Hello Darkness my old friend…

I’ve come to talk to you again…
Today was what might be considered by some to be a challenging day. Not only did we awaken to frosty morning (brrrrrrr)
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but we learned at devotions that the electric for the entire campus would off starting at 8AM. And it would be off until at least noon. That really put a crimp on a lot of the projects that were in progress, but between a couple of generators and everyone’s favorite battery powered tools (and lots of well-charged batteries), work was still  getting done. The decorating team was still managing fine – either doing outdoor decorations or finding areas that had lots of natural light. However, preparing lunch for 40 folks without any electric (which included trying to not open the refrigerator or freezer to preserve the cold) presented a bit of a challenge for those of us on the kitchen crew!
When the power wasn’t back on by lunch, Jesse made a quick trip to the freezer and pulled out some chicken tenders and fries and fired up the deep fryer!
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It might’ve been a last minute choice, but it was certainly a hit with the crowd! No leftovers from that meal!
But as the day wore on, and the power was not returning there was a bit of concern about what to do for dinner. Thinking that for sure we’d have power before dark, we proceeded to prepare a simple meal of soup (already prepared) and grilled cheese, planning to do the grilled cheese in the convection oven. When it became evident that the power was NOT going to be back on, we moved to good old fashioned way to do a grilled cheese – on griddle.
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By cellphone flashlight!
And so it was – a simple (but quite delicious) dinner by flashlight!
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Thankfully, power was restored shortly after dinner, the refrigerators are cooling again, and we have heat for another chilly night! Everyone was such a good sport about making the day go smoothly – it’s a good thing we can rely on a higher Power than what comes through those wires!

Happy Wednesday, friends!
Steph

First day on the job #?

First Mondays on a SOWER project rarely go as planned. It’s usually a slow start as folks determine what needs to be done, who’s going to be doing what, and who is working with who.  Not to mention just who is who? Today was not especially bumpy – but it was a a classic ‘slow start’. Yet it was a very worthwhile slow. We all met together for devotions – 5 SOWER couples, several independent volunteers and about 20 staff members.
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After a time of devotions, we then went around and introduced ourselves – staff and volunteers – so we would have the beginnings of figuring out who is who! And then the director began to discuss what jobs different teams would be doing. One of the main priorities for the men is completing a lodge that is scheduled for a grand opening at the end of December.
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Oh, My! Lots to do there!
There were also other hotel rooms that were partway through some renovations and some miscellaneous plumbing and electrical work that was on the list. The guys broke out into their teams (I think Gary was looking at some A/C units – kinda what he does!), and we ladies waited for our assignments. Two of the ladies were assigned the job of taking down the Fall decorations, and getting started with the preparations for  Christmas Camp  scheduled for the week after Christmas. And although it wasn’t on the initial list of what the ladies would be doing, three of us were assigned as kitchen help. Now I have to say, I’ll take kitchen work over painting or housekeeping (and maybe even decorating – though that did sound like it could be fun!) almost any day, so I was quite delighted indeed!
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Lunch and dinner is provided for the staff, and we volunteers are invited to join in, so we three ladies were more than happy to pitch in and help. It was a little more intimidating when they said they were hoping the three of us could actually BE the kitchen staff to free up the actual kitchen staff (Jesse & Mary)to help with that lodge and the upcoming open house! Yikes! Thankfully it looks like at least Jesse will be training us this week and so far, our two meals have gone fine! It’s only lunch and dinner for 40 people four days a week, right?  We can do this, right? Right?
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I’m pretty sure we can handle the salad bar – but I think we’re a little nervous about handling the main course without any adult supervision! Fortunately they have a well stocked freezer and pantry, and  plenty of menu options for us to choose from. So, gulp,  let the cooking begin!

Although the actual work day didn’t start until well past 9AM  (we’re usually working by 8), it was good to spend that little extra time getting to know our co-laborers for Christ this month.  All in all – it was a great first day!

Now if they were all just wearing name tags…

 

Sabbath Rest – Great is thy Faithfulness

Thanksgiving weekend is drawing to a close. It was a quiet weekend for us – a little melancholy without any family present around our table on Thursday, but we saw all of their beautiful faces thanks to technology. Our table might not have been overflowing with turkey and all the trimmings, but we had just what we needed to celebrate the day (and probably too many calories anyway!). Whether your weekend was filled with beautiful family chaos or quiet and subdued, our God remains faithful. And for that we are offer great praise and thanks! Today and always!

“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

It’s about time

It’s a funny thing about the way folks spend their time at a campground. All around us we see folks with their camp chairs out, grills at the ready, and bikes parked waiting for that spin around the lake. Their kayaks are loaded up and the fishing poles are ready for the next big catch. Somehow our time at a campground has a different flavor.
The first thing Gary did with his time was to empty out all the bays on the passenger side of Lizzie, clean them out, take stock of what was there and get them all reorganized and repacked.
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Then he cleaned out the truck and worked on a couple of small repairs. Next he moved to the other side of the rig and tackled his tool bays.
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He got it all back in –
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Yes, this man has a good variety of tools!
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Meanwhile…my time was spent at my computer working on that Year Nineteen memory book or (happily) sewing away on a quilt!
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Oh, we’ve taken a drive or two
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and checked out the dam that actually makes Lake Seminole.
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There have been walks and naps and easy meals – exactly the way we like to spend our time at the campground.
But there is another thing about the time here at East Bank Campground. It’s really hard to tell exactly what time it is! We are right on the line between Eastern and Central time zones, and our phones are very confused! They seem to change time zones at will. We’ve kept the analog clocks set at Eastern (since that is the official time of the campground), but there is still confusion when we check our phones. (But let’s be honest- it doesn’t take much to confuse us these days!)

Tomorrow, even though there won’t be any turkey or precious family around our table, we’ll be taking time to be thankful for all the blessings the LORD has given us in this crazy life of ours. And we’ll be praying that whatever your Thanksgiving may look like – you’ll be giving Him the thanks also!

Sabbath Rest – Love Still Bids You Welcome!

Of all the things I am thankful for one of the most precious is that God never gives up on me! And His love will always bid me welcome!

Oh, God of grace, how often have I grieved Thee?
How seldom have I sung Thy praise?
And little do I know, how much I need Thee
And time again I turn away

For how my heart is hard and unbelieving
For all I’ve done and left undone
Your love is not reluctant to receive me
My soul draws back, but Love says, “Come”

Oh, He will not cast you out, He will not cast you out
Whoever enters in will forever dwell with Him
Draw near, faint heart, draw near
Oh, Love still bids you welcome here

Oh, Father when I sin against my neighbor
I turn away your very Son
Who died to call us friends when we were strangers
And says to every sinner, “Come”

Oh, He will not cast you out, He will not cast you out
Whoever enters in will forever dwell with Him
Draw near, faint heart, draw near
Oh, Love still bids you welcome here

Oh, Lord of light, you call out us out of darkness
To turn aside from sin and live
And prodigals, we come to you for pardon
Oh, Abba Father, take us in

He will not cast you out, He will not cast you out
Whoever enters in will forever dwell with Him
Oh, He will not cast you out, He will not cast you out
Whoever enters in will forever dwell with Him
Draw near, faint heart, draw near
Oh, Love still bids you welcome here
Oh, draw near, faint heart, draw near
Oh, Love still bids you welcome here

Oh, He will not cast you out, He will not cast you out
Whoever enters in will forever dwell with Him
Oh, He will not cast you out, He will not cast you out
Whoever enters in will forever dwell with Him
Draw near, faint heart, draw near
Oh, Love still bids you welcome here

Seeing the country……Serving our Lord!