Overflow...Where Did You See God Today?

Dinner is over, the food is put away, the dishes are washed; the evening activities have ended and the "toys" have been picked up. Usually around 9:00 p.m. the work is done for the day. That is when the volunteers gather for "Overflow", a time to decompress and enjoy the memories of the day. While we were gathering, a slide show of pictures from the day was playing and once we quieted, Coach Mike asked the same question each day; "Where did you see God today?"

I see God in creation...in the amazing sunsets he provides for us every night at Port Saint Joe.

I see God in volunteers who are being obedient to the call to be the hands and feet of Christ here on Earth.

I see God in these precious children who prayed over Kayden when he was in pain...and in Kayden when he prayed over my cut thumb.

I see God through the heartfelt worship of his people.

... and through changed lives...many were baptized this day.

It's a worthy question at the end of each day,  for when we are intentional in looking for God, God will be most evident and we will come to know Him, not just know OF Him.

Summarizing!

Well, I did a lousy job of updating the blog while we were at Blue Skies. Late nights and busy days kept me away. We are home now and here are just a FEW of the highlights.

Hollywood Night was a new theme at Blue Skies and let me tell you, it was a HUGE hit. The evening consisted of limo rides, red carpet walks, interviews, paparazzi, autographs and photo booths. We ended the night with a wonderful talent show.

Wyatt signing autographs

The decorations were over the top!

Our Limo driver was amazing...such a blessing!

Check out the camera

Wyatt was LOVING the red carpet!

Red White and Blue Skies Night was and still is one of my favorites. The kids decorate anything with wheels; bikes, the golf cart and even the luggage racks. The local police and firemen come and the parade begins. Directly following the parade is a dance party!

Western Night followed our make-up day at the beach on Friday.

It was a BUSY week, filled with hard work and hard play. We got home yesterday and have spent the weekend recuperating and catching up. More in my next post about the differences between this years retreat and last years retreat. 

Always Have a Plan B!

Yesterday's schedule went according to plan...we had a wonderful worship at chapel followed by the kids going to their H20 group (crafts, water play, sports, etc), parents meeting in kindred journeys, lunch at 12:30, a beautiful afternoon and lots of fun at the pool. Last night was a delicious cookout followed by "survivor games" on the lawn. We met for our overflow time, right on schedule and then got a great nights sleep. But not every day works out like you planned.

Today started out according to the "plan." We had a wonderful coffee bar with our 3 Barristas (who by the way, just happen to be our condomates!)

Typically on Tuesday of each retreat, our families go horseback riding in the morning at a beach about 10 miles from here. Plan B got enacted when the city of Cape San Blas and Port St. Joe decided TODAY was the day to move a historic lighthouse and to shut down the road to where we go horseback riding and then the beach. So our mighty directors did a little scrambling and found a NEW beach to go to. Now please understand that even though our resort is on a "beach" it is a very tiny beach so we take the families to a bigger and more beautiful beach for the day. This involves loading a trailer with enough beach chairs, beach umbrellas, beach toys, food for lunch...you get the picture. All they have to do is show up, the rest is provided. So, right after our morning meeting where we got all of the necessary information for the day, we loaded up and headed that way. This is what greeted us when we arrived.

The wonders of modern technology (doppler radar) told us that trying to wait it out was probably futile and the decision was made to head back and go to PLAN C!

Plan C turned out to be actually, quite nice. It's been a very quiet and relaxing afternoon...a great chance to catch my breath, grab a nap and visit. I visited with my friends Salli and Jessica who were busily preparing a meal for 20 as they readied to feed our parents tonight for parents night out.

Plan C also gave me the chance to put some gift baskets together for our moms. I had the help of so many...those back in Marietta who generously donated the items and that of my condo buddy Martha who is crafty and helped me to assemble them and make them pretty.

Today was a reminder that it's always good to have a Plan B (or plan c). Our families know this only too well. They never know when they will have to drop everything for a trip to the emergency room or to change course in treatment. They live their lives in a constant state of not knowing what they next day may hold. They have to always have a plan; who will stay with brothers and sisters not to mention the days missed from work. Today, Plan C was a gift, a chance to catch our breath. Don't forget to always have your Plan B (C and D) in mind!

Food Crew!

...That's my job this year. Sometimes it is truly best not to know exactly what you are saying yes to. I love to cook so thought I should definitely give this a try. Little did I know that what it meant was that on day one of retreat, I would be the lead for the dinner meal. No worries. Thank goodness for so many wonderful people willing to help in any and all ways. The saying, "many hands make for light work" is a good one but even with many hands, it was a LOT of work; but what a great feeling when our guests came in to eat and were greeted with a fiesta of chicken enchiladas, rice, homemade blackbean salsa, watermelon and frozen lemon pie. YUM! Oh yeah, it was for 130 people.

Following dinner, we all went to the beach to hopefully light our lanterns and release them as we encouraged the families to be lifted above the clouds of pediatric cancer...but the winds were a little too strong and headed in the wrong direction. Again, no worries. That just gave us more time to focus on the amazing sunset God provided for our entertainment tonight.

The families are here, the volunteers are at work and another Blue Skies retreat is off to a great start. I can't wait to make new friends (already found one tonight!).

 Gordon and I are tired and thankful to be here serving. Time to put my feet up and recharge my batteries. Tomorrow starts at 7:45 but all the details are covered, including the coffee bar, the Blue Skies Brews!

Bursting with Bubblemint!

Bursting with bubblemint...that's an expression my daughter used to use (and still does actually) when she was really excited about something, like her upcoming birthday, or Christmas.

. Well, I've adopted in in years past and it describes perfectly what I'm feeling tonight. In two days I get to return to Blue Skies for another week of fun and service, and this time my hubby is coming with me!

This time is different because I know what to expect. It's different and even better. Last year I had concerns that I wouldn't "have what it takes" to be a Blue Skies volunteer. Those fears were quickly pushed aside. After all, there wasn't TIME to worry about that. I learned alot about myself in that one short week. I found out that I did have what it takes and that my mighty Father in Heaven had called me to this AND had equipped me for it. Now that's a powerful combination that you cannot turn your back on!

I can't wait to share this week with Gordon. I think he will really enjoy it but most importantly, he will get to experience what it is that I have developed such a passion for. I am grateful he is coming! Thanks Honey.

I will be serving on the Food Crew this week while gleaning wisdom from the guest relations director (that's the role I will be taking at the October retreat). I hope to update each night (if the internet cooperates). I hope you will follow along!