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.