Living in Community

"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  All the believers were together and had everything in common.  Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.”  Acts 2:42,44-46

Twice a year, Memorial Day and Labor Day, we have the opportunity of “living in community”, if you will, with friends.  We eat together, play together, worship together, fellowship together, cook together,  swim together, compete together, and laugh together.  This year was a bit hotter than usual and with the limited electrical capacity of the camp we had to find ways, without A/C to cool off…the boys here enjoyed Megan and Greg’s hillbilly attempts.  I think three was the max that could fit in this tote of cold water. 

Thanks to Keith, Joe, and Greg for doing the grilling for 30 people!  This of course added to the 90 degree heat as we pretty much had to keep the grills and fires going the entire day as  it seemed we were constantly eating!

 We did our best to eat together…but 2 picnic tables can only hold so many!  We were often found spread out beneath whatever awning or tree was providing the most   shade at that time of the day….unless the pool was open or some competition was going on.

Most of the kids had the opportunity to practice their archery skills, which proved to be a lot of fun for everyone!  Even the adults snuck a shot in here and there.

Thanks so much to sweet MaryAnn for holding London during the archery session…MaryAnn, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you without a smile on your face! 

 

 Sitting in the shade enjoying popsicles, watching the men compete in the infamous volleyball tournament is a must.  This years’ game was so intense that it was exciting to watch and gained many spectators as our men beat the repeated champs, the Eichorn family.

There is probably not a family that is quite like the Eichorns in their sportsmanship, skill, and character.  They are definitely a family that is admired at MCSC.

So here’s a picture of the filthy bunch jumping for joy over their hard work as they ended up playing 3 LONG games in a best out of 3 set.  Way to go group!  Note to the readers:  the sand/dirt was actually so hot that one member of an earlier team had blisters on his feet!

 

Of course we found time for the slip-n-slide…Christine I couldn’t resist:)  Kudos to you for being one of the kids and bumping your way down…way to go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We decided it wouldn’t be camping without Twizzlers!  So, those that  were not able to (or chose not to) participate in the slip-n-slide enjoyed a Twizzler in the shade.

 And of course there were the spontaneous games of dodge ball…a game that is played and enjoyed by virtually every age.  Thank you Brandt family for providing the dodge balls every year, I know it’s a favorite in our family.

As you can see it was an awesome time and we look forward to Labor Day where we’ll do it all over again! 

Jackson

“Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:3-5

6 years ago, on June 6th, we were blessed with this bundle…our first son, Jackson Joseph, weighing in at a healthy 9 lb. 9 oz. Now here we are 6 years later and once again I sit back and wonder “where has the time gone?” People tell you so often that your children “grow up so fast.” You just don’t know how true that is until it happens before your very eyes…like the blink of an eye, or so it seems. Often times I don’t even fully realize how much has changed until I stop, at times like these, and reflect. I look back at pictures and remember, things that I wouldn’t otherwise have remembered if it weren’t for my memories being packaged so nicely in digital files. Then as I look at the pictures the memories flood back and warm my heart as I’m reminded of how I have been blessed.

Thank you Jesus for Jackson and the blessing that he has been to our family for the past 6 years. He is full of compassion and a sweet spirit that melts the hearts of his parents. His smile and energy are contagious and I thank you Lord for him. May he grow to be a man of God who seeks to do Your will in all circumstances. May the fruit of Your Spirit shine through Jackson as evidence of You in his life. We thank You Lord for the opportunity to raise and train Jackson up according to your will. May you grant us wisdom and strength in this endeavor, and may we find peace in knowing that You are God, and you are in control. Amen.

Here are a few pictures that reminded me of the years that flew by…enjoy!

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Happy Birthday Jackson!