The last day of summer camp.

Our summer staff left this afternoon, and camp is officially over. Nebraska school's start early, and though it feels crazy to be done before August we have been at this since mid-May and I am exhausted. Saying goodbye to the staff today was a really powerful moment. I grew a lot this summer, was empowered and humbled, and have a lot to reflect on. A good challenging job is a good thing though. Feeling growth and character development isn't always the best feeling in the world, but at least I know I'm living my life and definitely still in process. Here are some shots of our closing worship today.

Carol Joy's Quilt Auction

I just got home from 13 hours of Quilt Auction fun at Carol Joy (my camp). The day was magnificent...399 stunning quilts, over 800 friends of the camp present to bid and $95,000 raised for a camp whose purpose is to pass on the faith to the next generation.

There was a quilt that I had my eyes on since it was delivered for the auction. I was careful not to tell anyone I loved it, fearing they would up my bid just to get me to pay more. But I had a max that I couldn't bid over and when it came time, I couldn't keep up with the dollars being bid for this quilt.

But to my great surprise, the winning bidder was a fantastic giver to the camp and purchased the quilt for me, having found out it was the one I loved. This woman has a history of doing this for camp staff I later found out. So look at this beauty. This is a picture of me and her and her husband. I was overcome with emotion when she gave it to me. It has been a learning summer and there was something so sweet about this gift to celebrate my first summer at Carol Joy.

Sonna Talk

My neice, Sonna, has been feeling under the weather this week. A few days ago she told her dad, "My tummy has a bad, bad cold."

Here she is to sing you a special version of "Twinkle, Twinkle."



And to be fair to sister, Mara, and mostly for my mom's viewing pleasure, here is Mara singing "Lemon Drops and Gum Drops." Notice Sonna trying to be just like her big sister.

Presenting The Incredible Flying LISA!!!

I am beginning to play with all of my pictures from our Groves reunion in Estes Park and just came across this gem. This is my hard-core, graceful, who-cares-if-you-can't-do-a-cart-wheel-now, sister-in-law Lisa. She is diving from a platform that is 30-40 feet in the air and made it look easy. My jumps were not this photogenic.

Good perspective for the day

I love reading anything by Donald Miller. Most people know him for his book Blue Like Jazz, a candid testimony that I found startling and refreshing...similar to Anne LaMott's Traveling Mercies. I tend to drop by his blog frequently and he just posted another chapter from his next book. Like any good tease, I cannot wait for this book to come out. The chapter is super short and so worth your time. Bop on over to his blog. You'll be glad you did.

http://www.donmilleris.com/