Camping 101

What a great experience we just had at the Lodges at Eagle's Nest in Banner Elk. (http://www.eaglesnestbe.com/ ) I would say it was a camping experience mixed with an American Indian wanna be atmosphere. We started the weekend with a mean game of beach volleyball (yes, I did say beach and we were in the Mtns. close to 4000 ft.) against our dear friends the William's family. Next after beating the William's family we moved on to bigger and much rougher terrain. We spent over an hour of off road 4 wheelin'. This was so much fun but not so good on the back. Once we arrived at what seemed to be @ 5000 ft. we stood, then sat, then just rested as we watched the clouds move across the Mtns. What a sight. BUT, it was no where near the end of this fab day. We made our way back to the TEPEE Village (http://www.tipi.com/) to get ready for our Full Moon Cruise. How much fun was that! Over 40 people cruised to the top ridge where there was a roaring fire pit, ribs baking and BYOB and side dish... all of which was accompanied by the Lord's beautiful Full Moon! To conclude the night, the kids and I jumped into the hot tub (which resembled cascading water falls into a pond) and talked .... that is such a rare thing among adolescents, but not at Eagle's Nest! What a night!
The following day was just as great, except for the fact the Hammond family was defeated 2-1 in a rematch by the fierce and dedicated William's family. Kenny and I rode horses across the beautiful rolling Mtns. and fab. trails, the kids were engaged in archery and shot gun practice. (I think Colton and Miles spent at least 4 hrs. practicing target shooting throughout the weekend) and the meals were fresh and always ready for a 'smore. So, late Sun. afternoon we knew it was time to go. All good things must come to an end. No wait, I hate that saying ....... All good things can wait for another day! That is true at Eagle's Nest,but, with God's presence, you never have to wait. He is always here and available today!
OK, so my new day is actually tomorrow. I leave in the morning, with close to 200 Middle School kids for Windy Gap. My bags are packed, my cool-o-meter is in check and I believe, we are going to have the times of our lives .... spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially and ahhhh yes, mentally. I need your prayers, as leaving my farm and Kenny/Colton will be tough for 3 days, but hey, they can muck a stall like no one else! It should be good for their bonding, don't you think?! But seriously, I do need prayer, as there has been a lot of adjustment with working, scheduling, sports, personal play time, family, farm and my health.

So, it is off to "camp" yet again, I pray you find God in everything you do this week! I will look for His presence and little bits of fun up in them hills, you do the same OK!
Love to you all; get a lot of God this week, He is really COOL and Oh soooo Powerful! He wanted me to remind you of that!
Blessings friends,
Denise

Writing to make it stick!

When I catch my boys doing something that they clearly know not to do, I have them write. Mostly for repetition purposes, but also, as a punishment. This is to serve as a reminder to follow the rules or pay the consequences. So, I tell you this because Colton is supposed to ask before logging on to our computers, well, ooops, he "forgot" and was playing a game on the web. As a mom, who takes her job seriously, I felt it was important to remind him in a way that he would not "forget" in the future. So Colton had to write (30 times), "I will ask before logging on to the computer". I have this writing in front of me now as I write in this blog, so that, I may be reminded to ask God what He would have me do in the circumstances that I face each day. I might even write God a note saying, "I will ask you Lord, what you would have me do today, before I begin my day". I might write that 40 times just to be reminded.
So what about you? What do you need to be reminded of for the days ahead? Go to the Father and ask for His leadership on that one!
Blessings to all!
Denise