MC Summer Staff

Rory and I lived at Mount Carmel from April to September in 2007 when I worked as the Summer Staff Coordinator. This is the staff I got to work with. They were awesome.

The most important part of a great summer camp is a phenomenal summer staff.

I have recruited, interviewed, hired and trained four different camp staffs. I have spent a lot of time talking to college age students (and sometimes post college) telling them all the reasons why working at camp for the summer will likely be one of the best decisions of their life. And I mean it. And a lot of people decide to apply.

When Rory heard my stories after weeks of recruiting in  college student centers he would tell me I needed to go into sales. He said I was natural and could be very successful in this field.

I told him I am good at "selling" a summer of camp counseling because I believe in what I am selling with my whole heart. It's not hard to sell when you love your product. And I love summer camp. Every student has the same reasons why they shouldn't (need to make more money, a boyfriend at home, summer school classes to take) but in the end, I can't really think of one soul who would look back and regret having spent a summer working at camp.

If you know of someone looking for the best summer job in the whole wide world, encourage them to apply to work at Mount Carmel. They are looking to hire college age and older, men and women, in the following areas:

• nursery care
• preschool, elementary, middle and high school counselors
• maintenance
• a marketing assistant
• an office assistant
• hospitality and housekeeping 
• audio visual
• lifeguards
• musicians (guitar players!)

The application process and application is online here. Print it out, send it to them with a personal note. Send them to my blog to see pictures and to get a better feel. They'll thank you at the end of the summer! Promise.

**and yes, that is me singing in the video (with a bunch of kids at Mount Carmel in 2007). I believe this version of Jesus Loves Me was written by some counselors at FLBC a few summers before I worked there. Ivar has been singing this version lately :)

Mount Carmel Summer Schedule

My dad called tonight and said to be sure I make it very clear that Mount Carmel is for all ages. And that some come by themselves for the week. Some people bring their grandkids (this is a great idea if the parents can't get away from work. What a special week together!) Dad's exact quote was, "it's different from a kids camp..be sure people know it is multigenerational."

So there you have it. All ages. Welcome. At Mount Carmel.

Summer Schedule: 
Mount Carmel offers six weeks of Bible Camp during the summer, bookended by Elderversity weeks (Bible education geared toward retired men and women) Of the schedule below, I wish I could live at Mount Carmel the first four weeks.

Of special note, Wendy Berthelsen is one of the directors of Call Inc., a non-profit that helps men and women understand and live out God's call on their life. I have shared a few conversations with her and always walk away inspired and grateful for her work. A big part of me is hopeful to get to be there for part of this week...

Wendy also wrote the curriculum that all of the youth will be working through, centered on the unique and personal call that Christ has placed on each one of our lives.

June 22-28   “God’s Call in Scripture” (Fine Arts Week) with Rev. Steve Dornbusch

June 29-July 5  “Discover Your Call” with Rev. Wendy Berthelsen

July 6-12  “God’s Call to Faith Formation at Home and Church” with Tim Coltvet

July 13-19 Mini-Weeks for Families (Full week available also)
                   July 13-16  "Families Drawing Closer to God & Closer to Each other" with Peder Eide
                   July 16-19  "God’s Masterpiece In & Through You" with Sara Groves

July 20-26  “Genesis – Great Stories of Faith” with Steve Paulson and Chris Croghan

July 27- Aug 2   “God’s Call to Missions” speaker to be announced

we interrupt Mount Carmel Week to bring you...

...an adorable picture of Elsie!

And to touch base a bit. I think by now you have probably caught on that I have made this week Mount Carmel Week on my blog. I am doing this mostly to get all sorts of information out at once with the hopes that some may join in and vacation at this lovely place this summer.

If nothing else, I hope you are enjoying the little mini warm-weather cyber vacation, looking at pictures of summertime and dreaming of trips to the beach.

Anyway, just a heads up: Next week I have some fun hopes for this ol' blog. I want to do a farm home tour of our new place. I want to share a little piece I have written about why we moved to the country. And I want to show you the office Rory built for himself in the woods. Furniture goes in tomorrow. So much to tell.

So until Monday, enjoy some more summertime pictures of blue lakes and green grass...

A day at Mount Carmel

I've heard of some whispers of a few readers trying to get to Mount Carmel this summer. Some have emailed their sisters or close friends, forwarding on the post from yesterday, asking if they'd consider going. I'm so pleased! And I want to give you a better feel of what the day to day is like at family camp.

Daily Schedule
Now this is all based on what I've known from years past. But things can change from year to year, so here is my best from what I know:

7:00-8:30 Breakfast
9:00 Morning Praise (family devotion and worship time)
9:30-11:30 Age Group Time
Adults have their own study while the kids go for their own age-specific kids camp. Nursery and Preschool care is provided, and there is programming for elementary, middle and high school age kids.
12:00- Lunch
1:00- Quiet Time
2:00- Beach Opens: Swimming, Boating, Crafts...
4:30- Sometimes an adult discussion small group
5:30- Supper
Evening plans can differ from week to week. Some weeks there is evening worship. Some weeks are geared more towards an earlier bedtime for little kids, so the talent show, campfires, camp concerts, capture the flag etc are moved a bit earlier.
Every night has canteen and each evening the sauna is available for an evening swim, games are in the lodge and conversations are always plentiful.

Housing Options
I have these pictures from a few years back. They kind of give you a feel. But actually, no two cabins are really alike at Mount Carmel. These are some of the nicer ones. There are others that feel a bit more "campy" read: not remodeled yet :)

These are awesome remodeled housekeeping cabins:

inside: (2 bedrooms, living space with futon, bathroom and a small deck looking out at the lake.

This is what a typical Lodge Room looks like. Lodge rooms are the only living spaces air conditioned and feel a bit more like a hotel than a camp.

The Ridge Cabins are my favorite. Tiny and adorable, they feel campy and quaint.

This is the inside of one that has been remodeled. Not all have been remodeled.

There are six new colored cabins. Pretty awesome. And these are available too in the winter for family getaways!

I hope this helps continue to paint a picture for you :)

Childhood Summers

Both sets of my grandparents brought their children to Mount Carmel for a week each year. My parents brought us kids each summer. And now we're bringing our babies.

This song was another one of those songs that when I heard it, I saw these pictures with it. My dad helped me find a few through his slide collection and the rest I scanned this week. That's me in each one of the pictures...a bit self indulgent, but also a really cool way to see how this place has shaped me so. I love the pictures of us playing church in the prayer chapel.

And with me in nearly every picture are my cousins, Sarah and Kathy. Did you catch that our mom's (in their swimsuits) were holding Sarah and me when we were babies, and at the end, that was me and Sarah holding our own babies? I believe we call that full circle. :)


All pictures were taken at Mount Carmel Family Bible Camp in Alexandria, Minnesota 
Music: Childhood Summers by Sara Groves Yep...the same Sara Groves who is going to be teaching at Mount Carmel this summer! Join us!

an invitation

The first time I heard this song (from a mix cd given to me) I could see these pictures right along with the music.  All of these pictures were taken at Mount Carmel Family Bible Camp, my favorite place on earth. The song made me breathe deeper and I thought, "that's exactly how I feel at Mount Carmel...like I'm breathing deeper."

Mount Carmel is located in Alexandria Minnesota and has been teaching the Bible to all ages for seventy five years. Both sets of my grandparents took their children there when they were little. My parents met through this camp and I have many of my happiest memories at this place.

The camp was founded by the Lutheran Bible Institute, with a focused mission on teaching the scriptures. Today I would consider this place to be a kingdom camp. All denominations are represented. Jesus is the common ground.

Well, I want to share this goodness. And I could not be more excited about this next part.

Troy and Sara Groves are coming this summer to lead a mini week. From a Tuesday night to a Friday afternoon we will gather and learn from two of my favorite theologians. The mini week that Troy and Sara are leading will have three morning sessions: 1) Marriage, 2) Faith and art, and 3) Parenting and technology (Actually, not totally positive on #3...I think it's something like that.)

I AM SO EXCITED! And they're excited too. And I just want to be sure the whole world knows this is happening. Because I would love for you to consider bringing your family.

To summarize, here are the bullets:

• Mount Carmel Family Bible Camp, Alexandria, MN
• July 16-19
• Speakers Troy and Sara Groves
• Call Deb at Mount Carmel to register: 320-846-2744

Maybe you have another family you like hanging out with that would like to join you. Maybe you have family who live out of town and this could serve as a little mini reunion. Maybe your folks would love to spend some time with their grandkids, and this way you can all enjoy each other while having lots of space too. Maybe you want to come alone or with your spouse. You figure that out. I just want you to come!

The dates are Tuesday evening, July 16th- Friday, July 19th

The website hasn't been updated in a long time, so if you're interested, I'm going to send you right to Deb, the lovely camp registrar who is wonderful and can answer all your questions. Her email is deb@mountcarmelministries.com and the camp phone number is 320-846-2744. Ask for Deb. You'll love her.

And I'd be happy to answer your questions too! Leave a comment or drop me a line: beccagroves (at) gmail (dot) com

I've got more to say, but as it turns out, I have more videos to share this week... I'll tell more (daily schedule, lodging options, the thing I love best about Mount Carmel) as the week continues.

And at the risk of sounding like an urgent infomercial, I would encourage you to call soon. My biggest fear (and greatest hope) is that this week fills up fast! So don't delay! Call Deb today!

***
Two last things:
If you'd like to go for a full week of camp, this is also an option. The Saturday-Tuesday before Troy and Sara's week, Peder Eide will be teaching and leading worship. We had him out at the camp I worked at in Nebraska and loved him. Super upbeat, spirited worship leader.

And if this week doesn't work for you, you can click here to see the whole schedule (I'll write more about this later this week...there are some AMAZING presenters this summer)

And finally, if you happen to know who sings the song on this video, would you kindly tell me? I got it as a gift, tossed the liner cover and can't figure it out for the life of me. I would like to give due credit for a gorgeous song.

all sorts of random

First off, I have a dear friend from Mount Carmel who used to be my camp counselor. And she's pure joy to know. I just got her family Christmas card and at the bottom was the sneaky announcement: Love, (the family) ...and baby #4. Ah! So excited! Such happy, happy news!

I learned a new skill this week...video slide shows. I bought Premiere Elements two years ago and have wanted to make videos for so long. So this week I have been working on a few slide shows set to music and love remembering how empowering it feels to learn something new. Yes, it is technology and yes, I did yell and tell Rory that computers are so stupid, but yes, I pushed through and have some cool videos to show for my patience with technology.

Speaking of patience. I got out Grandma B's sewing machine and sewed the hanging paper stars for Elsie's nursery. I took out the machine with a bit of trepidation, but Grandma had it all set for me. The bobbin was loaded, the needle was threaded and all I had to do was hit the pedal. Can't explain how close and hugged I felt while using her sewing machine.

Four links I want to pass along. I read these this week and was inspired. Just wanted to pass along the inspiration.

1. This post from Elise Blaha on goals and to-do lists is awesome. I have filled up my planner already and I feel so empowered. Which is how I always feel when I'm reading Elise's blog.

2. I love this writing on resolutions.

3. Complete and wondrous eye candy. I don't know if I've ever seen trees so lovely. Pictures taken by my friend Nancy.

4. I'm not even sure what I'm looking at, but it makes me want a drum carder of my own!

And I'll leave you with a few Ivar quotes, and a bonus Rory quote to round out the randomness.

Yesterday we went on a family adventure to the nearby Meat Locker. It was awesome. Rory spent $30 of his Christmas money on ground beef, smoked jerky sticks, three kinds of brats and a jar of bbq sauce. He commented, "I can think of no better use for my Christmas money than meat."

On the drive back we saw some Llama's. We stopped to watch them and then drove on. Ivar was frustrated that we hadn't seen an animal in 30 seconds and was crying for More Cows and Horses! Rory told him that was enough. We would have to be patient and look out our window. So then Ivar turned on his falsetto voice and said nicely to me, "More Llamas please, Mama. More Llamas please."

And finally, at bedtime I was telling Ivar that Grandma is my mama. He thought for a moment and then shot back, "Oh. Grandpa is my mama."

the definition of sockie booboo

Rory cracked the code. It has been months that Ivar has cried this expression in frustration. He uses it a lot in the car. Sometimes after he has gotten dressed. Rory finally figured it out. And now it seems so obvious!

Sockie booboo:
Any uncomfortable gathering of clothing that leads to frustration, irritation or annoyance. Common sockie booboos occur after shoes are put on and there are bumps in the socks. Or inside the sleeve of a sweatshirt when the long sleeve under shirt gathers at the elbow. Or while traveling in a car seat the hood of a winter coat is bunched behind the neck.

It's a good word, isn't it? Helpful and original too. Pretty sure someone should let Merriam Webster know.

my 2013 one little word

This has become a very favorite part of my new year. Inspired by Ali Edwards, I have chosen one little word to be my focus for the year ahead. The first year my word was trust. The next year my word was try. Last year my word was kitchen table (yes, that is two words). And I am really excited about my word for this year.

This word came to me early in December while sitting in a hot bath. The word hit me and I thought, "well that's it. That's my 2013 word."

And the word is: Reflect. I thought of it because as I sat in that tub I was aware that I was taking time to think. It was quiet and I was thinking through how I spend my time. Why I react like I do. And wondering if a few changes might make a big difference in my day to day. I was taking time to reflect. It felt like I was finally taking a big deep breath...like from my belly.

I love this. I love what this word invites. 2012 was a busy year with a lot of change. And I think I am just now actually realizing how much transition I am still feeling. There is a lot to reflect on.

Already I have started writing a reflection piece on why we made the move from the city to the country. Look for that later this week.

I want to make monthly goals and take time at the end of each month to see what I accomplished and what didn't get done. And then think about the large projects that didn't get done. Why didn't I do them? Do I really want to do them? Can I let these ideas and dreams go?

I want to reflect on why I react to certain things in certain ways. I want to think about how I spend my time and how I might spend it differently, being sure to eek every bit of life out of my days.

And I want to be a reflection of the one who made me. I can only do that by listening for his voice, reading his word, living by his commands, trusting in his promises.

So Reflect. To look backwards. To live forwards. To be present in the moment at hand and live it fully and with purpose.

It's going to be a good year, little word!

***

I cannot tell you how powerful this little annual practice is. Can't really explain why it is, but something happens when a year is given this sort of focus. It transforms the mind. Gives some clarity and deep hope for the 365 days ahead. If you'd like to join in, please do! You can go here to see Ali's list of little words to choose from if you're having trouble picking one. And let me know what you choose. I'd like to know!

And soon I will reflect on my 2012 two-little-words: kitchen table. A final report card will be given.

Elsie's Dedication

In both of my pregnancies I felt such an awareness of God's hand in the creation of these tiny beating hearts. I was so aware that this is God's kid, and that somehow I have been entrusted to love, care and cherish this little life while teaching her the ways she should go. Sunday's dedication was a celebration of God giving us Elsie and a time for us to publicly profess that this little girl is God's child first. We promised to make sure that she knows of His great love for her.

Elsie was given flowers that she grabbed and made into petal confetti right there in front of everyone. And as we took in the words of the pastors, Ivar made his wishes be known by repeating, "Daddo. Go Upstairs. Play Play Play. Eat Donut."

Elsie was surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses driving from all over the cities to join our church for her special day. She wore a dress that I used to wear when I was her age and looked adorable. Special thanks to Auntie Sara who volunteered to change her diaper at the end of service, before any of us knew it was worthy of a costume change.

Sunday was also potluck Sunday. Which was awesome because potlucks are my favorite. I do love a good spread of fluffy jello salads. And it was a super handy way to feed the whole family after church!

(You can click here to see pictures from Elsie's baptism. And I wrote here about why Rory and I have chosen to both baptize and dedicate our kids. She is a very blessed little baby!)

Bible Reading Plan

Quite possibly the most important on my 2013 Goals List is a Daily Quiet Time. It seems nearly impossible with two little kids, but feels all the more important because of those same two kids. I have my Bible open now on a shelf in Elsie's room. Always open. And I have a plan too.

I'm going to try to read as much of the Bible this year as I can. I attempted this a few years back and stalled out in Jeremiah. I've been in many Bible studies since then, and always read bits and pieces. But I want to make this big goal again and try my hardest to see it happen.

I found a few reading plans that look awesome. One breaks up the Bible into 365 days of reading Genesis to Revelation. The other is a 52 week plan with two or three chapters a day from all over the Bible (pictured above) mixing up the Old and New Testament a bit. You can click here to see what I am talking about.  I'm so excited about this plan. So excited to jump around God's word each day, reading from a different book each day, listening for what our Creator has to say to me.

If you're interested in reading your Bible more...if you wonder what God would say to you if He had your ear for a moment, if you wish you knew the whole story and all that was intended for you before the fall, every rich blessing that has sacrificially been given to you, then join in. Print out the plan you like and start reading.

2013 Goals

I decided that this year I wouldn't make a resolution. Instead I made a list of things I'd love to accomplish. I sat up in bed one night and thought about each part of my life and what makes me feel fulfilled. I thought about life skills I've always wanted to learn. I thought about dreams I've had and never made happen.

The list got longer and longer and I got more and more excited. Everything felt possible. There were no voices of worry or fear in my head. So I wrote it all. The list has 59 goals on it. And in the end I decided that even if I accomplish a third of the list, this would be one incredible year. Resolutions just don't do it for me. Usually it turns the task at hand into a chore. But this list looks like fun.

And the best part: Since the clock struck 2013, I have already baked three legit loaves of bread. And I set up a spot for Grandma B's sewing machine. The tv has been unplugged and everything feels possible.

January 2

Nine years ago today Rory and I started dating. (And I didn't have a digital camera then. So this picture is from five years later...)

We both had our eyes on each other before January 2, but this was the night that set the rest of our lives in motion. This was the night that Sara was singing the national anthem at the Minnesota Wild hockey game. Lots of Groves family and friends were invited, and I was there for some childcare and to take in the game with everyone else in the box reserved for us.

I had heard countless stories of this successful younger brother, Rory. Enough to make me very, very curious. He sounded like he took work too seriously. Sounded grounded and moral and quality. I always say that I fell for his family before I fell for him. I knew every member before I met him. And I concluded that if this guy came from this incredible family, he must be incredible too.

So we met up at this Minnesota Wild game. Completely ready to meet the other. Emails had been sent letting us know that either of us were welcome to bring a date. Jokes were made that we should bring each other. And I held my breath. Neither of us brought a date. I was hopeful.

All night I kept my eyes on him. Aware of where he was. Trying to play cool. Eventually we started talking. And kept talking. And talked some more. And once I came up for air I realized we were being watched. Like by everyone.

I drove back with Troy and Sara and was asked what I was doing the next night. Troy gave me a heads up that Rory might be asking me if I was free.

It's a good thing he did. Because as we all met up at the house we carpooled from, everyone to get their own cars, Rory approached me in the driveway. But so did our future tax guy. And the three of us talked there, the future tax guy telling us a story while I waited for Rory to ask me out. I stayed and listened and waited an awkwardly long time until it was just the two of us, standing in a Minnesota driveway in January. And then he told me he was glad I stayed and asked me if he could take me out the next night.

And I said yes.

the best of 2012

I just spent some very enjoyable time looking through pictures from the last year. Oh my what a year! At the start of twenty twelve we lived in Minneapolis, I was two months pregnant, we still had our cat and Ivar wasn't walking yet. I cannot believe how much happened this year. No wonder I am still finding my footing...

So here, inspired by one of my favorite blogs, I give you the best of 2012 in pictures.

Happy New Year everybody! I'm really excited for the year ahead.

(And here is the best of 2011.)

color crayon holder

My next crafty project was a few crayon holders made out of the black walnut trees we took down.

This project needed power tools, so I headed Santa's Workshop. Which was actually my brother-in-law Jedd's Workshop. He taught me how to use his drill press and then helped me sort through all sorts of terrible flashbacks from middle school industrial technology. I think a few more session in Jedd's garage, using his power sander, circular saw and jig saw, and he might just reverse my feelings associated with the smell of new saw dust.

And then I got to meet these awesome girls as they got of the bus after their last day of school before TWO WEEKS of Christmas vacation! I was so excited for them!