Sweet video

Noel Piper was the retreat photographer & videographer. She wrote this blog post about Christian & Elisa.

Too sweet; thanks friend! :-)

Retreat Recap Part 3: Christian's Favorite Friend

She's a 17 yr old girl named, Elisa. She has loved on our Christian ever since we moved to MN. She serves him as a 1:1 aide at church. She babysits him on a monthly basis. She has been Christian's helper at the family retreat for the past 2 years.

Christian treats her differently than anyone who has ever cared for him. He's very calm and peaceful with her. When he ever gets upset, she has a sweet way of calming him down with gentleness and patience. I love seeing them together.

Elisa, we're going to sorely miss you as you plan to go to college in a year. I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about it :-(. We want you to know that we've felt Jesus' compassion towards us every time we see the way you look at Christian. We've felt Jesus' faithfulness towards us every time you are joyfully willing to serve Christian. We've felt Jesus' love towards us every time you embrace Christian in your arms. You are a precious gift to our family. We Love You!

Here are a few pics of Elisa & Christian at the retreat.

Retreat Recap Part 2: Kempton's Role

Kempton had the honor of being the Retreat Pastor again this year. He spoke 5 times which included an introduction, 3 sessions, and a wrap-up. He also helped lead the men’s small group and counseled several parents. The sessions that he taught were based on Isaiah 43 with verse 19a being the theme verse of the retreat.

Welcome Night: Introduction

Session 1: God’s Glorious Promise – “Fear not, I AM with you!”
Key points from this session
*We suffer for our good & God’s glory.
*God ultimately controls the suffering thermostat; not Satan (e.g. Job).
*We're not being punished; We're being made perfect.
(Rom. 8:28, Acts 14:22, Phil 1:29, I Peter 4:12, James 1:2-4)

Session 2: God’s Glorious Purpose – “I have created you for My glory!”
Key points from this session
*We were all created to display God's glorious design.
*God is the sovereign womb knitter (Ps. 139:13,15) of everyone including those with disabilities. *God was ultimately responsible – NOT fate, doctor’s mistake, accident, genetic/chromosome, etc. (Exodus 4:11). It's not about a freak accident, but a Faithful Architect.

Illustrating Ps. 139: 13,15 using knitting tools
Session 3: God’s Glorious Plan – “I am doing a NEW thing!”
Key points from this session
*Look forward; not back. We must take our eyes off the past and look to God who holds our glorious future. (Phil. 3:12-14)
*Don’t live in the past of the “What ifs” or “If only”.
*When disability entered into our lives, it wasn’t a bad thing; it was a new thing. God wants to do a new thing in your heart and life. Our only hope is Jesus! (2 Cor 5:17)

Closing Session

Men's Group

Retreat Recap Part 1: Carysse's Highlights

Art Project - Jesus is the Lamb of God! Talitha was one of Carysse's great helpers. Carysse's Big Debut (right before she walked off the stage in the middle of the song:-)

Carysse was able to spend lots of time with her favorite friend, Luisa.

Another milestone - She had her very 1st "eat over". One evening, Luisa's parents invited Carysse to eat dinner with Luisa.

Like her daddy, she really likes dogs. I like them too, but can do without one. Sorry to all my dog lovin' friends :-).

Move over Bob the Builder - Carysse is in the house!
First DIY project: Putting In Closet Rods.

She enjoyed walking the campgrounds with her helper friends.

Thanks for serving our family Talitha & Mariah.

She had so much fun that she didn't want to go home. When it was time to go, she thought that running away & sitting on the grass would change our minds :-).

We're Back!

All the wonderful praises that I said last year about the family retreat were evident this year! Even though it was too cool & rainy to go to the beach when we planned to, we had an absolutely GREAT time! Stayed tuned, I plan to do a different post for each member of the family.

Until then, this verse & picture is a symbol of what the Lord did for us.

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

This bald eagle gracefully flew over the campsite.

We're Heading To Family Retreat!

We attended a Family Retreat for the 1st time last year. We had such a great time! I pray that God will abundantly bless all the attendees as He did last year. Joni, one of my heroes of the faith, is planning on attending! I'm looking forward to meeting her and telling her what a gift her ministry has been to me.

Here's how you can specifically pray for the retreat.

Thanks!

Got Salad?

Because my lettuce garden looks like this -

I'm so glad that I found this!

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I've only tried a couple of the salads & they were delicious. I didn't buy the Litehouse dressings because those can be pricey. I just buy the same kind of dressing in a different brand. I really like the Marzetti dressings.

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What's your favorite kind of salad dressing? Do you think you could do a 30 salads in 30 days challenge???