We've been blessed with another great summer and many memories were made. We hosted the Gumm family who helped us out more than they can ever know! Zanna had her first sleepover as a result of this visit and is already asking for another. We also hosted a missionary from Asia who gave a presentation of the amazing work being done in a country where doors have opened ten-fold in recent years. We had the privilege of seeing Koine in concert again and this time around was the best yet! Our favourite Christian band hands down!
To wrap up the last week of summer, we were able to attend the Labour Day Retreat again. Hosted at a camp tucked into the Berkshire mountains of Massachusetts, we certainly didn't go for the great weather! It rained pretty much the whole time. We had a few moments of relief that allowed the kids to swim in the pool and enjoy the lake.
We were also able to worship outside Sunday morning and had a beautiful view!
The lake had this pretty big slide that plummets you down into the water. Looks rather ominous in this picture but this was the early morning fog. It cleared up by afternoon and allowed for a very fun ride!
Zanna had a blast! Will had fun playing soccer with the other pre/teens in the indoor soccer field.
The main motivation for us going was to participate in the Bible Study that was being led by Rev. Daniel Deutschlander. This spiritually gifted man is the author of two of my favourite theological books from NPH - "The Narrow Lutheran Middle" and "The Theology of the Cross:Reflections on His Cross and Ours". The Bible study/lecture was on the first 3 chapters of Genesis. It was wonderful! We loved his insight and wisdom found in these beginning chapters of the Word! We were not disappointed ....
It was a great end to a summer of lots of fun moments but it's also been a time for me lately of being in a funk. Brought on by several complicated issues, I know it's just a season. But my tears have flowed lately like never before and I'm tired and worn out. It's been challenging for me to start the school year and I've been delaying it - for several reasons. You can't end what you don't finish and this is the year - the last with both kids. And I don't want to dwell on the "last" part. I want it to be a year of good memories and savouring the moments. That's hard to do when I feel like I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown! So I take a deep breath, look for strength not in myself (cause it ain't there anyway) but hope in the Lord, and pray ...
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night while they say to me continually, "Where is your God?" These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you downcast, Oh my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 42:1-5
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