St. Christopher

Wonderful, wonderful St. Christopher. The perfect combination of memory of my "homeland" and reminder of our coming Homeland. It really is. The beauty of the lowcountry and the beach, simplicity, Love, friendship, the Camp way of life, the Holy Spirit and the Presence of God.

Just so peaceful, even if you do have a roach in your room. Walking on the boardwalk, the cross overlooking the beach, the shrimp boats we have watched our whole lives coming back in after a long day. Botany. The Privateer. Dolphins. The place. The dining hall. Singing. Smiles. Getting dirty just from walking around. No skipping showers out there!

This time I was there alone, on purpose by Him. The weekend- refreshed on the inside by prophetic ministry, worship, the beauty around us, and reminded over and over that we are loved by Him. Good conversations. Fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ I did not know. Being in His presence. He satisfied me completely and filling me over. I just did not want to leave. I lingered as long as I could. I walked on the beach, sat on the porch, walked down the road. Then, it was time to leave. And then He continued to bless me more. A boat ride on the Bohicket, eating on the dock, US Open finals, and getting to see and hold Grace one last time before heading back to Florida. He continued to bless me throughout the week. He loves to bless us. It is so good to enjoy what He gives and let Him in.

Thank you for your prayers for my weekend, Anne. It was perfect.

Written about the Rest, Restoration, Renewal Weekend Sept 11-13 at St. Christopher

La la la...

The forecast this week calls for a chance of thunderstorms everyday, some days a higher chance than others. Knowing it is hurricane season, I decided to go on a long walk. I was rounding the corner when I decided I might as well walk down to the Birth Center to get my glasses. I had forgotten them after the birth yesterday. I had the time and it was still nice out. I was walking back to my house. And all of a sudden I heard, "Excuse me... and someone was right next to me from the back. I was expecting him to say, "do you have a few dollars?" Instead, He said, "Did you know that Jesus Christ came to Earth and appeared to a man named Joseph Smith?" No, he didn't, I was thinking. It was two teenage boys on bikes both wearing a white shirt, blue pants, ties, and helmets.

I was so caught off guard. I had just been observing my slightly swollen hands from the heat and thinking how I had not brushed my teeth after eating a cone of ice cream earlier. They came out of nowhere. I thought they were supposed to knock on your door. Instead, they came up from behind me. I barely had time to think at all. "I'm not interested" is all I could think of to say. (I was tired and caught off guard- I had worked at the Birth Center for 38 straight hours minus two one hour 15 min stretches of sleep that weekend.) He continued on his mission to convert me. I asked him what made him interested in becoming a Mormon. He was happy to tell me his story briefly. He continued to tell me how to become a Mormon. He spoke of the book of Mormon telling us how God gives wisdom. I was nodding my head yes, because that is what He tells us through the words of James. He then quoted James. He ended the encounter challenging me to pray tonight and to become a Mormon. I told him to have a good day. The other boy piped in, "God bless you." I responded, "You too." They went off on their bikes. I continued on my walk. I prayed for them that the power of deception be broken in them... that in realizing the error they would not turn away from seeking, but turn to God alone.

And I have to say, I did not enjoy my encounter with them at all. And I am so glad to belong to a God who takes me as I am and blesses others through me through the work He does in us, not we in ourselves. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

High Tide on the Bohicket

High Tide. I lose my flip flop getting into the boat. We get it. The beautiful lowcountry marsh. The smell of salt air. The wind blowing in our faces as we move along. The sound of the motor. We check the crab trap. It is caked with mud and dirtiness. Dad asks if I will hold it while he turns back to the dock. "Can I just drive instead?" :). He smiles. I drive. After the dock, we went inland toward the Intercoastal Waterway. There is the Soznosky's. Stay in the middle. Keep away from the docks when people are on them. There is a sand bar over there. Those poles means there's a bank. They are going to develop that land over there. I am sad. Under the bridge. Keep staying in the middle. Head to the right to stay out of the way of the sailboats. Who's house is that? Not sure. Oh, I'm loving this. Oops. Where did the river go? The high tide is making things tricky. No crash. We keep on. It is beautiful. Wow, Wadmalaw goes all the way out there? I never paid attention. Many docks. I point to the right. I housesat somewhere along here. It was beautiful. Keeping on and on staying in the middle and watching the docks for people. Finally, around the bend. Dad says he has never been this way. I have a bad feeling inside. If he who has grown up on this river 61 years and knows it well hasn't why should I? He says, "here, let's turn around." I am glad. Back the way we came. Passing the docks, the sailboats, the Soznosky's. Stop at the dock for a phone call. Head for the dock. Now slow down to stop the wake. Putt in to aim parallel to the dock. To the left. Now a little to the right. Aim for the blue bucket. He gets the rope and ties us up. Got my phone. Back in the boat for a ride the othe way. That is where so and so lives. There is Dougie's. We turn around at Mr. Booths with a wave. Finally, back to pull in some crab for supper. He cleaned them on the dock. Another beautiful ride down the Bohicket with Dad... Thank you, Lord.