Sunday, October 30, 2016

A Splendiferous Weekend...

Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

July 2014 was the last time I took a group of girls to the state Girls Ministry camp...we were changing programs for our girls, which meant that we would  no longer be participating in the annual camp, as we would not be doing the curriculum associated with the denomination hosting the camp.

It was a lovely place and, despite the fact that there was a certain level of stress associated with being responsible for the girls, I savored moments of spiritual communing by the lake there. I always thought it would be beautiful in the fall, but, hey, there was no reason for me to go in the fall.  I was sad when we left that last year; I expected that was the last time I would be there.

But.

Our boys program is still with the curriculum from that denomination, and my hubby has worked with the boys at church for something like 14 years.  Every year, there is a weekend retreat for the commanders (the term for the guys who teach the boys) and their wives statewide...at the same camp/conference center, which is adjacent to the state boys' campground.  Historically, it has been the 2nd weekend in September...which is always the weekend of our big women's conference at church.  Until 2014, the men of our church worked childcare for the conference, but we had to quit offering childcare because we had more kids than we had space.

Off the hook for childcare, My Sweet Babboo went to the Royal Ranger conference.  Came back talking about how great it was and how much he wished I could've gone...or could go.

But...data base admin... registration... there's no way I could miss the women's conference.  He went again last year by himself.  The state senior commander talked to him about the dates...would we ever move our conference?

Um, not gonna happen.

Ok, he said, let me see what I can do.

About a year ago, he called My Sweet Babboo and asked him how the last weekend in October looked.  I checked the church calendar and there was nothing listed.  We agreed it looked good, and that we'd go together.

Well...due to a series of events, our first big Men's conference, which had been scheduled during the summer, had to be rescheduled.  Wouldn't you know...they moved it to the last weekend in October.

Data base admin... registration.... aaiiieeee.  I talked to our Men's pastor.  I've got a prior commitment. They moved the conference for us.  We have to go.  He shook his head...but agreed.

So I ended up creating the lists for check in...helping set up...explaining the processes to a few of our usual registration volunteers and one staff person.  Then I went with my Sweet Baboo to the conference center that had wifi I couldn't access and limited phone reception.

In all the years we've been going there, for Rangers and Girls camps, this was the first time we ever went together.

I did get a text yesterday morning...a list I was supposed to generate that I totally forgot about in the crunch.  But my back-home folks were capable and once I pointed them in the right direction, they ran the list without any more coaching.  Whew.

And I got to spend quiet time by the lake again...in the fall...with My Sweet Babboo.   Add to that the word we received and the people I met...it was a gift.






Friday, October 21, 2016

Happy Birthday, Mom!



Growing up, 'Mommy' is the force that shapes the day.  The structure that supports everyday life.

And, like most support structures, taken for granted.

When 'Mommy' becomes 'Mom', that support structure can become the restrictive confines, and the 'take for granted' can become chafing aggravation.

If I had my growing up years to do over, the things I would most like to correct would be to notice more how much she did.  I'd complain less and help more.  And not say the spiteful immature things I said when I was completely self-absorbed.

Because she really is my hero.

And I'm blessed to call this one 'Mom'.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children rise up and call her blessed...

Happy Birthday! 

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Time for a little randomness...

Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

No blogging time means that sometimes, an instant post...just add answers...is the best I can manage.

But click the link to see what other moving thoughts are floating around today!

 

1. What would you say is the best and worst thing about moving house?
The best?  A new house!  New neighborhood!  Fresh start!  Dejunking!  The worst? EVERYTHING ELSE.

2. What's moved you recently?
The needs of others...from friends with ailing babies to folks I don't know who have been flooded out.

3. Do you feel your life is moving forward, backward, or is on hold? How so?
Honestly?  'On Hold'...in so many ways.  All doors seem to be closed at the moment. So...just keeping on doing what I know to do...

4. On the move, move mountains, get a move on, it's your move, or bust a move...which phrase best applies to some aspect of your life right now? Explain.
'Get a move on'...my free time is shrinking and I need to do some serious re-prioritizing...

5. What song makes you want to get up and move?
 Lots, actually, but the one that most folks will recognize is 'Good Vibrations' by the Beach Boys..lol

6. Your favorite snack to grab when you're 'on the move'?
The poor man's energy bar...a Snickers...

7. What one accessory makes your house feel like home?
I am a total decorating klutz.  The best I could come up with is a tablecloth on the table, even if it's just flannel-backed vinyl.  There was usually a tablecloth on the table when I was growing up and it does make me feel kinda homey.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 
One of the things I'm missing most about the shrinking free time is...I don't have much blogging time.  I think of wonderful things to post, but by the time I actually get a minute to sit down and post something...the inspiration has disappeared.