Yes! I'm alive! I made it back from
LookUp Lodge with no broken bones, several cuts and bruises (yes, it's a jungle out there!), rejuvenated and eager to get closer to the Word. It was an amazing week in so many ways. The schedule was fairly exhausting, and my body retaliated a bit, but I knew even through the pain that it was good for me. That place is just one mountain after another! You can't get anywhere with out climbing! Never could figure out why there wasn't much climbing down for all the climbing up...
There is a LOT to be said about "getting away from the world", which is what their sign even says! No phones, no TV, no texting, no newspapers, no Xbox, no nuttin'! It took me a couple of days to get my head cleared of the riff raff of life. But then - pure bliss! God's creation is so beautiful, and the Holy Spirit is much easier to hear when there is nothing else to listen to. I believe the youth bonded with the adults, and visa versa. People had to relate to and entertain each other - that's so 1950's! Hey Beav, where are you?
I've come back just hungry for the Word and feeling closer to God than ever, so much more aware of what He has done for me! I've learned more about the youth of today than I thought I needed to know, but all said I think we have a great group of kids at FBC Wagener. Life is so much harder for them than it was for us - the pace, the peer pressure, the temptations. It's just a different world and I really wouldn't want to be them. They really need our love and guidance. Even if you DON'T think they are listening, for ever 100 things you say, maybe 1 will make an impression on them! So hang in there with the guidance. And love, well that's what they need most of all...
This is not from our trip, but listen to
this smart kid...he gets it!
WOW!
I even took my own advice and stepped out of my own comfort zone! Remember the fear of heights thing? Well...I went down the zip line! Jumped from a platform 50 feet in the air and relied on a wire to hold me up while I zipped on down to the lake. Impressive, eh? I don't remember it much; I was screaming all the way down...
I also went through the slobstical course, I think they call it. Running an obstacle course in knee-deep mud with a bunch of 16 year olds is not a very bright thing to do (thus the scrapes and bruises), but I had some help! Thanks, guys! I didn't much care for the mud milkshake though...
And, as expected, my own daughter pretty much ignored me. At least I was expecting it. I would have been totally shocked if she hadn't! Love you anyway, gal!
Get out there and find yourself a little piece of heaven, commune with God, and be thankful for every day he gives you! I am.
