We just got home from Family Camp at Gull Lake Ministries and are recovering…or at least I am…from all the (wonderfully exhausting) fun. Every year that we have gone Nathan and I have said to one another before we arrived… We will not be signing up for next year this week. And every year we have done the exact opposite and left Gull Lake saying Until next year GLM! We love you! Everything from our beautiful accommodations to the overwhelming amount of indoor and outdoor activities, to the incredible teaching and the amazing food…even with dietary restrictions I was spoiled…to the highly energetic and humble, serving staff members all make GLM a mom’s dream vacation! And yes, even better than Disney! Much better!
This year was even more special because dear friends and neighbors of ours were able to come to camp with us. We were earnestly praying that they would be able to get a spot and just beforehand, God made it happen and we were so grateful. By no coincidence the theme of the adult teachings last week was Friendship. To see what God is doing in and through them is such a gift…and of course all of our kiddos had a blast (as you can see in the video) and grew in their faith as well.
The theme verse for the week was Matthew 6:20-21.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Each morning we did ‘brown bag’ devotionals with our children with object lessons to demonstrate the meaning of the verse. By no accident, the theme for the adult teaching on Friendship from our Pastor was just that…investing in people and eternal relationships. It made me think back almost 12 years to see God’s faithfulness.
I can remember shortly after moving into this house for God to bring me meaningful friendships. He did that faithfully as I look back over our time here. Sometimes that has meant just being there for a cup of sugar or coffee creamer and as our children played together, and sometimes it has meant walking with friends through the difficulty of divorce, crying with those who lost loved ones unexpectedly, or saying good-bye to friends who were moving away . But as I looked beside us at camp last week, I could see that God answered that prayer abundantly…and I am so grateful.
Sometimes the things we ask the Lord for take a lot of time. Sometimes it seems our prayers go unanswered. And sometimes we seem to forget what He asked Him for in the craziness of life and look back and see He gave us more than what we asked Him for. In all of it, we have to remember that He is faithful and He does things His way, for our good. If we keep seeking Him, He will reveal His plans immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. And of course if you’re looking for your own best week ever, the ultimate family vacation at Gull Lake is where it’s at!
Wonders of HIS Love 