A Happy Fourth

Mrs. Beaver:

To celebrate our country's Independence Day, we traveled south to Lawrence, Kansas, to have some fun with the kid's Grandma (Mr. Beaver's mom).

We stopped at a popular Tex-Mex restaurant on the college town's main street and order food to go. We then walked 1/2 a block south to the oldest park in town. The park dated back to 1847 and was the site of a Civil War battle. Now the green expanse seems nothing but peaceful.

We enjoyed dinner together and some play on the equipment.

The playground equipment was so much fun--even I got in on the act!

After a stop at a grocery store for some Yoplait Frozen Yogurt (one of Wells' new yummy products), we found another park overlooking a large reservoir as our venue for dessert.

The park was laced with trails. At one point, Amy and her parents went for a long walk, while others played Frisbee or simply strolled and chatted.

The exquisite evening was over before we knew it. All-in-all, the holiday was spendiferous! T.O.G.T.H.E.R continues to be my favorite word! We thank God for making us a family!

Thank You , Lord, for this Fourth of July fellowship!

Taking Time to Be Family

Our family attends an amazing church. We're blessed with solid biblical teaching from our pastor, elders and Sunday school teachers. We're also remarkably blessed to have a church family that really interacts like family, supporting one another...rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep.

One of the events that contributes to the strong fellowship in our church is a family retreat each fall at Twin Lakes Christian Center in rural Iowa.

Last weekend about a hundred of us reveled in the opportunity to carry on this tradition.

Much of the great fellowship took place at meal times.

There was also plenty of time for outdoor activities, like walks in the brisk morning air. Tessa's friend, Aaron, joined our family for this year's retreat.

Joe can make a friend anywhere!

Four times during the weekend we gathered to be taught by one of our missionaries on the theme "Dying to Live" based on Luke 9:23 (see the verse at the top of our blog). Each time we gathered, we sang.

The many kids in our church were a great help in leading the singing.

Between teaching sessions there was a wide selection of recreation options, including tackling a climbing wall in the gym.

Some preferred to watch.

Water fun was another option.

Again, some preferred to watch.

A highlight of the retreat was the baptism of five of our church family by Pastor Dave.

Each them shared their story of having been saved and rescued by Christ.

For our family, our church family is a source of strength, stability and support. We love these people and relish this opportunity each autumn to renew our friendships while focusing on the greatness of our glorious God.

~Mrs. Beaver