Camping in the Red River Gorge

We had so much fun on our camping trip last week! We were soooo busy during the month of May with school and work, that we decided to take some time during the first week off and spend some quality time together. We spent a few days at "the Gorge" as it is known around here. After setting up camp, we cooked our special dinner (steak, potatoes and salad, mmmm......), then went for a hike. On our hike the kids discovered some wild blueberries, so we picked berries to add to our pancakes the next morning! What a treat!! Then we enjoyed s'mores around the campfire. The next day after breakfast, we headed out of the campground to explore. We saw some beautiful scenery, including the one lane rock tunnel that was blasted through with dynamite during the early 1900s. Our destination that morning was Rock Bridge Trail, where we were told there was a waterfall and a creek where we could play. It was a beautiful hike and the creek and waterfall were all that we expected! We had a great time playing in the creek. The hike back up the mountain was HOT but worth it, especially with the m&m trail mix! After returning to the camp, some of us rested, some of us explored the woods around our site, and some of us had a water fight. you'll have to guess which one did what activity! We had dinner, played cards, and roasted marshmellows (again!!). The next morning it was raining so we made breakfast in the drizzle over the fire and then packed up. It poured as we were leaving so we just headed back toward home. We stopped at a park for lunch, playing and feeding the ducks! What great memories we made!

Distraction

Recently I was reading the account of Jesus' visit to Martha and Mary's home in Luke 10. Some of the words used to describe Martha really stood out to me: Distracted, Worried, Troubled. And as I meditated on this passage, it occurred to me how fittingly they describe most people in our culture today, even people in the Church. Distraction comes in so many forms. We are distracted by entertainment, such as movies, television, social activities, etc... We can be distracted by daily chores, work, money, other people, religious activity, and many more. How much diligence it takes to fight these to go after the One Thing that is essential!
Likewise, how many are "worried and troubled about many things"? We mostly worry about things we are not sure will happen or things out of our control. Jesus said we should not worry about anything, but seek Him and His kingdom and He will provide for us, He will protect us or give us strength to endure what ever may come. He has a perfect plan that we can trust! However it is not guaranteed to be pain free. In fact, we are told to be ready for trials and suffering, and to face them with joy.
So if we are so like Martha, how do we become like Mary? Jesus is gentle in his correction with Martha, just as He is with us, pointing her to what is best. Jesus told Martha that one thing is needed and Mary had chosen that good thing. And what is that one thing that is needed? Sitting with Jesus, hearing His word, obeying His commands. We must learn to put aside distraction, worry and things that trouble us just to be with Jesus and soak in His truth and love, to align ourselves with God's purposes. That is what I think Mary was doing that day, and I am committed to going after that myself! Come along with me. It's not easy, but it's worth it. It's the one thing that is essential!

Awana Awards Night

Our kids participate in Awana during the school year. For those of you who do not know what that is, it is a Bible club where the kids do Bible lessons each week and memorize Bible verses, play games and hopefully grow in their love for God and His Word. They all worked very hard this year and each one completed their book plus a little extra work. Here are the pictures from the Awards night where they received recognition for their work and an award. Rachel and Abby have been in Awana for many years. They both won special awards this year. Rachel in particular won the Timothy Award, for completing all 4 books in her class. She is now finished with this level and is ready to move onto the next level. She is really growing up fast!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame...

We had so much fun this Spring with the local T-ball league. David coached Keenan's team, which was really an intro to coach pitch. During the games, David pitched up to 5 balls to each player on his team. If the batter missed all 5, then they could hit off of the Tee. Micah was on a team of kids his age and he had great coaches. His favorite thing about T-ball was not batting or throwing, but having snack after the game! This league is very laid back and lots of fun. We kind of miss it, but we have some great memories and we're looking forward to next year.

The Parable of the Sower

My girls have been taking ballet classes this winter and Spring here in Wilmore. It was a great experience for them both: good exercise, meeting new friends, dancing with a focus on Jesus, and a good teacher who is committed both to the students and to Jesus! At the beginning of May, the ballet school did a performance and worship dancing for the parents and friends. Ms. Hannah, the director and main teacher, wrote the dances herself. Rachel and Abby were part of Act 1, which was based on the Parable of the Sower that Jesus tells. How cute each little seed, sunshine, maiden planter, weed, etc... was on stage reminding us to have good soil in our hearts and to sow God's Word into our own hearts and into those around us. I couldn't get any good pictures during the show due to technical difficulties, but here are the girls afterwards in their costumes. Abby was a sun and Rachel was one of the maiden planters. And the middle pictures is of Rachel with one of her friends who also dances.