Itasca Family Music Festival, Bible Bee, Making Memories.

Summer passes so quickly, doesn't it?!! What is it that we do, that makes life meaningful, worthwhile? The Bible talks a lot about time. Ephesians 5:16 is a great one on that. "Redeeming the time because the days are evil." Redeem means to ransom or to buy...And just how do you do that with time? God gives us all kinds of opportunities in life. Do we choose to have a good attitude, to respond cheerfully, to have a slow answer to wrath, joy in the midst of sorrow, trust instead of fear...the opportunities in life are endless and numerous. I would encourage you to take that next opportunity that God sends your way and redeem that moment for Christ. One choice at a time choose Christ.
This summer for us has been a memory building one, and we would like to share just a few of the last few highlights with you!! Our family again had the privilege to be part of the Bible Bee. Across the nation hundreds of children spent at least part of their summer memorizing God's Word, and studying the first three chapters in Genesis. My Dad hosted a local  bee , and it was encouraging to get together a couple times over the summer...we also made some new friends, which was a plus :):) Our last meeting was at our house...

 There was food...

 Gifts...

Smiles...

 Singing...

 Scripture recitation...
^"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:" Colossians 1:16

 Certificates...no, nobody made it on to Nationals:(...but everyone is  a winner!!!...

 Campfire Pies...So tasty on a summer evening.

We also really enjoyed attending the Itasca Family Music Festival, especially since Ben, Emily and Cedric came up from  Sioux Falls  to meet us there!!

Enjoy a slight photo overload of our time there :)

 "Jesus I am Resting Resting"
Verse 1. Jesus I am resting in the joy of what thou art

 I am finding out of thy loving heart.

Chorus: O how great thy loving kindness!! Vaster, broader than the seas

 And the mercies thou givest to those who call on thee.

 Verse 2. Simply trusting thee Lord

 I behold thee as thou  art

 And thy love so pure satisfies my heart.

Chorus O, how great thy loving kindness! vaster broader than the seas

 And the mercy thou givest to those who call on thee.

 verse 3. Ever lift thy face upon me, as I wait and watch for thee

 Neath thy loving smile, earth's dark shadows flee.

Chorus: O how  great thy Loving kindness

 Vaster broader than the seas

 And the mercy thou givest

 to those who call on thee." This song is quickly becoming a family favorite. It is sung by and arranged by one of the family bands attending and preforming at Itasca.
 What a  blessing and a refreshing time was had by all!! 
And just in case you have not had enough of pictures, here are a couple more!! The Lord has really been laying it on our heart to work on family relationships. This takes time, but is so worth it!

 Story time...

 Evening canoe rides...

 So peaceful...

 Running a 5k...we all made it:)

 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1

 We hope that you are having wonderful summer. Keep resting in Jesus and continue faithful in this race!! Thanks for spending a little time with me catching up with what is happening in our lives!! I pray that you were blessed. Stop by again!!
Signing off: EJM