Fun in the Sun

This week has been a wonderful week, filled with sunny beautiful days and fun for everyone. We have a few new activities here in the park - all revolving around RC (Radio controlled) boats, cars, trucks, and even helicopters. Some of the committees have been preparing a race track for the cars, which was finally completed this week, with a few try out races. The boat committees had a boating exhibition on Saturday where the atmosphere like a holiday picnic in a small town. Lots of people came out to watch the guys and their boats on a absolutely perfect day - enjoying the beautiful weather, eating hot dogs, chips, and beverages, visiting, just hanging out. Luckily, I did have a bit of spare time, so I too, had a relaxing, enjoyable time. There is so much to do here at the park, as most folks come down for the winter to enjoy the activities. I love the time I get to spend with everyone and the feeling of being on a long, extended vacation (although the times for us to relax are few and far between as we always seem to be so busy). God has truly blessed us with the opportunity to serve Him in this warm and enjoyable climate.

the completed car race track

I didn't have the opportunity to watch the races this time, but hope I can at some point

as I was walking down the road to watch the boats, I saw this beautiful water bird, who did not seem to mind the commotion at the end of the road

some folks really enjoying the sun

the cooks at work grilling hot dogs

lots of condiments to add

one of the RC sailboats - these "toys" are quite expensive though

I loved the cute little speed boats - they sounded like bumble bees as they zipped around the lake

as we all played, some workers were trimming trees

This coming week there is going to be a presentation of "The Orphan Train", a re-enactment relating the true story of the orphan train of the late 1800's and early 1900's. There were an estimated 250,000 orphaned, abandoned, and homeless children who were placed out during the Orphan Train Movement. They were sent from New York City and other East Coast cities to rural communities across the country and parts of Canada and Mexico. It was one of the largest social reform relocation efforts in our nation's history and the beginning of documented foster care in America. The museum is located in Concordia, Kansas and would surely be an interesting place to visit. I procrastinated and did not buy tickets in time before they were sold out here at the park, but I am sure you can research this amazing part of our American history on-line.

 

We have some really magnificent water birds at the park - just to watch them is such a great thrill. As I was walking one day I noticed a really strange bird in the lake - one I had not seen before. Actually, it was a swan that was man-made and launched into the lake as a permanent home for the winter. I have heard tell that it puts on quite a show at night.

 

what is this strange creature in the lake

closer inspection reveals a man-made swan

 

 a real water fowl - so regal

Our across the street neighbors planted a small elephant ear plant last year - it has grown into a GIANT plant, due to the moisture and heat. So amazing. This is how we grow in the Lord - starting out as a small plant, developing into a full grown mature Christian (through faith and study).

 from tiny plants to mature ones

What a sermon we had this morning as Chaplain Lee started out with "constipation". Wow - where is this going, I thought. We are born, we grow, have children, we die, our children continue on, they have children, and so it goes. Everything in this world has a cycle. What we take in and we have to divest ourselves of. When we receive the Lord's Word through study and sermons, we have to let it come into us, live in us, and come out of us. We are all called to minister God's Word and if we don't we become spiritually constipated. God wants us to give freely, not just with money, but with our words and actions and ourselves. We are to share the Word, be witnesses, and give ourselves to the Lord. It is true that God will use you if you will let Him - listen when He speaks, follow His will, and share His love with everyone.

 

Everyone have an amazingly wonderful week - find joy in the smallest things - the sound of a bird singing, the laughter of a child, the taste of a sweet strawberry, the beauty of the clouds, the smell of a tiny baby, even the warmth of a comfortable bed.