We attended OPC Family Camp again. There are Bible Studies for youth and a guest speaker for the adults. Families each take a turn in the kitchen preparing one of the meals. What is it that makes us want to return? The teaching, the focused time we have to talk with other Christians, the opportunities to enjoy God’s creation by canoeing, watching the night sky, swimming, taking walks. While the middle schoolers were discussing the armour of God and memorizing verses from Ephesians, the adults were studying about heaven. In the evenings, we had a hymnsing, progressive campfires, a variety show and a powerpoint of pictures take throughout the week.
Proverbs 31 Woman
Resources for Christian Women, Encouragement for Families
Flowers at Eastern Market
My youngest daughter, who is 11 years old took a lot of photos of flowers the other day at Eastern Market.
Missions Trips
As your children get older and they want to put their faith into practice, we’ve found that going on a short term missions trip is timely. The entire process of deciding to go, attending preparatory meetings, borrowing/gathering/purchasing the necessary items to go, writing/sending letters to potential prayer partners and those who would give financially, packing, then going promotes maturing. Furthermore, actually getting away from the daily responsibilities and “all that clamors for a young person’s attention eg. phone, computer, internet, xanga, etc.” allows the student to focus on putting others first. Jesus poured Himself out for His people. He suffered the punishment that we deserved.
When a young person goes to a different part of the USA or into another country to be a witness, great things can/do/will happen. Being exposed to others who are different, or poorer, or who speak another language is life changing. A resource that we have found very useful in our children’s lives is a book called Operation World by Patrick Johnstone and Jason Mandryk. “When man works, man works; when man prays, God works.” This is a quote on page Xiii fo the book. It was Hans von Staden, the man God used to name Operation World, who often quoted those words. This manual is a catalyst for prayer as dozens of countries are described. This is definitely worth having. And there is a children’s version, too, for the younger students.
Birthday Party and German Musicians
A Proverbs 31 woman does not stay home and eat chips and dip all day. In fact, rarely. If ever! She is serving others: her family, friends, people the Lord brings across her path. This week our family is able to host 2 German musicians here on a Blue Lake exchange tour. They are in an orchestra.
We are thankful for such opportunities where we can open our home ( which actually is the Lord’s home!) and share the love of Christ. We provide food, shelter, and opportunities to see what an American family lives like. One of the keys to offering hospitality is to be prepared (with food, a plan, etc.) yet, to be flexible. Since the students arrived last night, already some planned events were canceled (due to instruments still being left behind in Germany) and new events have been lined up. Flexibility is key!
Today, my youngest child and I will play some fiddling tunes at our friend’s 90th birthday! He is a wood carver who has a zest for life! We have friends of all ages. This friend and his wife have reminded us to be thankful for each day the Lord gives, to live life to the fullest, and to keep learning new things. Recently, this friend was given an aquarium with fish to take care of. Also, he and his wife take regular “field trips” (aka outings….and not just to the doctor’s office).
When I wrote the blog entry about swimming, my 11 yr. old asked what that had to do with being a Proverbs 31 woman.
Well, the Proverbs 31 woman girds her loins with strength, she takes care of her health by eating well, exercising, and taking care of herself. “Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.” A Proverbs 31 woman is a woman who fears the Lord; she keeps everything in balance.