentations. I decided to "open" with the Numbers verse posted above. This past summer shopping in Minocqua, WI at the Monkey Business store we found different shirts that said things like: God said - Go Running, God said - Go to the Lake, God said - Go Fishing, etc...well, there was one that had God said - Go Camping quoting Numbers so of course I bought it. Then for Hebrew Bible I we had to pick a passage and write a paper/give a presentation on the passage. I decided to use Numbers 9 and included this verse.
It is easy to use this as a joke and say that God said we should go camping. As I did my research and really delved in to the passage where it led me was the idea of the pillar and the cloud. When the cloud or pillar stayed put, the people stayed put, but when the cloud or pillar moved - the people moved! I started to think, if I was in the middle of something I thought was important and the cloud started moving, would I be able to immediately pack up and start moving? I think I may have ignored a few clouds and pillars in my life. I think there is a pillar/cloud moving right now and I am afraid to follow it.
Anyone have a pillar or cloud staying put and you are itching to move?
Anyone have a pillar or cloud moving and you are afraid to move?
What's up at Camp Tamarack this week?
I am getting lots of registrations starting to come in for the summer! It is great to see names I know and new campers. Pretty sure we have all our Directors and Pastors lined up. We will probably need volunteer cabin leaders for some of the weeks. Let me know if you are interested.
I am starting to worry a little as I don't have all my full time staff hired. By Friday I anticipate having all positions filled except for the 2 full time lifeguards....that seems to be an elusive position to fill. Know anyone??
Starting this Sunday I will be on a "speaking junket" for camp at several different churches and was working on my children's sermon material and presentations. I decided to "open" with the Numbers verse posted above. This past summer shopping in Minocqua, WI at the Monkey Business store we found different shirts that said things like: God said - Go Running, God said - Go to the Lake, God said - Go Fishing, etc...well, there was one that had God said - Go Camping quoting Numbers so of course I bought it. Then for Hebrew Bible I we had to pick a passage and write a paper/give a presentation on the passage. I decided to use Numbers 9 and included this verse.
It is easy to use this as a joke and say that God said we should go camping. As I did my research and really delved in to the passage where it led me was the idea of the pillar and the cloud. When the cloud or pillar stayed put, the people stayed put, but when the cloud or pillar moved - the people moved! I started to think, if I was in the middle of something I thought was important and the cloud started moving, would I be able to immediately pack up and start moving? I think I may have ignored a few clouds and pillars in my life. I think there is a pillar/cloud moving right now and I am afraid to follow it.
Anyone have a pillar or cloud staying put and you are itching to move?
Anyone have a pillar or cloud moving and you are afraid to move?
Monday, April 2, 2012
What have you got?
Psalm 71:17-18
17 Since my youth, God, you have
taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.
I was out last week and didn't get a chance to blog, but the above verse is what I read in a park in Harrogate, England. I was sitting in the sun with daffodils and tulips blooming around me and as I read the Bible this verse spoke to me. Now, to be honest, the first reason it spoke to me was the line...even when I am old and gray. See, I am pretty gray - started when I was 16, but anyway that line made me laugh and I don't think I will ever consider myself old.
I kept coming back to this verse during the week and it spoke to me again when I was shopping for souvenirs in a store in Ireland. I was wandering around and a song was playing in the background. It was the song - All God's Creatures. It is a pretty catchy tune and before I knew it, I was singing along in the store and downloaded it the first chance I got. Clink for link to YouTube of All God's Creatures
It is amazing to me where the Lord speaks and how he speaks. In my head I am putting this verse and this song together and want to recreate the fun I had in my youth learning and singing new camp songs and I want to share this song with the campers! I still sing One Tin Soldier and The Unicorn Song. It will take some practice, but I think it is a good message - everyone has a place in the choir and clap your paws or whatever you got. Come to the Lord with whatever you have!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Influence
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
I am over the Monday blah's from last week - this fabulous weather sure has been helping with that! First long run outside has me a bit sore, but a good sore. It is also Spring Break for Emma and she is hanging out with mom all week. Today we are in the Elm Grove office and she is "helping" me. I think it just connected with her today that I "am" Camp Tamarack now.
I have been thinking a lot about how camp will go this summer and trying to listen to all the different ideas and suggestions. Emma just gave me an idea that each night the cabin leaders should read a Bible verse pertaining to the lesson - she said she would really like that. I think we have a great theme in Journey (not the band :-P) that will lead to some great discussions.
Our overall verse is:
Judges 18:6 "Go in peace," the priest replied. "For the LORD will go ahead of you on your journey."
Back to the original verse at the top of the blog...my husband and I were having a discussion this weekend about Emma's friends and as any parent does, you worry about them being a bad influence on your child as they get older. I thought about it the other way though and maybe Emma will be a good influence? At my other day job, I like to post random questions as a type of fun/teambuilding. This week's question was "What is something everyone should know how to do?" I asked Emma this question and her first response was - everyone should know how to pray. Yup, I think she will be a good influence.
What do you think everyone should know how to do?
How is your Journey going? Whatever it is - go in peace :-)
I am over the Monday blah's from last week - this fabulous weather sure has been helping with that! First long run outside has me a bit sore, but a good sore. It is also Spring Break for Emma and she is hanging out with mom all week. Today we are in the Elm Grove office and she is "helping" me. I think it just connected with her today that I "am" Camp Tamarack now.
I have been thinking a lot about how camp will go this summer and trying to listen to all the different ideas and suggestions. Emma just gave me an idea that each night the cabin leaders should read a Bible verse pertaining to the lesson - she said she would really like that. I think we have a great theme in Journey (not the band :-P) that will lead to some great discussions.
Our overall verse is:
Judges 18:6 "Go in peace," the priest replied. "For the LORD will go ahead of you on your journey."
Back to the original verse at the top of the blog...my husband and I were having a discussion this weekend about Emma's friends and as any parent does, you worry about them being a bad influence on your child as they get older. I thought about it the other way though and maybe Emma will be a good influence? At my other day job, I like to post random questions as a type of fun/teambuilding. This week's question was "What is something everyone should know how to do?" I asked Emma this question and her first response was - everyone should know how to pray. Yup, I think she will be a good influence.
What do you think everyone should know how to do?
How is your Journey going? Whatever it is - go in peace :-)
Monday, March 12, 2012
Monday blahs
I have the Monday blahs today. I went to bed with a headache and woke up with a headache. Plus, it is thunderstorming. Don't get me wrong, I am excited for the rain and it washes away all the dirt and junk from the winter. I am just not my normal self to be a writing a blog.
So, here are some random thoughts and updates for the week:
This prayer is also sometimes called "The Deer's Cry" or "The Lorica".
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through the belief in the threeness,
Through the confession of the oneness
Of the Creator of Creation.
I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with his baptism,
Through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial,
Through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension,
Through the strength of his descent for the Judgment Day.
I arise today
Through the strength of the love of Cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In prayers of patriarchs,
In predictions of prophets,
In preaching of apostles,
In faith of confessors,
In innocence of holy virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.
I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.
I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of demons,
From temptations of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone and in multitude.
I summon today all these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.
Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me abundance of reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness,
Of the Creator of Creation.
So, here are some random thoughts and updates for the week:
- I am working on a brochure for the updated Basile building at Tamarack. I have not visited it in person yet, but the pictures I have seen look great and the plans sound great.
- I am looking for lifeguards this summer to work on staff at camp - if you know anyone, send 'em my way!
- I started looking at what t-shirts/sweatshirts I want to order this year for Camp.
- I am Irish so looking forward to this Saturday. I am not a good cook, but every year I do make Corned Beef and Cabbage. Plus I found a baked cabbage recipe this weekend. In about three weeks I will also get to visit Ireland briefly.
- Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.
- Was St. Patrick Irish? Nope - he was born in Britain.
"St Patrick's Breastplate"
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through the belief in the threeness,
Through the confession of the oneness
Of the Creator of Creation.
I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with his baptism,
Through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial,
Through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension,
Through the strength of his descent for the Judgment Day.
I arise today
Through the strength of the love of Cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In prayers of patriarchs,
In predictions of prophets,
In preaching of apostles,
In faith of confessors,
In innocence of holy virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.
I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.
I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of demons,
From temptations of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone and in multitude.
I summon today all these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.
Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me abundance of reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness,
Of the Creator of Creation.
Monday, March 5, 2012
The Spark
He makes his messengers winds, his ministers a flaming fire. Psalm 104:4
A couple weeks ago, for my other job, I went to a conference that had a motivational speaker. I usually like that type of thing anyway, but this message has stuck with me for awhile.
The name of the speaker was Lance Secretan and his book is called "The Spark, The Flame, The Torch". He was focused on leadership, but at that word spark, I immediately went to the song Pass It On where it only takes a spark to get a fire going.
That was his message really, but his twist is that the spark is really a dream and how do you take your dream and turn it in to a flame to inspire others and then a torch to inspire the world.
It is amazing what a "spark" can do to some one's mood, vocation, faith. I have been thinking about my dream for Camp Tamarack and how does that translate overall as my dream may not be the same as someone elses, but I don't want to put water on their spark as adding all those sparks together gives you the flame and eventually the torch that goes out in to the world.
Do you need a spark right now? Have you seen a spark in action?
My dream is to work with youth in way to help them see the love of Christ and have fun along the way. It seems pretty simple, but I have already seen how my sparks have helped others and it is enough to keep me going!
I would love to hear your dreams or how you have seen the spark in action.
Shalom!
P.S. Here are the lyrics to Pass It On in case you aren't familiar with them:
A couple weeks ago, for my other job, I went to a conference that had a motivational speaker. I usually like that type of thing anyway, but this message has stuck with me for awhile.
The name of the speaker was Lance Secretan and his book is called "The Spark, The Flame, The Torch". He was focused on leadership, but at that word spark, I immediately went to the song Pass It On where it only takes a spark to get a fire going.
That was his message really, but his twist is that the spark is really a dream and how do you take your dream and turn it in to a flame to inspire others and then a torch to inspire the world.
It is amazing what a "spark" can do to some one's mood, vocation, faith. I have been thinking about my dream for Camp Tamarack and how does that translate overall as my dream may not be the same as someone elses, but I don't want to put water on their spark as adding all those sparks together gives you the flame and eventually the torch that goes out in to the world.
Do you need a spark right now? Have you seen a spark in action?
My dream is to work with youth in way to help them see the love of Christ and have fun along the way. It seems pretty simple, but I have already seen how my sparks have helped others and it is enough to keep me going!
I would love to hear your dreams or how you have seen the spark in action.
Shalom!
P.S. Here are the lyrics to Pass It On in case you aren't familiar with them:
It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That's how it is with God's Love,
Once you've experienced it,
Your spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.
What a wondrous time is spring,
When all the tress are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That's how it is with God's love,
Once you've experienced it.
You want to sing, it's fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on.
I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I've found;
You can depend on God
It matters not where you're bound,
I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.
I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That's how it is with God's Love,
Once you've experienced it,
Your spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.
What a wondrous time is spring,
When all the tress are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That's how it is with God's love,
Once you've experienced it.
You want to sing, it's fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on.
I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I've found;
You can depend on God
It matters not where you're bound,
I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.
I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.
Monday, February 27, 2012
What kind of journey are you on?
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Psalm 119:105
We just had our Commission on Camping meeting this past Saturday and decided the theme for this year is Journey. It ties to the National ABC as well as the Region themes this year. We all liked this theme since it has many different ways of looking at it. Everyone is on a journey of some sort.
There is your faith journey, your life journey, Jesus' journey to the cross, and so on....
I am excited to see what direction the Directors of each camp take this for the different age groups.
Speaking of journey, we are well on our way in the Lenten journey this year. I wasn't able to go to church for Ash Wednesday so Emma and I had our own service and I let her put ashes on my forehead as we repeated "from dust you came and to dust you shall return".
We also talked about what we wanted to take up for the season to prepare our hearts for Easter. I am going to take up better care of the temple God gave me with better nutrition and exercise. I was slacking big time in those areas. Emma decided to take up being more creative and watching less TV. She got out her crochet kit to start a project as well as making a corn husk doll. This in itself is going to be an interesting journey.
What journey are you on right now? Is it the journey or the destination in your view that is important?
P.S. I have 10 followers now on the blog - woohoo double digits :-)
P.P.S. The photo is of Bunny and I at the empty tomb - the last stop of a journey through Israel.
Psalm 119:105
We just had our Commission on Camping meeting this past Saturday and decided the theme for this year is Journey. It ties to the National ABC as well as the Region themes this year. We all liked this theme since it has many different ways of looking at it. Everyone is on a journey of some sort.
There is your faith journey, your life journey, Jesus' journey to the cross, and so on....
I am excited to see what direction the Directors of each camp take this for the different age groups.
Speaking of journey, we are well on our way in the Lenten journey this year. I wasn't able to go to church for Ash Wednesday so Emma and I had our own service and I let her put ashes on my forehead as we repeated "from dust you came and to dust you shall return".
We also talked about what we wanted to take up for the season to prepare our hearts for Easter. I am going to take up better care of the temple God gave me with better nutrition and exercise. I was slacking big time in those areas. Emma decided to take up being more creative and watching less TV. She got out her crochet kit to start a project as well as making a corn husk doll. This in itself is going to be an interesting journey.
What journey are you on right now? Is it the journey or the destination in your view that is important?
P.S. I have 10 followers now on the blog - woohoo double digits :-)
P.P.S. The photo is of Bunny and I at the empty tomb - the last stop of a journey through Israel.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Almost 40 days til Easter
John 14:6
"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
This time I am spending in the office each week preparing for the camping season reminds me a little of the time that starts this week as we prepare for Easter.
Prior to learning more about the Director job, I went to camp, enjoyed my time and always walked away with a heart full of love and a spirit that was renewed in Christ and all God has done for me. Now I understand what goes in to getting ready for the camping season - finding staff, volunteers, supplies, state certificates, financial stuff and so on. I have a better appreciation for what is to come and how it will need to managed.
Prior to learning more about the Lent season, I always thought it was something Catholics did. There seemed to be a lot of ritual and going through the motions. Now I see this as a different experience. Someone once explained to me that you "don't give up" something for Lent. The idea is to take up your own cross and be mindful of what God did for us while you struggle to deal with your choice. Lent is 40 days to prepare your mind and spirit to accept the miracle and sacrifice that Jesus took for us. I have done this for a few years now and my celebration of the Easter service has changed. I have a much better appreciation and understanding after preparing my heart those 40 days.
This isn't to say that this is the only time I do these things, but with the craziness of life, it does give me a focused time to spend in prayer and preparation. I had been going to a Lutheran Church for several years and I have to admit, I do like some of the rituals they observed.
Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.
Do you observe Lenten practices? What meaning do they hold for you?
"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
This time I am spending in the office each week preparing for the camping season reminds me a little of the time that starts this week as we prepare for Easter.
Prior to learning more about the Director job, I went to camp, enjoyed my time and always walked away with a heart full of love and a spirit that was renewed in Christ and all God has done for me. Now I understand what goes in to getting ready for the camping season - finding staff, volunteers, supplies, state certificates, financial stuff and so on. I have a better appreciation for what is to come and how it will need to managed.
Prior to learning more about the Lent season, I always thought it was something Catholics did. There seemed to be a lot of ritual and going through the motions. Now I see this as a different experience. Someone once explained to me that you "don't give up" something for Lent. The idea is to take up your own cross and be mindful of what God did for us while you struggle to deal with your choice. Lent is 40 days to prepare your mind and spirit to accept the miracle and sacrifice that Jesus took for us. I have done this for a few years now and my celebration of the Easter service has changed. I have a much better appreciation and understanding after preparing my heart those 40 days.
This isn't to say that this is the only time I do these things, but with the craziness of life, it does give me a focused time to spend in prayer and preparation. I had been going to a Lutheran Church for several years and I have to admit, I do like some of the rituals they observed.
Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.
Do you observe Lenten practices? What meaning do they hold for you?
Monday, February 6, 2012
F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely on God)
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
I am not used to people helping me. There, I said it. I don't want to offend anyone that has helped me in the past, but I am not one that usually asks for help or at least I try not to ask for help. I am the one who tries to help others or figures out a way to get things done.Lately, I have had some wonderful people that have helped me. Some of it, I had to ask for and some of it was unsolicited. I'll be honest that at first it was a little weird to ask for help. For some reason in my brain I needed to take care of everything and do it all. Well, as am I sure all of you know - I can't do it all! (Neither can you!)
I had a wonderful boss that used to tell me that I can do anything, I just couldn't do everything as I volunteered for more projects and more work. Boy was she right and I have to remind myself of that from time to time as I add more to my plate.
The problem with feeling that you can do everything is sometimes you start to rely on yourself vs God. If I only do this and this and this it will work out vs trusting that God knows what He is doing and will take care of us. Part of relying on God is also relying on His agents to help you whether you know you need the help or not. Sometimes the agents and the method He uses isn't quite what you had in mind.
This new role with Camp Tamarack means that I will be relying on God and His agents to be Directors, Leaders, Health Officers and such. I can't do it all. So far He has brought amazing people in to my life to support Winter Youth Retreat and volunteers/staff for this summer.
Where is God pushing you to trust Him and to be grateful for the support you have gotten?
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