a little action outside the office

The sun was calling me out, I had some "wait for the uploading" time to burn, and there was a little action outside the office. So I grabbed my camera and went skipping out the door. Yes. skipping. and smiling. and carrying a camera. totally talented!

I caught my man being manly with a chainsaw and some sticks! (look at those muscles. no, don't. nevermind.)

(And then he saw the camera and pulled out the typical Shaun pose. oiy.) He's cleaning up some dead stuff along the road that makes things look really…dead. Something I never realized before coming to Whisper Mountain is that a forest takes a lot of work to keep up! There are always fallen trees and branches and such. Full time work to keep this property looking smashing! Which brings me to Maintenance Chief!

Chief Ramsinator was driving his rig around…donuts in the dirt…I think that's all he was doing! No. Just kidding. He was doing something with engines and stuff that goes in the gas for winter or something. (clearly I'm not with the maintenance department!) This guy has much to keep up with! I just leave it to him!

(When he sees the camera come out it's either duck lips or coolness poise! I picked the cool pose! He'd kill me otherwise. jk.lol.hi –hop in. That's what he'd say if you could be here. in the moment. anyways…) I'm glad he's smart enough to know that working at Whisper Mountain is where it's at! Smart little lad is he! Or maybe Whisper Mountain is smart for keeping him around! hmn. You decide!

Boss Man wasn't around. Something about a board meeting to prep for or the fridge epidemic that's hit camp…no really. Our big freezer and our little fridge in the office went down. What? Hope it's not contagious. We can't stand to lose the pop machine too! (yes. I say pop. lay off!)

I'm super glad you popped in today! It gives me the chance to offer well wishes that all in your life stacks up real nice for you today! Seriously though, life can be tough so hang in there. Light is always around the bend of the shadow!

May His light shine upon you!

we practiced what we preach!

Our full-time staff just came off a first-ever staff retreat! We are pretty good about preaching it…get away into the quiet to find rest and refreshment and to hear God's whisper. We have it down, in word. We struggle as a unit to practice it! But we got away! We planned, we prayed, we played! Fabulous! Just hanging out and cracking up was a refreshing change from the on mission, get some work done atmostphere we are used to!

And we got to spend a little time with these goofballs summer staffers who lived in the area!

(yes, I just posted this picture of you KM!!)

I'm already thinking ahead to the next one…this time all play and no work!

Hmn. Just what should we do?! (any interested sponsors?!)

***thank you to the generous folks allowing us to stay in their mountian home for the weekend! You are awesome, we are blessed! May God heap goodness down on you for loving us!***

Trail Mix // Episode 10

Speaking of stumps, Shaun's out in the field with a short encouragement for your journey! (be glad you don't have to work out in those gnats!!)

 

{if you are unable to view above video, click here}

Now go be God's MVP! Happy stHump Day to you!

Superman

My superman! While I do prefer to keep him all to myself, I must share Shaun quite regularly! That's as it should be anyways! Watching him be consumed with leading the programming this summer at camp and shepharding our summer staff caused me to swell with such pride at being married to such a man! His heart for God is quite an inspiring thing for me to encounter! While you won't see him listed in this awesome section, he ranks awesome with me!

And besides all this, who couldn't use a Monday laugh! I couldn't resist giving you such an opportunity! Do stop by Whisper Mountain sometime soon to have your visit with superman!

Happy Monday!

a handful + a giveaway

Can anyone tell what Shaun recently pulled out of his junky work jacket pocket from who knows how long ago?!

Guess the handful of items right and you will be entered into a drawing to win a free Whisper Mountain To-Go Mug in the color of your choice!

I'll end the guessing Saturday night by 8:00 p.m. Winner will be announced in Monday's post!!

Happy Autumn! Happy guessing! Happy weekending!

striving

When it comes to laying down the world’s offerings to take up eternal ones, Marty and Shaun both excel. As I watch them, in their own and different ways, giving all they have to connect with campers and their leaders, to ensure the camp functions as it needs to, to run the programs effectively, to accommodate the campers and their leaders, I am inspired and encouraged to continue such a path myself. Times get tough about now for the full-time (and seasonal) staff. We have arrived at the half way mark of the summer camp season. Our energies are depleting, as the days are long and tiring, as the weekends don’t really feel like weekends at all. Our bodies ache, though some more than others, and our heads feel as if they are spinning as we try to see to details that time doesn’t allow for when we have groups! However, even with all our humanness screaming in our faces day in and day out, we are also given the opportunity to find the supernatural quieting, strengthening, and empowering us!  As both these men submit their hearts to this God they serve, they lead those surrounding them to do the same. They lead this camp to a place of effectiveness in Proclaiming Him.

 For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.   Colossians 1:29

 In your striving today, may you find that you end up with what matters.

Shaun’s Top 5 List :: #2

Why working at Whisper Mountain is living the dream for Shaun: #2 investment in campers!

Along with investment in summer staff as I mentioned yesterday, is his love of relationship building with campers. May seem obvious…we are in camp ministry!! But really!  Shaun lives for the moments that can be teachable, that can make spiritual truths make more sense.  I've been married to the man for over 12 years now and the times that I have seen him most joyful, most full of life, is when he is with teens, loving them with God's love. He may not be the best at what he wants to be the best at, but he sure knows how to love teens!  Isn't that what it's all about?

Shaun’s Top 5 List :: #3

We are back to Shaun's countdown of why working at Whisper Mountain is living the dream…

#3: summer staff relationships

Developing leaders for the future is an exciting aspect of ministry for Shaun!With the coming of summer camp is the coming of summer staff! Helping to train and then oversee summer staff is one of Shaun's roles at camp!  For a man who loves to invest in others so that they will invest in others (multiplication pyramid!), this is a beautiful work to be a part of! Sure he loves the goofing off, the dramas and rules videos.  

 But walking with the staff through their spiritual discovery, helping to equip them for ministry, observing them spiritually invest in others and keep up that investment even after the campers have gone home…that's where the energy, the joy, the reward of ministry is found! 

Two things campers remember from camp: the food and the staff!  Building into the upcoming leaders is a beautiful investment.  Oh, and while we are on the subject…if you know anyone (or you yourself!) that would like to be on our summer staff, have them contact us. (Our information will soon be on the web!)  Our hunt for quality people with a love for God and people is about to begin! 

Shaun’s Top 5 List :: #5

 This week we are taking a little jaunt down the trail to discover Shaun's Top 5 Reasons why working at Whisper Mountain is living the dream!  

Let the countdown begin!

#5: He loves the uniform! The rubber boots, the goggles, the earmuffs…all are signs that he is involved in some sort of outside work. He loves the days he can clear some hiking trails. It's the kind of job you can start, see progression pretty quickly, then stand back and see an accomplishment!  Knowing that he is picking up sticks for others to enjoy the beauty (and safety) of the trail is quite gratifying, not only for Shaun, but all the guys on staff!
Next time (or for the first time) you come around to Whisper Mountain, take a path, enjoy the beauty and quiet of the trail. It's been prepared just for you!