Unshaken

I've spent the last hour catching up on my friends' blog writings, which also caught me up on the happenings in Latvia. My heart is full of memories and longing to see it for myself. Next year!

I've been reading the book of Hebrews and am reminded again of God's character which is really indescribable but so real to me. He is unshakeable, faithful, loving and true. His plans for me are unimaginable but I trust Him. And when life seems shaky, uncertain and just plain crazy - He is all I need.

Why I love the Euclid corps (where I supposedly soldier but only make it once a month.) Several weeks ago one of the key employees/soldiers died suddenly. Tileatha left behind a young son, John. The first Sunday after she died, we had a beautiful service. It wasn't about Tileatha, but of course everyone was thinking of her. Jimmy sang "Blessed Assurance" and as usual, most of us were humming along, fitting in our own parts. Gradually, the chapel got quiet as we heard Jimmy's beautiful voice and one other, rather out of tune, hummer joining in. It was John. He's a special boy and tears began to run down my face as I listened to him confidently humming to these words, "This is my story. This is my song. Praising my Jesus, all the day long!" Simple but sure faith. This past Sunday was my next time at the corps. John came up and before I could ask how he was, he put his arm around me and asked me how I was doing. Soon he will be going to live with his sister. I'll miss him. Also this Sunday we had 6-7 new children come to the corps as a result of an outreach BBQ they did last week. We were pretty sure these kids had never been to church before, but they were so good. Restless, but very sweet. One little girl eventually ended up next to me. I gave her a mint and she immediately wanted enough for the rest of the kids. At the end of the meeting they were all getting a little jumpy and I moved up to help them. My friend and corps officer, Janice, said very firmly "Leave them alone, they aren't disturbing anyone!" Hmmm, sounds like something Jesus said to the disciples. We sang a rousing, old marching song at the end of the meeting. Without any encouragement 3 of the littlest ones held hands, with me on one end and began to march - in place. Already learning how to be good Jr. Soldiers! Maybe we'll make our Come Join Our Army goal after all (for you non-USA readers - don't ask.) I digress...it was an exciting morning and today the corps people are still talking about it and making plans for children's church, certain the kids will come back tomorrow. God has exciting plans for Euclid and I'm glad I get to be a little part of it.

I was on the staff for our divisional music camp (again, sort of as I also had to keep up with all of my divisional secretary duties.) It was a wonderful time to get to know the rest of the faculty and camp staff. Bill and Linda Himes were the guests and I had them mostly to myself, as their host. It was great to catch up and have time for really good conversations. The beginning of the week, it felt like we weren't going to get much accomplished with the campers. They were a young and challenging bunch. But the final concert proved us wrong. Every group performed beautifully and enthusiastically. Not only musically, but they also responded to the spiritual direction of the camp. The faculty were very sensitive in that regard and cared wholeheartedly for the kids. I preached for the Sunday worship and really felt the Lord speaking through me. I know people were praying, because the kids listened and responded. I haven't preached to kids (ages 8-18) for a while and the night before rewrote my sermon and then while I was preaching cut out a few more bits. Well, actually I believe the Holy Spirit took over and said what needed to be said through me. Thank God for His work.

And throughout all of these days, the flood continues. To make it more 'disastrous', the disaster director quit as of the end of June. I spent a few weeks working through resumes and talking with applicants, finally settling on someone who works at DHQ. He officially starts in a month, but is doing more than his share helping me get through the flood relief work, thanks to his current boss. That's taken most of my time and energy and is why I've come home at night thinking I might write here or send a few emails but end up watching a little TV and going to bed. I think things are turning around and maybe I'll be able to enjoy the last few weeks of summer. If you are interested in what's been happening visually - see the photos below.