What's Next

In the last month, I have blogged less frequently than usual. This was to prepare you, reader, for my blogging schedule this summer. Not really. I just had less to say since I wasn't on a college campus anymore with lots of things to grab my attention. 


Tomorrow, I start my journey to Arrowhead Bible Camp. I am excited about this new part of my summer that I have been dreaming about since February and I am nervous. 


Have you seen the SNL skit with Zac Efron returning to East High to give a graduation speech about how the whole world doesn't sing and dance like they do in High School Musical? He says something like "On the first day of classes at college,  I was nervous but I was excited. So I sang a song called 'Nervous but Excited' and no one knew the choreography. They all stared!" Here's the link if you liked HSM or if you liked to make fun of it. 


Anyway, "nervous but excited" has definitely been my motto through this prep time. I've been in the process of packing for a month and it is stressful. Now that it's actually time to go, it's...weird.  


Arrowhead and myself have a long history together and my family's history there is even longer. My mom held the post of summer secretary when she was in high school. A lot of things have changed in me since the last time I was at ABC but I know that part of me that gets all squirelly and giggly when I pull onto the grounds is still there. 


I wish I could give the proper credit for this idea, but I can't remember where it came from. Sorry, whoever thought of this. I heard this year about how Evangelicals will tell you that God, or more specifically, the Holy Spirit, is everywhere. That's true, but that doesn't mean He is everywhere in the same way. 
As a kid, I remember Sunday school teachers telling me God could hear my prayer from the playground or my pillow or wherever I was. The idea that God is everywhere is comforting but it can be a little numbing. If God is everywhere, then is everywhere holy? Not really. There's not a lot holy about monkey bars.
 God is everywhere but He is especially in some places, like church. I know that God shows up differently in His house than He does at a bus stop. The same principle applies for Arrowhead. God shows up there differently for me. He is so real, so close, and so clear for me when I am there. Have you ever been asked to "find your happy place"? Mine is the fishing dock at Arrowhead. 


Even though I'm nervous to be going to camp alone and to be walking into a job I've never done, there are a lot of signs pointing to "You can do this" because I have God with me. 
As far as my schedule, I don't know yet when I can get to this blog and update it. I did not intentionally post less this month so you would get used to the idea, but it sure sounded like a proper strategy. I'm sure I will have lots to say (come on, it's me) and I'll keep you updated the best I can. Keep checking the blog, abcamp.org, and any other way you get in contact with me with the exception of my cell phone because there is little to no reception. 
Keep praying for me, the campers, and the staff that God will use us in whatever way He chooses. Catch you up when I can! 

Memorial Day

This weekend, my mom, dad, and I went to LaCrosse this weekend to visit family.
One of the coolest things in that city, besides family, is Grandad's Bluff. The lookout point was just redone so it's pretty and safe now. Score!
Some of these photos scream America. I'm so glad there are men and women willing to put themselves in harm's way to defend this country because it's not something I can do.
If you are ever in LaCrosse, take the trek up the bluff and see the city for yourself. It's gorgeous. Also, turns out I like Instagram more than I thought. Whoops.

This bird couldn't fly away! We all had theories about why. I shooed him away from where the cars are driving the best I could. Poor birdie!

It was a crazy storm on the way up! This isn't a great picture of it but it was the kind of rain where your wipers are going as fast as possible but it's not enough. 

This is one of the views from Grandad's Bluff. 

So beautiful!

The city of LaCrosse!

This country is fantastic. 

My dad and grandpa checking out the view. 

The shelter had fireplaces that reminded me of Hogwarts. 

Can you see the farmhouse on the hill? So cute and little!

We took the scenic route home and this shop had such great flowers! The guy opened a little early for us. I love small towns. 

I like the green edges on these petals. 

Marigolds, which I like a lot more than I had originally planned on liking them. 

Yay for parents!

This was some kind of house/water pump. I don't know but it was cute.

I enjoyed this time with family and I am so grateful for active and nonactive military men and women. Special shout out to the Coast Guard and my brother-in-law who is currently serving as an engineer. My sister's kids will be geniuses. 

Did I Miss Something?

Yesterday, Mom and I went to Nordstrom Rack and other places like that to find some bargains. We did get a couple of things, but I had the most fun in the shoe department. 
I must ask you: Did I miss the Spice Girls reunion? Was there a fashion line released? A ton of shoes looked SO Spice Girls it was out of control. Have a smile at these fantastic shoes.

I actually liked these but only in theory. 

This one wasn't that bad.

This one was. 

I'm almost sure Baby Spice wore these exact shoes. 

These are more Sporty Spice. 

Very Posh Spice. 

Scary Spice? These shoes looked so strange, it's a clog and a peep toe platform? Too much. 

Urgh I cut off the peep toe but these are Ginger Spice. 

Finally, a knee length dress with 3/4 sleeves made entirely of this material. 

Things I did not get a photo of:
Picture an oatmeal colored, small knit sweater. Now picture it with a draw string and pouch for your hands. Now turn it into full length pants. 

And now, picture a red and gray drug rug (those South American sweatshirts that I don't know what else to call) with a pouch for your hands. Then turn that sweater into a miniskirt as long as my hand and I have small hands (5 inches?)

I thought you would appreciate the knowledge that these things exist in the world. 

Smile Guaranteed

I feel badly when I hear people say they are scared of dogs. If a dog bit you when you were little or you are allergic or some other unknown is keeping you away from dogs, I am sorry. I believe there's at least a little good in every dog and mean ones are usually mean because someone was mean to them. Maximus is not mean, but he does have a really loud bark that sometimes scares people. He is just excited to see you! When Kate comes over to my house, she diligently reminds Max that she is excited to see him too, but she is excited quietly.
Because I love Max and wish that I had more photos of our first dog, Ginger, I take lots of photos of Maxi. Although, Ginger was before the age of digital. Anyway, here's some summer dog photos!

 He loves wearing his collar and a scarf. If you take it off, he follows you around until you put it back. 

 He runs around the backyard a lot. 

 Action shot! Look at those ears!

 Goofy face.

 Instagrammed. Isn't this wonderful?

 Slobber mouth. 

These photos were not taken this weekend. They were taken a LONG time ago, about 8 years. It was just Max's 8th birthday! Look at that cute puppy.

More Gardening

This weekend, Dad and I did some more gardening. This time we did not uproot anything with the help of a van and a steel cable. Here's the photos!

 These plants were already here but they are looking great!

 This plant was here too but it was too darn beautiful to pass up!

Happy summer!