A Pool of Patience!

Winthrop Camping Pictures of "Graham Cracker, Graham Cracker, Chocolate Bar...sittin' round the campfire under the stars!!

The weather has been so inconsistent this summer. Today graces us with gloomy clouds and forces me to put on a sweatshirt! The Winegar's have been waiting patiently for the "pool guys" to come finish installing our new pool liner. Thankfully, they ARE here making a sweet ruckus of drilling and sanding!

It's quite a blessing to have our own in-ground swimming pool, but when you are 11 and 14 years old, patience is hard to find on the few hot days that we have had! Thankfully, we have been averaging nice 70 degree, sunny days, with a few exceptions like today!

KJ has been salivating for chlorine and pretty much has it on his social calendar that a pool party is in the works. Barring no major drain/pipe issues, we should be swimming by the beginning of next week. I had hoped that it would all be done by the time my mom flies in on Saturday, but we just learned that it takes 3 days to fill the pool!!! Who knows?!

Patience, one of those other spiritual fruits...ah so good to be ripening in the sun and even in the rain!

Speaking of...I have to share that both my treasures got to go to summer camp with their church youth groups! KJ went to junior high camp last week and Aspen is gone this week to high school camp! My prayer is that they would meet Jesus there, really have an open heart to what He has for them to learn, and to enjoy worship! Of course I know that they will have a blast with their friends and develop one or five camp crushes!

One of my favorite dj's from our local Christian radio station once shared that he knows his kids need to have their own Jesus, they can't have his...Nate and I both pray that our kids find their "own Jesus"! They have to build and grow in their own relationship with Christ; I know it's the Spirit's job to work in their hearts, but I am guilty of trying to use my tools to keep their faith in fine tune! Sometimes, my tools are not teenager friendly and I cause even more squeaking and puttering which causes them to put on their brakes. It is my consistent prayer that my sweets soak up all that they learn at camp and come home closer to their own Jesus!

It has been neat to see and hear what KJ soaked up as he has shared many songs and parts of the speaker's messages. On the way to class on Sunday, he stated that he knew what he was going to say when it was time to do his baptism video (our church does an amazing testimonial videos for baptisms) and in a matter of fact tone, that he was going to be baptized when he was in 7th grade. :) (He's going into 6th) My heart bubbled and I softly said, "...that will give you time to really grow in your relationship with Jesus." He quietly said, "Yep", and off he went to class. It needs to be his decision, and I pray patiently while both my kiddos learn and grow ! :)