birthday girl is the one on the right (;

 Naturally, as we progressed on the tour, the option to be more adventurous increased. Of course, we started out just holding on the handlebars and trying it out, but by the end, we each had zipped through upside-down with no hands. Talk about a memorable experience.

disclaimer: I did not land on my feet

A month spent at camp is a pocket in time - as if you could sew together both ends and step right over it. The world outside continues as usual. But the pocket is so deep and overflowing with people, stories, memories, emotions, and growth in character that the shock of stepping on the other side can be rattling. How can one experience equate to both a year and a day? A year looking at the pocket itself, and a day as you look at the whole spectrum of your life. Maybe in some respects that part of the taste of heaven that camp offers; the experience solely God's that a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day. (2 Peter 3.8)





Oh, my partners in crime. No, we were not always dressed like hula dancers. Yes, we always acted this insane. We formed bananas; we rig-of-bambooed; we had the time of our lives. Describing my love for these sisters in Christ is practically impossible to put into words; however, I will do my best.

1. I am thankful for like-mindedness

Now, this is sort of a silly thing to say, but what a refreshing feeling it is to come back to people who support and respect what you stand for. When your friend affirms your convictions or when your pastor proclaims the truth, your heart warms with satisfaction that you do not stand alone. Though it may seem as if you are standing alone in a canoe with waves crashing around you, as believers we stand together. Our differences are inevitable, but our commonality, our like-mindedness in Christ is something we are to be beyond thankful for.

2. I am thankful for To Kill a Mockingbird

If you follow me on Instagram, you will have already seen my love for this story and its beautiful characters. Who could not admire Atticus for his wisdom, humility, and courage! With all of the odds stacked against him and his spotless reputation on the line, he still stands up for what he believes is right and just. Lord knows what years to come have in store, but may we be prepared to stand as firmly and as humbly as Atticus when faced with whatever the world throws our way.

And dearest Jean Louise. I admire Scout's confidence in herself; her steps never sway by the thought of another's opinion. The author writes, "She was one of the rare ones, so effortlessly herself, and the world loved her for it." Let us strive to be increasingly more like Scout - unconcerned with what anyone else thinks of us while identifying ourselves in Christ.

MY BEST FRIEND AND I

Monday, my youth group and I drove a couple hours upstate to a large lake for a day on a boat.  As a group, we tubed; we water-skied; and we wake-boarded. Because of the large quantity of kids, we used pontoons instead of speed boats, but it was still a blast. The overwhelming amount of quality time with some of my favorite people was such a blessing.

The Susuehanna

Yes, Memorial Day is more than just a three day weekend. More than a kick off to summer. As a nation, we thank those who gave everything they had to our protection and defense as citizens of America. We grieve with those who have lost ones dear to their hearts. But, we also celebrate their memory by celebrating the country they served - a country that, at its core, values faith, family, fellowship, and a good BBQ.



The trail we walked to get down there paralleled the train tracks like many trails do. Across the tracks were the ruins from the old steel factory responsible for the deposits - overgrown from years of abandonment. A certain charm befalls forgotten landscapes such as this. Untold stories, laughs, and memories from years gone by live on under those arches. Even in a place as simple as a this.

A lovely time was had by all. Coming out on the other side of a thunderstorm on the drive home, we were met by the most glorious sunset. Look at it again - I see three colors. The three colors that capture the work, the nation, and the sacrifice of the men and women remembered.

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The Pines

The View from Lookout Rock