with Haleigh, 399 others and God at Look Up Lodge

 It stung a bit when I snipped this bracelet to take it off my wrist.  You see the last few days I have had the pleasure of being a "cabin mom" at Look Up Lodge with a group of precious kids from our church. 

 My main jobs were to gently walk along side these seven sweet girls and serve up meals to my energetic girl who can't exactly waltz down the line in the cafeteria.  Little did I know God was ready to continue teaching me what He has been layering on me as these summer days have passed.

The messages we heard at chapel were powerful.  Directing the kids (AND ME) to see their God designed purpose is to be Imago Dei - an image bearer of God.  To reflect His character accurately. 

 SO, here is the question we are to ask... 

Do people think well of God when they are around me?

 This is the question we are to ask as we go about life.  Not just on Sunday mornings when we have our Sunday face on, not just as we go out to serve at a community project, BUT as we do life, no matter where we are or what the circumstance may be...standing in line at Target,  or even as we stand in line to zip line or ride a massive swing.

 

 To reflect God well and accurately we must love well, as Jesus did.  When we are shaken and jostled what comes out?  Is it love?  

 If we are to reflect God accurately we must know God and His Word.  When it comes to John 3:16 we are solid, or are we?  When we understand John 3:14- 15 and that refers to Numbers 21: 6-9 the picture becomes so much clearer, more beautiful!

 Another great concept pressed in at chapel was the idea of value.  Value is whatever someone is willing to pay.  What are you worth?  Your worth = Jesus.  God values you and me so much that He gave Jesus. 

 I guess with all of this I am trying to say... 

it was a fantastic three days full of sweet memories with my precious girl,

 a great time to see friendships formed and God reflected well in these young lives.

As we wrapped up our time at camp there were tears.  The days are already being counted down until Look Up Lodge is once again the destination. 

 We soaked in the time we had there.  Haleigh seemed to grow up a bit, in a sweet way, as those few days progressed.  She knew there would be a bit of a sting when we snipped off that bracelet

 ... so its still right there as a reminder of our time close to nature, close to friends, close to each other and now, because of it all, closer to reflecting His image well.

Summer Camps

As we wrap up our summer I have been thinking back to all that was done (and not done, but we'll focus on the "done" for now ;)  We are very blessed to have many treasures all about our city.  One of these treasures is Roper Mountain Science Center.  Last year was the first time we experienced summer camp at Roper Mountain and we were sold!  The catalog of camps arrived in our mailbox in early spring.  We combed through all the options for the ages of the two who would attend.  After some gentle steering as the girls honed in on their picks, we penciled in the dates we hoped to fill with camps and registered. 

Haleigh picked "Jungle Tales" where she learned so much about the Jungle animals and their habitats.  She loved every day of camp and couldn't wait to tell us all about the animals they got to hold or see each day.  The last day of camp she got to be a tour guide for her sisters and me.  Haleigh did a great job telling us detailed facts of the animals and then the rain forest.  It was a blast to watch the excitement of learning in her eyes.

Haleigh and the giant toad.

the rain forest

Tour Guide Haleigh in the misty rain forest.

 The following week Sophie had anticipated since she saw the camp options,  Marine Biology camp. Amazing! I was blown away by all the cool things this camp offered.  They had hands on tank time everyday where sting rays, sea urchins and star fish, were fed and studied.  They made shark tooth necklaces, dissected squids, and kept a neat journal with facts of all they learned.  The last day of Sophie's camp she had the pleasure of being a tour guide to Mrs. Megan, a special friend whose family had just arrived for a few days visit.  (In all the excitement of our special guests I forgot my camera :( for the tour.) Sophie did a great job showing us how to handle the creatures and teaching us much of what she learned.

Finally, perhaps the most exciting, was Sophie's four day overnight camp at Look Up Lodge.  Such an incredible opportunity for the third through fifth graders from our church to really dig in and learn about a personal relationship with Christ.  I was surprised how tough it was on me to have Sophie away without the ability to chat with her throughout the days.  I was glued to face book and twitter for any glimpse of her sweet face in a posted pic, or just a word of what was happening at camp.  It was a funny feeling but good for both us.  I can't say enough about the sweet folks that led the kiddos throughout the week. Sophie was so sad when it was time for camp to end. She has treasured memories and friends from the week that will last forever!

the "cabin 9" girls

Ms. Kristy, Sophie's super sweet counselor for the week (and Sunday School teacher.)

after a talk on creation and dinosaurs

sweet victory!  the much anticipated zip line was conquered together with a friend!

the place Sophie would call home if we let her ;)