Weekend Women's Retreat

Several weekends ago, I had the great pleasure of attending the Presbytery of Ohio's Women's retreat. And it was such a blessing! It was relaxing, convicting, and encouraging.

Getting in the car

Although I did get carsick, the trip was enjoyable.  The wisdom of the older women with me was amazing. Opportunities to ask questions and to listen to their stories were precious.

When we arrived the camp, the beauty of God's creation struck me anew... so we went on a short walk before our sessions began...

The vista

Exploring

The Pond

Me

Follow the leader

Mrs. Tara Barthel with Peacemaker Ministries was an impressive speaker. Funny, articulate, and smooth, she would make you laugh and convict you within moments. But, Tara was quick to remind us that we don't start with our work. We start with what God has done for us. We start with the indicative --> what Christ has done for us and who we are.... and then move on to the imperative ---> God's commands and how we should live.

Tara Barthel from Peacemaker Ministries

Materials

You knew that I would bring some books, right?

Our room

It was nice to fellowship with so many godly women apart from distractions. In our every day existence, we become so busy that we can forget God. Sometimes those two days can refocus us in the right direction.

There were no men...

And it was nice to see some "old" friends too. :)

Heather and I

Some new friends

23 Years of Blessings

Happy Birthday to... Me? Yep, 23 years. Wow! October truly is my favorite month, and my birthday has nothing to do with it. ;) This year's celebration was especially delightful as many of my friends and family were able to celebrate with me at a dance practice.

Kiri and Me

Me and Kelsie

Me and Keely

And my friends were sweet enough to bring gifts... I appreciate each and every friend in their own unique way. My dad even tried to "embarrass" me by having everyone sing "Happy Birthday." Apparently, I didn't turn red enough for my dad's satisfaction.:)

Presents?

WHAT A FACE!!

What great fun to dance new dances and old favorites on my birthday... I *think* (grins) that everyone has as much fun as I did.

Ship's Cook

Ladies In: 2, 3,4

Gallop: 2,3,4,5,6,7,8!

Ladies, dance in a circle

Bridge and Pass Under

And down line...

2 BRIDGES?!

Strip the Willow :)

Circle: Left!

Circle: Right!

I love the artistic look of this one!

Hey! (Sheena's Saunter)

The Gay Gordon

Strip the Willow

Bridge!

Figure 8

Get ready for the Riverside Jig

Do si Do

Right hand "x" ;)

Even Daddies dance

Right Hand Turn

TEAM 1. GO!!!!

Bridge and Pass Under

Lot's of photographers

Can shadow's dance too?

Circle

The bunny hop - Mid air

No birthday is complete without Lucky Charms!

After the dance practice, my family and I headed to the Spring Festival. Whoot whoot! And enjoyed a nice meal together. A dance practice and a festival - all in one day. Too much excitement. 

God has given many so many blessings. Not the least of these are a wonderful family, a supportive church, and excellent friends. Thank you, Lord. 

"The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,For His compassions never fail.They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22,23

It's all about Maine, ya know

Noah and Maggie continue to teach me how it works being a homeschool teacher. I LOVE it! Their enthusiasm and patience are very much appreciated. 

Geography has never been my strong suit. But, with some maps... I can teach it too! :)

Maggie looks through the 50 states cookbook

"Noah, show me where Maine is."

So, what is the Great Portland fire?

Of course, the kids had some fun too. :)

And I found a new, favorite book. Abigail Adams. What fun.

Biology and Christianity

We have begun our foray into the Biology section of the Understanding the Times study. The textbook is encouraging and helpful. With that in mind, I wanted to share a quotation from the Christianity portion:

 "The belief that God created all things, including men and women, in His own image requires faith. But evolutionary theory requires more faith because evolution runs contrary to science (e.g., spontaneous generation) and history (e.g., the fossil record). Still, many evolutionists hold desperately to their theory, simply because it is the only explanation of origins that begins with nature, not God. Scientists who believe that everything can be explained in natural terms cannot tolerate the concept of a supernatural Being. In fact, one scientist said, 'Science must be provisionally atheistic or cease to be itself.' For Christian biologists, however the world is comprehensible only in the light of God's existence. As a piece of art suggests an artist, the orderly universe and every living thing suggest a Designer."

Hay Bales and Pumpkins

Oh yeah! Here we are again... Only this year, we have 3 hay (or straw;) bales.

Isn't fall fun?

What could be more beautimus?!

And then there were two

Cooking with poochies. Yeah, it gets interesting. Step over this one and step over that one.

Fred

Memphis

Just to make some cookies and egg salad.

But it was all worth it. And the dogs did make me smile. :) Memphis will be so glad to be back with her own family. Tee hee hee!