Tag Archives: Bible

Spring Has Arrived

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Spring Has Arrived

Spring has sprung here at Lakeside! The grass is green, the ice is gone, the geese are back, and there are even jet skis and boats on the lake. Not to mention the fact that it is about eighty-five degrees outside today!

It’s so gorgeous out right now, it makes me wonder why I’m sitting here writing this blog. (Because I haven’t posted an entry since February…opps!)

With summer just around the corner and staff training at the end of May I can hardly contain my excitement. We’ve even desiged and ordered stock for the canteen. (It’s pretty swanky stuff if you haven’t seen it yet you should check it out on our facebook page.)

It’s almost time for summer camp to start! Whoot! That means sailing, swimming, climbing, games, Bible study, campfire worship, sending staff all over the state for Day Camp and FUN, FUN, FUN!

Have you signed up for camp yet? If you haven’t you really should! And don’t forget you can also volunteer. We would love to see your face.

Shalom!
The Waves

My Light and My Shadow

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Take a moment…put on your philosophy hat…the next questions are meant to be taken figuratively not literally…

Do you see your world in color? Or do you see it in shades of grey? Perhaps, you’re the type of person who actually see’s things in black and white…there’s a wrong way to do things and there’s a right way…there is no room for error or deviance from the right way of doing things. How does the way you see your world impact your light…your life…your conversation?

When I was younger one of my favorite songs to sing was “This Little Light of Mine.” Some of you have probably heard or read the verses that this song is based on, Matthew 5:14-16:

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

In photography “Black and White” photos really are not black and white. They are pictures in shades of grey with subtle or dramatic contrast between the light and the shadow. (Color photos also display this contrast, however, many viewers hardly take the time to notice how the light was captured.) In our life we have the opportunity to be a light…to display contrast…to be different.To subtly or dramatically fight with the shadows in our life and in the world.

Jesus proclaimed that we are, “the light of the world.” If it were possible to take a photo of your “light” where would it shine? Perhaps, your light shines best in your home. For some their workplace is where they shine, and still for others their light shines the brightest when they take the opportunity to perform a random act of kindness for a stranger. My hope for us today is that as our light shines we remember that in all we do to give glory to our God in heaven.

November Light at Lakeside

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258. Light Where I am: November

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

God saw the light was good;

and God separated the light from the darkness.

~ Genesis 1:3-4

For the month of November I am embarking on a light hunt here at Lakeside Camp, via an on-line photography class titled “Light Hunters.” The workshop is guided by the wonderful photographer Vivienne McMaster, creator of You Are Your Own Muse Photography Workshops.

Looking for light in early fall was not difficult but just in the past week it has become a challenge. Still, on clear days the light here in northern Iowa is bright, intense, and warm even when the air is chilled.

The best part about the light here at Lakeside is when it hits the trees, who then cast dramatic shadows. There are so many trees here that if one were to count the shadows the numbers in the forest would double. It’s pretty cool. The strong light also makes the colors of the leaves more intense.

I can’t help but think of all the times the word light is used in the Bible…and how often it is used metaphorically in literature…but more on that in the month to come…
Light where I am: October
Light Where I am Inside: November
Tree Shadows
257. Shadow

What does the light look like where you live? What does it feel like? Have you taken the time to notice the light around you lately?

260. Otto and the Light a.k.a. Das Baby and the Light-flare
259. Ray of Light

Life

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The Business of Life is Life

Today my “Keep Calm and Carry On” calendar’s quote read, “Don’t forget until too late that the business of life is not business but living.” It reminded my of the theme that we are in the works of developing for summer 2012, “Created to Live.” Trying to teach and share with campers of all ages that we are created to be a whole person. A person who is physically, mentally, and spiritually whole and fit. The verse that keeps coming to my mind is John 10:10 where Jesus says, ” The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (NIV.) I also really like the way this verse reads in the Message, ” A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.”

My hope for all of us today is that as a community we trust our creator. Trust that we are indeed created to have a life better than we have ever dreamed of. That we may learn, or continue to learn, to be a people who are physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy.